Abstract: An elongate connector for subsea connection of cables and the like to wind turbine generators has a plurality of locking elements arranged on ramp surfaces and held in a plurality of cages on the connector. The cages are moveable to move the locking elements along the ramp surfaces between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the plurality of cages are moveable independently of each other. A release collar is provided, which can move all the cages simultaneously to the disengaged position, in order to allow removal of the connector.

Abstract: A mooring line connector assembly (1) and a corresponding tensioner (28) are described. The mooring line connector assembly (1) comprises complementary male (2) and female (3) connectors, wherein the male connector (2) is rigid and the female connector (3) is connectable to the male connector (2) at a plurality of points along its length, so as to vary the tension applied to the mooring line. Locking balls engageable with grooves disposed along the length of the male connector (2) can allow the female connector to connect at different points along the male connector. A tensioner (28) allows the tension to be adjusted. The tensioner includes a first part (29) arranged to engage with the male connector (2) and a second part (29) arranged to engage with the female connector (3). The first part (29) reciprocates relative to the second part so as to move the male connector (2) relative to the female connector and thereby change the point at which the female connector is connected to the male connector.

Abstract: A lifting assembly (10) having a structure (11) with three or more receptacles and a two or more connectors (1). The structure comprises one or more receptacles (12). Each receptacle comprises one or more circumferential grooves (17) in its inside surface. The connector comprises a male element (4) for insertion into a receptacle, an attachment point (2), and one or more locking elements (6) provided on the outside surface of the male element for engaging with the or each groove in the inside surface of the or each receptacle so as to rotatably mount the attachment point relative to the structure. The connectors may be rotationally positioned within the receptacles to permit different lifting configurations to be used.

Abstract: A mooring line connector assembly (1) and a corresponding tensioner (28) are described. The mooring line connector assembly (1) comprises complementary male (2) and female (3) connectors, wherein the male connector (2) is rigid and the female connector (3) is connectable to the male connector (2) at a plurality of points along its length, so as to vary the tension applied to the mooring line. Locking balls engageable with grooves disposed along the length of the male connector (2) can allow the female connector to connect at different points along the male connector. A tensioner (28) allows the tension to be adjusted. The tensioner includes a first part (29) arranged to engage with the male connector (2) and a second part (29) arranged to engage with the female connector (3). The first part (29) reciprocates relative to the second part so as to move the male connector (2) relative to the female connector and thereby change the point at which the female connector is connected to the male connector.

Abstract: A connector adapted for release under load from a complementary connector. The connector having a locking element for engagement with the complementary connector to lock the complementary connector to the connector; and a locking member moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking member operative to permit the/each locking element to lock the complementary connector to the connector when in the locked position and operative to allow the/each locking element to release the complementary connector when in the unlocked position. The locking member and locking element arranged such that when the connector is locked to the complementary connector and the locking member is in a partially unlocked position, a load applied to the/each locking element causes the/each locking element to urge the locking member towards its fully unlocked position, thereby unlocking the complementary connector from the connector.

Abstract: A mooring connector assembly (3) has a body (10) arranged to be pivotally mounted to a structure (1), such as a tethered buoy, to be moored for movement about a pivot axis. At least a part of the body extends below the pivot axis when so mounted and oriented for use. A line stopper (17) is mounted to the part of the body which extends below the pivot axis in use and is operative to retain a mooring line (2) relative to the body. The body is configured to receive a tensioner (20) for tensioning a mooring line (2) retained by the stopper such that the tensioner urges the line at a point which is below the pivot axis when the body is oriented for use. The body may be an elongate tube (10) pivotally connected to a structure to be moored (1) at one end and fitting with a chain stopper (17) at the opposite end. The tube is configured to receive a chain tensioner (20) between the chain stopper (17) and pivot axis.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

