Abstract: A system and methods for diverless replacement of a functional component installed on a service unit on a sea bottom-based installation is provided. The component is fitted releasably into the service unit as an insert with an externally extending maneuverable part. The replacement is carried out by a tool mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The invention utilizes ROV supported weight compensation means for compensating the weight of the component in order to maintain the ROV in a substantially neutral buoyancy state during operations. The weight compensating means comprises a separate adapter element having the same weight as the component to be replaced. The adapter element or adapter are equipped to be releasably supported by the ROV tool. The adapter has an upper end and a lower end and a central axis extending therethrough, and a centrally extending throughgoing opening having transverse dimensions larger than the largest transverse dimension of the component.

Abstract: A carriage movable in waste including: a body having a float at its upper portion and a weight at its lower portion to suspend in the water, the body having an opening in its abdomen; a thrust fan provided on a back of the body, the fan being rotatable in a normal or reverse direction thereby enabling the body to translate in the water and to suctionally attach itself onto a wall or leave the wall; a skirt provided around the opening formed in the abdomen of the body to contact the wall thereby maintaining the bodies interior to a negative pressure as the body suctionally attaches itself onto the wall; and a drive wheel provided on the abdomen of the body to contact the wall upon suctional attachment on the wall. This underwater carriage can move on a vertical wall, have small dimensions and be lightweight.

Abstract: All points at which torque is usually applied to subsea equipment, particularly in the search for and production of oil, are centralized at a single panel upon which standard kinds of connecting terminals fitted with sockets are clearly marked and corresponding to torque working points, in order to make access easier by remote operated vehicles.Individual connection between applying points and the sockets on the panel is achieved by means of flexible devices.

Abstract: A pipeline connector apparatus comprising piston actuated means for gripping and sealing a pipe comprising a cylinder having an inner surface, the cylinder having a first groove for receiving a spring biased ring, a piston movable in the cylinder and actuating one of the gripping and sealing means, the piston having a second groove holding a spring biased ring. A plurality of compressible and relaxable spring biased rings are provided, each having an outer surface and a radius such that each will compress within the second groove and will expand within the first groove. The outer surfaces of the different rings have shoulders of different widths which allows the operator to control the piston stroke in the cylinder. The apparatus further comprises a means for predetermining and/or monitoring the displacement of the pistons.

Abstract: This invention concerns a mechanism for the interchanging of guide-posts worked by remotely controlled vehicle which consists of guide-cones (6) provided in the side of base beam (2) that supports socket (4) of guide-post, which guide-cones are placed axially and enter all around the socket (4) of guide-post, to create an operating channel inside the socket (4) while guide-post (8) is provided with a channel all around its bottom (1) to house a locking-pin (12). Guide-post (8) is placed inside its respective socket (4) so that the operating channel created by the guide cones (6) inside socket (4) matches channel all round the bottom (10) of socket, exactly, so that locking of guide-post (8) takes place by means of turning the locking-pin (12) housed in channel all around (10) the guide-post (8) by means of a remotely operated vehicle or suitable tool.

Abstract: The inspection of underwater structures and the repair of leaking cracks or oints therein is effected by the use of a platform positionable at the work site and supporting an equipment cart movable therealong with the cart carrying an underwater light and television camera system for viewing the site and a number of tools for cleaning the site, injecting a leak detecting dye thereon and injecting a sealant to close the cracks or joints. Movement of the equipment cart and operation of the tools are remotely controlled, preferrably with air motors.

Abstract: In a method and a device for paying out or hauling in a supply line cable of an underwater device from a ship or a suitable platform, the supply line cable is guided from a drum of a winch through a lower guide roller and over the edge of the ship. A pivoting device is rotated from a vertical position into a horizontal position about the axis of the lower guide roller, or about an axis parallel thereto, for lockingly coupling or uncoupling the cable coupling of the supply line cable to a cable coupling of another supply line cable. As a result of the rotation of the pivoting device, it serves as a horizontal working platform for the coupling or uncoupling process. The pivoting device is returned to its vertical position after the coupling or uncoupling has been completed. The pivoting device is dimensioned in such a manner that the cable couplings of the two supply line cables can be aligned with one another at a spatial distance governed by necessary cable connecting lines.

