A trench cutting apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a central support element comprising at least one jetting outlet and a cutting element configured to be driven around the central support element. The trench cutting apparatus is configured to be operable in a mechanical cutting mode in which the cutting element is driven around the central support element to cut material forward of the trench cutting apparatus,and a jet cutting mode in which a pump is activated to eject fluid from the at least one jetting outlet to fluidize or cut material forward of the trench cutting apparatus.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
2.
Load control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a suspended load
A load control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a suspended load is disclosed. The load control apparatus includes: a base for attachment to or forming part of a load; a support element pivotally secured to and extending from the base for receiving and/or connecting to a lift line; and actuation means connected to the support element and to the base at respective positions which are spaced from the pivotal connection between the support element and the base such that actuation, in use, of the actuation means causes the base to pivot relative to the support element.
B66C 13/06 - Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or for preventing cable slack for minimising or preventing longitudinal or transverse swinging of loads
B66C 13/08 - Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or for preventing cable slack for depositing loads in desired attitudes or positions
A system, apparatus and method for building and deploying an elongate element in a J-lay operation is provided. The system includes an upright structure (206), a holding element for holding a segment of the elongate element (204) adjacent to the upright structure (206), a moveable clamping element (222) for clamping the segment and lowering the segment, wherein the upright structure (206) is shorter in length than the segment, wherein the moveable clamping element (222) is moveable through a stroke length, and the stroke length is shorter than the segment.
F16L 1/19 - Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying the pipes being J-shaped
F16L 1/20 - Accessories therefor, e.g. floats or weights
A modular lay system for laying of an elongate element. The system includes a module for positioning on a deck of a vessel or the ground, the module configured to be connected to a further module. The system further includes a diverter module configured to be connected to the module or a further module. The module includes a top side having a shape and size to be releasably connected, in use, with either the diverter module, or a further module in the vertical direction. The module also includes a further side having a shape and size to be releasably connected, in use, with a further module in the horizontal direction.
F16L 1/18 - Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying
F16L 1/19 - Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying the pipes being J-shaped
A load control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a suspended load is disclosed. The load control apparatus includes: a base for attachment to or forming part of a load; a support element pivotally secured to and extending from the base for receiving and/or connecting to a lift line; and actuation means connected to the support element and to the base at respective positions which are spaced from the pivotal connection between the support element and the base such that actuation, in use, of the actuation means causes the base to pivot relative to the support element.
B66C 13/08 - Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or for preventing cable slack for depositing loads in desired attitudes or positions
B66C 13/06 - Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or for preventing cable slack for minimising or preventing longitudinal or transverse swinging of loads
An anchoring device and method of securing an anchoring device to strata are disclosed. The anchoring device (1) includes a drilling rod (2) and an anchoring sleeve (3) at least partially surrounding the drilling rod (2), the drilling rod (2) comprising a driving end (31) for coupling to a drilling apparatus and a drilling end (32) with a drilling head (26) for drilling a hole in strata, wherein the device is configured to be coupled with and driven by a drilling apparatus to cause the drilling head (26) to drill a hole into strata and to force, as the hole is drilled, the anchoring sleeve (3) into the hole to an inserted position in which the anchoring sleeve (3) engages the surrounding strata.
An underwater trenching apparatus and pumping apparatus and method of operating an underwater trenching apparatus is disclosed. The underwater trenching apparatus and pumping apparatus includes: first and second pumps and a trench-cutting jetting tool with first and second sections, the first pump having an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water and an outlet fluidly connected to the first section of the jetting tool, the second pump having an inlet for fluid connection with a source of water and an outlet fluidly connected to the second section of the jetting tool, wherein the outlet of the first pump is fluidly connected to the inlet of the second pump by valve means that is operable to divert at least a portion of an outlet flow of the first pump to the inlet of the second pump.
