Patent US3518008A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3709291A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for reestablishing underwater guide lines
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-08-31
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Granted: 1973-01-09
•
Expires: 1990-08-31
Abstract
Abstract To replace a broken underwater guide line or cable extending from a guide post, at a well bore location, to a floating drilling vessel, a remotely operable apparatus is lowered along one or more intact guide lines and accurately positioned to cut off the disrupted line at the top of the guide post, whereupon a replacement intact guide line is attached to a connector carried by a remotely operable apparatus, and lowered through the water to position the connector over the guide post and firmly secure it thereto, the apparatus being released from the underwater connector and withdrawn. If the line secured to the connector breaks, such line can be severed at the top of the connector and the connector withdrawn to the drilling vessel, a replacement intact line being secured to the connector, or a substitute therefor, which are lowered to the guide post and secured thereto. At any time, the connector with an intact line attached thereto can be released from the guide post and withdrawn to the drilling vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 R Weber
- 👤 W Hintzen
- 👤 J Hanes
- 👤 M Rimmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:31
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B41/00; E21B41/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said disrupted guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said disrupted guide line from the guide post.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said disrupted guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said disrupted guide line from the guide post.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a method as defined in claim 1; said cutting apparatus being oriented to place said cutter means on opposite sides of the guide line, actuation of said cutting apparatus moving cutter elements of said cutter means toward each other to sever the guide line.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
125 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
125 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post from which the disrupted guide line projects, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a method as defined in claim 3; wherein said cutting apparatus is lowered along at least two existing and intact guide lines.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a method as defined in claim 3; said orienting of said cutting apparatus including engagement of said cutting apparatus with a reference member at the location of said guide post.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a method as defined in claim 3; wherein said cutting apparatus is lowered along at least two existing and intact guide lines; said orienting of said cutting apparatus including engagement of said cutting apparatus with a reference member at the location of said guide post.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
134 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post; lowering a connector secured to a replacement guide line on a running string through the water to the guide post, and securing said connector to said guide post.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
134 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post; lowering a connector secured to a replacement guide line on a running string through the water to the guide post, and securing said connector to said guide post.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a method as defined in claim 7; lowerIng cutting apparatus on a running string through the water to the connector, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to sever the replacement guide line at the point of exit of said replacement guide line from the connector.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
164 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
164 words
The method of reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, said cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of said guide line from the guide post; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a method as defined in claim 9; lowering cutting apparatus on a running string through the water to the connector, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to sever the replacement guide line at the point of exit of said replacement guide line from the connector.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
177 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus along said one or more intact guide lines on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
177 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus along said one or more intact guide lines on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a method as defined in claim 11; said orienting of said cutting apparatus including engagement of said cutting apparatus with a reference member at the location of said guide post.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a method as defined in claim 11; lowering cutting apparatus on a running string through the water to the connector, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to sever the replacement guide line at the point of exit of said replacement guide line from the connector.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a method as defined in claim 11; lowering cutting apparatus on a running string through the water to the connector, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to sever the replacement guide line at the point of exit of said replacement guide line from the connector, lowering releasing apparatus on a running string along said one or more intact guide lines through the water into coupling relation to said connector to release said connector from the guide post, and elevating said releasing apparatus on the running string to withdraw said connector from the guide post.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
193 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide Lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post; wherein said cutting apparatus is lowered along at least two existing and intact guide lines; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus along at least two existing and intact guide lines on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
193 words
The method of severing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from the upper end of an underwater guide post, comprising lowering cutting apparatus along one or more existing and intact guide Lines on a running string from an above water location through the water to the guide post, the cutting apparatus including guide line cutter means, orienting said cutting apparatus to place said cutter means closely adjacent to the upper end of the guide post, and effecting actuation of said cutting apparatus from the above water location to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line above and closely adjacent to the top of the guide post; wherein said cutting apparatus is lowered along at least two existing and intact guide lines; releasably securing a connector to holding apparatus with a replacement guide line secured to said connector, lowering the holding apparatus along at least two existing and intact guide lines on a running string through the water to place said connector over the guide post, securing said connector to said guide post with the replacement guide line extending upwardly therefrom, and releasing said holding apparatus from said connector.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
105 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means independent of said disrupted guide line and controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
105 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means independent of said disrupted guide line and controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said orienting means including means engageable with the guide post.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 16; and means for vertically adjusting said cutting apparatus on and with respect to said supporting structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
129 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
129 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
114 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
114 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 19; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post to place said cutting elements on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
160 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more existing and intact guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; guide means carried by said sTructure and movable along the one or more intact guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts; means on said structure for limiting its descent to thereby locate said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
