US3779019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protection against sheet ice at an offshore structure
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-10
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1991-09-10
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to means for protecting a stationary marine platform or structure from the contingency of damage due to contact with moving sheet ice. One or more submerged sheet ice shattering members are disposed about the platform at appropriate intervals and anchored to the ocean floor. Each of said members comprises a vertically movable, fluid actuated fracturing cap. Said cap is slidably positioned on a guide pile or the like whereby to permit controlled vertical reciprocatory movement of the cap to be periodically urged into contact with the underside of an ice sheet. The resulting stress induced in the ice will cause the latter to yield and shatter into smaller, less harmful pieces.
Inventors
- 👤 I Pogonowski
- 👤 P Carmichael
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:56
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017; E02B17/0021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An ice shattering unit adapted to be stationarily submerged to the sea floor adjacent to a marine structure positioned in a body of water, the latter being subjected to periodic sheets of floating ice, which shattering unit includes; guide means including at least one elongated cylindrical column having the lower end thereof fixedly positioned at said sea floor and extending upwardly therefrom, and having a guide surface along an inner wall thereof, an ice shattering head operably carried on said guide surface and disposed in operable engagement therewith, being slidably movable in a vertical direction along said guide surface between extended and withdrawn positions, said shattering head being extendable upwardly a sufficient distance through said body of water to engage the underside of an ice sheet whereby to exert an upward pressure on said sheet, thereby inducing stress therein to cause the shattering of the sheet, and means for controllably actuating said shattering head between said withdrawn and extended positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
An ice shattering unit adapted to be stationarily submerged to the sea floor adjacent to a marine structure positioned in a body of water, the latter being subjected to periodic sheets of floating ice, which shattering unit includes; guide means including at least one elongated cylindrical column having the lower end thereof fixedly positioned at said sea floor and extending upwardly therefrom, and having a guide surface along an inner wall thereof, an ice shattering head operably carried on said guide surface and disposed in operable engagement therewith, being slidably movable in a vertical direction along said guide surface between extended and withdrawn positions, said shattering head being extendable upwardly a sufficient distance through said body of water to engage the underside of an ice sheet whereby to exert an upward pressure on said sheet, thereby inducing stress therein to cause the shattering of the sheet, and means for controllably actuating said shattering head between said withdrawn and extended positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said ice shattering head includes; a sleeve slidably received on said guide surface, in said elongated cylindrical column, and a disc-like member carried on the upper end of said sleeve and extending radially outward from the latter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
In an apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said ice shattering head includes; controlled buoyancy means positioned at the underside of said disc-like member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
In an ice shattering unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said disc-like shattering head includes a convex surface on the external side thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
In an ice shattering unit as defined in claim 1, including at least one pointed tip extending upwardly from said convex surface for initially engaging the underside of an ice sheet as said head is elevated to the extended position.
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) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |