Patent ID: 6742963
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
Apparatus for the remote connection of underwater conduits, comprising:a tool including means for connecting the tool to a first, movable conduit having a longitudinal axis, means for moving the tool relative to a second, stationary conduit, said means for moving the tool comprising at least one pull-in winch having a pull-in wire, at least one alignment and stroking hydraulic actuator having a piston rod, at least one moment arm, and means for locking the first and second conduits together in an end-to-end relationship, a collar device including gripping means for releasable attachment to the first conduit, first anchoring means for securing an end of the wire to the collar device, second anchoring means for securing the hydraulic actuator to the collar device, and at least one stop intended to interface with the moment arm, wherein the first anchoring means and the longitudinal axis of the first conduit are located in a first horizontal plane, the stop is located in a second horizontal plane, the second anchoring means are located in a third horizontal plane, the second horizontal plane being located below the first horizontal plane and the third horizontal plane being located above the first horizontal plane.