Abstract: A pile driver is provided for use in deep water with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a working ship for setting piles, pin piles and well conductors in subsea soil and for soil sampling in deep water and can be used for shallow water and land-based applications. A ram mass or hammer is received in an open frame and hydraulically reciprocated while in contact with water. A piston rod received in a piston cylinder is secured at one end to the hammer through a coupling mechanism, and an external source of hydraulic power is used with an on-board hydraulic circuit. Gas is compressed during an up-stroke to store energy, which is released during a down-stroke to push the hammer downwardly. The coupling mechanism provides a connection between the piston rod and the hammer that can move between an essentially rigid lift connection, an essentially rigid downward-push connection and an essentially non-rigid impact connection for preventing buckling of the piston rod when the hammer strikes at its lowermost point.

Abstract: A pile driver is provided for use in deep water with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a working ship for setting piles, pin piles and well conductors in subsea soil and for soil sampling in deep water and can be used for shallow water and land-based applications. A ram mass or hammer is received in an open frame and hydraulically reciprocated while in contact with water. A piston rod received in a piston cylinder is secured at one end to the hammer through a coupling mechanism, and an external source of hydraulic power is used with an on-board hydraulic circuit. Gas is compressed during an up-stroke to store energy, which is released during a down-stroke to push the hammer downwardly. The coupling mechanism provides a connection between the piston rod and the hammer that can move between an essentially rigid lift connection, an essentially rigid downward-push connection and an essentially non-rigid impact connection for preventing buckling of the piston rod when the hammer strikes at its lowermost point.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a device for transporting cargo between a source position and a destination position utilizing a fixed crane-type device, e.g. an A-Frame, including a pivotal sub A-Frame in conjunction with a heave compensating assembly to which a main lifting cable is attached. The bulk of the lifting capacity is derived from a primary power source mechanically linked to the main lifting cable. As the source and destination positions move relative to each other, compensation for this motion is obtained via the coordinated reciprocal movement of an extensible connector, e.g. a wire rope and a lifting device mechanically linked between the main A-Frame and sub A-Frame, which is operative in response to sensory data input to the power unit's controller. The coordinated reciprocal motion acts to adjust the instantaneous load position thereby neutralizing the relative movement between the source position and destination position.

Abstract: A steerable plow configured for underwater towing along a sea bed. The plow includes a plow body and a soil cutting member attached to the body. The soil cutting member is configured for forming a trench in the sea bed in a forward direction of travel of the plow. A tow member is attached to the body for attaching the plow to a tow cable. The tow member defines an effective tow point which is forward of the cutting member. A steering device is provided for creating a steering moment capable of varying the direction of travel. The steering device is positioned rearwardly relative to said tow member.

Abstract: In a large turbine generator unit having a liquid-cooled rotor, the liquid coolant is introduced into the rotor through the central bores of the exciter shaft and the generator shaft. This requires coolant tubes and electrical conductors for the field excitation current to be placed in the bores of the shafts, and requires joints between the coolant tubes and connections between the electrical conductors at the junction of the shafts in addition to a mechanical coupling for making a driving connection between the shafts. The invention provides means for making the necessary coolant tube joints and electrical connections within the mechanical coupling after the exciter and generator shafts have been aligned and are in the final coupling position.