Abstract: An improved offshore terminal is described, of the type that includes a riser loosely anchored at the sea floor so its upper end can extend from a deep underwater level up to the surface to moor a tanker and transfer hydrocarbons to it. A weight hangs from the lower end of the column to improved dynamic mooring and, where the riser is disconnected to limit the sink depth of the riser. For movement to the deployed position, the riser is lifted by extending a line downwardly from a winch on the vessel, through a central hole in the connector frame down to the top of the riser, the line being pulled to raise the riser until its upper end lies within the central hole of the connector frame. A perforated upper portion of the riser then is in fluid communication with the inner portion of a fluid swivel, so that hydrocarbons can pass out of a conduit within the riser and into the swivel.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing spillage in connection with a liquid product loading dock. It has a double funnel arrangement with one funnel attached to the first swivel of plural fill pipes which have swivel joints to permit placing the free end into a mobile tank to be filled. That funnel moves with the fill pipes through about one hundred eighty degrees of freedom, and has structure for receiving the free end of the fill pipes after a filling operation. Consequently, run off of product from the fill pipes goes into the funnel. There is a conduit connected to the funnel outlet that moves with it and extends into a second funnel that is coaxial with the product delivery pipe. From there, the run off is returned to a collection tank.

Abstract: A nonswiveling rotatable link formed from flexible conduits extending between two parallel planes of which one is rotatable relative to the other is stabilized without the use of a gear wheel mated to teeth on each of the two planes. The link instead includes two flexible conduits which together form two loops or circles, one on each plane. Each conduit also forms an arc traversing the gap between the planes, through which the conduit passes and reverses direction while transferring from one plane to the other as one plane rotates, the two arcs curving in opposite directions and overlapping to form a closed crossover loop. Tension within the crossover loop and thus proper alignment of the conduits is provided by pairs of idlers forced apart laterally inside the loop by a spring or cylinder mounting which maintains expansive pressure as conditions in the conduits cause the loop to expand or contract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining fluid flow between a fixed subsea wellhead riser conduit and a weathervaning floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO) vessel without swivel or sliding seals. The fixed riser conduit is divided into two flowpaths which terminate in connectors. First and second drums, coaxially mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, have connectors which are connectable with the flowpath connectors. The drum connectors are connected to one end of flexible pipes, at least partially wound around a respective drum, with the other end tensioned and connected fixably to the FPSO vessel. Enough flexible pipe is on each drum to permit the drum to rotate about a connection arc of greater than 180.degree. when its respective connector connects one flowpath with the FPSO vessel. The connectors and drums are disposed such that each connection arc overlaps the other arc at both ends of each arc.

Abstract: A system for mooring tankers to an emergent fixed structure, constituted by an articulated connection structure using an equalizer hinged to the tanker deck by hinges able to isolate said articulated structure from the tanker rolling motion.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for coupling a fixed unit, such as a fluid riser or electrical cable rising from a sea bed and fixed in space, with a movable unit, such as a production vessel floating on the prevailing sea. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically spaced, coaxial, relatively shiftable disks, the lower disk being coupled with the riser or cable, and the upper disk being coupled with the vessel. A conduit extends between and can be moved onto and off the members as a function of the rotation of the vessel due to the wave action. The upper and lower members move in a manner to allow the conduit to move onto the circumferential extent of the outer periphery of one member and off the circumferential extent of the outer periphery of the other member as a function of the rotation of the vessel through at least two revolutions in one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for replaceably connecting a casting tube to a closable pouring spout of a tundish includes a gimbal device for supporting the casting tube and a double-arm lever including a first arm supporting the gimbal device and a second arm carrying a counterweight. The lever is supported about an axis such that the counterweight pivots the lever about the axis and causes the first arm and the gimbal device to press the casting tube against the mouth of the pouring spout. Supports are fixed to the tundish, a pin member defines the axis, and a mounting structure moves the pin member between an operative position pivotally supporting the lever on the supports and an inoperative position where the lever is released from the supports.

Abstract: A feeding device for introducing molten steel into a twin-belt caster having mold walls which move exclusively in the casting direction. The feeding device comprises: a casting unit including a pouring pipe having a mouthpiece at one end which can extend between and form a sealing gap with the mold walls of a twin-belt caster, a first carriage moveable toward and away from a twin-belt caster and having the pouring pipe mounted thereon so that the pouring pipe is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis and is laterally adjustable transversely to its longitudinal extent; a tundish mounted on a second carriage, which is disposed upstream of the first carriage and is independently moveable toward and away from the first carriage, so that the tundish is adjustable in height; and a compensating pipe for connecting the outlet of the tundish to the other end of the pouring pipe to permit molten steel to flow from the tundish through the pouring pipe.

Abstract: This invention provides for a loading arm for use with material handling systems and includes a support structure and an arm pivotally attached to the support structure for swivel movement in both the horizontal and vertical plane relative to the support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for horizontally casting concrete comprises a horizontally foldable multilink support arm composed of an attachment frame, a proximal boom, intermediate booms, and a distal boom which are pivotally coupled by joint tubes, a drive mechanism composed of worm wheels mounted on the joint tubes and worm gears mounted on the booms and held in mesh with the worm wheels for enabling the support arm to move in articulatory motion, a concrete pressure-feed pipe extending from a pump along the booms and through the joint tubes with swivel joints, and an attachment jig mounted on the attachment frame for being mounted on a column.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for selectively extending and retracting a mobile telescoping boom assembly and for independently extending and retracting an articulated pipe service line mounted on the boom assembly. The circuit can be used with a hydraulic ram to extend and retract the boom assembly or a winch and cable arrangement can be used. A pair of winches are used to extend and retract the articulated service line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single point mooring system provided with pressure relief means. Single point mooring systems are used for offshore loading and unloading of oil tankers, wherein a tanker may be moored at its bow to a rotatable mooring element of the system, thus allowing the tanker to rotate about the system in response to forces caused by the tides, winds and currents.

Abstract: A folding boom assembly supported articulated well service pipeline for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom assembly is mounted on a truck, trailer or other suitable mobile support and the articulated pipeline comprises a plurality of long straight pipe sections interconnected by a plurality of pipe elbows and by swivel joints. Each of the pipe sections is supported by a corresponding boom section aligned generally parallel to the pipe section. The boom sections and their corresponding pipe sections are folded onto the service vehicle for transportation and are extended for connection to a wellhead. Supports between the ground and the boom sections reduce the loads transmitted to the service vehicle and allow the use of lighter and less costly boom assemblies.

Abstract: A telescoping boom assembly having novel and inexpensive apparatus for extending and retracting the boom assembly and for extending and retracting an articulated pipeline mounted on the boom assembly. A total of three winches can be used to move a multiple section boom assembly between a retracted position and an extended position regardless of the number of movable boom sections, and the same three winches can independently move the articulated pipeline between a folded and an extended position.

Abstract: A yoke mooring system pivoted on the forecastle of a vessel, such as a shuttle tanker, is detachably coupled to a riser which is attached to a base located on the ocean floor. The yoke mooring system includes clamping arms which engage a ball with an axial passage at the upper end of the riser. Hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the yoke, and a hydraulic cylinder shifts mechanical linkages to open and close clamping arms mounted on the yoke. A socket is formed in the clamping arms to receive the ball. Cargo piping on the vessel is joined to the ball through hoses and a fluid swivel. Fluid cargo can pass upwardly through the riser, through the ball, through the fluid swivel and hoses, and then through cargo piping to storage tanks on the vessel. Bearings situated between the riser and the ball allow the ball to rotate such that, when the clamping arms are coupled to the ball, the vessel can rotate about the riser without disrupting fluid flow or damaging the riser.

Abstract: A floating transfer and production platform for use in a marine environment includes a plurality of petroleum storage and mooring tanks movably positioned around a central transfer and well platform. A central stationary oil drilling shaft enclosed within a rotatable outer assembly for oil production is combined with multiple manifolds for the transferring of petroleum products between tankers, the storage tanks, and the shore. The well platform provides for a production well, the products of which can be transferred to tanker, storage tanks, or shore.

Abstract: Two forms of a tool for draining fuel from the sumps of aircraft are disclosed, wherein a hollow body is fitted with an adjustable needle at its front end, the needle being mounted in a fuel block fixed in closely spaced relation to the upper end of the body. The fuel runs down the outside of the solid needle, collects in the cup formed by the fuel block, and then drains through openings in the block through the inside of the body and into a container. This facilitates turn around time, allows inspection of the fuel while it is draining, and clearly indicates the completion of the draining operation.

