Abstract: A unit that houses tracking electronics configured to be passed through a duct while the tracking electronics collect position information is provided. The information collected by the unit is used to map the duct. A method of mapping a duct is also provided.

Abstract: A printing module and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. For example, the printing module includes a plurality of printheads, a transport belt located below the plurality of printheads to transport print media below the plurality of printheads, wherein the transport belt comprises a plurality of vacuum openings, and a positive pressure plenum system, wherein the positive pressure plenum system provides a positive air flow to create an air interface between a top surface of the positive pressure plenum system and a bottom surface of the transport belt, wherein the positive pressure plenum system provides a negative air flow to create a vacuum through the plurality of vacuum openings of the transport belt to hold the print media against the transport belt.

Abstract: A device for applying coiling-tension to a slit band sheet includes: an upper structure that is disposed on the upper side of a band sheet which has been passed through a slitter line and slitted; and a lower structure that is disposed on the lower side of the band sheet and faces the upper structure vertically. In addition, an upper belt is stretched on an outer peripheral surface of the upper structure. A lower belt is stretched on an outer peripheral surface of the lower structure. The upper structure has a first reversing portion, an upper pressing portion, and a second reversing portion. The first reversing portion and the upper pressing portion are integrated with each other. A tension adjusting mechanism is installed on side surfaces of the first reversing portion and the upper pressing portion and a side surface of the second reversing portion.

Abstract: The device for cooling an adhesive applied to a surface of bag bodies includes a transfer conveyor and a cooling conveyor. The transfer conveyor conveys the bag bodies at a transfer speed to the cooling conveyor, and the cooling conveyor conveys the bag bodies taken over from the transfer conveyor at a cooling conveyor speed. The transfer speed is higher than the cooling conveyor speed, which is why the bag bodies are arranged overlapping each other on the cooling conveyor. Due to this higher packing density, there is achieved a long dwell time of the bag bodies in the cooling conveyor at simultaneously a high flow-rate of bag bodies through the device.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus (2), so-called injector head, to enable feeding of e.g. continuous tubing (7) or coiled tubing through the conveyor apparatus (2), to and from a wellhead and a well below and related to use of well tools. The apparatus has an apparatus frame (21), a pair of oppositely located, co-operatively movable, segmented continuous belts (28; 29) installed in the frame (21), each belt comprising a plurality of interconnected gripper shoe carriers (30) carried and movable by means of a pair of continuous belt drive chains (31; 32).

Abstract: A system configured to handle reels for laying elongated members on the bed of a body of water, and in particular for transferring reels between an auxiliary structure and a laying vessel, has a bridge configured to connect the auxiliary structure and the laying vessel; and actuators configured to move a reel along and resting on the bridge.

Abstract: The method of supporting and lowering a subsea package load on an umbilical from the deck of an offshore service vessel to a subsea work location including providing a reel to store the umbilical on the deck which is not capable of sustaining the maximum load, providing a supporting tractor with dual chains which have multiple dogs mounted on skewed surfaces which amplify a spring load support against the umbilical for frictional support of the umbilical and therefore the subsea package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine pipeline installation tensioner (1) for use on a pipeline installation vessel. A tensioner according to the invention comprises a lower track unit (2), an upper track unit (3) and a tensioner frame (4). The tensioner frame comprises multiple tensioner frame supports (7), a lower support frame (5) supporting the lower track unit, an upper support frame (6) supporting the upper track unit, a set of lower support frame actuators (9) provided between the tensioner frame supports and the lower support frame, and a set of upper support frame actuators (10) provided between the lower support frame and the upper support frame and adapted to move the upper support frame relative to the lower support frame. According to the invention, the track units are positioned by positioning the tensioner frame sections (5, 6) of the tensioner frame, and not by positioning the track units (2, 3) relative to the tensioner frame. This allows for a more compact tensioner design.

Abstract: A tubing injector has a first injector pair and a second pair of cooperating injector mechanisms. The first injector pair are positioned on a first track and the second pair are positioned on a second track. The tubing injector provides redundancy to address safety concerns. The first injector pair is movable to the engaged position, when the second injector pair is moved to the disengaged position and vice versa.

