Abstract: A modular lifting system, including an enclosable lifting device support structure. The enclosable lifting device support structure includes a deployable top, a plurality of lateral sides, a base coupled to the plurality of lateral sides, and a plurality of extension arms. The deployable top is configured to support a lifting device on a first side of the deployable top. The plurality of extension arms are configured to extend and support the deployable top when the deployable top is deployed.

Abstract: A hoisting device can be small-sized and energy can be saved. A hoisting device 10 according to the present invention has a hoist 30 and a control unit 32. The hoist 30 rotates a drum 12 having a wire 14 wound thereon by an oil pressure motor 42 rotatable in normal and reverse directions. To the oil pressure motor 42, operating oil is supplied from an oil pressure pump 44. The oil pressure pump 44 is a two-way discharge fixed capacity type, and rotated by a servomotor 46. An acceleration/displacement transducer 34 in the control unit 32 finds a moving direction and a moving speed of a wire hanging point in the vertical direction from an output signal of an acceleration sensor 24.

Abstract: A hoisting device can be small-sized and energy can be saved. A hoisting device 10 according to the present invention has a hoist 30 and a control unit 32. The hoist 30 rotates a drum 12 having a wire 14 wound thereon by an oil pressure motor 42 rotatable in normal and reverse directions. To the oil pressure motor 42, operating oil is supplied from an oil pressure pump 44. The oil pressure pump 44 is a two-way discharge fixed capacity type, and rotated by a servomotor 46. An acceleration/displacement transducer 34 in the control unit 32 finds a moving direction and a moving speed of a wire hanging point in the vertical direction from an output signal of an acceleration sensor 24.

Abstract: The embodied hoisting mechanism has a hoisting cable, a hoisting-cable drive, a frame and a jib that can be topped. Hoisting-cable drive means form a path for the hoisting cable. A displaceable hoisting-cable guide is used with the hoisting cable so that the displacement of the displaceable hoisting-cable guide changes the length of the path. The displaceable hoisting-cable guide has an associated first hydraulic component with a first chamber that can be connected to a second hydraulic component with a second chamber of variable volume. A pressure source is coupled to the second hydraulic component in order to maintain a substantially constant hydraulic pressure in the second chamber. A pressure-limiting valve assembly, which is partially actuated by a topping-means loading sensor, is incorporated in the connection.

Abstract: The inventive control system, as typically embodied, includes sensing mechanisms, a computational processing unit, and an algorithm for processing inputs and generating outputs to control a rotating pedestal crane equipped with a Rider Block Tagline System (RBTS). Typical inventive embodiments uniquely feature a processing algorithm that distributes various control modes that operate not only through the crane's hoisting, luffing, and slewing mechanisms but also through the crane's RBTS; the inventive algorithm thereby effectuates motion compensation and pendulation damping with respect to the crane. This algorithmic allocation of control represents a more efficient crane anti-pendulation methodology than conventional methodologies; in particular, the inventive methodology exerts significantly greater control of the payload while exacting significantly less burden upon the hoisting, luffing, and slewing mechanisms of the crane.

Abstract: A system and method to measure positioning with respect to deploying a subsea load, the system comprising a subsea metering head having a position sensor; a controllable winch operatively connected to the winch flexible cable; and a controller operatively in communication with the controllable winch and the position sensor. The controller is capable of controlling the controllable winch in response to a received position feedback sensor signal. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention is a hoisting device for a vessel a base structure provided with fixed cable blocks with pulleys; a trolley connected to a cable pulley block and a mechanism for gripping a load; a compensator a hoisting mechanism with a hoisting cable and a winch, wherein the hoisting cable is guided over the cable pulleys connected to the base structure and is adapted to move the trolley relative to the base structure with the aid of the winch; a secondary compensator with fixed cable blocks and pulleys connected to the base; a cable pulley set connected to the compensator end; a connection cable connected to a stationary section and a movable cable block with pulleys; a hoist connected to the vessel; a connecting cable guided over pulleys; and movable cable block and is adapted to move the compensator second end with the aid of the secondary hoisting mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a hoisting device for a vessel with a mast in the form of a tube or sleeve with fixed cable blocks on the top side, a trolley with moveable pulleys, a feature on the bottom side for gripping a load, a hoisting system with at least a hoisting cable and a winch, wherein the hoisting cable is guided over the cable blocks and pulleys of both the mast and the trolley in order to move the trolley relative to the mast with the aid of the hoisting system, and a compensator located in the mast in the form of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder for damping movements of the vessel as a result of heave and beating of the waves characterized in that the hoisting cable is guided over cable pulleys that are connected to the ends of the compensator.

Abstract: A winch for use in a heave compensation system has a winch drum (42) driven by an AC asynchronous motor (50) via a gearbox (52). The motor (50) is controlled by a variable speed control (58) as a function of heave speed. The motor (50) and its drive train, and the winch (42), are chosen to have low inertia. The winch pays out and reels in to compensate for heave substantially instantaneously, without the need for prediction of wave patterns.

Abstract: A computer controlled heave compensation wireline logging winch system and method of use that compensates for the effects of wave motion on floating installations performing wireline logging measurements. A wireline winch and wireline cable with a logging measurement tool attached is installed on a floating installation. Vessel vertical movement is measured and is physically compensated for by a change in speed of the wireline cable so that the logging data is obtained at a controlled speed. Any error in this physical compensation is detected by a depth measurement system and is used to adjust the true depth at which the logging tool measurements are being recorded.

Abstract: A process for mounting a funicular element in a shed forming device of a weaving loom of a Jacquard type wherein at least one end of the funicular element is fixed on a pulley adapted to receive the funicular element and which pulley is driven in rotation by an electrical rotary actuator. A device is provided for removably connecting the funicular element to the actuator.

Abstract: A heave compensator for a drill ship with a derrick and hoist system with a dead line provides a line reservoir on the dead line. The dead line is reciprocated to move the hook load relative to the vessel to control it relative to the sea bed. The line reservoir is expanded or contracted by changes in ballast pressure to counterbalance the hook load. To compensate for heave and friction in the hoist system a pressure source is provided to augment the ballast pressure for hook load and position control. Sensors and controls are provided to anticipate and compensate for oncoming heave excursions. The dead line being flexible permits latitude in selecting and orienting the compensator machinery. As an option, the vertical movement sensor is placed on the hook related structure for more responsiveness to hook load movements.

Abstract: The hydraulic system is used to drive a hydraulic motor for operation in a quartering direction for lowering of cargo as well as for operating the drive motor in a lifting direction. The hydraulic system employs an oil-gas accumulator which accumulates pressure oil during a quartering mode of operation of the drive motor. During a subsequent lifting mode of operation of the drive motor, stored pressure oil is used for the operation of the drive motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transfer of loads from a vessel that moves with heavy seas to a stationary or mobile installation by the use of at least one lifting cable and at least one hoisting mechanism, where the load, in a starting position, stands on a rack on the vessel. The load transfer takes place at an instant when the load has only insignificant kinetic energy, as the gripping mechanism is activated in a controlled manner at the instant to lock the load to the lifting cable. At the same instant the rack collapses and immediately establishes a distance between the load and the vessel, thereby suspending the load on the lifting cable.

Abstract: A method and device for withdrawing an element fastened to a mobile installation from the influence of the movements of this installation. The device comprises at least one actuating cylinder, at least one accumulator and several pulleys, are determined so that the mechanical and hydro-pneumatic forces are substantially equal.

Abstract: A motion compensation and tension control system (MCATS) for a surface vessel overboarding, umbilical cable supported, submersible payload is provided with a housing containing a pair of spaced parallel guide rods attached to oppositely disposed housing end plates. Two identical carriages, slidably disposed on the pair of guide rods, each include two parallel slide tubes rigidly attached by a cross plate and by an axle, with a plurality of sheaves rotatably supported by each axle. Motion of each carriage as a rigid body along the guide rods is elastically restrained by, either extension or compression springs. The surface vessel umbilical cable is received through an opening in one of the end plates, reeved around the two sets of sheaves, and mechanically connected to the other end plate. Wave induced surface vessel motion is transmitted through the umbilical cable and absorbed, or compensated for, by the spring restrained carriage motion before it reaches the submersible payload.

Abstract: Vibrations in borehole equipment are controlled by defining the energy flow through the equipment as the product of an "across" variable and a "through" variable, wherein fluctuations in one variable are measured and the energy flow is controlled by adjusting the other variable in response to the measured fluctuations in said one variable. Suitable variables for defining the energy flow are voltage times current of an electrical drive, pressure times flow rate of a hydraulic drive, or torque times angular velocity of any rotary drive.

Abstract: A hoisting device comprises a cable controlled at one end by a conventional crane winch assembly and at the other end by a traction winch assembly comprising traction device and storage winch. The hook is raised and lowered using the crane winch assembly and/or traction winch assembly depending upon whether the operation requires critical control or long haul travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in marine cranes.An additional controllable variable lifting capability is operably connected to the load line of a marine crane, which may be motion compensated, to provide a safe initial lift of the cargo from a supply vessel. The additional lifting capability may be used alone or in concert with the drawworks to make the initial portion of the cargo lift.A variation of the improvement may be used in mooring of vessels adjacent a marine installation.

Abstract: A constant tension hoisting system is provided for raising and lowering an object between a platform and a surface undergoing vertical motion relative to the platform, such as raising and lowering a lifeboat from a seagoing vessel to the sea in rough weather. The system operates in a normal hoisting mode to raise or lower the object, and in a constant tension mode when the object is supported on the surface. The system is changed from the normal hoisting mode to the constant tension mode at the moment when the object being lowered is first supported by the surface, and a slack condition exists in the cable. The changeover from the normal hoisting mode to the constant tension mode, is performed by a solenoid-operated mode selector responsive to a proximity switch operated by a lever arm engaging the cable. The hoisting system is operated by a single, manually-actuated control lever, which mechanically activates the proximity-type control switches.

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: A crane is provided which comprises a hoisting mechanism, which comprises a hoisting rope and a hoisting rope winch. A winch drive for the hoisting rope or a torque-limiting coupling connected between said winch drive and said winch is so controlled that in a period of time which preferably exceeds one second to the rope-pulling force exerted on the hoisting rope is increased in steps or continuously to a value which corresponds to the weight of the load or is sufficient to hoist the load, and that the winch is adapted to be rotated in a payout sense by opposing forces which tend to pull the hoisting rope from the winch and which exceed the instantaneous rope-pulling force.

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. In one embodiment, the pulleys are carried by a carriage which is carried by the fluid pressure assemblies.

Abstract: A payload can be transferred between two relatively movable stations for example two ships using a winch system having an inhaul winch and an outhaul winch. The barrel of the outhaul winch is driven by an outhaul motor through a torque convertor such that the outhaul winch provides pull on the trolley 16 regardless of the sense of rotation of the outhaul winch barrel. A control system is used to control the speed of the inhaul winch barrel either to retrieve cable or to pay out cable. Thus, the speed of the trolley 16 is controlled by the speed at which the inhaul winch barrel is driven. The outhaul winch either can be at the same station as the inhaul winch or can be at the opposite station to the inhaul winch.

Abstract: A transport system (10) for transporting a litter carrier (40) from one location onboard a first ship to a second location onboard another ship includes a retractable boom (12) having a stationary member (16) and a telescoping member (18) slidably engaged therein. Boom (12) also includes a hoist unit (28) which is operatively connected through a hoist cable (34) to carrier (40) to cause movement thereof. Carrier (40) includes acoustic rangefinders (50) and contact detectors (52) which are electrically coupled to a control circuit (60) located onboard one of the vessels through internal electrical conductors in hoist cable (34). Rangefinders (50) generate signals indicative of the distance between carrier (40) and a selected one of the ships. Contact detectors (52) provide signals which indicate whether carrier (40) is in transit or has landed onto a ship.

Abstract: The nacelle (3) is characterized in that it includes at least one cable (6) having a top end that leaves the nacelle upwardly and a bottom end that leaves the nacelle downwardly, and a mechanism (11) enabling the nacelle to move up and down the cable when the top end of the cable is hooked to a hook unit (4). A mechanism enables the top portion of the cable to be subjected to a tension greater than the weight of the nacelle while the bottom portion (7) of the cable is fixed to an anchor point, said tensioning mechanism serving to vary the distance between the nacelle (3) and said hook unit at the top end of the cable. Further, mechanism (12, 14) acts on command, on said tensioning mechanism in such a manner as to prevent the distance between the nacelle (3) and the hook unit (4) at the top end of the cable from shortening while not preventing it from lengthening.

