Abstract: Sea water is extracted from a depth in excess of 400 meters below the sea surface and desalinated to produce potable water. A system to extract, desalinate and store the desalinated sea water is mounted aboard a ship.

Abstract: A technique for aiding an underground communications cable installer in the installation such cable in underground utilities neighborhoods. The technique manages the problem presented by a surface-visible, underground-pathway obstruction such as a sidewalk, which lies across the path of installation. The technique, or method, is useful with any kind of cable, such as fiberoptic cable or copper wire cable. Hydraulic water pressure is applied through a biased, flexible conduit to erode a pathway under the obstruction from ground surface on one side to ground surface on the opposite side of the obstruction, thereby forming a tunnel under the obstruction through which the cable can be easily pulled. In alternative embodiments, the cable can be inserted directly into and through the conduit while it is underground, the conduit then acting as a sleeve for the cable which is subsequently removed prior to burying the cable in a trench dug from street-located handhole to house.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular member configured to be supported by a pipe support device on board a pipelay vessel, the tubular member comprising at least one load bearing surface which is formed along the outer side of the tubular member, the at least one load bearing surface being constructed and arranged in order to allow a substantial axial load to be imparted onto said tubular member by the pipe support device, wherein the at least one load bearing surface tapers outwardly with respect to a main longitudinal axis of said tubular member. The present invention also relates to a tubular member comprising a plurality of load bearing surfaces. The present invention also relates to a method of laying a pipeline, to a pipe support device, to a pipelay vessel, to a method of processing a tubular member, to a method of assembling a pipe assembly and to a pipe assembly.

Abstract: A nonconductive bridge element is secured to a pair of end plates in a conduit retainer apparatus in a trench. The pair of end plates are secured to a trench wall by dowels extending through holes in the end plates and the bridge element is disposed in the trench on top of conduits. The end plates are two piece elements, a plate and an insert pin extending through the plate. The center bridge element comprises a nonconductive tube, the ends of which receive the insert pins.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a pipelayer frame of a first width to a different width is disclosed. The conversion kit has a spacer, removably attachable to a first side of the pipelayer frame, and a first plurality of replacement brackets for removably attaching the first side to a first track frame. The first plurality of replacement brackets have a different length than a first plurality of existing brackets that the first plurality of replacement brackets replace. The kit also has a second plurality of replacement brackets for removably attaching a second side of the pipelayer frame to a second track frame. The second plurality of replacement brackets have a different length than a second plurality of existing brackets that the second plurality of replacement brackets replace.

Abstract: A pipelayer frame for a track-type machine having an engine compartment, a first track frame, and a second track frame is disclosed. The frame has a center frame removably attachable within the engine compartment, a first side frame removably attachable to the first track frame and to the center frame, and a second side frame removably attachable to the second track frame and to the center frame. The frame also has a spacer assembly removably attachable to the first side frame. The frame further has an adjustable assembly located between the second side frame and the center frame, the adjustable assembly being configured to adjust a distance between the second side frame and the center frame.

Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An eduction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end in fluid communication with an interior portion of the shroud. The eduction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.

Abstract: Vessel including a hull of a substantially closed surface has at deck level a lifting crane, ballast tanks within the hull and a ballast control unit for admitting water to the ballast tanks for changing the draft of the vessel. The hull has a narrow lower section having first width over a height from keel level to a widening level, and a top section having a larger width than the lower section, extending from the widening level upwards towards deck level. The control unit is adapted to ballast the vessel to have a relatively shallow draft level in a transit mode, so that the wide top section is above water level, while the vessel is traveling, and to ballast the vessel to a relatively deep draft level in a lifting mode so that the widening level is below water level, at least when the vessel is substantially stationary and the crane is in its lifting position.

Abstract: A pipe conveyor system which operates to assemble and disassemble a plurality of pipes.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle having an outer hull which defines a hull axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the hull axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends so that when the vehicle is submerged in a liquid, the liquid floods the duct. The vehicle further comprising means for rolling the vehicle about the hull axis. A buoyancy control system may be provided, and the outer hull may be swept with respect to the hull axis. Various methods of deploying and using the vehicle are described.

