Abstract: A chain inlet/outlet, from which a load chain on a load side is hauled in or paid out, has a first guide groove having a first longitudinal groove and a first lateral groove. The chain inlet/outlet also has a second guide groove that is provided on a deeper side of a body part than the first guide groove is and has a second longitudinal groove and a second lateral groove. The first guide groove has narrowed parts that determine, when each link of the load chain is pulled in, into which of the first longitudinal groove and the first lateral groove the link is introduced, and expanded groove parts having a width larger than the groove width of the narrowed parts and provided on the outer side, farther away from the center of the chain inlet/outlet than the narrowed parts.

Abstract: A tensioning system includes a combined rope gripper and tension cylinder. A rope passes through the combined rope gripper and tension cylinder. Once the length and/or tension of the rope has been adjusted, a reel lock handle can be actuated to prevent further rotation of the reel. The combined rope gripper and tension cylinder can be actuated to hold the rope. The combined rope gripper and tension cylinder can also be actuated to reduce or prevent the release of tension in the rope.

Abstract: A rotatable chain stopper includes a base, an actuator operatively coupled to the base, and a pair of latches pivotably coupled to the base. The orientation of the base and position of the latches are responsive to extension of the actuator. The rotatable chain stopper may be used as a portion of chain jack assembly, such as on an offshore vessel. The rotatable chain stopper may used in a method of pulling-in, paying-out, and positioning of an anchor chain, such as for mooring an offshore vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fairlead for guiding an anchoring element of an offshore structure, such as a floating structure, at an anchoring point, of the type having a guide for the anchoring element and a lock holding the anchoring element in position, having a locking jaw including two locking jaw elements that are movable by a maneuvering unit actuated by a controller, between a closed position preventing the anchoring element from moving in translation and an open position releasing the anchoring element. The controller is of the impulse-type, and the maneuvering unit includes a pawl that defines successive stable open and closed positions of the jaw-forming unit.

Abstract: A device for connecting a chain or line, such as a portion of a chain or line, to a structure, the device comprising a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; and a second guide element, the second guide element being configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element.

Abstract: A rotatable chain stopper includes a base, an actuator operatively coupled to the base, and a pair of latches pivotably coupled to the base. The orientation of the base and position of the latches are responsive to extension of the actuator. The rotatable chain stopper may be used as a portion of chain jack assembly, such as on an offshore vessel. The rotatable chain stopper may used in a method of pulling-in, paying-out, and positioning of an anchor chain, such as for mooring an offshore vessel.

Abstract: An assembly of chain stopper and chain includes a housing, a vertically extending chain channel defined in the housing in which a chain is received and guided and two chain lockers positioned at opposite sides of the chain channel. Each chain locker pivots on a chain locker pivot axis between an inwardly rotated position engaging the chain and preventing a downward shift of the chain, and an outwardly rotated position allowing an upward shift of the chain. Each chain locker is biased towards its inwardly rotated position. Each chain locker pivot axis as a result of forces transmitted by the chain on the respective chain locker is displaceable from its original position to a stable second position in which the respective chain locker, in its inwardly rotated position, is not able to engage the chain in a manner for preventing a downward shift of the chain in the chain channel.

Abstract: A mooring unit for a vessel comprising an arm, a universal joint, and a chain stopper. The universal joint is arranged between the vessel and the arm, and the universal joint is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a bracket and the arm enabling the mooring unit to pivot about a first axis and a second pivot axis, said first and second pivot axes are arranged perpendicular to each other in substantially the same plane. The universal joint includes a link element for receiving a first and second ear pair of the respective arm and bracket. The ears and link element are coupled through journals. The link element includes walls extending on both sides of the respective ears so that the respective journals are supported by both walls.

Abstract: A fairlead for guiding an anchor chain, intended to equip a ground anchor system for a floating platform, includes a bending structure for guiding a direction change of the associated anchor chain, and a locking structure that includes a grip jaw consisting of two jaws associated with operating elements for rotatably moving the jaws in opposite directions. The operating elements include: (a) an inert mass, referred to as “counterweight”, which is movably coupled to the jaws and which is height-adjustable between a low position and a high position corresponding to an active position and an inactive position of the jaws, respectively, so as to operate and tend to maintain the jaws in the active position, and (b) an actuator driven by control elements, for operating the jaws from the active position to the inactive position and for operating the counterweight from the low position to the high position.

Abstract: A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load.

Abstract: A chain puller for use in marine salvage that includes a chain pulling platform having linearly disposed first and second chain stoppers. Each chain stopper includes a pair of pivotal doors that permit the passage of a chain in one direction while stopping the action of a chain moving in the opposite direction. The action on the pivotal doors uses gravity for vertical alignment. The pivotal doors are spaced apart the distance of a vertical chain-link in the static position and are pivotally spread apart to permit movement of the chain in one direction in the dynamic position.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: A cleat deck includes a body for attachment to a tubular body and a platform attached to the body and having a face for supporting a cleat. A fairlead extends upward and rearward from the face such that the fairlead extends rearward of an adjacent portion of the body to extend into an interior of the tubular body, through a slot in the tubular body. The fairlead has a surface configured for guiding a line between an interior and an exterior of the tubular body.

Abstract: A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load.

Abstract: An apparatuses and methods to release a chain. Apparatuses and methods include an electronic, mechanical, or electro-mechanical actuator system used to rotate a hooking arm. The actuator system includes an extendable piston. In some embodiments, the actuator system is hydraulic. In other embodiments, the actuator system is pneumatic.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a chain including a body which allows passage of the chain is disclosed. The body has first and second chain gripping devices, both adapted to grip the chain to restrict or prevent movement of the chain relative to the body. These first and second gripping devices are arranged in the body in respective first and second angular orientations which are offset with respect to one another, whereby the first and second chain gripping devices are adapted to grip respective links of the chain having different angular orientations. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: A chain connector for holding a chain (14) that moors a vessel to the sea floor under perhaps 2000 tons tension, which can be quickly disconnected in an emergency by applying a moderate disconnecting force such as 50 tons. The chain is hold by ratchets (24, 26) that are mounted on arms (34, 36). The arms have upper ends (35) that am pivotally mounted on a housing (38) and have free lower ends (44), with the lower ends being held by cams (50) on locking dogs (52) that have locking dog lower ends (51) pivotally mounted on the housing and free upper ends (60). A hydraulic actuator (70) has pins (58) that engage the upper ends of the locking dogs to prevent the arms and dogs from pivoting apart until the looking dog upper ends (60) are raised.

Abstract: A traction method for an operating line, in particular a mooring line, of a floating production unit includes the steps of: attaching an end chain portion of the operating line to a socket of a main cable running through a sheave at a work station; reeling in the main cable, using a winch, to bring the socket of the main cable up to the sheave; locking the operating line with a chain stopper; slackening the main cable and moving the sheave closer to the chain stopper to reduce pull on the main cable; reeling in the main cable to run the socket of the main cable through the sheave; once the socket of the main cable has run through the sheave, releasing the operating line from the chain stopper, and reeling in, by means of the winch, the main cable and the operating line connected to it, to set the operating line to a given tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a chain including a body which allows passage of the chain is disclosed. The body has first and second chain gripping devices, both adapted to grip the chain to restrict or prevent movement of the chain relative to the body. These first and second gripping devices are arranged in the body in respective first and second angular orientations which are offset with respect to one another, whereby the first and second chain gripping devices are adapted to grip respective links of the chain having different angular orientations. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: A mooring arrangement for a semi-submersible offshore structure having an outer hull with a lower (2) and an upper (1) water line, comprises a mooring line (4) extending from a fixed point on the seabed to an attachment on the offshore structure, at least a portion of the mooring line closest to the attachment being a chain. The attachment comprises a hawse (10) and a chain stopper (22) located below the lower water line. The chain stopper (22) is located in a dry space inside the outer hull and is sealingly attached at one end to the hawse and at the opposite end to a chain pipe (9) which extends inside the hull to above the upper water line. The hawse extends outwards from the chain stopper and is sealed to an opening in the outer hull.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: A mooring chain connector assembly for a floating device), such as for example a FPSO vessel or a floating offshore structure, is described, the connector assembly comprising a chain connector having a first pivot axis and a coupler for coupling a mooring chain to the chain connector. The assembly further comprises a channel assembly attached to the floating device. The channel assembly have an upper end and a lower end, wherein mooring chain locking device is provided at the upper end of the channel assembly. The channel assembly extends in the floating device from its bottom side to a higher level in the floating device which can be located above sea surface. A bearing location for the first pivot axis of the chain connector is provided at the lower end of the channel assembly.

Abstract: A chain support 11, hinged on two perpendicular axes 5, 6 which allows chain movement in two perpendicular planes. The chain support provides an improved arrangement to allow chain 4 to be pulled through the center of the apparatus to a desired length after which the chain is removably secured to the chain support.