The invention provides a trenching apparatus and a method of using a trenching apparatus. The trenching apparatus (100) may include a main body portion (10), trench cutting equipment (50) depending from the main body portion, at least two ground contacting units (16) arranged on opposed sides of the main body portion and on which the main body portion is supported, each of the ground contacting units being connected to the main body portion by a respective independently operable suspension assembly (20), the respective suspension assemblies being configured to compensate for unevenness of the ground thereby to maintain the trench cutting equipment in a desired angular orientation with respect to the vertical.
E02F 5/02 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
B60G 17/0165 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input to an external condition, e.g. rough road surface, side wind
E02F 5/04 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging screws
E02F 5/06 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging elements mounted on an endless chain
E02F 5/08 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging wheels turning round an axis
E02F 5/14 - Component parts for trench excavators, e.g. indicating devices
A trenching apparatus (100) comprises a main body portion (10), trench cutting equipment (50) depending from the main body portion, at least two ground contacting units (16) arranged on opposed sides of the main body portion and on which the main body portion is supported, each said ground contacting unit being connected to the main body portion by a respective independently operable suspension assembly (20), the respective suspension assemblies being configured to compensate for unevenness of the ground thereby to maintain the trench cutting equipment in a desired angular orientation with respect to the vertical. A method of forming a trench which can use the trenching apparatus is also disclosed.
E02F 5/02 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof. Detection apparatus may also be provided at or near the distal end, for determining the position of said longitudinally extensive member. A corresponding de-mounting arm may be provided at a side of the main body opposite the mounting arm.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
B62D 55/065 - Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks
B66C 3/20 - Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith and intended primarily for transmitting lifting forces to loose materialsGrabs mounted on, or guided by, jibs
B66C 23/44 - Jib cranes adapted for attachment to standard vehicles, e.g. agricultural tractors
B62D 55/06 - Endless-track vehicles with tracks and without ground wheels
Apparatus and Method for Burying Elongate Member Apparatus for laying an elongate member in a trench, the apparatus comprises a main body portion; ground-contacting apparatus on which the main body portion is mounted and by which the apparatus may in use move over the ground; an elongate member moving device configured to move the elongate member from an initial position to a elongate member laying position; and a depressor attached to the main body portion and configured to guide the elongate member from its elongate member laying position to its in-trench location, the depressor having an elongate member entry portion and an elongate member exit portion, wherein the depressor is rotatable in use about an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
A pump apparatus comprises a primary pump having a relatively low pressure fluid input and a relatively high pressure fluid output and means, associated with said primary pump fluid input, operable where the ambient pressure is insufficient substantially to prevent cavitation in the primary pump, to locally increase the pressure at said primary pump fluid input.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
F04F 5/12 - Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which fluid flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being liquid displacing liquids, e.g. containing solids, or liquids and elastic fluids of multi-stage type
An underwater trenching apparatus comprises at least one trenching tool; a lifting attachment point configured for attachment of a lifting means for lowering the trenching apparatus to, or raising the trenching apparatus from, its location of operation; at least two steerable endless track units for transmitting tractive effort to move the underwater trenching apparatus in use; and for each steerable endless track unit, a first mounting arrangement permitting rotation of the track unit about a vertical axis, and a first actuator configured to move the track unit about the vertical axis, and control means configured to control the action of the actuator. In alternative forms, in addition to, or alternative to the steerable endless track units, the apparatus includes height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between the main body portion and the respective endless tracks; and control means configured to control the action of the height adjustment means.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
An underwater trenching apparatus comprising a soil cutting arrangement having a forwardly disposed cutting portion and a rearwardly disposed non-cutting portion, a soil removal device configured to remove soil from a location forward of the soil cutting arrangement and barrier device located and configured substantially to prevent passage of soil to the non-cutting portion of the soil cutting arrangement. The soil cutting arrangement is typically a rockwheel or chain cutter. The soil removal device is typically a dredge pump or eductor.
E02F 5/08 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging wheels turning round an axis
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally moveable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof. Detection apparatus may also be provided at or near the distal end, for determining the position of said longitudinally extensive member. A corresponding de-mounting arm may be provided at a side of the main body opposite the mounting arm.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
B62D 55/065 - Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks
B66C 3/00 - Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith and intended primarily for transmitting lifting forces to loose materialsGrabs
Apparatus and Method for Burying Elongate Member Apparatus for laying an elongate member in a trench, the apparatus comprises a main body portion; ground-contacting apparatus on which the main body portion is mounted and by which the apparatus may in use move over the ground; an elongate member moving device configured to move the elongate member from an initial position to a elongate member laying position; and a depressor attached to the main body portion and configured to guide the elongate member from its elongate member laying position to its in-trench location, the depressor having an elongate member entry portion and an elongate member exit portion, wherein the depressor is rotatable in use about an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
A pump apparatus comprises a primary pump having a relatively low pressure fluid input and a relatively high pressure fluid output and means, associated with said primary pump fluid input, operable where the ambient pressure is insufficient substantially to prevent cavitation in the primary pump, to locally increase the pressure at said primary pump fluid input
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
A trench cutting apparatus comprises a main body portion, ground contacting conveying means on which the body portion is mounted and by which the apparatus can traverse the ground and at least one soil cutting device operable to cut a trench wherein the attitude of the soil cutting device is adjustable between a first use configuration configured for cutting a linear trench portion and a second use position configured for cutting a curved trench portion, said second use position being selected to minimise undercutting of a trench wall as said curved trench portion is formed.
An underwater trenching apparatus comprising a soil cutting arrangement having a forwardly disposed cutting portion and a rearwardly disposed non-cutting portion, a soil removal device configured to remove soil from a location forward of the soil cutting arrangement and barrier device located and configured substantially to prevent passage of soil to the non-cutting portion of the soil cutting arrangement. The soil cutting arrangement is typically a rockwheel or chain cutter. The soil removal device is typically a dredge pump or eductor.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
An underwater trenching apparatus comprises at least one trenching tool; a lifting attachment point configured for attachment of a lifting means for lowering the trenching apparatus to, or raising the trenching apparatus from, its location of operation; at least two steerable endless track units for transmitting tractive effort to move the underwater trenching apparatus in use; and for each steerable endless track unit, a first mounting arrangement permitting rotation of the track unit about a vertical axis, and a first actuator configured to move the track unit about the vertical axis, and control means configured to control the action of the actuator. In alternative forms, in addition to, or alternative to the steerable endless track units, the apparatus includes height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between the main body portion and the respective endless tracks; and control means configured to control the action of the height adjustment means.
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
A trench excavating apparatus (10) for excavating a trench (100) and placing an elongated member (110) within the excavated trench, the apparatus comprising: a movable body (20) having at least one elongated member support (30) for carrying the elongated member; an excavating device (40) connected to the movable body for excavating the trench, the excavating device being adjustable to provide a varying trench depth; measuring means for measuring a parameter relating to the elongated member as it is supported by the elongated member support; and excavating device adjustment means adapted to vary the depth of the excavated trench in response to changes in the measured parameter.
E02F 5/14 - Component parts for trench excavators, e.g. indicating devices
E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditchesDredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
A method and system for transporting an offshore structure such as a wind turbine generator includes a supporting frame in which the offshore structure is assembled on land in an upright configuration. The frame is used for lifting the structure onto a transport vessel, on which it is retained in the upright configuration. At its location of use, the offshore structure is transferred to a pre-prepared foundation. The foundation is provided with a frame which cooperates with the supporting frame. The supporting frame includes a plurality of legs having hydraulically controlled feet. The frame of the foundation includes an equal number of supporting formations on which the feet ultimately rest. The feet are moveable in response to the hydraulic control along a nominally vertical line of action and provide a damping arrangement for the mounting of the offshore structure.
patents
