Multiple Leg Patents (Class 114/265)
  • Patent number: 11618535
    Abstract: A motion damping system includes a tank compartmentalized to have a first compartment having a first opening, a second compartment having a second opening, and a third compartment disposed between the first and second compartments. The third compartment is in fluid communication with the first and second openings. A first piston is movably sealed within the first compartment and is in fluid communication with its first opening. A second piston is movably sealed within the second compartment and is in fluid communication with its second opening. A liquid fills the third compartment, a portion of the first compartment up to the first piston, and a portion of the second compartment up to the second piston. A coupling fixedly attached to the first and second pistons moves in correspondence with the first and second pistons. Motion damper(s) coupled to the coupling resist movements of the first and second pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Rebecca L. Williams, Robert E. Berry, Frederick Scott Gant, Jeffrey L. Lindner, John S. Townsend
  • Patent number: 11584481
    Abstract: A floating observation system includes a floating platform. The floating platform includes an upper deck, upright posts, a device compartment, a ballast compartment, a radome structure and a device installation base. Top ends of the upright posts are connected to the upper deck, and bottom ends of the upright posts are connected to the device compartment. The ballast compartment is connected to the device compartment. The radome structure is borne on the upper deck. The device installation base is arranged on an outer surface of the floating platform. Various types of auxiliary devices are borne by the upper deck and the device compartment on the floating platform. Various observation devices borne by the device installation base are arranged on the outer surface of the floating platform to observe different kinds of information and to observe spaces above, on and under water, thus meeting a demand for comprehensive observation in all dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: CETC Ocean Information Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Liang, Jipeng Wang, Xueqing Zhang, Donghai Wang, Liwei Zhang, Mingrui Guo, Haolun Chang, Yu Du, Dazheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11542130
    Abstract: Telescopic lattice type crane boom for a crane, further comprising a locking system configured to lock at least one telescopic boom section with respect to a base boom section in at least an extended position, wherein said locking system includes a plurality of pins, each pin being configured to extend, in at least the extended position of the boom, at least partly through a corresponding pin receiving aperture provided in one of the base boom section and the at least one telescopic boom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: GUSTOMSC B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Coenradus Johannes Jozephus Woldring, Mark Cornelius Marinus Franciscus Rommens, Adriaan Joost Van Putten
  • Patent number: 11448577
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a second-generation in-situ test device for strength of a shallow water sediment, including a workboat and a static cone penetration test unit carried by the workboat, where the static cone penetration unit includes a mounting frame, a penetration unit, a control cabin and a hydraulic unit; the penetration unit and the hydraulic unit are both electrically connected to the control cabin. In this solution, the workboat is used to carry the test equipment, and the static cone penetration test unit is carried on the workboat with a special structure. Based on a double-cable lifting frame, the equipment is launched and recovered through a moon pool in the center of a hull. This significantly improves the efficiency and safety of the sediment strength test operation in a shallow water environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ocean University of China
    Inventors: Xiaolei Liu, Hong Zhang, Yonggang Jia, Jiewen Zheng, Hongxian Shan
  • Patent number: 11260940
    Abstract: An underwater towing test device including a driving mechanism, an observation platform disposed under the driving mechanism, a towing member, and a towed body. The driving mechanism includes an operation platform, an extended platform connected to the operation platform, a crane, a first railing, a lifebuoy, a control center, a power distribution room, and a plurality of bus ports. The operation platform includes two rail grooves disposed in parallel and a moon pool provided with two pool slots on both ends thereof. The crane includes a chassis provided with a plurality of first guide rollers. The first railing is positioned along the edge of the operation platform and the extended platform, with the lifebuoy hanging thereon. The control center, the power distribution room, the plurality of bus ports, and the moon pool are fixedly disposed on the operation platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yan Lin, Xiaoning Jiang, Tieli Li
  • Patent number: 11208179
    Abstract: A maintenance facility includes: a first barge; a first connection portion disposed on the first barge and configured to connect the first barge to a second barge mounted with a device including a maintenance target portion; and a building disposed on the first barge and including a wall portion and a roof portion. On the first barge, a temporary placing space in which the maintenance target portion can be placed is disposed between the first connection portion and the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI POWER, LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11156200
    Abstract: Point absorbing wave energy converters that do not require a rigid structure, are easy to deploy and are economically viable for a variety of deployments are disclosed herein below. The system includes a point absorber wave energy converter and a flexible component and ballast combination, where the flexible component and ballast combination includes a ballast subsystem and a flexible linear component extending from the point absorber wave energy converter to the ballast subsystem and operatively connected at one end to the ballast subsystem and at another end to the point absorber wave energy converter. The flexible component and ballast combination configured to provide a strong drag force when moving upward in a water column and a weak drag force when sinking in the water column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventor: Daniel G. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 11097809
    Abstract: A method for constructing a hull of an offshore structure includes (a) welding a plurality of plates together to form a plate assembly. The method also includes (b) passing the plate assembly through a rolling machine with the plate assembly in a vertical orientation. In addition, the method includes (c) bending the plate assembly into a cylinder during (b). The cylinder includes a pair of circumferentially adjacent free ends. Further, the method includes (d) welding the free ends of the cylinder together after (c) to form a cylindrical external wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HORTON DO BRASIL TECNOLOGIA OFFSHORE LTDA.
