Mellin G Nelson

US Patent:

59269987, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Aug 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/918151

Inventors:

Mellin G. Nelson - Danvers MA

International Classification:

A01K 6100
A01K 7100
A01K 6908

US Classification:

43102

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a buoyancy device for the self-controlled maintenance of desired vertical upright orientation of a marine structure during its descent and settlement onto a water bed floor. The device includes a chamber for enclosing a volume of air, the chamber defined by an arrangement of walls. Those chamber walls include a first or upper portion and a second or lower portion. The device has ports arranged in the walls in upper portion of the chamber, to permit entry of water and/or escape of air from the chamber during any descent of the device as it descends in a water environment attached to a marine structure. A port with an engagable plug is movably arranged in the lower portion of the chamber, to prevent entry of water through the drain opening during descent, and to permit drainage of water from the chamber during ascent of the marine structure from the water.