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AssigneeOceaneering International, Inc.
InventorMichael W. N. Wilson
Estimating the term…
A seabed plow capable of over-the-stern release and retrieval is usable in any of boulder clearing, trench cutting and backfill modes. In its boulder clearing mode, the plow uses its skid in torquing configuration followed by moldboards to push boulders out of the path to be trenched. In the trench cutting mode, the plow uses the skid in the same configuration with its share and moldboards for initial trench depth and the same share and moldboards with moldboard extensions for increasing trench depth in subsequent passes. In the backfill mode, the plow uses its skid in trench-straddling configuration following a blade with a passage designed to discharge fragmented spoil directly onto the pipe being covered. Thus, a single plow can be reconfigured for all modes for release and retrieval to and from a relatively small vessel without use of heavy lifting equipment.
A seabed-plow chassis comprising:
For clearing boulders from a seabed, a plow comprising:
A method of clearing boulders from a path on a seabed comprising the steps of:
For backfilling spoil into a seabed trench, a plow comprising:
A method of backfilling spoil into a seabed trench comprising the steps of:
A method of backfilling spoil into a seabed trench comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.