US3556170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mooring and fluid-transferring method
Assignee: FMC Corp
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Filing: 1969-07-07
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1989-07-07
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for mooring a floating marine vessel from a single offshore point, and for transferring fluid between the vessel and an onshore location. The apparatus includes an elongate rigid fluid-conducting conduit pivotally anchored at one end to the ocean floor, and connecting at the other end to a pallet that is raised and secured to the hull of the vessel, and articulated loading arms to conduct fluid from the pallet to the vessel''s manifolds. The method includes aligning the vessel with the conduit, raising and securing the pallet to the vessel''s hull, and connecting the loading arms to the manifolds.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter J Bily
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:46
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D9/00; B67D9/02; B63; B63B; B63B22/00; B63B22/02; B63B22/021; B63B22/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of mooring and transferring fluid to or from a floating marine vessel, having a bow and a stern, in a berthing area which includes an anchor and a mooring structure connected to the anchor, the mooring structure including a first member pivoted to the anchor, a second member connected to the first member and extending transversely thereof, third members individually pivoted to and projecting upward from the second member and spaced on opposite sides of the first member, and a pair of buoyant marker members individually connected to the third members and visible from the surface of the water and spaced on opposite sides of a path passing over the anchor, said method comprising: a. pivoting the first member about the anchor until the path is aligned in a preselected direction; b. aligning the vessel with the path; c. moving the vessel along the path toward the anchor and Between the marker members until the members are located between the bow and the stern of the vessel; and d. maintaining the vessel in the berthing area by connecting it to the mooring structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of mooring and transferring fluid to or from a floating marine vessel, having a bow and a stern, in a berthing area which includes an anchor and a mooring structure connected to the anchor, the mooring structure including a first member pivoted to the anchor, a second member connected to the first member and extending transversely thereof, third members individually pivoted to and projecting upward from the second member and spaced on opposite sides of the first member, and a pair of buoyant marker members individually connected to the third members and visible from the surface of the water and spaced on opposite sides of a path passing over the anchor, said method comprising: a. pivoting the first member about the anchor until the path is aligned in a preselected direction; b. aligning the vessel with the path; c. moving the vessel along the path toward the anchor and Between the marker members until the members are located between the bow and the stern of the vessel; and d. maintaining the vessel in the berthing area by connecting it to the mooring structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the vessel is first moved between the marker members and then over the anchor in positioning the vessel in the berthing area with the marker members disposed between the bow and stern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the vessel is moved between the marker members by connecting a line between the anchor and the vessel and then applying tension to the line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the vessel is maintained against movement out of the berthing area in the preselected direction by connecting it to the marker members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the vessel also is maintained against movement out of the berthing area in a direction generally opposite to the preselected direction by connecting it to the second member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 including the additional step of e. establishing a fluid-transferring connection between the vessel and the marker members for conduction of fluid between the vessel and a remote storage facility.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |