Abstract: Ten or more forward speeds and two or more reverse speed are achieved by a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission that includes three planetary gear sets mounted on an input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft and having an output gear. The transmission further includes six shafts respectively interconnecting corresponding elements among the input shaft and rotational elements of the three planetary gear sets, a first transfer gear selectively delivering torque between one of the six shafts and the output shaft; and a second transfer gear selectively delivering torque between the output shaft and one rotational element of the third planetary gear set.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle improves power delivery and fuel efficiency by applying six control elements to four planetary gear sets to achieve forward nine speed stages and one reverse speed stage. The planetary gear train includes: an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fourth first planetary gear sets each having three rotational element: four clutches and two brakes as the six control elements; and first to ninth shafts. In particular, the first shaft connects a first rotational element and the input shaft; the second shaft is connected with a second rotational element and selectively connected with the first shaft; the third shaft connects third and fifth rotational elements; the fourth shaft is connected with a fourth rotational element and fixed to a transmission housing; and the fourth shaft is connected with the fourth rotational element and fixed to the transmission housing.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic transmission with which a switching mechanism thereof is hardly damaged even if the hydraulic pressure supplied to a hydraulic pressure control circuit temporarily changes. A control part ECU of the automatic transmission TM switches the first brake B1 to the reverse rotation preventing state when a signal indicating that the slider is at a position corresponding to the reverse rotation preventing state is received while the control unit ECU recognized that it has switched the first brake B1 to the fixed state.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle provides at least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed by combination of: first to fourth planetary gear sets respectively having first to third rotational elements, fourth to sixth rotational elements, seventh to ninth rotational elements, or tenth to twelfth rotational elements; first to ninth shafts; and multiple control elements including four clutches and three brakes. In particular, each of the tenth, eleventh, twelfth rotational elements is fixedly connected with a different shaft selected from the first, sixth, seventh and ninth shafts, and one clutch is fixedly connected with the ninth shaft.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission is provided to improve power delivery and fuel efficiency by applying six engagement elements to four planetary gear sets to achieve multiple speeds. The planetary gear train includes: input and output shafts; first to fourth planetary gear sets respectively including first to third rotation elements, fourth to sixth rotation elements, seventh to ninth rotation elements, tenth to twelfth rotation elements; and first to eighth shafts. In particular, the first shaft is fixedly connected to the second, sixth and eleventh rotation elements and the input shaft, the fourth shaft is fixedly connected to the fourth, seventh and tenth rotation elements, and the seventh and eighth shafts selectively and respectively connect a transmission housing to corresponding rotation elements of the first and third planetary gear sets, and the corresponding rotation elements are not connected to any shaft among the first to sixth shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto-tensioner containing a base having a cylindrical part, a rotating member supported rotatably to the base, a pulley provided at the rotating member, a friction member sandwiched between the cylindrical part and the rotating member, and a coil spring locked to the friction member and the base and disposed in a state of being compressed in an axial direction, thereby biasing the rotating member in one direction, in which the friction member has an arcuate surface capable of sliding along the cylindrical part, a first locking part located further toward the one direction side than the arcuate surface in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical part and locked to the rotating member, and a second locking part locked to one end of the coil spring.

Abstract: The invention is a corner rack with one front face that has teeth. A corner rack is a linear gear interface that can be placed in corners, such that the teeth face out from the corner at an angle, rather than running parallel with the walls. The teeth of the corner rack have a profile that can engage with the profile of a silent chain. The combination of the corner rack and silent chain allows an attached motor to be distanced from the corner rack, so that a lifting device driven by the corner rack and silent chain can be placed in and utilized in corners. This leads to increased versatility and efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a non-stage transmission apparatus for changing the power transmission speed and the power transmission torque by changing an inlet path of the fluid.

Abstract: A clutch assembly comprising: an axis of rotation; first and second spherical centers positioned along the axis of rotation; a first member having a first spherical surface including: a radius defining a first curvature; the first spherical center; and a first frictional surface; a second member having a second spherical surface including: said radius defining a second curvature about same or equal to the first curvature; the second spherical center; and a second frictional surface. A torque converter comprising a spherical clutch assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lock-up device for a torque converter for transmitting a torque and for absorbing and attenuating a torsional vibration includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member disposed on both axial sides of the input rotary member and rotatable relatively to the input rotary member, and a plurality of first coil springs disposed in radially inner positions. The first coil springs are compressed in series by rotation of the input rotary member relative to the output rotary member whereby the torque is inputted therein from the input rotary member. The lock-up device also includes at least one second coil spring compressed when the input rotary member and the output rotary member are rotated relatively to each other at a predetermined relative angle or greater. The lock-up device additionally includes a float member disposed radially inward of the first coil springs and coupling the plural first coil springs in series.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between an input side and an output side includes a hydrodynamic converter having a pump wheel that is connected to the input side and a turbine wheel that is coupled with the pump wheel hydrodynamically by a fluid, as well as a spring damper for coupling the turbine wheel with the output side and a centrifugal pendulum that is joined with one of the other elements in a torque-locked connection. In this case, only one spring damper is disposed in the flow of torque between the input side and the output side.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter comprises a casing having a locking surface, impeller and turbine wheels, a one-way turbine clutch, and a torsional vibration damper. The one-way turbine clutch includes an outer ring non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell, an inner and engagement components permitting rotational movement of the outer ring relative to the inner ring in one circumferential direction only. The turbine wheel is non-rotatably coupled to the outer ring of the one-way turbine clutch. The torsional vibration damper comprises an input member, a plurality of circumferentially acting elastic members and an output member elastically coupled to the input member trough the elastic members. The output member of the torsional vibration damper is non-rotatably attached to the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A power system includes an electric motor, a transmission, and a differential gear system. The transmission includes a first gear that is mechanically connected to the electric motor, a second gear that has a rotation axis in common with the first gear and is mechanically connected to a differential gear casing of the differential gear system, a pinion gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear, and a pinion holder that rotatably supports the pinion gear. The pinion holder has a pinion gear supporting portion which is disposed on a side of the differential gear casing of the differential gear system to support the pinion gear, relative to a meshing portion between the second gear and the pinion gear. An inner diameter of the second gear at the meshing portion is equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the pinion holder.

Abstract: A differential assembly and a method of manufacture. The differential assembly may include a case that is rotatable about an axis and includes a first case portion and the second case portion. The first case portion may be joined to the second case portion with a first weld that may be disposed at an angle with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, with a variable speed transmission in a housing. A pair of clutch assemblies are engaged to a transmission output shaft, and engaged to and selectively driving a pair of axle shafts. A power take off includes a power take off output shaft and a clutch/brake mechanism. A first and a second output gears are driven by the transmission output shaft and disposed on a first and second jack shafts, respectively. A first intermediate gear is disposed on a third jack shaft and driven by the first output gear, and a second intermediate gear is disposed on a fourth jack shaft.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, disclosed is a fixed support and gutter system for a ring gear of a turbine engine gear train, the fixed support and gutter system comprising a support structure having an undulating path which forms at least a portion of a gutter structure for capturing oil shed off the gear train.

Abstract: A wrist for a work vehicle includes a frame configured to be attached to the work vehicle, a ring pivotally connected to the frame and including a ring gear and a pilot axially protruding a length beyond the ring gear in a direction away from the frame, a shield cavity with an annular shape which surrounds the pilot and is bounded at least in part by the pilot and the ring gear and with a thickness of the length, a motor including a housing fixedly connected to the frame and an output shaft engaged with the ring gear, a lubricant cavity with boundaries defined at least in part by the frame, the ring, and a lubricant shield. The lubricant shield is removeably secured to the frame with at least a portion of the lubricant shield within the shield cavity.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a first engagement member; a second engagement member to be engaged with the first engagement member; a supporting portion to support the second engagement member; and an elastic member at least partially enclosed in the supporting portion to apply a preload to the second engagement member and absorb an impact load. The elastic member has a first deformation under a first load and at least a second deformation under a second load greater than the first load, and a ratio of the first load to the first deformation is less than a ratio of the second load to the second deformation.

Abstract: A shifter assembly in a motor vehicle includes a shifter housing. A shifter lever having first and second ends is coupled to the shifter housing at the second end. The shifter lever is rotatable about a pivot axis and is translatable parallel to the pivot axis. The shifter assembly has first and second 2-Dimensional (2D) magnetic sensors, and first and second magnets. The first magnet is coupled to the shifter lever between the first and second ends, proximate the first sensor, and has a first magnetic field in radial alignment with the shifter lever. The second magnet is coupled to the shifter lever between the first and second ends, proximate the second sensor, and has a second magnetic field perpendicular to the first magnetic field. The first sensor detects an angular displacement of the first magnetic field, and the second sensor detects an axial displacement of the second magnetic field.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the present disclosure is related to a sensor device for detecting selector lever positions of a selector lever for a motor vehicle. The sensor device may include at least four sensors and a code carrier, where the code carrier is arranged such that it is faced by the at least four sensors. The code carrier may be movable with respect to the at least four sensors. The code carrier may be attached to the selector lever. The code carrier may include several coding areas each with an encoding. The code carrier can thus be referred to as coding carrier. The encoding of the individual coding areas can be read by using the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shift lock-out device is used with a gearbox containing one or more gears and a clutch mechanism that is operable to selectively engage the one or more gears to provide first and second gear ratios. The shift lock-out device includes a housing having an inlet port that communicates with a source of pressurized fluid and an outlet port that communicates with the clutch mechanism. A valve element is supported within the housing for movement between an opened position, wherein fluid communication is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port, and a closed position, wherein fluid communication is prevented from the inlet port and an outlet port. A pilot control valve selectively permits and prevents the application of pressurized fluid from a pilot fluid source against the valve element to selectively move the valve element between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: Under an abnormal determination, when a transmission gear stage is switched, a torque limit value is changed from a value before switching of the transmission gear stage to a value after switching thereof in a period in which this transmission gear stage is switched.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a shared link (121) arranged to pivot about a first axis (131) relative to a reference structure, a controlled element (125) arranged to pivot about a second axis (126) relative to the reference structure, a first member (146, 152) arranged to pivot about a third axis (134) relative to the shard link and a fourth axis (136) relative to the controlled member, a first actuator arranged to control a first variable distance (LI) between the third axis and fourth axis, a second member (147, 153) arranged to pivot about a fifth axis (133) relative to the shared link and a sixth axis (135) relative to the controlled element, a second actuator (141) arranged to control a second variable distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis, the system configured such that a change in the first variable distance causes rotation of the controlled element about the second axis when the second variable distance is constant and vice versa.

Abstract: Hydrostatic transmission and method for decelerating a hydrostatic transmission with a closed hydraulic fluid circuit, in which a hydraulic pump drivable by a drive engine and a hydraulic motor are arranged and connected fluidly to one another through two working lines. Alternately depending on the operational mode and on the conveying direction of the hydraulic pump, one working line is the low pressure line and the other one is the high pressure line. The hydraulic pump as well as the hydraulic motor are adjustable in their respective displacement volumes by means of a control unit. The hydraulic motor comprises a housing in which a hydrostatic drive mechanism having an inlet and an outlet is arranged. In a connecting line connecting the outlet and the inlet a pressure control valve is arranged, which can be flown through in direction to the inlet. The pressure control valve opens if the high pressure present at the outlet exceeds a predetermined pressure limit of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for a working machine having a frame, an engine on the frame, and at least one wheel driven by the hydrostatic transmission is disclosed. The hydrostatic transmission includes a housing, a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump driven by an output shaft from the engine, a hydraulic motor for driving an output shaft connected to the at least one wheel, a first fluid line fillable with hydraulic fluid to be maintained under a first pressure, a second fluid line fillable with hydraulic fluid to be maintained under a second pressure, a first check valve for allowing hydraulic fluid to enter the first fluid line, a second check valve for allowing hydraulic fluid to enter the second fluid line, and an entrained air deflector for preventing hydraulic fluid entrained with air from entering the first check valve and the second check valve.