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 motion compensating device that is installed on a lift line between a crane and an object to be lifted. The device limits dynamic loads on the line by taking up and letting out line by preventing the lift line from going slack and by lengthening acceleration time. The device consists of a hydraulic system and sheave mechanical system arranged in combination together with a balancing system for a given load range. The device is balanced for a given load range to provide a full range of compensation while hanging free. Balance is provided by offsetting a load line a calculated distance Y from a vertical line drawn through a lift point. This offset compensates for turning moments of the apparatus.

Abstract: A wave motion compensator for a marine winch, in which the tension on the winch rope is maintained substantially constant while the load on the rope moves relative to the winch. This constant tension is maintained by controlling the winch drive motor so that the movement of the winch rope matches the movement of the load without substantial lag. The control is provided by a computer which repeatedly monitors the movement of the winch rope and, by comparing this input data and standard sea state data, predicts the relative movement of the load and the winch at a time in advance of the time the prediction is made at least as long as the lag time of the winch system. The computer then issues appropriate commands to the winch drive motor controller. In marine applications involving the lifting or lowering of loads, the computer is also used to determine the optimum time for initiating lifting and completing lowering of the load, and to automatically perform these operations.

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 heave motion compensation appartus is used to move a load from a supply ship in heavy seas to a platform on an oil rig. A main load line extending down from a point of a crane boom mounted on the oil rig is driven by a pair of hydraulic main hoist drum motors. One of the motors is a variable displacement swash-plate type motor. The motors are driven through a hydrostatic transmission by a pair of variable displacement hydraulic pumps. A signal line running over the boom point is attached to the supply vessel and maintained taut. Sensor and control means reading movement of the signal line with respect to the first platform is used to control the displacement of one of the main hoist pumps to cause an outer end of the main hoist line to move up and down with the supply vessel. The other pump is controlled to raise and lower the outer end of the main load line. The main load line is attached to the load.

Abstract: A system to effect the exchange of containers by a floating crane between vessels changing draft respective the loading change of each. A means facilitates the spotting of the crane hoisting apparatus which includes an automatic locking arrangement engaging a container to the hoisting apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier adapted to move between a movable vessel, such as a boat, and a stationary platform. The carrier has an extendable and retractable intermediate uphaul line adapted to be connected to a crane on the platform. It also has a downhaul line connected between the carrier and the vessel. When the carrier is being lifted from the vessel, the downhaul line is payed out at a controlled rate with the uphaul line extending and retracting to keep the carrier out of contact with the vessel which may be rising or falling due to wave action of the water. At a predetermined elevation, the tension in the downhaul line is decreased so that the uphaul line retracts to move the carrier out of the area of possible contact with the vessel. The reverse operation is followed to move the carrier from the platform to the vessel.

Abstract: A control system for stabilizing a body suspended by a flexible line from a structure such as a ship, which is subject to uncontrolled oscillating movements, such as may be caused by wave motion, incorporates a winch (3) to which the line is attached, a pulley (4) over which the line (2) passes and from which the body is suspended, and a loop in the line between the winch and pulley, an accelerometer (28) being located adjacent the pulley, and the length of the loop being altered in controlled response to a stabilizing signal formed by combining signals derived from the accelerometer, and from the measured amplitude of oscillations of the loop length, and modified by a compensating signal to compensate for the effect of friction in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removal and deposition of loads between two supports in repeated relative vertical movement. The device consists essentially of a crane close to the high point of the support on which said load rests in its rising movement for lifting the load. To do this, the lifting device suspended from the hook of the lifting crane comprises a structure supporting a winch, a detection device for the winding in or out of the cable wound by said winch and brakes adapted to block the paying out of said cable when its winding ceases momentarily, that is to say when the speed of lifting of the crane is equal to the decreasing speed of heaving of the support. The device is applicable to the unloading of ships supplying off-shore platforms.