GB2570969A

GB2570969A - Improved location marker device

Info

Publication number: GB2570969A
Application number: GB1819442.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stewart Donald
Original assignee: Rotech Group Ltd
Current assignee: Rotech Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-13
Filing date: 2018-11-29
Publication date: 2019-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-29
Also published as: GB2570969B; GB201819442D0; GB201802340D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a location marker device 500 for marking the location of, for instance, an underwater cable or pipe 410. The device 500 comprises an arrangement for detachably attaching the device to a tool 405. The tool 405 may comprise an underwater grabber arrangement 415 and cutter arrangement 420. The device 500 comprises an arrangement 504 for retaining a cable or pipe 410. The retention arrangement 504 comprises first and second retention elements 506a; 506b (e.g. arms) disposed on respective first and second sides of the device 500, and pivotably attached to a (main) body 512. The device may include a locator means such as a sonar beacon 520. In use, the grabber and cutter arrangements may secure one portion of the cable or pipe 410 while the location marker is attached to the other (after cutting) portion of the cable or pipe. The location marker is then released from the tool, to mark the cut end of the cable or pipe.

Description

IMPROVED LOCATION MARKER DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved location marker device or tool, to an apparatus comprising said tool, and to a method using said device or tool. The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to an underwater location marker and also grabber and/or cutter tool, e.g. for grabbing and/or cutting an underwater cable, conduit, pipe or the like and locating a cut end of the cable conduit, pipe or the like.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Subsea cables, including telecommunications cables and power cables (e.g. for offshore windfarms) - which may typically have a range of diameters from 25mm to 300mm - are frequently damaged during installation or develop faults during operation. In order to facilitate repair it is necessary to cut the cable(s) and then recover such to a ship’s deck for repair. In some circumstances this may be done with a cutting grapnel, which is a tool that is dragged along the seabed, hooks onto the cable and lifts the cable up off the seafloor, then cuts through the cable as the tension on the cable mounts. This tool is not suitable for larger, more heavily armoured cables.

Alternatively, the cut and retrieve operation is often done in two stages with a mechanical cutter and a grabbing tool. Firstly, the cable is cut with a cutting tool, usually deployed by crane wire from a ship, or manoeuvred into place by an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). Secondly, after the cable has been cut, a grabbing tool or a grapnel is deployed to catch one end of the cut cable and bring such to surface.

A known and favoured method of cutting this type of cable is a hydraulically actuated anvil type cutter. This type of cutter, by necessity, has a relatively small slot which must be manoeuvred precisely into place to engage with the cable. A thick, solid steel rod known as an anvil - is then slid across the bottom of the slot, capturing the cable. A hydraulically driven blade is then deployed which cuts through the cable against the anvil.

Common problems with the use of such a cutter are locating the cutter onto the cable successfully due to the relatively small size of the slot, breakage of blades caused by lateral forces on the cutter, and failure to cut due to the anvil not being fully engaged. Such a cutter requires the cable to be in free suspension in order for the anvil to be able to pass underneath the cable and to allow the cutter to operate.

After cutting a subsea cable, it is often necessary to mark an end of the cable which is left on the floor of the body of water, e.g. seabed, with a sonar beacon, buoy or similar location marking device to aid subsequent retrieval. The ability to attach a location marker device in the same operation and with the same tool as the cutting and grabbing function would be highly advantageous.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more problems or disadvantages in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a location marker device, such as an underwater cable marker device, which is detachably attachable to a grabber and/or cutter tool, e.g. an underwater grabber and/or cutter tool.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is a device, tool, apparatus and/or method according to the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a location marker device, such as an underwater object, cable or pipe location marker device, the device comprising an arrangement or means for detachably attaching the device to a tool, such as an underwater tool, the tool comprising a grabber arrangement or means and/or a cutter arrangement or means.

The location marker device may comprise one or more locator means (such as: a beacon e.g. a sonar beacon), an attachment point for a buoy, and/or a buoy.

The location marker device may be adapted to be detachably attachable (or disconnectably connectable) to a slidable carriage (e.g. a cutter body) of the tool.

Beneficially, the device may be attachable to the tool in a set/preset disposition.

The device and the tool may be directly or indirectly connected together, e.g. rigidly connected together, e.g. by one or more members.

The device may comprise an arrangement or means for retaining or holding an object, such as an underwater object, cable or pipe.

The retention arrangement may comprise a plurality of retention elements.

The retention arrangement or retention elements may comprise one or more first retention elements and one or more second retention elements.

The first retention element(s) may be disposed on a first side of the device. The second retention element(s) may be disposed on a second side of the device.

The first/second retention elements may be pivotally attached to a (main) body of the device. The first/second retention elements may conveniently be referred to as legs, arms, fingers or teeth. The first/second retention elements may be curved or arcuate in shape. A concave surface of each retention element may face or be faceable towards a centre line of the device and/or tool. A convex surface of each retention element may face or be faceable away from a/the centre line of the device and/or the tool.

The/each retention arrangement or retention may comprise a serrated or toothed inner surface, e.g. so as to retain an object, e.g. cable, conduit, pipe or the like.

The/each retention element may be of a claw, talon or tine shape.

When in an open disposition the/each first/second retention element may be disposed on a/the respective first/second side of the device.

When in a closed disposition a distal end of each first/second retention element may be disposed on a/the respective first/second or second/first side of the device.

By this arrangement, in said open disposition the retention elements may provide an open jaw, e.g. for receiving a cable , conduit, pipe or the like.

By this arrangement, in said closed disposition, the retention elements may provide a gripping or closed jaw, e.g. having a device internal/closed space or throughhole, e.g. for retaining and/or holding an object, e.g. a cable, conduit, pipe or the like.

The closed space may be a transversely closed space. The throughhole may be a longitudinally extending throughhole.

The cutter arrangement may comprise a cutter body. The cutter body may be slidably attached to a/the main body of the tool. The cutter body may move or slide perpendicularly to said line (centre line), preferably along a second line which second line intersects said line.

It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the retention elements may move in co-action so as to provide a scissor type action.

The device may comprise a longitudinally extending line, e.g. centre line. The line may be coincident with a position where a cable is retained by the device and/or tool, in use.

The device throughhole or internal space may be centred on the line.

The device and the tool may be spaced one from the other along or parallel to the line.

There may be provided an arrangement for moving and/or holding the retention arrangement or retention elements to and/or in an open disposition, e.g. so as to provide an open jaw, e.g. so as to receive an object or cable.

There may be provided an arrangement for moving and holding the retention arrangement or retention elements to and/or in a closed disposition, e.g. so as to provide a closed jaw, e.g. so as to retain/restrain an object or cable.

The moving and/or holding arrangement(s) may comprise a tension spring or a compression spring.

The arrangement for detachably attaching the device to the tool may comprise an alignment arrangement and a releasable lock arrangement.

The alignment arrangement may comprise one or more pairs of co-acting male and female members.

The releasable lock arrangement may comprise a lock pin and lock pin cylinder and optionally means for moving one of said lock pin and lock pin cylinder.

The slidable carriage may be movable, e.g. to move the device towards an object or cable, conduit or pipe in use. For example, the slidable carriage may be movable substantially perpendicularly or transverse to said line.

The means for moving the movable carriage may comprise a hydraulic drive arrangement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool, such as an underwater tool, comprising a grabber arrangement or means and/or a cutter arrangement or means having a location marker device detachably attached thereto.

There may be provided an arrangement for detachably attaching the location marker device to the tool.

The detachably attachable arrangement may comprise first and second releasably interlocking latch or lock members, e.g. carried by the device and the tool respectively.

The first latch or lock member may comprise an apertured plate carried by one of the device or tool. The second latch or lock member may comprise a movable pin carried by the other of the device or tool.

The tool may comprise a cable grabber and cutter tool.

Beneficially, the grabber arrangement and the cutter arrangement may be connected together or arranged in a set/preset disposition relative to one another, e.g. adjacent one another, e.g. in a longitudinally disposition. The grabber arrangement and the cutter arrangement may be directly or indirectly connected together, e.g. rigidly connected together, e.g. by one or more rigid members and/or a frame.

Advantageously, the grabber arrangement may comprise a plurality of grabber elements.

The grabber arrangement or grabber elements may comprise one or more first grabber elements and one or more second grabber elements.

The first grabber element(s) may be disposed on a first side of the tool. The second grabber element(s) may be disposed on a second side of the tool. The first/second grabber elements may be pivotably attached to a (main) body of the tool. The first/second grabber elements may conveniently be referred to as arms or fingers. The first/second grabber elements may be curved or arcuate in shape. A concave surface of each grabber element may face or be faceable towards a centre line of the tool. A convex surface of each grabber element may face or be faceable away from a/the centre line of the tool.

The/each grabber element may be of a claw, talon or tine shape.

When in an open disposition the/each first/second grabber element may be disposed on the respective first/second side of the tool.

When in a closed disposition a distal end of each first/second grabber element may be disposed on the respective second/first side of the tool.

By this arrangement in said open disposition the grabber elements may provide an open jaw for receiving a cable, conduit, pipe or the like..

By this arrangement in said closed disposition the retainer elements may provide a closed jaw beneficially having a tool or throughhole or internal/closed space, e.g. for grabbing and/or holding and/or retaining a cable, conduit, pipe or the like..

It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the grabber elements may move in co-action so as to provide a scissor type action.

The tool may comprise a/the longitudinally extending line, e.g. centre line. The line may be coincident with a position where a cable is grabbed (and retained) by the tool, in use.

The tool throughhole or internal space may be centred on the line.

The grabber arrangement and the cutter arrangement may be spaced one from the other along said line.

The grabber arrangement and the cutter arrangement may be provided proximal or adjacent one another on said line.

The cutter arrangement may comprise a cutter body. The cutter body may be slidably attached to a/the main body of the tool. The cutter body may be movable or slidable perpendicularly to said line, preferably along a second line which second line intersects said line.

The cutter body may comprise a cutter slot. The cutter slot may be disposed transverse to the line. The grabber elements may be disposed (so as to move) transverse to the line. The slot may be adapted for receiving a cable, conduit, pipe or the like. The cutter body may be movable along said second line such that the slot coincides with the line. In this way, a cable, conduit, pipe or the like may be received within the slot. The anvil may be movable, e.g. slidably movable transversely to the line. The anvil may be movable so as to (selectively) close or open the jaw or mouth of the slot.

The cutter arrangement may comprise an anvil. The anvil may be movable or drivable from a first position to a second position, e.g. by an anvil driving arrangement. By this arrangement the anvil may be moved from the first position, where a jaw or mouth of the slot is open, to the second position, where a jaw or mouth of the slot is closed. In said second position a cable, conduit, pipe or the like, may be retained/trapped within the slot.