Abstract: A method is used to control a hydrostatic drive including a drive machine, a hydraulic pump coupled to the drive machine, and a hydraulic motor coupled to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic working circuit. In the method, at least one of multiple manipulated variables of the hydrostatic drive is ascertained and set, in the course of a precontrol, from a specified setpoint value for at least one of the controlled variables, including a pressure in the hydraulic working circuit, a speed of the hydraulic pump, and an output variable of the hydrostatic drive. In the method, the remaining controlled variables and/or manipulated variables are automatically updated.

Abstract: A worm gear assembly may include an input shaft having a first and second screw formed axially thereon, a first torque transfer unit comprising a first worm wheel operatively coupled to the first worm screw, a first radial pinion coaxially affixed to the first worm wheel, and a first axial crown wheel operatively coupled to the first radial pinion, and a second torque transfer unit comprising a second worm wheel operatively coupled to the second worm screw, a second radial pinion coaxially affixed to the second worm wheel, and a second axial crown wheel operatively coupled to the second radial pinion, wherein the first radial pinion is in meshed interface with the second radial pinion, and wherein torque differences between the first axial crown wheel and the second axial crown wheel are transmitted at least in part through said meshed interface.

Abstract: An actuator is applied to a shift by wire automatic transmission that operates in response to an electric signal output in accordance with an operation state of an operation member and that performs switching to a selected shift range, and rotates a control shaft provided in the automatic transmission about an axis line. The actuator includes: a case including an insertion hole through which the control shaft is inserted; a motor generating a driving force; gears contained in the case and transmitting the driving force to the control shaft; and an output shaft disposed coaxially with the insertion hole between the gears and the control shaft in the case, the output shaft allowing the control shaft to be inserted through the output shaft such that the control shaft is movable in a direction of the axis line and is rotatable about the axis line integrally with the output shaft.

Abstract: A lever, or a lever assembly comprising a lever, for actuating a release mechanism of a vehicle, the lever being arranged for translating input force applied to an input of the lever into output force exerted at an output of the lever. The input comprises an input formation for engaging a lever extension for enhancing a mechanical advantage of the lever, and the output comprises an output formation co-operable with a release element of a release mechanism.

Abstract: When an engagement-side clutch taking charge of rotation control in a downshift is the same as a rotation control clutch in the previous gear shift or a clutch of which the engagement has been switched in the previous gear shift, there is a likelihood that clutch hydraulic controllability will decrease and the clutch hydraulic controllability is secured by delaying start of the gear shift. It is possible to execute a gear shift which is a downshift without unnecessary waiting by setting a delay time by which the start of the gear shift is delayed depending on an accelerator depression amount such that the delay time is shorter when the accelerator depression amount is small than when the accelerator depression amount is large.

Abstract: A piston bolt may include an axial opening and at least one reinforcement rib may be arranged on an inner surface of the opening. The at least one reinforcement rib may be helical in conformation or may include a plurality of reinforcement ribs forming a honeycomb pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming wear-resistant layer on the surface of cylinder bores a cylinder drum of a hydrostatic axial piston machine within which a respective piston is moved in a manner subject to intensive wear. The cylinder bores are gas nitrocarburized in two stages to minimize the wear and include a thin uniform connecting layer that has a thickness of 4 to 16 ?m and a comparatively thick underlying diffusion layer.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based thermal gasket for space vehicle applications, and process for making the same, is disclosed. A thermal gasket is created that includes one or more free-standing carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets formed of a CNT composition comprising randomly-oriented CNTs and a thermally-conductive resin material. The thermally-conductive resin material is encased within the one or more free-standing CNT sheets and prevented by the one or more CNT sheets from physical contact with an outer side of the thermal gasket.