Abstract: A marine seismic exploration method and system comprised of continuous recording, self-contained ocean bottom pods characterized by low profile casings. An external bumper is provided to promote ocean bottom coupling and prevent fishing net entrapment. Pods are tethered together with flexible, non-rigid, non-conducting cable used to control pod deployment. Pods are deployed and retrieved from a boat deck configured to have a storage system and a handling system to attach pods to cable on-the-fly. The storage system is a juke box configuration of slots wherein individual pods are randomly stored in the slots to permit data extraction, charging, testing and synchronizing without opening the pods. A pod may include an inertial navigation system to determine ocean floor location and a rubidium clock for timing. The system includes mathematical gimballing. The cable may include shear couplings designed to automatically shear apart if a certain level of cable tension is reached.

Abstract: A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Abstract: In a drilling method for creating a channel leading from surrounding soil into a shaft which is separated from the soil by a wall, a channel is drilled through the soil from a starting pit in the direction of the shaft using a first drill head. The first drill head continues to drill in this direction in order to create a breach in the wall, and a second drill head is then used in the shaft to widen the breach in the wall by drilling in the opposite direction with the second drill head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for completing the commissioning of a subsea pipeline by purging with a compressed gas to dewater and dry the line wherein the operation is done on the seabed. More specifically, the method is carried out with a subsea vechicle (hereinafter “SV”) that powers pumps located on the seabed or are carried by the SV to inject/remove chemical, dewater, and dry, the pipeline. The present invention may be part of the commissioning of a new or old pipeline or a new portion of a pipeline in which a purging of the line with a compressed gas and drying of the line is required. After commissioning, product flows through the pipeline.

Abstract: A tool used for installing water systems. The tool consists of a probe having a central body, a tapered end, and an anvil end. Pipe is slid over the central body forming a pipe and probe assembly which can be installed in soil traversing beneath an immovable structure by impacting the anvil end, such as with a jack hammer. A method for installing water systems using the tool is also contemplated herein.

Abstract: A method for installing water pipe beneath nonmoving objects with a presence in the earth with a tool for installing water pipe made of a central body, a ring encircling the central body, a tapered end, an anvil end, and a ring. The method further comprises selecting a water pipe and sliding the water pipe over the tapered end and the ring to contact without covering the anvil end and forming a gap and the water pipe forming a tool and water pipe combination. Orienting the tool and water pipe combination to position the tapered end which the water pipe is to be installed and impacting the anvil end of the tool and water pipe combination with pressure causing the combination to travel beneath the nonmoving object. Pulling the tool by the anvil end to remove the tool from the water pipe.

Abstract: A tool for installing water pipe made of a central body, a ring encircling the central body, a tapered end, and an anvil end. Water pipe slides over the tapered end, over the ring and is stopped by the anvil in for impact installation in soil enabling water pipe to be installed beneath an immovable structure by impacting the anvil end.

Abstract: A pipe installation device and a method for laying consecutive lengths of bell and spigot pipe. The pipe installation device installs sequential pipe lengths. The pipe installation device includes a pipe supply system and a pipe alignment system attached to a carriage. The pipe alignment system is positioned to receive a pipe length from the pipe supply system and align the pipe length with a pipe length previously positioned in the pipe alignment system. The pipe installation device also includes a pipe joining system for joining the two pipe lengths positioned in the pipe alignment system. A pipe restraint system applies a restraining force against one pipe length while the pipe joining system joins the two pipe lengths.

Abstract: A floor drain (100) comprising a bottom part (4) having at least one discharge opening (5), a front part being integral with the bottom part (4) and having a first part (3b) being inclined to said bottom part at an angle being at least 30°, such as at least 45°, preferably at least 60° more preferably at least 75° and even more preferably about 90° or at least 90° and having a flange part (3a) being horizontal or inclined to horizontal at an angle being less than 20° such as less than 17°, preferably less than 15°, such as less than 10°, more preferably less than 5°, tow side walls (2) integral with said bottom part and said first part, and a back part (1) being integral with said bottom part (4), said back part (1) extending vertically from the bottom part (4), through and above the plane defined by the flange part (3a).

Abstract: A lightweight and compact super-insulation system that is also capable of supporting a high level of compressive load. The system utilizes spacers to provide structural support and utilize controlled buckling of a thin protective outer skin supported by spacers to form strong catenary surfaces to protect insulation material underneath. The spacers may comprise an aerogel, or an aerogel may provide insulation separate from the spacer yet contained within the thin outer skin.

Abstract: A removably insertable apparatus for creating and accessing manholes and a method for rehabilitating manhole structures and the like, using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises two sections, both of which are load bearing composite materials such as reinforced fiberglass. The top unit is a removable, hollow, upwardly extending riser portion, of varying heights, which may contain an external flange on top, to support a manhole cover or other closure. The second section is a base unit with an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the top unit. The base unit is embedded into the ground, or into a concrete pad. The top unit fits over the base unit, and any gap between the two units may be sealed with an o-ring type gasket to seal the interior and prevent the introduction of fluid, gas, or other matter into the interior of the units once installed. Both units may be cut on site or pre-cut with holes or stubouts.

Abstract: An electrician's tool generally comprises a plate having a hole formed therein, the hole defined by an inner edge. The edge includes means for safely sliding wire through the hole and past the edge. In one embodiment the means for safely sliding the wire includes at least one roller rotatably positioned adjacent the inner edge for safely sliding the wire past the edge. In another embodiment of the invention, the means for safely sliding comprises a round bar or curled inner edge providing a curved surface for safely sliding the wire across the edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a strut having a first end and second end. A force generating apparatus is mounted to the strut, and is configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.

Abstract: An auto-advancing pipe installation device and a method for laying consecutive lengths of bell and spigot pipe. The auto-advancing pipe installation device installs sequential lengths of pipe in a trench. The auto-advancing pipe installation device includes a locomotion system adapted for advancing engagement within the trench, a pipe feed system, a pipe alignment system and a pipe joining system. The pipe feed system positions a pipe length on a forward section of the pipe alignment system. The pipe alignment system aligns the forward pipe length with a rearward pipe length positioned in a pipe alignment system rearward section. The pipe joining system applies a force to a first end of the forward pipe length as a pipe restraint applies a restraining force against the rearward pipe length, joining the forward and rearward pipe lengths.

Abstract: For heating a pipe-in-pipe pipeline with power provided through an electric cable, mid-line connector is provided including: a connector housing joinable to the outer pipe of the pipeline; a blank pipe positioned within the connector housing and joinable to the inner pipe of the pipeline; at least one pocket mounted in the connector housing, wherein the cable is mateable with the at least one pocket; a blank pipe conductor electrically coupled between the at least one pocket and the blank pipe; and an outer pipe conductor electrically coupled between the at least one pocket and the outer pipe.

Abstract: An insertion shoe for retrofitting an undersea pipeline to permit passage therethrough of a scraper includes a plate sized to cover an opening in a branch connection of the pipeline and an inner surface structured to match the inner surface surrounding the opening. The insertion shoe can be installed in the branch connection to protect the opening without lifting the pipeline above water, so that the scraper may pass through without becoming jammed.

Abstract: A pipe conduit bundle for installation into a wellbore using horizontal drilling techniques is disclosed. The pipe conduit does not require an outer casing for construction. The pipe bundle configuration is formed by pipes of varying sizes in a particular configuration, with bindings interspaced along the length of the pipes such that the pipe bundle deflects as a single unit during installation. A pulling head is attached to the bundle, which is hollow to allow liquid entering one pipe to be distributed to other pipes. Liquids such as water may be used to fill the pipes to reduce buoyancy, and thereby reduce drag, during installation of the bundle.

Abstract: A method of installing a cable or conduit into at least one plastic pipe of a fluid carrying pipeline system, comprises attaching a first saddle fitting at a first location on said plastic pipe by electro-fusion, opening the pipe at the first location, introducing the cable or a pull body through the saddle fitting into the pipe towards a second location or retrieving at least part of the cable or a pull body introduced at a second location, and pulling the cable directly or by means of the pull body through the pipe. This allows installation of a cable without turning off the fluid supply.

