Abstract:
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames. Alternatively, a package that is to be lifted from the deck of a marine vessel, workboat, supply boat or the like can be lifted from the deck of the workboat, vessel, barge, etc. if it is to be then placed in the marine environment such as upon an existing jacket or other under support.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/610,271, filed Dec. 13, 2006. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to marine lifting devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved catamaran type lifting apparatus that employs spaced apart or catamaran hulls, each of the hulls supporting a truss or frame that spans between the hulls at spaced apart positions. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved catamaran lifting apparatus for use in a marine environment, wherein spaced apart frames are connected to the hulls in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart, the first frame connecting with a first of the hulls with the universal joint and to the second hull with a hinged connection, the second frame connecting to the second hull with a universal joint and to the first hull with a hinged connection. 
     2. General Background 
     A catamaran lifting apparatus that can be used to lift multi-ton objects employs two spaced apart barges or hulls or vessels. In general, such lifting devices that employ a pair of spaced apart hulls have been patented, many patents having been issued to applicant as contained in the following table. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PAT. NO. 
                 TITLE 
                 ISSUE DATE 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,714,382 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Dec. 22, 1987 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
                   
               
               
                 5,607,260 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 1, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
                   
               
               
                 5,609,441 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 11, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
                   
               
               
                 5,662,434 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Sep. 2, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
                   
               
               
                 5,800,093 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Sep. 1, 1998 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages, Jackets, and Sunken 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Vessels 
                   
               
               
                 5,975,807 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 2, 1999 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
                   
               
               
                 6,039,506 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
                   
               
               
                 6,149,350 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 21, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
                   
               
               
                 6,318,931 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 20, 2001 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
                   
               
               
                 6,364,574 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Apr. 2, 2002 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
                   
