Abstract: A vault is of the multi-lobed double-wall type, including inflatable beams disposed side by side. The vault includes at least one opening-out or folding-up path along which the beams are slidably mounted. Each opening-out or folding-up path traverses the beams in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a tightness between two parts rotatable relative to each other. The system includes at least two sealing units, with each of the sealing units having at least two possible states or conditions, namely, a first state or condition for ensuring a tightness between the two parts and a second state or condition wherein it does not ensure a tightness. Each sealing unit is deformable and includes a drive arrangement for intermittently actuating each of the sealing units.

Abstract: A support device on the sea-bed for legs of a self-elevating oil-rig platform are characterized in that it comprises an individual and independent shoe (3) intended to be fixed on the lower end of the leg (2) and fitted with a detachable and adjustable locking means (20), for fitting rigidly on the said lower end of the leg (2) .

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable value having a multilobed double wall, adapted to be opened out and retracted, and confining a layer of intermural air under pressure. The vault is constructed by assembling side by side a plurality of separate inflatable hollow beams, each of which includes at least two longitudinal panels which are sequentially connected together along at least two longitudinal edges. The panels of each beam are connected together and to panels of adjoining beams by a plurality of short quick-connect type female connectors. The joints between panels of each respective beam are made leaktight by including flexible membranes which span the respective joints. The inflatable vault according to the invention is particularly applicable to the covering of stadiums, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, auditoriums, storage hangers and other large installations.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a tightness between two parts rotatable relative to each other. The system includes at least two sealing units, with each of the sealing units having at least two possible states or conditions, namely, a first state or condition for ensuring a tightness between the two parts and a second state or condition wherein it does not ensure a tightness. Each sealing unit is deformable and includes a drive arrangement for intermittently actuating each of the sealing units.

Abstract: A suitable system for connecting an anchored marine structure and a rotating moor arm of a floating facility in which a swivel combines for connecting the marine structure and the mooring arm has at least one plain journal bearing with at least one elastic pad arranged about the axis of the bearing such that the rotation of the mooring arm about the marine structure is achieved. Initially, rotation is achieved for large angular motions and significant rotations in particular those exceeding one complete turn by sliding of the journal bearing and secondly, for small alternating angular motions by elastic deformation of the pad. The stiffness of the pad is such, compared with the coefficient of friction of the journal bearing that the sliding threshold of the bearing is not reached.

Abstract: A device for rapidly mooring a floating installation to a marine installation fastened to the ocean bottom includes a rigid connecting arm horizontally articulated at one end at a connection to the floating installation. The other end of the arm includes a connector having guides for being retained on a pathway of the marine installation. To effect retention of the guides on the pathway, the connector also includes a temporary separation mechanism which urges the guides away from the marine installation pathway to enable effecting connection with the connector, whereupon the separation mechanism brings the guides in contact with the pathway. To effect separation, the mechanism is adapted for reverse operation.

Abstract: The device is made up of a connecting arm provided with rollers which bears on a cylindrical portion of the outer wall of the anchored offshore installation. Belts encircling this installation and the rollers are stretched to press these rollers against the cylindrical surface and permit rotation of the arm relative to the offshore installation.