Abstract: A lubrication conducting element has first and second side parts, each of which creates a sealing lip. The first side part extends to the intermediate part and the second side part extends to the intermediate part. The first and second side parts and the intermediate part form a first cavity with a first opening. Third and fourth side parts each creates a sealing lip. The third side part extends to the intermediate part and the fourth side part extends to the intermediate part. The third and fourth side parts and the intermediate part form a second cavity with a second opening. A hole in the intermediate part facilitates lubrication flow between the first and second cavities. The side parts, the sealing lips, the intermediate part, the cavities and the openings extend rotationally symmetric around a common symmetric axis.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first circumferential member and a second circumferential member. The first circumferential member includes an end portion that defines a recess and includes a first seal surface. The second circumferential member includes an end portion that includes a second seal surface. The end portion of the second circumferential member is configured to be at least partially disposed in the recess of the first circumferential member to collectively form at least a portion of a circumferential assembly of a gas turbine. The first seal surface of the first circumferential member is forms a first seal with a seal member and the second seal surface of the second circumferential member is forms a second seal with the seal member when the end portion of the second circumferential member is disposed in the recess of the first circumferential member.

Abstract: The fluid machine includes a stationary member (6), a rotary member (5) and a labyrinth seal (9) including a succession of stationary steps (11) formed on the stationary member (6), and a succession of rotary steps (14) formed on the rotary member (5). The labyrinth seal (9) further includes a plurality of stationary recesses (18) each formed in a radial wall portion (12) of a respective stationary step (11), and a plurality of rotary recesses (21) each formed in a radial wall portion (16) of a respective rotary step (14). Each stationary step (11) defines a stationary projection (19) delimited by the stationary recess (18) formed on said stationary step (11), and each rotary step (14) defines a rotary projection (22) delimited by the rotary recess (21) formed on said rotary step (14). The axial width (Wr) of each of the stationary recesses (18) and of the rotary recesses (21) substantially equals the axial width (Wp) of each of the stationary projections (19) and of the rotary projections (22).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sealing system particularly for industrial safety valves, even more particularly for industrial gate valves. Hence, the subject of the present invention is both a sealing system (1) suited to be used on a gate valve and a gate valve comprising such a sealing system (1). The system according to the present invention allows to combine the advantages in terms of simplicity and cost-effectiveness for manufacturing gate valves provided with a traditional sealing system, with further advantages in terms of performance both at high and at low operating pressures and reducing the torques required to handle the slab, also ensuring the operation of the valve itself with unaltered sealing performance over time, even under particular and demanding operating conditions.

Abstract: A three-way flap valve (4) includes an inlet (1), a first outlet (2), a second outlet (3), and a valve flap (5). The valve flap (5) can be moved between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position of the valve flap (5), fluid flowing in through the inlet (1) is directed to the first outlet (2). In the second position of the valve flap (5), fluid flowing in through the inlet (1) is directed to the second outlet (3). A surface (51) of the valve flap (5) circumscribed by an outer edge (53) includes at least a first surface section (A1), where the surface of the valve flap (5) has a curvature.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a body, a stem, a moveable disc, a stationary disc, and a valve seal. The stem is rotatably coupled to the body, and is configured to freely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative to the body. The moveable disc is coupled to the stem, and is configured to rotate with the stem. The stationary disc is coupled to the body below the moveable disc. The valve seal is coupled to the body below the stationary disc, and is reversible such that the valve seal is configured to be coupled to the body in at least two different orientations.

Abstract: In flexible package, a one-way valve may include a substrate forming a portion of the flexible package and having at least one inlet score, a top sheet having at least one outlet score and secured thereto by an adhesive to define a valve chamber in which the substrate and the top sheet are not permanently adhered to each other, and a liquid film within the valve chamber and adhering the top sheet to the substrate within the valve chamber until a pressure differential exists causing gases to pass through the one-way valve. The inlet scores and the outlet scores may be non-linear, or may be linear scores that are not parallel to each other to prevent the scores from collapsing on themselves and preventing gas flow when the package buckles.

