Joseph L Conrad

US Patent:

45765219, Mar 18, 1986

Filed:

Dec 30, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/567068

Inventors:

Joseph Conrad - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

B63B 2126
E02D 554

US Classification:

405225

Abstract:

A permanent mooring method and arrangement for embedding a permanent mooring device in the sea bottom calls for the lowering of the permanent mooring device into the sea until the bottom end contacts the sea bottom, the transmission of fluid under high pressure via a hollow tubular body of the permanent mooring device to a nozzle portion thereof so as to create a fluidized area in the sea bottom around the permanent mooring device and to wash the permanent mooring device into and beneath the sea bottom, followed by transmission of a cementitious substance via the hollow tubular body to the nozzle portion so as to fill the fluidized area in the sea bottom with the cementitious substance. The permanent mooring device is vibrated during transmission of the high-pressure fluid, transmission of the cementitious substance, or consolidation of the cementitious substance, or during any combination thereof to assist in the embedding process. Other features of the invention include: provision of releasable flukes surrounding the tubular portion of the permanent mooring device; the provision of restraints for limiting the outward pivotal movement of the flukes; the provision of primary and secondary nozzles in the tubular portion of the permanent mooring device; the provision of a valve for controlling the flow of high-pressure fluid and/or cementitious substance; provision of a quick-release arrangement between pipe extensions used to lower the device and the tubular portion of the device, once it is embedded; and the provision of a shackle and shackle bar arrangement which is free of electrolytic current flow, and thus less susceptible to corrosion.

US Patent:

43122892, Jan 26, 1982

Filed:

Nov 13, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/093932

Inventors:

Joseph Conrad - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

B63B 2128

US Classification:

114295

Abstract:

A permanent mooring for use with boats and the like is provided with folding flukes on a tubular body. The flukes are formed as portions of a cylinder and in their folded position completely envelope the mooring with a smooth cylindrical surface which decreases unwanted drag during installation. A connection is provided for attaching a high-pressure water pipe and the forward end of the mooring anchor is tapered so as to form a water jet nozzle. The mooring is directed to the bottom of the water and, upon pumping the water through the pipe and out of the nozzle, the mooring anchor is forced downwardly into the sand or mud by the washing action of the water, the weight of the mooring itself, as well as additional downward pressure on the water supply pipe by the installation personnel. Once the mooring is in place, as indicated by markings on the high-pressure water pipe, the pipe is removed from the mooring and the mooring is permanently fixed in the ocean bottom by applying upward tensional forces on a suitable mooring chain or line, which has been connected to the mooring anchor prior to installation. Another embodiment employs a nylon web or mesh between the flukes to increase the holding power of the permanent mooring in the sea bottom.