Patent ID: 8734054

Claim:
A guide device for supporting an underwater pipeline along a feed path as it is being laid, with the guide device fitted to a laying ramp, and comprising a cradle housing the pipeline; a first frame fixed to the laying ramp; and a spacer mechanism located between the first frame and the cradle to selectively adjust the distance between the cradle and the first frame; wherein the spacer mechanism comprises at least one shock absorber connected to the cradle, a second frame connected in a rotary manner to the first frame to enable rotation of the second frame about a first axis crosswise to the feed path, a rocker arm connected in rotary manner to the second frame to enable rotation of the second frame about a second axis parallel to the first axis; and a first actuator hinged to the rocker arm and to the second frame; wherein the cradle is hinged to the second frame by connecting rods to form an articulated quadrilateral with the second frame and the connecting rods, with the shock absorber being hinged to the rocker arm and to the cradle.