Abstract: A pipe-laying apparatus and method for laying or raising a pipeline from a vessel. The apparatus includes a first pipe gripping assembly disposed on a pipe laying path along which pipeline passes during laying, a second pipe gripping assembly disposed on the 10 pipe-laying path, and a drive unit for causing relative movement in a direction along the pipe-laying path between the first pipe gripping assembly and the second pipe gripping assembly. The first pipe gripping assembly includes both a pipe gripping arrangement for gripping a pipe during pipe-laying and a cable gripping arrangement for gripping a cable during an operation when a cable is connected to a length of pipeline.

Abstract: A cable pulling machine of the invention includes a frame, a mechanical linkage including first and second links having first and second cable gripping shoes disposed thereon respectively in opposed positions, a latching cylinder actuable to cause the mechanical linkage to pivot on multiple axes to bring the shoes into engagement with a cable disposed therebetween, a main cylinder having one end mounted on the frame and actuable to move the linkage in a manner effective to pull the cable in a pulling stroke once the latching cylinder has brought the shoes into engagement with the cable, and a mechanism for extending and retracting the main and latching cylinders. The machine may also include a mechanism for holding the cable in tension between pulling strokes, such as a pivoting wedge mechanism as described hereafter.

Abstract: A machine (70) for receiving a continuous strip (10) of elongated products (12) mutually attached end to end includes a frame (82) and is arranged for incrementally feeding the strip of products and performing a manufacturing operation therewith. Each two adjacent products (12) are attached at an indentation (14). The machine include a feed mechanism (90) for incrementally feeding the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes first and second feed fingers (216, 218) mutually opposed on opposite sides of a feed track (108). The first and second feed fingers are movable toward the strip of product until in feeding engagement therewith without gripping the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes a drive carriage (94) and a follower carriage (96) arranged for independent sliding movement along the direction of feed and return. The feed track extends through both the drive carriage and follower carriage to guide the strip of product.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a bar or several bars in a vertical pile along a predetermined horizontal path extending through a bending station, where the bars are bent into desired shape. A first conveyor has mounted thereto a first gripper assembly, which releasably grips the bar or bars, for feeding successive requires lengths of the bar or bars to the bending station. Arranged collinearly with the first conveyor, a second conveyor has a second gripper assembly and coacts with the first conveyor for transporting the bar or bars through, and away from, the bending station with the progress of bar bending. The second gripper assembly is further movable up and down on the second conveyor. Upon completion of the bending of the bar or bars, the second gripper assembly grips the bent bar or bars while being lowered, then is raised for lifting the bar or bars out of engagement with the bending mechanism at the bending station, and then is transported by the second conveyor away from the bending station.

Abstract: Device designed to move a section (2) being machined past machining means (9, 10) and in the long direction of the section so that it can be positioned with respect to the machining means, comprising at least one clamp (20) designed to grip the said section at at least one position along its length, means (27) for actuating the said clamp (20) so that it grips or releases the said section, and translation means (12, 13, 18) for moving the said clamp (20) in the lengthwise direction of the section in order to move this section past the said machining means (9, 10).

Abstract: The input shaft of a punch press is rotated at a continuous preselected speed and is drivingly connected by a cam drive mechanism to an output shaft to generate oscillating rotational movement of the output shaft. Upper and lower feed rolls are rotatably supported in a frame in overlying relation to engage stock material extending between the upper and lower rolls. A combination linkage and gear cluster transmits the oscillating rotation movement of the output shaft to one of the feed rolls. The second feed roll is pivotally supported in the frame for movement toward and away from the first feed roll. A coupling drivingly connects the gear cluster to the second feed roll to oscillate the second feed roll through an angle of rotation corresponding to the angle of rotation of the first feed roll and thereby drive both of the feed rolls to intermittently feed a preselected length of the stock material to the press.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus includes an inclined mast, a drive carriage slidably mounted on the mast for rotating a tubular drilling member, and at least two positioning units secured to the mast at spaced positions therealong for positioning tubular drilling members. Each positioning unit has a frame which can be raised a preset distance above the mast and lowered from the preset distance. Grippers adjacent opposite sides of the frame can be raised a preset distance above the frame and lowered from the preset distance. The grippers can be moved towards one another to grip a tubular drilling member therebetween and moved away from one another to release the tubular drilling member. Locators adjacent opposite sides of the frame can be raised to cause the locators to engage and position lower parts of the tubular member, with the tubular member being movable away from the mast out of contact with the locators without moving the locators. The drive carriage is movable along the mast past at least one positioning unit.

Abstract: A bonding head of the type having a bonding tool mounted in the bonding tool holder is provided with a pivotable wire clamp which is movable toward and away from the rear of the bonding tool. The wire clamp is pivotally movable to three distinct positions by a single solenoid. The wire clamp is opened and closed by a second solenoid. The solenoids are mounted on the pivot axis of the bonding tool holder in a manner which substantially prevents the shock force of actuation of the solenoid from being imparted into the bonding tool holder or the bonding tool during a bonding operation.

Abstract: A device comprises a slider mounted fo reciprocations in guides extending along the axis of pulling an article. A mechanism for clamping dies comprises a double-arm level articulated to the slider and to a piston rod of an actuating cylinder having its piston chamber communicating with a passage for a slide valve having a drive means. A lower die is rigidly fixed to the slider and an upper block is secured to the free end of the lever.