Abstract: A method is described for using a particular spring element to facilitate the transfer of deck modules to a hull or jacket during the construction of an off-shore well platform. The spring element not only absorbs energy from the compressive loading expected during the transfer, but also resists any shear loading caused by relative motion between the module and the jacket or hull caused by the operation being performed in a body of water. The spring element includes two significantly different resistances to crushing when subjected to compressive loading including an initial resistance during which significant energy is absorbed. The spring element is also provided on the carrier barge between the barge and the deck module so that if the carrier barge should reengage the module once the transfer has been started, damage will be inhibited.

Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly formed with a body having a plurality of nesting housings, an outlet end housing with a fluid signal outlet and a closed end housing. These housings have an aligned axial passageway containing a plurality of tubular spool valve members which are adapted to move axially between opened and closed positions therein individually and in a nested arrangement. Each of the housings has an inlet signal port in communication with the passageway. The nested valve members are moved toward the closed end housing by a primary fluid signal applied to the inlet port on the closed end housing with the primary signal passing to the outlet. A superior fluid signal applied to the inlet port of one of the nested housings, causes the valve member closer to the closed end housing to separate from the remaining nested valve members. As a result this superior signal appears at the outlet.