Abstract: The invention relates to a U-shaped arrangement of floats which are ballastable and deballastable so as to raise and lower their height in the water. On each parallel leg of the float arrangement, are mounted supporting beams that are movable along their longitudinal axes so that they may extend into the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats and also be retracted therefrom. The device may be used for lifting and transporting large loads by placing the load in the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats while the floats are ballasted so that they sit low in the water, extending the supporting beams into the center of the arrangement of floats so that they are underneath the load, and then deballasting the floats so that they rise higher in the water while lifting the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to an icebreaker system for marine platforms wherein the system includes two rings of obstacles: a lower ring and an upper ring fixed around pillars of the platform to be protected. The lower ring has obstacles showing a portion sloping upwardly and rearwardly. The upper ring has obstacles staggered with those of the lower ring and showing a portion sloping downwardly and rearwardly. A ring of obstacles is mounted rotatably and/or movably in the vertical direction. The obstacles are of truncated pyramid shape and asymmetrically shaped in front elevation.

Abstract: A flexible joint for connection of two pipes comprises a cup-shaped piece which can be connected to a first pipe, a tubular piece which can be connected to a second pipe, the tubular piece being coaxial with the cuplike piece and being arranged partially inside it, and two flexible spherical rings arranged between the cuplike piece and the tubular piece. The two flexible spherical rings are bolted together and arranged on opposite sides of the center of oscillation, the concave surfaces of the rings being directed towards the center of oscillation and being concentric with respect to this center.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel for use in an internal combustion compression engine having the following features:(a) in the standard ASTM distillation test, distillation commences at about 30.degree. C. to terminate in the same range of temperature as conventional gas-oils for high-speed engines;(b) in this same standard ASTM distillation test about 90% of the volume passes into the graduated collector at a temperature lying between about 210.degree. to 259.degree. C. and 360.degree. C.

Abstract: A platform resting at the bottom of a body of water, including a plurality of longitudinally disposed bays supported by piers each consisting of a small number of transversely aligned posts resting on a common base and each supporting a cross-beam, each bay comprising a framework of longitudinal beams which rest at either end on the cross-beams, and a method of constructing the platform comprising the steps of preparing each pier onshore, transporting it to the installation site and setting it down on the bottom, raising the base at several points and adjusting their heights above the bottom in order to position the base horizontally, securing the base in that position by pouring concrete beneath it, preparing each bay on the shore, transporting it to the installation site and setting it down on two adjacent piers.

Abstract: A rig which can be towed in floating condition comprises a hollow shaft connected with a base section and supporting a bridge equipped with various installations. In order to allow laying of the base section at a precise location on the seabed, the base section is provided with peripheral notches which can slide along vertical piers and is provided also with piles which are extended and locked when the notches are placed against the piers. Thereafter, the base section is allowed to sink to the bottom by sliding against the piers. Such a rig is useful for oil drilling purposes.

Abstract: A method of working an underwater deposit comprises the following stages:(a) constructing and positioning a platform structure, equipped before or after positioning with drilling devices and installations,(b) executing drilling using these devices and installations,(c) constructing and equipping, during stages (a) and (b), a production bridge fitted with devices and installations required for production,(d) transporting the production bridge to, and positioning it on, said platform structure, and(e) commencing production from deposit.The drilling bridge may remain in position on the platform structure during stages (d) and (e), or it may be removed to make way for the production bridge.

Abstract: The open infrastructure of a marine platform-support is made water-tight on at least a part of its height by means of removable elements. These elements are placed between the vertical columns of the support, forming a cylindrical or lobed screen.

Abstract: For laying a pipeline on the bed of the sea, a plurality of pipeline sections are successively towed by a tug exerting a traction effort at a point spaced to the rear of the front end of a pipeline section being towed, while another tug exerts a holding effort at a point spaced in front of the rear end, the front and rear ends being maintained near to the surface by a system of floats and trail-ropes and the intermediate portion of the pipeline section being ballasted so as to be supported on the sea bed, whereafter the front end of the pipeline section is welded to the rear end of a preceding section, and so on.

Abstract: A device for positioning a pipeline intended to rest on the bottom of the sea or of a body of water. In order to present a resistance to the drifting of the pipeline by the action of cross-currents, the pipeline is provided with a plurality of support members suitably distributed along the pipeline and extending in a direction generally parallel to the vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The support members project below the pipeline towards the bottom and are deformable in the vertical plane by the reaction of the bottom on the support members, but are transversely rigid.

Abstract: For laying a pipeline on the sea bed to interconnect first and second spaced underwater installations, a pipeline section is towed from the first to the second installation, the front and rear ends being maintained above the sea bed by a system of floats and trail-ropes and the intermediate portion of the pipeline section being ballasted so as to be supported on the sea bed, whereafter the two end portions of the pipeline are inserted into the respective installations, and the floats eventually ballasted or liberated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating an offshore structure intended to be installed at sea comprising a support structure and a platform mounted on the structure. The platform is made up of one or more pieces that are floatable in water. The support structure is immersed to a depth sufficient for the portion thereof intended for the reception of the platform to be situated near the level of the latter. The platform is then fixed to the support structure which is then made lighter and brought to the place where it has to be installed.