Abstract: A device for a shark jaw onboard a vessel is described, where the shark jaw is arranged to secure an anchor line, a cable, a chain or the like, characterized in that the shark jaw comprises measuring equipment in the form of one or more load readers arranged to one or more sides of the shark jaw to read strains which arise during load effects in said anchor line, cable, chain or the like.

Abstract: A chain support 11, hinged on two perpendicular axes 5, 6 which allows chain movement in two perpendicular planes. The chain support provides an improved arrangement to allow chain 4 to be pulled through the center of the apparatus to a desired length after which the chain is removably secured to the chain support.

Abstract: A stopper device (1) for chain (2) or wire, especially for locking in position an anchor chain, tow wire or mooring wire, wherein the stopper consists of a pair of plates (3, 4) which can be pivoted up from the deck of a ship to be vertically positioned in a locked position relative to the deck, so that the plates (3, 4) form an angle (?) relative to each other and with a gap (6) between an area of adjacent plate edges (3?; 4?) on the pair of plates, wherein the gap is configured to match the thickness (t) of a chain link or a wire, wherein the pivoting movement of each plate is provided with the aid of a jack (7) in cooperation with a link mechanism (8; 9), and wherein the link mechanism (8; 9) in one end position causes a locking of the plate (3; 4) in the vertical position. A first (10) of the links in the link mechanism has an abutment area (11) designed to cooperate with a controllable, reciprocating locking bolt (121) for locking the first link (10) and thus the link mechanism in said one end position.

Abstract: A mooring method for a moored vessel that comprises a first chain stopper that is fixed to the vessel and is operable to selectively couple an upper chain to the vessel. A chain tensioner is coupled to the vessel and is operable to pull the upper chain. A second chain stopper is fixed to the vessel and is operable to selectively couple the upper chain to the vessel. The chain tensioner engages the upper chain at a location between the first chain stopper and the second chain stopper.

Abstract: A mooring system for securing a floating vessel to the sea floor comprises a plurality of mooring legs, at least one of which includes separate first and second mooring lines. The first mooring line comprises a first end which is connected to the vessel and the second mooring line comprises a first end which is secured to the sea floor. The mooring system also comprises a connection and tensioning device which includes a body, a bore which extends through the body, a chain stopper for adjustably securing the first mooring line to the body, and a connector for connecting a second end of the second mooring line to the body. In use, a second end of the first mooring line is inserted into the bore and the first mooring line is pulled through the bore while the body is subject to an opposing pulling force. Once the first mooring line is pulled through the bore a desired distance, the chain stopper maintains the first mooring line in position relative to the body to thereby secure the vessel to the sea floor.

Abstract: A stopper device (1) for chain (2) or wire, especially for locking in position an anchor chain, tow wire or mooring wire, wherein the stopper consists of a pair of plates (3, 4) which can be pivoted up from the deck of a ship to be vertically positioned in a locked position relative to the deck, so that the plates (3, 4) form an angle (?) relative to each other and with a gap (6) between an area of adjacent plate edges (3?; 4?) on the pair of plates, wherein the gap is configured to match the thickness (t) of a chain link or a wire, wherein the pivoting movement of each plate is provided with the aid of a jack (7) in cooperation with a link mechanism (8; 9), and wherein the link mechanism (8; 9) in one end position causes a locking of the plate (3; 4) in the vertical position. A first (10) of the links in the link mechanism has an abutment area (11) designed to cooperate with a controllable, reciprocating locking bolt (121) for locking the first link (10) and thus the link mechanism in said one end position.

Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mooring line of a floating vessel comprises a trunnion block which is pivotally supported on the vessel and a stopper block to which the mooring line is releasably secured. One of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a convex surface and the other of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a concave surface. In operation, the convex surface engages the concave surface to thereby pivotally support the stopper block on the trunnion block.

Abstract: A device for mechanically securing an anchor chain on a watercraft under control from one or more remote locations, additionally providing remote indication of whether the chain is secured and whether the chain is free to move. Furthermore, when the watercraft is under way, the device restrains the anchor from accidentally launching from its storage position, thereby obviating the need for a safety cable. The device is electrically fail-safe, in that it continues to secure the anchor under conditions of electrical failure. Key components of the device include a frame and rotatable pawl for securing the chain, a spring to urge the pawl toward a position that secures the chain, a solenoid that can urge the pawl toward a position that frees the chain, and a switch to control the solenoid. The invention provides methods for weighing anchor, dropping anchor, increasing anchor scope, and reducing anchor scope.

