With Means Driving The Anchor Into The Sea Bed Patents (Class 114/295)
  • Patent number: 11530575
    Abstract: A vibration generator (9) for a drilling installation comprises a housing (16), at least one rotation body (17), a suspension (24) by means of which the rotation body is suspended rotatably within the housing, the mass centre of the rotation body (17) being eccentric with respect to the rotation axis of the suspension, and a drive (18) for rotating the rotation body. The housing (16) holds a fluid (15) which is in contact with the rotation body (17) whereby relative rotation between the rotation body and the fluid generates a flow resistance and in that the rotation body comprises flow resistance reduction means (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: IHC Marine and Mineral Projects (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Lourens Christiaan de Jager
  • Patent number: 11001344
    Abstract: A mooring apparatus includes a housing positioned on a seabed by being lowered from a hull, a driven pile inserted into a first through hole formed in the housing, configured to come out of the housing on the seabed, and embedded in and fixed to the seabed, and an anchor line configured to come out of a guide hole formed in the driven pile when the driven pile is embedded in and fixed to the seabed and moving downward through the seabed so as to reinforce a supporting force of the driven pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Beong Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 9945410
    Abstract: Wall plug, in particular chemical, comprising (i) a holed tubular jacket, this jacket defining an internal housing which emerges at each of the longitudinal ends of the jacket, and (ii) an outer sock which surrounds the jacket and covers the holes of the jacket, characterized in that said sock covers a first longitudinal end of the jacket so as to close said internal housing on the side of this first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Matthieu Perrier, Jerome Couvreur, Jean-Paul Marasco
  • Patent number: 9821895
    Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is configured to record seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a base (B) and first and second sides (A, C), the body having a head part and a tail part; a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals; and an anchoring system configured to rock or twist the base in a given sequence so that the base (B) penetrates into the ocean bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SEABED GEOSOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventor: Thierry Brizard
  • Patent number: 9469960
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for deploying one or more plate anchors on the seafloor prior to later installation (embedment) of the plate anchors using an installation tool such as a suction follower. The methods and apparatus may be used for batch-setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor for a drilling vessel mooring in which the plate anchors and an installation tool are subsequently engaged for subsequent suction embedment of the plate anchors to design penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Intermoor Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Naquin, Jr., Michael H. Aleksines, Jonathon D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9458595
    Abstract: The heavy duty a vent cap system includes a top plate with a bucket interface, a center stem assembly, a retainer assembly, a bottom plate with a stem sleeve and guiding device, an adapter ring, a plurality of perimeter stem assemblies and a plurality of perimeter installation stems. A remote operated vehicle engages the bucket interface to rotate a center stem member in the center stem assembly. A threaded portion of the center stem assembly engages a stem nut in the retainer assembly. The rotation along threads of the stem nut held within the retainer assembly actuates the bottom plate between opened and closed positions. The bottom plate maintains alignment to the top plate and adapter ring and resists cocking and distortion. The bottom plate seals to a connection portion of the adapter ring in any orientation of the heavy duty vent cap system, ranging from vertical to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Austin Mohrfeld
  • Patent number: 9428876
    Abstract: A multi-suction pile anchor and a plate anchor for mooring a marine structure, comprises a plurality of suction piles connected in parallel with the same capacity penetrates into the sea floor, wherein a pullout resistance required for mooring the marine structure is applied by changing the number of suction piles, and wherein a plurality of suction piles is connected each other with a connecting plate to increase a lateral resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: O Soon Kwon, Myoung Hak Oh, In Sung Jang
  • Patent number: 9150285
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (1) comprises a plate anchor element (2) mounted on an associated dynamic implanting follower (6) to facilitate dynamically embedding the plate anchor element (2) in a mooring bed below a body of water. The plate anchor element (2) has a tubular sleeve (20) which is slidably mounted on a shaft (8) of the implanting follower (6), and locates at an upper end of the implanting follower (6) which has a pointed penetrating tip (9) at a lower end of the shaft (8). Radial flukes (22) are mounted on the sleeve (20) in a cruciform configuration. A through-hole (3) is provided in one of the flukes (22) for attachment of a tether line. For deployment of the plate anchor element (2) the anchor assembly (1) is dropped from a height above the mooring bed, freefalling through the water and penetrating into the mooring bed. The implanting follower (6) is then retrieved leaving the plate anchor element (2) buried in the mooring bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: STEVLOS B.V.
