US4589801A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Composite mooring element for deep water offshore structures
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Co
•
Filing: 1984-07-16
•
Granted: 1986-05-20
•
Expires: 2004-07-16
Abstract
Abstract Lightweight mooring elements for tension leg platforms are formed of a carbon fiber/epoxy matrix material. The mooring elements are preferably in tubular form and include metallic end connectors for interconnecting a plurality of tubular members to form the mooring element. Optionally, the composite structure further includes aramid or glass fibers which increase the resistance of the mooring element to impact damage.
Inventors
- 👤 Mamdouh M. Salama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:39
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017; E02B17/003; B; B63; B63B; B63B21/00; B63B21/50; B63B21/502; D; D07; D07B; D07B1/00; D07B1/12; F; F16; F16L; F16L9/00; F16L9/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
In a floating tension leg platform wherein a plurality of substantially vertically oriented, tensioned axially mooring elements are connected so as to be constantly in tension between anchoring means located on a sea bottom and said floating platform, the improvement which comprises said mooring elements axially tensioned being a composite structure of a plurality of longitudinally oriented carbon fibers imbeded in a resin matrix.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
In a floating tension leg platform wherein a plurality of substantially vertically oriented, tensioned axially mooring elements are connected so as to be constantly in tension between anchoring means located on a sea bottom and said floating platform, the improvement which comprises said mooring elements axially tensioned being a composite structure of a plurality of longitudinally oriented carbon fibers imbeded in a resin matrix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mooring elements axially tensioned are in sections and have metallic connectors disposed between said sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 2 wherein said mooring elements axially tensioned are tubular in cross-section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 2 wherein said metallic connectors are threaded for interconnection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 2 wherein said metallic connectors are welded together.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carbon fibers have a parallel lay.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 6 wherein said composite structure further includes longitudinally oriented aramid fibers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 7 wherein said aramid fibers are helically wound.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said composite structure further includes longitudinally oriented glass fibers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 9 wherein said glass fibers are helically wound.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carbon fibers have a low pitch angle helical wind.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said resin matrix is a thermoset resin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said resin matrix is a thermoplastic resin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carbon fibers have an elastic modulus in excess of 30 million psi.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3974012A
Cited
US4023835A
Cited
US4119748A
Cited
US4171626A
Cited
US4226555A
Cited
US4238539A
Cited
US4248549A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-05-19 | 1989-11-18 | 1990-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-19 | 1993-11-18 | 1994-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-19 | 1997-11-18 | 1998-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |