Method and system for manipulating an object located underwater
US6443660B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C7/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for manipulating an object located proximate an underwater floor is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment comprising a foundation implantable in the underwater floor; a lifting frame extending between the foundation; and a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other and attached to the lifting frame such that each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-like configuration from the lifting frame. Each of the slings further comprises a top surface facing away from the underwater floor and a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling. The foundation may further comprise suction piles. A monitoring system comprising instrumentation may also be used to aid in guiding the load transfer of the object from the floor to the lifting frame. A method of lifting is described comprising lowering and securing the foundation into the underwater floor proximate the object to be retrieved, positioning the lifting frame proximate the object to be retrieved, installation of containment material, securing lifting frame ends onto the foundation, securing each end of each sling onto the lifting frame as well as positioning each sling under the object to be retri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.