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:
Jun. 21, 1983
Filed:
Sep. 19, 1980
Robert M Norman, Lafayette, LA (US);
Other;
Abstract
This invention relates to the self-propelled underwater trenching apparatus and method for burying pipelines, cables and the like with minimum underwater diver supervision. The apparatus includes a frame having frame members positioned about the pipeline and buoyancy tanks with variable positions. Drive rollers are connected to the frame members for drive engagement with the pipeline. The frame members are movable by power rams about vertical and horizontal pivots selectively to engage or disengage the drive rollers with the pipeline. Oscillating water jet nozzles are secured to the apparatus for preselected sweeping movement to cut away the bottom formation to enable the pipeline to be buried in the trench so formed. To aid in the forming of the trench by removing the cuttings, an eductor is positioned over the pipeline in front of the front jet nozzles, an air dispersal ring and water jet nozzles are combined with rear eductors and an optional shroud is positioned over the frame to confine the cuttings for easier removal. To prevent contact with the sides and bottom of the trench both the jet nozzles and the buoyancy tanks are vertically movable. Upon meeting an obstruction on the surface of the pipeline, power rams in the fore portion of the frame member pivot the frame member about vertical and horizontal pivots to bring the forward drive rollers out of driving engagement and then back into driving engagement after being driven over the obstruction by the rear drive rollers.