Abstract: The invention is directed to a drop and slide out idler assembly that can all be removed from a first side of a conveyor system. The assembly includes a first end roller unit with a roller having an axis of rotation at an angel with respect to the horizontal, and a middle roller unit with a roller having an axis of rotation that is horizontal. The assembly further includes a second end roller having a roller that can be raised at one end to have an axis of rotation at an angle with respect to the horizontal, and lowered to have an axis of rotation that is horizontal. In the lowered position, the second end roller unit can be slid out from under a conveyor belt of the system through the first side.

Abstract: The collecting mechanism includes a holding unit and a controller. The holding unit has a pair of arms, and can sandwich a machined portion with the pair of arms. The holding unit can be switched between a holding state and a standby state. In the holding state, the pair of arms is closed to be in contact with the circumferential surface of the machined portion to sandwich the machined portion. In the standby state, the pair of arms is opened so as to stay near the circumferential surface of the machined portion with a space between the arms and the circumferential surface of the machined portion. The controller monitors whether cutting-off of the machined portion has been completed to keep the holding unit in the standby state before completion of the cutting-off and to switch the holding unit from the standby state to the holding state at the time of completion of the cutting-off.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving pipe between pipe storage racks and a pipe handler on a pipe deck of a drilling rig. The apparatus is capable of retrieving pipe from tiered stacks of pipe in a pipe rack located behind Samson posts, and moving the pipe up and over the Samson posts onto a pipe stand or pipe handler.

Abstract: Polymeric pipe loaders and polymeric pipe loading methods are disclosed. A polymeric pipe loader may include a support frame, a positioning platform coupled to the support frame, and a vacuum lift mechanism coupled to the support frame, the positioning platform, or both. A polymeric pipe loading method may include extruding a length of polymeric pipe, cutting the length of polymeric pipe, receiving the length of polymeric pipe on a conveyor chain of a positioning platform, engaging the length of polymeric pipe with a vacuum lift mechanism, and transferring the length of polymeric pipe to a bundling cart.

Abstract: A device and method to feed bars which picks-up and removes selectively from a bundle one bar in order to dispose the bar for use in an operating machine. The device including first magnetic members, which separate from the bundle an end segment of a plurality of bars and dispose the end segments of the plurality of bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle, and second magnetic members, which cooperate with the first magnetic members so as to pick-up at least one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to prepare the bar for sending to the operating machine. The device also includes third magnetic members, which temporarily hold the bar or bars picked-up by the first magnetic members, forming substantially a pick-up plane, in an intermediate step, from which the second magnetic members selectively pick-up the bars to be sent to the machine.

Abstract: In order to separate rod-shaped bodies from a bundle of bodies, the surface of an uppermost body in the bundle is determined in a separation apparatus by a sensor, which body is then seized laterally of the sensor by a first gripper and is vertically lifted, whereupon a further gripper engages under said body, laterally of the first gripper unit. The further gripper is then moved to the other end region of the body, with the body being lifted out of the bundle. Next, said body is moved to a deposition location by both grippers.

Abstract: Device and method to pick up and remove from a bundle one or more bars in order to arrange them for use in an operating machine. The device comprises first magnetic means to separate from the bundle an end segment of a plurality of bars and to arrange at least the end segments of plurality bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle. The device comprises second magnetic means to pick up, from the first magnetic means, at least one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to unload the at least one bar in a desired release position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic loading machine adapted to load laboratory pipette racks with pipette's tips. The loading is performed by vibrations. The automatic loading machine comprises (a) collecting means adapted to contain said pipette tips; (b) orientating means in communication with said collecting means; said orientating means comprising at least one conduit adapted to direct said tips to move such that their sharp dispensing edge and/or their fitting opening is directed towards the direction of movement; (c) at least one plate having at least one funnel in communication with said orientating means, adapted to force said oriented tips to fall perpendicularly towards said pipette rack to be loaded; (d) said pipette tip rack in communication with said funnel, adapted to load said pipette's tip and to slide along a rack plate; and, (e) vibrating means adapted to simultaneously orient said tips to said orientating means; move them towards said funnel; and, actuate said rack plate.

Abstract: A method and machine separates profiled elements from a plurality of profiled elements. The machine includes a structure having opposed first and second ends and opposed sides, the structure receiving profiled elements extending between the first and second ends. A first separating device more evenly distributes the profiled elements between the sides. A displacement member displaces a portion of the profiled elements away from the remainder of the profiled elements. A gripper receives the portion of the separated profiled elements, the gripper moving the separated profiled elements toward one of the sides. A second separating device disposed adjacent the first end between the portion of the separated profiled elements and the remainder of the profiled elements travels from the first end toward the second end for separating the separated profiled elements from the remainder of the profiled elements, directing the separated profiled element to one side of the structure.

