Abstract: A chuck device that allows easy attachment of a clamping target component and can provide powerful and highly reliable clamping includes a main body including a metal core part and an annular space coaxial with and formed around the metal core part; a rubber elastic body fitted in the annular space of the main body such that there is a pressure chamber between a circumferential wall that defines the annular space and the rubber elastic body, and a clearance for allowing a tubular clamping target component to be inserted between the rubber elastic body and the metal core part; and a passage for introducing a fluid to the pressure chamber, wherein the rubber elastic body is deformed to expand toward the metal core part by a pressure of a fluid introduced to the pressure chamber via the passage so that a tubular clamping target component that is attached to the metal core part is clamped by the metal core part and the rubber elastic body that has deformed to expand.

Abstract: A positionable carriage assembly including an actuation device, such as one or more linear hydraulic cylinders, that is linked to a linear drive element. The linear drive element can include a first and second gear racks. The positionable carriage assembly may also include a first carriage member having a third gear rack and a second carriage member having a fourth gear rack. A first gear structure may be provided that operably intermeshes with the first and third racks while a second gear structure may be provided that operably intermeshes with the second and fourth racks. In operation the actuation device imparts a linear movement in a first direction onto the linear drive element which in turn imparts a synchronized linear movement in a second direction orthogonal the first direction onto the carriage members via the intermediate first and second gear structures.

Abstract: A carriage arranged to walk along an elongate member while carrying a payload includes individually-operable clamps that are spaced axially along a common longitudinal axis. An axially-extensible frame connects the clamps. At least one of the clamps is attached to the frame via a rotationally-displaceable coupling for relative angular movement between that clamp and the frame about the longitudinal axis. The carriage can carry the payload to a subsea worksite by opening and closing the clamps to release and grip the elongate member in a sequence that includes moving the leading clamp forward when the leading clamp is open and moving the trailing clamp forward when the leading clamp is closed. At the worksite, installation force can be applied to the payload in a forward direction by moving the leading clamp forward when the leading clamp is open and the trailing clamp is closed.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus and method of use buoyancy to offset the weight of a load during immersion of the load in a fluid medium such as a payload manipulated by a cable and crane or by a remotely operated undersea vehicle. Buoyancy modules that can be of different size and shape have elongated supports that are attachable via complementary connection fixtures at the ends. The attached supports form a skeleton of the array. The connection fixtures are axially resiliently compressible and maintain the buoyancy modules in abutment notwithstanding shrinkage or expansion of the buoyant material due to hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a circuit card in a card rack and a circuit card rack system are disclosed. A card rack including a laterally oriented clamping slot is provided. The clamping slot is at least partially formed from a temperature-contractible material. A circuit card having a clamped side region is provided. At least a portion of the clamped side region is inserted into the clamping slot. A predetermined temperature differential is applied to the clamping slot to reduce a longitudinal dimension of at least a portion of the clamping slot. A compressive force is exerted on the portion of the clamped side region which is located longitudinally within the clamping slot, via thermal expansion of the clamping slot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

Abstract: A self-elevating platform comprises a deck structure, a plurality of legs, a plurality of footings, and a jacking system, wherein the plurality of legs pass through the deck structure and are supported by the plurality of footings; and wherein the jacking system comprises a jackcase structure with a first locking pin, a jacking yoke with a second locking pin, a plurality of jacking cylinders with a first end and second end, where the first end of the jacking cylinders is supported by the jackcase structure, and the second end of the jacking cylinders by the jacking yoke; and a fixation system comprising a plurality of tension rods, wherein each tension rod has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the tension rods is securely coupled with the jacking yoke, and the second end of the tension rods is securely coupled with the deck structure; thereby when the plurality of tension rods secures the jacking yoke to the deck structure, the load can be removed from the hydraulic cylinders and tran

Abstract: A system, a method and a collapsible and/or folding apparatus may use a wire loop to cut an object. The apparatus may have a wire loop connected to pulleys on a carriage attached to a frame. The carriage may move relative to the frame to direct the wire loop through the object. The apparatus may have arms on the carriage that may be folded and/or a kicker frame pivotably connected to the frame that may be retracted to reduce the overall size of the apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a traverse system configured to move a catwalk relative to a beam, is provided. The system includes a body, an upper brake pad coupled to the body and configured to contact a side of a flange of the beam and a lower brake pad coupled to the body and configured to contact an opposing side of the flange, and an actuator coupled to at least one of the brake pads and configured to move the brake pads between a gripping position that grips the flange and an open position that spaces one of the brake pads away from the flange.

Abstract: A sleeve member, end fitting assembly, and a method of assembly of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The sleeve member includes a body comprising a substantially cylindrical portion having an inner diameter substantially equal to an outside diameter of a first pipe body layer for overlying the first pipe body layer; and a flange portion extending radially outwards from the body for locating between a further pipe body layer and an end fitting, the further pipe body layer being an armor layer, the flange portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the further pipe body layer.

Abstract: A clamp for releasably securing a rolling mill roll stand on a support structure, comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the support structure. A piston subdivides the interior of the housing into front and rear chambers. A clamping jaw projects forwardly from the piston through an open front end of the housing. The piston is reciprocally movable between a locked position at which the clamping jaw engages the roll stand, and an unlocked position at which the clamping jaw is disengaged from the roll stand. Resilient elements act in the rear chamber to exert a locking force urging the piston into its locked position, and pressurized fluid acts in the front chamber to overcome the resilient locking force when unlocking the clamp.

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A piston rod lock assembly is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod and moves from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in an unclamped position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: A clamp device grips and fixes the inner circumferential surface of a hole in a workpiece while ensuring a support function of supporting an engagement assembly for gripping and also is capable of eliminating at least a portion of the support force after gripping.

Abstract: A ball lock clamp includes a cylinder housing. A first piston is movable in the cylinder housing in response to a first fluid pressure. A second piston is movable in the first piston. A rod extends from the first piston. A biasing member is positioned in the cylinder housing to provide a biasing force between the first piston and the housing. A plunger is at a terminal end of the rod. The plunger includes at least one ball moving radially in and out of the plunger. A receiver receives the plunger. The receiver retains the plunger in a locked position in the receiver. A mechanism releases the plunger from the receiver. The mechanism includes a member in the rod to move the at least one ball radially in and out of the rod.

Abstract: A left end portion of a clamp arm is vertically swingably connected to an upper portion of a rod vertically movably inserted into a housing, and an annular supported member is attached to a support member rotatably around an axis, the support member being provided to an outer periphery of an upper portion of the housing. A pivot portion provided to the supported member and a non-edge portion in a longitudinal direction of the clamp arm are connected by a link member. The support member and the supported member are provided with an element for receiving an upward force acting from the link member on the pivot portion during a clamping operation. The supported member is fixed to the support member at a desired rotation angle position by a lock element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pull-down fastening device for objects having bores, with a fastening unit which includes a fastening element. A pull-down fastening device is disclosed, with which the various fastening processes can, when necessary, be performed. For this purpose, the pull-down fastening device features a modular interchangeable fastening insert which insert includes a fastening element. Such pull-down fastening devices engage into bores of, for example, pallets or workpieces to be processed, for the purpose of interior fastening.

Abstract: Above and below a piston (15) inserted into a housing (5), there are respectively provided a lock chamber (16) and a release chamber (17) where compressed air is supplied and discharged. A diametrically expandable and contractible tapered sleeve (28) is attached between an annular plug portion (26) projected upward from the housing (5) and a tapered hole (11) provided in a work pallet (2). An output rod (35) inserted into a cylindrical hole (26a) of the plug portion (26) is connected to the piston (15). Lock springs (49) constituted by compression coil springs are respectively inserted into a plurality of spring-attachment holes (48) formed in a recessed manner in an upper wall (16a) of the lock chamber (16). The spring-attachment holes (48) are communicatively connected to an outer surface of the housing (5) by through holes (55), respectively, and pushing members (56) are hermetically inserted into the through holes (55).

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A piston rod lock assembly is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod and moves from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in an unclamped position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for selectively preventing displacement of a tubular article/load support structure (2) circumscribing the upstanding elongate support (1) and adapted for lengthways displacement along upstanding elongated support, wherein the tubular support structure (2) incorporates means (13) for releasably locking the tubular support structure against said lengthways displacement in such manner as to be able to maintain the article/load at any required position relative to the elongate support.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes an upper clip portion, and a lower clip portion joined to the upper clip portion via a hinge. At least one of the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion comprises a soft durometer elastomeric member.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping apparatus includes a first elongated guide member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a first drive assembly. The first and the second clamping member each moveably attached to the guide member. The first drive assembly includes a motor, a first gear, a second gear meshed to the first gear, a first drive member and a second drive member. The first drive member transmits power from the motor to the first clamping member. The second drive member transmits power from the motor to the second clamping member through the first and second gears. The first and the second drive members are configured for moving the corresponding first clamping member and the corresponding second clamping member towards or away from one another along the guide member.

