Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Underwater implement
Patent
1992-11-20
1994-10-18
Cherry, Johnny D.
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Underwater implement
294 8231, B66C 134
Patent
active
053561880
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention mainly relates to a load-holding device as well as to a connection device comprising such a holding device.
It is known to suspend and release very heavy loads during underwater works. However, the fastening and the release of the load are carried out without mechanical tension induced by the weight of the load.
It is known to use divers in order to cut the cable supporting, for example, a pipeline, a cable to be laid or a mooring buoy above an ocean bed. This technique has the disadvantage of being very costly; it requires a diving boat to be made available on location. In addition, it may not be used in deep sea.
It is further known to use a remote-controlled underwater vehicle (also known as ROV or radio-operated vehicle) in order to cut cables or carry out the disconnection of tubular conduits. However, remote-controlled underwater vehicles are limited by the power and tools available. Thus, only cables of small diameter may be cut with a remote-controlled underwater vehicle.
The device according to the present invention enables very heavy held loads to be released. Advantageously, the force enabling the holding device to be kept in the closed position is very small relative to the apparent weight of the held load. A small force controls the closure of the means for holding the load. This small force is intensified by lever arms, so as to obtain a safe suspension of the load. According to the present invention, two elements, each carrying a jaw and an arm, are used. The two elements are articulated about a spindle. Means limiting the separation of the two arms are used for closing the jaws and consequently for holding the suspended load.
The device according to the present invention uses small forces in order to close the jaws and lock the arms, and in order to unlock the arms and therefore open the jaws. These small forces nevertheless enable loads having a very heavy apparent weight in water to be held.
In one embodiment of the device according to the present invention the two arms are joined by a cable of small diameter. Such a cable may be cut with an ordinary low-power tool, for example a cable-cutter. The cutting of the cable releases the arm and consequently the jaws, the opening of which enables the load to be released. The cable-cutter may be carried, in the event of the suspension device according to the present invention being used under water, by a remote-controlled underwater vehicle. Such a remote controlled underwater vehicle may not approach a flexible tubular conduit suspended vertically without danger. The minimum distance to be observed between the remote-controlled underwater vehicle and the flexible tubular conduit is for example between 0.3 and 0.5 meters. Advantageously, in the device according to the present invention, the lateral distance is greater than 0.3 meters, advantageously greater than or equal to 0.5 meters. The arms support the separation-limiting means, preventing the opening of the load-gripping means. This lateral distance is advantageously obtained by the length of the lever arms. Lateral distance is taken to mean the mean distance of the separation-limiting means such as a cable retaining the lever arms in the closed position, relative to the vertical axis passing through the point where the load is fixed. This mean distance corresponds for example to the position of the middle of the cable between the arms in the case where this cable is not placed vertically. It is at this distance that the cable-cutter of the remote-controlled underwater vehicle will operate. The lever arms are advantageously placed horizontally or with a slight slope. Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises means for opening the jaws as soon as the arms are released. These means consist, for example, of the profile of the pincers, the mass of the arms and a counterweight or a spring separating the jaws.
The device for holding the suspended load according to the present invention is particularly well adapted for the mechanical connection of two fle
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Coutarel Alain
Maloberti Rene
Cherry Johnny D.
Coflexip
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