Seabed Plow Capable of Over-the-Stern Release and Retrieval in Any Boulder Clearing, Trenching and Backfill Configurations

摘要

A seabed plow capable of over-the-stern release and retrieval is usable in any of boulder clearing, trench cutting and backfill modes. In its boulder clearing mode, the plow uses its skid in torquing configuration followed by moldboards to push boulders out of the path to be trenched. In the trench cutting mode, the plow uses the skid in the same configuration with its share and moldboards for initial trench depth and the same share and moldboards with moldboard extensions for increasing trench depth in subsequent passes. In the backfill mode, the plow uses its skid in trench-straddling configuration following a blade with a passage designed to discharge fragmented spoil directly onto the pipe being covered. Thus, a single plow can be reconfigured for all modes for release and retrieval to and from a relatively small vessel without use of heavy lifting equipment.

主权项

1. A seabed-plow chassis comprising:
an elongated member; one end of said elongated member being adapted for mounting a skid thereon for supporting said one end of said elongated member above the seabed; and another end of said elongated member being adapted for mounting thereon a tool comprising moldboards for clearing boulders pushed by the skid outward of a path traveled by the skid further outward from its path as the skid leads the moldboards along the seabed.