Abstract: A survival kit comprising, inter alia, a replacement cap for a conventional canteen, a gasket, and a collapsible tube. The cap includes a crown and an annular depending skirt; a passage is defined clear-through the crown and the skirt is internally screw threaded so that the cap can be secured to the threaded neck of a canteen. The gasket is a flat annular washer with a central aperture. The collapsible tube is formed of several telescoping sections and one end of the tube is threaded.When the survival kit is utilized to obtain potable water from salt water, contaminated water, vegetable matter, etc., the cap of the canteen is removed, and the collapsible tube is removed from the interior of the canteen. The gasket is positioned atop the neck of the canteen, and the replacement cap is secured thereover after partially filling the canteen. The collapsible tube is extended, and the threaded end thereof is secured within the aperture in the replacement cap.

Abstract: A portioning machine and a method for filling containers with food material is disclosed. The machine is particularly useful for meat products which are packed in plastic containers having a lip or edge, and prevents the food particles remaining on this lip and hence interfering with the sealing of the package. The machine has at least two filling stations and a pumping means to supply food material, each filling station is adapted to hold a container.

Abstract: A mounting collar for mounting a catalyst oriented packing loader levelly, centrally, and at a fixed axial height in the central axial accessway of a reactor vessel is disclosed. The collar is a rectangular box that sits fixedly, either by fitting tightly into the accessway or by being attached to the part of the vessel surrounding the accessway, and symmetrically about the reactor centerline over the accessway. It has a flat bottom surface that provides a level mating surface with that part of the vessel on which it sits. Its top surface bears slots into which the carriage of the loader fits in a cross lap joint, interlocking manner. The slots are located such that the loader distributor is centered on the axial centerline of the reactor.

Abstract: An integrated mobile tank- servicing system for filling, transferring, etc. a flowable medium from one or more tanks; said system having a mobile frame with an adjustable duct(s) for placement in the orifice of a tank and an adjustable walkway associated with the mobile frame.

Abstract: An articulated marine fluid loading arm comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inner and outer arm members with the inner arm member pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser for movement about horizontal and vertical axes, and a system for controlling the arm during emergency disconnection thereof from a tanker or other marine vessel. The system includes an auxiliary counterweight pivotally mounted on a support beam that is fixed to, and extends rearwardly from, the riser end of the inner arm member, a pantograph-type sheave and cable assembly interconnecting the counterweight and the riser, and hydraulic cylinders to control the operation of the sheave and cable assembly so that the moment exerted by the counterweight can be imposed either on the inboard arm member or the riser.

Abstract: An articulated marine fluid loading arm comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inner and outer arm members with the inner arm member pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser for movement about horizontal and vertical axes, and a system for controlling the arm during emergency disconnection thereof from a tanker or other marine vessel. The system includes an auxiliary counterweight movably mounted on a support beam that is fixed to, and extends rearwardly from, the riser end of the inner arm member, and a hydromechanical system for automatically adjusting the position of the auxiliary counterweight between that wherein the loading arm is substantially balanced in an empty condition and that wherein the arm is substantially balanced in a fluid-filled condition.

Abstract: A system for transferring fluid between two marine tankers, including a first articulated loading arm mounted on the first tanker and a second loading arm or other suitable receiver mounted on the second tanker. The first loading arm is guided into operating contact with the second arm or receiver by laser tracking and ranging equipment, and by a computer which computes the location of the end of the first loading arm relative to the second arm or receiver. After the first loading arm and the receiver are connected together, the computer calculates the position of the outboard end of the first loading arm, compares this position to a set of safe operating boundaries, and provides a warning signal whenever the end of the arm moves outside any of these safe boundaries. When the end of the first arm moves outside a critical boundary the computer provides a disconnect signal which shuts down the loading operation and disconnects the first loading arm from the second arm or receiver.

Abstract: A system for sensing the position in space of the outer end of an articulated loading arm connected to a marine tanker or other transport vessel, for predicting if the arm will move outside a safe operating envelope, for discontinuing the flow of fluid before the arm reaches an unsafe area, and for disconnecting the arm from the vessel when the arm reaches an unsafe area. The sensing system includes means for determining various angles representative of the orientation of the limbs of the loading arm, and a computer for using these angles to compute the spatial position of the arm's outer end. The computer uses the spatial position and movement of the loading arm to predict future positions of the outboard end of the arm, and to determine if the loading operation should be terminated and the arm disconnected from the vessel. When the computer predicts that the loading arm may move outside a first operating envelope an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A mooring and fluid transfer system of the type which utilizes a yoke pivotally connected at its opposite ends to a ship and to a buoy, which enables the use of hard piping along the fluid conduit which couples the buoy to the ship. A cross arm whose middle is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis on top of the buoy and whose opposite ends connect to the arms of the yoke, has a cutout between its middle and ends. The fluid conduit includes a fluid swivel joint for accommodating pivotal movement of the yoke, which lies in the cutout so the axis of the fluid joint is coincident with the horizontal axis of pivoting of the yoke on the yoke connector.

Abstract: An offshore loading system especially suited for transferring petroleum products from a floating production vessel to a marine tanker. The system comprises a cantilevered support boom mounted on the deck of the production vessel, a fluid conduit extending generally horizontally along the boom from a riser on the deck of the production vessel, an articulated loading arm connected to the outboard end of the horizontal conduit, and a multiple swivel joint for connection between the outboard end of the loading arm and a pipe manifold on the deck of the marine tanker. The inboard end of the loading arm is connected by swivel joints to the outboard end of the horizontal conduit to facilitate pivoting the loading arm in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A mono-rail boom supported articulated pipe well service line for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipe line which comprises a plurality of pipe sections interconnected by swivel joints to provide the required rotational freedom and flexibility, is suspended from the boom by trolleys to facilitate extension and retraction of the pipe line either independently of movement of the boom, or concurrently therewith.

Abstract: An articulated fluid loading arm especially suited for transferring petroleum from a storage or loading terminal to a marine tanker, and for returning vapor from the tanker to the terminal, comprising a support boom pivotally mounted on the deck of the terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending along the boom from risers at the terminal, and a dual flow-passage drop-pipe assembly suspended from an outboard end of the boom. The drop-pipe assembly comprises a pair of upper conduit members, a pair of lower conduit members and a pair of intermediate conduit members pivotally interconnected by a plurality of knee joints and swivel joints into a pair of articulated diamond-shaped structures. One set of upper, intermediate and lower conduit members comprises an assembly for the transfer of fluid from the terminal to the tanker, and the other set of conduit members provides an assembly for the return of vapors from the tanker to the terminal.

Abstract: A system for loading liquids, particularly useful with water-borne oil tankers, which is basically constructed of liquid conduits articulated in the form of lazy tongs and vertically suspended from a cantilevered boom to enable oil to be loaded from a drilling platform onto a vessel. The lazy tongs system is formed with at least two vertically displaced articulated joints to enable the lower end of the system to move vertically for attachment to or during loading of a vessel. A block and tackle is provided for vertical actuation of the lazy tongs system.

Abstract: A loading arm assembly of the type which includes a generally vertical tubular loading riser having a tubular swivel joint on the upper end portion thereof to which is connected one end of a tubular loading arm, the tubular loading arm being adapted to revolve about a generally horizontal axis and to revolve about a generally vertical axis via the swivel joint, with the loading arm assembly being further provided with biasing apparatus for continuously urging the revolution of the loading arm upwardly about the generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: In order to connect a stationary pipe to a movable pipe, a flexible connecting system includes a pipe section of rigid material fixed to one of said pipes, a pipe section of flexible material fixed to the other of said pipes and an interposed connecting pipe section of rigid material connected to said rigid section so as to be movable in one direction in reply to a tensile stress exerted onto said flexible section. Said connecting pipe section is divided into two parts releasably connected to one another by a quick-release connecting device, which, in case of tensile stress, collides with a stationary structure, which causes release of said device.

Abstract: A loading arm utilizing a counterbalancing mechanism in which half sheaves are utilized to provide one interconnection between the counterbalance and the outboard arm and a member is pivotally connected to both the outboard arm and the counterbalance to provide the other interconnection between the counterbalance and outboard arm to provide for full retracted storage of the arm. Preferably, rods provide the majority of the interconnection between the outboard arm and the counterweight.

