Michael Edward Cross

US Patent:

43470297, Aug 31, 1982

Filed:

Dec 28, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/108123

Inventors:

John P. Latimer - Newport News VA
Robert Donaldson - Newport News VA
Michael Cross - Everett WA
Harold MacPhaiden - Mercer Island WA
Loren D. Skiles - Everett WA
Henry Schauer - Bothell WA
Thomas J. Reynolds - Lake Stevens WA

Assignee:

Deepsea Ventures, Inc. - Gloucester Point VA

International Classification:

E21B 1900

US Classification:

414 22

Abstract:

This invention provides apparatus for use on, for example, an ocean mining surface vessel, for transporting lengths of pipe from a horizontal storage rack to a main dredge line hoist, which vertically supports connected lengths of pipe from the ocean surface to the ocean floor. The apparatus includes a track between the storage rack and the dredge line support system, the track being supported at one end adjacent the storage rack and at the second end adjacent the main dredge line hoist. The main dredge line hoist being preferably supported on a platform which is pivotally connected to the vessel about at least two transverse axes. The track also preferably is segmented, the segment closest to the main dredge line hoist support being pivotable about two transverse axes relative to the pipe rack on the vessel. Preferably, the two segments of track can be connected through a vertical pivot and/or a horizontal pivot or about two horizontal pivots. Carriages, riding along the track, support each end of a pipe being transported from the rack to the main hoist support.