Abstract: A conveyor system pre-inserts a portion of the web into a first belt before the portion is gripped between the first belt and a second belt. In one exemplary embodiment, a pair of lips of a web are inserted into a corresponding first pair of belts and then the pair of lips are secured in the first pair of belts by inserting a second pair of belts into the first pair of belts over the pair of lips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine, in particular a thermoformer, traysealer, comprising at least two transport chains for transporting a web of material, such as a film or the like. The packaging machine is characterized in that sensor means are provided for detecting the chain length and/or the chain pitch and/or the chain tension of the transport chains, means being provided for stretching and/or relaxing at least one individual transport chain, and control means being provided for adapting different lengths or chain pitches of two transport chains by stretching and/or relaxing at least one transport chain in a controlled manner.

Abstract: In a multiple endless belt type band sheet coiling tension applying apparatus in which a coiling tension is applied to slit band sheets a by a frictional force generated by slippage between belt pressing surfaces 4a, 5a and internal belt surfaces 1a of endless belts 1, a friction plate 8 made of a thin metallic sheet having heat conductivity equal to or better than that of the belt pressing units 4a, 5a is detachably installed on a front surface of each of the belt pressing units 4a, 5a.

Abstract: A conveyor system pre-inserts a portion of the web into a first belt before the portion is gripped between the first belt and a second belt. In one exemplary embodiment, a pair of lips of a web are inserted into a corresponding first pair of belts and then the pair of lips are secured in the first pair of belts by inserting a second pair of belts into the first pair of belts over the pair of lips.

Abstract: A permeable material compacting method includes, positioning a portion of at least one elongated member within the interior of a tubular, moving a portion of the at least one elongated member through the interior of the tubular, moving a permeable material through the interior of the tubular with the portion of the at least one elongated member, and radially compacting the permeable material as the permeable material passes through the interior of the tubular.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably.

Abstract: In a wire-processing machine, a belt-drive feeds a wire to a first swivel-arm with a first gripper. To feed the leading wire-end to processing stations, the first swivel-arm is set in a swiveling motion and/or in a linear motion. To feed the trailing wire-end to processing stations, the second swivel-arm is set in a swiveling motion and/or in a linear motion. After processing of the leading wire-end, by means of the belt-drive the desired cut-off length of wire is advanced and, by means of a transporting system, is transported further.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an improved gripper for use within a coiled tubing injector unit. The improved gripper comprises a carrier for securing the gripper to the chain drive mechanism of the coiled tubing injector unit and a gripping shoe carried by the carrier. The improved gripper provides a carrier and a gripping shoe designed to permit quick and easy removal and replacement of the gripping shoe in the field during operation of the coiled tubing injector unit.

Abstract: The current device relates to a gripper assembly for use within a coiled tubing injector unit. The gripper assembly comprises a carrier for securing the gripper to the chain drive mechanism of the coiled tubing injector unit and a gripping shoe carried by the carrier. The configuration of the gripper assembly permits quick and easy removal and replacement of the gripping shoe.

Abstract: Incoming tubes are turned and fed into a pilger mill by use of a single gearbox using a rotating dual track drive system. The dual track system holds the incoming tube while tube reducing (metal tube forming) occurs by the pilger tooling. When the pilger tooling is free of the incoming tube product, the dual track drive moves the tube into the pilger tooling by feeding an incremental amount of tube product. The dual track drive also indexes the incoming tube at the correct time and at a pre-determined amount. Additionally, the gearbox sub-assembly bumps the tube at a pre-determined time while the tube is free from the tooling.

Abstract: A gripper block for conveying continuous rod in a well bore comprises a carrier body formed of a first metal and arranged to be mounted on one of the pair of continuous drive chains of a continuous rod conveying apparatus. A gripping element supported on the carrier body is arranged to engage the continuous rod and is readily separable from the carrier body. The gripping element is formed of a second metal which is softer than the first metal of the carrier body and softer than the continuous rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a moving material web includes: a treatment unit including a rotating conveyor belt which forms a closed loop and carries the material web; a second treatment unit with a second conveyor belt which also forms a closed loop, both treatment units being connected parallel relative to each other; a first switch-over for the transfer of the web from the first to the second conveyor belt; and a second switch-over unit for the transfer of the web from the second to the first conveyor belt.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation tensioner comprising a tensioner frame and multiple track units mounted in said frame, wherein each track unit includes an endless track, a chassis, support rollers or other bearing means mounted therein for the endless track, and one more track drive/brake members for effecting drive and/or braking motion of the track, and wherein each track unit is arranged mobile within the associated frame. Each track unit is arranged mobile within the associated frame by a parallel linkage bar system with parallel linkage bars between the chassis of the track unit and the frame of the tensioner.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging product portions in a wrapper are proposed, wherein at least two webs of a packaging material are aligned parallel, with the longitudinal edges facing each other overlapping, and each transported towards one upwardly open folding shaft, the webs are severed transverse to the overlapping longitudinal edges, creating flat blanks of the wrappers, and the blanks are folded into the folding shaft , creating an upwardly open wrapper, whereupon the product portion is placed in the open wrappers and the upwardly protruding sections of the wrappers are then turned inward while overlapping. The blanks, whose inner edges overlap, are guided in frictional engagement to their folding position above the folding shafts, whereupon the longitudinal edges of the overlapping blanks facing each other are, lifted together , whereupon the blanks are released by releasing the frictional engagement.

Abstract: A method for the drawing of a longitudinal workpiece wherein drawing forces required for the drawing are applied by means of at least a sprocket chain comprising link plates wherein the drawing forces are introduced from the workpiece via the link plates into the sprocket chain as a result of which the latter can be constructed lighter and apply greater drawing forces.

Abstract: A cable transport device having a pivotably mounted cable transporter, a first drive means connected in a stationary manner to a base frame and intended for achieving an exactly defined pivot movement of the cable transporter around a pivot axis and a second drive means for synchronous driving of at least two cooperating pressure rollers. The second drive means with a drive axle for the pressure rollers is connected in a stationary manner to the base frame, and the drive axle of the second drive means coincides with the pivot axis for the cable transporter. The transmission of the pivot movement is effected via a toothed belt which is tensioned symmetrically to the center of rotation of the pivot axis between a first intermediate shaft arranged on a base plate of the cable transporter and a second intermediate shaft fixed to the machine frame, the pitch axis of the cable transporter being identical to the axis of the first intermediate shaft.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for thin, flexible hand coverings includes a unique mechanism to retain the opposing edges of the flexible film as it is advanced and applied to the hand, thereby promoting a controlled stretching, adherence and release. In the preferred embodiment, the entrapment of the film edges is carried out using interlocking chains that advance through guide channels. Another improvement is that the housing of the dispenser in this case is raised as the user pulls down the film to be adhered, and it is the weight of the dispenser that causes the unit to reset for the next use, thereby eliminating the need for springs, at least for this purpose.

Abstract: A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly.

Abstract: A print media loading mechanism for a modular printer assembly is disclosed. A pair of opposed endless belts is provided. Each belt passes around a pair of rollers. Opposed roller pairs are slidably received by sliders attached to a frame of the printer assembly. A pair of arms is attached to each opposed roller pair, the pair of arms having a common pivot point. A traversing mechanism connects to each pair of arms at the common pivot point. A drive assembly, including at least one worm screw and motor which rotates the worm screw, is also provided. The worm screw interacts with the traversing mechanism in order to move the traversing mechanisms apart and closer together respectively. This in turn moves the opposed endless belts apart and closer together respectively.

Abstract: A pipe tensioner machine for offshore pipelaying operations comprises adjustable tension banks for the transfer of tension to the pipe string. Four tension banks (14, 16, 18 20) are provided in an angle of substantially 90 degrees to each other mounted inside a framework (12). The tension banks are movable along guides. The tension banks (14, 16, 18, 20) comprise revolving tracks (22) carrying traction pads (24) transmitting the squeeze force to the pipe (26). The lower tension banks (18, 20) are longer than the upper tension banks (14, 16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the automatic hauling of very long elongate objects. This device in particular allows very long tubular objects of relatively flexible and delicate structure such as, in particular, underwater cables, pipes or alternatively linear sonar antennas of the “streamer” type to be handled. The device chiefly comprises traction means consisting of at least two running strips with rough surfaces which are pressed on each side of the object and drag it along in a traction movement and gripping means which constantly keep the running strips pressed against the object in order to ensure good adhesion. Another subject of the invention is means for actuating the traction means and the gripping means in a coordinated manner so that the object that is to be hauled experiences continuous traction throughout the hauling operation. The device according to the invention has the advantage of being mounted on a stationary chassis and therefore of not requiring an operating area.

