Abstract: A motion compensation system is provided for controlling relative movements between a floating vessel and an elongate element, where the elongate element is suspended by the vessel at a first end and extends into a body of water below the floating vessel. An active motion compensator is connected to the elongate element first end via an element arranged in an upper region of an erect support structure and a passive motion compensator is connected to the elongate element first end via the element. The motion compensators are structurally and operationally separate and independent units and are configured for separate and mutually independent operation.

Abstract: A motorized drive system and method for articulating an articulated joint having a motor and an elastic cable. The elastic cable is operatively connected to both the motor and the articulated joint such that the motor articulates the joint via the elastic cable. In addition, the elastic cable is adapted to be sufficiently elastic such that the motorized drive system is configured to use one motor for each degree of freedom through which the articulated joint moves.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly having a drive pulley, a tension pulley and a tension adjustment system is provided. The drive pulley has a first drive pulley channel and a second drive pulley channel. The tension pulley has a first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel. The second tension pulley channel is aligned with the first drive pulley channel. The first drive pulley channel and the second drive pulley channel of the drive pulley and the first tension pulley channel and a second tension pulley channel of the tension pulley are configured and arranged to engage and route an endless looped member. The tension adjustment system is coupled to adjust the distance between the drive pulley and the tension pulley to adjust the tension in the endless looped member in relation to the drive pulley.

Abstract: A rope guide that includes an arm, a rope-contacting element, and a spring damper. The rope guide is pivotably coupled to the boom of a mining shovel. The combination of the arm, spring damper, and rope-contacting element maintains a nominal tension in the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood of wear and fatigue on the rope.

Abstract: A machine includes a base, a main housing that is freely rotatable and supported on the base. The main housing includes a generally horizontal surface. The machine also includes a drum mounted on said main housing, a boom extending from said main housing, a bucket operatively connected to and supported by the boom, a wire rope extending between the drum and the bucket for movement of the bucket, a fairlead disposed on the main housing along a path of the wire rope. The wire rope passes through the fairlead between the drum and the bucket. A dynamic dampening mechanism is disposed on the fairlead, the dynamic dampening mechanism including a dampening fluid having a variable viscosity in response to an electrical current applied thereto.

Abstract: A line guiding structure comprises a round guiding shaft, a fixing unit, an elastic element, a linear bearing and a wheel set. The round guiding shaft comprises a fixing and an open end. The fixing unit is used for fixing the round guiding shaft and comprises a fixing base and a bearing. The fixing base is disposed on mechanical equipment, and the bearing is disposed in the fixing base. The elastic element is sleeved on the round guiding shaft and comprises a first end and a second end. The linear bearing is sleeved on the round guiding shaft. A connecting piece is disposed on the linear bearing. The wheel set comprises a fixing plate, a supporting frame and two pulleys. The fixing plate is connected on the connecting piece. A slide hole is formed between two opposite pulley surfaces of the two pulleys for a line to pass through.

Abstract: An exemplary vibration isolation assembly for use with elevators includes a first rigid member having an outer wall at least partially surrounding a central opening. A second rigid member is at least partially received within the central opening of the first rigid member. A resilient layer between the first and second members substantially isolates the first member from vibrations of the second member.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a frame adapted to mount to a pipe handling system that includes a hanger adapted to guide a load coupled to a cable towards a wellhead, where the load exerts at least a portion of a tensile force on the cable; and a winch including a drum and a brake. The brake is adapted to control rotational motion of the drum to spool a portion of the cable over the drum and set the drum to substantially prevent rotational motion of the drum. The well servicing system also includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder coupled to a sheave. The piston is adapted to stroke into or out of the cylinder when the tensile force exceeds a desired load when the drum is set to substantially prevent rotational motion to spool the cable from the drum.

