Abstract: A release mechanism for separating sections of mooring lines has a main body with two separable first and second halves or sections. A hydraulic assembly within the main body is controlled by an acoustic system, and moves a rod and button so as to move locking shoes within the main body. The locking shoes hold the first and second sections locked together, or alternatively release them to disconnect the mooring line. In addition to the acoustically controlled hydraulic assembly, the release mechanism has a mechanical disconnect, which is operated by pulling the release mechanism into a chain fairlead or the like, or by pulling an encircling member such as a trigger sleeve into the release mechanism. The release mechanism may include instrumentation to transmit various operating conditions of the release mechanism when in use.

Abstract: A release mechanism for separating sections of mooring lines has a main body with two separable first and second halves or sections. A hydraulic assembly within the main body is controlled by an acoustic system, and moves a rod and button so as to move locking shoes within the main body. The locking shoes hold the first and second sections locked together, or alternatively release them to disconnect the mooring line. In addition to the acoustically controlled hydraulic assembly, the release mechanism has a mechanical disconnect, which is operated by pulling the release mechanism into a chain fairlead or the like, or by pulling an encircling member such as a trigger sleeve into the release mechanism. The release mechanism may include instrumentation to transmit various operating conditions of the release mechanism when in use.

Abstract: A disconnect device, suitable for placement into a mooring line connecting a floating vessel to an anchor, has a pair of rotably connected lever arm members. In a first, closed position, the lever arm members are held closed by a shear pin. Mating slots in each lever arm member capture a mooring line component, such as the pin of a shackle, when the lever arm members are closed. A cylindrical centering device is placed in the mooring line between the disconnect device and the vessel, and bears against the lever arm members. Force applied to the centering device, whether by pulling it into a surface fairlead sheave or similar device, or by a subsea chaser device, forces the lever arm members apart, breaking the shear pin and releasing the device, thus disconnecting the mooring line.

Abstract: A disconnect device, suitable for placement into a mooring line connecting a floating vessel to an anchor, has a pair of rotably connected lever arm members. In a first, closed position, the lever arm members are held closed by a shear pin. Mating slots in each lever arm member capture a mooring line component, such as the pin of a shackle, when the lever arm members are closed. A cylindrical centering device is placed in the mooring line between the disconnect device and the vessel, and bears against the lever arm members. Force applied to the centering device, whether by pulling it into a surface fairlead sheave or similar device, or by a subsea chaser device, forces the lever arm members apart, breaking the shear pin and releasing the device, thus disconnecting the mooring line.