Gimbaled table riser support system
US6648074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2035/442
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For a spar type floating platform having risers passing vertically through the center well of a spar hull, there is provided apparatus for supporting the risers from a gimbaled table supported above the top of the spar hull. The table flexibly is supported by a plurality of non-linear springs attached to the top of the spar hull. The non-linear springs compliantly constrain the table rotationally so that the table is allowed a limited degree of rotational movement with respect to the spar hull in response to wind and current induced environmental loads. Larger capacity non-linear springs are located near the center of the table for supporting the majority of the riser tension, and smaller capacity non-linear springs are located near the perimeter of the table for controlling the rotational stiffness of the table. The riser support table comprises a grid of interconnected beams having openings therebetween through which the risers pass. The non-linear springs may take the form of elastomeric load pads or hydraulic cylinders, or a combination of both. The upper ends of the risers are supported from the table by riser tensioning hydraulic cylinders that may be individually actuated to…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.