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved catamaran lifting apparatus that employs first and second spaced apart vessels or hulls. The vessels can be barges, dynamically positioned marine vessels, other floating hulls or the like. 
     A first frame or truss spans between the vessels or hulls at a first position. A second frame or truss spans between the hulls at a second position. The first and second positions are spaced apart so that each frame can move independently of the other, notwithstanding wave action acting upon the hulls. Load spreaders can provide an interface between each frame or truss and each vessel (e.g. barge, ship, etc.) 
     The first of the frames or trusses connects to the first hull or vessel with a universal joint and to the second hull or vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second hull with a universal joint and to the first hull with a hinged connection. 
     The catamaran hull arrangement of the present invention provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or vessels. 
     Each frame extends upwardly in a generally inverted u-shape that provides space under each frame or truss and in between the vessels or hulls for enabling a marine vessel to be positioned in between the hulls and under the frames. The space in between the hulls or vessels and under the frames or trusses can also be used as clearance for elevating an object to be salvaged from the seabed to a position next to or above the water&#39;s surface. 
     In a plan view, each frame or truss can be generally triangular in shape. Winches and rigging such as a block and tackle arrangement can be used to lift objects with the apparatus of the present invention. The frames can each be of a truss configuration. 
     In a second embodiment, one or more slings can be provided that connect between a frame and a hull. The connection of each frame to a hull opposite the universal joint can be a pinned or a hinged connection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side, elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, with each winch and lifting line removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6-8  are schematic illustrations of a rough sea condition; 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  are fragmentary views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, wherein  FIG. 9B  is a sectional, top view taken along lines  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9C  is an elevation view taken along lines  9 C- 9 C of  FIG. 9A , and  FIG. 9D  is a sectional view taken along lines  9 D- 9 D of  FIG. 9C ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a block and tackle rigging with winches and lift lines; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 15-16  are elevation views that further illustrate the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmentary view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate universal joint arrangement; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial perspective exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 24  is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a part of the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 25  is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a part of the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a part of the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 27  is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a part of the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 28  is an end view taken along lines  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a part of the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint; 
         FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the alternate universal joint and illustrating pin removal; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-7  and  9 - 11  show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  10 . Marine lifting apparatus  10  provides a pair of spaced apart vessels or hulls  11 ,  12 , each providing a deck  30 . Hulls  11 ,  12  can be barges, dynamically positioned vessels, or any other buoyant structure. A pair of frames or trusses  13 ,  14  are provided, each frame  13 ,  14  spanning between the vessels  11 ,  12 . Each frame  13 ,  14  connects to one vessel  11  or  12  with a universal joint  15  or  17  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  9 ) and to the other hull  11  or  12  with a hinged or pinned connection  16  or  18  (see  FIGS. 4-12 ). 
