Abstract: A cable burying device (3) comprises several heavy hollow tapered elements (7, 8) coupled to each other (7A, 7B, 8A, 8B) to provide limited flexibility, which is towed along the seabed and which digs a trench, the cable (1) passing through the length of the device to become buried in the trench. A guide tube (2) to guide the cable (1) from the ship to the burying device (3) has a flexible lattice construction (FIGS. 6, 7, 8) which can be folded flat for ease of storage on the ship.

Abstract: The laying of a pipeline on a surface located under water is to a great extent continuously performed because the pipes are arranged in line with a pipe string by means of at least two alternately used pipe carriers.

Abstract: An improvement in a known cable ship, including a drum type cable engine installed on an inboard deck and a bow sheave disposed at a top portion of a bow for receiving a communication cable payed out from a drum of the cable engine, resides in the provision of an intermediate sheave disposed between the bow sheave and the drum type cable engine. In order to dispose the bow sheave at a high position with respect to the water surface, the upper side of a guide section of the intermediate sheave is positioned at a higher level than the upper side of a guide section of the drum of the cable engine. The communication cable extends from the cable engine via the intermediate sheave up to the bow sheave. Preferably, a tension meter for the communication cable is disposed between the intermediate sheave and the bow sheave.

Abstract: Vessel carried apparatus for laying a continuous metal pipe on the bottom of a body of water comprising a pipe overbending structure mounted on the end of a vessel and having a 90 degree arcuate peripheral configuration in a vertical plane extending from the water to a position overlying the vessel. Pipe engagable rollers are disposed along the arcuate periphery of the overbending structure, and an arcuate track parallel to the arcuate periphery is formed on the overbending structure. A stinger frame carries two longitudinally spaced pipe bending roller means respectively engaging the top and bottom surfaces of a continuous linear pipe formed on the vessel. The first such roller means bends the pipe to conform to a selected extent of the pipe engagable rollers, while the second roller means reversely bends the pipe to a linear configuration. The forward end of the stinger frame is horizontally pivoted to a carriage which is lockable in any selected position along the arcuate track.

Abstract: A cable ship is outfitted with an improved dynamometer including a multi-roller sheave which is positioned between an optical fiber cable, supply and the cable destination so that the cable rolls over the multi-roller sheave. The center axis of the cable changes direction from one side of the multi-roller sheave to the other side. When the ship is propelled and pulls the cable, tension in the cable causes the multi-roller sheave to move and consequently stress a strain gauge. A signal produced by the strain gauge accurately indicates the tension in the cable. Friction and wear between the cable and the dynamometer are eliminated for all practical purposes. Very accurate readings of tension are obtained.

Abstract: A method of laying pipeline in water greater than 1000 feet deep is disclosed whereby the pipeline is assembled on board a lay barge and then, during deployment, is bent beyond typical elastic bending limitations and Conventional Lay bending strain limitations while passing along a stinger where it is subsequently reverse bent to remove any permanent curvature. Upon further deployment, a generally horizontal axial load is maintained on the pipeline as it come to rest upon the sea floor such that the final in-situ residual bending curvature of the pipeline is nearly zero or falls within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A pipelaying system adapted for deployment on a vessel for use in a body of water and having at least one reel for storage and layout of a rigid walled pipeline and including a pipe take-off drum for mounting on the vessel for rotation about a horizontal drum axis, and a drive unit operably connected to the reel and adapted to permit control of the rate of movement of the pipeline, and methods of spooling on and spooling off.

Abstract: A method of spooling a plurality of operational lines onto a vessel having a plurality of reels for storage of the operational lines, one of which lines is a rigid walled pipeline, the vessel having a level wind apparatus, a pipeline support drum, and a motor unit for each of the storage reels.

