Abstract: A piping or conduit system in which conduits to receive flow lines or flexible pipe can be connected end to end to form a riser assembly, and thereafter, the flow lines can be inserted through individual conduits of the assembly. The section contains a low density foam to impart essentially zero negative and positive buoyancy, and the foam is filled into areas surrounding the individual conduits of the sections. Suitable reinforcing and tension stress resisting elements are provided so that each section is essentially self sustaining.

Abstract: A system for winding or unwinding lengths of an elongated article such as an underwater conduit or cable, in succession, from a plurality of spools. The system includes two spaced apart spindles which can be moved vertically, horizontally in the direction of unwinding of the article, and toward each other, so that the spindles can be used to handle the spools when the spools are supported with their axes perpendicular to the direction of unwinding of the article. By this arrangement, one spool can be unwound, deposited on the deck of a ship, and the spindles can be moved to the second spool to pick up the spool for unwinding. The system can be used to unwind lengths of underwater conduit, during the laying of the conduit in a marine environment.

Abstract: A hollow flexible tubular body which comprises at least one tubular layer. The layer is formed by adjacent helical windings having hooked edges and substantially flat sections. The turns of the helix do not show any spontaneous tendency to increase in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus or device for storing elongated flexible elements, such as drilling pipe, in a coiled form. This apparatus includes an inner cylindrical framework supported about a vertical axis, an outer cylindrical framework concentrically separated from the inner framework and connected thereto by an annular base plate closing the bottom of the apparatus. The space between the inner and outer frameworks is open at the top to receive the elongated elements, and the annular base plate is formed of a plurality of annular sector elements connected together in such a manner as to allow a vertical displacement of respective adjacent elements with respect to one another. Various means for connecting adjacent elements are provided. Moreover, various driving and supporting members are provided for rotating the apparatus about the vertical axis.