Patent US3656309A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3656309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Pipe laying method and apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-08-28
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Granted: 1972-04-18
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Expires: 1990-08-28
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for laying subaqueous pipelines to a specified line and grade by means of inflatable bags which are positioned beneath an end of each pipe section as it is laid in place. The fluid pressure in the inflatable bags is adjusted, preferably by inflating the bags, in order to position each pipe section at a predetermined grade.
Inventors
- 👤 John H Bultema
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:55
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline along a predetermined axis, said method comprising: positioning a first pipe section on the floor of an aqueous body in the course for the pipeline with an inflatable bag means beneath at least one end portion thereof; adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag means until said one end is aligned with said predetermined axis; and continuing to lay successive pipe sections seriatim by positioning each pipe section with one end in registry with the free end of each previous pipe section and aligning the other end of each of said successive pipe sections in the manner described for said first pipe section.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline along a predetermined axis, said method comprising: positioning a first pipe section on the floor of an aqueous body in the course for the pipeline with an inflatable bag means beneath at least one end portion thereof; adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag means until said one end is aligned with said predetermined axis; and continuing to lay successive pipe sections seriatim by positioning each pipe section with one end in registry with the free end of each previous pipe section and aligning the other end of each of said successive pipe sections in the manner described for said first pipe section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 1 wherein said inflatable bag means is first coupled to each of said pipe sections before each of said pipe sections is lowered into the water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable bag means are removed from beneath each of said pipe sections after each of said pipe sections is fixed in place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 1 wherein said inflatable bag means are substantially deflated and said adjusting step comprises forcing fluid pressure into each of said inflatable bag means until said end of the pipe section is properly aligned with said predetermined axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 1 wherein the fluid in said inflatable bag means is air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 1 wherein said fluid in said inflatable bag means is water.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for laying a subaqueous pipeline according to claim 1 wherein the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag means is controlled from above the level of water of said aqueous body.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for laying a pipeline along a predetermined axis, said method comprising: positioning a first pipe section in the course for said pipeline with an inflatable bag at one end thereof; adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag until said one end is aligned with said predetermined axis; and continuing to lay successive pipe sections seriatim by positioning each pipe section with one end in registry with the free end of each previous pipe section and aligning the other end of each of said successive pipe sections in the manner described for said first pipe section.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for laying a pipeline along a predetermined axis, said method comprising: positioning a first pipe section in the course for said pipeline with an inflatable bag at one end thereof; adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag until said one end is aligned with said predetermined axis; and continuing to lay successive pipe sections seriatim by positioning each pipe section with one end in registry with the free end of each previous pipe section and aligning the other end of each of said successive pipe sections in the manner described for said first pipe section.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for laying a pipeline according to claim 8 wherein said inflatable bag is first coupled to each of said pipe sections before each of said pipe sections is positioned in the course for said pipeline.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
67 words
In combination, a conduit section of tubular shape and of predetermined length, and an inflatable fluid tight bag on said conduit section, said bag fitting around a lower portion of the circumference of said conduit section, an opening in said bag for admitting fluid pressure to and removing fluid pressure from said bag, and check valve means in said opening to retain the pressure within said bag.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
In combination, a conduit section of tubular shape and of predetermined length, and an inflatable fluid tight bag on said conduit section, said bag fitting around a lower portion of the circumference of said conduit section, an opening in said bag for admitting fluid pressure to and removing fluid pressure from said bag, and check valve means in said opening to retain the pressure within said bag.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination of claim 10 wherein said bag is on an end portion of said conduit section.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 10 wherein said bags are releasable from said conduit sections.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for laying a subaqueous pipeline comprising: means for supporting pipe sections above a body of water; means for lowering each pipe section into the water and to place said pipe sections in preselected positions on the bottom of said aqueous body; inflatable bag means beneath one end portion of each pipe section; a fluid pressure line releasably coupled to a bag on one such pipe section at the bottom of said aqueous body; and means coupled to said fluid pressure line for adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag means so as to raise or lower one end of said pipe section on said bottom of said aqueous body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for laying a subaqueous pipeline comprising: means for supporting pipe sections above a body of water; means for lowering each pipe section into the water and to place said pipe sections in preselected positions on the bottom of said aqueous body; inflatable bag means beneath one end portion of each pipe section; a fluid pressure line releasably coupled to a bag on one such pipe section at the bottom of said aqueous body; and means coupled to said fluid pressure line for adjusting the fluid pressure in said inflatable bag means so as to raise or lower one end of said pipe section on said bottom of said aqueous body.
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) | 1975-04-18 | 1975-10-18 | 1976-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-18 | 1979-10-18 | 1980-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-10-18 | 1984-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |