Apparatus for laying and/or retrieving elongate flexible elements
US5580187A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/225
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for laying and/or retrieving elongate flexible elements, such as pipes and cables having accessories at spaced intervals, is mounted on a floating vessel such as a barge an comprises two self powered conveyors pivotally connected together through a hinge but which may be locked relative to one another for use. A trolley runs on wheels or rails on either side of the conveyor system and has an upper surface consisting of a further powered conveyor. The sides of the conveyor extend to form a chute at the outboard end. In normal operation the trolley is stored and the pipe or cable is carried by the conveyors to the chute which guides it into the water. The shape of the chute permits the pipe/cable to leave the barge at up to 45 degrees either side of the fore and aft axis of the conveyor. When an accessory on the pipe/cable approaches the trolley is raised to support the pipe/cable behind the accessory carrying the pipe with the accessory above and out of contact with the conveyors until the accessory has entered the water. The trolley is then retrieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.