    Inventors: Xavier Castello, Marcelo I. L. Souza, Rodrigo M. R. Guimarães, Luiz Germano Bodanese, Rafael Bodanese
  • Patent number: 11084553
    Abstract: A floating offshore structure includes a buoyant hull including a first column, a second column, and a pontoon coupled to the first column and the second column. The pontoon extends horizontally from the first column to the second column. The pontoon includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member positioned laterally adjacent to the first tubular member, a first edge plate extending horizontally from the first tubular member, and a second edge plate extending horizontally from the second tubular member. The first tubular member and the second tubular member are disposed between the first edge plate and the second edge plate. Each tubular member has a central axis, a first end coupled to the lower end of the first column, and a second end coupled to the lower end of the second column. The longitudinal axis of the first tubular member and the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member are disposed in a common horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: HORTON DO BRASIL TECHNOLOGIA OFFSHORE, LTDA.
    Inventors: Marcelo I. L. Souza, Lyle David Finn, Xavier Castello, Rodrigo M. R. Guimarães, Luiz Germano Bodanese, Rafael Bodanese
  • Patent number: 11066279
    Abstract: A motion compensating crane for use on an offshore vessel having a hull with a design waterline, wherein the crane includes a revolving superstructure, a main boom mounted to the revolving superstructure and pivotally connected at an inner end thereof about a substantially horizontal boom pivot axis to the revolving superstructure, the main boom having a tip end remote from the inner end, a main boom luffing assembly adapted to set an angle of the main boom relative to the superstructure within a main boom working angle range, a rigid jib frame pivotally connected to the tip end of the main boom about a substantially horizontal jib frame pivot axis, and a level setting assembly adapted to set the rigid jib frame in a levelled position whilst the main boom has an angle within the main boom working angle range. The rigid jib frame is provided with a set of parallel X-direction tracks which are substantially horizontal in the levelled position of the rigid jib frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Martinus Van Veluw, Joop Roodenburg
  • Patent number: 11014637
    Abstract: Provided is a semi-submersible floating foundation for supporting a wind power generation system. In one embodiment, the floating foundation includes a plurality of outer buoyant columns equidistantly spaced around a center buoyant column that are connected by buoyant structural pontoons. The center buoyant column supports a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) or a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) energy system. The floating foundation includes motion attenuating extensions with or without porosity attached to the sides of the pontoons. Deepwater station-keeping system of the floating foundation includes a plurality of disconnectable and reconnectable taut or semi-taut mooring lines coupling one or more outer buoyant columns to seabed anchors. Inter-array power cable between a plurality of floating foundations may be free hanging or supported by buoyant modules. Export power cable from a floating foundation to seabed toward shore may be free hanging or supported by buoyant modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: VL Offshore, LLC
    Inventors: Sung Youn Boo, Steffen A. Shelley, Daejun Kim
  • Patent number: 10850813
    Abstract: A supporting system for a floating unit in shallow water exerts controlled stresses on the floating unit hull and includes supporting structure for the hull. An extendable supporting device operatively connects to the supporting structure and is suitable to support a predetermined weight of the floating unit and load when entirely supported by the extendable supporting device and when the extendable supporting device rests on a bed of a water body. An actuator device connects to the supporting structure and operatively connects to the extendable supporting device for extension or contraction. A control device operatively connects to the actuator device to control the extraction or contraction movement of the extendable supporting device. The system includes at least one hull stress monitoring device operatively connected to the control device. A device to monitor the stress, or load, on the extendable supporting device operatively connects to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Serena, Diego Lazzarin, Olivier Fresnet
  • Patent number: 10766578
    Abstract: We have invented a floating platform with 3 canted columns, a new type of fairlead, and a new method of mooring line makeup and installation method, that can be used for canted columns. The platform includes 3 columns having upper ends projecting above water surface. The columns are canted or inclined inward from the corner of hull toward the central vertical axis. The 3 columns converge at the top of column such that each column will lean against the other 2 columns. Each column has two connection points to the other 2 columns. Horizontally disposed pontoons interconnect adjacent columns at the lower ends. The columns and pontoons form a closed structure hull to support a foundation structure directly above the top of column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Argus Marine Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tingting Li, Nan Feng, Yumin Yang
  • Patent number: 10745083
