US3653349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig
Assignee: Ocean Drilling and Exploration Co
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Filing: 1970-05-18
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Granted: 1972-04-04
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Expires: 1990-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A self-propelled drilling rig of the semi-submersible type for drilling wells at marine locations generally from an afloat position and having hull members provided with self-contained propulsion units for propelling the rig between marine locations.
Inventors
- 👤 Elliot E Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:55
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H25/00; B63H25/42; B63B; B63B1/00; B63B1/02; B63B1/10; B63B1/107; B63B35/00; B63B35/44; B63B35/4413; B63H5/00; B63H5/07; B63H5/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
A self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig, comprising: a. a submersible base structure comprising a plurality of hollow, cylindrical, elongate, spaced-apart parallel hull members; said base structure comprising: i. a pair of inboard members; and ii. a pair of outboard members shorter in length than the inboard members and substantially centered longitudinally with respect to the latter; b. a wave-transparent stabilizing superstructure mounted on the base structure; said superstructure comprising; i. a plurality of vertical hollow cylindrical stabilizing columns disposed in angularly spaced-apart relation in a configuration defined by a circle passing through the centers of said columns and whose center coincides with the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig; ii. hollow cylindrical cross members extending transversely of said rig and connecting opposed ones of said columns at elevations above said hull members; and iii. cylindrical risers connecting said inboard members to at least some of said cross members; c. a working platform supported on said superstructure; and d. steerable propulsion means mounted on at least two of said hull members for propelling said rig through a water body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
A self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig, comprising: a. a submersible base structure comprising a plurality of hollow, cylindrical, elongate, spaced-apart parallel hull members; said base structure comprising: i. a pair of inboard members; and ii. a pair of outboard members shorter in length than the inboard members and substantially centered longitudinally with respect to the latter; b. a wave-transparent stabilizing superstructure mounted on the base structure; said superstructure comprising; i. a plurality of vertical hollow cylindrical stabilizing columns disposed in angularly spaced-apart relation in a configuration defined by a circle passing through the centers of said columns and whose center coincides with the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig; ii. hollow cylindrical cross members extending transversely of said rig and connecting opposed ones of said columns at elevations above said hull members; and iii. cylindrical risers connecting said inboard members to at least some of said cross members; c. a working platform supported on said superstructure; and d. steerable propulsion means mounted on at least two of said hull members for propelling said rig through a water body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
A drilling rig according to claim 1 wherein said superstructure comprises: a. two of said stabilizing columns mounted on each of said hull members disposed adjacent the opposite ends of said hull members; and b. additional vertical columns smaller in diameter than said stabilizing columns supporting said platform from said hull members at points intermediate said stabilizing columns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
A drilling rig according to claim 1 wherein each of said propulsion means comprises: a. a propeller rotatably mounted on the aft end of the hull member; b. a power unit enclosed within said aft end of the hull member drivingly connected to said propeller; c. a steerable accelerating nozzle enclosing said propeller and mounted to the hull member for pivotal movement about said propeller to steer said rig; and d. means on the hull member for steering said nozzle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A drilling rig according to claim 3 wherein said means for steering said nozzle comprises: a. a rudder post connected to said nozzle; b. a tiller arm secured to said post; and c. fluid pressure-operated means operably connected to said tiller arm for turning the same.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A drilling rig according to claim 1 having a well drilling unit centered on the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a drilling rig according to claim 1: a. rearwardly tapering conical extensions on the aft ends of said inboard members for housing and supporting said propulsion means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A drilling rig according to claim 3 wherein said nozzle is a Kort nozzle.
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) | 1975-04-04 | 1975-10-04 | 1976-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-04 | 1979-10-04 | 1980-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-04 | 1983-10-04 | 1984-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |