Abstract: A device for connecting successive duct sections, especially between a sea-bed petroleum storage tank and a surface platform, comprising a flexible tubular joint secured at both ends to two cylindrical coupling units slidably mounted respectively within two duct sections to be coupled together, remotely operated means for anchoring each coupling unit within an end-shoe and remotely operated means for forming a tight seal between the external surface of the coupling units and the internal surface of the duct sections.

Abstract: First and second walls form first and second openings, respectively, which face each other in spaced, substantially coaxial relation. A device surrounding the first opening, for establishing and breaking fluid communication between the openings, comprises an inflatable ring which, when inflated, seals against the second wall around the second opening to complete a fluid flow path between the openings, and a circular body located in said flow path coaxially of the ring. When deflated, the ring bears sealingly against said body to prevent flow through the first opening.

Abstract: In a sealing device for sealing the gap between a tubular leg or a tubular piling can and a pile passing therethrough for supporting a permanent platform at sea, which sealing device comprises a first part in the form of an annular sealing element and a second part, through which the pile can pass, in the form of an annular protective guard for the sealing element, both parts being coaxial with the leg or can, the guard, before a seal is made with the pile, lying between the sealing element and the pile, there being means provided which, in use, enable such relative movement in an axial direction between the guard and the sealing element, that the guard no longer protects the sealing element which is thus free to make sealing contact between the pile and the leg or can, the provision of a plurality of support members pivotally connected adjacent the sealing element, the support members lying between the sealing element and the guard before a seal is made with the pile such that, when relative axial movement t

Abstract: A system of subaqueous excavation and material removal having the combination of a hopper dredging vessel, hopper barges with independent dumping capacity and a prime mover vessel such as a tug, each barge having a stern notch and a bow portion which is contoured to be received in a like stern notch of an adjacent barge so that two or more barges can be arranged and affixed into an assemblage, end-to-end with bow portions fitting into the stern notches. Conduits to carry dredged material are located on the stern and bow of each barge and bow of the dredging vessel. The outlet conduit is received by the inlet conduit when the bow of the vessel or barge is received in the stern notch of the barge. The diameter of the outlet is about two feet less than the diameter of the inlet to minimize the possibility of the outlet not being received in the inlet due to a slight misalignment of the vessels.

Abstract: A system of subaqueous excavation and material removal having the combination of a hopper dredging vessel, hopper barges with independent dumping capacity and a prime mover vessel such as a tug, each barge having a stern notch and a bow portion which is contoured to be received in a like stern notch of an adjacent barge so that two or more barges can be arranged and affixed into an assemblage, end-to-end with bow portions fitting and secured into the stern notches. The dredging vessel and prime mover vessel also have like bow portions whereby they can connect into the assemblage. Rapid and effective securing of the assemblage, the dredging vessel and prime mover vessel are obtained through pneumatic fenders attached to the sides of the stern notches and a pneumatically controlled cushioning fender couple attached to the stem which is received between vertical expansible fenders at the apex of the stern notch.