Abstract: An electro-mechanical connection is of the type of a “hot stab” connection. The connection also includes a jagged surface in the form of a scraper, which is capable of cutting through a deposit that could otherwise excessively increase the electrical resistance across the connection. The connection can be used underwater and installed by a diver or ROV, for example, for connecting cathodic protection to a subsea structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavation apparatus may be used for providing access to a pipeline buried under shallow water or in wetland locations, for example, in order to install an electro-mechanical clamp on the pipeline. This clamp can then be used for connecting externals anodes to the pipeline, for monitoring the level of corrosion protection of the pipeline, or for any other purpose.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavation apparatus may be used for providing access to a pipeline buried under shallow water or in wetland locations, for example, in order to install an electro-mechanical clamp on the pipeline. This clamp can then be used for connecting externals anodes to the pipeline, for monitoring the level of corrosion protection of the pipeline, or for any other purpose.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical connection is of the type of a “hot stab” connection. The connection also includes a jagged surface in the form of a scraper, which is capable of cutting through a deposit that could otherwise excessively increase the electrical resistance across the connection. The connection can be used underwater and installed by a diver or ROV, for example, for connecting cathodic protection to a subsea structure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for installing subsea insulation on flowlines, connectors and other subsea equipment by a remotely operated vehicle. This system provides a mold designed and built to suit the parameters of the subsea item to be insulated. The mold is installed around the subsea item to be insulated and then injected with a liquid solution of insulation material. The liquid solution is then allowed to solidify, forming a gel molded insulation.

Abstract: A subsea well intervention system that permits dynamic disconnection from subsea well intervention equipment without removing any of the equipment during a drive-off condition is provided. The system includes a blowout preventer module operatively connected to a subsea tree and a subsea control system. The subsea control system is connected via electrical jumper to an ROV's tether management system. The subsea control system is connected via hydraulic jumpers to a multipurpose fluid-injection skid and one or more hydraulic accumulation banks. A fail-safe disconnect assembly is utilized with respect to the electrical jumper in order to provide easy removal during a drive-off condition.

Abstract: An active rigging system, using multiple lines to support a load, places a constant tension on at least one of the lines. The constant tension allows a resistance to slack in the line, which in turn allows the line to maintain support of the lines' respective share of the load. This configuration allows a reduction of stress in the load and an enablement of support of loads having an unequal weight distribution. Additionally, the invention includes a method for relieving stress from a load, supported by multiple lines generally susceptible to slack. The method includes placing a constant tension on at least one of the lines to allow that line to resist slack. The resistance to slack involves utilizing a tension force and an adjustment of the line via a pulley.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for installing subsea insulation on flowlines, connectors and other subsea equipment by a remotely operated vehicle. This system provides a mold designed and built to suit the parameters of the subsea item to be insulated. The mold is installed around the subsea item to be insulated and then injected with a liquid solution of insulation material. The liquid solution is then allowed to solidify, forming a gel molded insulation.

Abstract: A subsea well intervention system that permits dynamic disconnection from subsea well intervention equipment without removing any of the equipment during a drive-off condition is provided. The system includes a blowout preventer module operatively connected to a subsea tree, a lubricator assembly attached to the blowout preventer module that provides access to the interior of the blowout preventer and the subsea tree by well intervention equipment, and an umbilical module including a fail-safe disconnect assembly. The fail-safe disconnect assembly is disconnected using hydraulic power provided by the control umbilical or by a remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for transporting, installing, retrieving, and replacing a sensor array of individual sensor pods at a geographically remote location, such as on the sea floor. The apparatus consists of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a carousel attached to the ROV, a pod ejector mechanism attached to the carousel, and a manipulator with a manipulator end effector attached to the ROV. The carousel contains a plurality of sensor pod holders, where each sensor pod holder is capable of holding a sensor pod. The pod ejector mechanism is capable of discharging a fresh sensor pod, while the manipulator end effector is capable of lifting a depleted sensor pod and placing the depleted sensor pod in an empty sensor pod holder in the carousel.

Abstract: An active rigging system, using multiple lines to support a load, places a constant tension on at least one of the lines. The constant tension allows a resistance to slack in the line, which in turn allows the line to maintain support of the lines' respective share of the load. This configuration allows a reduction of stress in the load and an enablement of support of loads having an unequal weight distribution. Additionally, the invention includes a method for relieving stress from a load, supported by multiple lines generally susceptible to slack. The method includes placing a constant tension on at least one of the lines to allow that line to resist slack. The resistance to slack involves utilizing a tension force and an adjustment of the line via a pulley.

