Patent ID: 8047122

Claim:
A tensioner assembly comprising a plurality of cylinder stroke systems, wherein each cylinder stroke system comprises: a. a pressure containing tube, wherein the pressure containing tube comprises a first tube end and a second tube end, and wherein the pressure containing tube comprises: (i) a cylinder rod movably disposed within the pressure containing tube, wherein the cylinder rod comprises a cylinder rod first end and a cylinder rod second end; (ii) a piston disposed on the cylinder rod first end; (iii) a first fluid port formed in the pressure containing tube and in fluid communication with a first fluid source, wherein the first fluid port provides a first fluid to the pressure containing tube adjacent the cylinder rod, and wherein the first fluid source comprises a plurality of connected accumulators; (iv) a second fluid isolated from the first fluid by the piston; (v) a blind end cap and mount comprising a cap portion connected to the first tube end and a mount portion connected to the cap portion, wherein the mount portion connects to a component of a floating vessel linked to a subsea well; (vi) a laser in communication with a laser controller, wherein the laser generates a beam, and wherein the beam causes a reflection from the piston; (vii) at least one optic guide disposed through the first tube end for directing the beam from the laser, through the second fluid, and into contact with the piston, wherein the optic guides are hollow, and wherein the optic guides comprise an optic guide housing having a lens retainer holding a lens, and a re-directional surface operatively aligned with the lens, and an external re-directional surface mounting cap disposed at least partially about the re-directional surface; (viii) a lens separating the at least one optic guide from the second fluid; and (ix) a camera in communication with the laser controller, a main controller, or combinations thereof, wherein the camera captures the reflection from the piston and converts the reflection into a reflection signal, and wherein the camera transmits the reflection signal to the main controller to determine a position of the cylinder rod in the pressure containing tube; b. a first fluid source regulator for regulating fluid flow from the first fluid source to each of the cylinder stroke systems; c. a first fluid source controller for controlling the first fluid source regulator, wherein the first fluid source controller comprises computer instructions for regulating flow of the first fluid to and from the plurality of connected accumulators based on a preset stroke limit for each of the cylinder rods within each pressure containing tube; d. a first gas source connected to the first fluid source; and e. a first gas source regulator connected between the first fluid source and the first gas source for regulating gas flow from the first gas source to at least one of the plurality of accumulators.