Abstract: A pipeline is constructed in steep terrain by digging a ditch on the incline, assembling pipe joints together adjacent a top of the incline and then lowering the assembled pipe joints down the incline through the ditch. A wheeled assembly at the lower end of the pipeline carries much of the load and rolls down the ditch as allowed by winch equipment at the top of the incline. Bearing supports are installed periodically in the ditch to support the pipeline, the supports being of a softer material than coatings on the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a frame and a strut pivotally mounted to the frame about a first pivot axis, the strut having a first end and second end. A pivot assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame about the first pivot axis. A pair of wheels is rotatably mounted to the pivot assembly about a wheel axis. A force generating apparatus is also mounted to the frame, the force generating apparatus configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: A receptacle 20 is removably secured to hull 12 of an offshore structure 10, and supports an elongate member 14, which may be a riser string, extending downward to the sea bed or to another structure. The elongate member 14 includes a tapered supporting surface 18, which may be provided on a tapered stress joint or flex joint 16. The receptacle 20 includes a mounting bracket 22 secured to the structure 10, and a basket housing 30 which has a tapered interior surface 34 for mating engagement with the exterior surface 18. According to the method, the mounting bracket is fixed to the structure, and the receptacle basket positioned about the elongate member and the assembly then positioned for being supported on the bracket. The supporting surface on the basket may be arranged for positioning the elongate member at a selected azimuth and declination relative to the offshore structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, an oscillating pipe-bursting member, driven by the interconnected inner members, cuts or bursts a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a screw drive moves a pipe-bursting member between an expanded position and a retracted position. In another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is an arm moveable in response to operation of a screw drive. In yet another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is hydraulically actuated. This invention increases the efficiency of pipe-bursting operations by utilizing rotation energy generated by a horizontal directional boring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for introducing an optical cable, in the form of a microcable or minicable (1), in solid ground (17) with the aid of a laying unit (23). The microcable or minicable (1) used for this purpose comprises a homogeneous and pressurized-water-tight tube (8) which has an external diameter of from 2.0 to 10 mm and into which optical waveguides (3) are introduced.

Abstract: A cable pulling apparatus for pulling a work load attached to a cable, including at least one cable-pulling device for engaging the cable. The cable-pulling device or devices each includes at least one cable-pulling member fitted with a cable-gripping element for pulling the cable and the workload.

Abstract: An apparatus transforms a motorized frame mounted on crawler tracks and having a rotatable horizontal platform, into a pipeline laying machine or the like. A first structure is hinged to the platform on a horizontal axis at one end, at its other end, has a coupling intended to be secured to a track guide carriage. A second structure which, at its free end carries a lifting member, is hinged on a horizontal axis to the coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus for substantially horizontal connection of a conduit to a subsea structure, the apparatus comprising a frame being connectable to and supportable by the subsea structure, the frame having docking means to allow horizontal connection means including a remotely operated vehicle and/or a toolskid to dock with the frame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operational load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

Abstract: An insertion shoe for retrofitting an undersea pipeline to permit passage therethrough of a scraper includes a plate sized to cover an opening in a branch connection of the pipeline and an inner surface structured to match the inner surface surrounding the opening. The insertion shoe can be installed in the branch connection to protect the opening without lifting the pipeline above water, so that the scraper may pass through without becoming jammed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seafloor-surface connecting installation for a submarine pipeline (10) set on the seafloor, in particular at great depth, of the hybrid-tower type comprising a static base (13-18) set on the seabed. In the inventive installation: 1) said vertical riser includes a terminal pipe portion (51), and a flexible joint (19) which allows angular movements (&agr;) of the upper part (52) relative to said terminal pipe portion (51); and 2) the terminal part (11) of said pipe resting on the seabed has a an elbow-type terminal curvature; 3) said terminal portion (51) of the vertical riser is connected to said terminal curvature (11) by a single connecting element; and 4) said base plate (13-18) rigidly maintains in fixed vertical position and linked to each other via said connecting element (12): said terminal pipe portion (51) and said elbow-type terminal curvature (12) the latter facing upwards.

