Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of holding high top tension pipeline (101) during pipe-lay from a rolling and pitching vessel (730). In one implementation, a clamp system (711, 712) for supporting a pipe on a vessel includes a first clamp for coupling to the pipe and a second clamp for coupling to the pipe. The second clamp is disposed above the first clamp. At least one of the first clamp or the second clamp is movable relative to the other of the first clamp or the second clamp.

Abstract: A method for determining optimal path arrangements for an infrastructure link between two geographic locations, in particular, in uneven terrain. The method includes modelling a geographic terrain containing the two geographic locations; optimizing an arrangement cost and a repair rate for two or more potential paths based on the modelled geographic terrain, an arrangement cost model, and a repair rate model, taking into account at least two design levels, wherein the arrangement cost model incorporates direction-dependent factor and direction-independent factor associated with the path arrangements; and determining the optimal path arrangements each including multiple path portions and respective design levels associated with the path portions based on the optimization.

Abstract: The preferred system utilizes two devices to recover larger diameter hoses and couplings. Each of the devices has a plurality of lifting frame arms having a motor disposed between the lifting frame arms. The motor is operatively connected to the rotational drive roller also connected between the lifting frame arms. A hinge or other attaching arrangement that connects the lifting frame arms to mounts allows for lowering the lifting frame arms into a first position and lifting the lifting frame arms into a second position higher the lower rollers. A hydraulic lift cylinder can be utilized to raise and lower the lifting frame arms when a hose coupling on the hose is encountered during the hose recovery process. The devices can be lined up in series and spaced a few feet apart. The devices can be mounted to a tractor, trailer, truck or other similar equipment. A cage can surround the devices on top of the tractor, trailer, truck or other similar equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a laying machine for laying at least one flexible casing or tube, cable, or wire. The laying machine includes a blade arrangement for making a trench in the ground. The laying machine can also include a consolidation and laying means being arranged behind the blade arrangement for clearing and safeguarding the trench from collapsing while laying at least one flexible casing or tube, cable or wire into the trench. Additionally, a blade assembly including compartments for cooling fluid and air is presented herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for renovation and replacement of existing under-ground pipes and/or the installation of new pipes by using module pipes. The method comprises the step of screwing a second and further module pipe together with the first or consecutive module pipe, if the first or consecutive module pipe has mainly been pushed or pulled into the existing underground pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cable trailer that can carry a cable drum having a weight up to 10 ton. The cable trailer is designed to carry and unwind cable from the cable drum and direct and lay the cable in or along a trench. The cable trailer has a trailer chassis with an internal aperture enclosed by a tail gate. The tail gate can open or be removed to provide access to the space of the internal aperture for the cable drum. The cable trailer has two mounting arms to mount the cable drum. The cable trailer has a bridge with a cable director to facilitate removing cable from the cable drum and at least one cable support arm extendable from a side of the chassis for directing and laying of the cable.

Abstract: A method of positioning on the sea floor, from a floating vessel, an unlaid end portion of a pipe that is being laid from its other end on the sea floor is disclosed. The method includes lowering the unlaid end portion of the pipe to a lowered position above the sea floor. Transfer of the load of the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs from the lowering device to a line for suspending the unlaid end portion of the pipe. Lowering the line for suspending and the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs. There is disclosed a corresponding method of recovery as well as associated apparatus. A method for effecting a subsea connection between one line and an object suspended below the surface of the sea by another line and associated apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV pulls the cable through the water and as the ROV dives away from the support vessel, the optical fiber is released from the support vessel. Excess tension in the cable can damage the optical fiber and the tension can be highest close to the ROV. To prevent potential damage to the optical fiber, the ROV can store a portion of the cable and release the cable if the detected tension approaches the maximum working load. When the tension drops to a lower safe level, the release mechanism can stop releasing the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing underground pipe is described, including a resistance plate from which a pair of hydraulic cylinders extend perpendicularly in parallel with each other. The cylinders operate cyclically with a pulling bridge having a cable gripper to provide a sequence of pulling strokes to a cable pulling a mole. The mole pulls a replacement pipe behind it through the old pipe, which has been burst, slit, or otherwise expanded by the mole. The resistance plate is provided with a slot, and the cylinders are positions such as to allow the mode to be pulled substantially completely into the apparatus. A holding bridge is releasably mounted spanning the slot in the reaction plate to position a second cable gripper for holding the cable on return stroke of the pulling bridge. The holding bridge may be removed at the end of the pulling operation to accommodate the mole.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a conduit laying system for laying conduit, including a vehicle, a trench former, a conduit feed system and a base material handling system. The trench former is configured for forming a trench. The conduit feed system includes a conduit feed passage having a conduit feed passage inlet for receiving at least one conduit and a conduit feed passage outlet positioned to deposit the at least one conduit in the trench. The base material handling system includes a base material hopper and at least one base material passage. The at least one base material passage is positioned to receive base material from the base material hopper and to discharge base material in the trench around the at least one conduit. The base material handling system, the conduit feed system and the trench former are driven by the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for reuse of water stored in a reservoir by transfer of initially filtered water from the reservoir to a vertically stacked filtration system located onshore. A flexible filter screened, porous feeder line housed within a perforated carrier pipe extends into the reservoir and is supported above the bottom of the reservoir for transfer of filtered water to the vertically stacked filtration system. The flexible filter screened, porous feeder line includes a conveyance system for retraction and extension of the porous feeder line by two cables. The feeder line is movable from the perforated carrier pipe for cleaning or replacement of the porous feeder line.

Abstract: A trencher boot includes a boxlike structure formed with a compartment extending from an inlet formed in an upper end of the trencher boot to an outlet formed in a lower end of the trencher boot. A cable-orienting structure is formed within the compartment between the inlet and the outlet. The compartment is to concurrently receive three cables from the inlet, guide the three cable to the cable-orienting structure, which interacts with the three cables to arrange the three cables in a V-shaped orientation comprising two of the three cables positioned side-by-side atop a third one of the three cables, and guide the three cables in the V-shaped orientation from the cable-orienting structure to the lower end of the trencher boot and outwardly through the outlet into the V-shaped receiving area formed in the bottom of the trench, which maintains the three cables in the V-shaped orientation.

Abstract: Fiber-optic cable is dispensed underwater into a trench from a vehicle moving along the bed of the body of water. The cable is wound on a stationary spool and dispensed over the end of the spool by a rotary arm driven by a motor controlled to maintain a desired tension in the cable. The cable has a fiber optic core, metal wires wound around the core, and a tensioned laminate of copper tape adhered to plastic tape wound around the wires.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: Of those constituted by the association of a trencher comprising a cutting disc (2) with a prefabricated tongued and grooved element feeder comprising a sweeper box (32) with a U-shaped transversal section closed at the front by a rake (34), in such a way that earth cannot fall inside it, and means of pushing the prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) comprising drive wheels (7) which transmit to them, by friction, a longitudinal push in order to keep the different prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) coupled together during their descent into the inside of the sweeper box (32). This constitutes a kind of temporary plank mould for the trench, on account of which the lowering and laying of the prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) inside it may be carried out automatically, safely, and in a working environment that is free of earth, thus enabling the perfect linking of the elements.

Abstract: A device for laying a pipeline on a seabed. A vessel for laying a pipeline, which is fitted with a stinger for guiding a pipe string descending from the vessel and with a clamping structure for clamping the pipe string to the vessel, and support structure for supporting the part of the pipe string that extends between the surface and the seabed. The support structure includes a cantilever structure, which is fixedly connected to the vessel, and clamping members that mate therewith. The clamping members engage the pipe string and transmit axial stresses from the pipe string to the vessel via the cantilever structure.

Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A passive installation reel stand automatically dispenses a flexible conduit pipe, such as irrigation pipe for underground sprinkler systems, in a desired position within a trench dug in the ground by a vibratory plow. The power of the forward advancing vibratory plow machine pulls the flexible conduit pipe from its spiral coil configuration upon a reel mounted upon the stand. The stand includes a wheel barrow-type carriage having one or more wheels, at a front end, and a kickstand at a liftable rear end with at least one handle. The reel is passively rotated by the flexible conduit pipe being pulled by a connection, such as a chain linkage, linked to the forward moving vibratory plow digging a trench for installation of the flexible conduit pipe therethrough. The coiled, flexible conduit pipe is mounted on the reel, fed through a guide opening, picked off the reel, and attached in the trench dug by the advancing vibratory plow.