Abstract: A discharge manifold system is provided for connecting a pressurized fluid discharge from a floating vessel to an offshore well. A floating buoy is anchored at a distance away from the offshore platform. A first manifold is located on the floating buoy and includes an inlet and first and second outlets. A second manifold is located on the production platform adjacent the offshore well and includes first and second inlets and an outlet which is connected to the offshore well. First and second valves are connected to the outlets of the first manifold. Third and fourth valves are connected to the inlets of the second manifold. A first flexible intermediate conduit is connected between the first and third valves and a second flexible intermediate conduit is connected between the second and fourth valves.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for refueling an aircraft primarily fron a ship at sea, the ship being subject to changes in vertical and horizontal position due to pitch, roll, and heave, and combinations thereof. The apparatus comprises a first beam having a first end pivotally attached to the ship and extending upward therefrom. A second beam is pivotally attached at its first end to the second end of the first beam and extends substantially in a horizontal direction therefrom and preferably is supported by an air spring mounted between the first and second beams. A positioning device, preferably in the form of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, is coupled to both the first beam and the ship and is adapted to adjust the angular position of the first beam with respect to the ship in response to a first control signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling an articulated loading arm which is mounted on a loading station, and for moving an outer end of the arm into a position above the rail of a tanker moored adjacent the loading station. The system includes a sensor for developing a signal proportional to the height of the tanker rail relative to the loading station, and another sensor for developing a signal proportional to the distance between the tanker and the loading station. The rail height signal and the tanker distance signal are coupled to a computer that develops an output signal which causes the outer end of the loading arm to move into a predetermined position above the tanker rail.

Abstract: A mooring and cargo transfer terminal is described, for use in transferring a fluid such as LNG (liquified natural gas) which is supercooled and therefore likely to cause severe icing of pipes and joints. The terminal includes a table support in the form of a tower extending from a base at the sea floor up to the sea surface, and a table device rotatable about a vertical axis at the top of the table support. The table device carries a pair of fenders that can press directly against the side of a ship, hawser couplings for tying the table device to a set of hawsers that hold it tightly against the ship, and one or more loading arms which can extend beyond the table device to connect to an LNG coupling on the ship. A pipe carries LNG from an underwater pipeline up to a fluid swivel at the top of the table support, and the rotatable portion of the fluid swivel connects to the loading arms to deliver the LNG thereto.

Abstract: An arrangement for establishing a mechanical connection between two relatively movable structures, such as a fixed or floating marine structure and a vessel for facilitating the transfer of things between them has a double boom assembly carried by a support rotatably mounted on one said structure for enabling the boom assembly to be slewed about a generally vertical axis, the double boom assembly comprising a main boom pivotal on the support so that it can be raised or lowered, and an auxiliary boom pivotal on a trolley movable along the main boom, and, coupling means connecting the outer end of the auxiliary boom to co-operating means of a second structure, and including a universal joint which permits movement between the second structure and the boom assembly.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described which includes a transfer structure having a nonrotatable turret anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion fixed to a dedicated storage vessel, and also a fluid conduit extending from the seabed up through the turret to a fluid swivel and from the rotatable portion of the fluid swivel to the vessel, which facilitates use of a moderate cost fluid swivel. A choke located on the nonrotatable turret, decreases the high pressure of oil from the seabed (e.g. 2000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. The turret has a control deck at the same level as the vessel deck, to facilitate entry of personnel to operate controls directly connected to valves at the seabed without requiring rotational joints between the controls and the devices they operate.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described, of the type which includes a tall transfer structure that has a nonrotatable tower anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion that rotates with respect to the nonrotatable tower and is connected to a dedicated storage vessel. A fluid conduit of the system has a nonrotatable portion extending from the sea bed up alongside and through the tower to a fluid swivel at the top of the tower, the conduit also having a rotatable portion extending from the fluid swivel to the vessel. A choke located in the nonrotatable tower along the fluid conduit, decreases the high pressure of oil from the sea bed (e.g. 2,000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. In a system wherein the rotatable transfer structure portion is fixed to the vessel, the tower has a control deck at substantially the same level as the vessel deck and with a circular periphery.

Abstract: Apparatus by which a conduit, secured to two bodies which are connected together by an articulated joint, can bypass the joint.The articulated joint includes first and second pivots perpendicular to each other. A conduit extends through the first pivot and through at least part of the first body. A portion of the conduit projects lateral to the second pivot and between two spaced-apart guides supported by the second body or the articulated joint whereby the second body can pivot on the second pivot with the conduit laterally projecting portion arranged between the guides. Rotation of the second body causes the guides to apply torque to the conduit laterally projecting portion. The conduit extends from the conduit laterally projecting portion into supporting arrangement on the second body.

Abstract: A lightweight articulated loading arm for transferring fluid from an offshore articulated loading column to a marine tanker, and for monitoring the position of the loading arm relative to a safe operating envelope. The arm includes an inboard conduit member mounted on the loading column for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis, and an outboard conduit member connected to the inboard member for pivotal movement about second and third horizontal axes. A tensioner, mounted on the loading column, provides power to rotate the loading arm about the first horizontal axis and to bias the loading arm toward a stowed position. Power to operate and control the loading arm is provided by sources located on the marine tanker and coupled to the loading arm by hydraulic and/or electrical lines which are mounted on the loading column and on the loading arm.

