Cardan joint for offshore column - with cross bars moved by hydraulic cylinders inside one pair of spider shafts

摘要

A Cardan joint to link an offshore column to a base on the sea bed has one of the intersecting axes of the joint supported in two stays of the base through two cross bars inside hollow shafts which are adjustable along this axis and cooperate with closure elements provided in the stays. Arrangement reduces the space required by the Cardan joint. The design is lighter in weight, easier to manufacture and faster and simpler to assemble.