Abstract: A string groove masonry clamp having a clamp body with first and second clamp sides pivotally connected together and biased to clamp onto a masonry block to align a string positioning guide having a string groove at the edge of the apex of the corner of the block and an adjustable opposing jaw.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for transferring a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) about a guiding means (26) of a pipelay tower (20). The transfer mechanism (28) includes a frame (30) adapted to rotate about said guiding means (26); and a clamping mechanism (34) connected to the frame (30) and adapted to connect and secure the fitting (46) to the transfer mechanism (28). Actuation of the transfer mechanism (28) is configured to rotate the frame (30) about the guiding means (26) and cause at least one part of a fitting (46) connected to the transfer mechanism (28) to move along a path outside a surface of the guiding means (26) from a first position upstream of the guiding means (26) to a second position downstream of the guiding means (26).

Abstract: A string groove masonry clamp having a clamp body with first and second clamp sides pivotally connected together and biased to clamp onto a masonry block to align a string positioning guide having a string groove at the edge of the apex of the corner of the block.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48). The transfer mechanism includes a clamping mechanism (34) adapted to connect and secure a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) to the transfer mechanism (28); and a conveyor system (30) configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism (34) from a first position towards a second position.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48). The transfer mechanism includes a clamping mechanism (34) adapted to connect and secure a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) to the transfer mechanism (28); and a conveyor system (30) configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism (34) from a first position towards a second position.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for transferring a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) about a guiding means (26) of a pipelay tower (20). The transfer mechanism (28) includes a frame (30) adapted to rotate about said guiding means (26); and a clamping mechanism (34) connected to the frame (30) and adapted to connect and secure the fitting (46) to the transfer mechanism (28). Actuation of the transfer mechanism (28) is configured to rotate the frame (30) about the guiding means (26) and cause at least one part of a fitting (46) connected to the transfer mechanism (28) to move along a path outside a surface of the guiding means (26) from a first position upstream of the guiding means (26) to a second position downstream of the guiding means (26).

Abstract: A marine pipeline-installation tower comprising at least two opposing legs, and one or more tensioning assemblies supported by the opposing legs for surrounding and supporting an intermediate pipeline during installation, at least one of the intermediate tensioning assemblies comprising two or more discrete segments, the segments being moveable between: a closed position wherein the segments are conjoined to form an enclosing pipeline annulus able to support the pipeline between the legs of the tower; and an open position wherein at least two of the segments are disconnected and separate. In this way, a better clearance is achievable between the parts of the segments able to form the enclosing pipeline annulus when the segments are in their open position, because the segments are able to be disconnected and separate despite still being supported within the limited room between the fixed legs of the tower.

Abstract: A marine pipeline-installation tower comprising at least two opposing legs, and one or more tensioning assemblies supported by the opposing legs for surrounding and supporting an intermediate pipeline during installation, at least one of the intermediate tensioning assemblies comprising two or more discrete segments, the segments being moveable between: a closed position wherein the segments are conjoined to form an enclosing pipeline annulus able to support the pipeline between the legs of the tower; and an open position wherein at least two of the segments are disconnected and separate. In this way, a better clearance is achievable between the parts of the segments able to form the enclosing pipeline annulus when the segments are in their open position, because the segments are able to be disconnected and separate despite still being supported within the limited room between the fixed legs of the tower.

Abstract: A programmable serial interface is disclosed for use in a semiconductor circuit that supports a plurality of communication protocols. The programmable serial interface includes one or more shared hardware components that implement tasks and functions of a plurality of communication protocols, optional protocol specific hardware, a processor and memory. For each task or function required by a supported communication protocol, a determination is made as to which parts of the function will be implemented using shared hardware, protocol specific hardware or in software. The communication protocols to be supported are identified, and the functions performed in accordance with each of the supported protocols are analyzed to identify those functions suitable for common or shared hardware with other communication protocols. In addition, unique or time-critical functions are identified that must be implemented in hardware. Finally, any functions that are not implemented in hardware are implemented in software.

Abstract: A digital circuit run in conjunction with a system clock signal. The digital circuit includes: a digital logic circuitry regulated by a clock signal and powered by a system current; and a clocking circuitry, communicatively coupled to the digital logic circuitry and the system clock signal, for supplying the clock signal to the digital logic circuitry. The clocking circuitry includes: a power supply monitor circuitry, communicatively coupled to the power supply, providing a first signal indicative of a predetermined level of system current; and a clock regulation circuitry, communicatively coupled to the power supply circuitry, which outputs the clock signal to the digital logic circuitry in response to the first signal. The clock signal comprises (1) the system clock signal when the first signal is in a first state, and (2) a modified clock signal when the first signal is in a second state.

Abstract: A digital circuit run in conjunction with a system clock signal, the digital circuit including: a digital logic circuitry regulated by a clock signal and powered by a system current; a clocking circuitry, communicatively coupled to the digital logic circuitry and the system clock signal, for supplying the clock signal to the digital logic circuitry, the clock regulation circuitry including: a power supply monitor circuitry, communicatively coupled to the power supply, providing a first signal indicative of a predetermined level of system current; a clock regulation circuitry, communicatively coupled to the power supply circuitry, that outputs the clock signal to the digital logic circuitry in response to the first signal. The clock signal comprising the system clock signal when the first signal is in a first state; and the clock signal comprising a modified clock signal when the first signal is in a second state.

Abstract: A microcontroller software testing tool is disclosed for testing and debugging software for a semiconductor circuit. The microcontroller software testing tool includes a simulator for simulating the execution of the software program on the target semiconductor circuit and an emulator to permit emulation before the actual silicon exists. The emulator utilizes the same high definition language specification, such as VHDL models, that define the silicon during the fabrication process plus additional logic to model behavior of the emulated processor. In a simulation mode, the microcontroller software testing tool simulates the target semiconductor circuit on a general purpose computing device, by interpreting the instructions in the software using an instruction set of the target semiconductor circuit, and otherwise behaving like the target semiconductor circuit; and executes and evaluates the software on the simulated semiconductor circuit.