Abstract: A vehicle tank pressurization device has a valve seat establishing an opening for fuel vapors and/or air; such opening has a vertical axis coincident with the direction of application of an opening force, that is directed upwards and is produced, in use, by the pressure in an internal upper region of the tank; the device also has a movable shutter, placed on the valve seat, to open/close the valve seat, and having a weight set by design in such a way as to define the magnitude of a closing force directed downwards and with a center of gravity positioned eccentrically with respect to the vertical axis of the opening.

Abstract: A valve stem and valve core assembly and a valve including a valve stem and valve core assembly. The valve stem and valve core assembly includes a valve stem and a valve core that sleeves the valve stem. The assembly includes an adjusting device arranged on the valve stem, and an elastic element arranged between the adjusting device and the valve core. A clearance exists between the valve core, the valve stem, and the adjusting device, so that the valve core can move relative to the valve stem, such that the valve can have a good closing performance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body of a fluid control apparatus using additive manufacturing, the method including forming an inner wall having an outside surface and an inside surface, an area surrounding an inlet, an area surrounding an outlet, and an area surrounding a fluid flow path, wherein the inner wall provides a fluid boundary and connects the inlet and the outlet. The method further including forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a valve seat, forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a control stem and a control element, and forming a lattice structure by depositing a solidifiable material onto the inner wall in a predetermined pattern, wherein the lattice structure is three-dimensional and includes a plurality of connected lattice members.

Abstract: A valve guard for a valve assembly associated with a machine includes a first portion and a second portion disposed adjacent to the first portion. Each of the first and second portions includes a plurality of tabs. Further, at least one tab of the plurality of tabs is adapted to be removed from the first and second portions based on a configuration of the valve assembly. The removal of the at least one tab from the first and second portions provides at least one passage for connecting at least one fluid line with the valve assembly.

Abstract: A servo valve including a piezo-electric actuator, a flexible linkage, and control valves. The piezo-electric actuator is actuatable along a piezo stack axis. The flexible linkage is coupled to the piezo-electric actuator at opposite axial ends of the actuator. Control valves are disposed at laterally opposite sides of the piezo stack axis and include respective valve stems coupled to the flexible linkage. The flexible linkage may be configured to transfer motion of the piezo-electric actuator along the piezo stack axis to a motion of the valve stems along an amplification axis that is transverse to the piezo stack axis to open and close the control valves.

Abstract: A valve diaphragm processed by cold working a small concentric region of one surface has a permanent axisymmetric deformation. The deformed diaphragm can be used in a manner which causes continual elastic compression loading of the diaphragm material. The loading of the deformed diaphragm provides a valve restoring spring force and simultaneously defeats diaphragm tendency toward exhibiting hysteresis. The restoring force provided by the diaphragm can also lessen actuator hysteresis.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for inductively heating at least one fuel injection valve includes a power-transistor full-bridge circuit which acts as a driver for operating a series resonant circuit at an alternating voltage at or near the resonant frequency. The series resonant circuit includes a heater coil on which the resulting voltage can be significantly higher than the supply voltage. The power that can be fed to the heater coil can be modified or controlled by changing the frequency or the duty factor of the control signals of the switching elements of the bridge circuit. A fuel injection valve and methods for operating the circuit configuration are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid processing device (10) for processing fluid, wherein the fluid processing device (10) comprises a first fluid drive unit (20) configured for driving a first fluid along a first flow path (85), a second fluid drive unit (20?) configured for driving a second fluid along a second flow path (86), and a fluidic switch (90) fluidically coupled to the first flow path (85) and to the second flow path (86) and configured for being switchable for transferring first fluid from the first flow path (85) into the second flow path (86) without interruption of fluid flow along at least one of the first flow path (85) and the second flow path (86).

Abstract: A field joint transfer system for transferring a hot field joint along a curved path between a tensioner and a stinger during deployment of a pipeline from a pipelay vessel. The system comprises a plurality of adjustable pipe support units defining a curved path between the tensioner and the stinger, wherein one or more of the pipe support units can be moved out of engagement with the pipeline to allow the hot fieldjoint to pass the respective pipe support unit without contact, while maintaining support for the pipeline along the curved path. A mobile pipe support may be provided on an overhead gantry to follow the pipe as it passes along the curved path.