公开(公告)号：USRE38458E1

公开(公告)日：2004-03-09

申请号：US09962991

申请日：2001-09-25

Applicant: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr. ,  Jerry K. Rhodes ,  Jason R. Jackson

Inventor： Joseph W. Pallini, Jr. ,  Jerry K. Rhodes ,  Jason R. Jackson

IPC: E02D554

CPC classification number: B63B21/502 ,  E21B23/02 ,  Y10T403/595

Abstract: A bottom connector for the tendon of a tension leg platform uses a latch ring with an outer profile to engage a mating profile in a receptacle on the sea floor. The latch ring moves radially within a housing, relative to the receptacle, between an engaged position and a retracted position. The latch ring engages the receptacle by lowering the connector into the receptacle below the mating profile and then lifting it until the latch ring locks into the receptacle. The latch ring disengages the receptacle by lowering the connector beyond a recess located below the mating profile and then lifting the connector out of the receptacle. As the connector is lifted above the recess, a retaining ring is actuated by the recess to retain the latch ring in its retracted position.

公开(公告)号：US5899638A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-04

申请号：US937061

申请日：1997-09-24

Applicant: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr.

Inventor： Joseph W. Pallini, Jr.

IPC: B63B21/50 ,  E02D5/54

CPC classification number: B63B21/502 ,  Y10T403/7054

Abstract: A segmented ring forms a set of latches for a tendon top connector on a floating platform. The latches reside in a housing and have either a groove or thread profile on an upper internal surface. The grooves interface with a mating groove profile on the tendon. The latches rotationally pivot backward and forward from the outer portion of the bottom surface. When the latches are forward, the profile in the internal surface engages the mating profile of the tendon top joint. When the latches are swung out, these profiles clear and permit the top joint to pass through the connector. Retraction of the latches is provided by application of force on the inside surface of an annular extension on the outer portion of the latches. This force can be provided by a variety of actuators. This top connector allows for passive dynamic engagement of the connector to the tendon top joint. When the latches are permitted to move inward, contact is made with the mating profile on the tendon top joint. Downward movement of the tendon relative to the connector causes the passing profile of the top joint to engage the profile of the latches and engage the latches into the top joint. Upward movement of the tendon relative to the connector causes the latches to be pivoted out of the way, allowing the top joint to pass through the connector unrestricted.

Abstract translation: 分段环在浮动平台上形成用于腱顶连接器的一组闩锁。 闩锁位于壳体中，并且在上部内表面上具有凹槽或螺纹轮廓。 凹槽与肌腱上的配合凹槽轮廓相接合。 闩锁从底表面的外部部分向后并向前旋转。 当闩锁向前时，内表面中的轮廓接合腱顶接头的配合轮廓。 当闩锁摆出时，这些轮廓清除并允许顶部接头穿过连接器。 通过在闩锁的外部部分上的环形延伸部的内表面施加力来提供闩锁的缩回。 该力可由各种致动器提供。 该顶部连接器允许连接器与腱顶部接头的被动动态接合。 当闩锁被允许向内移动时，用腱顶部接头上的配合轮廓进行接触。 腱相对于连接器的向下运动导致顶部接头的通过轮廓接合闩锁的轮廓并将闩锁接合到顶部接头中。 腱相对于连接器的向上运动导致闩锁枢转出来，允许顶部接头不受限制地穿过连接器。