160 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more existing and intact guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; guide means carried by said sTructure and movable along the one or more intact guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts; means on said structure for limiting its descent to thereby locate said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 22; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
69 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 22; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post to place said cutting elements on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
104 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 22; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post to place said cutting elements on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line; said cutter means including means engageable with the first guide post for locating the cutting elements above and closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
143 words
In apparatus for connecting a guide line to an underwater guide post forming part of a guidance system: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having an external groove and the guide line secured thereto; said holding apparatus including means movable laterally inwardly into said external groove to releasably secure said connector to said holding apparatus and enable said connector to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the exterior of the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for moving said holding apparatus means laterally outwardly from said groove to release said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
143 words
In apparatus for connecting a guide line to an underwater guide post forming part of a guidance system: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having an external groove and the guide line secured thereto; said holding apparatus including means movable laterally inwardly into said external groove to releasably secure said connector to said holding apparatus and enable said connector to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the exterior of the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for moving said holding apparatus means laterally outwardly from said groove to release said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 26; and means for aligning said connector with the guide post to insure movement of said connector over the upper portion of said guide post.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
134 words
In apparatus for connecting a guide line to an underwater guide post forming part of a guidance system: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having the guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post; the guide post having an external groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally inwardly into the groove to lock the connector to the guide post.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
134 words
In apparatus for connecting a guide line to an underwater guide post forming part of a guidance system: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having the guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post; the guide post having an external groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally inwardly into the groove to lock the connector to the guide post.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 28; said connector further including holding means engaging said instrumentalities to prevent lateral outward movement of said instrumenTalities from said groove.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
185 words
In apparatus for connecting a first guide line to a first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more other guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having an external groove and the first guide line secured thereto; said holding apparatus including means movable laterally inwardly into said external groove to releasably secure said connector to said holding apparatus; guide means carried by said structure and movable along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts to guide said connector into alignment with and over the exterior of the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for moving said holding apparatus means laterally outwardly from said groove to release said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
185 words
In apparatus for connecting a first guide line to a first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more other guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having an external groove and the first guide line secured thereto; said holding apparatus including means movable laterally inwardly into said external groove to releasably secure said connector to said holding apparatus; guide means carried by said structure and movable along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts to guide said connector into alignment with and over the exterior of the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for moving said holding apparatus means laterally outwardly from said groove to release said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
181 words
In apparatus for connecting a first guide line to a first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more other guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having the first guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus; guide means carried by said structure and movable along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts to guide said connector into alignment with and over the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post; the first guide post having an external groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally inwardly into the groove to lock the connector to the guide post.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
181 words
In apparatus for connecting a first guide line to a first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more other guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; holding apparatus carried by said structure; a connector having the first guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus; guide means carried by said structure and movable along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts to guide said connector into alignment with and over the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post; the first guide post having an external groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally inwardly into the groove to lock the connector to the guide post.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 31; said connector further including holding means engaging said instrumentalities to prevent lateral movement of said instrumentalities from said groove.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
185 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; holding apparatus carried by said supporting structure; a connector having a replacement guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
185 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater guide post: a supporting structure; a cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; orienting means for placing said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means controlled from an above water location for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the guide line from the guide post; holding apparatus carried by said supporting structure; a connector having a replacement guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus to be lowered with said structure and holding apparatus through the water to place said connector over the upper portion of the guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and guide post.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
71 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 33; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the disrupted guide line; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterAlly toward the guide post to place said cutting elements on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 33; the guide post having a groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally into the groove to lock the connector to the guide post.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
275 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more existing and intact guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; guide means carried by said structure and movable along the one or more intact guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts; means on said structure for limiting its descent to thereby locate said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; holding apparatus carried by said supporting structure; a connector having a replacement guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus; said guide means carried by said structure moving along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts guiding said connector into alignment with and over the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
275 words