Abstract: A tensioner for deploying a member such as a pipe or cable, such as a sub-sea cable deployed from a ship, comprises an endless track and drive means for driving the track. The track includes a plurality of traction elements mounted thereon for movement with the track. Each traction element includes one or more cushions for supporting the member, and a pair of opposed arms mounted on respective sides of the base of the traction element. One or more of the arms is pivotally mounted for movement between a clamping position and a release position. In an alternative arrangement, four moveable arms are linked in diametrically opposite pairs to move between a release position and a clamping position. Cushions on the arms clamp the member in conjunction with the cushions of the traction element, when the arms are in the clamping position. Guide means are provided to urge the arms into the clamping position to grip the member as it passes through the tensioner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine which has transport means in the form of two transport chains (5, 6) for lateral grasping and transporting of a length of material (7) consisting of packaging material. In particular with longer plants above approximately 10 meters in transport length the stretching property of the transport chains owing to the load has a marked effect on the precision of the transport distance. This results in fluctuations of the transport distance between the two transport chains and therefore distortions of the length of material, which, depending on the type of packaging material, can even lead to tearing of the length of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a belt drive device, which comprises two continuous drive belts, which arc arranged to be operated by means of drive rollers (2), and which are arranged to travel around stretching rollers as continuous loops spaced apart, and which are arranged to be pressed by means of press rolls against the opposite surfaces of a cable or the like (3) to be drawn. In order to provide a simple structure, the drive rollers (2) are arranged to be rotated by a single power source by driving two planetary gears (8) connected in parallel and provided with angular front transmission. The rotary motion generated by the power source is arranged to be transmitted in the same direction to primary axles (9) of both planetary gears (8) provided with angular front transmission in order to rotate secondary axles (10) and the drive rollers (2) connected thereto in opposite directions.

Abstract: The tracked drive device particularly protected by its frame or hood as well as by protective plates, so as to prevent any accidental insertion of a finger or any other part of the human body between the track elements. The arrangement makes access to the track, for replacement or maintenance, particularly difficult. The invention provides a pivoting construction of the driving device, whereby the driving mechanisms become easily accessible, thus facilitating track change.

Abstract: A tensioner for deploying a member such as a pipe or cable, such as a sub-sea cable deployed from a ship, comprises an endless track and drive means for driving the track. The track includes a plurality of traction elements mounted thereon for movement with the track. Each traction element includes one or more cushions for supporting the member, and a pair of opposed arms mounted on respective sides of the base of the traction element. One or more of the arms is pivotally mounted for movement between a clamping position and a release position. In an alternative arrangement, four moveable arms are linked in diametrically opposite pairs to move between a release position and a clamping position. Cushions on the arms clamp the member in conjunction with the cushions of the traction element, when the arms are in the clamping position. Guide means are provided to urge the arms into the clamping position to grip the member as it passes through the tensioner.

Abstract: A high force traction apparatus which operates along the cable linear axis with no cable bending. The cable is encircled with links from several looping chain drives. The links have a concave friction surface to match the cable radius. Rollers apply pressure to multiple links thereby providing a high normal force on the cable. The staggered and synchronized links keep the high squeeze force evenly distributed. This allows the traction apparatus to impose a pulling force that approaches the cable tensile limit without cable damage.

Abstract: A loading system is provided for loading an elongated strand of food product of given diameter on a moving transport conveyor. First and second loading conveyors are separated by a gap of dimension less than or equal to the diameter of the food product strand and convey the strand to a transfer ramp by an indexed drive.

Abstract: A drawing machine includes a drawing die and a continuously working drawing device, the drawing device comprising only one closed drawing member that is guided around axis-parallel wheels and is driven in a controlled manner via at least one of the wheels. The drawing member is linked with clamping devices carrying clamping chucks that are controlled and moved towards one another and apart from another to grip a wire, tube or profile to be drawn. In an embodiment, the clamping chucks are retained by retainer elements that extend through a drawing element linked with the clamping device.

Abstract: A paper machine for manufacturing a fiber web traveling in a machine direction and having a tail includes at least one rope defining a rope nip. A threading arm assembly is positioned in association with the rope nip. The threading arm includes a frame and a diverter carried by the frame. The diverter is movable to divert the tail in a direction transverse to the machine direction toward the rope nip.

Abstract: A method of threading a fiber web tail movable in a machine direction, comprising the steps of: positioning a threading arm assembly in association with a rope nip, the threading arm assembly including a frame and a diverter carried by and movable relative to the frame; diverting the tail using the threading arm assembly in a direction transverse to the machine direction toward the rope nip; and threading the diverted fiber web tail into said rope nip.

Abstract: A continuous well string injection unit, comprising a pair of motor driven continuous chains mounted opposed to each for gripping coiled rod between them. Plural links are connected end to end in each one of the pair of motor driven continuous chains, in which each link comprises a connected yoke and a neck, the neck of each link being sized to fit within the yoke of a succeeding link in the motor driven continuous chain with consecutive links connected by a pin extending through the neck of one link and the yoke of the next succeeding link. A method of injecting coiled rod into a well is also provided.