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrofoil vessels and systems integrated with renewable energy sources. In one aspect, the hydrofoil vessel includes one or more hulls, an omni-directional platform connecting the one or more hulls of the hydrofoil vessel. The omni-directional platform may include at least one of: a sail, a wind turbine, a solar panel, a hydroelectric motor, a hydrofoil controller platform, and a battery component. Also disclosed herein are methods and computer readable medium for controlling an omni direct modular hydrofoil vessel having one or more hulls integrated with renewable-energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Volodymyr Zadorozhnyy
  • Patent number: 10661862
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floating wind turbine assembly, including a floating platform and a wind turbine arranged on top of the floating platform, the wind turbine having a mast with a mast axis, of which a lower end is connected to the floating platform, and a nacelle arranged on top of the mast, wherein the floating platform is connected to a seafloor with a plurality of tensioned mooring lines, wherein the mooring lines each include a mooring line axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the mooring line, wherein the mooring line axes intersect each other at a crossing position on the mast axis and at an elevation level at or above the nacelle, as well as a method for mooring such a floating wind turbine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Cecile Melis, Christian Raymond Bauduin, Francois Caille
  • Patent number: 10549818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-submersible offshore structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a low motion semi-submersible offshore structure that has improved stability in deep water. The low motion semi-submersible experiences relatively lesser heave, pitch and wave motions compared to conventional semi-submersibles when the semi-submersible is operating in harsh offshore environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Aziz Amirali Merchant, Anis Altaf Hussain, Ankit Kumar Choudhary, Wei Xu
  • Patent number: 10509403
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing device is configured to, in response to a location signal from a fire detector: move to a first reference location; detect a fire and generate a thermal image, and calculate a target direction based on a line of sight and the thermal image; rotate such that the line of sight is aligned with the target direction, and detect the fire and generate a first reference image; move in the target direction to a second reference location, and detect the fire and generate a second reference image; calculate a distance to fire and a height of the fire; move to a location within a predetermined range from the fire, move a tube to a spraying position based on the height of the fire, and discharge an extinguishing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventors: Kang Chao, Yung-Tai Chao
  • Patent number: 10494064
    Abstract: A floating driller having a hull, a main deck, an upper cylindrical side section extending downwardly from the main deck, an upper frustoconical side section, a cylindrical neck section, a lower ellipsoidal section that extends from the cylindrical neck section, and a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of a bottom surface. The upper frustoconical side section located below the upper cylindrical side section and maintained to be above the water line for a transport depth and partially below the water line for an operational depth of the floating driller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm, John Williams Beck, III
  • Patent number: 10486779
    Abstract: A catamaran oil production apparatus is disclosed for producing oil in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. At least one of the frames supports an oil production platform. One or more risers or riser pipes extends from the seabed (e.g., at a wellhead) to the production platform (or platforms). In one embodiment, the production apparatus includes crew quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: VERSABAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jon Khachaturian
  • Patent number: 10358191
    Abstract: Techniques and systems to reduce movement of at least one portion of an offshore platform. One portion of the offshore platform can provide a connection to a seafloor. A second portion of the offshore platform provides a lateral force to the first portion of the offshore platform while allowing for vertical movement between the first portion and the second portion of the offshore platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ensco International Incorporated
    Inventor: Van Van Vu
  • Patent number: 10337258
    Abstract: A dual tower rig includes a hull supported by one or more legs and includes a cantilever assembly coupled to the hull. Dual towers are supported by a skidding system that is coupled to the cantilever assembly. The towers are configured to conduct independent operations and are movable relative to each other and to the hull by the skidding system and the cantilever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Rowan Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Dowdy, Frankie Derek Necaise
  • Patent number: 10323941
    Abstract: A system for measuring the attitude of an object in a fixed frame of reference from a moving frame of reference, comprising a first imaging device for producing image data for the object from a first direction, a second imaging device for producing image data for the object from a second direction having a component perpendicular to the first direction and an attitude sensing arrangement for determining an attitude of the first and second imaging devices with respect to the fixed frame of reference at the time the respective images are taken and for generating attitude data. An image processing system analyses and combines the respective image data and attitude data to determine the attitude of the object. The system is particularly useful for determining attitude of offshore piles during piling operations or for monitoring the departure angles of pipes and cables during laying thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Fugro N.V.
