Abstract: To overcome problems with the pistons of an energy cell rotating and becoming misaligned with one another in response to the forces exerted on the energy cell by a riser tensioner system, a two-piece elastomeric spring is disposed about each piston to create an elastomeric strut. Each piece of the spring is composed of a plurality of elastomeric layers separated by relatively inelastic spacers. These springs facilitate the longitudinally flexing of the elastomeric strut while substantially preventing rotation and misalignment in the radial direction.

Abstract: To overcome problems with the pistons of an energy cell rotating and becoming misaligned with one another in response to the forces exerted on the energy cell by a riser tensioner system, a two-piece elastomeric spring is disposed about each piston to create an elastomeric strut. Each piece of the spring is composed of a plurality of elastomeric layers separated by relatively inelastic spacers. These springs facilitate the longitudinally flexing of the elastomeric strut while substantially preventing rotation and misalignment in the radial direction.

Abstract: A torsional spring 10 includes an outer cylinder 12 connected to a central hub 14 through a series of elastomeric spokes 16-30. The elastomeric spokes 16-30 extend from the inner periphery of the cylinder 12 to the hub 14 substantially along a line tangential to the central hub 14. Further, each of the elastomeric spokes 16-30 includes first and second radial segments wherein the first radial segment is adjacent the hub 14 and has an elastic modulus that is lower than the second radial segment.

Abstract: A flexible joint 13 is employed to sealingly connect a pair of tubular members 16, 18 while still permitting limited articulated movement therebetween. The flexible joint 13 includes a housing 26 with upper and lower ring-like plates 32, 34 coaxially arranged about the tubular members 16, 18. A pair of annular elastomeric bearings 40, 42 are positioned within the housing 26 and act against shoulders 44, 46 of the tubular members 16, 18 to flexibly retain the tubular members 16, 18 within the housing 26. A bellows 20 sealingly couples the tubular members 16, 18 together while permitting movement therebetween. An annular chamber 56 formed between the bellows 20 and housing 26 is filled with a fluid, such as silicon or oil. Means is provided for adjusting the volume of the chamber 56 or volume of fluid in the chamber 56 to maintain an approximately zero pressure differential across the bellows 20.

Abstract: A high-capacity elastomeric combination journal-thrust bearing comprises at least one encapsulated lobe. The encapsulated lobe comprises an outer tubular member having a first ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a first end and having a second ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a second end. The encapsulated lobe further comprises an inner tubular member having the same longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member, and having a third ring joined along substantially all of its inner periphery to the outer periphery of the inner tubular member, spaced between the first and second rings. An elastomer separates and joins the rings to each other and to the tubular members, and the tubular members to each other. As the radial distance from the longitudinal axis increases, the thickness of the elastomer increases.

Abstract: This invention provides for an assembly of elements for conducting fluids where such fluids subject the interior of this assembly to a pressure greater than the pressure exerted on the exterior of the assembly by an ambient fluid. The assembly comprises a plurality of elements connected end-to-end by connecting means and at least one pair of such elements being connected by a flexible connector means. The flexible connector means includes a cylindrical housing that has a greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the elements that it is to connect, and is positioned such that these elements extend inwardly into said housing. A retainer means is employed at each end of the housing and it is adapted for retaining the elements in a fixed position relative to the housing and the flexible connector means.