Modular flotation system
US10227118B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B17/012
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A buoyant apparatus and method of use buoyancy to offset the weight of a load during immersion of the load in a fluid medium such as a payload manipulated by a cable and crane or by a remotely operated undersea vehicle. Buoyancy modules that can be of different size and shape have elongated supports that are attachable via complementary connection fixtures at the ends. The attached supports form a skeleton of the array. The connection fixtures are axially resiliently compressible and maintain the buoyancy modules in abutment notwithstanding shrinkage or expansion of the buoyant material due to hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.