US4352590A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stabilization of erodible marine or fluviatile sediments
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-12-11
•
Granted: 1982-10-05
•
Expires: 2000-12-11
Abstract
Abstract An erodible marine or fluviatile sediment such as a sedimentary layer is stabilized by depositing on the sediment a non-setting paste-like slurry, for example, mud or clay containing a framework of gravel, using a laying head which is towed over the sea bed by a surface vessel. The slurry is mixed on the vessel and conveyed to the laying head through an underwater pipe. Distribution of the slurry from the laying head may be monitored by a television camera on the head.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Parker
- 👤 Robert Kirby
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:23
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B3/04; E02B3/12; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017; E02D; E02D15/00; E02D15/10; E02F; E02F5/00; E02F5/02; E02F5/10; E02F5/104; E02F5/108; E02F5/12; E02F5/125; E02F9/00; E02F9/02; E02F9/026; F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/123
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of stabilizing an erodible marine or fluviatile sediment comprising the steps of depositing directly over the sediment to be stabilized a slurry comprising a framework of rigid particles greater than 2 mm. least dimension and less than 100 cm. least dimension in generally touching relation and a non-setting paste-like or colloidal matrix material filling voids between particles of said framework.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of stabilizing an erodible marine or fluviatile sediment comprising the steps of depositing directly over the sediment to be stabilized a slurry comprising a framework of rigid particles greater than 2 mm. least dimension and less than 100 cm. least dimension in generally touching relation and a non-setting paste-like or colloidal matrix material filling voids between particles of said framework.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said particles are gravel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein the slurry is transported to the required position over the sediment to be stabilized by pumping it through a movable underwater laying head having a pipe through which slurry is passed from a surface vessel to be spread over sediment to be stabilized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as in claim 3, wherein the matrix and the particles are admixed to form the slurry which is then pumped through the pipe to the sediment to be stabilized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein that the matrix material is flocculated prior to the admixture therewith of said solid particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein the matrix material comprises mud or clay and the particles comprise gravel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein the matrix material and the particulate material are present by volume in the slurry in a ratio of from 1:5 to 5:1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein the matrix material and the particulate material are present by volume in the slurry in a ratio of from 1:3 to 3:1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said particles are selected from stones and crushed rock.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said particles are selected from stones and crushed rock and the matrix is a mud.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the outlet end of the pipe is directly over sediment to be stabilized.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
98 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the slurry is transported to the required position over the sediment to be stabilized by pumping it through a movable underwater laying head having a plurality of pipes through which slurry is passed to be spread over sediment to be stabilized, the pipes including a first pair for applying slurry in two transversely spaced first lines, a second pair for applying slurry in two spaced second lines transversely outwardly of and in partially overlying relation to said first lines, and at least one further pipe for applying slurry between said first lines.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein a pipeline resting on the sediment is being covered and protected and wherein said first lines are on opposite sides of the pipeline.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein a pipeline resting on the sediment is being covered and protected and wherein said first lines are on opposite sides of the pipeline and angled to direct slurry generally below the pipeline.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-10-04 | 1986-04-05 | 1986-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-10-04 | 1990-04-05 | 1990-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-10-04 | 1994-04-05 | 1994-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |