Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

Abstract: A method for laying a pipeline on the sea bed from a lay barge in order to achieve controlled thermal expansion, comprises the following steps: Feeding out of the pipeline having a radius of initial residual curvature from a pipeline reel, preferably via a stinger to a curvature device where a radius of reversal curvature is applied to the opposite side of the pipeline with respect to the radius of initial residual curvature when the pipelines is passing through the curvature device. The curvature device straightens out the pipeline to longer, mainly straight portions with length having a radius of residual curvature which is larger than a desire minimum radius of residual curvature. The curvature device exposes shorter portions of the pipeline with a length for a radius of counter curvature forming the thermal expansion loops having a radius of residual curvature which is less than a desired maximum radius of residual curvature for the thermal expansion loops.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first floating structure to the seabed, includes the steps of: providing a second floating structure, anchored to first and second anchoring points respectively on the sea bed via at least two anchor lines, attaching the second floating structure to the first structure via a pulling device, on the side of the first anchor line, displacing the first floating structure away from the second anchoring point towards the first anchoring point, disconnecting the first anchor line from the second floating structure while maintaining a pulling force on the second anchor line via the pulling device, and attaching the first anchor line to the first floating structure. By interconnecting a temporary buoy to the vessel to be anchored via a tension member, the anchor lines of the buoy and the vessel can remain under tension at all times whereby damage to the anchor lines is prevented.

Abstract: A pipelayer is provided which is capable of effectively transporting pipes or the like and stably carrying out load hoisting operation on a slope. The pipelayer comprises: an undercarriage; an upper revolving superstructure mounted on the undercarriage so as to turn around freely upon the undercarriage; a boom supported by the upper revolving superstructure so as to be freely raised and lowered; a pulley block attached to the boom through a universal joint; a hoist mounted on the upper revolving superstructure; a hoist hook hung by a wire rope that is paid out from the hoist and wound around the pulley block.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus and method for treatment of system of conduits and lateral sub-conduits comprising a remotely controlled robotic vehicle which navigates main conduits which delivers a series of tools to locations within the conduit. The mule's tools comprise a variety of devices including a tape head and a transport housing for a second remotely controlled robotic vehicle, or mouse which can be deployed for traversing and treating sub-conduits. Further, a method to install one or more small diameter flexible elongate members, such as conductors or sheathes to the inside of the system of conduits comprises advancing an elongate member through the conduit system with the mule or mouse, anchoring the elongate member and then taping the elongate member with the taping head while retreating out of the conduit. Preferably the tape is pre-shaped to minimize wrinkling upon application and more preferably, greater security and tape bonding strength is achieved by spraying over the tape and elongate member.

Abstract: A drainage system is provided for a synthetic grass turf assembly having a flexible and water permeable sheet backing for installation on a supporting soil substrate to provide a game playing surface. The draining system of the present invention prevents water from accumulating on the turf surface, which could cause the top-dressing layer to “float” and be moved by inundation. The draining system of the present invention includes a spacing grid disposed between the backing of the turf. The spacing grid is structured to permit water not only to be drained vertically through the spacing grid, but also to be drained horizontally through the spacing grid to the edges of the field. The spacing grid is made from one or more types of geotextile or plastics material with an adequate flexibility to improve the impact absorption capabilities and resilience of the synthetic grass turf assembly.

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed support including a body portion and a support plate configured to be removably coupled to the body portion. The body portion includes a guide configured to operably couple with the support plate in order to guide the support plate in sliding movement into the body portion.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing debris off the surface of a river includes a float line installed across the river at an angle with respect to the river current, and a collecting net installed at the downstream end of the float line. The ends of the line are slidable upwards, along inclined supports, to unsnag the line when a heavy object hooks onto the line. A second mechanism, assisting in raising the line, is a series of rods which swivel in a pole-vaulted fashion from their leverage at the bottom of the river to lift the line out of the water and allow the heavy object to pass underneath. If the object hits the line with an excessive force, the line will reliably break at a desired weak point. The rods may have elbow joints that would provide better leverage in shallow water.

