Abstract: Mechanical joints and processes for using same. The mechanical joint can be configured to provide an articulated connection between a first member and a second member. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint can include a support member and an arm. The support member can define an aperture therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof. The arm can include a ball disposed on a first end thereof that can be engaged within and supported by the socket defined by the support member. A second end of the arm can extend through the aperture of the support member such that the arm can rotate relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially rotate about two axes that pass through a center point of the ball that are perpendicular to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.

Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.

Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.

Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.

Abstract: In an offshore system having a floating vessel, a turret within a hull opening, and a bearing assembly including a support row assembly axially transferring the weight of the turret to the vessel and allowing the vessel to weather vane about the turret, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. An outer upper ring is removed from an outer lower ring and a support ring is installed on the outer lower ring. A lower race and support rollers of a remedial support row assembly are installed on the support ring. A reaction ring is positioned above the support ring and connected to an inner ring secured to the turret. The inner ring is axially displaced relative to the outer lower ring and the turret axial loading is transferred to the remedial support row assembly between the support ring and the reaction ring.

Abstract: A buoy recovery system for a disconnectable mooring arrangement that permits turret-buoy connection at any compass heading while preventing damage to the pull-in line and the turret assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the mooring tensioning assembly is positioned on the vessel at a location other than on the rotatable turret assembly. This permits the size of the turret assembly to be significantly reduced and the fluid swivel stack to be positioned within the vessel between its deck and keel. The improved buoy recovery system employs a hollow bore hydraulic cylinder assembly that is attached to the turret assembly and configured as a chain tensioning system. The hollow bore hydraulic cylinder assembly is arranged and designed to support the weight of the buoy and permit the turret assembly to be rotated relative to both the vessel and the buoy during mooring operations.

Abstract: A buoy recovery system for a disconnectable mooring arrangement that permits turret-buoy connection at any compass heading while preventing damage to the pull-in line and the turret assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the mooring tensioning assembly is positioned on the vessel at a location other than on the rotatable turret assembly. This permits the size of the turret assembly to be significantly reduced and the fluid swivel stack to be positioned within the vessel between its deck and keel. The improved buoy recovery system employs a hollow bore hydraulic cylinder assembly that is attached to the turret assembly and configured as a chain tensioning system. The hollow bore hydraulic cylinder assembly is arranged and designed to support the weight of the buoy and permit the turret assembly to be rotated relative to both the vessel and the buoy during mooring operations.

Abstract: A single hoisting mechanism is positioned on a turret of either an external or an internal turret mooring system for a FSO or FPSO vessel and is releasably securable to each of a plurality of anchor leg chains. The mechanism is mounted for angular rotation about the center-line of the turret in order that the hoist can be angularly aligned and selectively engaged with each of the anchor leg chains or riser/umbilicals spaced around the turret.

Abstract: A vessel with a mooring tube assembly with swivel mounted chain supports. The assembly includes a frame arranged and designed for support within a vertical opening of the vessel at its bow and/or its stern. A plurality of chain tubes are carried on the outer side of the frame in an arc such that their top ends extend upwardly generally parallel to the vertical axis of opening of the vessel. The vessel includes a deck mounted above the upper end of the frame. A track on the deck allows a single winch to be moved so that a pull-in line can be registered with any of the top ends of the tubes. A plurality of chain supports are rotationally mounted on the frame where each chain support has an outlet and an inlet. A trunnion chain stopper is provided between the outlet and inlet of the chain support. The outlet of each chain stopper is in registration with the lower end of one of the chain tubes.

Abstract: A vessel with a mooring tube assembly with swivel mounted chain supports. The assembly includes a frame arranged and designed for support within a vertical opening of the vessel at its bow and/or its stem. A plurality of chain tubes are carried on the outer side of the frame in an arc such that their top ends extend upwardly generally parallel to the vertical axis of opening of the vessel. The vessel includes a deck mounted above the upper end of the frame. A track on the deck allows a single winch to be moved so that a pull-in line can be registered with any of the top ends of the tubes. A plurality of chain supports are rotationally mounted on the frame where each chain support has an outlet and an inlet. A trunnion chain stopper is provided between the outlet and inlet of the chain support. The outlet of each chain stopper is in registration with the lower end of one of the chain tubes.