     The first frame  13  connects to hull  11  with universal joint  15  (or articulating connection). The first frame  13  connects to vessel  12  with a pinned connection or hinge  16 . Similarly, the second frame  14  connects to hull  12  with a universal joint  17  (or articulating connection) and to hull  11  with a hinge or pinned connection  18  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     An interface such as a deck beam or load spreader platform  19  or  20  can be provided on the upper deck  30  of each hull  11 ,  12  for forming an interface between the frames  13 ,  14  and the vessels  11 ,  12 . For example, vessel  11  is provided with deck beam or load spreader platform  19  on its deck  30  that forms an interface between each of the frames  13 ,  14  and the barge or vessel  11  deck  30 . Deck beam or load spreader platform  20  provides an interface between each of the frames  13 ,  14  and deck  30  of the vessel or barge  12 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , a plan or top view of the apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown. A lifting area  21  is that area that is in between the vessels  11 ,  12 , the area  21  having a length defined by dimension arrow  23  and a width defined by dimension arrow  22  in  FIG. 4 . This area  21  is sized and shaped to receive a vessel having a cargo to be lifted if that cargo (e.g. deck package) is to be installed. Alternatively, the area  21  can be an area that receives a vessel for supporting and transporting an item to be salvaged from an ocean floor (see FIGS.  5  and  11 - 15 ) such as a hurricane smashed or damaged offshore platform section  34 , sunken boat  33  or the like. In either case, a clearance is provided above the water surface  24 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a clearance between water surface  24  and frame  13  or  14  is indicated schematically by the dimension line  25 . Similarly, a clearance  26  is provided above the maximum deck elevation  35  of the hulls  11 ,  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Each of the frames  13 ,  14  can be in the form of a truss as shown. The frames are generally speaking in the shape of an arch or inverted U so that an area is provided under the frames and above the water surface for raising an item that is being salvaged or to lift an item from a barge or other vessel or support that is under the frames. Each truss or frame  13 ,  14  can be a one piece structure (see  FIG. 10 ) or a multi-section truss (see  FIGS. 1-4 ). For multi-section frames  13 ,  14  they provide a center truss section  27 , a smaller side truss section  28  and another smaller side truss section  29 . Pinned connections  31 ,  32  can be provided for attaching the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29  to the larger center truss section  27  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Slings can optionally be provided for connecting the center section  27  to the lower end portion of each of the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29 . Shackles can be used to attach each of the slings to eyelets or padeyes on the center section  27 . Likewise, shackles can be used to attach the slings to eyelets or padeyes on the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29 . 
     A hook  40  or other lifting fitting can be attached to a lifting line  41  and payed out from winch  42 . More than one lifting line  41  and hook  40  can be provided as shown. Sheaves  43 ,  44 ,  45  as needed can be used to route the line  41  from winch  42  to hook  40 . Line  41  can be a multiple line assembly to increase lift capacity such as is shown in  FIG. 13 . Hook  40  can be any lifting fitting such as any known commercially available crown block, for example. 
       FIGS. 6-9  illustrate the articulation that is achieved with the method and apparatus of the present invention, even in rough seas. In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , rough sea conditions are shown wherein the vessels  11 ,  12  assume differing orientations relative to each other caused by the rough sea state. Notwithstanding the orientation of the vessels  11 ,  12  the combination of an articulating connection  15 ,  17  with hinged or pinned connections  16 ,  18  enables complete articulation between each of the frames or trusses  13 ,  14  and each of the vessels or hulls  11 ,  12 . 
     In  FIGS. 9A-9D , an exemplary articulating connection  15 ,  17  is shown. In  FIGS. 9A-9D , a frame or truss  13 ,  14  connects to a load spreader platform  19  or  20  at padeyes  61 ,  62 . A first shaft  63  is pivotally attached to the padeyes  61 ,  62 . A second shaft  64  is pivotally attached to the first shaft  63  at opening  69  in first shaft  63 . The second shaft  64  also defines a pivotal connection for the frame  13  or  14  to the first shaft  63  as shown. This universal joint arrangement enables the frame  13  (or  14 ) to move in an articulating fashion with respect to the load spreader platform  19  or  20  and with respect to the underlying vessel  11  or  12  as indicated schematically by arrows  65 ,  66  in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIGS. 10-17  show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention when fitted with a block and tackle arrangement. Vessels  11 ,  12  are also shown fitted with anchor lines  67  that connect conventional anchors (not shown) to anchor winches  68  on the vessels  11 ,  12 . The anchor winches  68  can be used to exactly position vessels  11 ,  12  and to stabilize their positions during a lift. A block and tackle arrangement ( FIGS. 10-17 ) can be used to lift an item to be salvaged from the seabed  55  such as the damaged platform section  34  in  FIG. 11 . 