Abstract: The tracked drive device particularly protected by its frame or hood as well as by protective plates, so as to prevent any accidental insertion of a finger or any other part of the human body between the track elements. Said arrangement makes access to the track, for replacement or maintenance, particularly difficult. The invention provides a pivoting construction of the driving device, whereby the driving mechanisms become easily accessible, thus facilitating track change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawing machine comprising a drawing die (1) and a continuously working drawing device, said drawing device comprising only one closed drawing member that is guided around axis-parallel wheels (4) and is driven in a controlled manner via at least one of the wheels (4). The drawing member is linked with clamping devices (6) carrying clamping chucks (5) that are controlled and moved towards one another and apart from another to grip a wire (7), tube or profile to be drawn. In an embodiment, the clamping chucks (5) are retained by retainer elements (11) that extend through a drawing element (3) linked with the clamping device (6). One clamping chuck (5) each of the clamping chucks linked with the first drawing element (3) interacts with the clamping chuck (5) associated with second drawing element (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor apparatus, and more specifically to a conveyor apparatus that is capable of accepting a web of material having little to no inherent structural integrity from a first direction, inverting the material, and dispatching said material in a second direction.

Abstract: In a cable processing equipment a cable changer stands perpendicularly relative to a base plate, at which a straightening unit and a cable transport unit are arranged. The cable changer is movable upwardly or downwardly and consists of a frame with horizontal frame members and vertical frame members. Cable guides are arranged at the vertical frame members. Cable guides which are at the inlet side as seen in cable transport direction are provided with clamping/retracting units, and cable guides at the outlet side are provided with clamping units. The clamping/retracting units at the inlet side are switchable by means of a first actuating device arranged at the base plate. The clamping units at the outlet side are switchable by means of a second actuating device arranged at the base plate. Cables which are not at the moment transported in the cable transport direction, are clamped by the clamping/retracting units and the clamping units.

Abstract: A belt feed apparatus receives and feeds a continuous web of expanded graphite. The apparatus comprises a first pair of endless belts for receiving the web of expanded graphite therebetween, a drive motor operably connected to the first pair of belts for driving the first pair of belts at a drive speed, a controller for varying the drive speed, and a first load means for varying a friction force applied to the web by the first pair of belts.

Abstract: A flow-limiting device is placed in a hydraulic fluid circuit between a hydraulic pump of, for example, a power pack, and a motor of a coiled tubing injector. The flow-limiting device allows hydraulic fluid to flow through the circuit, but limits the rate of flow in order to avoid thermal damage to the motor.

Abstract: A cable transport apparatus (1) has a first rotational axis (20a, 20c) and a second rotational axis (20b, 20d) that are not in parallel but cross each other with a predetermined angle therebetween. In this way, a V-shaped space is formed between transport belts (40a, 40b). The cable transport apparatus (1) can thus transport a thin cable (100) being in contact with the lower part of the V-shaped space and transport a thick cable (200) being in contact with the upper part thereof. Even if cables to be transported have respective successively increasing diameters, such cables can be transported using the same apparatus. Further, the cables never escape from the cable transport apparatus and can be transported without lowering the transport speed of the cables.

Abstract: For use in a web-handling apparatus, a cylinder module accumulates and de-accumulates web in a controlled manner. A frame supports first and second parallel main cylinders. The first cylinder rotates continuously, while the second cylinder operates in a non-uniform manner. A third main cylinder remains parallel with the first and second axes while moving perpendicular to those axes. The web passes around the first cylinder through the first nip, thence to and around the periphery of the third cylinder, thence to and partially around the periphery of the second cylinder and through the second nip. The web spans from the third cylinder are substantially parallel. An endless belt associated with each end of the third cylinder ensures that the third cylinder occupies an axis location and a rotational position which substantially control the web stress as the web passes through the cylinders.

Abstract: A device for drawing or braking metal bands or metal sheets and including two oppositely arranged endless revolving chain systems with a gap therebetween through which a metal band or a metal sheet is displaced and including carriage-like roller blocks for effecting one of clamping and driving the one of a metal band and a metal sheet, an elastic lining for covering the roller blocks; and elements for generating magnetic fields for controlling driving and/or restraining forces applied to the metal band or the metal sheet.