GB2475059A

GB2475059A - Automatic level compensator

Info

Publication number: GB2475059A
Application number: GB0919287A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Kennedy Fletcher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-04
Filing date: 2009-11-04
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-04
Also published as: GB0919287D0; GB2475059B; GB2475059C

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic level compensator as a means of providing a stable relationship between the seabed and any buoyant surface vessel. The compensator comprises an inner member 5 secured under a flotation platform 28 and an outer member 7 secured to the sea bed 22 via base 16 in shallow water or an elevated structure 36 in deep water. As members 5 and 7 are expanded or compressed by the tidal influence on platform 28, water 15 is slowly drawn into, or discharged through aperture 12. As water is not compressible, the present arrangement provides a solid bond between seabed 22 and flotation platform 28. This union cannot be influenced by surface turbulence or tidal movement as the water inlet/outlet aperture 2 is too small and will only function with the prolonged time cycle of the ebb and flow tides. Water turbulence or any surface movement is too rapid to bring about any water discharge from within the unit.

Description

Automatic Level Compensator.

This invention relates to a means of providing a stable relationship between the seabed or any known environment, and any buoyant surface vessel or structure that may be subjected to tidal fluctuation and water surface turbulence.

The present invention is primarily intended to maintain a stable relationship between the seabed for example, and any surface vessel or structure that may be influenced by the tidal cycle or surface disturbance brought about by windage or the wash from maritime traffic.

As a surface vessel or buoyant structure will rise and fall due to the tidal cycles or waves, the present invention, due to it's construction and water content will automatically provide a stable relationship with the seabed in.011 environmental conditions. Such is the efficiency of the Automatic Level Compensator that it's performance places all buoyant structures, maritime vessels and virtually every known form of flotation on a parity with a land based structure or a stone built jetty or quay. It is to advantage that the Level Compensators are used in multiples of at least 4 for additional stability.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the invention compensating for a multi-level seabed.

Figure 2 is a schemctic side view showing the invention secured to a purpose built structure for use in deep water environments with multiple Level Compensators.

Reference is first made to figure 1 of the drawings in which water 15 is contained within telescopic members 5 and 7. Telescopic inner member 5 is secured to the underside of floating platform or structure 28 and telescopic outer member 7 is secured to seabed 22 with base 16. Water 141s slowly drawn into the base of outer member 7 through small aperture 12 when platform 28 is elevated by the incoming tide. As water 15 is incompressible, floating platform 28 on water surface 26 will remain stable throughout the entire tidal cycle and cannot be influenced by surface turbulence brought about by wind, waves or the wash from maritime traffic as aperture 12 only permits a very slow intake and discharge of it's water content. As the outgoing tide causes platform 28 to descend, water content 15 in the inner and outer members 5 and 7 will be slowly pressurised out of small aperture 12 until the slack water period stops all movement. The rising tide will once again slowly elevate platform 28 causing water 14 to enter A & aperture 12 thus repeating the cycle.

It is important that dimension 32 of the Level Compensators is in excess of the tidal rise and fall with neap and spring tides requiring to be taken into consideration.

Air bleed valve 8 will discharge unwanted air or gases from within the chambers.

Reference is now made to figure 2 of the drawings. It is preferable that the Automatic Level Compensators are used in multiples of at least 4 for maximum.stability, particularly in turbulent weather conditions. Base 16 is secured to seabed 22 for shallow water installations and purpose manufactured structures 36 for deep water installations.

Buoyant structure or vessel 28 floating on water surface 26 brings about the cycles described in figure 1. Reference should also be made to figure 1 description for number identification.

This invention provides a level and static foundation in turbulent waters and adverse weather conditions by creating a facility for positioning land based structures, habitats or any man made device or equipment that requires a level and stable foundation. Such an environmental facility would hitherto have been deemed impractical or impossible due to wave disturbance and the rise and fall of the tides.

The present invention provides the basis for a static foundation offering stability on a parity with a shore based foundation without attracting any legal or financial encumbrances. This invention invites expansion of the shorelines of any nation by reclaiming any known area from the encroaching sea for any purpose whatsoever. The Level Compensators may also be used where a vessel or drilling rig is moored on a semi-permanent basis. In such circumstances the units may be attached individually round the perimeter of the hull or structure with no regard to the founds as they are self-levelling due to the influence of the vessel or structure on the surf ace of the water. The units will automatically compensate for rock, sand or mud on the seabed.

It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the previously described embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. 3.

Claims

Automatic Level Compensator.Claims.1. An automatic level compensator providing a stable relationship between the seabed or any known environment, and any buoyant surface vessel orsiructure that may be subjected to tidal fluctuation, water surface turbulence and water level variation. The present invention is primarily intended to maintain a stable relationship between the seabed for example, and any surface vessel or structure that may be influenced by the tidal cycle or surface disturbance brought about by windage or the wash from maritime traffic.As a surface vessel or buoyant structure will rise and fall due to the tidal cycles or waves, the present invention, due to its construction and water content will automatically provide a stable relationship with the seabed in all environmental conditions. Such is the efficiency of the Automatic Level Compensator that it's performance places all buoyant structures, maritime vessels and virtually every known form of flotation on a parity with a land based structure or a stone built jetty or quay. It is to advantage that the Level Compensators are used in multiples of at least 4 for additional stability.
2. An automatic Level Compensator according to claim 1, in which inner and outer sleeved cylinders constitute a sealed but adjustable receptacle with a water content.An air bleed valve is secured at the top of the unit for automatic venting.
3. An Automatic Level compensator according to claim 1, in which an aperture is located at the base of the unit forthe adjustment of the water requirement compatible with the tidal cycle.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims.
5. An Automatic Level Compensator according to claim 1 wherein buoyant platform 28 will rise and fall with the tidal cycles whilst remaining on the horizontal plane throughout.The stability of platform 28 is not influenced by tidal fluctuation, water surface turbulence or wind influence as water content 15 in outer member 7 is not compressible.
6. An Automatic Level Compensator according to claim 1 wherein telescopic cylinders and 7 provide and simulate the rigidity of steel and concrete platform supports whilst automatically taking the tidal fluctuations into consideration by the controlled intake or discharge of captivated water 15 small aperture 12.
7. An Automatic Level Compensator according to claim 1 wherein the diameter of small aperture 12 permits a regulated water passage. Discharge can only be brought about by the slow rise and fall of the ebb and flow tides. Surface water surge and immediate disturbance brought about by natural elements and maritime traffic is disregarded as water content 15 within the telescopic members can only be influenced by a prolonged steady pressure from buoyant platform 28.
8. An Automatic Level Compensator according to claim 1 wherein small aperture 12 may be sealed at the high water mark causing platform 28 to remain in a state of elevation on the departure of the ebb tide.S ** As the Automatic Level Compensator has been manufactured, a full size working unit can be demonstrated by pre-arranged appointment. Whilst this Automatic Level * 20 Compensator was invented for the specific purpose of providing a rigid floating 8*..*.* platform for Patent Application No. 0921111.1 Stable Wave Energy Generator, it's potential has a worldwide and varied application. a * I.. aS