    Inventors: Olaf Booij, Fatemeh Karimi Nejadasl, Evert Schippers, Hendrik Wouters
  • Patent number: 10323466
    Abstract: An improved system and method for bracing, transporting, assembling, and disassembly of drilling equipment at oil and gas land-based well sites. The system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with telescoping tension link(s), linking pins, and vertical hydraulic cylinders. These linking pins are set after raising the substructure and secure the telescoping tension link, support arms, and support bracing in place to maintain the integrity of the substructure. Alternatively the system has a substructure with side boxes support bracing that are in a scissor jack (or grand plié) style bracing with screw jacks and a means of stabilization during substructure raising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP.
    Inventors: Christopher Price, D. Jarrett Tarrent, David Armbruster, Wilson Orr, Marc Moore
  • Patent number: 10302068
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to movable offshore platforms for installing wind turbines, and methods of forming the same. The movable offshore platforms are offshore platforms which were previously used in hydrocarbon production, such as jack-up units. The movable offshore platforms may be decommissioned and retrofitted with equipment for installing wind turbines. The movable offshore platforms may be American-made or otherwise Jones Act compliant. Methods of forming the same are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ZENTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Ramesh Maini
  • Patent number: 10295007
    Abstract: A load absorber dampens relative movement between subsea bodies. The load absorber is cooperable with an actuating member such as a male piston element or a female cup on an opposed subsea body. The load absorber comprises a hollow structure defining an internal flow path for water. A flow restrictor acting on the flow path restricts a distal flow of water along the flow path from a proximal opening, caused by convergence between the actuating member and the load absorber. The flow restrictor comprises a shuttle element to restrict the flow path that is mounted to the structure for automatic movement from a first state to a second state in response to an increase in water pressure at the proximal opening. In the first state, the shuttle element effects greater restriction of the flow path than in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventor: Murray Jamieson McIntosh
  • Patent number: 10293890
    Abstract: A flare-type tension leg floating wind turbine foundation is provided, which includes a top support platform configured to support a tower frame, a blade and a wind turbine generator set; a bottom support structure connected to a plurality of tension legs; at least three hollow upright columns connected between the top support platform and the bottom support structure and arranged around a vertical center line of the floating wind turbine foundation, each of the at least three upright columns being inclined outward from a lower end to an upper end with respect to the vertical center line of the floating wind turbine foundation; and a ballast adjusting system provided in the upright columns and/or the bottom support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: XINJIANG GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rongfu Li, Jianhai Zhang, Haifei Zhu
  • Patent number: 10279872
    Abstract: A catamaran oil production apparatus is disclosed for producing oil in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. At least one of the frames supports an oil production platform. One or more risers or riser pipes extends from the seabed (e.g., at a wellhead) to the production platform (or platforms). In one embodiment, the production apparatus includes crew quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: VERSABAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jon Khachaturian
  • Patent number: 10252781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating mounting (1) which includes ballasting means (2) in order to vary the draught of the floating mounting. The floating mounting (1) according to the invention has a depth-variable horizontal cross-section, such that the second moment of area of the cross-section of the floating mounting, at the buoyancy surface (Sd), is higher when the floating mounting is deballasted, compared with the second moment of area of the buoyancy surface of the floating mounting, at the buoyancy surface (Sb), when the floating mounting is ballasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Timothee Perdrizet, Pauline Bozonnet, Philippe Gilbert, Claude Mabile, Gerard Papon, Yann Poirette, Alice Pourtier, Navid Saeedi, Victor Dupin, Thierry Bancel
  • Patent number: 10196112
