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US 4,279,047 AGranted
Fluid transfer buoy
AssigneeBluewater Terminal Systems N.V.
InventorWillem J. van Heijst
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AssigneeBluewater Terminal Systems N.V.
InventorWillem J. van Heijst
Estimating the term…
A fluid transfer buoy is disclosed for transfer of fluids between a pipeline on the sea floor and a moored vessel through a swivel fluid transfer connection. The buoy includes a frame structure which houses a central fluid transfer line terminating in a central fluid swivel connection, and a surrounding buoyancy chamber which is bearing mounted to freely rotate about a central shaft of the frame. The rotatable nature of the buoyancy chamber results in no relative movement between the swiveling portion of the fluid transfer line and the deck of the buoy, enabling the entirety of the structure to be surrounded by a protective fender and further making the use of polygonal buoy shapes more feasible. The bearing is protected from sea water intrusion from above and below, and is accessible from the buoy deck to facilitate on site bearing maintenance.
A fluid transfer buoy for transferring fluid materials to and from a vessel moored thereto comprising:
A fluid transfer buoy for transferring fluid materials to and from a vessel moored thereto comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.