Patent ID: 6173782
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
For use in supporting a riser from cables each of which extends over sheaves intermediate the riser and a tensioning device located on a floating platform above a subsea wellhead to which the lower end of the riser is to be anchored, a connector each comprising:an elongate body havingmeans on its lower end for pivotal attachment to the riser, anda longitudinal opening having an upper end to receive the lower end of the cable for extension therethrough,first gripping means surrounding the cable and supported and arranged within the body opening to grip the cable in response to the application of upward force to the gripping means, andactuator means includinga sleeve surrounding the cable for vertical reciprocation within the body opening between upper and lower positions, andsecond gripping means supported and arranged within the sleeve to slide over the cable, as it is moved from its lower to its upper position, and the cable is supported from the first gripping means, and then grip and lower the cable through the first gripping means as the sleeve is moved downwardly within the body to its lower position, andmeans for selectively moving the sleeve between its upper and lower positions.