Abstract: A hydraulic shock-absorbing jack particularly for use underwater comprises a cylinder 1 in which a piston 20 associated with an actuated rod 23 is slidable. The piston defines within the cylinder a first actuating chamber 6 provided with a first inlet 2 for actuating liquid and connected to an accumulator 7 of elastically variable volume, and a second actuating chamber 8 provided with a second inlet 3 for actuating liquid. The rod is mounted to be slidable relative to the piston such that, in the event of a shock applied to the rod which would otherwise cause an increase in the volume of the second chamber, the rod alone moves relative to the piston without affecting the volume of the second chamber. The rod is provided with an enlarged head 24 located in the first chamber and preventing its disengagement from the piston.

Abstract: An automatic hydraulic connector for connecting an hydraulic pipe to apparatus comprises a female cylindrical receptacle for connection to the apparatus and a retractable hollow male cylindrical body releasably lockable by locking means to the receptacle, under the control of a cylindrical slide member biased by a spring to its locking position and driven into its unlocking position by the action of an operating fluid which acts on a movable cylindrical core which is connectable to the slide member and also in part defines the hydraulic passage extending from an inlet in the male body to an outlet in the female receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the measurement of the ovalization of a ferromagnetic pipe.An electromagnetic pickup is moved in a circular path around the pipe, the pickup transmitting signals influenced by the radial distance between the pickup and the pipe. These signals are compared with signals from previous measurements made on a similar pipe to obtain indications of the radial distance between the pickup and the pipe so as to be able to deduce the transverse configuration of the pipe. The pickup is supplied with ac at a frequency of about 700 Hz and the signals from the pickup are compared with previously obtained signals both as to amplitude and phase.The pickup is mounted on a circular slide movable along a circular track supported on a U-shaped collar which is fixed to the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for taking over control of a submerged tool.The connector comprises two parts, a first part mounted on the tool, and a second part mounted on a movable control appliance. The tool is provided with energy distributors and mechanical actuators are mounted on the first connector part for operating the distributors. The control appliance comprises means for controlling the distributors and mechanical control members controlled thereby are mounted on the second connector part for acting on the actuators. A purely mechanical energy transmission is advantageously provided between the two connector parts.

Abstract: A process for tapping a region of a pipe placed on a sea bed utilizes a working platform which is installed vertically above the region of the pipe to be tapped, the platform being adapted to receive a support girder which can be lowered from the surface of the sea onto the working platform and be engaged therewith and then lifted off the platform. The platform is adapted to receive successively a plurality of modular tool-carriers provided with tools for carrying out a variety of operations on the pipe, the operations including concrete stripping, removal of anti-corrosion covering, transverse cutting, internal brushing, and making the longitudinal weld flush.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal obturator for a pipe for use in separating two spaces inside a pipe. The obturator comprises a rigid hollow body comprising two end plates connected by a cylinder having a lesser diameter than the end plates between which an annular inflatable bladder of a jack is provided extending around the cylinder. The jack is inflated to apply a cylindrical wall against the inner surface of the wall of the pipe. The wall which is independent of the bladder of the jack may be connected by its ends to the end plates or may simply be inserted therebetween.