Abstract: Extendible slit tube members and methods for manufacturing extendible slit tube members are provided. In one aspect, an extendible member (10) comprises a laminated shell (2) of plural fibre reinforced layers (P1-P5) constructed and arranged to be configurable between a coiled form and an extended form. In the extended form (12) the shell is resiliently biased in the form of an elongate tube having longitudinal edges (14) defining a slit (3) along its length and wherein the shell can be opened out at the slit to assume a flattened form in which it can be wound about an axis extending transversely to its longitudinal direction to assume its coiled form (11). In the region of one or both longitudinal edges (50), the amount of reinforcing fibre is less than in the region between the edge regions (51). In another aspect, a flexible cord (40) may be attached along the edge of a shell.

Abstract: A mast assembly (10), a method of deploying a mast (20), a slit locking clamp (50) for a mast and to a support assembly (14) for an extendible member (20) are provided. The mast assembly (10) comprises an extendible mast (20) configurable between a coiled form and an extended form. When extended the mast is resiliently biased in the form of an elongate tube having a slit along its length defined by longitudinal edges of the mast. When coiled the mast is opened out at the slit to a flattened cross section and wound about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the mast. A slit locking clamp (50) clamps across the slit in the mast at a position along the length of the mast so as to stabilise one edge relative to the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for joining a longitudinal seam in a tube, to an apparatus and method of joining a longitudinal seam in a tube in a borehole, to an apparatus and method of repairing a tube and to a pig. In an aspect an apparatus is provided for joining a longitudinal seam in a tube. The apparatus (200) includes a spool (202) for progressively unwinding a coiled member (10) into an extended form (12). The member (10) transitions from a flat form when coiled (11) to a slit tube form when extended (12), in which form the member is resiliently biased. A joining device (214) is positioned downstream of the spool arranged to provide energy to a portion of the member in its extended form to cause heating so as to progressively join together the longitudinal edges of the slit tube as the member passes the joining device. A longitudinal seam (20) is thereby formed in the tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.