Abstract: A bar feeder includes a feeder tube mounted on a machine base, a transmission mechanism, a driving mechanism having a rotary shaft, a projecting rod connected to the driving mechanism and rotatable with the rotary shaft to engage or disengage from the transmission mechanism, a pushing rod, and a driven mechanism rotatable with the rotary shaft to move the pushing rod into engagement or away from the transmission mechanism. When the pushing rod and the transmission mechanism are coupled together, the pushing rod is movable along the feeder tube, and the projecting rod is disengaged from the transmission mechanism and moved away from the feeder tube. When the pushing rod and the transmission mechanism are disconnected, the pushing rod is not movable along the feeder tube, and the projecting rod is coupled to the transmission mechanism and movable along the feeder tube.

Abstract: A method and machine separates profiled elements from a plurality of profiled elements. The machine includes a structure having opposed first and second ends and opposed sides, the structure receiving profiled elements extending between the first and second ends. A first separating device more evenly distributes the profiled elements between the sides. A displacement member displaces a portion of the profiled elements away from the remainder of the profiled elements. A gripper receives the portion of the separated profiled elements, the gripper moving the separated profiled elements toward one of the sides. A second separating device disposed adjacent the first end between the portion of the separated profiled elements and the remainder of the profiled elements travels from the first end toward the second end for separating the separated profiled elements from the remainder of the profiled elements, directing the separated profiled element to one side of the structure.

Abstract: A product handling system comprises a support structure defining a pair of stationary inverted first channels with downwardly facing open sides. At least one cylindrical drum is interposed between each of the first channels and an underlying receiver. The drums are rotatable about their axes, with their surfaces arranged to close the open sides of the respective first channels. The drum surfaces are interrupted by second channels, with the first and second channels and the drum axes being arranged in a parallel relationship. Successive product lengths are alternately delivered longitudinally into one and then the other of the first channels.

Abstract: A system for laying a pipeline from a floating vessel onto the ocean floor in relatively deep ocean water which provides an erector for raising new pipe sections to be added to a pipeline which is depending from the system, the pipe sections being raised into accurate alignment with the mast of the system although the mast is free to be gimbaled in any direction within two degrees of angular freedom.

Abstract: In a device for extending and shortening tubings used to transport drill cuttings and stripped material, a tube storage or tube magazine is provided on a frame (1) capable of being supported on the floor, wherein at least one lifting means (3) capable of being displaced in the height direction and intended to lift tubes (17) into a storage position as well as at least one manipulator (13) intended to position a tube removed from the tube storage into a position in alignment with a laid tube track are arranged on the frame (1). The frame includes at least one longitudinal guide (5) for a telescoping tube (7) that is capable of being integrated in the tube track.

Abstract: A method for automatically feeding the metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a set of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting said profiles and transferring the set of metal profiles into a raised position and arranging the raised metal profiles on a movable transfer device provided with separators for separating the metal profiles, at which a preset number of metal profiles to be fed, at each work cycle to the machine arranged downstream, is conveyed transversely and counted; the metal profiles are transferred, in counted number, onto auxiliary supports arranged to the side of the transfer device and actuated gradually along the longitudinal axis of the metal profiles.

Abstract: A log singulator and associated method for conveying and controllably discharging logs are provided. The singulator has a plurality of rotatable lifters with outwardly-extending arm members that contact the logs with a leading side to convey the logs to successive positions, for example, along a log cradle structure. The logs are conveyed to a discharge surface, which can be disposed at a declined angle so that the logs thereon tend to roll toward a discharge position. Discharge lifters, which are configured to discharge the logs from the discharge surface, have arm members that define angled cam surfaces on their trailing sides. The cam surfaces contact and retain the logs on the discharge surface until the logs reach the predetermined discharge position. Thus, the logs can be controllably discharged, for example, at a desired time.

Abstract: A method for feeding automatically metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a group of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting the profiles and transferring the group of metal profiles or their end to a raised position. The raised metal profiles are arranged on a movable transfer device provided with means for separating the metal profiles, at which the initial portion of a preset number of metal profiles to be fed to the machine at each work cycle is conveyed transversely and counted. The metal profiles are transferred, in the counted number, at receiving elements of the machine, while the excess metal profiles are unloaded inside the collection magazine.

Abstract: Working machinery for working an elongated work comprises a work stocker configured to store a plurality of works, a work carrying-in machine configured to carry in the works from the work stocker to a working area, a positioning device configured to position the work in the working area, a work clamper provided in the working area and configured to clamp the work in a vertical direction, a plurality of working machines arranged on both sides of the working clamper to work the elongated work from both sides of the work, a plurality of driving devices configured to move the working machines respectively in a longitudinal direction, a controller configured to control the working machines and the driving device, and a work carrying-out machine configured to carry out the work which is completed in working from the working area.

