초록 ▼

A flotation assembly made up of a load bearing structure which can be an off-shore platform, and also a flotation section comprising a plurality of flotation tubes. Each of the flotation tubes comprises a surrounding side wall defining a vertically aligned elongate pressure chamber and having an upp

A flotation assembly made up of a load bearing structure which can be an off-shore platform, and also a flotation section comprising a plurality of flotation tubes. Each of the flotation tubes comprises a surrounding side wall defining a vertically aligned elongate pressure chamber and having an upper end closure portion that has a downwardly facing surface exposed to pressure in the chamber. The tubes are positioned at laterally spaced locations and arranged relative to the load bearing structure so as to create upwardly directed flotation forces that bear against the load bearing structure. A source of pressurized gas is transmitted to the flotation tubes to a level where the gas pressure within each tube creates a force against the side walls to alleviate compressive force of the surrounding water pressing inwardly against the side walls of the flotation tubes. There are various arrangements of the flotation tubes, and these are provided in various forms, either with closed lower ends, open lower ends exposed to ambient pressure, etc.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Therefore, I claim:] [1.]1. A flotation assembly adapted to be positioned in a body of water having a water surface, said assembly comprising:a) a load bearing structure adapted to be positioned in an operating position at a support location at said body of water, said load bearing structure havin

[ Therefore, I claim:] [1.]1. A flotation assembly adapted to be positioned in a body of water having a water surface, said assembly comprising:a) a load bearing structure adapted to be positioned in an operating position at a support location at said body of water, said load bearing structure having a support portion to support a load and a flotation support region at which a flotation lifting force or forces can be applied;b) a flotation section comprising:i) a plurality of flotation tubes, each having an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and a longitudinal axis which is aligned so as to have a substantial vertical alignment component;ii) each flotation tube comprising a surrounding side wall defining an elongate pressure chamber and an upper end closure portion having a downwardly facing pressure surface exposed to pressure in the pressure chamber;iii) said tubes being positioned at laterally spaced locations and arranged relative to the load bearing structure in a manner that each upper end closure portion of at least some of the flotation tubes operatively directs flotation forces to the load bearing structure to create an upwardly directed bearing force against the load bearing structure;c) a source of pressurized gaseous fluid to pressurize the flotation tubes to a level where gas pressure within each tube creates a force against said side wall to alleviate at least in part compressive force of surrounding water pressing inwardly against the side walls of the flotation tubes.