Abstract: The invention is a postoperative binder and method of use. The binder is made of relatively inelastic material that is cut to fit the patient and held in place by a plurality of tails fastened with Velcro® binders. The present invention uses mechanical, rather than elastic, compression. Mechanical loads are carried over the iliac crest, by hooking the tails of the binder over the iliac crest and then bifurcating the tails for attachment to the abdominal portion of the binder. The present invention provides support of lower abdominal tissue, especially near the genitals and in the area of the peritoneum.

Abstract: The invention is a postoperative binder made of relatively inelastic material that is cut to fit the patient and held in place by Velcro.RTM. binders. The present invention uses mechanical, rather than elastic, compression. Mechanical loads are carried near or on the hip joint, either by physically hooking the binder over the hips or attaching it to an elastic band that rides on or above the patient's hips. The present invention provides mechanical support to lower abdominal tissue, especially near the genitals and in the area of the peritoneum.

Abstract: A mooring and liquid transfer column which is fixed to the floor of an offshore body of water for securing a marine vessel. The column is resiliently retained and cable supported to permit its being deflected in response to ice forces acting thereagainst. The column upper end includes a narrow tower which extends beyond the water's surface and encloses fluid carrying conduits. A plurality of support cables depend from the column to transmit ice resisting forces into one or more remote anchors to which the support cables are attached.

Abstract: An offshore structure that is supported above the water's surface by at least one substantially vertically disposed leg which extends to the ocean floor. The structure is adapted to accommodate a vertical member or riser conductor having a deflector segment capable of engaging one or more fluid carrying conduits or risers which are lowered therethrough. The deflector segment is positioned to engage a lowering riser end so that the riser will be urged outwardly and away from the base of the structure. The riser or risers can thus be readily connected to subsea pipelines which terminate adjacent to the foot of the offshore structure.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure for drilling wells into the ocean floor including a floating vessel which carries the necessary drilling equipment. A riser which extends from the vessel to a well head at the ocean floor, encloses a drill string and permits circulation of the drilling mud and fluids. The riser is comprised of at least two detachably connectable segments, one of which can be moved with the floating vessel, while the other remains buoyantly in place until such time as the two segments are reconnected.

Abstract: A marine structure having a conductor adapted to receive a flow of fluid from a subsea pipeline. Said structure includes means to facilitate engagement of the fluid conductor with the pipeline, by means of a provisional conductor. The latter is pivotally connected into the structure during the building stages in a manner to permit adjustment thereof after the structure has been submerged at a working site.

Abstract: A submergible offshore structure capable of being floated by a buoyant hull, to a subsea working site. An anchoring system incorporated into the structure includes a plurality of elongated caisson-like legs which are guidably moved vertically into and out of the structure. Said legs are adapted to be embedded and firmly fixed in a relatively soft substrate. Thus, they function to guide the submergible structure to its underwater position, and to maintain it there during a period of operation.

Abstract: A system for drilling and for producing subsea wells in relatively deep waters normally subjected to severe wave and current conditions. A floating drilling vessel or production unit is maintained in position over the well site. A riser pipe, maintained under constant tension, depends from the drilling or production vessel downwardly to and operably engages a well head. An elongated caisson depends from the drilling or production vessel to form a protective area about the riser pipe upper end. As a result, stresses induced in the riser pipe upper end by wave and current forces acting on the riser are thereby greatly reduced.

Abstract: A tension leg marine structure in which a buoyant vessel is maintained in a partially submerged condition by a plurality of hold-down cables. Each cable is fastened to the floating portion of the structure by a quick disconnect coupling which is adapted to be rapidly disengaged, thereby to release a hold-down cable at such time as the latter is relieved of tension. The released part of the unit can then be moved out of the way of floating objects which might otherwise cause it damage.