Abstract: A pipelaying system adapted for deployment on a vessel for use in a body of water and having at least one reel for storage and layout of a rigid walled pipeline and including pipe take-off drum for mounting on the vessel for rotation about a horizontal drum axis, a pipe take-off structure pivotally mounted on the axis of rotation of the drum, and a drive unit operably connected to the reel and adapted to permit control of the rate of layout of the pipeline, with the vessel convertible between a pivotal ramp type and an arcuate type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in production and laying a pipeline or a cable under water, comprising production of the pipeline/cable in a desired length, winding it onto a drum, transporting the drum and laying ramp on board a vessel and laying from the drum while the vessel is moving. Winding onto drum (9) is carried out with the drum being mounted in and carried by a drum carrier (10) on land. At a desired time the drum with wound pipeline is taken on board the vessel (13) by sliding drum carrier (10) on a pier (12) or the like, which in the horizontal plane has an overlapping positional cooperation with the correctly ballasted vessel (13,14) to a position in which drum carrier (10) can be taken over by the vessel (13) by a vertical relative movement between drum carrier (10) and a supporting structure for it on the vessel. Drum carrier (10) can then, if desired, be slid onto a supporting structure (15) to a desired position on the vessel and be made fast there.

Abstract: A pipeline joint protector which comprises a sheet of high density plastic material which is adapted to encircle the exposed end portions of abutting lengths of pipe which are wrapped or covered with concrete weight coating substantially throughout their lengths with only short end sections of the pipe exposed. The pipeline protector extends radially outwardly from the central pipe to approximately the diameter of the weight coat material and substantially spans the space between adjacent portions of weight coat material on the abutting joints of pipe welded together to form the pipe joint. The pipe joint protector includes high density plastic or elastomeric rubber material which substantially fills the lower one half of the annular space between the plastic sheet and pipe between adjacent weight coat sections.

Abstract: A pipelaying system is adapted for deployment on a vessel for use in a body of water. The system has at least one reel for storage and layout of a rigid walled pipeline, a pipeline support comprising a pipe takeoff drum for mounting on the vessel for rotation about a horizontal drum axis, a pipe takeoff structure pivotally mounted on the axis of rotation of the drum, and a drive unit operably connected to the reel. Such an arrangement is adapted to permit control of the rate of layout of the pipeline.

Abstract: A pipe tensioner machine for off-shore pipe laying operations having adjustable squeeze elements for the transfer of tension to the pipes comprises four tensionbanks orientated in an angle of substantially 90.degree. to each other and adjustable by an adjustment device mounted within a frame structure. The tension banks are moveable along guides, said guides having an inclination with respect to the horizontal of substantially 22.5.degree.. The tensionbanks comprise revolving tracks supported by rollers which in turn are supported in groups by levers.

Abstract: A pipeline joint protector which encircles the exposed end portions of abutting lengths of pipe which are wrapped or covered with concrete weight coating substantially throughout their lengths with only short end sections of the pipe exposed. The pipeline protector extends radially outwardly from the central pipe to approximately the diameter of the weight coat material and substantially spans the space between adjacent portions of weight coat material on the abutting joints of pipe welded together to form the pipe joint. Alternatively, a pipe joint protector formed of a sheet of high density plastic material wrapped around the pipe joints and overlaying the adjacent ends of the weight coat material on such pipe joint and as secured thereto.

Abstract: An arrangement for deployment and towing of a plurality of seismic cables (2) in parallel and at a mutual distance behind a vessel whereby seismic cables (2) are wound on winch barrels (4), and are provided with an inner cable member (3) which forms a connection with the vessel (1) during a towing operations, and is, additionally, provided with a paravane/control (14, 15) to guide and maintain the cable (2) laterally in relation to the towing vessel (1). Reliable and simple depolyment and towing of the seismic cables (2) at a large distance laterally in relation to the center line of the vessel is achieved by running the inner cable member (3) through at least one guide pulley (5) suspended from a line (7) that is adjustable in length from the vessel, and is, preferably extended over a derrick device (9) projecting from the vessel. Guide pulley (5) can be hauled in and paid out from the vessel, at the same time as inner cable member (3) can be let out to a greater length from the vessel.

Abstract: A long pipeline is constructed at an on-shore site and then launched into a body of water. A tension force is maintained on the pipeline during launching to hold the pipeline off the floor of the body of water.

Abstract: A reel pipelaying vessel having multiple reels for laying operational lines in a wide range of water depths. An operational lines laying device is mounted on the vessel in order to provide supporting means for the simultaneous layout of a plurality of operational lines at a common velocity and in a predetermined relationship to one another. Motive means are interconnected to the multiple reels in order to control the rate of layout. Separate or combined straightening and tensioning devices can be employed for handling the rigid walled pipeline contained within the operational lines. The straightening and tensioning devices can be mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the vessel deck or can be operated in fixed planes with respect to the deck. Six or more operational lines can be simultaneously laid out with the vessel described.

Abstract: A long pipeline is constructed at an on-shore site and is supported by floatable ground engaging supports. The pipeline is launched into a body of water while maintaining a tension load on the pipeline to hold it above the floor of the body of water. The floatable supports are retrieved after the pipeline is launched.

Abstract: A convertible barge having self-contained modules positioned thereon containing pipeline processing equipment. The modules are removably attached to the deck of the barge and are provided with a closable opening on at least one end thereof for passing a pipeline portion therethrough to another module. Spacer modules may be positioned between the modules housing processing equipment so that modules of standardized dimensions may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, utilizing a computer are utilized to control the placement of an anchor, and its associated anchor line for proper payout, deployment and ultimate placement of the anchor, depending upon the contour of the sea bottom and to maintain a desired catenary curvature that prevents the anchor line from dragging the sea bottom and further prevents undue strain upon the anchor chain beyond its safe tension force.

Abstract: A reel pipelaying vessel having multiple reels for laying operational lines in a wide range of water depths. An operational lines laying device is mounted on the vessel in order to provide supporting means for the simultaneous layout of a plurality of operational lines at a common velocity and in a predetermined relationship to one another. Motive means are interconnected to the multiple reels in order to control the rate of layout. Separate or combined straightening and tensioning devices can be employed for handling the rigid walled pipeline contained within the operational lines. The straightening and tensioning devices can be mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the vessel deck or can be operated in fixed planes with respect to the deck. Six or more operational lines can be simultaneously laid out with the vessel described.

Abstract: A pipeline vessel for laying out and coating a pipeline from a storage reel onto the bottom of a body of water. The vessel equipment provides for both straightening and tensioning of the pipeline as well as coating with a wide range of concrete and/or polymer coats. Both extrusion type thermoplastic coatings and reacted in situ thermoset resins are employed. The process of laying a relatively inflexible pipeline from such a reel pipelaying vessel and coating the pipe as it is laid out is also provided.

Abstract: A reel pipelaying vessel having multiple reels for laying operational lines in a wide range of water depths. An operational lines laying device is mounted on the vessel in order to provide supporting means for the simultaneous layout of a plurality of operational lines at a common velocity and in a predetermined relationship to one another. Motive means are interconnected to the multiple reels in order to control the rate of layout. Separate or combined straightening and tensioning devices can be employed for handling the rigid walled pipeline contained within the operational lines. The straightening and tensioning devices can be mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the vessel deck or can be operated in fixed planes with respect to the deck. Six or more operational lines can be simultaneously laid out with the vessel described.

Abstract: A deep trench is excavated into a sea bottom. The trench is filled with a slurry, e.g. clay and water, to maintain trench integrity for a period of time. A pipeline is subsequently lowered to the trench bottom by either gravity settlement, jet down using water jets, or vibration.

Abstract: A maneuvering apparatus for lines such as cables or flexible conduits passing over a direction changing means and having thereon at least one rigid outer accessory with a diameter greater than that of the conduit or cable. The maneuvering apparatus is mounted adjacent the direction changing means, has a retainer and support for the accessory mounted on the conduit, and is moveable with respect to the direction changing means, so that the retainer follows a trajectory outside the direction changing means, from a first position in which the cable accessory is picked up by the retainer upstream from the direction changing means, to a second position in which the accessory is located downstream from the direction changing means and freed from the retainer.