In apparatus for reestablishing a disrupted guide line secured to and projecting from an underwater first guide post forming part of a guidance system including one or more existing and intact guide lines extending upwardly from one or more other guide posts: a supporting structure; cutting apparatus carried by said structure and including guide line cutter means; guide means carried by said structure and movable along the one or more intact guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts; means on said structure for limiting its descent to thereby locate said cutter means closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; said cutting apparatus further including means for actuating said cutter means to cause said cutter means to sever the disrupted guide line closely adjacent to the point of exit of the disrupted guide line from the first guide post; holding apparatus carried by said supporting structure; a connector having a replacement guide line secured thereto and releasably secured to said holding apparatus; said guide means carried by said structure moving along said one or more other guide lines during lowering of said structure through the water toward the first guide post and other guide posts guiding said connector into alignment with and over the upper portion of said first guide post; said connector having means thereon for releasably securing said connector to the first guide post; and means for releasing said holding apparatus from said connector to enable said supporting structure and holding apparatus to be elevated from the connector and first guide post.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
69 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 36; said cutter means including cutting elements adapted to be located on opposite sides of the guide line; said actuating means shifting said cutting elements toward each other to sever the guide line; and means for shifting said cutting apparatus relative to said structure and laterally toward the guide post to place said cutting elements on opposite sides of the disrupted guide line.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 36; the first guide post having a groove; the connector securing means including instrumentalities movable laterally into the groove to lock the connector to the first guide post.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means movable laterally of said body means and holding means for retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for shifting said retaining means laterally of said body means and holding means to permit shifting of said holding means from its position maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means movable laterally of said body means and holding means for retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for shifting said retaining means laterally of said body means and holding means to permit shifting of said holding means from its position maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a connector as defined in claim 39; and means movable over said body means into engagement with said releasing means to actuate said releasing means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for releasing said retaining means to permit shifting of said holding means from its posItion maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member; said holding means comprising a sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member or to permit its outward movement relative thereto; said retaining means comprising means movable laterally of said body means and sleeve to and from its retaining position preventing or permitting longitudinal shifting of said sleeve relatively longitudinally of said body means; said releasing means engaging said laterally movable means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for releasing said retaining means to permit shifting of said holding means from its posItion maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member; said holding means comprising a sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member or to permit its outward movement relative thereto; said retaining means comprising means movable laterally of said body means and sleeve to and from its retaining position preventing or permitting longitudinal shifting of said sleeve relatively longitudinally of said body means; said releasing means engaging said laterally movable means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for releasing said retaining means to permit shifting of said holding means from its position maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said holding means comprising a sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body means to a position behind said ring to maintain said ring inwardly of the companion member or to a position removed from said lock ring to allow expansion of said ring from the companion member; said retaining means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring; said releasing means comprising laterally movable means engaging said retainer ring.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a connector for attachment to a companion member: body means adapted to be disposed over the companion member; lock means on said body means shiftable laterally inwardly of the companion member to couple said body means to the companion member; holding means engaging said lock means to maintain said lock means inwardly of the companion member; means retaining said holding means engaged with said lock means; and means for releasing said retaining means to permit shifting of said holding means from its position maintaining said lock means inwardly of the companion member; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said holding means comprising a sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body means to a position behind said ring to maintain said ring inwardly of the companion member or to a position removed from said lock ring to allow expansion of said ring from the companion member; said retaining means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring; said releasing means comprising laterally movable means engaging said retainer ring.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a connector as defined in claim 41; and means movable over said body means into engagement with said laterally movable means to actuate said laterally movable means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; laterally movable coengageable retainer means on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for shifting said retainer means laterally to disengage said retaining means and permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; laterally movable coengageable retainer means on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for shifting said retainer means laterally to disengage said retaining means and permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; coengageable retainer means on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for disengaging said retaining means to permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said retainer means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; coengageable retainer means on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for disengaging said retaining means to permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said retainer means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
183 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; coengageable retainer mEans on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for disengaging said retaining means to permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said retainer means comprising a groove in said sleeve and a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring on said body structure shiftable laterally into and from said sleeve groove; said disengaging means comprising laterally movable elements carried by said body structure and engaging said retainer ring and projecting from said body structure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
183 words
In a connector for attachment to a guide post having an external groove: a body structure movable over the guide post; laterally movable lock means on said body structure movable into and from the groove to couple the body structure to the guide post; a holding sleeve shiftable relatively longitudinally of said body structure to and from a position behind said lock means to retain said lock means in the groove or to permit its withdrawal therefrom; coengageable retainer mEans on said body structure and sleeve for retaining said sleeve behind said lock means; and means for disengaging said retaining means to permit said sleeve to shift relatively longitudinally of said body structure from its position behind said lock means; said lock means comprising a laterally contractable and expandable lock ring; said retainer means comprising a groove in said sleeve and a laterally contractable and expandable retainer ring on said body structure shiftable laterally into and from said sleeve groove; said disengaging means comprising laterally movable elements carried by said body structure and engaging said retainer ring and projecting from said body structure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a connector as defined in claim 46; and means movable over said body structure into engagement with said projecting elements to shift said elements laterally inwardly of said body structure to shift said retainer ring from said sleeve groove.
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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) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |