Russell R Baldwin

US Patent:

55539777, Sep 10, 1996

Filed:

Dec 16, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/357954

Inventors:

William F. Andersen - San Jose CA
Andrew B. Boyd - Houston TX
Russell L. Baldwin - Houston TX
Bisuddha N. Datta - Katy TX

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

E02B 1708

US Classification:

405204

Abstract:

A method is described for using a particular spring element to facilitate the transfer of deck modules to a hull or jacket during the construction of an off-shore well platform. The spring element not only absorbs energy from the compressive loading expected during the transfer, but also resists any shear loading caused by relative motion between the module and the jacket or hull caused by the operation being performed in a body of water. The spring element includes two significantly different resistances to crushing when subjected to compressive loading including an initial resistance during which significant energy is absorbed. The spring element is also provided on the carrier barge between the barge and the deck module so that if the carrier barge should reengage the module once the transfer has been started, damage will be inhibited.