Disconnectable mooring system
US5240446A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2022/028
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved detachable mooring system (1) is disclosed of the kind including a rotatable turret (10) mounted on the vessel (5) and a buoyant spider buoy (20), secured by chains (22) to the sea floor, which may be selectively connected by means of a hydraulic connector (209) to the bottom of the turret (10). One improvement relates to providing a roller bearing (598) between an upper part of the turret and an interior ring (56) of a well (50) of the vessel (50) at a level higher than sea water can reach under fully loaded conditions of the vessel. Such improvement provides an elastomeric pad (584) between the bearing (598) and a support ring (56) to reduce moment loads and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of interface surfaces of the bearing (580, 586) and the support ring (56). Alternatively one or more spring stacks (791, 793) may be used rather than an elastomeric pad. A further improvement provides support structure (102, 596, 590) which allows the bearing (598) to be removed for inspection, repair or replacement without removal of the turret (10). Another improvement relates to providing a passage through the hydraulic connector (30) and providing a chain locker (23')…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.