Apparatus and system for flooding submerged structures
US4696602A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C1/28
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a flooding system for uprighting and setting marine structures into and above bodies of water. The structures include a surface platform and at least one hollow support leg. Each leg includes at least one port that when closed will seal the leg. The system includes a valve attached to each port. The valve serves as a closure that regulates the flow of water from the body of water through the port to flood the structure. An operator is coupled to each valve by a low friction remote control cable. The operator is located above the surface of the body of water and usually attached to the platform. The cable translates the relative motion of the operator to open and close the valve. The cable comprises a flexible member encased in a flexible casing. The flexible member is isolated from the casing by a bearing means that allows the member to move axially within the casing to translate the motion of the operation to control the valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.