Abstract: A cable deployment system and method for laying a cable on the sea floor. The cable deployment system includes a cable having a first cable section connected to a riser cable section. The riser cable section includes an armor that is connected to a drum capable of containing a required length of the first cable section. A stinger is attached to the drum and shaped to allow the first cable section to exit the drum. The cable deployment system also includes a tensioning device attached to the drum. The tensioning device is capable of maintaining a tension in the first cable section during deployment of the first cable section from the drum. The method of deploying the cable in deep water from a surface vessel includes the steps of containing the first cable section within the drum and lowering the drum from the surface vessel. An end of the first cable section is secured to the sea floor and the first cable section is deployed from the drum onto the sea floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a submerged pipeline. The method comprises installing a pair of hot tap tees on either side of the damaged section of pipeline, cutting a hole in the pipeline through each hot tap tee, inserting and securing plugging pigs into the pipeline, cutting and removing the damaged section of pipeline, and installing a new section of pipeline. The apparatus includes a plugging pig for use during repair of a damaged pipeline comprising a body shaft, a cup seal secured to the body shaft for engaging an interior wall of the pipeline, a cam attached to the exterior of the body shaft, a slip assembly for sliding on the cam and engaging a slip against the pipeline wall, and a control mechanism for engaging and releasing the slip from the wall.

Abstract: A apparatus and method of using the apparatus for removing a blockage in a subsea pipeline without retrieval of the pipeline to the surface. The apparatus components include a hot tap saddle, a drill assembly, a fluid blaster assembly and a support frame. The hot tap saddle component has a first portion and a second portion, with the first and second portions being configured to clampingly engage in a sealing relationship to the subsea pipeline. The first portion of the saddle includes a first and second opening with the first opening extending generally upwardly and configured for connecting to a drill assembly and the second opening being positioned generally at an angle to the first opening and configured for connecting to a fluid blaster assembly. The fluid blaster assembly including a nozzle, a hose and a high pressure pump with the fluid blaster assembly being contained within a pressure vessel. The fluid blaster assembly is configured for mounting to the second opening of the hot tap saddle component.

Abstract: A method for sensing and launching pipeline pigs into a pipeline. The method includes pressurizing a pressure accumulator in a pig launching system that includes a pig chamber, a plurality of pigs, a launch tube, and the pressure accumulator. The method further includes sensing a pressure within the pipeline and applying pressure from the pressure accumulator to force a pig through the launch tube and into the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing soil and other debris from around buried objects. The apparatus comprises a movable frame which supports plurality of rotatable and independently mounted brushes which are used to gently sweep across the soil to remove soil and other debris from the covered objects. The soil is then transferred to a collection box within the movable frame for subsequent removal. The frame is capable of horizontal, vertical and rotational movement.

Abstract: A removal apparatus which includes a container adapted to store removed soil, which is supported from the end of a crane, which applies a downward load on the container to keep it against the contaminated soil and advancing forward. The removal apparatus features a replaceable blade which is attached at the forward end of the container at a predetermined level to define the depth of the cut. Vertical cheek plates are attached at either side of the container to cut the end of the soil at the outer edges of the blade and to provide vertical side wall support to confine the soil within the container. Front and rear dust control chambers are provided which restrict the movement of airborne contaminants. The container includes a sensor to monitor the level of contaminated soil remaining after a cut. Prior to removal, an initial survey is made of the area is made using a sensor capable of determining the level of the contaminants in the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a predetermined amount of contaminated overburdened soil. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to move along the soil. It is advanced forward and controlled by a backhoe or other crane configuration. A blade is attached at the front end of the container to cut a predetermined layer of overburdened soil. Vertical plates are included to cut the edge of the soil at the outer ends of the blades and confine the soil within the container. An air control device is also provided for controlling the flow of airborne particulates resulting from the cutting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling hoist control lever velocity on hydraulic cranes. The device is connected to the hoist control lever via a linkage. The device contains a housing which defines a fluid circuit. A slidably mounted pressurizing component communicates with the fluid circuit and is connected to the linkage. The fluid circuit contains a flow restricting device. When the hoist control lever is moved from a first position, wherein the hoist is stationary to a second position, wherein the hoist is moving, the linkage exerts an inward force on the pressurizing component moving the pressurizing component from a neutral to a pressurizing position. Such movement in turn induces a pressure build-up within the fluid circuit. Flow restricting device within the fluid circuit exerts a back pressure on the pressurizing component thereby through the actions of a the pressurizing component and the linkage limits the velocity of the hoist control lever.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a pedestal crane including at least one arcuate shoe adapted to be disposed about the pedestal and mounted with the upperworks of the pedestal crane, with mounting members for releasably mounting the arcuate shoe with the upperworks of the pedestal crane, and further having bearing means with the arcuate shoe for engaging the outer surface of the pedestal for reducing friction between the upperworks and the pedestal when rotating the upperworks of the pedestal crane about the pedestal.