Abstract: A cable for laying in plastic tubes for transporting gas or water is described that comprises a cable core assembly and a plastic sheath surrounding the cable core assembly, in which cable the plastic used for the plastic tube and the plastic for the sheath can be welded together.

Abstract: An improved storage reservoir assembly has increased resistance to leakage of fluid from the assembly into the ground. The assembly comprises a storage reservoir suitable for being buried beneath ground level and suitable for containing a fluid and at least one support unit attached to or disposed adjacent to the reservoir and suitable for attachment to an above-ground canopy. The assembly also provides for substantially surrounding the reservoir with a hydrostatic head of a second fluid for detecting reservoir leaks by infiltration of the second fluid within the reservoir. This may be accomplished through an enclosure suitable for substantially surrounding the reservoir or through the use of a double-walled reservoir, with the second fluid contained within the enclosure or between the walls of a double-walled reservoir. In addition, the assembly provides for a piping network of the distribution system for supplying remote service islands to be located within a primary above-ground canopy.

Abstract: A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Abstract: A method of deploying a communications cable below the surface of the body of water includes loading the cable around a reel within a housing, lowering the housing and the reel into the body of water, retrieving the connector of the cable from the housing, moving the connector and the attached cable to a position away from the housing, and connecting the connector to a subsea communications connection. An umbilical line is extended over a crane structure extending over the side of an offshore structure. The umbilical line is electronically connected to the communications cable. A remotely operated vehicle or a diver will intercept the connector and deliver the connector to the subsea communications connection.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.

Abstract: A longitudinal plastically deformable wedge is used to secure a fiber optic cable or other elongate member in a groove or channel cut in a paved roadway or similar solid surface. The wedge is extruded and has arms extending upwardly from a base forming an upwardly facing slot into which a fiber optic cable or other elongate member can be inserted after the wedge is positioned in the groove. The subsequently inserted, elongate member causes outward plastic deformation of the wedge. Ribs or barbs are provided along the sides of the arms to also grip the groove walls and provide additional retention. Longitudinally extending ducts can either contain fiber optic cable when the device is first inserted into the groove or cables can be subsequently inserted into these ducts.

Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit is installed in a gas service line, to line the cable or conduit in a natural gas main pipeline to a telecommunications panel in a building.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline (2) being laid by a vessel having an A/R system, wherein a sealine (2, 11, 13) is initially held by a pipe laying and tensioning arrangement. The method includes a step of reducing tension at sea level of the sealine (2, 11, 13), by connecting one or more buoyant members (13) to the end of the pipeline (2). The members (13) are then lowered into the sea, using a line (16). At least one member (13) is connected to the pipeline (2) through a connection (12) which allows pivoting of the member (13) so that the end of the member (13) at the end of the pipeline (2) projects upwardly from the seabed (3).

Abstract: A method for assembling and delivering a drivepipe to a drill site. The method has the following steps: The drivepipe is assembled at a shoreline assembly station. Floatation devices are attached to the drivepipe and the drivepipe is floated in the ocean. The drivepipe is towed with tow vessels to a drill site. The drivepipe is delivered in a horizontal orientation to a drilling vessel at the drill site. An upper end of the drivepipe is attached to the drilling vessel and the tow vessels are detached from the drivepipe. The drivepipe is pivoted about its point of attachment to the drilling vessel until the drivepipe is vertically oriented. The buoyancy function of the floatation devices attached to the drivepipe is deactivated. The floatation devices are removed from the drivepipe. The drivepipe is equipped with a driving mechanism and the drivepipe is lowered with a running string from the drilling vessel to the sea bed.

Abstract: A method for providing access to a buried pipe includes excavating the ground to expose the pipe. An access assembly comprising a curved plate and an upstanding access pipe is pressed onto the buried pipe with the curved plate embracing the buried pipe and the access pipe extending upwardly.