    Inventors: Conleth Desmond O'Loughlin, Mark Damian Richardson
  • Patent number: 9016225
    Abstract: A kayak mooring stake is positioned in a scupper hole or sleeve. A knob is provided on the stake, and the knob rests on a shelf or ledge around the inside surface of the scupper hole or sleeve. When the mooring stake is rotated, the knob is positioned over an essentially vertical slot interrupting the ledge or shelf, and the stake can be thrust through the scupper hole or sleeve into the mud/sand at the bottom of a bay, lake, stream or the like, thereby fixing the position of a small watercraft against wind and/or current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8800465
    Abstract: A proximal pivot assembly has a proximal pivot arm with proximal and distal ends; a first pin pivotally coupling the proximal end of the proximal pivot arm to a boat mount, a second pin attaching a stop block to the boat mount, a third pin, and a fourth pin coupling the proximal collar to the distal end of the proximal pivot arm. A distal pivot assembly has an anchoring pole mounting plate receiving an anchor pole. The anchor pole has an interior end with a fifth pin. A sixth pin pivotally couples the exterior end of a distal extension arm to the mounting plate. A distal collar with a seventh pin pivotally couples the distal collar to the distal extension arm. An extension assembly operatively couples the proximal and distal pivot assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Richard W. Quail
  • Patent number: 8776712
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8677919
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8661999
    Abstract: A shallow water anchoring device that attaches to the outside hull of a boat. The device drives a sharpened rod into the floor of the body of water. The rod is driven perpendicularly to the water line of the body of water. The device uses an electric motor to drive the driving wheel that drives the rod into the floor. The driving wheel is coated by an elastic material to increase the physical force between the driving wheel and the rod when pressed together. The rod is housed within a tube that connects to the housing of the driving wheel. The housings connect using a pivot. The electric motor can be manually operated or wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Blom
  • Publication number: 20140053767
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (1) comprises a plate anchor element (2) mounted on an associated dynamic implanting follower (6) to facilitate dynamically embedding the plate anchor element (2) in a mooring bed below a body of water. The plate anchor element (2) has a tubular sleeve (20) which is slidably mounted on a shaft (8) of the implanting follower (6), and locates at an upper end of the implanting follower (6) which has a pointed penetrating tip (9) at a lower end of the shaft (8). Radial flukes (22) are mounted on the sleeve (20) in a cruciform configuration. A through-hole (3) is provided in one of the flukes (22) for attachment of a tether line. For deployment of the plate anchor element (2) the anchor assembly (1) is dropped from a height above the mooring bed, freefalling through the water and penetrating into the mooring bed. The implanting follower (6) is then retrieved leaving the plate anchor element (2) buried in the mooring bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: STEVLOS B.V.
    Inventors: Conleth Desmond O'loughlin, Mark Damian Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140007487
    Abstract: Anchor devices for maintaining the position of marine vessels, fishing rods, umbrellas, and other items are disclosed. In an aspect, an anchor device configured for use in or near a littoral zone is disclosed comprising an auger and a body. The auger is a conical, helical screw blade constructed of a composite material or other rigid substance chosen to limit damage to individuals and equipment. The body is configured to connect to a marine vessel, thereby providing a shallow water anchor for the vessel. In another aspect, the body is configured to connect to and anchor fishing poles, signs, umbrellas, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: AugHog Products, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Schwiebert
  • Patent number: 8550023
    Abstract: A power anchor having a boat mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a pivoting assembly, comprising a proximal pivot, a distal pivot, and a pivot link. There is also provided an anchor shaft, having a tapered point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Quail
  • Patent number: 8496410
    Abstract: A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention relates to penetrating a particulate substrate using a compact, low-energy, reversible, and dynamic device for burrowing through particulate substrates. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one vessel and a displacement module coupled with the vessel. The actuation of the displacement module fluidizes the particulate substrate proximate to the vessel and thereby reduces resistance of the particulate substrate to movement of the vessel and causes further penetration of the apparatus through the particulate substrate. The example embodiment utilizes volume contraction and localized fluidizing to move through substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Amos Greene Winter, V, Anette E. Hosoi, Alexander Henry Slocum
  • Patent number: 8381671
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8327791
    Abstract: A rod-shaped anchor has lower and upper ends and a central extent. A fixed plate and a movable plate with adjustment mechanisms couple the plates. The movable plate has an exterior end. A vertical collar slidably receives the central extent of the anchor. Driving mechanisms selectively raise and lower the anchor. A control assembly is operatively coupled with respect to the driving mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Edward N. Cullom, Susan Cullom
  • Patent number: 8312832
    Abstract: A cylindrical rod has an upper end with an upper aperture, a lower end with a lower aperture, and is of a common diameter along the majority of its length. A spiral attachment component has an upwardly facing upper end received in the lower aperture and a downwardly facing lower end terminating in a point. A crank has a vertical lower region removably received in the upper aperture, a horizontal middle region, and a vertical upper region. A cylindrical collar is secured to the lower region of the crank. The collar has a central recess of a diameter less than the diameter of the collar. A rope has a first end secured around the central recess of the collar and a second end adapted to be secured to a cleat of a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Camp
  • Patent number: 7921794
    Abstract: A rod-shaped anchor has lower and upper ends and a central extent. A fixed plate and a movable plate with adjustment mechanisms couple the plates. The movable plate has an exterior end. A vertical collar slidably receives the central extent of the anchor. Driving mechanisms selectively raise and lower the anchor. A control assembly is operatively coupled with respect to the driving mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Edward N. Cullom, Susan Cullom
  • Patent number: 7900381
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed for accommodating a substantially vertical spud of a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction, including a spud carriage which is mounted for limited rotation around a horizontal transverse axis, wherein at least a first and a second spring device is arranged under bias between vessel and spud in the longitudinal direction for the purpose of absorbing a moment on the spud carriage, which first and second spring devices compensate each other in the non-loaded situation of the spud; and at least one spring device is provided with a spring force limiting device for limiting the tension in the spring element from a determined maximum moment on the spud carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dredging International N.V.
    Inventor: Etienne Clymans
  • Patent number: 7878137
    Abstract: A Torpedo Pile (100) is described for the anchoring of floating structures used for drilling and production wells for oil and gas, the pile (100) comprising a tapering body (1) provided with fins (20) and a point (30) for embedding in the seabed, its upper end being provided with at least two plates (2) provided with flaps (3), said flaps being capable of inducing a rotation of the articulation elements (4) when a dragging force is exerted on the system. With the continuation of the dragging force, the plates (2) continue to rotate as far as a final configuration, when the points of contact (6) of stops (5) are reached. The pile (100) comprises one embodiment for permanent anchorage and another for temporary anchorage. The method of installation/withdrawal of the two embodiments is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Cipriano José De Medeiros Júnior, Luiz Fernando Gomes De Carvalho
  • Patent number: 7752989
    Abstract: A deep water high capacity anchoring system in which the fixing of an anchor structure under compact layers of ocean soil is reached by jetting fluid in rising directions and, simultaneously in a radial and/or perpendicular direction to the external surfaces of said anchor structure injected from its lower extremity, thus guaranteeing anchoring of large size floating structures, related to the petroleum industry, such as stationary production units and oil drilling platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Vladimir Mate Paz, Elisabeth de Campos Porto, Cipriano José De Medeiros, Júnior
  • Patent number: 7736094
    Abstract: A system includes a body portion having rear portion having a fluid intake port and a nose portion having a fluid discharge port. The body portion contains an omni-directional vibratory device, a pump, a fluid conduit that is coupled to the pump and the fluid discharge port, and a power source that is electrically connected to the vibratory device and the pump. The body portion may also contain control circuitry and two end caps rigidly fixed therein, wherein the fluid conduit passes through each end cap. The vibratory device and the pump may be activated by a sensor such as a hydrostatic pressure sensor, an accelerometer, or an altimeter. The body portion may also contain communications circuitry that remotely controls the vibratory device and the pump. The body portion is configured to house a payload such as a sensor system, a battery pack, or a ballast for anchoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Josh Bianchi, Timothy J. Keenan
  • Publication number: 20090107387
    Abstract: A jet implanted anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a tubular member having a plurality of pivotable flukes coupled thereto. Each pivotable fluke is moveable between a collapsed position, wherein the pivotable fluke abuts the tubular member, and an extended position, wherein the pivotable fluke is angularly offset from the tubular member. In other embodiments, the anchor includes a plate coupled along its perimeter to a tubular member. The tubular member includes at least one inlet, a plurality of nozzles, and a flowbore extending therebetween. The anchor further includes a swivel connection coupled between a pipe connector and the tubular member. The swivel connection is rotatable about the tubular member and provides fluid communication between the swivel connection and the tubular member. The pipe connector selectably limits rotation of the swivel connection about the tubular member and fluid communication between the pipe connector and the swivel connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: HORTON DEEPWATER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Edward E. Horton, III
  • Publication number: 20090020065
    Abstract: A deep water high capacity anchoring system in which the fixing of an anchor structure under compact layers of ocean soil is reached by jetting fluid in rising directions and, simultaneously in a radial and/or perpendicular direction to the external surfaces of said anchor structure injected from its lower extremity, thus guaranteeing anchoring of large size floating structures, related to the petroleum industry, such as stationary production units and oil drilling platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Vladimir Mate Paz, Elisabeth de Campos Porto, Cipriano Jose De Medeiros, JR.
  • Patent number: 7325628
    Abstract: A seabed anchor (20) is fixed to and deployable from an ROV (10) for positively anchoring the ROV (10) to the seabed (100). The seabed anchor (20) comprises three nested telescoping tubes (26, 28, & 30). The upper end of the oute (26) is fixed to the ROV (10). A rotary drill bit (38) is carried on the output shaft of a motor (34) that is mounted o of the innermost tube (30). The nested assembly of three telescopic tubes (26, 28, 30) can be controllably extended and retracted b controlled operation of a hydraulic ram or other linear actuator coupled between the outer tube (26) and the inner tube (30). Each the tubes (26, 28 & 30) carries a respective one or two pairs of inflatable packets (40, 42, & 44) that are normally un quiescent within respective recesses in the sides of the tubes where the packers do not interfere with telescopic relative movements of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Acergy UK Limited
    Inventors: Paul J. Brunning, David G. F. McKay
  • Patent number: 7270073
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing anchor system designed to quickly anchor and release a boat in shallow water with minimal effort and little to no distraction from other activities such as fishing, which has an anchor sleeve containing a sleeve liner through which an anchor pole with a pointed bottom end passes through, said anchor pole extending below the hull of a boat into the lake or river bottom beneath, and which anchor pole can engage a locking insert when the anchor pole is twisted in either direction, said locking insert located in a notch cut out of the sleeve liner, allowing the anchor pole to be locked in a stowed position, and which has an upper flange which engages a hand grip wrapped around the top of the anchor pole, preventing the top end of the anchor pole from dropping completely through the boat hull, and which has a bottom flange attached to the boat hull bottom through which the anchor pole passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Donald L. Waldrop
  • Patent number: 7270072
    Abstract: An anchor system designed to quickly anchor and release a boat in shallow water with minimal effort and little to no distraction from other activities such as fishing, which has an anchor sleeve containing a sleeve liner through which an anchor pole with a pointed bottom end passes through, said anchor pole extending below the hull of a boat into the lake or river bottom beneath, and which anchor pole can engage a locking insert when the anchor pole is twisted in either direction, said locking insert located in a notch cut out of the top of the sleeve liner, allowing the anchor pole to be locked in a stowed position, and which has an upper flange which engages a hand grip wrapped around the top of the anchor pole, preventing the top end of the anchor pole from dropping completely through the boat hull, and which has a bottom flange attached to the boat hull bottom through which the anchor pole passes, and which has an attaching nut which attaches the anchor sleeve to the boat deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Donald L. Waldrop
  • Patent number: 6953092
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pre-installation of a petroleum wellhead on the seabed. The apparatus includes two principal components: a wellhead (1) and a ballast tube (9). The wellhead includes a tube in which are fixed guide fins (3) and structural fins (8). The ballast tube (9) includes a tube with a holding member (12) for its recovery after the wellhead (1) has been fixed on the seabed. The ballast tube (9) is placed inside the wellhead (1) and the assembly is launched towards the seabed, being embedded in it by the inherent weight of the assembly. After the wellhead (1) has been fixed, the ballast tube (9) is raised to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventor: Cipriano José De Medeiros, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6901878
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke and a shank which at a first end is attached to the fluke and a second end that is situated opposite to the first end, is provided with means for attachments of the anchor to a penetration line or anchor line, in which the shank comprises two shank legs, which at the second end are connected to each other using apin, in which the portion of the pin situated within the shank legs also serves as connection means for an end link or end shackle of the penetration line or anchor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 6895884
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel anchoring system comprising: a housing; a connector that connects the housing to an object; at least one motor which is contained within and fixed to said housing; and at least three movable elongated members, each having a proximal tip, a distal tip, a retracted storage position and an extended operative position relative to the housing. Each elongated member is operably linked to at least one motor, and an elongated member is essentially contained within the housing when said elongated member is in a storage position and the elongated member extends away from the distal surface of said housing into a penetrable environment when the elongated member is in an extended operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Victor Eli Velázquez
  • Patent number: 6606829
    Abstract: The collapsible land anchor of this invention includes an anchor body, a drive anvil coupled to the top end portion of the anchor body, and a runner member that is slidable longitudinally through the drive anvil between an operative position and a collapsed position. A retraction anvil is coupled to the top end portion of the runner member, and a hammer weight is carried on the runner member. In its operative position, the runner member extends beyond the drive anvil away from the cavity of the anchor body to space the drive anvil apart from the retraction anvil. Also in the operative position, the hammer weight is slidable along the runner member into the drive anvil to drive the anchor body into the ground. In the collapsed position, the runner member is displaced towards and at least partially stowed in the cavity of the anchor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Benincasa, Beneditto Cafaro
  • Patent number: 6598555
    Abstract: A marine anchoring arrangement is described wherein a marine anchor (1, 23) is drivingly embedded vertically into a mooring bed (10) by an elongate follower (13), especially by its own weight and that of the follower. The follower (13) has a bottom clevis part (103) adapted to hold detachably the anchor (1) via the anchor shank (2) by means of a fulcrum pin (17) whereby the anchor (1) may swing relative to the bottom part (103). For initial penetration, the anchor (1) is held in a position of minimum forward resistance, specifically with the forward direction F of the fluke (3) parallel to the follower axis (20) and this is achieved by a shear pin (109) between the anchor (1) and the bottom part (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 6561115
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for a diver has a hollow tube to vent pressurized gas from an interconnected source through an opening in the tube. The vented pressurized gas aerates material of a seabed, and an anchoring system disposed adjacent to the tube is effortlessly inserted in the aerated material by a single diver. The hand-held tool permits an improved method of inserting the anchoring system as compared to the time consuming, strenuous, and noisy hammering procedure that usually requires more than one diver to successfully embed an anchor in the seabed. Different sources of pressurized gas for aerating the material may include a portable gas cylinder, diver's air tank, or hose from a remote source, such as a compressor. Quick-change connectors can be used to quickly and easily connect and disconnect components to supply more gas or add different components that will help insert different anchoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Brian G. Chase
  • Patent number: 6360495
    Abstract: A sand spike system anchors a cable in an earthen substrate. A penetrator connected to the cable has folded petal-shaped sections of spring steel propelled into the earth by a propellant. Cables connected to opposite petal-shaped sections help arrest penetration and spread the folded petal-shaped sections outwardly to increase the resistance to tensile loads. Sand spike system may use a delay activated or an electrically initiated propellant to drive the penetrator into the earth instead of mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic force. This permits remote initiation of sand spikes from a safe distance on land or underwater. In addition, each sand spike creates far a greater surface area to entrain and use the earthen substrate and not friction to anchor, and, as a consequence, it safely bears greater tensile loads on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stephen J. Schelfhout
  • Patent number: 6257166
    Abstract: Method for installing an anchor that is released in the sea, especially for installation of in soft seabed sediments. An anchor is rebased in free fall from an at rest position or nearly at rest position and with the longitudinal axis vertical from a position in the water, and that ensures directional stability and nonroutional acceleration during movement towards the seabed. The anchor body (14) has a main member or shank (22) with a regular cross section, especially circular or regular polygon form, with tip (23) and with upward projecting shank (25) with lower average density than the main anchor body has. The anchor body is shaped such that the center-of-gravity lies lower than the middle of the total anchor length and below the average distance to the sum of all the fluid forces which ensures directional stability and nonrotational acceleration during free fall and penetration into the seabed sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Leiv Eiriksson Nyfotek AS
    Inventor: Jon Tore Lieng
  • Patent number: 6240870
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor which may be buried in the seabed by means of the actual mooring line. One embodiment of such an anchor (25) comprises a fluke (1) which has rear eyes (3, 3A), front eyes (2A, 2B) and auxiliary eyes (4A, 4B). Rear mooring cables (9A, 9B) are connected to the rear eyes (3A, 3B) and front mooring cables (8A, 8B) are connected to rear connection points (17A, 17B) located on the front eyes (2A, 2B). Front installation cables (7A, 7B), which are shorter than the front mooring cables (8A, 8B), are connected to front connection points (16A, 16B) on the front eyes (2A, 2B). The remaining ends of these cables are connected to a connection plate (5), forming the anchor bobstay, and a mooring line is connected to the top of this connection plate (5). As the front installation cables (7A, 7B) are shorter than the rear mooring cables (9A, 9B), the bobstay is configured with the desired angle of attack for the burial of the anchor (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Adolfo Tsuyoshi Komura, Gustavo Adolfo Villela de Castro
  • Patent number: 6223671
    Abstract: A mooring apparatus for securing a mooring line for a floating rig or the like, includes a soil penetration means, an anchoring means, and coiled tubing or the like, the soil penetration means and anchoring means being arranged upon the coiled tubing. Fluid may be pumped down the coiled tubing to drive the soil penetration means, or to activate the anchor. A transmission cable, to control the mooring system or supply it with power, may also be disposed along the coiled tubing. Various penetration means, such as drill and helical augers may be used. For soft soil, the soil penetration means may include nozzles to erode the soil. The soil penetration means may either be retracted, of sacrificed to form part of the anchor. The anchor may then be fixed securely by supplying concrete or the like down the coiled tubing and into the hole. The mooring apparatus includes a buoy, releasable by remote signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 6106199
    Abstract: A pile for anchoring a floating structure in deep water includes an elongated body provided with a tapered pointed tip at the lower end thereof and a closure disc at the upper end thereof. A plurality of radially and axially extending fins are secured to the pile adjacent the upper end thereof. The elongated body of the pile is filled with material having a high specific gravity distributed in such a manner that the center of gravity of the pile is located well below its center of buoyancy. The process for installing the pile uses the potential energy generated by the free fall of the pile from a vessel in order to ensure that the pile penetrates the ocean floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. -Petrobras
    Inventors: Cipriano Jose de Medeiros, Jr., Luis Hissashui Hassui, Rogerio Diniz Machado
  • Patent number: 6092484
    Abstract: An improved anchor is provided for small boats for mooring in the bottom of bodies of water such as lakes and coastal and inland waters. Embodiments include an anchor comprising a rod, such as a round cross-section stainless steel rod about 3-6 feet long and about 1-2 inches in diameter. One end of the rod is tapered, either to a point or to a blunt or hemispherical end, while the other end has a swivel with an eyelet for connecting a shackle and a rope or chain. A hand grip is provided on the rod between the two ends of the rod. The tapered end of the rod is inserted into the bottom of a body of water using the hand grip. Thus, the anchor easily sets on the first attempt, the swivel accommodates changes in current and wind conditions that may move the boat while it is moored, thereby avoiding dislodging of the anchor, and the anchor does not snag on debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Hugh D. Babin, Albert J. Domangue
  • Patent number: 6066015
    Abstract: A buoy drilling anchoring system including a retrievable buoy anchoring drilling device and at least one anchorable marker buoy assembly anchorable into the earth's surface underwater. The retrievable buoy anchoring drilling device is adapted to anchor in the earth's surface underwater at least one anchorable marker buoy assembly having an earth penetratable anchor and is retrievable from underwater after the anchorable marker buoy assembly is anchored for subsequent use thereof. Thereby, a single retrievable buoy anchoring drilling device can be used to anchor a plurality of anchorable marker buoy assemblies such as used to mark the underwater locations for placement of cables or pipelines such as without limitation, a gas pipeline and an oil pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: James D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5683209
    Abstract: An anchor comprising an exterior bale and having two fluke planes in a horizontal plane that lie vertically parallel and in a horizontal plane are separated by vertical ribs uniting the horizontal planes at an angle of 90.degree. and forming with them open spaces between the fluke planes that allow the passage of marine floor material through the entire length of the fluke planes area. Stops elements are to either side of the fluke plane and control the burial angle rotation of the fluke in relationship to the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Costley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5431123
    Abstract: A boat anchoring apparatus according to the invention has an elongate rod with a planar end piece attached at one end thereof for driving vertically into the sand or soil on a beach or waterfront. The rod is driven into the beach using a driving device having a weighted closed end with hollow tube for placement over the rod and having an elongate aperture along the length of the tube with a securing pin for attachment to the rod for pulling the rod out of the soil. Attached to the driving device is a pawl actuating mechanism for securing a line from the boat to said pawl when the rod is vertically in the soil and one end of the driving device is slidingly secured over the vertical rod locking at 90 degrees detaining forward tilt of buried rod and maximizing horizontal direction of vector forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: BetterWay Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5154131
    Abstract: An anchor which attaches to a tree, stump or other stationary object for anchoring a buoyant vessel such as a boat, in a relatively stationary position. The anchor consisting of a clamping device, a pair of tongs attached to and extending from the clamping device, and an anchor line to attach the anchor to the boat. The tong engaging the tree or other stationary object to securely anchor and hold the boat in a relatively stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Pearly T. Hall
  • Patent number: 4798159
    Abstract: A self-deploying stabilizer for marine anchors is disclosed wherein the silizers fold into a collapsed, compact configuration for easy stowage and automatically self-extend to a working position after anchor deployment for stable anchoring performance. The stabilizers have hinged movable arms which include angled reaction force plates which operate against drag forces created on the plates as an anchor moves through various materials in a marine environment to force the stabilizer arms to move to a fully open position. Springs may be used for assisting or restricting deployment of the movable arms, and lock bolts or break-away shear pins may be provided to retain the movable arms in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Daniel G. True
  • Patent number: 4702047
    Abstract: A ground anchor is provided comprising a first part engageable within an anchoring medium such as, for example, the ground, along an insertion axis; a second part to which loads are, in use, attached; and linking means interconnecting the first and second parts yet permitting displacement of the second part with respect to the insertion axis; so that when load is applied to the second part after the first part has been inserted within the anchoring medium the second part can alter position without moving the first part and thus reduce the effective loading on the first part. The second part preferably includes supplementary anchoring which penetrates the surface of the anchoring medium upon application of load to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Baramac Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Bruce F. Stokes
  • Patent number: 4697958
    Abstract: An improved, slow burning jet embedded anchor assembly for use in sedimentary strata and similarly nonconsolidated or rocky ocean bottom surfaces is shown. The anchor comprises an inertially loaded reaction member above a substantially elongated anchor shaft, coaxially positioned around an elongated drive tube assembly. The anchor shaft has a number of open cross-section triangular sheet metal anchoring fins, providing substantially low resistance to penetration within the strata, but providing substantially high resistance to sideways displacement forces, as would be imposed through a standard anchor rod. The anchor is positioned by lowering the inertial reaction unit and embedded by the weight of the inertial reaction unit a distance into the surface layer of the subocean strata. An internal detonator control assures vertical embedment unless the anchor is vertically positioned. The anchor is remotely fired after initial embedment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Ben-Jac, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Kenny Sr.
  • Patent number: 4682559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor system which includes an anchor projectile section having an anchor body, beams pivotally connected at their lower end to the body and interconnected by flexible segments, a pressure storage or launching section having a launching tube in which the upper body of the projectile section is positioned for being launched therefrom, a drag plate secured around the launching section with substantial weight therein and sufficient diameter to create a large virtual water mass and hydrodynamic drag to resist upward movement of the launching section when the anchor projectile section is released for launching into the sea bottom, a remotely controlled collet connector securing the anchor projectile section within the launching section until the anchor is to be launched for setting in the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Emanuel Schnitzer, Leonard E. Williams, Jr.