J. Ray Mcdermott & Co., Inc.

Mcdermott Incorporated

Nico DEBoer

Robert W Brown

Michael J LeGlue

Robert L Olsen

A jacking apparatus for application of force to at least two anchor points for movement of a load. The force is transmitted through fluid in at least two equalizing cylinders after which it is transmitted to the anchor points. The fluid pressure in each of the equalizing cylinders is limited to a predetermined value to provide equal distribution of the load between all of the anchor points to which the jacking apparatus is or should be engaged.

Jacking apparatus adjustable for alignment variations

An apparatus for entrenching submerged elongate structures, such as a pipeline, within the bed of a body of water. A spreader frame straddles the pipeline to be entrenched. Port and starboard sled frame members having pontoons are pivoted in the spreader frame on each side of the pipeline for pivotal movement. Each sled frame member carries a fluid jetting leg which includes jetting nozzles. Hydraulically operated linkage moves the sled frame members causing the jetting legs to substantially enclose the pipeline bringing the ends of the fluid jetting legs into close proximity beneath the pipeline. Jetting action by the nozzles forms a trench in the bed for receiving the pipeline. The fluid jetting legs are adjustable for various depths and for various sizes of pipeline. The combined structure formed by a sled frame member and fluid jetting leg has a center of gravity that is inboard of its pivot point causing the jetting legs to move apart upon the apparatus being urged off the submerged floor such that the jetting sled does not engage or tangle the pipeline.

Articulated jet sled

An at-sea buoy and anchor retrieval apparatus utilizes a vessel having a catamaran hull with a buoy catcher apparatus disposed between the hulls of the vessel. The buoy catcher is vertically movable so that it can be placed at the appropriate water depth to capture the buoys when the vessel is underway. A lift is provided to elevate the buoy catcher containing the buoy to the vicinity of an opening in the deck so that access to the buoy may be had from the deck.

Growing community of inventors

Kenner, LA, United States of America

Nico DEBoer