The cutter arrangement may comprise a cutter blade. The cutter blade may be provided slideably on or within the cutter body. There may be provided a cutter blade driving arrangement, e.g. for moving the cutter blade from a first position to a second position. In said first position of the cutter blade, the cutter blade may be distal the throughhole/closed space of the slot. In said second positon of the cutter blade, the cutter blade may be within the throughhole/closed space of the slot. In said second positon of the cutter blade, a cutting or distal edge of the cutter blade may abut/strike/contact/the anvil, e.g. when the anvil is in the anvil second position.

In this way, movement of the cutter blade from the first position to the second position thereof may cause the cutter blade to cut/slice through a cable, conduit or the like entrapped within the closed space of the cutter slot. The cutter blade may do such by crossing from one side of the line to another side of the line.

It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the cutting arrangement may act as a guillotine for cutting a cable, conduit or the like.

The arrangement for moving the grabbling elements may comprise a first motive arrangement or means, which may comprise a first hydraulic drive.

The arrangement for moving the cutter body may comprise a second motive arrangement or means, which may comprise a second hydraulic drive.

The arrangement for moving the anvil may comprise a third motive arrangement or means, which may comprise a third hydraulic drive.

The arrangement for moving the cutter blade may comprise a fourth motive arrangement or means, which may comprise a fourth hydraulic drive.

Preferably the throughhole may be distal or spaced from said anvil second position, e.g. when viewed along a direction of the centre line. Such arrangement may provide that the anvil may be deployed, e.g. moved from said anvil first position to said anvil second position without touching a cable retained in the throughhole.

There may be provided an arrangement or means for guiding a cable, conduit or the like into the slot as the grabber arrangement or grabber elements close around the cable, conduit or the like, e.g. as the grabber elements move from the first (open) position to the second (closed) position. The guide arrangement may comprise guide plates provided on each side of the slot.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus, such as a grabber and/or cutter apparatus, such as an underwater cable grabbing and cutting apparatus comprising at least one tool, e.g. grabber and cutter tool, according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises one or more line and/or wires. The one or more lines and/or wires may comprise a lifting wire and/or an orientation line. In use, the lines and/or wires may extend from a vessel or the like to the at least one tool.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a location marker device on or adjacent an object, such as an underwater object, cable, conduit, pipe or the like, such as an underwater cable or conduit comprising the steps of:

providing a tool;

providing a location marker device;

detachably attaching the location marker device to the tool;

attaching the tool and/or device on, to or adjacent the object, such as a cable, conduit or pipe.

The method may comprise the (subsequent) step of cutting the object using the tool, which may comprise a grabbing arrangement and/or cutting arrangement.

Preferably the method comprises the (subsequent) step of releasing the tool from the location marker device.

Preferably the method comprises the (subsequent) step of releasing the tool from the object.

The tool may comprise a tool according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the method comprises positioning said tool adjacent an object, cable, conduit or pipe.

Preferably the method comprises grabbing an/the object, cable, conduit or pipe with the grabber arrangement.

Preferably the method comprises (subsequently) cutting the cable, conduit or pipe with the cutter arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 1	a sectional side view of a first grabbing and cutting tool positioned over a cable;
Figure 2	a perspective view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1;
Figure 3	an end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with grabbing elements in an open disposition;
Figure 4 Figure 5	a side view of the grabbing an cutting tool of Figure 1; a further end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with grabbling elements in a closed disposition;
Figure 6	an end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with the grabbing elements in a closed disposition and an anvil not deployed;
Figure 7	an end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with the grabbing elements in a closed disposition and the anvil deployed;
Figure 8	an end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with the grabbing elements in a closed disposition, the anvil deployed and a cutter blade ready for deployment;
Figure 9	an end view of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 with the grabbing elements in a closed disposition, the anvil deployed and the cutter blade deployed; and
Figures 10(a) to (e)	a sequence of perspective views of the grabbing and cutting tool of Figure 1 showing the grabbing and cutting

Figure 11

Figures 12(a) to (d)

Figures 13(a) to (c)

Figure

Figures 15(a) and (b)

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22 tool being positioned relative to a cable, grabbing the cable and cutting the cable;

a partial side view of a second grabber and cutter tool;

a sequence of partial side views of a third grabber and cutter tool, showing how the tool grabs and holds a cable, in use;

a perspective view from one side and one end, an end view and a top view of a cutter arrangement capable of use in any of the first to third grabber and cutter tools;

a perspective view of a grabber and cutter tool having a location marker device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the grabber arrangement of the tool retaining a cable;

perspective views of the location marker device of Figure 14 in open and closed dispositions, respectively;

a further perspective view of the grabber and cutter tool and location marker device of Figure 14;

a partial perspective view of the cutter and grabber tool and location marker device of Figure 13 with the location marker device in an open disposition and located on a cable;

a partial perspective view of the cutter and grabber tool and location marker device of Figure 14 with the location marker device in a closed disposition gripping a cable;

a perspective view of the grabber and cutter tool and location marker device of Figure 14 with the tool and device locked together;

a perspective view of the grabber and cutter tool and location marker device of Figure 14 with the tool and device unlocked from one another;

a perspective view of the grabber and cutter tool and location marker device of Figure 14 with the tool and device separated from one another; and a perspective view of the location marker device of Figure 14 retained on an end of the cable with the grabber and cutter tool removed;

Figures 23(a) and (b) sectional end views of a location marker device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in open and closed dispositions, respectively;

Figure 24 a perspective view of a further grabber and cutter tool having a location marker device according to Figures 23(a) and (b), the grabber arrangement of the tool retaining a cable; and

Figure 25 a perspective view of the further grabber and cutter tool of Figure 24 after the cable has been cut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 9, there is illustrated a first grabbing and cutting tool, or grabber and cutter tool, generally designated 5. The tool 5 can be described or referred to as a cutting cable grab.

The tool 5 comprises an underwater tool. The tool 5 is adapted to grab and to cut a cable 10 or a conduit, pipe or the like. The tool 5 comprises a (cable) grabber arrangement or means 15 and a (cable/conduit) cutter arrangement or means 20. The grabber arrangement 15 and the cutter arrangement 20 are connected rigidly, i.e. connected together, by one or more rigid members or a frame, generally designated 25.

The grabber arrangement 15 comprises a plurality of grabber elements 30. The grabber elements 30 comprise one or more first grabber elements 30a and one or more second grabber elements 30b.

The first grabber element(s) 30a are disposed on a first side 35a of the tool 5. The second grabber element(s) 30b are disposed on a second side 35b of the tool 5. The first/second grabber elements 30a, 30b are pivotably attached to a (main) body, generally designated 40, of the tool 5. The first/second grabber elements 30a, 30b can conveniently be referred to as arms or fingers. The first/second grabber elements 30a, 30b are typically curved or arcuate in shape. A concave surface 45 of each grabber element 30 faces towards a centre line C of the tool 5. A convex surface 46 of each grabber element 30 faces away from the centre line C of the tool 5. The/each grabber element 30 is in the form of a claw, talon or tine.

When in an open disposition of the grabber arrangement 15, the/each first/second grabber element 30a, 30b is disposed on the respective first/second side 35a, 35b of the tool 5.

When in a closed disposition of the grabber arrangement 15, a distal end 50 of each first/second grabber element 35a, 35b is disposed on the respective second/first side 35b, 35a of the tool 5.

By this arrangement, in said open disposition, the grabber elements 30a, 30b provide an open jaw 55 for receiving the/a cable 10. By this arrangement, in said closed disposition, the grabber elements 30a, 30b provide a closed jaw having an internal space or throughhole 65 (i.e. transverse closed space or longitudinal throughbore) for grabbing and/or holding and/or retaining the cable 10.

It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the grabber elements 30a, 30b move in overlapping co-action so as to effectively provide a scissor type action.

The tool 5 comprises longitudinally extending centre line C. The line C is coincident with a position where a cable 10 is grabbed (and retained) by the tool 5, in use. The throughhole 65 is substantially centred on the line C.

The grabber arrangement 15 and the cutter arrangement 20 are spaced one from the other along said line C. As can be seen from Figure 1, the grabber arrangement 15 and the cutter arrangement 20 are provided proximal or adjacent one another on said line C.

The cutter arrangement 20 comprises a cutter body 70. The cutter body 70 is movably or slidably attached to a/the main body 40 of the tool 5. The cutter body 70 is slidable perpendicularly to said line C along a second line C2, which second line C2 intersects said line C. The cutter body 70 comprises a cutter slot 75. The cutter slot 75 is disposed transverse to the line C. The grabber elements 30 are disposed (so as to move) transverse to the line C. The slot 75 is adapted for receiving the cable 10. The cutter body 70 is movable along said second line C2 such that the slot 75 coincides with the line C. In this way the cable 10 can be received within the slot 75.

The cutter arrangement 20 comprises an anvil 80. The anvil 80 is movable or drivable from a first position (see Figure 10c) to a second position (see Figure 10d), e.g. by an anvil driving arrangement. By this arrangement the anvil 80 is moved from the first position, where a jaw 85 of the slot 75 is open to the second position where the jaw 85 or mouth of the slot 75 is closed. In said second position the cable 10 can be retained/trapped within the slot 75. The anvil is moveable, i.e. slidably movable, transversely and perpendicular to the line C and perpendicular to the second line C2. The anvil 80 is movable so as to selectably close or open the jaw 85 of the slot 75.

The cutter arrangement 20 comprises a cutter blade 90. The cutter blade 90 is provided slideably within the cutter body 70. There is provided a cutter blade driving arrangement, e.g. for moving the cutter blade 90 from a first position to a second position. In said first position of the cutter blade 90, the cutter blade 90 is distal the throughhole 65 of the slot 75. In said second positon of the cutter blade 90, the cutter blade 90 is within the throughhole 65 of the slot 75. In said second positon of the cutter blade 90, a cutting or distal edge 95 of the cutter blade 90 abuts/strikes/contacts the anvil 80, i.e. when the anvil 80 is in the anvil second position.

In this way, movement of the cutter blade 90 from the first position to the second position thereof, causes the cutter blade 90 to cut/slice through the cable 10 entrapped within the throughhole 65 of the cutter slot 75. It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the cutter arrangement 20 acts as a guillotine for cutting a cable 10.

The throughhole 65 is distal or spaced from said anvil 80 second position, e.g. when viewed along a direction of the centre line C. Such arrangement provides that the anvil 80 can be deployed, e.g. moved from said anvil 80 first position to said anvil 80 second position, without touching the cable 10 retained in the throughhole 65.

There is provided an arrangement or means 76 for guiding a cable 10 into the slot 75 as the grabber arrangement 15 or grabber elements 30 close around the cable 10, e.g. as the grabber elements 30a, 30b move from the first (open) position to the second (closed) position. Guide arrangement 76 comprises guide plates 77 provided on each (transverse) side of the slot 75.

The arrangement for moving the grabbing elements 30 comprises a first motive arrangement, which typically comprises a first hydraulic drive. The arrangement for moving the cutter body 70 comprises a second motive arrangement, which typically comprises a second hydraulic drive. The arrangement for moving the anvil 80 comprises a third motive arrangement and typically comprises a third hydraulic drive. The arrangement for moving the cutter blade 90 comprises a fourth motive arrangement or means, which may comprise a fourth hydraulic drive.

The present invention also provides an apparatus, such as a grabber and/or cutter apparatus, such as an underwater cable grabber and cutter apparatus generally designated 99. The apparatus 99 comprises at least one grabber and cutter tool 5.

The grabber and cutter apparatus 99 comprises one or more line and/or wires 100, 105. The one or more lines and/or wires 100, 105 comprises a lifting wire 100 and an orientation line 105. In use, the lines and/or wires100, 105 extend from a vessel (not shown) or the like to the at least one grabbing and cutting tool 5. An orientation arm 110 is also provided.

There is also provided a method of grabber and/or cutting a cable 10, conduit, pipe or the like, such as an underwater cable or conduit, comprising the steps of: providing at least one tool 5;

positioning said tool 5 adjacent a cable 10.

The method comprises grabbing the cable 10 with the grabbing arrangement

15. The method comprises cutting the cable 10 with the cutter arrangement 20.

The tool 5 will now be further described with reference to Figures 1 to 10(e).

The tool 5 is typically deployed from a crane or winch, suspended over a side or rear of a vessel (ship) from a lifting wire 100. An orientation line (or lines) 105 attached to one (or both) of the ends of the orientation arm 110, is operated from a position of the ship to the side of the lifting wire 100, and is used to keep the tool 5 in a correct orientation across the cable 10 in order to correctly engage such. Alternatively, the tool 5 can be fitted with a thruster or thrusters to keep the tool 5 correctly oriented. Alternatively, ROV handles can be fitted to the tool 5 so that a free-flying ROV can latch onto the tool 5 and manoeuvre such into place. Sonar and/or video cameras can be mounted to front and rear sides of the tool 5 to aid guidance onto the cable 10 or video feed from a free-flying ROV can be used for such purpose.

The tool 5 is lowered over the cable 10 with the grabber arrangement 15 in the open position - see Figure 3. The wide opening of the grabber elements 30a, 30b grabber arms, allow for easy positioning of the tool 5 over the cable 10 with a wide margin for error. This is in contrast to endeavouring to position the cutter arrangement 20 and cable 10 together and preventing the cable 10 from popping out of the cutter slot 75 while the anvil 80 is being deployed - something not easily achieved subsea, particularly at depth, during even mild swells, or in areas of current.

The grabber elements 30a, 30b or grabber tines, which can be hydraulically operated, are then closed capturing the cable 10 - see and Figure 10(a). The guide plates 77 create an open angle of not less than 85° between the grabber tines 30 and a grabber base plate 62 to ensure that the cable 10 does not become pinched between grabbing elements 30a, 30b and the base plate 62 of the tool 5, and that the cable 10 is manoeuvred successfully into a correct position for engaging in the cutter arrangement 20 - see Figure 5.

Up to this point, a trolley 63 onto which the cutter arrangement 20 is mounted, is held in a distal (high) positon by a force of a hydraulic cylinder 64, which at this stage is in an extended position.

The trolley 63 is now slid (downwards) along guide rails 66, either by application of hydraulic pressure to retract the hydraulic cylinder 64 or under the force of gravity with the removal of hydraulic pressure acting to extend the hydraulic cylinder 64, till the cable 10 is in contact with a top portion 67 of the cutter slot 75 see Figure 6 and 10 (c).

The anvil 80 is then deployed, sliding across a base/jaw/mouth of the cutter slot 75 and engaging in an aperture in an opposite side of the cutter slot 75 - see Figures 7 and 10(d). The arrangement of the tool 5 seeks to ensure that the cable 10 is as far above the anvil 80 as possible while the anvil 80 is being deployed. This seeks to ensure that the anvil 80 will not contact the cable 10 as the anvil 80 is being deployed, a scenario which could lead to jamming or incomplete engagement of the anvil 80, which would lead to failure to cut the cable 10.

The hydraulic cylinder 64 is then put into a ‘free float’ condition, where a hydraulic fluid is allowed to pass freely from one side of the cylinder piston to the other. The cylinder 64, therefore, produces little resistance to movement of the trolley 63. The cutter blade 90 is then deployed. The cutter blade 90 is in this embodiment hydraulically operated. As the cutter blade 90 engages with the cable 10, a force of the cutter blade 90 pushes the entire cutter arrangement 20 and trolley 63 upwards till the anvil 80 meets the cable 10, Figures 8 and 10(d). At this point the cable 10 is now clamped between an anvil 80 and cutter blade 90, and the cutter blade 90 cuts through the cable 10, Figure 9 and 10(e).

As the grabber arrangement 15 is rigidly connected to the cutter arrangement 20 along the axis of the cable 10, there is no risk of lateral forces on the cutter blade 90, which could otherwise result in a broken blade and/or failure to achieve the cut.

