Deep water pile driver
US8033756B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02D7/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pile driver is provided for use in deep water with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a working ship for setting piles, pin piles and well conductors in subsea soil and for soil sampling in deep water and can be used for shallow water and land-based applications. A ram mass or hammer is received in an open frame and hydraulically reciprocated while in contact with water. A piston rod received in a piston cylinder is secured at one end to the hammer through a coupling mechanism, and an external source of hydraulic power is used with an on-board hydraulic circuit. Gas is compressed during an up-stroke to store energy, which is released during a down-stroke to push the hammer downwardly. The coupling mechanism provides a connection between the piston rod and the hammer that can move between an essentially rigid lift connection, an essentially rigid downward-push connection and an essentially non-rigid impact connection for preventing buckling of the piston rod when the hammer strikes at its lowermost point. One embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a hollow body having opposing longitudinal slots, a rod slideably received in the hollow body that is pinned slideably at one…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.