Walter J Gray

US Patent:

51784297, Jan 12, 1993

Filed:

Jul 12, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/729069

Inventors:

David A. Gray - Cypress TX
Walter E. Gray - Santa Barbara CA

Assignee:

Diverless Systems, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 100

US Classification:

294 93

Abstract:

A recovery head for use in retrieving a submerged pipeline to the water surface. The recovery head includes a center of gravity arm attached to one end of the recovery head by a connecting pin. The center of gravity arm maintains the recovery head in a level orientation to allow divers or an ROV to more easily insert the head into the pipeline. After insertion into the pipeline, the center of gravity arm is removed from the recovery head. With the center of gravity arm removed, the recovery head does not obstruct or interfere with any steps involved in the actual retrieval and securing of the pipeline on the lay barge. The rear portion of the recovery head includes two T-posts which connect to oval links attached to the end of a retrieving cable. The links are such that, when placed over the T-posts and the retrieval cable is pulled to retrieve the pipeline to the surface, the links rotate. In this manner, the links are unable to slip off of the T-posts on the recovery head while the recovery head is being pulled to the water surface.