Once the cut of the cable 10 is complete, the entire tool 5 is recovered to surface with the grabber arrangement 15 still holding one end of the newly cut cable 10 (see Figure 10(e)).

Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown a second grabber and cutter tool, generally designated 205. The tool 205 is similar in many respects to the tool 5 of Figure 1, like parts being designated with like numerals, but iterated by ‘200’. However, the tool 205 of Figure 11 does not include guide plates.

When a relatively small diameter cable 210 is captured in a relatively large grab, there is a risk of the cable 210 becoming trapped between the grab elements

230a, 230b and grabber base plate 262 before it is in line with the cutter slot 275, as can be seen from Figure 11. This prevents the cutter 220 from being able to slide into place. This is due to the acute angle between the grab elements 230a, 230b the grabber base plate 262.

Referring now to Figures 12(a) to (d), there is shown a third grabber and cutter tool, generally designated 305. The tool 305 is similar in many respects to the tool 5 of Figure 1, like parts being designated with like numerals, but iterated by ‘300’. Unlike the tool 205, the tool 305 does have guide plates 377. The guide plates 377 maintain an open angle between the grabber elements 330 and the main body 340. Therefore, unlike the tool 205, in the tool 305 the cable 310 is not liable to get trapped off-centre due to the acute angle between the grabber elements 335a; 335b and main body 340.

Referring now to Figures 13(a) to (c), there is shown a series of views of a cutter arrangement 20; 220; 320 capable of use in any of the first to third grabber and cutter tools 5, 205, 305 of Figures 1 to 10(d), Figure 11 or Figures 12(a) to (d), respectively.

Referring now to Figures 14 to 27, there is shown a grabber and cutter tool, generally designated 405, having a location marker device 500 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tool 405 is similar in many respects to the tool 5 of Figure 1, like parts being designated with like numerals, but iterated by ‘400’.

The location marker device 500 - which in this embodiment is an underwater object or cable, conduit or pipe location marker device - comprises an arrangement or means for detachably attaching the device 500 to the tool 405 - which in this embodiment is an underwater tool - and which comprises a (cable) grabber arrangement or means 415 and/or a cutter arrangement or means 420.

It will be appreciated that while the device 500 is shown in this embodiment as adapted to be utilised with the tool 405, the device 500 may be adapted to be utilised with a tool comprising or similar to any of the tools 5, 205, 305 hereinbefore described.

The location marker device 500 comprises one or more locator means 502 such as: a beacon, e.g. sonar beacon, an attachment point for a buoy, and/or a buoy.

The location marker device 500 is adapted to be detachably attachable (or disconnectably connectable) to a slidable carriage comprising the cutter body 470 of the tool 405. Beneficially, the device 500 is attachable to the tool 405 in a set/preset disposition. The device 500 and the tool 405 are directly (or indirectly) connected together, e.g. rigidly connected together, e.g. by one or more members hereafter described.

The device 500 comprises an arrangement or means 504 for retaining or holding an object, such as an underwater object or cable 410. The retention arrangement 504 comprises a plurality of retention elements 506. The retention arrangement 504 or retention elements 506 comprise one or more first retention elements 506a and one or more second retention elements 506b.

The first retention element(s) 506a are disposed on a first side 508a of the device 500. The second retention element(s) 506b are disposed on a second side 508b of the device 500. The first/second retention elements 506a, 506b are pivotally attached to a (main) body 512 of the device 500. The first/second retention elements 506a, 506b can conveniently be referred to as legs, arms, fingers or tool. The first/second retention elements 506a, 506b are curved or arcuate in shape. A concave surface 510 of each retention element 506 faces or is faceable towards a/the centre line C of the device 500 and/or tool 405.

A convex surface of each retention element 506 faces or is faceable away from a/the centre line C of the device 500 and/or the tool 405. The/each retention element 506 comprises a serrated or toothed inner surface, e.g. so as to retain a cable or the like. The/each retention element 506 comprises a claw, talon or tine shape.

When in a closed disposition, each first/second retention element(s) 506a, 506b is/are disposed so as to grip a respective first/second side of the cable 410.

When in an open disposition, the/each first/second retention element(s) 506a, 506b is/are disposed on the respective first/second side 508a, 508b of the device 500.

By this arrangement in said open disposition, the retention elements 506 provide an open jaw for receiving a cable 410. By this arrangement, in said closed disposition the retention elements 506 provide a gripping or closed jaw having a device internal space or throughhole for retaining and/or holding an object, e.g. cable.

By this arrangement in said closed disposition the retention elements 506 provide a closed jaw having a device 500 internal/closed space or throughhole 514, e.g. for retaining and/or holding a cable 410.

It will be appreciated from the above that, in use, the retention elements 506 can move in co-action so as to provide a gripping type action.

The device 500 comprises a longitudinally extending line, e.g. centre line C. The line C is coincident with a position where a cable 410 is retained by the device 500 and/or tool 405, in use. The device throughhole or internal space 514 is centred on the line C. The device 500 and the tool 405 are spaced one from the other along or parallel to the line C.

There is provided an arrangement for holding the retention elements 506 in an open disposition, e.g. so as to provide an open jaw, e.g. so as to receive an object or cable 410.

There is provided an arrangement for moving and holding the retention elements 506 in a closed disposition, e.g. so as to provide a closed jaw, e.g. so as to retain/restrain an object or cable 410.

The arrangement for detachably attaching the device 500 to the tool 405 comprises an alignment arrangement 516 and a releasable lock arrangement 518.

The alignment arrangement 516 comprises one or more pairs of co-acting male and female members 520, 522.

The releasable lock arrangement 518 comprises a lock pin 524 and lock pin cylinder 526 and means for moving one of said lock pin and lock pin cylinder.

The slidable carnage is movable, e.g. to move the device 500 towards an object or cable 410, in use. For example, the slidable carriage is movable substantially perpendicularly or transverse to the line C along the second line C2.

The means for moving the movable carriage can comprise a hydraulic drive arrangement.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the tool 500 comprises the grabber arrangement or means 415 and/or the cutter arrangement or means 420 having the location marker device 500 detachably attached thereto.

There is provided an arrangement for detachably attaching the location marker device 500 to the tool 405. The detachably attachable arrangement comprises first and second releasably interlocking latch or lock members, e.g. carried by the device 500 and the tool 405 respectively.

The first latch or lock member comprises an apertured plate carried by one of the device 500 or tool 405. The second latch or lock member comprises a movable pin carried by the other of the device 500 or tool 405.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing the location marker device 500 on or adjacent an object, such as an underwater object or cable 410, comprising the steps of:

providing a tool 405;

providing a location marker device 500;

detachably attaching the location marker device 500 to the tool 405;

attaching the tool 405 and/or device 500 on, to or adjacent the object, such as a cable 410, conduit or pipe.

The method comprises the subsequent step of cutting the object, such as the cable 410, conduit, pipe or the like, using the cutter arrangement 420.

The method comprises the subsequent step of releasing the tool 405 from the location marker device 500.

The method comprises the subsequent step of releasing the tool 405 from the object or cable 410.

With the cable 410 securely held in the tool 405, the location marker device 500 is brought into position by the carriage (trolley) as with the cutter arrangement 420, and it may be guided into an exact position using a video camera mounted on the carriage (trolley), so as to be in a suitable position when a top of the cutter slot contacts the cable 410.

Jaws of the location marker device 500 are held open by the action of a jaw extender cylinder 530, which can be hydraulically actuated, and which pushes on jaw extender links 532. To attach the location marker device 500 to the cable 410 the jaw extender cylinder 532 is retracted. This allows a tension spring 534 to pull the jaws closed until such grip onto the cable 410.

Once the location marker device 500 is securely attached to the cable 400, the lock pin 524 is withdrawn by the lock pin cylinder 526. The lock pin 524 locks the location marker device 500 to a location marker dock 530 via lock plate 536. With the lock pin 524 withdrawn, the location marker device 500 is no longer rigidly attached to the tool 405. The location pins 520 within location pin holders 522 tightly constrain the alignment of a location marker device 500 with respect to a location marker dock 536, ensuring that misalignment forces are not induced in a lock pin 524.

The carriage (trolley) can now be raised, leaving the location marker device 500 securely in place.

The cable 410 can be cut either at the same location as before the carriage (trolley) is raised off the location marker device 500, or the tool 405 can be released and moved, for example, a distance, e.g. 10m or more away from the location marker device 500, to make the cut further from the device 500.

Different sizes of cable 410 can be accommodated by the use of different jaws or inserts attached to the jaws.

Referring now to Figures 23(a) to 25, there is shown a grabber and cutter tool, generally designated 405a, and a location marker device 500a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The tool 405a is similar in many respects to the tool 405 of Figures 14 to 27, like parts being designated with like numerals, but suffixed with an ‘a’. The device 500a is similar in many respects to the device 500 of Figures 14 to 27, like parts being designated with numerals, but suffixed with an ‘a’.

In the device 500, there is provided a transversely oriented tension spring 534. However, in the device 500a there is provided a compression spring 534 provided within a compression spring chamber 535a. The spring 534a is provided substantially parallel to the second line C2. A link rod 537a extends through the spring 534a to the jaw extender links 532a.

In this embodiment the jaw extender cylinder 530a is removed with the tool 405a. Such arrangement mitigates against needing a hydraulic release mechanism.

In an open position, the jaw extender cylinder 530a is in the piston-extended position. The piston 531a pushes down on the link rod 537a, which in turn pushes on the jaw extender links 532a and keeps the jaws open.

In a closed position, the piston 431a is withdrawn, the compression spring 534a pushes the link rod 537a upwards, closing the jaws and clamping them onto the cable 410a.

As before, the jaw extender cylinder 535a is mounted on the body 440a of the grabber/cutter tool 400a , and so is removed along with the grabber /cutter tool 400a. this leaves the marker 500a mechanically clamped onto the cable 410a by the force of the spring 534a with no hydraulic disconnections having to be made.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to be limiting to the scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that while the disclosed embodiments describe grabbing and cutting of a cable or underwater cable, other elongate articles, e.g. conduits, pipes or the like, may also be grabbed and cut and located by apparatus/tool/devices according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A location marker device, such as an underwater object, cable, conduit or pipe location marker device, the device comprising an arrangement or means for detachably attaching the device to a tool, such as an underwater tool, the tool comprising a grabber arrangement or means and/or a cutter arrangement or means.

2. A location marker device according to claim 1, wherein the location marker device comprises one or more locator means, an attachment point for a buoy, and/or a buoy.

3. A location marker device according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device is attachable to the tool in a set/preset disposition; and/or the device and the tool are directly or indirectly connected together, such as rigidly connected together, for example, by one or more members.

4. A location marker device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the location marker device is adapted to be detachably attachable to a slidable carriage such as a cutter body of the tool.