Abstract: A drainage element is constructed of loose fill elements within a container of mesh construction. The loose fill elements are disposed in unconnected relation to each other so as to be able to migrate within the container. The openings of the mesh container allow water to pass through while retaining the loose fill elements in place.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete blocks for constructing freestanding walls. The form includes a base and four side panels which are mounted on the base to pivot between a first position for casting a block and a second position for removing a cast block from the form. An insert is secured to the base for forming one end surface on the block and inserts are attached to the side panels for forming sides, top and bottom surfaces of the block. The inserts which form exposed sides of the block are textured to simulate natural stone. The inserts which form the top and bottom of the blocks form an interlocking connection which prevents stacked blocks from moving in a horizontal plane. Optionally, inserts used to form the top surface of blocks which will define the top of the wall may form a trough which is sufficiently deep to receive soil and plants.

Abstract: To install a modular seabed processing system (1) on a seabed, a monopile foundation (3) is first lowered down and driven into the seabed. A docking unit (4) is lowered towards the installed foundation (3) so that a mating clamp system (6) mounted on the docking unit is aligned with a spigot (5) on the foundation. The clamp system then clamps the spigot to fix the docking unit onto the foundation. Flowlines (2) and an electrical power connector plug (18) are connected to the docking unit. A first retrievable substantially autonomous module (8) is lowered and connected to the docking unit (4) by a multi-bored connector (10, 11) and the plug (18) on the docking unit is engaged by a corresponding socket (17) on the module. Isolation valves (14, 16) in the docking unit and module are opened so that the module (8) is able to act on fluid received from the flowlines (2) via the multi-bored connector (10, 11).

Abstract: A screw form anchor device (10) intended for screwed penetration into a host material. The anchor device (10) includes a body (11) having a manipulating end (12) and a distal end (13). A screw thread (22) is formed by a plurality of tapering angular helix thread forms (22a) which extend from the distal end. Each angular helix thread form (22a) has an outward facing surface (24) and, relative to the distal end, a downward facing surface (25). In the preferred form an emergent helix thread (26) commences from a point distant from the distal end (13). This emergent helix thread (26) extends toward the manipulating end (12) of the body (11).

Abstract: A cylindrical buoyancy unit is composed of separate sections which are held together to surround a marine object such as a riser or pipe with additional conduits. The sections combine to define an internal cavity which is shaped to conform with the marine object. Each unit section is a thermosetting resin composite with a bulk interior of syntactic foam and an outer layer of different characteristics and an intermediate reinforcement layer. The intermediate layer is disposed close to the outer layer and is mechanically embedded but not tightly bonded into the structure. The intermediate layer is made as a mesh of high strength polymer fibers.

Abstract: A cable for laying in plastic tubes for transporting gas or water is described that comprises a cable core assembly and a plastic sheath surrounding the cable core assembly, in which cable the plastic used for the plastic tube and the plastic for the sheath can be welded together.

Abstract: Mechanically stabilized retaining wall structures are comprised of a stabilized earth mass connected to a precast concrete panel facing wall. A lengthwise adjustable turnbuckle style connector assembly accommodates horizontal and vertical offsets in the connection points. An array of the connection assemblies comprise a three-dimensional space truss that accomodates wall movement horizontally and vertically with respect to the wall face as well as perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: A vessel includes a riser and/or tendon tensioning construction. A connector, such as an arm or deck structure, is suspended from cables movable relative to cable guides. The connector carries two or more risers and/or tendons extending from a subsea structure to above water level. The free ends of the cables are attached to weights for exerting a tensioning force on the risers, which are substantially decoupled from pitch, roll and heave motions of the vessel.

Abstract: A canal or pipe system and process for rehabilitation of a canal or pipe system and for installation of a cable or empty tube into a canal or pipe system as well as device for installation of a cable or empty tube. For rehabilitation of a canal or pipe system (AR) an outer casing (AL1) is inserted. Subsequently, an inner casing (IL1) with help by distancing elements (AH) is inserted, so that a ring gap (RS) between the inner and outer casings (IL1, AL1) is created. A cable (OC1) or empty tube (LR) to be installed is inserted together with the inner casing (IL1) in such a way, that the cable (OC1) or empty tube (LR) comes to rest in the ring gap (RS). For rehabilitation of the canal or pipe system, where a cable (OC1) or empty tube (LR) is already installed at an inner wall (IW), only the inner casing (IL1) will be inserted into the canal or pipe system (AR), so that the ring gap (RS) is created between the inner wall (IW) and the casing (IL1).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing a cable in ducting from a location intermediate the length of the ducting. The cable is provided in a coil at the location and some cable is passed from one end of the coil into a first portion of the ducting extending from the location to one end of the ducting. The remaining cable is passed from the other end of the coil into a second portion of the ducting extending from the location to the other end of the ducting.

Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.