Abstract: A floating production system includes a jacket and a deck supported by the jacket. The jacket includes a plurality of legs and a plurality of braces connected between the plurality of legs. The plurality of braces are connected between the legs along substantially the entire length of each leg to provide a stiffened space frame. Two or more of the plurality of legs may further include a longitudinally oriented launch cradle.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a braced offshore structure that is constructed on land as a single unit in a compact bundle before being transported on a barge to the installation site. After the compact unit is launched, it is unfolded and ballasted before being installed upon the ocean floor. This structure consists of an elongated central tower having a plurality of braces pivotally secured thereto. These braces are initially positioned generally parallel to this central tower within recesses in the central tower but after the braces are unfolded, they extend at an angle to the central tower.

Abstract: A variable capacity floating articulated barge assembly including two barges which are pivotally connected at their mating ends. An elongated structure to be launched is jacked to initiate it sliding along skidways on each barge toward one end region where a pivotal support member finally supports this structure prior to it being launched from this barge assembly. During launching the barges and the support member of this assembly pivot with respect to each other depending upon the degree and location of the load.