Patent ID: 8573305
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An automatic release system for a riser coupled to a bend restrictor/limiter, comprising: a guide funnel assembly configured to receive a shaft; the shaft configured to be coupled to the riser and configured to be received inside the guide funnel assembly; a pull-head located inside at least a portion of the shaft and coupled to the shaft, wherein the pull-head is coupled to a pulling mechanism, and wherein the pulling mechanism pulls the shaft and the riser into the guide funnel assembly during use; and one or more spring-loaded dogs mounted on an outside of the shaft, wherein the dogs radially move in and out through one or more openings in the shaft aligned with one or more of the spring-loaded dogs and engage a groove on the pull-head when radially moved in through one or more of the openings, and wherein pulling loads on the pull-head are transferred to one or more of the spring-loaded dogs when the spring-loaded dogs engage the groove on the pull-head; wherein the groove on the pull-head is located on an adapter coupled to the pull-head, and wherein the adapter locates the pull-head inside the shaft.