Abstract: A water vessel of the floating-dock type is provided with an arrangement for adapting the vessel for seismic or similar research. A platform is mounted above the cargo deck and extends between the side walls of the vessel. Research equipment including at least a measurement cable mounted on a reel is supported on the platform. The measurement cable is passed from the reel through the stern door of the vessel into the sea. Cables for transmitting impulses to be measured are situated within spaces provided within the side walls of the vessel so as to be lowerable into the sea from the stern ends of the side walls. According to one embodiment, the platform is mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vessel. By means of the invention, a vessel of the floating-dock type can be converted to a vessel suitable for research operations in an economical manner.

Abstract: A guideline connector (30) capable of being inserted over the top of a guide post (12) and has releasable locking means (40) which responds to the guide post contour to resiliently lock the connector onto the guide post profile (22). The locking means includes means (82, 84) for inactivating the locking means to free the connector of the guide post (12) and for automatically resetting (80, 86) (reactivating) the locking means (40) for further use. The locking means is functionally responsive to the outer contour of the guide post (12).

Abstract: A reel pipelaying vessel having multiple reels for laying operational lines in a wide range of water depths. An operational lines laying device is mounted on the vessel in order to provide supporting means for the simultaneous layout of a plurality of operational lines at a common velocity and in a predetermined relationship to one another. Motive means are interconnected to the multiple reels in order to control the rate of layout. Separate or combined straightening and tensioning devices can be employed for handling the rigid walled pipeline contained within the operational lines. The straightening and tensioning devices can be mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the vessel deck or can be operated in fixed planes with respect to the deck. Six or more operational lines can be simultaneously laid out with the vessel described.

Abstract: A buoyant material/cable assembly is formed by placing elongated segments of a syntactic foam material around an underwater cable or the like to form a structure suitable for deep water applications. Banding in the form of oppositely directed spirals extend about the assembly and about its length to secure the segments together, to the cable, and against relative movement with respect to the cable. The bandings are fastened together at selected intervals along their length.Another form of the assembly consists of individual units of buoyant material formed of combined segments, secured together by bands. The units are spaced along the length of the cable.Another form consists of individual flotation units, or buoys, secured by flexible links to the cable. Oppositely directed spiral bandings extend along the length of the cable to secure the flexible links against movement with respect to the cable and with respect to each other.

Abstract: A hollow curved auger is provided for simultaneously laying and trenching a pipeline, as from the surface of an ice-covered body of water. The pipeline passes through the auger which comprises rotary teeth encircling the pipeline and turning in opposed directions. The depth and direction of pipeline trenching and burial are controlled by varying the longitudinal force in the pipe and rotational orientation of the auger.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles in which the articles are partially fabricated in a work area which is in portion of a buoyant platform and at least partially below the level of water within which the platform is located, the partially fabricated article being moved rearwardly through a seal or gland into the water, the seal or gland preventing water ingress to the work area. The article is supported by the rearward portion of the platform which fabrication can continue in the work area.

Abstract: A stable offshore platform for surface or undersea work is provided by connecting a semisubmersible trailer unit with a workboat. Preferably, two columns of the trailer are joined by a beam member or truss, and this assembly is linked to the workboat via a truss-like trailer tongue with a ball swivel joint. When in transit, the semisubmersible unit is deballasted to a shallow draft condition and towed by the workboat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for connecting an offshore pipeline or flowline bundle to a deepwater subsea structure and then laying away from said structure. The pipeline or flowline bundle is deployed vertically from a pipelay vessel to make a hinged connection with the subsea structure. The connection operation is facilitated by a flowline connection tool attached to the pipeline or flowline bundle and designed to be inserted into a funnel located either centrally or to one side of the subsea structure. The connection procedure consists of landing and securing the flowline connection tool onto the subsea structure, then hinging over and connecting the pipeline or flowline bundle to the subsea structure as the pipeline or flowline bundle is laid on the seafloor beginning at the subsea structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing the simultaneous laying of at least two pipes from a pipe-laying barge using at least two coaxially aligned pipe tensioners, wherein a first pipe tensioner tensions a first pipe and allows a second pipe to pass freely through the tensioner, while a second pipe tensioner tensions the second pipe and allows the first pipe to pass freely through it. The apparatus preferably uses modified conventional equipment so that the barge will be able to lay large pipe with the conventional "stovepipe" laying operation.

