Separable trenching apparatus
US4190382A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 1978 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F5/108
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for entrenching an elongated pipeline and the like uses a trenching apparatus having a trench cutting assembly which is detachably connected to a sled base. A floating vessel has means to control positioning of the trenching apparatus, including means to raise and lower, and to connect and disconnect, the trench cutting assembly and the sled base. Several methods and apparatus are disclosed for raising and lowering the trench cutting assembly while leaving the sled base positioned on the bottom of the body of water, straddling the elongated pipeline. In each embodiment, the cutting means may be lifted on board the vessel for maintenance and/or repair, leaving the sled base in position relative to the pipeline. Means are provided for abandoning the sled base at the entrenching site and returning later to lower the trench cutting assembly into its operational relationship with the sled base.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.