US3783626A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structure, and method and apparatus for founding a structure
Assignee: Redpath Dorman Long Ltd
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Filing: 1972-02-04
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Granted: 1974-01-08
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Expires: 1992-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A method of founding a structure in a subaqueous bed comprising disposing the structure on the bed and excavating beneath the structure, the excavation being effected by a wheeled positively buoyant vehicle which moves upon an undersurface of the structure and which is provided with excavating equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 F Hansen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 23:30
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/88; E02F3/8858; E02F3/8866; E02B; E02B17/00; E02B17/02; E02B17/027; E02F3/8808; E02F3/90; E02F3/92; E02F3/9206; E02F3/9212; E02F3/9243; E02F9/00; E02F9/06; E02B2017/0039; E02B2017/0056; E02B2017/0073; E02B2017/0086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A sinkable structure adapted to be founded on a subaqueous bed, and comprising an undersurface adapted to contact the subaqueous bed, in combination with a vehicle for excavating under the structure being founded on the subaqueous bed, the vehicle comprising means for providing positive buoyancy, means enabling the vehicle to contact and move about on the undersurface of the structure, and means for supporting excavating equipment; and an apparatus for moving the vehicle into a position in which it can move into contact with the undersurface, and excavate the subaqueous bed beneath the structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A sinkable structure adapted to be founded on a subaqueous bed, and comprising an undersurface adapted to contact the subaqueous bed, in combination with a vehicle for excavating under the structure being founded on the subaqueous bed, the vehicle comprising means for providing positive buoyancy, means enabling the vehicle to contact and move about on the undersurface of the structure, and means for supporting excavating equipment; and an apparatus for moving the vehicle into a position in which it can move into contact with the undersurface, and excavate the subaqueous bed beneath the structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises a variable-buoyancy pontoon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is a moveable portion of that part of the structure which defines the undersurface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the structure has a shaft extending upwards from the undersurface and adapted to have the vehicle and the apparatus moveably disposed therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A structure as claimed in claim 4 provided with means for sealing the shaft so that water may be pumped out of the excavated bed beneath the undersurface.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of founding a structure having an undersurface in a subaqueous bed, comprising the steps of disposing the structure on the bed moving a positively buoyant vehicle provided with excavating equipment into contact upon the undersurface of the structure, moving said vehicle about on the undersurface of the structure, and excavating the subaqueous bed beneath the structure with said excavating equipment.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of founding a structure having an undersurface in a subaqueous bed, comprising the steps of disposing the structure on the bed moving a positively buoyant vehicle provided with excavating equipment into contact upon the undersurface of the structure, moving said vehicle about on the undersurface of the structure, and excavating the subaqueous bed beneath the structure with said excavating equipment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as claimed in claim 6, comprising excavating under the structure so that it is supported on a number of spaced apart nonexcavated regions and then increasing the effective load on the said regions so that the structure sinks into the bed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vehicle retires to a recess in the structure extending upwardly from the undersurface whilst the structure is sinking.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the effective load is increased by sealing the excavated space beneath the undersurface and by pumping out water therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the excavated space is filled with solid material after the structure has been sunk into the bed to a desired extent.
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) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |