(19)

(11)

EP 0 304 425 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.03.1989 Bulletin 1989/09 (21) Application number: 87903163.0 (22) Date of filing: 27.04.1987

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  F16L 39/ 04( . ) F16L 39/ 06( . ) F16L 37/ 00( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1987/000933 (87) International publication number: WO 1987/006674 (05.11.1987 Gazette 1987/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 02.05.1986 US 19860859173 (71) Applicant: OFFSHORE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC. Houston, TX 77056 (US)	(72) Inventors: THARP, Samuel, Pepper Houston, TX 77092 (US) TURNER, Edward, Hugh Sugarland, TX 77478 (US) KEY, Joe, Wayne Magnolia, TX 77429 (US) (74) Representative: KUHNEN, WACKER & PARTNER  Patent- und Rechtsanwaltsbüro, Alois-Steineckerstrasse 22 D-85354 Freising D-85354 Freising (DE)