    Abstract: An observation platform device, including a platform deck, an observation mechanism disposed on the platform deck, a primary swing reduction and self-righting mechanism, and a secondary swing reduction mechanism. The primary swing reduction and self-righting mechanism includes a hollow upper support rod, a solid lower support rod, a buoyant cabin, and a counter weight cabin. The lower support rod includes a lower end fixedly connected to the counter weight cabin, and an upper end fixedly connected to the buoyant cabin. The secondary swing reduction mechanism includes a water pond, a plurality of wing-type supports, and a plurality of spaced fan-shaped floating cabins. The plurality of wing-type supports each includes an upper end fixedly connected to a lower plane of the platform deck, and a lower end fixedly connected to an upper plane of the fan-shaped floating cabins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yan Lin, Xiaoning Jiang, Tieli Li
  • Patent number: 9950774
    Abstract: A floating hydrocarbon processing/storage structure with a first and second assembly, each including a hull having side walls, one or more storage tanks and a deck structure, a connection structure interconnecting the hulls, processing equipment situated on the deck structures, at least one riser connected to a subsea hydrocarbon well and to the processing equipment and/or storage tanks, with a mooring system connecting the processing/storage structure to the sea bed, each hull including a hull deck structure bridging the side walls, the connection structure including a central deck extending at or near the height of the hull deck structures along at least 70% of the length of the hulls, the central deck supporting at least one of: risers vertically extending from the central deck between the hulls to the sea bed, fluid ducts horizontally supported on the central deck, and at least one drilling/work-over rig or crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Theodorus Johannes Bernardus Brinkel, Willem Cornelis Van Wijngaarden
  • Patent number: 9903084
    Abstract: A mobile drilling unit having a floatable platform for use in a body of water with a plurality of vertical support legs. With each vertical support leg configured to move with a cleat at the lower end of each support leg. Each cleat having a lower surface to transmit gravitational force from the unit to the sea floor. The cleats are asymmetric with respect to the legs which allows expansion of the center of pressure on the cleats to be beyond the vertical support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bennett Offshore, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jake Alford, William Bennett
  • Patent number: 9902468
    Abstract: Tension leg platform structure for wind turbines It comprises a buoyant structure (110), a platform (120) and at least one anchoring tendon (30) for connecting the platform (120) to a seabed (20) comprising at least a hybrid structure with at least one pre-stressed cable (31) and a pre-stressed concrete structure (32) associated therewith. The anchoring tendons(30) may comprise segments of a given length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GE Renewable Technologies Wind B.V.
    Inventor: Josep Prats Mustarós
  • Patent number: 9823371
    Abstract: Acoustic source arrays and related methods. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including towing a first source sub-array comprising a first surface float, the first surface float defines a first connection point at a proximal end of the first surface float. The method may further include towing a second source sub-array comprising a second surface float, the second surface float defines a second connection point at a proximal end of the second surface float. And during the towing of the first and second source sub-arrays, the method may include maintaining a lateral separation between the first and second connection points of the first and second surface floats by a first strut, the first strut coupled between the first connection point of the first surface float and the second connection point of the second surface float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Andrew Samuel Long
  • Patent number: 9796459
    Abstract: An offshore floating support apparatus includes an underwater base, an anchor unit and a plurality of supporting units. The anchor unit is connected to the underwater base and is adapted to be attached to a water bed. The supporting units are connected to and surround the underwater base. Each of the supporting units has a support member that defines a receiving space for receiving water therein and that has a valve component operable to establish fluid communication between the receiving space and external environment for adjusting quantity of water received in the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 9725147
    Abstract: Disclosed are a thruster system and a vessel including the same. The thruster system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a canister on which a thruster is installed, and which is movable upward and downward in a hull; a wire controller which controls a wire connected with the canister and enables the upward and downward movement of the canister; and a ballast tank which is installed in the canister and filled with water in order to offset the buoyancy that is applied to the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industries Co., LTD.
    Inventors: ChulSoo Ahn, SoonSeong Shin, Dae Kyung Kim, JaeChang Lee
  • Patent number: 9638351
    Abstract: A pipelay vessel has a crane having a base with a hollow interior and a stinger handling system for handling a stinger extending from the side of the vessel. The stinger handling system has a link extending out through an opening from the hollow interior towards the side of the vessel for connection to the stinger. The link is arranged to transmit both tensile and compressive loading. A jack structure, located within the hollow interior of the crane base is mounted to extend and retract the link from within the crane base to raise and lower the stinger. A universal coupling may be provided for self aligning the link to the stinger in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Petrofac Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimon Tullio Ardavanis
  • Patent number: 9623934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a tendon flex bearing on a tension leg platform includes installing a tendon tensioning tool on the Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) of a tendon and providing a supplemental buoyancy module on the tendon. The tendon tensioning tool is used to disengage the slips from the top tendon connector. The buoyancy of the supplemental buoyancy module may then be adjusted to support the tendon whereupon the tendon tensioning tool may be disengaged permitting removal and replacement of the tendon flex bearing. Following installation of the new (or refurbished) flex bearing, the steps of the procedure may be reversed to return the tendon to its normal operating state. In certain embodiments, top clamp actuation means is provided in the tendon tensioning tool for removing slips from the top clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventors: Robert Kipp, Kent Davies
  • Patent number: 9592889
    Abstract: A submersible active support structure for turbine towers and substations or similar elements, in offshore facilities, which is made up of hollow concrete bodies joined together by means of segments or beams, through which water passes from one body to another, with a pumping system that regulates the inclination of the structure based on the overturning moment, equipped with means for regulating immersion, which regulate the amount of water in the hollow bodies such that, in its working position, the center of gravity of the structure is below the center of buoyancy thereof, and the area of the cross-section of the structure at the waterline is smaller than the sum of the submerged cross-sections of said hollow bodies. In addition, the assembly may operate with a traditional mooring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ACS SERVICIOS, COMMUNICACIONES Y ENERGIA S.L.
    Inventors: Jose Alfonso Nebrera Garcia, Jaime Altolaguirre McCrumlish
  • Patent number: 9586650
    Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform for operations in a body of water includes a buoyant hull configured to be at least partially submerged in the water. In addition, the platform includes an equipment deck coupled to the hull and configured to be positioned above the water. The hull includes a first vertical column and a second vertical column horizontally spaced from the first vertical column. Each column has a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end, and a tapered section axially positioned between the upper end and the lower end. Further, the hull includes a horizontal pontoon having a longitudinal axis, a first end coupled to the lower end of the first column, and a second end coupled to the lower end of the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Wei Ye, Zhihuang Alex Ran, Jim Jianxun Li
  • Patent number: 9581129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power unit with a floating body (1), a submerged station (2) and flexible connection means (3) connecting the floating body (1) to the submerged station (100). The submerged station (100) has a stator 5 (5) and a moving part (6). According to the invention the flexible connection means (3) is provided with a damper (12). The damper (12) is arranged to absorb tensile forces in the flexible connection means (3). The invention also relates to a use of such a wave power unit and to a 10 method for producing and supplying electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Seabased AB
    Inventors: Mats Leijon, Kalle Haikonen
  • Patent number: 9573662
    Abstract: The invention shows improved operational conditions. It comprises a floating structure with a single floating central body (1), provided with an elongated configuration according to a longitudinal direction, wherein the lower portion of the central body (1) is intended to be submerged. It additionally comprises: a base (3) located in the upper portion of the central body (1) to support at least one wind turbine (4); and at least four legs (2) located in the lower portion of the central body (1) and provided with: a) a first end, by which they are integrally attached to the central body (1); b) a second end, opposite to the first end, and more distant from the central body (1); and c) at least a porch (6) located in the second end of each leg (2), said porch (6) comprising a first drilling (12) in longitudinal direction to anchor the floating platform to the sea bed (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Iberdrola Ingenieria Y Construccion, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Juan Amate López, Bernardino Couñago Lorenzo, Pablo Gómez Alonso, Marta Caicoya Ferreiro, Oscar Sainz Avila
  • Patent number: 9567044
    Abstract: A semisubmersible with a plurality of surface piercing columns, a plurality of pontoons attached to and extending between pairs of adjacent surface piercing columns, a tunnel side formed between a first pair of surface piercing columns, an additional tunnel side formed between a second pair of surface piercing columns, a tunnel floor formed between the tunnel sides. A tunnel opening formed between the tunnel sides for receiving a floating vessel into the tunnel structure, and a main deck secured to the plurality of surface piercing columns. The semisubmersible can be ballasted to an operational depth and deballested to a transit depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: JURONG SHIPYARD PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm
  • Patent number: 9567038
    Abstract: An apparatus (1?) for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures (10) is disclosed and illustrated. It comprises at least two suitably connected vessels (1,2) with adjustable buoyancy, each having a first end (5) and a second end (8). The apparatus is equipped with lifting mechanism for lifting a marine structure on and from it. The vessels (1,2) are connected to each other at each said first end (5) at an angle (4) and are free at each said second end (8), thus forming a V-shape. The invention also embraces the methodology for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures, using the apparatus (1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Seatower AS
    Inventor: Sigurd Ramslie
  • Patent number: 9547308
    Abstract: A rapid transition floating vessel that is able to follow the yaw motions of a turret moored floating vessel is provided. The rapid transition floating vessel includes a system and processes for dynamically positioning the floating vessel alongside a turret moored floating vessel whereby the floating vessel remains at a safe distance while being connected to the turret moored floating vessel. This is achieved by the floating vessel following the yaw motions of the turret moored floating vessel as the turret moored floating vessel weathervanes about a center of the turret moorings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aziz Merchant, Anis Hussain, Ankit Kumar Choudhary
  • Patent number: 9528501
    Abstract: A floating offshore wind turbine comprises a rotor with a plurality of blades, a nacelle and a nacelle support structure having a central longitudinal axis. A plurality of tuned mass damping configurations is arranged around the central longitudinal axis of the nacelle support structure to dampen vibrations in all 6 degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM RENOVABLES ESPANA, S.L.
    Inventor: Arturo Rodríguez Tsouroukdissian
  • Patent number: 9452808
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull, a first sponson and a first movement damper coupled to the first sponson that dampens movement of the first sponson relative to the hull. The watercraft further includes a second sponson and a second movement damper coupled to the second sponson damping movement of the second sponson relative to the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9446825
    Abstract: A semisubmersible vessel can comprise: a first hull, one or more columns extending upward from the first hull, a second hull, one or more columns extending upward from the second hull, and one or more cross members joining the first hull or its columns and the second hull or its columns. The first and second hulls are shaped to reduce hydrodynamic drag; the one or more columns can also be shaped to reduce hydrodynamic drag. The hulls include one or more self-propulsion units mounted at various locations for various purposes (e.g., cruising, maneuvering, station-keeping, and so on).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Hugh Francis Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9359047
    Abstract: A vessel comprising a primary platform (1003) moveably connected to a secondary platform (1029) by one or more legs (1007, 1009, 1011, 1013) is disclosed. The primary and secondary platform (1003, 1029) are moveable along the legs, wherein the secondary platform is moveable independently from the primary platform. The invention has particular application in the repair maintenance, and construction of wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Celtic Design Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Iain Hughes Steven, Michael Terence Linke, Amy Louise Linke, John Gordon Davies
  • Patent number: 9168987
    Abstract: Proposed is a floating platform structure for use on the surface of the ocean in equatorial regions where a strong eastward Cromwell current exists below the westward surface current. In the present invention, the forces developed by these two opposite currents are used for maintaining the floating structure in a stable geographical position that may be important, e.g., for launching a satellite-carrying rocket. The structure contains a rigid three-dimensional frame, which is immersed to the depth of the Cromwell current and carries floating bodies that experience the effect of the Cromwell current for counterbalancing the dragging force applied to the structure in the opposite direction from the surface current. Vertical positions of the floating bodies are adjustable by a mechanism, the operation of which is controlled on the basis of signals obtained from GPS, which locates the geographical position of the floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Sergey Sharapov
  • Publication number: 20150128840
    Abstract: A system comprising a semisubmersible, at least two offloading terminals and shuttle tankers in optional combination with an FSO may be deployed in deep water harsh environments where riser performance (either SCR or LWSCR) is a key performance parameter. The semisubmersible is used to support the risers because of its favorable motion characteristics under harsh conditions. The semisubmersible supports the entire process train and provides well maintenance, which may include water and/or gas injection. The semisubmersible may provide work-over capabilities for well intervention. The produced hydrocarbons are exported through flexible pipes to at least two off-loading buoys. A FSO or shuttle tanker receives the produced hydrocarbons. Two or more off-loading buoys may be employed to allow for uninterrupted production when a shuttle-tanker-only embodiment is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Oriol Rijken, Randy Jordan, Kent Davies, Jos Bronneberg