Abstract: A loading arm having dual inboard and outboard arms and dual connections for connecting the arm to a tank in which provision is made for the loading arm to be connected to side-by-side flanges on the tank and to provide for movement of the connecting system in three mutually perpendicular planes relative to the outboard arm of the loading arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring fluent material such as a liquid or gas from a chamber in which it is contained into a receiving chamber, at least one of said chambers having rigid metallic walls and being inaccessible for the use of conventional transfer means, said two chambers being connected by means such as a hose extending between one of said chambers and a hollow body sealedly attached onto the wall of the other chamber, and means for creating an orifice in the wall of said other chamber to permit the passage of a liquid or gas therethrough; pumping means to activate such transfer; and other means for the retrieval of said apparatus.

Abstract: A system for mooring a ship or like floating vessel, in particular, an oil-tanker, to an off-shore column, and for transferring a fluid cargo such as gas, petroleum oil or the like, by means of at least one articulated arm carried by the vessel, wherein the improvement consists in that the arm supports at its upper end a connector device capable of being fixedly placed on a mouth-piece, provided on the head of the column, and that mooring apparatus is provided to allow the vessel, once the connector device is thus placed, to be moored through the device and to move around the latter so as to be placed in the wind's eye.

Abstract: A mobile platform has a riser assembly mounted thereon. A loading arm assembly projects from an upper end of the riser assembly, and a jumper hose assembly projects from a lower end of the riser assembly. These assemblies can be interconnected between a marine tanker manifold and a storage facility conduit, to form a fluid transferring connection therebetween. The riser assembly has a pipe section supporting the loading arm assembly for horizontal rotation about a vertical axis. A parallel mechanism, within the riser assembly, supports the pipe section for swinging movement in a vertical plane. This parallel mechanism maintains the vertical orientation of pipe section. A drive system is provided for maximizing the total horizontal angle of rotation through which the pipe section can be rotated about the vertical axis. A power drive is provided for operating the parallel mechanism to raise and lower the pipe section.

Abstract: A method of delivering oil from an off-shore well to the shore is provided which comprises the steps of (a) supplying oil from the well to a floating storage vessel stationed close to the well; and (b) transferring oil by means of a flexible pipeline from the floating storage vessel to a service tanker which plies between the shore and the floating storage vessel. An oil storage vessel is also provided which has (a) a flexible hose for delivery of oil, one end of said hose being adapted for connection to the oil storage capacity of the vessel; and (b) a support system over which a hose selected from said flexible hose and a further hose connected to said flexible hose may be carried so as to extend from the stern of the oil storage vessel towards another vessel. Apparatus for and methods of mooring such a vessel are also provided.

Abstract: A mooring station and transfer terminal for offshore hydrocarbon production comprises a watertight caisson topped by a rotatable arm which supports a pipe for loading oil tankers. The caisson houses manifolds and a T F L (Through Flow Line) switching device connected to the different underwater producing wellheads. A T F L - servicing pipe supported by the rotatable arm and connected to the switching device through a rotary coupling at the top of the caisson permits introduction of T F L tools or instruments from the water surface into a selected well through the switching device.

Abstract: A traveling articulated loading arm movably mounted on the deck of a marine tanker for transferring fluid between a flexible hose along either side of the tanker and manifold ports at various locations along the tanker centerline. The arm can be extended sufficiently beyond either side of the tanker to enable connection of the hose to the arm without having to bend the hose over the tanker railing, and petroleum and other fluid from the hose can be directed into any of the tanker holds by connecting the inboard end of the arm to the proper manifold inlet.

Abstract: The deepwater offshore loading system is especially suited for transferring petroleum from a floating storage and loading terminal to a marine tanker and for providing for relative movement between the tanker and the terminal. The system comprises a support boom mounted on the deck of a terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending generally horizontal along the boom from risers at the deck, a pair of vertical fluid conduits and a first coaxial swivel joint connected between the outboard ends of the boom conduits and the upper ends of the vertical fluid conduits. A pair of horizontal conduits are mounted one above the other in a generally horizontal position with the inboard ends of the horizontal conduits connected to a header which is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the vertical fluid conduits. Another header is connected between the outboard ends of the horizontal conduits and a dual universal joint.