Abstract A method and apparatus for quickly releasing and subsequently recovering anchoring lines for a floating structure used for drilling or working operations in the sub-sea floor. The apparatus includes a means for quickly releasing the anchor lines from the structure when it is necessary to move the structure from its location above the sub-sea well site. When quick release of the anchor lines is made, the anchor lines are each connected to a length of buoyant line, such as nylon rope of sufficient length, so that when the heavy anchor cables or chains reach the bottom of the body of water, a portion of the buoyant line is at the water surface. To reposition the ship above the sub-sea drilling or working location, the buoyant lines are recovered and reconnected to the structure. When the buoyant lines are pulled back aboard the structure, the anchor lines are reattached to the structure, hauled in, and when properly tensioned, the structure is again on location above the well site or working location.
Inventors
👤 G Robertson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-24 15:43
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B21/00; B63B21/20; B63B21/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for disconnecting and recovering anchor lines for a structure floating on a body of water comprising a buoyant flexible line: means for connecting and disconnecting the anchor line from the vessel; and storage means for releasing and retrieving said buoyant line from said vessel which attached to said anchor line, said buoyant line being stored on said structure by said storage means, while the structure is anchored, said buoyant line being greater in length than the water depth whereby a portion of the buoyant line may float on the water surface after the anchor line has sunk to the sub-sea floor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for disconnecting and recovering anchor lines for a structure floating on a body of water comprising a buoyant flexible line: means for connecting and disconnecting the anchor line from the vessel; and storage means for releasing and retrieving said buoyant line from said vessel which attached to said anchor line, said buoyant line being stored on said structure by said storage means, while the structure is anchored, said buoyant line being greater in length than the water depth whereby a portion of the buoyant line may float on the water surface after the anchor line has sunk to the sub-sea floor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the anchor line is connected on one end thereof to an anchoring means and at the fixed end thereof to an anchor line winch, and further comprising a disconnect fitting attached in said anchor line proximate said fixed end thereof for quick disconnection of the anchor line from said winch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said storage means comprises: a buoyant line reel means on the vessel proximate each anchor line winch for rolling up said line to retrieve said anchor line; said apparatus further comprises a clamping means for connecting the outer end of the buoyant line to the anchor line outboard of the disconnect fitting in the anchor line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible buoyant line is formed of nylon.