Abstract: A rope guide that includes an arm, a rope-contacting element, and a spring damper. The rope guide is pivotably coupled to the boom of a mining shovel. The combination of the arm, spring damper, and rope-contacting element maintains a nominal tension in the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood of wear and fatigue on the rope.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A cable guiding device includes a base, upper and lower guide members disposed along a longitudinal direction, in which two ends of the upper guide member are mounted on the base and two ends of the lower guide member are mounted on the base. A slider defining a central cavity is penetrated therethrough in a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Upper and lower movable members are fitted slidably over the upper and lower guide members respectively, in which two ends of the upper movable member are mounted on two longitudinal side walls of the slider, and two ends of the lower movable member are mounted on two longitudinal side walls of the slider respectively. Upper and lower guiding rollers are fitted rotatably over the upper and lower movable members and disposed within the central cavity respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission mechanism for a drive system, having at least one tensioning device and acting in two directions. For force transmission, the tractive device runs between a drive roll and an output roll, which are carried by a frame. A spring coupling is connected in the force transmission section between the drive roll and the output roll and has a nonlinear force-distance characteristic curve.

Abstract: A high load lightweight block assembly (1) with a reduced mass hollow central shaft (2) through which a continuous or discontinuous rope loop (10) can be passed, which rope loop (10) carries the tensile operating loads within the block (1) thereby minimizing the weight of the assembly.

Abstract: A safety device for a fall arrest system comprises: a body, attachment means for attaching the safety device to a support structure, a drum mounted for rotation relative to the body, a safety line wound on the drum, a speed sensitive clutch connected to the drum, and a linear energy absorber connecting the body to the attachment means, in which the speed sensitive clutch is adapted to respond to rotation of the drum relative to the body in a direction tending to unwind the safety line from the drum and above a predetermined speed by locking the drum against further rotation in said direction relative to the body, and the linear energy absorber is adapted to respond, when the speed sensitive clutch has locked the drum, to an applied load along the safety line greater than a threshold value by deploying and absorbing energy so that the attachment means moves away from the body.

Abstract: A line tensioning system for regulating tension on a line having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is operatively connected to a drum. The line tensioning system comprises a frame, a first and second sets of rollers, and first and second sets of displacement assemblies. The frame defines first and second side edges. Each first and second displacement assembly is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second rollers relative to the first and second side edges of the frame, respectively. The line is arranged such that the line contacts the first and second rollers. The first and second displacement assemblies displace the first and second rollers relative to the first and second edges based on a tension on the line.

Abstract: A holding device is designed to compensate for the weight of a tool using a non-vertical length of an elastic rope. The elastic rope may be redirected using a pulley mounted to a carrier that is mounted to a support structure. The user is able to use the tool without supporting the entire weight of the tool during use.

Abstract: A wire rope equalizer system for a conventional double reeved hoist mechanism using wire rope is disclosed. The wire rope equalizer system includes a base member that is secured to the hoist mechanism for selective rotation and a pivoting lever that is pivotally connected to the base member. The pivoting member includes mounting extensions each having a mounting aperture therethrough that receives a ball shank that is secured to a distal end of the wire rope. Each mounting aperture has a grooved section that cooperates with the rounded end of the ball shank to permit rotational movement of the wire rope in a no load condition. Each mounting aperture further includes a conical section that flares outwardly in a lateral direction to permit selective lateral movement of the wire rope to counteract wire rope twist in a no load condition. An alternative embodiment for a single reeving hoist mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser-tensioner for exerting a tensile force from a drilling vessel or drilling platform upon a riser, comprising a riser ring which is for fastening attachably to the top end of the riser, and one or more cables extending by way of cable pulleys from said vessel or platform to said riser ring, in which said cable pulleys are under such influence or tensioning means that a tensioning force can be applied to the cable, the riser ring being provided with riser ring sheaves and the cables being guided in an outgoing reeving from the vessel or the platform to said riser ring sheaves, and being guided back by way of said riser ring sheaves in a return reeving to said vessel or platform.

Abstract: A riser tensioner system 10 includes a pair of supports 14, 16 affixed to an offshore platform in spaced apart relation to one another. A shaft 24 extends between the supports 14, 16 and is pivotally coupled thereto by an elastomeric bearing 26. A central support 22 is pivotally coupled to the shaft 24 at about the midpoint between the supports 14, 16 and fixedly coupled to coil springs 30 or elastomeric springs 100 coaxially arranged about the shaft 24 and extending between the central support 22 and each of the supports 14, 16. The central support 22 is also coupled to a riser 12 so that relative movement between the offshore platform and the riser 12 causes the central support 22 to pivot on the shaft 24 and wind or unwind the coil springs 30 or elastomeric springs 100 for relative upward and downward movement thereof. A pretensioner mechanism 42 increases the force exerted by the springs 30 or elastomeric springs 100 to increase the upward force applied to the riser 12.

Abstract: A system which limits the intensity of a snap load imposed in a tether or cable, used, for example, in the recovery of an object at sea, includes a floating plate for connection to the cable and a support housing for connection to the object being recovered. The system also includes an actuatable mechanism extending between and connected to the plate and housing. The actuatable mechanism is movable from an initial position toward a deflected position in response to the introduction of a snap load in the cable caused by the occurrence of the sudden removal of a slack condition in the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the load handling capacity of a system, having at least one fluid driven compensating means, incorporates a booster fluid actuated piston cylinder assembly interconnecting portions of the compensating system so as to substantially affect the force reacting characteristics thereof, whereby greater loads will produce lesser movement of the compensating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for maintaining a crown block with respect to a fall block of a hoist assembly. A tube on each side of the crown block can retain a rod on each side of the fall block. A hydraulic unit on the free end of the tube has a ram that pushes the rod partially out of the tube, when the crown block and fall block are being held together by a hoist cable.

Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, at a location between a winch and the fairlead that guides the rope. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid communication with a fluid pressure system includes parallel flow paths connected to the system. A first flow path includes first valve apparatus for selectively closing the flow path. The second flow path includes relief valve apparatus responsive to fluid pressure in the second flow path to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Switching apparatus, including sensors for detecting the condition of the system, operate to close the first valve apparatus in response to pre-determined threshold values of such condition. Fluid communication from the system may thereafter occur along the second flow path at the relief valve apparatus opens in response to pressure buildup in the flow path. A third flow path, parallel to the first two flow paths, may be provided with throttling apparatus for controlled communication of fluid along such third flow path.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining an associated chain or leash and an associated generally horizontally cable which includes a pulley and a generally U-shaped frame having two leg shaped members extending in generally parallel spaced relationship with the free ends thereof being closely about the sides of the pulley. All of the other axial portions of the legs are spaced further apart than the free ends. An eye bolt has a generally circular head and a shaft which extends through the U-shaped frame. The shaft has a first spring seat fixed to the end of the shaft remote from the circular end. The shaft is disposed in generally parallel relationship to the first and second legs of the frame. A second spring seat is mounted on the surface of the U-shaped frame intermediate the first and second legs. A coil shaped compression spring extends intermediate the first and second spring seats and limits relative motion between the eye bolt and the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing tongs is comprised of a pair of fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies. The rod of each assembly carries a first pair of rotatably mounted pulley wheels, and a second pair of pulley wheels is mounted on the assembly in spaced relationship to the first set of pulley wheels. A cable is journalled around the pulley wheels, suspended over an elevated pulley and attached to a hydraulic tong for counterbalancing, lifting and lowering the tong. A bleed line permits fluid to escape from the cylinder as the hydraulic tong moves downwardly with a workpiece.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic cable tensioner is comprised of an enclosed cylinder featuring a plurality of annular chambers. A fixed cable sheave is mounted to one end of the cylinder. A movable cable sheave is mounted to a piston rod connected to a piston which reciprocates in a piston bore chamber of the cylinder. Regulated compressed gas is connected to the outer accumulator chamber of the cylinder thereby exerting high pressure forces on oil found in the middle or high pressure oil chamber of the cylinder. Pressurized oil forces a piston to move outwardly thereby increasing the distance between the two sheaves and tensioning a cable and containment chamber within the piston rod. Restriction ports between the piston bore chamber and the containment chamber within the piston rod regulate movement of the piston and prevent uncontrolled acceleration should a cable failure occur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compensator applicable for use with a traveling block supported from a mast, derrick or the like by means of a crown block wherein the traveling block may be utilized for supporting objects. Two fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder assemblies are arrayed on opposite sides of a line of travel of the traveling block relative to the crown block so that a flexible line positioned about the sheaves of both blocks passes over a pulley supported by one fluid pressure assembly to one side of the line of travel and, on the other side, the flexible line passes over a pulley supported by the other fluid pressure assembly. One end of the flexible line may be anchored relative to the mast as a deadline while the line at its other end may be selectively retracted or payed out by a drawworks or the like fixed relative to the mast. The crown block is supported by flexible lines passing over pulleys also supported by the fluid pressure assemblies.

Abstract: A riser tensioning and recoil system for a riser extended between a floating platform and a submerged riser base comprises at least one riser tensioning cable which is operatively connected to the riser and to a collar which is slidably arranged around the riser. To establish a controlled recoil of the riser, stop means are provided that restrict axial movement of the collar relative to the riser after the riser has been lifted from the riser base, thereby enabling the collar to gradually decelerate the vertical movement of the riser.

Abstract: A hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder supports a pair of non-circular discs and a circular pulley about which a hoisting cable and a carrying cable are trained. The discs are configured such that a constant force is exerted on a load supported by the hoisting cable independent of the variation in pressure in the cylinder due to displacement of the piston supporting the discs. The carrying cable comprises two runs; one having one end fixed to one of the discs and the other end fixed to the supporting base, and the other having one end fixed to the other disc and the other end fixed to a pulley block supporting the load. The hoisting cable extends from a winch, over the circular pulley, to the pulley block. The arrangement compensates for relative motion between the load and the supporting base.

Abstract: Motion compensated load-lifting apparatus for use on marine vessels. Apparatus includes a traveling weight used to maintain tension in the load-lifting member, and a locking mechanism to prevent movement of the traveling weight in one direction. The locking mechanism, such as a ratchet and pawl, can be employed to lift the load from the vessel at optimum periods of wave movement. Load direction sensing devices prevent attempted lift of the load as the vessel falls.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic cable tensioner is comprised of an enclosed cylinder featuring a plurality of annular chambers. A fixed cable sheave is mounted to one end of the cylinder. A movable cable sheave is mounted to a piston rod connected to a piston which reciprocates in the innermost or piston bore chamber of the cylinder. Regulated compressed gas is connected to the outer chamber of the cylinder thereby exerting high pressure forces on oil found in the middle or high pressure oil chamber of the cylinder. Pressurized oil forces a piston to move outwardly thereby increasing the distance between the two sheaves and tensioning a cable. Restriction means within the piston bore chamber regulate movement of the piston and prevent uncontrolled acceleration should a cable failure occur.

Abstract: A system for controlling the vertical movement of a drillstring and which is removably interconnected with a conventional drill rig. The system includes at least one fluidic cylinder and piston assembly removably connected at an upper end to a support, such as the rig's traveling block assembly, and at a lower end to the drillstring. A pump is operatively connected to the cylinder and piston assembly and a control valve device is provided to control the flow of the fluid to and from the cylinder and piston assembly. A computing device is in operative communication with a data measurement system and the control valve device and is used to automatically control the movement of the drillstring in response to data, such as WOB, received from the data measurement system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to tensioners for maintaining a load between two relatively movable structures, such as an offshore drill ship or the like and a riser pipe. First and second tensioner bodies are mounted for relative reciprocation, and are further functionally interconnected with the first and second offshore structures respectively. Relative movement of the offshore structures tends to cause corresponding relative reciprocation of the tensioner bodies. A force is applied between the tensioner bodies tending to reciprocate them in a first directional mode and thereby supporting the offshore riser pipe with respect to the offshore support structure. A balancing chamber cooperative between the tensioner bodies communicates with a source of pressurized fluid for resisting reciprocation of the tensioner bodies in the first directional mode, but includes an outlet for egress of the pressurized fluid to permit such reciprocation under controlled conditions.

Abstract: A spring loaded hook having an apparatus which forms a part of the assembly and which can be used by field or manufacturing personnel to disassemble and/or assemble the hook parts for maintenance or repair by a controlled compression and release of the spring.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method for automatically maintaining and adjusting the tension forces in an endless cable for a ski lift, aerial tramway, etc. is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage on which the cable is carried, a pneumatic carriage displacement apparatus in the form of a piston and cylinder, a source of gas under pressure, and a regulator and relief valve connected to establish and maintain a pressure within the cylinder which falls between predetermined minimum and maximum pressures. As the aerial tramway is subject to passenger or cargo loading and ambient conditions which change the tension forces, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder will vary within the preselected range, and upon a change in the tension force beyond the range, gas is automatically exhausted from or interjected into the pneumatic cylinder to maintain tension forces within the preselected range.

Abstract: Anchor winch equipment, for a motor boat, a yacht or a small-sized fishing boat, which ensures easy and simple paying out and hauling in of an anchor and whose power is supplied from a battery or a generator provided in said boat or yacht, is characterized in that when a drive motor built in a drum rotates in the winding direction, a changeover ratchet wheel having a drive pawl at one end transmits rotation to a drum and a feed cam shaft by means of a roller clutch fitted by a screw provided at the outer periphery of main shaft linked with motor shaft, causing the anchor rope to be wound in the same time when said drum begins to rotates, and a feed cam shaft simultaneously rotate to cause said anchor rope to be gradually wound along the surface of said drum, and that in the case of reverse of direction, said changeover ratchet wheel is immediately disengaged by means of said pawl and only said roller clutch moves together with said main shaft, both said drum and said feed cam shaft being disengages from said

Abstract: A tensioner system is disclosed for applying tension to a riser pipe extending between a floating vessel and the sea bottom. The tensioner comprises a guide means fixed onto the floating vessel for restraining guide members from substantial lateral movement relative to the vessel while permitting relative vertical motion of the guide members, means on the vessel for applying vertical tension to the guide members and suitable means for connecting the guide members to the riser such that the vertical tension applied to the guide members is substantially the same as the vertical tension applied to the riser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for displacing a crane lift hook and hook cable to follow the relative vertical motion between a crane and a loading deck such as occurs between floating vessels and a fixed crane. In the method, the hook cable is paid out or reeled in to maintain the hook a substantially constant distance from the deck in order to facilitate loading or unloading of cargo from the hook. The apparatus for achieving the method includes a vertically displaceable sheave over which the lift cable is reeved, a power ram to displace the sheave, and motive means operating the power ram. Preferably, the power ram is subjected to a constant upward pneumatic force to provide at least a portion of the force for displacing the moveable sheave upwardly to reel in the cable, such as in response to an upward heave of the deck relative to the crane.

Abstract: A system for active compensation of undesired relative movement particularly during loading of cargo comprising a long-periodic acting system for compensation of static loading caused by the load and a short-periodic acting system for active compensation of undesired relative movement of the load relative to a reference value. The long-periodic system includes a compensating cylinder provided with two pistons acting in opposite directions, the cylinder being connected to one or more pressure loaded reservoirs operating pneumatically. The short-periodic system includes at least one hydraulic cylinder and the position of the short-periodic system is determined by measurement of acceleration of the end of the loading crane beam by accelerometers.