Abstract: A casing roller apparatus including an actuation apparatus for facilitating operation of the casing roller apparatus and an engagement apparatus for securely engaging a unit of casing to permit an oilfield worker to roll the unit of casing. The casing roller apparatus is used in a method of engaging a unit of casing with the casing roller apparatus and rolling the unit of casing from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: A system for positioning an optical preform in a furnace is provided that includes an upper muffle and a downfeed handle assembly with a tube defining a first end and a second end, the second end extending into the upper muffle. A handle is disposed within the tube. A second end of the handle extends into the upper muffle and a seal assembly is positioned around both the tube and the handle. The first end of the handle extends through the seal assembly and a drive assembly is coupled with the downfeed handle.

Abstract: A push device, for transferring glass articles from an intermediate supporting plate to an unloading conveyor, has at least one seat for housing an article and which is bounded by at least two flat supporting surfaces converging with each other and forming between them an angle of over 90°; the article being retained close to a convergence area of the flat supporting surfaces by a circuit for feeding compressed air between the flat supporting surfaces.

Abstract: A device for loading a machine for the treatment, notably thermal-mechanical, of elongated cylindrical objects, notably of glass, such as glass pipes, the machine including a carrousel comprising a plurality of stations for the treatment provided by the machine, includes a loading barrel which surmounts the machine, coaxially thereof, and is rotated during loading of the machine, at the same speed as the machine. The barrel can be uncoupled from the machine in order to be resupplied with objects such as glass pipes.

Abstract: For the purpose of feeding glass tubes (2) to a glass-processing machine, use is made of an appliance which essentially comprises a glass-tube magazine (1), a separating unit (17), and an endless conveyor (25), the latter being fitted with feeding tongs (23). Individual glass tubes (2) are supplied to the feeding tongs (23) by the separating unit (17). The glass-tube magazine (1) can be loaded with a bundle of glass tubes.

Abstract: A device for mainpulating and orienting elongate tubular stock receives such stock in a horizontal position, separates and individually spaces such stock, reorients it vertically and transfers it to associated equipment. Elongate stock is manually loaded onto a horizontal bed from packing containers or other supply means unrelated to the invention. Guide wheels separate and horizontally juxtapose the stock in a single-file horizontal row. A chain conveyor then individually engages each piece of stock, and lifts and rotates it generally about one end into a vertical position. The stock is then transferred horizontally as necessary, to associated equipment. The elongate stock may be cylindrical such as glass tubes or rods or define various cross-sections such as triangular, square or polygonal.