Abstract: The procedure for manufacturing thin profiled strips, made up of continuous unidirectional fibers embedded in a thermoplastic resin, consists of impregnating a lap (1) of parallel fibers with resin particles, achieving resin fusion, forming the profiled strip and of cooling the latter.The lap (1) of fibers is dipped into a bath (26) of resin particles, mechanically impregnated with the particles, by feeding it for instance around rollers (15, 16, 17) immersed in the resin particles and the excess particles are removed to obtain the desired resin to fiber content ratio.Use of profiled strips obtained, in particular for outwardly reinforcing tubes or for producing moulded items.

Abstract: A device for permitting the relatively precise positioning of two geometrical axes respectively of two elements at least one of the elements being associated with means capable of assuring its displacement characterized in that it comprises in combination at least two acoustic emitters-receivers disposed in a first plane substantially perpendicular to one of said geometrical axes, said axis being defined as the first axis, and capable of emitting toward said axis, said two emitter-receivers not being located on a same line passing through said first axis and in that it comprises a third emitter-receiver situated outside of said plane.

Abstract: A remotely controlled undersea vehicle has a manipulator arm articulated to a mast which is articulated on the vehicle. Jaws at the end of the arm are arranged to close around a collar of a conduit having an automatic connector end, and to connect control fluid passages of the jaws to passages in the collar which communicate the control fluid to the automatic connector end.

Abstract: A system of liason between an underwater wellhead for the production of hydrocarbons from underwater formations to a surface support. The system includes at least one flexible conduit (4) connected between the wellhead (2) and the surface support (1). Each flexible conduit is equipped at its lower end with means to limit the radius of bending or deflection and is connected vertically to the wellhead. Each conduit can be pulled or led into at least a first configuration (4a, 4'a, 4"a) in which the conduit is generally relaxed and non-tensioned, for the flow of hydrocarbons to the surface support, and at least a second configuration (4b), in which the conduit is at least partly tensioned, and sufficiently straight and upright that tools can be lowered to descend by gravity from the support surface to the well, for working of the well.

Abstract: Method for placing two submerged elements in a relative determined position, particularly in view of their mutual connection, comprising a first step of controlling the relative displacement of said elements on the basis of the measurement of electric values so as to ensure the alignment of a central point of one end of one element with the longitudinal axis of the other and a second step of progressively bringing the two elements in contact with each other by their relative displacement controlled on the basis of the measurement of their relative distance and mutual inclination angle, by means of acoustic emitters-receivers.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon loading buoy has a connection element rotatable in a bearing supported by the buoy. When a riser pipe or conduit is connected to the connection element the pipe and element can rotate or swivel relative to the buoy. A lock mechanism on the buoy is operable to lock the connection element to the buoy so that the connection element is supported independently of the bearing. With the connection element locked the bearing can be serviced, or removed, while the buoy is in operation. In a preferred form, the lock mechanism includes wedges which move radially and engage a sloping surface of the connection element to move it axially into clamping engagement with the buoy.