The patent application number in Norway is 2008 0488 and in Europe, E P O the number is 09150849.9.

The patent defines a device that is used for loading and unloading of cables on a rotary deck. Fluid is used for buoyancy of the rotating deck, and a preferred overall design is to integrate the device into a barge.

The device involves primarily a cylindrical tank with vertical axis. Another cylindrical tank floats inside the other and the gap between is narrow. The amount of water needed to bring the inner tank afloat is then small and insignificant for the loading capacity. This is the main new feature of the device when compared to earlier and known designs.

For purpose of maintenance the inner tank has an elevated load deck. Under this deck there is a chamber that will contain air at a pressure set up by the fluid in the annulus gap between the two tanks.

The rotation is arranged by powered rollers acting on the upper rim on the inner tank. Stability of the tank is likewise arranged through another set of rollers. The rollers are rather fixed in position and the pressure against the ones acting vertically is monitored and used for controlling the filling of the buoyancy fluid in the annulus. Having these rollers on top of the devise the access is near perfect for maintenance and inspections.

At freezing temperatures, the alternative is to add anti-freeze fluid or just circulate the fluid and heat it.

Because of the air under the load deck the design includes a construction detail that prevents the air to escape into the annulus. This is a case closely related to the heeling of the barge.

When not in use with rotating motion the fluid in the annulus may be pumped over to a storage tank. The inner cylinder will then rest on the bottom. In this state the device, which is named cable tanker, is ready for transport at sea with few extra means of sea fastening.