Other

Ltv Energy Products Co.

Richard A Daigle

William G Stanfield

Michael E Crenshaw

Disclosed is a pallet loading and unloading sling, termed a SlingBag device, for efficiently transporting burlap bags and deploying them to secure and protect underwater pipelines. In preferred form, the SlingBag is a T-shaped mat that folds up into a four-sided bag. By using a SlingBag atop a wooden pallet, the process for loading and unloading burlap bags from the pallet may be simplified The SlingBag comprises two rectangular mats that are arranged in a perpendicular cross section, forming a T-shaped mat. When placed upon a pallet for loading, the central panel fits atop the pallet, and the four side flaps extend outward. Burlap bags filled with dry bulk sand or dry sand/cement mix are stacked atop the pallet with the SlingBag. Then, the side flaps are folded up to form a four-sided sling container, and the lifting loops on the side panels are tied in place to secure the sling. In the preferred embodiment, the SlingBag is comprised of polypropylene. This time saving process enables the pallet to be loaded onto a transport using a forklift, and the burlap bags to be picked-up from the pallet and lowered onto the desired location using a crane with a single point pick-up. A diver or remote operated vehicle (ROV) can release the burlap bags from the SlingBag.

Pallet loading and unloading sling

Disclosed is an apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection, termed a BulkMat device, for protecting and securing pipelines, which are typically located in ditches or on the floor of large bodies of water. In preferred form, the BulkMat comprises a long fabric mat with four to eight fabric compartments sewn onto the mat and filled with dry bulk sand/cement mix. In the preferred embodiment, the BulkMat is comprised of polypropylene. The BulkMat has four lifting loops that are used to pick-up and lower the BulkMat onto the desired location. When the bulk mat is placed on the location, and water sets in, the sand/cement mix in the compartments will harden to concrete. By hardening after it is set in place, the BulkMat will conform completely to the pipeline or covered area to be protected, precisely matching the specific area.

Apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection

Disclosed is a flooding system for uprighting and setting marine structures into and above bodies of water. The structures include a surface platform and at least one hollow support leg. Each leg includes at least one port that when closed will seal the leg. The system includes a valve attached to each port. The valve serves as a closure that regulates the flow of water from the body of water through the port to flood the structure. An operator is coupled to each valve by a low friction remote control cable. The operator is located above the surface of the body of water and usually attached to the platform. The cable translates the relative motion of the operator to open and close the valve. The cable comprises a flexible member encased in a flexible casing. The flexible member is isolated from the casing by a bearing means that allows the member to move axially within the casing to translate the motion of the operation to control the valve.

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Thibodaux, LA, United States of America

Richard A Daigle