Abstract: An eccentric hinge is provided for laying submarine pipelines which facilitates joining long segments of the pipeline by raising adjacent ends of the segments, attaching the hinge thereto, and lowering the segments and hinge to the sea-floor while remotely applying tension to one of the segments.

Abstract: Pressure-tight pipeline plugs are used in subsea connection operations to achieve a lightweight pipe condition which facilitates alignment by easing handling problems. An internal plug is provided for this purpose which is particularly useful for connection operations using a pipelay vessel, and which is capable of sealing, remotely releasing and then being pumped out of the line to a terminus.

Abstract: An underwater pipe laying vessel for laying a continuous pipeline, applying what is known as the "J" shape pipe laying method, uses shorter lengths of pipeline welded together on board end to end to form pipe assemblies; the pipe assemblies are stored and subsequently transported to a pipe laying boom unit which guides pipe assemblies to be welded end to end to a pipeline which is already in the "process of laying" under the vessel. The pipe laying boom is located substantially in the center of the vessel and is swivelled about a horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the length of the vessel; the boom includes a flash butt welder and an underlying jacketing-unit for suitably treating a welded surface of the pipeline to prevent subsequent corrosion; a pipeline section guide and pipeline section support located under the jacketing-unit assist in supporting and guiding the treated pipeline for proper positioning.

Abstract: Acoustic transponders are attached to sections of a submarine cable for use in accurately locating the cable during deployment or retrieval. An acoustic signal at one frequency, transmitted from the surface or elsewhere, stimulates one of the transponders to generate a first reply signal at a different frequency. The acoustic reply signal generated by each transponder is used to determine the location of that transponder and thus the location of its associated section of the cable. In order to measure cable tension during deployment or retrieval, a strain gauge at each transponder senses the tension of the cable at the location of its associated transponder. After each transponder transmits its first reply signal, it transmits a second reply signal delayed from the first reply signal by a time interval which is controlled by the output of its associated strain gauge.

Abstract: A pipeline buckle arrestor or preventor is provided which is composed of a fiber-reinforced resin cover secured to at least a portion of the outside of the pipeline and a polymer-concrete formulation encapsulating the resin cover.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for lowering and positioning a pipe line onto the bottom of deep water, the pipe line being assembled from pipe sections on deck of a ship, which pipe line from the bottom of the water extends upwardly according to a curved path (18) followed by a straight portion (17) and finally by a second curved part, the pipe line being held under tension by the ship to maintain the radius of curvature (R) sufficiently large tensioning is performed from the ship directly on the rectilinear part (17) of the pipe line while above the point of engagement of the tensional force the pipe line is subjected to a bending moment only. The apparatus preferably has a rotatable tube (2) in the ship through which the upper part of the pipe line extends vertically upwardly into a derrick (15) for assembling purposes.

Abstract: The invention is for a submarine pipe laying device which is mounted to pt on two axes on a pipeline laying vessel and which allows for mating and deploying sections of the pipe in a string. A cradle is used to hold a length of pipe and a clamp holds the end of the last deployed section of pipe while a torque box unit attaches and allows each successive length of pipe to be lowered into the water. The dual axis pivoting allows the vessel to be moored in any position and is not required to be aligned with the pipeline being layed.

Abstract: Collapse failures of a pipe wall are prevented from propagating along an underwater pipeline by providing corrugations at intermittent, recurrent, or periodic intervals along the length of the pipeline.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably connecting two conduits which includes a base member having at least one upwardly extending conduit and a locking plate supported thereon, and a latch support member including at least one downwardly extending conduit and having a locking mandrel depending therefrom. The locking mandrel is rotated via the downward movement of a piston within a cylinder, the piston having a spirally splined shaft mounted thereon which mates with a spirally splined surface associated with the locking mandrel, whereby downward movement of the piston and spirally splined shaft causes the locking mandrel to rotate and lock into engagement with the locking plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring cable tension during submarine laying operations is housed in a separable case suitable for nondestructive attachment around the circumference of a cable at any desired location prior to laying. A strain gauge within the housing is positioned in a saddle across which the cable is placed in a bowed state. The electrical output from the strain gauge, which is proportional to tension in the cable, is translated into an acoustical signal transmissible through a submarine environment. The underwater sound can be picked up by the laying vessel or an assist vessel and displayed in real time. A plurality of tension monitors can be interrogated in sequence or at random under the control of transponder signals from the vessel. The monitor is self-powered and requires no metallic electrical connection to the cable or to the laying vessel.