Abstract: An underwater chain stopper and fairlead apparatus for offshore structures, drilling platforms, ships or other vessels. The apparatus comprises a mounting member, a fairlead member and a chain stopper member. The mounting member is attached to an underwater surface of the offshore structure or vessel and includes a bracket for coupling the fairlead member. The bracket may comprise a hinge allowing the fairlead member to pivot in an approximately horizontal plane. The chain stopper member is coupled to the fairlead member through a hinge which allows the chain stopper member to pivot with respect to the fairlead member in an approximately vertical plane. The chain stopper member includes a chain stopper flapper having a horseshoe shaped opening at one end. The other end of the flapper is connected to the chain stopper member through a hinge which allows the flapper to swing between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A sealing device (1) and method for sealing between a chain (2) and a chain pipe (3), said chain for example being an anchor chain on a marine offshore platform or on a ship, and said chain pipe (3) leading for example to a chain locker for onboard storage of the chain in said platform or ship. The sealing device (1) comprises at least two opposing cover lids (7) positioned at the mouth (8) of the chain pipe (3) or an extension collar (7) thereof. The cover lids (7) are movably arranged from an open position into a closed position in which the cover lids (7) abut each other and seal the chain pipe (3) from water intrusion by sealingly engaging a chain link (10) of the chain. Furthermore, the cover lids (7) are provided—in mutual abutment sides (15) thereof—with one or more recesses (16) shaped in conformity with the contacting outer periphery (17) of said chain link (10).

Abstract: A swing arm type chain support with a hook arrangement integral with a swing arm which allows a mooring chain to ratchet over the hook while tensioning, then automatically engage the hook when tension is reduced.

Abstract: A vessel with a mooring tube assembly with swivel mounted chain supports. The assembly includes a frame arranged and designed for support within a vertical opening of the vessel at its bow and/or its stern. A plurality of chain tubes are carried on the outer side of the frame in an arc such that their top ends extend upwardly generally parallel to the vertical axis of opening of the vessel. The vessel includes a deck mounted above the upper end of the frame. A track on the deck allows a single winch to be moved so that a pull-in line can be registered with any of the top ends of the tubes. A plurality of chain supports are rotationally mounted on the frame where each chain support has an outlet and an inlet. A trunnion chain stopper is provided between the outlet and inlet of the chain support. The outlet of each chain stopper is in registration with the lower end of one of the chain tubes.

Abstract: A holding and guiding device for a mooring chain, mounted pivotally about a vertical axis (5) and having an integrated chain stopper (2) mounted above the glide track (4) on top of the fairlead. The glide track (4) has a longitudinal slot (11) providing room for the standing links (9) of the chain and has flat parts (3) supporting the lying links (8) of the chain in order to avoid that these become subjected to bending moments when the chain is loaded. In the middle of the flat parts (3) the glide track has deviations (12) providing room for the welds of the chain. Between the flat parts (3) the glide track (4) is evenly rounded in the longitudinal direction. The slot (11) of the glide track has one or more shallower parts which, when the chain is pulled in, force the standing links (9) outwards so that they in turn lift the ends of the lying links (8) of the chain away from the glide track (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding and stopping an anchor chain on a floating structure, wherein the chain (13) comprises links (17, 19) forming a catenary plane between the structure and an anchor. Standing chain links (17) and lying chain links (19) are guided by through a mouthpiece (10) with an inner guide passage (14) of generally cruciform cross-section. The standing chain links and the lying chain links are received in pairs of opposite grooves (16, 18) in first and second arms of the cruciform. Each arm has a constant width transversely to the catenary plane but diverges in direction towards the anchor. Link supporting surfaces in the opposite grooves (18) of the second arm cooperate in pairs and have planar surface portions (22) to support individual lying links when the chain (13) is stopped by stopper (12).

Abstract: A device that is adjustable along the length of a chain, which can serve both as a stopper and, because it includes an overcenter latch, as a tensioner to assure that the chain is taut.

Abstract: A holding and guiding device for a mooring chain, mounted pivotally about a vertical axis (5) and having an integrated chain stopper (2) mounted above the glide track (4) on top of the fairlead. The glide track (4) has a longitudinal slot (11) providing room for the standing links (9) of the chain and has flat parts (3) supporting the lying links (8) of the chain in order to avoid that these become subjected to bending moments when the chain is loaded. In the middle of the flat parts (3) the glide track has deviations (12) providing room for the welds of the chain. Between the flat parts (3) the glide track (4) is evenly rounded in the longitudinal direction. The slot (11) of the glide track has one or more shallower parts which, when the chain is pulled in, force the standing links (9) outwards so that they in turn lift the ends of the lying links (8) of the chain away from the glide track (4).