     In  FIGS. 10-17 , each of the frames  13 ,  14  is rigged with an upper sheave  48  and upper pulley block  49 . Each frame  13  or  14  can be rigged with a lifting line  41  and one or more winches  42 . In  FIGS. 10-12  for example, each frame  13 ,  14  has two winches  42 , each winch  42  having a lifting line or cable  41 . Lower pulley block  50  is positioned below upper pulley block  49 . The pulley blocks  49 ,  50  can provide multiple pulleys such as is shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  13  and  17 . Slings  51  can be rigged to each lower pulley block  50 . Each sling  51  can support a lifting beam or spreader bar  54 . Each spreader bar  54  can support one or more slings  53  as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  17 . The slings  53  can be provided with any selected additional rigging such as clamps, shackles or grabs  60 , as examples. Arrows  47  in  FIG. 12  show lines  41  being payed out to lower the lower pulley blocks  50  to damaged platform section  34  (see arrow  56 ,  FIG. 12 ). 
     The damaged platform section  34  to be salvaged can be fitted with beams  52  such as I-beams as an example. As the damaged or sunken platform section  34  rests upon seabed  55 , grabs  60  can be attached to the beams  52  with slings  53  as shown in  FIG. 12  for a lifting operation. Arrow  56  in  FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a lowering of the lower pulley blocks  50  to the sunken, damaged platform section  34 . After the grabs  60  are connected to the beams  52 , arrow  57  in  FIG. 14  schematically illustrates an elevating of the platform section  34  as each line  41  is wound upon its winch  42 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the transport vessel  46  is moved into the area  21  under frames  13 ,  14 . Arrow  58  schematically illustrates a lowering of the damaged platform section  34  to the vessel  46 . In  FIG. 16 , grabs  60  have been released from beams  52  and lifted upwardly in the direction of arrow  59 , away from the damaged platform section  34 . The damaged or salvaged item such as a vessel  33  or damaged platform section  34  can then be transported to a selected locale using the transport vessel or transport barge  46 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , an alternate load spreader platform construction is shown. A smaller load spreader platform  36  is placed under each universal joint  15  or  17  of the frame  13  or  14 . A larger load spreader platform  37  is placed under each pinned connection or hinge  16  or  18  of the frame  13  or  14 . Each platform  36 ,  37  can comprise a plurality of longitudinal beams  38  and a plurality of transverse beams as shown. The beams  38 ,  39  can be structurally connected together (e.g. welded together). 
       FIGS. 18-25  show a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  70 . As with the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1-17 , the second embodiment of  FIGS. 18-25  provides a marine lifting apparatus  70  that employs two vessels or hulls  71 ,  72 . The vessels or hulls  71 ,  72  support a pair of frames  73 ,  74 . Each frame  73 ,  74  is attached to each of the vessels  71 ,  72  using a universal joint and a hinge. The frame  73  attaches to the vessel  71  using universal joint  75  and to vessel  72  using hinge  76 . Similarly, the frame  74  attaches to vessels  71  using hinge and to vessel  72  using universal joint  77 . The universal joint  75  of the frame  73  and the universal joint  77  of the frame  74  are on different vessels as shown. Each of the frames  73 ,  74  interfaces with the vessels  71 ,  72  via universal joints and hinges and optionally with a load spreader platform interface  79 ,  80 .  FIG. 19  shows more particularly a load spreader platform interface  79 ,  80  and a universal joint  75 ,  77 . 
     An area  81  is provided in between each of the vessels  71 ,  72  as shown in  FIG. 18  and under each of the frames  73 ,  74 . In  FIG. 18 , dimension line  84  indicates the clearance between water surface  83  and each frame  73  or  74 . The dimension line  85  indicates the clearance above the hull deck  86  or  87  of vessel  71  or  72  as shown. The dimension line  82  can be the width of the area  81  in between the barges or vessels  71 ,  72 , indicated by the dimension line in  FIG. 18  that is labeled with reference numeral  82 . 
     A plurality of winches  88 - 91  are provided, 2 winches  88 - 89  or  90 ,  91  for each frame  73 ,  74 . Each of the winches  88 - 91  provides a winch line that enables the winch to lift objects from a seabed or from the water surface area  83  via a crown block or block and tackle arrangement as shown in the drawings. The winch  88  provides a winch line  92 . The winch  89  provides a winch line  93 . The winches  88 ,  89  are mounted upon frame  73  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The winches  90 ,  91  are mounted upon the frame  74  as shown in  FIG. 19 . Winch  90  provides winch line  94 . Winch  91  provides winch line  95 . 
     Each frame  73 ,  74  is preferably in the form of a truss. In  FIG. 18 , each frame  73 ,  74  provides a pair of spaced apart beams  96 ,  97  that are used to support a crown block  98  or  99  or other lifting arrangement such a block or tackle or the like. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 18-25 , there is provided for example two winches  88 ,  89  or  90 ,  91  for each frame  73  or  74 . Each winch  88 - 91  is rigged to one of the beams  96 , using sheaves or other rigging. Each beam  96 ,  97  supports a crown block  98 ,  99 , block and tackle or other lifting arrangement that affords mechanical advantage when the winches  88 - 91  are wound in a selected direction for either paying out or reeling in the respective winch lines  92 - 95 . 
       FIGS. 20-34  show an alternate universal joint, designated by the numeral  100  in  FIGS. 20 and 23 . The alternate universal joint  100  of  FIGS. 20-34  is a redundant or double universal joint  100 . This universal joint  100  enables an inner universal joint to be replaced or serviced while an outer universal joint carries the articulating load from a frame  13  or  14 . It should be understood, that the universal joint  100  of  FIGS. 20-34  could be used in place of either of the universal joints  15  or  17  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-19 . 
     Double universal joint  100  provides a larger pin  101  supported by a pair of pin supports  128 ,  129  as shown on  FIG. 23 . Larger pin  101  is rotatably mounted to each of the pin supports  128 ,  129 . Rotation of the pin  101  enables rotation of pin  101  about axis  130 . 
     Larger pin  101  ( FIGS. 24-26 ) provides an opening  102  that is fitted with pipe sleeve  103 . Pipe sleeve  103  has inner surface  104  that is receptive of bearing  105 . The bearing  105  has a wall  106  that surrounds an inner generally cylindrically shaped open-ended bore  107 . Outer surface  108  of bearing  105  engages inner surface  104  of pipe sleeve  103  as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 30 . Bore  107  provides central longitudinal axis  109 . The axis  109  is also the central longitudinal axis of smaller pin  110  which fits into bore  107  as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
     Smaller pin  110  has end portions  111 ,  112 . These end portions  111 ,  112  protrude from bearing  105  when pin  110  occupies bore  107 . Smaller pin  110  has flat surfaces at  113 ,  114  next to end portions  111 ,  112  as shown in  FIGS. 27-29 . Each end portion  111 ,  112  of smaller pin  110  provides an internally threaded opening  115 ,  116 . The internally threaded openings  115 ,  116  can be used to attach an eye bolt  117  or  118  to smaller pin  110  by threading the eye bolt  117  or  118  into an internally threaded opening  115  or  116 . The eye bolts  117 ,  118  can be used to remove the pin  110  for servicing as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
     After assembling smaller pin  110  into the bore  107  of bearing  105 , plates  121 ,  122  are then welded to pin  110  at flat surfaces  113 ,  114  respectively. The placement of the plates  121 ,  122  on the end portions  111 ,  112  of pin  110  are illustrated by arrows  119 ,  120  in  FIG. 30 . A weld  123  is used to attach each plate  121  or  122  to an end portion  111  or  112  of pin  110  after bearing  105  has been placed into pipe sleeve  103  and pin  110  placed into open-ended bore  107  of bearing  105 . The end portions  111 ,  112  of pin  110  extend through openings  126 ,  127  of plate sections  124 ,  125  that are a part of a frame  13  or  14  as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 30 . In order to remove the smaller pin  110  for servicing of pin  110  or bearing  105 , the plates  121 ,  122  must be first removed by breaking the weld  123  that holds a plate  121  or  122  to pin  110 . 
     Pin  110  and bearing  105  can be removed for servicing by using the second or redundant part of double universal joint  100 . The second part or redundant part of double universal joint  100  is provided by front and rear beams  131 ,  132  and left and right side beams  133 ,  134 . Each left and right side beam  133 ,  134  connects to a front beam  131  and a rear beam  132  using pins  135  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
     The inner universal joint has two axes of rotation  109  ( FIG. 26 ),  130  ( FIG. 25 ). One skilled in the art will recognize that the outer universal joint (including beams  131 ,  132 ,  133 ,  134 ) will also have two axes of rotation (as does any universal joint). In order for the inner and outer universal joints to function, the axes  109 ,  131  of one of the universal joints must necessarily be the axes  109 ,  131  of the other universal joint. Otherwise, the inner and outer universal joints could not function without binding. 
     Each of the front and rear beams  131 ,  132  provides a pair of openings  136  that are receptive of pins  135  when connecting to the left side beam  133  and a pair of openings  137  for connecting the right side beam  134  to front beam  131 . Each front beam  131  and rear beam  132  provide a central opening  138  (see  FIG. 22 ) that forms a pivoting connection with a load spreader platform  19  or  20  at support plates  139 ,  140  (see  FIG. 23 ). A pin  141  can be placed through openings  142  in plates  139 ,  140  for perfecting a pinned or pivotal connection between the front beam  131  and load spreader platform  19  or  20  at plates  139 ,  140 . Rear beam  132  connects to load spreader platform  19 ,  20  at plates  139 ,  140  using a pin  141  to form a pinned or pivotal connection. The rear beam  132  likewise provides openings at  136 ,  137  that are receptive of pins  143  for attaching left side beam  133  to rear beam  132  at openings  136 . A connection can be formed between right side beam  134  and rear beam  132  at openings  137  using pins  143 . 
     The inner or first universal joint of double universal joint  100  is defined by larger pin  101  and smaller pin  110  which is rotatably attached to a frame  13  or  14 . The smaller pin  110  can be rotatably supported as can bearing  105  by supports  128 ,  129  by slightly elevating either the left side beam  133  or the right side beam  134  or both of the side beams  133 ,  134  using pancake jacks  145 . Such pancake jacks  145  are commercially available. The pancake jacks  145  are quite powerful for lifting many tons of weight upwardly a short distance such as, for example, up to a few inches (e.g. 0-4 inches). 
     Each of the left and right side beams  133 ,  134  provides a connector  146  or  147  that is receptive of pins  135  when joining the left side beam  133  or right side beam  134  to the front beam  131 . These beam connectors  146 ,  147  thus provide pin receptive openings at  148 ,  149  (see  FIG. 22 ). When assembling the left side beam  133  to the front beam  131  in  FIG. 22 , each pin  135  extends through openings  148  on connector  146  and then to openings  136  on front beam  131 . Each of the pins  135  can provide an eyebolt or eyelet  150  that enables a pin  135  to be engaged and lifted using a tool, rope, lift line or the like. 
     Each beam connector  146 ,  147  provides a cavity at  151  or  152  that is receptive of a pancake jack  145 . A horizontal plate at  153 ,  154  is engaged by the upper end portion of a pancake jack  145  expands upwardly. The pancake jack  145  rests upon the upper surface  155  of front beam  131  in a position in between openings  136  or  137 . 
     In order to remove pin  110  or bearing  105 , a pancake jack  145  is placed in one of the cavities  151 ,  152 . The pancake jack is extended a short distance such as for example about one inch or 1-2 inches. This action transfers load between load spreader platform  19  or  20  and a frame  13  or  14  to the outer or second universal joint defined by the beams  131 ,  132 ,  133 ,  134  and relieves pressure on the pins  100 ,  110 . The pin  110  can be removed using a cable  156  which can be attached to either one of the eyelets or eyebolts  117 ,  118  that are attached to pin  110  as shown in  FIG. 34 . Arrows  157  illustrate removal of the pin  110  by pulling rope or cable  156  in the direction or arrows  157 . The cable  156  extends fully across the platform  19  or  20  so that a new pin  110  and/or bearing  105  can be replaced by pulling the cable  156  in the opposite direction of that shown in  FIG. 34 . 
     Any suitable known connector can join a frame  13  or  14  to the beams  133 ,  134  to provide this carriage of the articulating load, such as for example a cylindrical bearing at  159  ( FIG. 23 ) with a central opening for enabling removal of pin  110  ( FIGS. 23 ,  27 - 30 ) through the central opening. 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Part Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 marine lifting apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 12 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 13 
                 first frame or truss 
               