5. A location marker device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device comprises an arrangement or means for retaining or holding an object, such as an underwater object, cable, conduit or pipe; and optionally the retention arrangement comprises a plurality of retention elements.

6. A location marker device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retention arrangement or retention elements comprise one or more first retention elements and one or more second retention elements; and optionally the first retention element(s) is/are disposed on a first side of the device, the second retention element(s) are disposed on a second side of the device, and/or the first/second retention elements is/are pivotally attached to a (main) body of the device; and/or the first/second retention elements comprise legs, arms, fingers or teeth; and/or the first/second retention elements are curved or arcuate in shape; and/or a concave surface of each retention element faces or is faceable towards a centre line of the device and/or tool; and/or a convex surface of each retention element faces or is faceable away from a/the centre line of the device and/or the tool; and/or the/each retention arrangement or retention element comprises a serrated or toothed inner surface, adapted so as to retain an object, such as a cable, conduit or pipe; and/or the/each retention element is of a claw, talon or tine shape.

7. A location marker device according to any preceding claim, wherein when in an open disposition the/each first/second retention element is disposed on a/the respective first/second side of the device;

when in a closed disposition a distal end of each first/second retention element is disposed on a/the respective first/second or second/first side of the device; optionally such that in said open disposition the retention elements provide an open jaw, for example, for receiving a cable , conduit, or pipe; and/or in said closed disposition, the retention elements provide a gripping or closed jaw, for example, having a device internal/closed space or throughhole, for retaining and/or holding an object, for example, a cable, conduit or pipe.

8. A location marker device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a longitudinally extending line, such as a centre line, the line being coincident with a position where a cable, conduit or pipe is retained by the device and/or tool, in use; and optionally a/the device throughhole or internal space being centred on the line and/or the device and the tool are spaced one from the other along or parallel to the line.

9. A location marker device according to any preceding claim, wherein:

there is/are provided an arrangement for moving and/or holding the retention arrangement or retention elements to and/or in an open disposition, for example, so as to provide an open jaw, for example, so as to receive an object or cable; and/or there is/are provided an arrangement for moving and/or holding the retention arrangement or retention elements to and/or in a closed disposition, for example, so as to provide a closed jaw, for example, so as to retain/restrain an object or cable; and optionally the moving and/or holding arrangement(s) comprise a tension spring or a compression spring.

10. A location marker device according to any preceding claim, wherein:

the arrangement for detachably attaching the device to the tool comprises an alignment arrangement and a releasable lock arrangement; and optionally the alignment arrangement comprises one or more pairs of co-acting male and female members; and/or the releasable lock arrangement comprises a lock pin and lock pin cylinder and optionally means for moving one of said lock pin and lock pin cylinder; and/or a slidable/moveable carnage, for example, the cutter body is moveable, for example, to move the device towards an object or cable, conduit or pipe, in use, for example, the slidable/movable carriage being movable substantially perpendicularly or transverse to said line.

11. A tool such as an underwater tool, comprising a grabber arrangement or means and/or a cutter arrangement or means having a location marker device according to any of claims 1 to 10 detachably attached thereto.

12. A tool according to claim 11, wherein the tool comprises a cable grabber and cutter tool.

13. A tool according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein there is provided an arrangement for detachably attaching the location marker device to the tool, and optionally the detachably attachable arrangement comprises first and second releasably interlocking latch or lock members, for example, carried by the device and the tool respectively.

14. A tool according to claim 13, wherein the first latch or lock member comprises an apertured or recessed plate or member carried by one of the device or tool, and the second latch or lock member comprises a movable pin carried by the other of the device or tool.

15. A tool according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the cutter arrangement comprises a cutter body; and optionally the cutter body is slidably attached to a/the main body of the tool, and/or the cutter body is movable or slideable perpendicularly to a/said line, such as along a second line which second line intersects said line.

16. A tool according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the means for moving the movable carriage comprises a hydraulic drive arrangement.

17. An apparatus, such as a grabber and/or cutter apparatus, such as an underwater cable, conduit or pipe grabbing and cutting apparatus, comprising at least one tool according to any of claims 11 to 16.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more line(s) and/or wire(s); and optionally the one or more line(s) and/or wire(s) may comprise a lifting wire and/or an orientation line and/or in use, the line(s) and/or wire(s)extend from a vessel or the like to the at least one tool.

19. A method of providing a location marker device on or adjacent an object, such as an underwater object, cable, conduit, or pipe comprising the steps of:

providing a tool;

providing a location marker device according to any of claims 1 to 10; detachably attaching the location marker device to the tool;

attaching the tool and/or device on, to or adjacent the object, such as an underwater object, cable, conduit or pipe.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the method comprises positioning said tool adjacent an object, cable, conduit or pipe.

21. A method according to either of claims 19 or 20, wherein the method comprises grabbing an/the object, cable, conduit or pipe with the grabber arrangement.

22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the method comprises the (subsequent) step of cutting the object using the tool, and optionally the tool comprises a grabbing arrangement and/or a cutting arrangement.

23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the method comprises the (subsequent) step of releasing the tool from the location marker device; and optionally such that the tool is attached to a first end or portion of the object, and/or 10 such that the device is attached to a second end or portion of the object.

24. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the method comprises; the (subsequent) step of releasing the tool from a/the first end or portion of the object; and/or

15 locating a/the second end or portion of the object using the device.

25. A method according to any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the tool comprises a tool according to any of claims 11 to 16.