Abstract: A fluid operated tool 30 (FIG. 4) for use in replacing a body clamped between facing platens has an open ended tubular member 31, through which the body can pass, that carries outwardly thereof, and axially extending, coplaner support arms 33, 34 at the end of which are hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 35, 36 for inserting between the platens to overcome the clamping force on the body, permitting it to be removed and replaced by way of the tubular member 31. The tool may be used subsea with a submersible to handle it and provide hydraulic power.

Abstract: An undersea operation system comprising an undersea operation machine for conducting undersea operations such as undersea construction and the collection of stones and rocks, and a backup ship operatively connected to this undersea operation machine. The undersea operation machine includes a vehicle, arms which are connected to this vehicle, etc. The vehicle and the arms are operated by hydraulic pressure which is supplied through a cable connecting the undersea operation machine to the backup ship, whereby smooth operation of the undersea operation machine is ensured even in a deep sea region.

Abstract: A projecting actuation point and a hollow ROV-operable tool for subsea equipment both have a larger diameter surface and a smaller diameter surface, the former being nearest to the subsea equipment. The smaller diameter surface of the actuation point provides a coarse guidance and early alignment of the tool over the actuation point and the larger and smaller surfaces, which fit closely, provide in combination two sets of interfaces for final alignment.The principle can be applied to a wide variety of subsea parts. The actuation point can be a spigot for a valve or choke, a point for hydraulic or electrical connection, a point for both fluid injection and valve isolation or a coupling to link a subsea component with a subsea module or to a remote power source.

Abstract: A hydraulic stab sub with multiple seals especially for use in remote and harsh environments with the ability to move the seals radially inward to a retracted position in which the hydraulic stab sub can be easily inserted into a mating receptacle and alternately to move the seals radially outward to perform useful functions such as sealing or locking into the receptacle.

Abstract: An operator for levelling a drilling or production template on the sea bed is formed from a rotatable hydraulic cylinder, a piston within the cylinder to which hydraulic pressure can be applied, and a drive shaft from the piston to a screw jack. Hydraulic pressure applied to the piston counteracts the weight of the template so that the operator can rotate the screw jack with relatively little torque. The operator may fit into a housing of the template through an intermediate housing. The operator and the intermediate housing may be releasably locked to each other and the template so that they can be recovered for re-use. A cementing/retrieving tool and a suspension tool may be used in combination with the operator.the screw jack may bear onto a mud mat or pile of the template.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for installing a piece of equipment horizontally on a submerged unit and for removing it therefrom, comprises a movable servicing module designed to engage on the upper part of the submerged unit, pivot thereabout and lock against it in a horizontal position, and a cradle supporting the piece of equipment. The cradle is carried, by means of connections allowing transverse adjustment, by sliding supports mounted in the servicing module, and movable longitudinally by means of jacks. Mutual engagement means are provided on the submerged unit and on the piece of equipment to ensure that the latter is positioned accurately on the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inspecting, cleaning and/or performing other tasks in connection with a welded joint between intersecting tubular members of an offshore platform a substantial distance beneath the water surface. The apparatus includes a support body adapted to be moved onto and removed from one of the tubular members, and a carrier rotatable about the body, when clasped about the one tubular member, and having the task performing devices thereon for traversing the joint as the carrier is so rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a grouting member, for example, a grouted pile, in deep water comprises a female coupling member for connection to a male coupling member located on the sea bed, a conical guide for guiding the male coupling member into engagement with the female coupling member, a rotatable locking pin having an arcute recess portion, operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle, for retaining the male coupling member in engagement with the female coupling member, and a connector for connecting the female coupling member to a source of grouting material.

Abstract: A screw jack for levelling a subsea template comprises(a) a guided entry adapted to receive a flat-sided drive shaft,(b) an inner screw adapted to be rotated by the drive shaft,(c) a non-rotatable inner housing, through one end of which the screw is threaded,(d) a non-rotatable outer housing, against one end of which the screw bears, the outer housing being axially moveable relative to the inner,(e) a base against which the inner housing rests and(f) one or more projections on the outer housing adapted to bear against corresponding projections on the template.The arrangement is such that rotation of the drive shaft causes relative axial motion between the inner and outer housings. The jack is suitable for use in diverless systems.

Abstract: A continuous linear element is used in the form of a fine fibrous trap, delivered in a continuous manner by an ejector (11) placed in a gaseous atmosphere established in an open-bottomed bell (8) immersed in the liquid medium with its open bottom close to the deposition site of the construction material. A slurry of solid particles is injected into the fibrous trap when it is still in the gaseous atmosphere of the bell and the trap charged with said particles is then deposited on the construction site (1). The ejector (11) can be part of a device (12) for breaking up textile cable (17) and is connected with a floating platform (3).

Abstract: The submarine working equipment illustrated which may be a diver's auxiliary equipment includes a hollow body that is specially reinforced against bending moments and pressure forces acting upon it by means of structure defining flow channels, for driving elements, that angularly penetrate it and by means of pressure chambers supported in the body which are adapted to multiple uses. The equipment is held and supplied with power by a connecting and supply cable. A main grab on the forward end of the body is adjustable to facilitate clamping on a wide range of diameters the clamping of the equipment on pipes, wracks, etc. so firmly that the equipment itself or working arms mounted thereon (tool arms, auxiliary grabs, platforms etc.) are capable of taking substantial working loads despite the small dimensions of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool for disconnecting a guideline connector hooked in a sleeve forming the extension of a guide column of an underwater station, by means of retractable locking heads housed in a bore in the body of the connector.It comprises a re-entry cone, whose upper cylindrical part 1, adapted to cap the top of the connector having helical ramps, comprises swivel pins to cooperate with said ramps and is connected to a widened cylindrical part 4, ending in an upturned funnel 5, by a truncated cone-shaped part 3, with which are associated valve means 18 for controlling hydraulic cylinders 14 and 14a responsive to the pressure exerted by the body of the connector, when the re-entry cone rests on the connector, as well as two hydraulic cylinders 14 and 14a and hydro-pneumatic accumulator 12, mounted outside the cone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for taking over control of a submerged tool.The connector comprises two parts, a first part mounted on the tool, and a second part mounted on a movable control appliance. The tool is provided with energy distributors and mechanical actuators are mounted on the first connector part for operating the distributors. The control appliance comprises means for controlling the distributors and mechanical control members controlled thereby are mounted on the second connector part for acting on the actuators. A purely mechanical energy transmission is advantageously provided between the two connector parts.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is employable by a remotely controlled unwater work system to emplace a lift sling beneath an object resting on mud, sand or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and a guide having rollers through which the tube may be passed. The rearward end of the tube is attached to a hose through which water under pressure is directed into the tube. The forward end of the tube is provided with a nozzle so that jets of water issue from it with selected strength and in a selected configuration. A sling or strap is connected at one end to the nozzle end of the tube and at its other end to the guide. A rope or cord is also attached to the guide portion of the apparatus. A mechanical grabber or other mechanism holds the guide in a fixed position with respect to the object to be retrieved while a manipulator arm of the system pushes the tube through the guide and beneath the object to be salvaged.

Abstract: Remotely operated tool for performing functions at underwater installations. Tools according to the invention are especially useful for remote retrieval and installation of wireline bushings in hollow guide posts. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the tool are fluid pressure operated, include means for performing at least two functions, successively, and respond to a single pressure fluid input rather than requiring successive inputs.

Abstract: Underwater devices, particularly bushings for centering and/or anchoring a guide line relative to a hollow guide post in a guidance system, are equipped with latch means which can be unlatched by the same remotely operated tool employed to retrieve the device after unlatching.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for supplying hot water to a diver's suit and which has a portable water pump that can be located closely adjacent a water source so as to minimize the lift required by the pump, a compressed air source that normally furnishes compressed air to the breathing apparatus of the diver and which is also used to drive the water pump by means of an air motor, a portable water heater having a source of fuel for heating the water is connected to the discharge side of the water pump for receiving cold water and heating it, the hot water is discharged from the heater and is mixed with cold water to the desired temperature and then furnished to the diver's suit. All of the components of the apparatus are portable and the entire system is flexible as to its location and set-up, there being no fixed apparatus or installations required.

Abstract: A vessel for working under water comprising a substantially spherical residence chamber with an atmospheric pressure therein and accommodating necessary monitoring apparatus for controlling working tools and devices arranged on the outside of the residence chamber. The working tools and devices are mounted on a service section to which the residence chamber is detachably affixed by a coupling apparatus actuated from the residence chamber. In case the service section with its working tools and devices gets hooked or wedged during the underwater operation the residence chamber can be released from the service section and allowed to rise to the surface separated from the service section. The working tools and devices of the service section are so designed that in any working positions they do not render the escape path of the residence chamber blocked.