US3775986A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for making remote pipeline connections
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1972-04-27
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-04-27
Abstract
Abstract An underwater pipeline is connected to a submerged production system or other underwater equipment by pulling the end of the pipeline into a manipulating structure installed adjacent the underwater equipment, moving the end of the pipeline into a predetermined position with respect to a corresponding pipe to which the pipeline is to be connected, lowering a remote connector into place adjacent the ends of the pipeline and corresponding pipe, and thereafter actuating the remote connector.
Inventors
- 👤 A Daughtry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:13
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; E21B43/0135; F; F16; F16L; F16L37/00; F16L37/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises lowering a pipeline manipulator assembly including a movable housing into a predetermined position adjacent said underwater installation, connecting a pulling yoke to said pipeline at a point near said end thereof, pulling said end of said pipeline into position within said housIng of said pipeline manipulator assembly, locking said pipeline in place within said housing, moving said pipeline and housing until said end of said pipeline is aligned with said end of said pipe, lowering a remote connector into position adjacent said end of said pipe and said end of said pipeline, and thereafter actuating said remote connector to effect a connection of said pipeline to said pipe.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises lowering a pipeline manipulator assembly including a movable housing into a predetermined position adjacent said underwater installation, connecting a pulling yoke to said pipeline at a point near said end thereof, pulling said end of said pipeline into position within said housIng of said pipeline manipulator assembly, locking said pipeline in place within said housing, moving said pipeline and housing until said end of said pipeline is aligned with said end of said pipe, lowering a remote connector into position adjacent said end of said pipe and said end of said pipeline, and thereafter actuating said remote connector to effect a connection of said pipeline to said pipe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said end of said pipeline is pulled into position in said housing of said pipeline manipulator assembly by pulling on a cable extending from said pulling yoke through said housing of said manipulator assembly to the water''s surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined by claim 2 including the additional step of remotely disconnecting said cable from said pulling yoke after the end of the pipeline has been locked in place in said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said pipeline manipulator assembly is lowered into position on a preinstalled guide base and latched to said guide base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined by claim 4 wherein said manipulator assembly is lowered into place on guide lines extending to the water''s surface from said guide base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said pipeline and said housing are moved by pulling on lines extending from the pipeline to the water''s surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said pipeline and said housing are moved by actuating hydraulic devices on said manipulator assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said housing is locked in place on said manipulator assembly after the end of said pipeline has been pulled into said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the position of said end of said pipeline is adjusted by moving said housing after said remote connector has been lowered into position adjacent said end and the end of said pipe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises: a supporting member provided with means for latching said member to an underwater guide base, means for guiding said supporting member into position on said guide base adjacent said underwater installation, a housing positioned on said supporting member for rotation about a vertical axis, a guide funnel mounted in said housing in a substantially horizontal position, and a sheave mounted in said housing in front of said guide funnel for directing a cable passing through the guide funnel upwardly toward the water''s surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises: a supporting member provided with means for latching said member to an underwater guide base, means for guiding said supporting member into position on said guide base adjacent said underwater installation, a housing positioned on said supporting member for rotation about a vertical axis, a guide funnel mounted in said housing in a substantially horizontal position, and a sheave mounted in said housing in front of said guide funnel for directing a cable passing through the guide funnel upwardly toward the water''s surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 which also includes means for rotating said housing about a horizontal axis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said housing contains two guide funnels extending parallel to and side-by-side one another and a sheave is mounted in front of each of said guide funnels for rotation about a horizontal axis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said supporting member comprises an outer framework, an intermediate framework is mounted in said outer framework for limited rotation therein, and said housing is mounted in said intermediate framework for limited rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis about which said intermediate framework rotates within said outer framework and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said guide funnel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said means for guiding said supporting member into position comprises a pair of vertically extending guide funnels.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein said outer framework, said intermediate framework, and said housing are constructed of structural steel members.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 including means for latching said supporting member to a preinstalled guide base.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 including means for locking said housing in fixed position with respect to said supporting member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein said intermediate frameWork is mounted for limited rotation about a horizontal axis in said outer framework and said housing is mounted for limited rotation about a vertical axis in said intermediate framework.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 including means for centering the position of said housing in said intermediate framework.
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) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |