Abstract: A fixed, non-compliant, non-floating offshore platform subject to lower wave, wind, current, and rig loadings resulting from a configuration that supports the portion of the well casings that extend from near the seafloor to a deck level above the water surface using tension instead of intermediate lateral supports. Only the smallest one or two well casings among all those that comprise the well casing system are extended back from the seafloor, which further reduces the lateral loadings on the structure.

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the travelling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the traveling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowreing/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the traveling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: A fixed pile guide having a removable ring gate which restrains a pile within the pile guide. When in the closed position, the ring gate is secured to the guide by means of a pivotable arm. To release the pile and/or to convert the guide to an open pile guide, a cable secured to the arm is pulled which pivots the arm thereby releasing the gate from the fixed guide as well as releasing restraint on the pile.

Abstract: A method of installing a cold water conduit for use with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), fossil or nuclear power plants. The method is comprised of installing a marine railway system on the ocean floor and subsequently using the railway system as an aid to the installation of the cold water conduit and as a support structure for the conduit.

Abstract: A method of creating a cold water conduit for use with an ocean thermal energy conversion plant by drilling and blasting at least one passageway completely through an underwater land formation.