Abstract: A male connector (3) to be inserted into a female connector (5). The male connector defines a conduit and comprises a locking means (39) operable to engage the female connector to thereby lock the male connector relative to the female connector. The male connector also comprises a release means (17) for unlocking the male connector to permit the male connector to be separated from the female connector. The release means is accessible from within the conduit. There may be a release tool (50) operable to disengage the male connector from the female connector and retain the male connector after the male connector has been disengaged from the female connector.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

Abstract: A slip for supporting a member, such as a pipe. The slip comprises one or more rolling elements, such as roller, for gripping the member. The rolling elements may contact each other. The slip may be formed from a plurality of pivotally connected segments. The rolling elements may be arranged to roll along ramps, arranged to urge the members into contact with a member to be gripped.

Abstract: A marine connector having a central core, a first shoulder disposed around at least part of the central core, a second shoulder disposed around at least part of the central core and spaced from the first shoulder and an expandable clamping member disposed around at least part of the central core and between the first and second shoulders. The first and second shoulders are relatively movable from a first distance apart, wherein the clamping member is at a first or rest width, to a second distance apart, wherein the shoulders act upon the clamping member to expand it outwardly from the central core to a second or expanded width. In use the connector may be received into a complementary female receptacle or into a length of pipe, to act as a pipeline recovery tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for the sealing of pipes. The apparatus includes a seal, the seal being a toroidal seal. The seal may be formed from a pipe to be sealed by cutting a portion of the pipe to form such a seal. The seal may be machined with generally convex edges. The disclosure also relates to a method of sealing a pipe using such a seal and a method of manufacturing a seal from a pipe to be sealed.

Abstract: A slip for supporting a member, such as a pipe. The slip comprises one or more rolling elements, such as roller, for gripping the member. The rolling elements may contact each other. The slip may be formed from a plurality of pivotally connected segments. The rolling elements may be arranged to roll along ramps, arranged to urge the members into contact with a member to be gripped.

Abstract: A connector for use as a bend stiffener in a marine application comprising male and female connectors respectively provided with a downwardly dependent frusto-conical extension and a cylindrical extension. The female connector includes a hollow cylindrical body defining a through bore and surrounded by a spring loaded sleeve movable axially with respect to the body. Spring loaded latches extend through respective apertures to coact with grooves in the body. Hydraulic rams are disposed to push the sleeve against the spring loading which brings an internally wider diameter position of the sleeve adjacent locking balls extending through but retained by stepped apertures. The latches, rams and locking balls coact to lock the male and female connectors together or to enable their release and thus the locking together or release from that locking together of connected extensions. This in turn facilitates the operation of the connector in hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gripping elongate pieces, such as pipes, bars, beams, etc., are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body, the body having an inner cavity for receiving a piece to be gripped, the inner cavity having a sidewall, a recess provided around at least a portion of the sidewall, a clamping member disposed within the recess, wherein the recess is adjustable from a first dimension, where the clamping member is located substantially within the recess, to a second dimension where the clamping member is urged out of the recess and into the inner cavity. The gripping method comprises the steps of locating a clamping member around a piece to be gripped, locating two clamping shoulders such that they flank the clamping member, compressing the clamping member by urging the clamping shoulders together, the clamping member being arranged such that axial compression of it translates to radial compression.

Abstract: A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).

Abstract: A connector for use as a bend stiffener in a marine application comprising male and female connectors respectively provided with a downwardly dependent frusto-conical extension and a cylindrical extension. The female connector comprises a hollow cylindrical body (1) defining a through bore (4) and surrounded by a spring loaded sleeve (9) movable axially with respect to the body (1). Spring loaded latches (11) extend through respective apertures (10) to coact with grooves (6) in the body (1). Hydraulic rams (12) are disposed to push the sleeve (9) against the spring loading which brings an internally wider diameter position of the sleeve (9) adjacent locking balls (14) extending through but retained by stepped apertures (5). The latches, rams and locking balls coact to lock the male and female connectors together or to enable their release and thus the locking together or release from that locking together of connected extensions. This in turn facilitates the operation of the connector in hazardous conditions.