Abstract: A laying method for laying communication cables (16) is provided which allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in an underground pipeline such as a sewage pipe neither placing direct tension nor allowing slack on them, and for a main pipe in which a plurality of optical fiber cables (20) are to be laid, the method also allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in the upper space of inside the pipeline and to obviate the need of an expensive robot for the laying operation. In the proposed laying method, a high-strength low-elongation tension member is disposed to be slidable in the lengthwise direction along each optical fiber cable (20, 21, 22), and the tension members (25, 26, 27) are drawn into the underground pipeline (1) to tension the trunk tension member (25) thereby stretching the trunk tension member (25) substantially straight in the underground pipeline (1), and thus the optical fiber cables (20, 21, 22) are laid in the upper space of inside the underground pipeline (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and removing a flexible first material into a second material (20) includes a moveable carriage (22). An adjustable clamp (24) is connected to the moveable carriage (22), adjustable between an open position and a clamped position on the first flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, a receiver stiffener casing (26) is configured to receive and support the flexible first material as the flexible first material is inserted into and removed from the second material.

Abstract: A tailer for transporting coiled pipe and assisting in the unwinding of the pipe for laying in a trench. A support cradle contacts the outer surface of the coil, thereby obviating the need for a reel. The cradle includes self-centering support rollers upon which the coil freely rotates during the pipe laying operation. Horizontal rollers are provided as a retainer for engaging the inner surface of the coil. The position of the retainer rollers is adjustable to accommodate a variety of coil diameters. To remove coil set from the pipe unwinding from the coil, a reforming assembly includes a straightener and rerounder. The pipe reforming assembly is mounted on rollers on the base of the trailer for translating back and forth to track the pipe during unwinding to maintain alignment. The rerounder and straightener are provided with a releasable gate and top portion respectively, to assist in the loading and unloading of the pipe in the reforming assembly.

Abstract: A system for laying a pipeline from a floating vessel onto the ocean floor in relatively deep ocean water which provides guidance, bend restricting, and stabilizing means for the pipe sections while the connection by welding processes are being done and for providing means to remove the guidance, bend restricting, and stabilizing means from the central area of the stinger when passing objects of a larger diameter than the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying pipe string is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mast; an articulated stationary table to which the mast is affixed; a stinger affixed to the stationary table to articulate with the mast; and a pipe erector operatively connected to the mast.

Abstract: A device (6) for attachment to a pipe (7 to be installed in the ground has load cells (17) for detecting a pulling force applied to the pipe (7), as the latter is pulled through the ground, an inclinometer (18), for detecting the inclination of the device (6), and a pressure transducer (20) for detecting the pressure surrounding the device. Data representative of the pulling force, inclination and pressure is stored in the device (6) and protected against unauthorised access by a security code or procedure, so that a verifiable record of the pipe installation process is available.

Abstract: A pipeline trenching and laying device is disclosed, having a tractor supported portion, a ripper and a pipe feed chute. The tractor supported portion supports the pipe as it passes over the tractor. A plurality of rollers are spaced and elevated in a manner that carefully controls the curvature of the pipe. A ripper, towed behind the tractor by a rigid fixed connection, cuts a trench. A pipe feed chute is in turn towed by the ripper. The pipe feed chute provides forward and rearward portions separated by an articulating joint. A following roller, having a winch attached, allows pressure to be put on the pipe to cause it to curve in a manner calculated to pass over the tractor supported portion and through the pipe feed chute without bending excessively or kinking.

Abstract: A mobile sod cutting machine has mounting arms that have a central axis of elongation with a cable installer mechanism mounted to the lower end of one of the arms for being reciprocated with the arm. The cable installer mechanism includes a vertical ground slitting blade having a front slitting edge, a bottom edge intersecting the slitting edge and a shank mounting portion mounted to the mounting arm. An upper cable guide is attached to the shank mounting portion to extend rearwardly of the central axis of elongation of the mounting arm while a bottom cable guide is mounted to the blade adjacent to the intersection of the blade bottom edge and slitting edge to have its reversely bent edge forwardly of the central axis of elongation but spaced rearwardly of the blade bottom edge along the guide length by a distance about as least as great as the reciprocal fore and aft movement of the blade.