Abstract: A cleat for separately or simultaneously securing a rope and a chain has a pair of cleat horns projecting in opposite directions from an upright portion extending upwardly from a cleat base, the horns being spaced upwardly from the base. A chain link reception slot is downwardly inclined into the upright portion, and is open upwardly and to opposite sides of the upright portion, for receiving and retaining a link of a chain.

Abstract: A compact tensioner/stopper device includes a fairlead which may or may not be part of the device. A set of inboard and outboard pawls are provided. The pawls are spaced and operate in a manner that at least one pari of pawls grabs the chain at any given time. This prevents accidental loss of the chain overboard. The chain is tensioned as the inboard pawls are engaged to the chain and actuated hydraulically to pull the chain inboard. Pulling inboard allows the outboard pawls to slide over at least one link and lock into place behind that link. The inboard pawls are stroked outboard over the next link to be grabbed, with the outboard pawls engaging the chain, the inboard pawls slide outboard to obtain another grip on a subsequent link and the process is repeated to conclude the tensioning. For deployment, the outboard pawls are retracted while the chain is retained by the inboard pawls. The inboard pawls are stroked outboard to pay out the chain.

Abstract: A mooring chain is guided for movement through the frame of a chain stopper along a pair of upright rails, with vertical links of the chain received between the rails and horizontal links of the chain riding on top of the rails. A pawl is swingably mounted on the frame above the rails with inner legs of the pawl engaging a horizontal link of the chain at opposite sides of an adjacent vertical link. The pawl has outer legs which extend downward to a release pin. The release pin has grooves positioned to receive the bottom ends of the outer legs and prevent the pawl from moving in a direction which will allow loosening of the chain, unless the release pin is freed for rotation through an angle of about 90.degree.. The release pin is connected to a trigger assembly including a spinner block which is normally held against rotation by a trigger finger. Movement of the trigger finger frees the spinner block and thereby allows the release pin to move from a pawl-engaging to a pawl-released position.

Abstract: In an anchoring system for a floating vessel which includes an anchor line comprising chain cable, a chain locker and a windlass having a chain wheel that conveys the chain cable during paying out from the chain locker, a mechanism is positioned between the chain locker and chain wheel to back-tension the chain during paying out. The mechanism has an axis along which the chain is passed with every second links oriented in a given plane. Paired brake shoes are positioned to either side of the plane and define braking surfaces of sufficient extent along the axis of chain movement that a given chain link and an immediately succeeding link of similar orientation can be simultaneously engaged during their movement to provide a continuous retarding effect. One pair of braking shoes is pivotally mounted on an appropriate support structure and urged with hydraulic cylinders towards the other pair thereby causing the brake shoes to engage the opposing faces chain link.

Abstract: The invention is a channel-shaped quick release anchor and chain locking device comprising a channel with shouldered sides and a quick-release pin.

Abstract: A hawser chain assembly and method for installation of its sealing element is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing adapted for connection in series with a hawser pipe of a marine vessel such as a semi-submersible drilling rig. The housing may be moved to an open position for installation or replacement of the sealing element, and a closed position to longitudinally surround and secure the sealing element. The sealing element has at least two semi-cylindrical elastomeric parts, each of which is adapted for placement partially about the hawser chain when the housing is in the open position. Each semi-cylindrical part has at least one inflatable bladder. A manifold is provided by which fluid pressure may be introduced to the bladders of the sealing element causing them to expand. The sealing element is restricted on its outer diameter by the closed housing causing the elastomeric material to move inwardly forming a sealing engagement with the chain.

Abstract: An improvement in the class of chain stopper comprising a framework having a chain track extending through it for receiving the chain and a pawl which is pivotably attached at one of its ends to the framework and comprising two parts pivotably connected to each other in the fashion of a toggle link which remains substantially unbent in its chain-stopping position and is actuated to a bent position when the chain is released; this class of chain stopper also comprises an arm pivotably attached at one of its ends to the other end of the pawl and pivotably attached at its other end to the framework, this arm having a bearing portion resting against, and substantially conforming to, the surface of the chain when the pawl is in its chain stopping position.

Abstract: A system for securing vehicles to a rail car for transport thereby, with the system including a bi-directional tie-down assembly and a ratchet assembly, or the like, separate therefrom and with the bi-directional tie-down assembly having a double chain in a triangulated configuration for restraining the associated vehicle at the point of engagement. A pivotable hook assembly is provided which allows the selection of one or more hook configurations.