Abstract: A shock absorbing column assembly (10) is provided for attachment to a structural member (12) of an offshore platform. The assembly (10) utilizes a series of shock absorbing elements which cooperate together to absorb shock exerted on the assembly by adjacent vessels. Two shock cells (34) and (36) support the vertical column member (30) in a position spaced away from member (12). Column member (30) is connected to the extending arm of the shock cell by shock absorbing connectors (52) and (54). An outer protector (90) is resiliently connected around the outside of the column (50).

Abstract: A cylindrical drill pipe protector (10) having a skeleton (34,36) with inner (40) and outer (42) layers of rubber bonded to the skeleton.

Abstract: A removable closure apparatus for tubular members of offshore platforms and the like utilizes a body inserted in the tubular member. A seal formed in an annulus between the inner surface of the tubular member and the outer surface of the body is bonded to each of the surfaces of the body and the tubular member. The seal is broken by use of a flexible tensile bearing inlay spirally embedded within the seal. The inlay is torn from the seal to destroy the structural integrity thereof and permit removal of the body. The inlay has one end affixed to the body and a second end extending upwardly through the member for manipulation from the upper end thereof. A force applied to the second end of the inlay causes it to tear the seal along a spiral path.

Abstract: A shock cell for a bumper fending off vehicles traveling adjacent a fixed structure is provided wherein an outer cylinder extends horizontally from the structure. An inner cylinder coupled to the bumper extends into the open end of the outer cylinder. An annular rubber cylinder is bonded to the inner surface of the outer cylinder and to the outer surface of the inner cylinder for a distance of the order of the diameter of the inner cylinder and with the outer and inner ends having truncated surfaces conical with reference to apexes outside the outer cylinder and inside said inner cylinder respectively. A shearable stop plate is secured inside the outer cylinder spaced inwardly from the end of the inner cylinder a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the annular body.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for fending off vessels floating adjacent a marine structure includes bumper rings having flat lower surfaces and uniquely relieved upper outer surfaces. In a further aspect, an assembly includes a spring support element at one end thereof.

Abstract: A grout seal for a piling driven through a cylindrical platform leg into submerged strata includes an array of spring members having upper and lower end portions of cylindrical configuration, the lower and upper extremities of the portions, respectively, defining boundaries of inward diversion to form the central portion of the array. A reinforced elastomeric outer cover is provided for the central portion of the array. The array also includes an elastomeric pad mounted within the array and having a cylindrical inner face for contact with the pilings and an outer face conforming with the central portion of the array.

Abstract: In an offshore platform to be erected on hollow legs which receive piles driven down through the legs into the ocean floor, a resilient diaphragm closure for each of said legs to prevent ingress of water as said platform is moved into position. The diaphragm includes a ring of down-facing cutter blades oriented in the upper surface of said diaphragm for registration with a down moving end of the piling to sever the diaphragm and facilitate passage of the end of the piling beyond the location of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a marine structure where a vertical resiliently encased main cylinder is secured at the upper end to the marine structure by a releasable connection with the lower support for the main cylinder including an upstanding stab post extending into the bottom of the main cylinder and coaxially aligned with the upper end of the main cylinder. A resilient cylinder is positioned between the inside of the main cylinder and the outside of the stab post. Preferably the internal diameter of the resilient cylinder is slightly larger than the diameter of the stab post and provides a pivotal cushion at the bottom of the main cylinder to permit angular displacement of the main cylinder from the vertical position.

Abstract: A fender system including a supporting frame mounted on a stationary structure by energy-absorbing shock mounting members, and the frame carrying annular bumper members stacked one above the other and sized for rotation about a pipe column, the bumper members each having their respective end surfaces stepped at an annular step in such a way that the stepped surfaces of adjacent bumpers mate and interlock, and the bumper members having multiple relief holes extending in from their end surfaces parallel to the axis of the bumper members and tending to impart a degree of asymmetrical distortion to an impacted bumper member causing it to creep around the pipe column on which it is supported; such rotation being aided by friction reducing means on the surfaces of the bumper members.