               
                 14 
                 second frame or truss 
               
               
                 15 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 16 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 17 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 18 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 19 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 20 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 21 
                 area 
               
               
                 22 
                 dimension line 
               
               
                 23 
                 dimension line 
               
               
                 24 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 25 
                 clearance above water 
               
               
                 26 
                 clearance above hull deck 
               
               
                 27 
                 center truss section 
               
               
                 28 
                 smaller truss section 
               
               
                 29 
                 smaller truss section 
               
               
                 30 
                 hull deck 
               
               
                 31 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 32 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 33 
                 sunken vessel 
               
               
                 34 
                 damaged platform section 
               
               
                 35 
                 maximum deck elevation 
               
               
                 36 
                 load spreader platform 
               
               
                 37 
                 load spreader platform 
               
               
                 38 
                 longitudinal beam 
               
               
                 39 
                 transverse beam 
               
               
                 40 
                 lifting hook 
               
               
                 41 
                 lifting line 
               
               
                 42 
                 winch 
               
               
                 43 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 44 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 45 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 46 
                 transport vessel 
               
               
                 47 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 48 
                 upper sheave 
               
               
                 49 
                 upper pulley block 
               
               
                 50 
                 lower pulley block 
               
               
                 51 
                 sling 
               
               
                 52 
                 beam 
               
               
                 53 
                 sling 
               
               
                 54 
                 spreader bar 
               
               
                 55 
                 seabed 
               
               
                 56 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 57 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 58 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 59 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 60 
                 grab 
               
               
                 61 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 62 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 63 
                 first shaft 
               
               
                 64 
                 second shaft 
               
               
                 65 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 66 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 67 
                 anchor line 
               
               
                 68 
                 anchor winch 
               
               
                 69 
                 opening 
               
               
                 70 
                 marine lifting apparatus 
               
               
                 71 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 72 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 73 
                 frame 
               
               
                 74 
                 frame 
               
               
                 75 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 76 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 77 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 78 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 79 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 80 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 81 
                 area 
               
               
                 82 
                 dimension line 
               
               
                 83 
                 water surface area 
               
               
                 84 
                 clearance above water 
               
               
                 85 
                 clearance above hull deck 
               
               
                 86 
                 hull deck 
               
               
                 87 
                 hull deck 
               
               
                 88 
                 winch 
               
               
                 89 
                 winch 
               
               
                 90 
                 winch 
               
               
                 91 
                 winch 
               
               
                 92 
                 winch line 
               
               
                 93 
                 winch line 
               
               
                 94 
                 winch line 
               
               
                 95 
                 winch line 
               
               
                 96 
                 beam 
               
               
                 97 
                 beam 
               
               
                 98 
                 crown block 
               
               
                 99 
                 crown block 
               
               
                 100 
                 double universal joint 
               
               
                 101 
                 larger pin 
               
               
                 102  
                 opening 
               
               
                 103 
                 pipe sleeve 
               
               
                 104 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 105 
                 bearing 
               
               
                 106 
                 wall 
               
               
                 107 
                 bore 
               
               
                 108 
                 outer surface 
               
               
                 109 
                 axis 
               
               
                 110 
                 smaller pin 
               
               
                 111 
                 end portion 
               
               
                 112  
                 end portion 
               
               
                 113  
                 surface 
               
               
                 114  
                 surface 
               
               
                 115 
                 internally threaded opening 
               
               
                 116  
                 internally threaded opening 
               
               
                 117  
                 eyebolt 
               
               
                 118 
                 eyebolt 
               
               
                 119  
                 arrow 
               
               
                 120 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 121 
                 plate 
               
               
                 122 
                 plate 
               
               
                 123  
                 weld 
               
               
                 124  
                 plate section 
               
               
                 125 
                 plate section 
               
               
                 126 
                 opening 
               
               
                 127 
                 opening 
               
               
                 128 
                 pin support 
               
               
                 129 
                 pin support 
               
               
                 130 
                 pin axis 
               
               
                 131 
                 front beam 
               
               
                 132 
                 rear beam 
               
               
                 133 
                 left side beam 
               
               
                 134 
                 right side beam 
               
               
                 135 
                 pin 
               
               
                 136 
                 opening 
               
               
                 137 
                 opening 
               
               
                 138 
                 opening 
               
               
                 139 
                 plate 
               
               
                 140 
                 plate 
               
               
                 141 
                 pin 
               
               
                 142 
                 opening 
               
               
                 143 
                 pins 
               
               
                 145 
                 pancake jack 
               
               
                 146 
                 beam connector 
               
               
                 147 
                 beam connector 
               
               
                 148 
                 opening 
               
               
                 149 
                 opening 
               
               
                 150 
                 eyebolt/eyelet 
               
               
                 151 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 152 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 153 
                 horizontal plate 
               
               
                 154 
                 horizontal plate 
               
               
                 155 
                 upper surface 
               
               
                 156 
                 cable/rope 
               
               
                 157 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 158 
                 hydraulic fluid lines 
               
               
                 159 
                 cylindrical bearing 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.