Detachable mooring and fluid transfer system
US7959480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B22/026
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mooring system comprising a submerged buoy releasably connected to a vessel adjacent its keel by a structural connector. The structural connector consists of a cylindrical sleeve coaxially movable with respect to a cylindrical housing by circumferential actuators. The lower ends of the connector sleeve and connector housing capture a number of collet segments circumpositioned therebetween that radially pivot in and out as the connector sleeve is moved axially within the connector housing. The lower ends of the collet segments extend downward to a connector hub on the buoy and releasably engage a groove therein, dogging the bearing hub against the vessel. A combined bearing assembly that supports both axial and radial loading revolvably connects the buoy to a moored chain table.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.