The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 1982
Filed:
Jan. 10, 1980
John P Latimer, Newport News, VA (US);
Deepsea Ventures, Inc., Gloucester Point, VA (US);
Abstract
This invention provides apparatus for supporting extremely heavy weights, such as a lengthy horizontal pipe string for ocean floor mining or dredging, from a downwardly facing horizontal ledge surface. The apparatus comprises a plurality of relatively narrow structurally independent support segments which are capable of reciprocal horizontal radial movement towards and away from the object to be supported. One end of each support segment is pivotally supported by a support platform, and the second end portion is floatingly supported by a biasing support element, e.g., an hydraulic jack. The hydraulic jacks supporting each of the support segments are preferably interconnected so as to permit an equalizing of the loading of all of the segments. The support surfaces are further provided with self-leveling means, specifically rocker plates for counterbalancing any minor inequalities in the support surfaces.