Abstract: A flexible buckle arrestor (20) is provided at somewhat regular intervals (l) along the length of a pipeline (10) as it is being laid underwater for arresting the propagation of any buckle (22) that may occur in the pipeline during or after pipeline laying operations. The buckle arrestor is comprised of a rod (20a) tightly wound around the pipe to form a number of spaced apart turns, the ends (20a and 20b) of which are secured either to the rod itself, to the pipe, or to the rod and pipe to prevent the turns from expanding while a buckle propagating in the pipe is arrested. The turns may be individual and unconnected, with each turn welded to itself, to the pipe, or itself and the pipe. The rod may be wound on the pipe as it is being payed out from a reel, or may be wound on the pipe before it is placed on the pipe laying vessel, particularly when a concrete coating (24) is applied to sections welded together as the pipe is laid.

Abstract: A self propelled reel pipe laying ship having forward, midship and stern sections, and having a reel mounted at the midship section thereof about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation extending transversely of the ship, such that the load of the reel is distributed downwardly and outwardly substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ship, the ship further including pipe conditioning means located at the stern section for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the reel and (a) radius control means for imparting a substantially uniform curve to the pipe after it is unspooled from the reel, (b) straightening means for imparting a reverse bending force to the pipe opposite the curvature imparted to the pipe by the reel, and (c) means for guiding the pipe into the water after it emerges from the straightening means; and means for pivoting the pipe conditioning means about its pivot axis to adjust the pipe entry angle at which pipe enters the

Abstract: A self propelled reel pipelaying ship, having forward, midship, and stern sections, and baseline, tank top, and main deck levels, comprising substantially longitudinal outer hull members and port and starboard side inner longitudinal bulkheads, each extending substantially the length of the ship, the hull members and bulkheads extending from the baseline to the main deck level in the forward and stern sections and, in the midship section, substantially above the main deck level, substantially horizontal transverse midship structural members extending between the top portions of the raised midship sections of the outer hull members and inner longitudinal bulkheads, intermediate substantially horizontal transverse members extending between the outer hull members and inner longitudinal bulkheads and vertically spaced between the tank top and midship structural members wherein the midship portions of the outer hull members and inner longitudinal bulkheads, the transverse midship structural members and the interme

Abstract: In the laying of deepwater pipelines, corrugated pipe is substituted for standard pipe in order to take advantage of a substantially stronger structure of much lighter weight.

Abstract: A semi-submersible pipelaying watercraft is disclosed, which is particularly suitable for operating under particularly hostile marine environments, said watercraft comprising a composite ramp of special construction for launching the pipe to be laid, a system for determining the craft's position and a control system, governed by electronic computers for automatically positioning the craft.An internal inclinable ramp is coactively combined with an external ramp and the internal ramp is equipped with a locking system and with a displacing system, hydraulic controls being provided for moving both the internal and external ramps. The electronic computers are two and one of them makes the calculations for determining the design parameters, whereas the other computer receives the actual data provided by the several sensors mounted aboard and processes them.

Abstract: An offshore system for laying a continuous length of pipe on the sea bottom from a pipe-carrying reel adapted to be mounted on a carrier vessel having an improved pipe handling and conditioning apparatus for working on the unspooled pipe. The improved apparatus includes a pipe straightener for imparting a reverse plastic bending moment to the unspooled pipe passing therethrough, and which comprises at least two pairs of pipe support rollers, each pair being aligned along the pipe path and mounted for rotational movement about respective rotational axes normal to the pipe path and parallel to the plane of the deck of the carrier vessel, and for pivoting movement about a pivot axis located between and substantially parallel to the respective rotational axes.