| Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at seaDevice for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060236912, Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This invention regards a device for transferring personnel between units at sea. More particularly, it concerns a lifting device in the form of a personnel capsule with an associated guideline, the personnel capsule being arranged to transfer personnel from a first vessel and to a second vessel or an offshore installation. In this context, installation means any fixed, semi submersible or floating installation located offshore. The invention also comprises a method of applying the device. [0002] The transport of personnel between shore and an offshore installation, or between offshore installations, is often carried out by means of helicopter. However, helicopter transport is relatively expensive. [0003] It is also known to transfer personnel to or from a vessel by use of a basket connected to a lifting device on the installation. The basket is normally constructed in such a way that the personnel must stand on the outside of the basket and hold on to this during the transfer. [0004] The use of a basket according to prior art is conditional on relatively calm seas and little wind. It has become apparent that the personnel being transferred see the use of a prior art basket as being an unsafe and stressful method, especially in non-ideal weather conditions. [0005] The object of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages of prior art. [0006] The object is achieved in accordance with the invention, by the characteristics stated in the description below and in the following claims. [0007] A lifting facility, hereinafter termed a personnel capsule, is provided with a positioning and landing device on board the deck of a first vessel. The personnel capsule is arranged to be raised and lowered through use of a lifting device located on an offshore installation, or possibly on another vessel. [0008] A guideline connected to the first vessel is directly or indirectly connected to the attachment point of the lifting device, at least during the actual landing and lift-off operation on/from the positioning and landing device. Preferably, a specific tensile force is imparted to the guideline, at least during part of the lifting operation. [0009] The personnel capsule comprises a guide-in portion corresponding to the positioning and landing device, and it is provided with a lounge area for the personnel to be transferred by use of the personnel capsule, which area is preferably at least partially enclosed. [0010] In a preferred embodiment, the lounge area comprises seats where the personnel may strap in if so desired. The personnel capsule is fitted with shock absorbing, possibly sectioned material that can be subjected to shocks from the positioning and landing device during the landing and lift-off operations. [0011] The personnel capsule is designed to normally be carried by the first vessel and as a result be available for use at all installations where the first vessel calls. [0012] By using a personnel capsule according to the invention, in which the personnel to be transferred is located, possibly strapped down in a protected space, and where the guide line to a considerable extent will facilitate the guiding of the personnel capsule towards the positioning and landing device on the first vessel, a transfer device and method are provided which represent a considerable improvement on prior art in terms of operating safety, personnel safety and/or economics. [0013] The following describes a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment and method illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personnel capsule being lifted from a first vessel to an offshore installation; [0015] FIG. 2 is a scaled-up view of the personnel capsule placed on the first vessel, as a lifting hook with the appropriate connecting equipment is lowered towards the personnel capsule; [0016] FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned view of the personnel capsule, also showing a winch for a guideline and a positioning and landing device, a strayline being connected to the guideline; [0017] FIG. 4 shows the same as FIG. 3, but here the connecting equipment is connected to the personnel capsule; [0018] FIG. 5 shown the personnel capsule lifted slightly off the positioning and landing device; and [0019] FIG. 6 shows the same as FIG. 5, but here the personnel capsule has been lifted further off the positioning and landing device. [0020] In the drawings, reference number 1 denotes a personnel capsule, which is a complementary fit to a positioning and landing device 4 connected to a first vessel 2. [0021] The personnel capsule 1, see FIG. 3, comprises a load-carrying and generally conical housing 6. Internally, the housing 6 is formed with a conical, open enclosure 8 with the largest cross section of the conical enclosure 8 facing down. Centred in the upper end of the conical enclosure 8 is a through-going bevelled opening 10. [0022] An annulus 14 is defined by the conical enclosure 8, an outer wall 16 surrounding the conical enclosure 8, a floor portion 18 and a roof 20. The annulus 14 is fitted with a number of chairs 22, while the outer wall 16 is provided with a number of through access ports 24. The ports 24 may optionally be equipped with windows. [0023] At the upper end, the personnel capsule 1 is equipped with a platform 26 on which is provided three lifting points 28. [0024] A fender 30 encircles the lower part of the housing 6. Internally of the conical enclosure 8 a shock absorbing material 32 is provided, which is arranged to abut the positioning and landing device 4 when the personnel capsule 1 has docked on the positioning and landing device 4. Continue reading about Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea... Full patent description for Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Fast sail Next Patent Application: Medical devices Industry Class: Ships ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Device for and a method of transferring personnel between units at sea patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.14406 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
