US3766737A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protecting offshore structures from ice
Assignee: BP America Production Co
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Filing: 1972-04-13
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1992-04-13
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a method of protecting a structure such as a vessel or platform located in water covered with sheet ice. In a preferred embodiment, an ice trenching machine is suspended from a boom supported at the top of the structure. The ice trenching machine removes ice in a circular path at a rate approximately equal to the rate of movement of the sheet ice toward the protected structure. Means are provided so that the boom can be moved entirely around the top of the structure so that a trench can be cut in the ice in any direction from the structure or to completely surround it.
Inventors
- 👤 G Howard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 09:33
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017; E02B17/0021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of protecting a structure in water supporting an ice sheet which has limited movement, which comprises: removing ice with an ice trenching machine by cutting a trench through the ice sheet in a path located a substantial distance from said structure and at least partially surrounding said structure on the side thereof toward the movement of said ice sheet toward said structure, maintaining said trench in an open condition by removing ice at a rate approximately equal to the rate of movement of sheet ice toward said structure so that said trench is never closed by incoming ice.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of protecting a structure in water supporting an ice sheet which has limited movement, which comprises: removing ice with an ice trenching machine by cutting a trench through the ice sheet in a path located a substantial distance from said structure and at least partially surrounding said structure on the side thereof toward the movement of said ice sheet toward said structure, maintaining said trench in an open condition by removing ice at a rate approximately equal to the rate of movement of sheet ice toward said structure so that said trench is never closed by incoming ice.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as defined in claim 1 including the step of supporting said ice trenching machine from said structure only by non-rigid support means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 1 including the step of supportiNg a boom at the top of said structure and supporting said ice trenching machine with a cable supported from said boom, there being no other connection between said trenching machine and said structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as defined in claim 2 in which said trench is cut at a distance of at least 50 feet from said structure.
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) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |