Chain connector
US8820258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B21/18
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A chain connector for holding a chain (14) that moors a vessel to the sea floor under perhaps 2000 tons tension, which can be quickly disconnected in an emergency by applying a moderate disconnecting force such as 50 tons. The chain is hold by ratchets (24, 26) that are mounted on arms (34, 36). The arms have upper ends (35) that am pivotally mounted on a housing (38) and have free lower ends (44), with the lower ends being held by cams (50) on locking dogs (52) that have locking dog lower ends (51) pivotally mounted on the housing and free upper ends (60). A hydraulic actuator (70) has pins (58) that engage the upper ends of the locking dogs to prevent the arms and dogs from pivoting apart until the looking dog upper ends (60) are raised.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.