Abstract: In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping an object to a structure, the device including a lever arm pivotally mounted relative to the structure, at least one member for urging one end portion of the arm in a direction to pivot the other end portion into engagement with the object, and an actuator supported by the housing and adapted to engage the one end portion of the arm to pivot the other end portion out of the engagement. The device is utilized to clamp a screen to a bed of a separator.

Abstract: U-bolt toggle latch clamp actuated by power cylinder having piston rod extending at right angles to toggle linkage reaching aligned relation upon U-bolt retraction to clamping position. The toggle linkage is pivotally connected at one end to a fixed reaction pin, at the other end to a U-bolt crosspin and at the center to the actuating piston rod.

Abstract: A zero-deflection support chuck is provided for gripping a load shaft which includes a stable support body having a bore, a gripping sleeve closely embracing the load shaft and a pressure sleeve within the bore and surrounding the gripping sleeve. The outer surface of the pressure sleeve is exposed to a pressure medium from a pressure source. The outer surface of the pressure sleeve has sealing lands at each end cooperating with the ends of the bore and a spiral groove and lands extending between the sealing lands. The lands between the grooves have the same diameter as the bore in the body. Pressure in the spiral grooves and the inner surface of the body bore moves the gripping sleeve tightly against the support shaft along the entire length of the sleeves and locks the shaft in a stable position.

Abstract: The wire clamp of this invention is fixed to a mounting board by resilient engaging portions that extend from a base at the end of a post and spread out in a mounting hole in the mounting board. While the wire clamp is thus secured, it holds wires in its wire receiving portions. The wires are supported at a predetermined interval on the mounting board. This wire clamp is easily mounted by pushing struts toward the post with one's finger tips. The pushed struts resiliently deform, pulling up the ends of beams, which descend toward the resilient engaging portions, until the beams are almost horizontally aligned along the mounting board. The resilient resistance of the beams is reduced accordingly, which facilitates the insertion of the resilient engaging portions. Since the post, the struts, the beams, and the wire-receiving portions almost form a square, the wire clamp is rigid, and can firmly secure the wires.

Abstract: Gripper devices are installed in the spudwells of a platform or causeway section and manually operated to grip the pile to suspend the platform or causeway section in a level position on the piles. Each gripper device has a cylindrical bowl with a flat mounting flange at the bottom end. The bowl has large central bore extending from the top end and terminating in a smaller bore at the bottom end defining a shoulder therebetween. A series of circumferentially spaced actuator segments having a vertical outer wall and a radial flange at the top end are mounted within the bowl by bolts for vertical movement relative to the bowl. The actuator segments have a downwardly and radially outwardly tapered interior wedging surface with a T-shaped slot extending along the wedging surface. A series of slip segments have a toothed interior surface for gripping the pile and a tapered exterior wedging surface corresponding to the wedging surface of the actuator segments.

Abstract: A self-actuating clamp for attachment to a structural member in a subsea environment is disclosed. The clamp includes a housing having spaced side members, a transverse compression plate mounted between the members across the top of the housing and external accessory mounting surfaces. A pair of opposed, elongated jaw members have their upper portions disposed within the housing, the upper portions of which include upper ends adapted for pivotal mating engagement for permitting limited pivotal movement between the members, with the lower portions of the jaw members projecting below the housing and adapted for opposing clamping engagement with the subsea structural member. Force exerting means, which in one embodiment may comprise a pair of leaf spring assemblies, are provided to cooperate with the housing and jaw members to exert sufficient forces on the jaw members to clamp the jaw members to the exterior surface of the structural member.

Abstract: A wire gripping clamp has a rubber inner tube wedged to the ends of a rigid outer tube by a set of rings, one ring at each tube end. The space between the tubes is sealed by the rings and forms a chamber, which when pressurized, compresses the inner tube wedging the rings against it. The compressed inner tube grasps an insulated wire passing therethrough without damage to the wire. The rings serve as a clamp in response to tension on the inner tube and as a guide for the wire when the wire is displaced through the device for precluding damage to the inner tube and to the wire during that relative displacement.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a bonding press for bonding shoe soles to lasted uppers, comprising a fixed bed structure (1) including an exchangeable receptacle plate (6, 9) into the padded opening (8) of which a lasted upper (7) is inserted and fixed with the sole laid thereon and facing upwards, further comprising a pressing pad (2) to which a pressurized medium may be applied, the dimensionally stable cowl (10) of said pad being hingedly joined to the bed structure (1) and hermetically sealed towards the bottom by a flexibly expandable diaphragm (12), and comprising linear drive means (3) mounted to the bed structure for pivoting the cowl (10) and for producing the closing force.