Robert L Olsen

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Robert L. Olsen

Introduction

Robert L. Olsen is a notable inventor based in New Orleans, LA, who has made significant contributions to the field of underwater construction. His innovative work focuses on the development of specialized apparatuses designed to enhance the efficiency of entrenching submerged elongate structures, such as pipelines, within bodies of water.

Latest Patents

Olsen holds a patent for an "Articulated Jet Sled," which is an apparatus specifically designed for entrenching submerged elongate structures. This invention features a spreader frame that straddles the pipeline to be entrenched. The apparatus includes port and starboard sled frame members equipped with pontoons, which are pivoted in the spreader frame on each side of the pipeline. Each sled frame member carries a fluid jetting leg that includes jetting nozzles. The hydraulically operated linkage moves the sled frame members, allowing the jetting legs to substantially enclose the pipeline. This design ensures that the ends of the fluid jetting legs come into close proximity beneath the pipeline, enabling the jetting action by the nozzles to form a trench in the bed for receiving the pipeline. The fluid jetting legs are adjustable for various depths and sizes of pipelines, making this invention versatile and effective. 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, which prevents the jetting sled from engaging or tangling the pipeline during operation.

Career Highlights

Robert L. Olsen is associated with J. Ray McDermott & Co., Inc., where he has contributed his expertise in underwater construction technologies. His work has been instrumental in advancing methods for pipeline installation and maintenance in challenging underwater environments.

Collaborations

Olsen collaborates with his coworker, Nico DEBoer, to further enhance the capabilities and applications of their inventions in the field of underwater engineering.

Conclusion

Robert L. Olsen's innovative contributions, particularly his articulated jet sled patent, demonstrate his commitment to improving underwater construction techniques. His work continues to influence the industry and pave the way for more efficient methods of pipeline installation.