Ships – Mooring device
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-22
2003-05-13
Avila, Stephen (Department: 3617)
Ships
Mooring device
C441S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06561112
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vessels. More specifically, the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, relates to a system for and method of operation of an independent moon pool platform deployed in a vessel with its own moon pool where the motion of the independent moon pool platform is compensated with respect to motion of the vessel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A moon pool, as will be familiar to those in the vessel arts, is a shaft or opening in a vessel that extends through the vessel, allowing access to water in which the vessel is afloat. Typically, a moon pool is a large opening through-the vessel's deck that continues through the bottom of the vessel and is located about midship to accommodate drilling operations.
It is well known that ship-adapted drilling units are very susceptible to wave action and will tend to move in a direct relationship with the encountered sea state. In the prior art, it is also known that water in the moon pool does not stay at mean sea level. It is not uncommon for columns of water extending over ten feet come through the moon pool, even when seas are less than ten feet. This is especially common in intervention, or smaller, vessels.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,785 issued to Richter, et al. for “Precast, modular spar system” is illustrative of prior art moon pool designs. Richter teaches a precast, modular spar system having a moon pool open at the bottom and containing water non-excited by waves centrally extending the entire length of the spar and defined by inner radial walls of sections of the spar.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4099560 (1978-07-01), Fischer et al.
patent: 4200054 (1980-04-01), Elliston
patent: 4232903 (1980-11-01), Welling et al.
patent: 4281615 (1981-08-01), Wilson et al.
patent: 4324194 (1982-04-01), Elliston
patent: 4425055 (1984-01-01), Tiedemann
patent: 4471708 (1984-09-01), Wilson et al.
patent: 4537533 (1985-08-01), Hampton
patent: 4646672 (1987-03-01), Bennett et al.
patent: 4666341 (1987-05-01), Field et al.
patent: 5237946 (1993-08-01), Copson
patent: 5927224 (1999-07-01), Etheridge et al.
patent: 6000480 (1999-12-01), Eik
patent: 6009820 (2000-01-01), Kellog et al.
patent: 6047781 (2000-04-01), Scott et al.
patent: 6056071 (2000-05-01), Scott et al.
patent: 6068069 (2000-05-01), Scott et al.
patent: 6085851 (2000-07-01), Scott et al.
patent: 6227137 (2001-05-01), Allen et al.
patent: 6244785 (2001-06-01), Richter et al.
patent: 6257165 (2001-07-01), Danos, Jr. et al.
patent: 6260502 (2001-07-01), Kratz et al.
patent: 6263818 (2001-07-01), Dietens et al.
patent: 6268557 (2001-07-01), Devecka
patent: 6273193 (2001-08-01), Hermann et al.
Benson Dan T.
Reaux James R.
Avila Stephen
Duane Morris LLP
LandOfFree
System and method for a motion compensated moon pool... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for a motion compensated moon pool..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for a motion compensated moon pool... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3083139