US3715890A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mooring system for pipelaying barges
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-15
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Granted: 1973-02-13
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Expires: 1991-01-15
Abstract
Abstract A pipelaying barge particularly adapted for use in intermediate water depths is disclosed. The barge has propellers which apply forward thrust to the barge, and a tension brake which grips the pipe and provides controlled relative motion between the pipe and the barge. Forward movement of the barge and tension in the pipe are controlled by the combined action of these propellers and the tension brake. Lateral movement of the barge is controlled by anchor systems operating off each side of the barge.
Inventors
- 👤 C Langner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:28
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/03; F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/16; F16L1/18; B63B21/00; B63B21/50; B63H; B63H25/00; B63H25/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
Apparatus for laying pipe in a body of water comprising a buoyant vehicle movable in a forward direction and having means thereon for guiding pipe into the water to the rear thereof; means for controlling tension in the pipe and for advancing the vehicle to move pipe through the guiding means comprising thrustor means on the vehicle for applying a force thereto tending to move the vehicle forwardly and brake means on the vehicle engageable with the pipe for retarding movement thereof; and means for applying lateral force in one direction to the vehicle and means for applying lateral force in the other direction thereto for controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, the lateral force applying means comprising at least four anchors, flexible lines connected to each anchor, and means for guiding at least two of the flexible lines over each side of the vehicle and for retracting and paying out the flexible lines, at least a first of the flexible lines on each side of the vehicle extending away therefrom at a nonobtuse angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
Apparatus for laying pipe in a body of water comprising a buoyant vehicle movable in a forward direction and having means thereon for guiding pipe into the water to the rear thereof; means for controlling tension in the pipe and for advancing the vehicle to move pipe through the guiding means comprising thrustor means on the vehicle for applying a force thereto tending to move the vehicle forwardly and brake means on the vehicle engageable with the pipe for retarding movement thereof; and means for applying lateral force in one direction to the vehicle and means for applying lateral force in the other direction thereto for controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, the lateral force applying means comprising at least four anchors, flexible lines connected to each anchor, and means for guiding at least two of the flexible lines over each side of the vehicle and for retracting and paying out the flexible lines, at least a first of the flexible lines on each side of the vehicle extending away therefrom at a nonobtuse angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
181 words
Apparatus for laying pipe in a body of water comprising a buoyant vehicle movable in a forward direction and having means thereon for guiding pipe into the water to the rear thereof; means for controlling tension in the pipe and for advancing the vehicle to move pipe through the guiding means comprising thrustor means on the vehicle for applying a force thereto tending to move the vehicle forwardly and brake means on the vehicle engageable with the pipe for retarding movement thereof; and means for applying lateral force in one direction to the vehicle and means for applying lateral force in the other direction thereto for controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, the lateral force applying means comprising at least four anchors, flexible lines connected to each anchor, and means for guiding at least two of the flexible lines over each side of the vehicle and for retracting and paying out the flexible lines, at least a first of the flexible lines on each side of the vehicle extending away therefrom at a nonobtuse angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
181 words
Apparatus for laying pipe in a body of water comprising a buoyant vehicle movable in a forward direction and having means thereon for guiding pipe into the water to the rear thereof; means for controlling tension in the pipe and for advancing the vehicle to move pipe through the guiding means comprising thrustor means on the vehicle for applying a force thereto tending to move the vehicle forwardly and brake means on the vehicle engageable with the pipe for retarding movement thereof; and means for applying lateral force in one direction to the vehicle and means for applying lateral force in the other direction thereto for controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, the lateral force applying means comprising at least four anchors, flexible lines connected to each anchor, and means for guiding at least two of the flexible lines over each side of the vehicle and for retracting and paying out the flexible lines, at least a first of the flexible lines on each side of the vehicle extending away therefrom at a nonobtuse angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thrustor means comprise thrustors on the rear of the vehicle on opposite sides of the center thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pipe guiding means comprises a supporting structure secured to the vehicle adjacent the rear end thereof for controlling the curvature of the pipe adjacent the water line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lateral force applying means are positioned intermediate the ends of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 4 wherein the buoyant vehicle includes a pipe handling station located intermediate the sides and ends of the vehicle; and the lateral force applying means comprises first guiding and retracting means on one side of the pipe handling station and second guiding and retracting means on the other side thereof, said first and second guiding and retracting means each comprising a winch suitably connected to the vehicle and, separated therefrom, means for directing the flexible lines over the sides of the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
103 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lateral force applying means comprises a first anchor and a third anchor, first and third flexible lines connected to each of the first and third anchors and guiding and retracting means for separately retracting and paying out the first and third flexible lines, the first and third anchors being on the same side of the vehicle, the first flexible line extending away from the vehicle at a nonobtuse angle with the front adjacent side thereof, the third flexible line extending away from the vehicle at a nonacute angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The pipe laying apparatus of claim 1 one flexible line on each side of the vehicle extends away therefrom at a nonacute angle with the front adjacent side thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-13 | 1976-08-14 | 1977-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-13 | 1980-08-14 | 1981-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-13 | 1984-08-14 | 1985-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |