Apparatus and method for laying pipeline underwater
Abstract
Abstract APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LAYING A PIPELINE UNDERWATER FORM A FLOATABLE PLATFORM WHICH IS ADAPTED TO ASSEMBLE AND LAY PIPELINE THEREFROM. THE PLATFORM INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE TROLLEY MOUNTED FOR SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT ALONG THE PLATFORM. THE PIPELINE IS SELECTIVELY HELD IN A STEADY STATE RELATIVE TO THE CARRIAGE WHEN THE FLOATABLE PLATFORM IS STANDING. A CONSTANT RESTRAINING FORCE IS APPLIED ON THE TROLLEY TO APPLY A CONSTANT TENSION ON THE PIPELINE DURING VESSEL SURGE AND TO TAKE UP RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE TROLLEY AND THE FLOATABLE PLATFORM. A CONSTANT TENSION IS MAINTAINED ON THE PIPELINE WHEN THE PIPELINE IS RELEASED RELATIVE TO THE TROLLEY AS THE MOVABLE PLATFORM IS MOVED TO EFFECT PAYING OUT OF THE PIPELINE.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas W G Richardson Jr
- 👤 Dean P Hemphill
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |