With Dislodgement Means Patents (Class 114/297)
  • Patent number: 11427290
    Abstract: An anchor rescue system includes an improved slider assembly 200 and retriever assembly 300 allowing for secure attachment as the retriever assembly is lowered upon an anchor line to attach to the slider assembly. Once attached, the retriever assembly pulls upon the slider assembly with the slider assembly attached to a tether chain 210 with the tether chain attached to a lower portion of the anchor, such as crown, causing the anchor to move upwardly in a relative horizontal position. The system frees trapped anchors without need for floatation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Mike Scheck
  • Patent number: 11046456
    Abstract: A takeoff and landing assist apparatus for a flight vehicle with rotor blades causes the flight vehicle to take off from or be landed on a target point. The takeoff and landing assist apparatus includes a plurality of guide rods in parallel to each other, the plurality of guide rods being provided to one of the flight vehicle and the target point; and a plurality of guide rings into which the plurality of guide rods are insertable, the plurality of guide rings being provided to the other of the flight vehicle and the target point. A center-to-center distance between the plurality of guide rods and a center-to-center distance between the plurality of guide rings are set to be same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Fujita
  • Patent number: 10858074
    Abstract: A common experience for boat owners is to lose anchors, particularly when anchored next to structure, wrecks, sunken debris, tree roots, rocks or other obstacles that are likely to become firmly engaged, holding the flukes of an anchor. Attempts to release the anchor by maneuvering the boat or by the manipulation of the anchor line often prove futile and succeed only in increasing the entanglement of the anchor. Ultimately it may lead to anchor loss or even loss of life of those on board the boat. This fluke style anchor mechanism design was invented by research and development through which the inventor created the Radial Arm Double Shank Split Crown Self-Releasing Mechanism Anchor providing a superior, safer, practical and economical solution to overcome the aforementioned problems of past art devices referenced herein or exhibited within this document shown in exhibits; Description of the Prior Art or Patent Citations and Searches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Russell D Walker
  • Patent number: 10589825
    Abstract: An adaptor for an anchor including a first member configured for coupling a chain and a hollow second member for pivotally coupling an anchor. The second member defines a longitudinally extending blind slot on an inner surface and a longitudinally extending opening diametrically opposite the blind slot. The blind slot configured to restrict pivoting motion of the anchor within the second member and a swivel coupler for coupling the first member to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CMP GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Michael A. Duff, Mark Pocock
  • Patent number: 9061741
    Abstract: An anchor (3) and an anchor positioning system (1) are provided in which an anchor shackle (7) is arranged such that, in use, it is disposed within a chasing collar (17). The anchor shackle can be positioned in a locking position in the chasing collar in which rotational movement of the anchor shackle around its longitudinal axis is inhibited. The anchor shackle may also be positioned in an unlocked position in the chasing collar. The anchor shackle can rotate around its longitudinal axis (x-x) from the unlocked position to the locking position. Accordingly, the anchor shackle assists in maintaining the anchor (3) in a desired orientation corresponding to the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: FE Anchor Corporation
    Inventor: Edmund Fitch
  • Patent number: 8752497
    Abstract: An anchor device includes a connecting member between an anchor and its anchor line, having a first part designed to be fastened to one end of the shank of the anchor and a second part extending axially and designed to be fastened releasably to the first part and to be connected to the anchor line; including a piston which is slidable in a cavity of the second part; and a body designed to be moved by sliding along the anchor line until it interacts with the piston, thus releasing the first part and second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Giovanni Crippa
  • Publication number: 20120000411
    Abstract: An anchor comprising; a shank cylinder, a crossbar, the crossbar projecting outwardly of the shank cylinder; and a mass filler, the mass filler enclosed in the shank cylinder wherein the mass filler assists in the easy release of the anchor from coral rocks. Wherein the mass filler is one of the following: a liquid substance and an additive, a dumbbell shaped mass, sand, stones, stone pebbles, concrete, concrete pebbles, metal, metal beads, metal pebbles, lead and lead pebbles. A method of lodging/dislodging a vessel to coral rock comprising deploying of an anchor, the anchor further comprising of a mass filler enclosed in a shank cylinder and, a crossbar protruding from the shank cylinder and allowing for the anchor to lodge/dislodge to the coral rock by moving on the mass filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: JIM SCOLEDES
  • Patent number: 8011857
    Abstract: The present invention describes an extraction system (100,100a) for expediting removal of a footing (105) that is embedded in a seabed or marine floor. The extraction system provides a supply of pressurized fluid (140) to a chamber from where the pressurized fluid exudes through porous members (122,122a, etc) located on the base (114) of the footing (105). When an uplifting force is applied to the footing (105) for its removal, the pressurized fluid (140) exudes out through the porous member (122,122a, etc.) to compensate or reduce suction induced beneath the footing, without fluidizing or channeling of the seabed soil, thereby expediting removal of the footing (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Offshore Technology Development Pte Ltd, National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Kok Seng Foo, Chin Kau Quah, Okky Ahmad Purwana, Yean Khow Chow, Chun Fai Leung
  • Patent number: 7870831
    Abstract: An anchor incorporates a release mechanism that is releasably assembled to a shank. An anchor chain is affixed to a crown section of the anchor. The chain is slideably inserted through a tubular release mechanism body. A tension controlling mechanism is elastically coupled between the release mechanism and the anchor chain. A pair of release interface notches is formed within the proximal end of the release mechanism; the slots are placed on opposing sides of the release mechanism. A pair of release interface fasteners is disposed along a distal end of the shank. The release mechanism is held in a mooring configuration by engaging the release interface notches and the release interface fasteners. The release mechanism maintains the chain in a mooring configuration until the release mechanism is rotated perpendicular to the shank, wherein the release interface notches disengage from the release interface fasteners changing a tensile force from an anchor engaging direction to a releasing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: David Richert, Scott McCord, Joseph Richert
  • Publication number: 20090314196
    Abstract: An anchor incorporates a release mechanism that is releasably assembled to a shank. An anchor chain is affixed to a crown section of the anchor. The chain is slideably inserted through a tubular release mechanism body. A tension controlling mechanism is elastically coupled between the release mechanism and the anchor chain. A pair of release interface notches is formed within the proximal end of the release mechanism; the slots are placed on opposing sides of the release mechanism. A pair of release interface fasteners is disposed along a distal end of the shank. The release mechanism is held in a mooring configuration by engaging the release interface notches and the release interface fasteners. The release mechanism maintains the chain in a mooring configuration until the release mechanism is rotated perpendicular to the shank, wherein the release interface notches disengage from the release interface fasteners changing a tensile force from an anchor engaging direction to a releasing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: David Richert, Scott McCord, Joseph Richert
  • Patent number: 6968798
    Abstract: An anchor has a shank pivotally connected to a fluke structure via a pivot mount for rotation between locked and release configurations. The shank has a locking surface distal from the pivot mount engaging a portion of the fluke structure to resist the rotation in the locked configuration. An elastically deformable member couples the shank to the pivot mount and the rotation of the shank may require the deformable member to be elastically deformed and the locking surface to be displaced toward the pivot mount. A float may be attached to the shank at a position spaced away from the fluke structure. A pulling force component applied to the shank in a direction from the pivot mount toward the locking surface may provide greater resistance to rotation of the shank. Other anchor embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Willis
  • Patent number: 6966273
    Abstract: An anchor for anchoring a vessel to an underwater structure. The anchor includes a shaft and at least three inexpensive flukes each attached to the shaft with a tension adjustable release mechanism. In use at least one of the inexpensive flukes grapple onto a portion of the structure securing the vessel in place. If sufficient tension is applied to the anchor line connecting the anchor to the vessel the release mechanism releases the inexpensive fluke to free the anchor without damage to the underwater structure. In a preferred embodiment each of the release mechanisms includes a spring and a threaded bolt for placing the spring in compression by compressing the spring between the head of the bolt and a first end of a rod into which the bolt is screwed. The rod is contained within a tube. A tab on the inexpensive fluke fits into a slot at the second end of the rod and the tab is trapped in the slot by the inside surface of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: David Ross
  • Patent number: 6951183
    Abstract: A marine anchor release mechanism that can be utilized on several pre-manufactured claw, plow or fluke type anchors for unsnagging the anchors from underwater obstructions. The release mechanism consists of two blade type brackets that run parallel to the shank of an anchor and connected to a rear portion of the anchor. A shear pin is installed through the parallel blade type brackets and the shank or an upper extension of the anchor that is sandwiched there between. The release mechanism is designed to release a snagged anchor by applying a sufficient force when powering the boat over the anchor, the shear pin will give way and the anchor assembly will rotate freely from an angle of substantially 180° with respect to the shackle end of the anchor, thus allowing the anchor to pull free from the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: John Alexander Burback
  • Patent number: 6880479
    Abstract: A buoyancy powered device for raising or assisting in raising anchors from the bottom of a body of water. The device is remotely inflated through a hose that is preferably placed inside a protective outer shell. The rope attached to the anchor is also preferably placed inside the shell, but is not attached to the hose so that the hose is not required to bear any of the weight of the anchor or to keep the watercraft secured to the anchor. At various locations along the line are provided loops or other attachment devices that can be used to attach the rope to the boat at various lengths as desired. Preferably, when deflated, the float can be temporarily secured in a compact rolled-up or folded configuration near the anchor line, by a securement system that allows the float to come unrolled or unfolded during inflation of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Clint Low
  • Patent number: 6311636
    Abstract: An anchor has a fluke with a longitudinal axis that extends from the rear end of the fluke to its front end. A connection member couples the fluke with the lower end of an anchor line. The connection member comprises an anchor shank and at least one coupling with two cooperating coupling members. The first coupling member is situated on the fluke side of the coupling and is directly or indirectly connected to the fluke in order to follow its movement. The second coupling member is situated on the anchor line side of the coupling and is directly or indirectly connected to the anchor line. An operation member is activated by swinging the anchor line held taut in order to change its angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluke and then to mutually displace the first and second coupling member from a coupling position to a position in which the second coupling member is released or emerges from coupling engagement with the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Octrooibureau Vrisendorp & Gaade
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 6119618
    Abstract: A modular anchor with a compressible spring member that permits its easy retrieval from the floor onto which the anchor became stuck. This retrieval is accomplished by merely pulling the anchor cable, the integrity of the cable being preserved as a consequence of the yielding of a spring member that is part of the modular anchor. The spring member compresses when it is subjected to sufficient pressure. The modular anchor may be disassembled to be carried in a bag with other elements useful for fastening a boat to shore. The anchor preferably has a fluke in the form of a plow or plowshare fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Giles
  • Patent number: 6038996
    Abstract: A modular anchor with a stress sensitive shank that permits its easy retrieval from the floor onto which the anchor became stuck. This retrieval is accomplished by merely pulling the anchor cable, the integrity of the cable being preserved as a consequence of the yielding of a shear pin that is part of the modular anchor. The shear pin breaks when it is subjected to a stress that satisfies a certain limit condition. The modular anchor may be disassembled to be carried in a bag with other elements useful for fastening a boat to shore. The anchor preferably has a fluke in the form of a plow or plowshare fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Giles
  • Patent number: 6009826
    Abstract: A boat anchor and a retrieving mechanism for unsnagging the anchor from an underwater obstruction. The anchor includes an anchor body and a shank pivotally connected to the anchor body. The retrieving mechanism includes an elongated shank line connected between the crown and one end of an elongated clampbolt of an adjustable release mechanism. A clampbolt receiving block having a U-shaped channel is connected to a distal end of the shank which is aligned longitudinally to the shank and opening away from the anchor body. An enlarged shoulder of the clampbolt abuts against one end surface of the receiving block while an elastomeric friction member and a hand nut are positioned on a threaded portion of the clampbolt against the other end surface of the receiving block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Richard M. Nole
  • Patent number: 5890451
    Abstract: A drag embedment normal load anchor ("Denla") comprises a fluke with a shank pivotally attached thereto, the shank including an anchor cable attachment point and control or restraint mechanisms whereby the shank can be set such that the cable attachment point can lie selectively in first, second, and third directions relative to the fluke centroid, the directions providing three fluke centroid angles (.alpha., .beta., and .theta., respectively) with the fluke forward direction (F). The Denla is part of an anchoring apparatus including a rear drogue line serving to orientate the anchor correctly at the sea bed without the need for a separate pendant line. In operation, the Denla is embedded by pulling on an anchor cable with the first fluke centroid angle .alpha. present; when the desired horizontal anchor loading is achieved, the shank is moved to the second larger centroid angle .beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 5797340
    Abstract: An anchor retrieval system comprising a buoy (20) from which there depends an anchor retrieval device (40) comprising an aperture through which an anchor chain or rope or the like can pass, which anchor chain or rope or the like has one end attached to a vessel (11) and the other end attached to an anchor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: William Henry Peeters
  • Patent number: 5766049
    Abstract: This nautical buoy is used to monitor the surface projection of a deployed anchor by floating above the anchor. This is accomplished by a connecting tether-line (16) from the buoy to the trip-eye of an anchor (48) attached using a shackle (18). As the anchor is lowered using the vessel's normal ground tackle, the tether-line (16) is deployed by unreeling from the buoy until the anchor rests on the bottom. The tether-line (16) is then secured from further deployment using a tether-line restraining tab (19) and the buoy is tossed overboard so as to float above the deployed anchor. A steady or flashing, light can be affixed to the top of the buoy to identify its location in subdued-light conditions. The buoy can also assist in retrieving an anchor, while aboard the vessel, that has been fouled on bottom vegetation, rocks, and/or other debris. Retrieving the anchor is accomplished by pulling on the tether-line (16), thus applying tensional forces nearly opposite to the frictional forces fouling the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Dana Letourneau
  • Patent number: 5690047
    Abstract: A sea anchor may be lifted from the sea bottom by remotely inflating an inflatable float connected to the anchor. The inflated float provides a buoyant lift force that automatically lifts the anchor to the water surface or assists a person in lifting the anchor to the surface. The anchor may be lowered to the sea bottom by venting air out of the float from a remote point on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: William C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5666899
    Abstract: A float catch for a boat anchoring and retrieval system includes a body with a head section and a tail section, the body being secured to an anchor line. The head section defines an anchor rope passageway through which an anchor line passes and is engaged by a rope diverter which spreads the anchor line away from the tail section of the float catch. Consequently, when the anchor is retrieved, the rope and float catch slide relative to the float in one direction until the float is coupled to the rope at a position between the float catch and the anchor. The tail section of the float catch thereafter prevents relative travel of the float past the float catch in the opposite direction during retrieval of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Rick E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 5619947
    Abstract: A releasable anchor includes a generally "J" shaped fluke formed of a resilient material which has memory to return the fluke to a "J" shape after a biasing force has been applied thereto. Preferably, the fluke is formed of a strap of spring steel and has a weight affixed to the free end so as to direct the fluke's free end downwardly through the water. One or more flukes may be connected to form variations in anchor shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: J. Douglas Lewis
  • Patent number: 5579712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasable anchor for securing a boat or marine vessel to a desired position having a weighted body with a central bore extending throughout its length through which an elastic strip is pulled in such a way as to form a closed eye on one end of the weighted body and with the remainder of the elastic strip being frictionally held within the central bore of the weighted body. The elastic eye along with the weighted body may be attached to one end of an anchor line and when the anchor becomes bound by an underwater obstruction a boater may exert tension to the elastic eye by applying a pulling force to the anchor line. The exerted tension will cause the elastic strip to stretch thus reducing its diameter inside the central bore of the weighted body until the friction will no longer withhold its exit from the central bore of the weighted body. This action allows the anchor to release from the anchor line at the point of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: David E. Rinker, Terry Vietz
  • 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: 5095842
    Abstract: A simple, easily affordable and portable, yet rugged and reliable, collapsible anchor is disclosed for use with small water craft, particularly those susceptible to damage by sharp edges or protuberances of a conventional non-collapsible anchor stower aboard. When snagged, the anchor is self-tripped by a force exerted in a direction upstream from where the craft was anchored. The force trips a release mechanism which allows a pair of flukes to rotate in an "A"-shaped spring yoke in which they are held, and unsnag the anchor. The flukes are nonrotatably disposed on a fluke shaft which is journalled in the lower terminal portions of the yoke's two spring arms. The upper terminal portions (apex) of the yoke are held together by a fulcrum pivot (shoulder bolt) means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Jack A. Soules
  • Patent number: 4987847
    Abstract: An anchor retrieving device for transmitting the anchoring power from a main anchoring line to the end of a shank of an anchor opposite to the crown end when the device is held in the locking position and for transmitting the anchor raising power from the main anchoring line to the crown end when the device is held in the unlocking position. The anchor retrieving device comprises a first lock assembly having a hook member, a weight for striking said first lock assembly when it is desired to bring the first lock assembly in the unlocked position, a second lock assembly connected to the end of the shank opposite to the crown end to be moved between locking and unlocking positions, a connection line for connecting the hook member to the second lock assembly to transmit the anchoring power and having guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4958586
    Abstract: A folding anchor, having a shank formed in two pieces and pivotally joined together with a spring biased locking device. The fluke assemblies are pivotally connected via a coupling assembly at the lower end of the shank, the coupling assembly including first and second generally C-shaped retaining members for pivotal attachment of one fluke assembly to each, the first retaining member being secured to the lower shank, with the second retaining member pivotally connected to the first for pivoting about an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of pivoting of the flukes. the two retaining members are so formed, and joined, to permit pivoting of the fluke assemblies between folded and unfolded positions, whereby the two flukes may be rotated toward each other into proximate facing relation, or away from each other into alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: JSS Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Stupakis
  • Patent number: 4951593
    Abstract: A two piece shank structure releasably retains a single central shank tube detachable from the shanks. The shanks are affixed in position on the surface of two double edged flukes. The double edged flukes are attached to a main fluke shaft. The anchor line extends from the boat through the central shank tube where it attaches to a U-shaped bracket. The U-shaped bracket is attached centrally to the main fluke shaft by a rotatable collar. Both shanks are manufactured with an inherent spring biasing in the material, allowing them to be slightly separated for snap in connection of the central shank tube, and also maintains pressure against the central shank tube retaining it in position under normal use. Once the anchor has become snagged under a log or similar underwater snag it may be retrieved by pulling the anchor line at an angle relative to the shanks with the pull needing to be generally opposite in direction to which the anchor is suspected of sliding under a snag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Brown, Phyllis B. Brown
  • Patent number: 4926779
    Abstract: The marine anchor has two symmetrical flukes, each one of them fitted with a pair of symmetrical ledges. Between the flukes, a shank is capable of pivoting around a transverse shaft that joins the two flukes, so as to form, relative to the shaft, a fore arm and a rear arm. The free end of the rear arm carries transverse stop-pins. An oblong aperture is provided in the shank, for the passage of a shaft that joins the flukes. The stop-pins come into abutment against the ledges of the flukes when the shaft is in the rear part of the aperture. The stop-pins are released from the ledges when the shaft is in the fore part of the aperture. The aperture has the general shape of a truncated triangle, the axis of symmetry of which is one and the same with the longitudinal axis of the shank, the long base of the truncated triangle being in the fore. Under normal conditions, elastic or breakable lug pieces limit the movements of the stop-pins when they are released from the ledges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventors: Claude Piton, Jacqueline Piton
  • Patent number: 4922847
    Abstract: A pliant anchoring device (10) includes a pliant anchor (12) having a pliant pouch (14) and a pliant extension (16), a first rope (24) that is attached to a first attaching point (18), and a second rope (26) that is attached to a second attaching point (28). In use, disposable ballast (40) is placed in the anchor (12), and the anchor (12) is secured to a boat and lowered to the bottom (50) of a body of water. To retrieve the anchor (12), a tension force is put on the second rope (26) thereby repositioning the anchor (12) from a ballast-retaining position (54) to a ballast-dumping position (56), the ballast (40) is dumped from the anchor (12), and the anchor (12) is retrieved from the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventors: R. James Ryder, Jr., D. Michael Barton
  • Patent number: 4869193
    Abstract: A device for an anchor comprising an anchor shank, which anchor is to be handled by means of a chaser. The chaser is paid out to the anchor along an anchor line on a separate chaser line and seized on the anchor. The device comprises means arranged for turning the anchor with the chaser resting on an abutment provided on said means. The means is included in the assembly of said shank and the anchor line, thus allowing an in-line, arrangement of said means, the shank and the anchor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Rob van den Haak
  • Patent number: 4846093
    Abstract: A system for releasing an anchor moored to the bottom of the sea, based on a mechanical device being inserted between the lower end of the anchor suspension chain or cable and the upper part of the arm of the anchor. The mechanical device basically comprises two in-between articulated parts, which, in their normal position, are blocked in order to form a single body for attaching the above-mentioned lower end of the anchor suspension cable to the upper end of the anchor arm. Through the use of an additional and independent accessory or piece which is made to slide along the very anchor suspension cable, both parts of the device are unblocked, by tractioning said additional and independent piece. The unblocking implies that one the parts of the device will be only attached to the lower end of the suspension cable, while the other part will be attached to the upper end of the anchor arm, all that so that the tractioning force for raising the anchor will be exerted from the lower part thereof, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Alfonso G. Norena
  • Patent number: 4836126
    Abstract: An anchor retrieving device adapted to be interposed between an anchor and one end of a main anchoring line. The anchor includes a shank having a crown end and at least one fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4780026
    Abstract: A tether and tether tensioning system for a tension leg platform. A plurality of elongate tethers 12 are used to secure a tension leg platform hull 20 to a foundation 14 at the ocean floor. Each tether 12 has a lower end secured to the ocean floor foundation 14. The tethers 12 extend upward to a position slightly below the bottom of the hull 20. A tether securing and tensioning system 30 is positioned within the hull 20 for each tether 12. This system includes a tether extender 22 positioned within a shroud 28 in the hull bottom. The tether extender 22 includes a tether latch 24 at its lower end. The tensioning system is adapted to lower the tether extender 22 downward below the hull 20 to permit the tether extender 22 to latch to the tether 12. The securing and tensioning system 30 then raises the tether extender 22 to tension the tether 12. The tether tensioning system of the present invention permits use of a simplified method for installing TLPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 4763597
    Abstract: A folding anchor having a shank formed in two pieces and joined together with a keyhole fitting, and, upon pivoting the upper shank abuttingly overlies the lower shank. The fluke assemblies are pivotally connected via a coupling assembly at the lower end of the shank, the coupling assembly including a retaining member for pivotal coupling to the fluke assemblies and a slide block member having a passage for receiving the retaining member therein, displacement of one relative to the other enabling pivoting of the fluke assemblies between folded and unfolded positions, this being accomplished by 90 degree pivoting of the fluke assemblies about first axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank, whereby the two flukes may be rotated toward each other into proximate facing relation, or away from each other into alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: JSS Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Stupakis
  • Patent number: 4655158
    Abstract: An improved boat anchor assembly including an anchor shank having a fluke pivotally connected thereto and supported for angular displacement about an axis normally related to the longitudinal axis of the shank, motion limiting stops mounted on the shank for arresting pivotal motion of the flukes relative the shank, the shank being provided with a pivotal coupling interposed between the ends thereof and pins for imparting stability to the shank and adapted to deform under angularly applied loads of predetermined magnitudes whereby the shank-fluke connection is permitted to "break" for facilitating recovery of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Larry Holder
  • Patent number: 4552087
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow hauling of a boat anchor, attached to an anchor line. The apparatus comprises a body that can be attached to a float and to a sea anchor. Once raised the anchor can be maintained in a raised position. There is a support for the line on the body. With release of the anchor from the bottom movement of the boat away from the anchor acts to haul in the line as the body tends to remain in one place under the influence of the sea anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Dale G. Van Oene
  • Patent number: 4459933
    Abstract: A marine tether anchoring device comprises an anchor body and a segmented spring collet that moves axially relative to the anchor body. As the anchor body moves downwardly relative to the collet the upper end of the collet is expanded by a wedge structure which is attached to the anchor body and lockingly engages the wall of an anchoring chamber. The lower end of the tether line is attached to the wedge structure and cannot escape from the anchoring chamber. Release is effected by slackening the tension on the tether line and supplying fluid to a piston supported in the anchor body so that the piston forces the collet downwardly and releases the segments of the spring collet from the face of the wedge structure. Retraction of the collet is completed by a cam ring that engages faces on the collet as final downward travel of the collet takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Vickers Limited
    Inventor: Clive J. Burchett
  • Patent number: 4417538
    Abstract: An anchor having release capabilities includes a pair of generally planar and spaced-apart flukes joined to a cylindrical tube. A shaft is located intermediate the flukes, the tube passing through the shaft to provide 360.degree. movement between the flukes and shaft. The shaft includes spaced-apart and parallel plates adjacent the tube. A rod is disposed within the tube and a perpendicular trigger is attached thereto, the trigger extending through an opening in the tube. The rod is retained between the plates of the shaft by a replaceable, breakable tie. A locking ring element may be used with the anchor to prevent the release capability. The ring is slidable over the plate portion of the shaft to maintain the rod therebetween. A float may be employed with an anchor to prevent entanglement with obstructions such as the superstructures of submerged vessel. The float is coupled to the anchor shaft by a length of rope, cable, or chain so that the float remains below the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas A. El-Ramey
  • Patent number: 4386575
    Abstract: A dynamic anchor composed of two laterally positioned anchor flukes for facile penetration into the bottom structure of a water course, and a retractor to withdraw the flukes from the bottom. The retractor is mounted for relative reciprocal movement along the longitudinal axis of between the flukes. Two anchor cables are employed. The first cable is connected directly to the fluke plate and is used to anchor the craft. By pulling the first cable, the fluke plate is pulled forward to dig in and hold the craft. The second cable is reaved around a pivot carried by the retractor and is secured to the fluke plate. Thus when the second cable is pulled in, there is created a force to pull the retractor and fluke plate in opposite directions in order to cause the flukes to be removed from the water course bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: Robert F. Brown
  • Patent number: 4380207
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus includes a resiliently urged cam assembly. Flukes of the apparatus are automatically set in a sea bed engaging position and are releasable for permitting removal from the sea bed. The flukes are then automatically reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin B. Nolt
  • Patent number: 4369727
    Abstract: An improved anchor comprising a longitudinal shank assembly, a fluke assembly mounted on an axle that is perpendicularly disposed with respect to the shank assembly and a release mechanism that allows, when tripped, the fluke assembly to rotate freely to form an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the shank assembly. The release mechanism is designed so that tripping occurs when the angle of the chain or cable is above a desired critical angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: Rudolph Fasco
  • Patent number: 4337717
    Abstract: An anchor which includes an anchoring head having slidably mounted relative thereto a frame which, in turn, carries a slip ring for the anchor cable. The anchor head includes a plurality of mud barbs joined by sand plates for firm anchoring in a bottom. The frame is generally triangular in outline and includes a sliding bar which is slidably mounted relative to the anchor head. The slip rings for the anchor cable is slidably mounted on one leg of a reversible bar of the frame, and has connected thereto a cable which has connected to its opposite end a float in such a manner that once the anchor has been positioned and the anchor cable has been slackened, the slip ring will be automatically pulled by the float from a position at the upper part of the frame to a position at the lower rear corner of the frame. A counter-weight is positioned at the lower rear corner of the frame and, if desired, may have a rearwardly extending spade for digging into the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Clarence T. Gregory
  • Patent number: 4317423
    Abstract: A boat or ship anchor having a crown portion with a spaced apart pair of flukes projecting forwardly therefrom in the same plane, and a pair of tail plates extending rearwardly therefrom, the tail plates being splayed to present a large frontal area. Intermediate the flukes and extending through the crown is an aperture. A shank element, adapted for attachment to the anchor line at its forward end, extends through the aperture and is dimensioned for sliding relation in the aperture intermediate the flukes. A projection in the form of a minor fluke on the tail end of the shank element limits the sliding motion of the shank through the aperture in a first direction while permitting limited rotational or angular movement thereof relative to the flukes and crown at least in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flukes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Inventor: Don J. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4230062
    Abstract: An improved releasable boat anchor of the double-acting type for anchoring a boat and for releasing itself from an underwater obstruction in which the anchor may be captured, the anchor comprising a fluke body and a shank, the shank comprising an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the fluke body and an outer portion pivotally connected to the intermediate portion, the outer shank portion having an aperture for attaching an anchor line to the anchor, the anchor having two alternate anchor drag positions, an intermediate release position and a full release position, said anchor including an arrangement such that in the full release position the pull on the fluke body is substantially from the rear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Peter J. Fornasiero
  • Patent number: 4174081
    Abstract: The present apparatus for securing a flying craft to a starting and landing rea is especially intended for helicopters. In order to secure such a flying craft with a simple, yet effective device, the starting and landing area is provided with a perforated landing platform or plate. A valve below the perforation is connected to an evacuating pump. The flying craft is provided with landing gear capable of sealing the cavity when landing and to start the evacuation pump. In this manner the flying craft is held in position by the vacuum created in the cavity in the manner of a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Wladimir Sardanowsky
  • Patent number: RE31654
    Abstract: An improved anchor comprising a longitudinal shank assembly, a fluke assembly mounted on an axle that is perpendicularly disposed with respect to the shank assembly and a release mechanism that allows, when tripped, the fluke assembly to rotate freely to form an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the shank assembly. The release mechanism is designed so that tripping occurs when the angle of the chain or cable is above a desired critical angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Rudolph Fasco
  • Patent number: RE32274
    Abstract: A marine tether anchoring device comprises an anchor body and a segmented spring collet that moves axially relative to the anchor body. As the anchor body moves downwardly relative to the collet the upper end of the collet is expanded by a wedge structure which is attached to the anchor body and lockingly engages the wall of an anchoring chamber. The lower end of the tether line is attached to the wedge structure and cannot escape from the anchoring chamber. Release is effected by slackening the tension on the tether line and supplying fluid to a piston supported in the anchor body so that the piston forces the collet downwardly and releases the segments of the spring collet from the face of the wedge structure. Retraction of the collet is completed by a cam ring that engages faces on the collet as final downward travel of the collet takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Vickers Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Clive J. Burchett