Abstract: Conventional cable-laying apparatus has been adapted for the removal of cable. A trenching plow blade is towed behind a bulldozer or the like. Mounted above the area of the blade is a powered cable-pulling assembly. Once an initial length of cable is excavated and routed to the cable pulling assembly, the equipment is advanced along the line of the cable to dig the trench, preferably just a small distance above the cable, such as about a foot, and the cable pulling assembly is driven to pull the cable from the ground behind the advanced blade. The cable may be routed to lie on the ground behind the advancing apparatus, or alternatively may be routed forward over the cab of the bulldozer onto a powered rewind reel. The cable pulling assembly includes a pulling wheel rotatably mounted to the blade support assembly, rotated by a hydraulic motor through a reduction gearbox. A series of rollers are mounted between two roller support arms.

Abstract: A cable feed subassembly for use with a vibratory plow in placing a cable or tube in the earth. The plow includes a plow blade and an associated vibratory unit. A cable guide assembly is mounted on the rear side of the plow blade and an incremental cable feed subassembly is mounted in association with the vibratory unit so as to be oscillated in synchronism with the vibratory cycles of the vibratory unit. The cable feed subassembly includes a pair of cooperating rollers through which the cable is passed, and by which it is forced downwardly by the periodic, incremental rotation of at least one of the rollers.

Abstract: In mobile laying apparatus for laying an elongated element, such as a cable, in a trench, especially a trench in a sea bed, which apparatus is advanced in a predetermined direction and includes apparatus for digging the trench and ways along which the element slides as it is deposited in the trench, tension control apparatus and a method for preventing the accumulation of such element upstream of the laying apparatus as the element is laid. In the method, a tension force is applied to the element so that the tension thereon upstream of the laying apparatus is at least equal to the tension on the element downstream of the laying apparatus. The tension control apparatus includes motor driven rollers or tracks at the ways which engage the element. The torque which the driving motors apply or alternatively, the energization of the driving motors and the advance of the laying apparatus is controlled by the position of a portion of the element upstream of the laying apparatus.

Abstract: Optical fibre cable laying apparatus comprising a mobile carrier for paying out cable from a reel and laying the cable in a trench formed by a tyne on the carrier. The reel is rotated, to effect paying out, in a fashion such as to control the tension in the cable. A slack loop is formed in the cable during paying out and the amount of cable in that slack loop is monitored. When the amount of cable in the slack loop decreases, the rate of paying out is increased, and when there is a greater amount of cable in the slack loop, the rate of paying out is decreased. Tension rollers are employed to further minimize tension in the cable as laid.

Abstract: A tractor provided with a cable reel at one end and a plow at the trailing end includes a system to monitor tension applied to the cable during underground placement. A capstan engages the cable while driven by a hyraulic motor and the pressure of the fluid supply to the motor is monitored by a pressure transducer. An electrical signal from the pressure transducer is fed to a control which also receives a setpoint signal corresponding to a maximum allowable tension on the cable. An output signal from the control is used to slow down or stop advancing movement of the vehicle and a second signal is used to operate a valve to divert fluid pressure from the hydraulic motor. Tension on the cable extending between the capstan and the reel can be monitored as well as tension on the cable between the capstan and the plow.

Abstract: An underground cable installing apparatus is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The apparatus utilizes a power driven land vehicle and an elongated cable laying plow blade supported by and for movement with the vehicle in a way which places a lowermost end portion of the blade in the ground with its cutting edge disposed in the direction of vehicular movement. As the blade moves through the ground it lays cable in its path from a cooperating cable feeding mechanism. In accordance with one operational feature of the apparatus provided herein, its plow blade is supported for movement relative to its vehicle between a number of different operating positions including positions in front of and behind the vehicle as well as various positions on either side thereof. In accordance with another feature, the cable itself is fed from a supply wound about a drum or reel which is supported in an adjustable fashion on the vehicle.

Abstract: A buried cable laying apparatus to lay a cable in an open trench in the ground in a relaxed or tension-free state. The apparatus progressively forms a trench and then buries detensioning line and a cable in the trench. The detensioning line is in tension and the cable is in a relaxed state. The detensioning line and the cable are both unreeled from drums moving at the same rotational speed. The drum of the detensioning line is of a smaller diameter than the drum of the cable whereby the detensioning line drum will feed more cable than is required but slip relative to the cable until the cable gets tight.

Abstract: For laying a pipeline in deep water by letting out the pipeline in predetermined sections from a pipe laying barge which is correspondingly advanced in a stepwise manner, the end of the pipeline being assembled is subjected to an adjustable holding force which is regulated downwardly from an upper to a lower limit value simultaneously with acceleration of the pipe laying barge in the laying direction, the regulating parameter being the displacement of the pipeline relative to the pipe laying barge.