Patent ID: 8061933

Claim:
An actuating device ( 23 ; 58 ) for a lay ramp ( 6 ; 46 ) of a vessel ( 1 ; 41 ) for laying underwater pipelines ( 2 ; 42 ); the actuating device comprising a runner ( 28 ; 59 ), and a carriage ( 29 ; 60 ) connected to the lay ramp ( 6 ; 46 ) and which runs along the runner ( 28 ; 59 ) to lift and lower the lay ramp ( 6 ; 46 ); the actuating device ( 23 ; 58 ) being characterized in that the runner ( 28 ; 59 ) comprises a first, a second, and a third portion ( 31 , 32 , 33 ; 63 , 64 , 65 ), of which the first and third portion ( 31 , 33 ; 63 , 65 ) are out of line with respect to each other, and the second portion ( 32 ; 64 ) is mounted on a movable assembly ( 37 ; 70 ) to selectively align the second portion ( 32 ; 64 ) with the first and third portion ( 31 , 33 ; 63 , 65 ).