Abstract: A pipe handling device with an auxiliary pipe loading device for use with a horizontal boring machine is disclosed. The auxiliary pipe loading device includes an auxiliary pipe receiving member that is connected to a pipe handling assembly at a location remote from the boring machine. The pipe receiving member is adapted to receive and support a pipe section when the pipe handling assembly is retracted such that the auxiliary pipe receiving member is positioned beyond the magazine of the pipe handling device. The auxiliary pipe receiving member is pivotally connected to a lockout assembly that is operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lockout assembly prevents a pipe section from entering the auxiliary pipe receiving member. Whereas in the open position, the lockout assembly permits a pipe section to be manually placed in the auxiliary pipe receiving member.

Abstract: A method for automatically feeding the metal profiles in bar form entails gripping a set of the metal profiles from a magazine for collecting said profiles and transferring the set of metal profiles into a raised position and arranging the raised metal profiles on a movable transfer device provided with separators for separating the metal profiles, at which a preset number of metal profiles to be fed, at each work cycle to the machine arranged downstream, is conveyed transversely and counted; the metal profiles are transferred, in counted number, onto auxiliary supports arranged to the side of the transfer device and actuated gradually along the longitudinal axis of the metal profiles.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for laying elongate articles in deep waters includes a tiltable pipe handling structure housing a traveling clamp for holding and/or paying out under tension the elongate article and a fixed clamp. The traveling clamp is driven via an articulated rack located by a guide mechanism. The rack driven by a pinion drive mechanism and acts at a lower portion of the rack, such that the center of gravity of the apparatus is lowered, and loading in the structure is reduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device wherein the bars (13) are arranged in bulk in the container (5). The mobile frame (17) of the grasping mechanism (14) moves forward such that the jaw (24) can seize a bar by its middle part and remove it in position (13a) while the trolleys (37) move away from the rail (36) so that the rollers slide on the rods (43), gradually lift the whole bar and bring it to rest on the receptacle (16). The shaft (49) is then driven in rotation so that the racks (47) and the support plate segments (46), which form the receptacle (16), move upwards and the bar (13) drops in the supply channel (8) where it is hooked to the bar clamp of the bar-pusher which drives it axially into the turning center control members.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a single bar from a plurality of bars, comprises a holding device for nipping the single bar. The holding device comprises nipping-members, which face each other and are capable of being opened and closed. The nipping members have a taper space formed therebetween so that only a single bar locating in a peak portion of the taper space of a plurality of bars received therein can be nipped.

Abstract: A cable laying method is disclosed, which facilitates an easy cable laying on a cable bed without damaging cables. The method comprises dragging a cable onto a cable drag route of a cable bed, and shifting the cable onto a cable housing provided adjacent the drag route.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a magazine, a feed member for indexing rods to and from the magazine, a rotational drive head for propelling rods into the ground, and a transfer mechanism for moving the rods between the rotational drive head and the feed member. The transfer mechanism includes a rod holder for holding the rods, and a drive mechanism for moving the holder between the rotational drive head and the feed member. The drilling machine also includes a lift unit for raising and lowering rods held within the columns of the magazine. The transfer mechanism is raised and lowered in concert with the lift unit.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a multi-column magazine, a feed structure for indexing rods to and from the magazine, and a lift unit for loading the magazine by lifting rods from the feed structure into the magazine. The lift unit includes a first portion that extends beneath all of the columns of the magazine, and a second portion that projects outward from beneath the magazine. A retaining structure is provided on the second portion for holding a rod on the second portion of the lift unit.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for conveying wooden piece such as logs of wood and lumber, in wood transformation industries such as sawmills. The wooden pieces are conveyed in a conveying direction from the front towards the back of the frame of the machine. The machine has several conveying shafts rotatably mounted in parallel on the sides of the frame. Each shaft has a rotating axis about which it is driven in rotation in a direction corresponding to the conveying direction. Several toothed circular plates are mounted on each shaft and extend in a plane crossing the axis of rotation of the shafts. The plates of a shaft are designed to be offset with respect to the plates of an adjacent shaft. Each tooth of each plate are spaced apart from an adjacent tooth by a distance which corresponds substantially to the range of diameter of the wooden pieces and defines a space therebetween for receiving at least a portion of a wooden piece.

Abstract: A method for blocking a pocket of a multi-pocket feed structure used to feed rods to and from a magazine of a directional drilling machine. The method includes providing a blocker at a non-blocking position, engaging the blocker with the feed structure, and extending the feed structure from beneath the magazine while the blocker engages and moves in concert with the feed structure. The method also includes disengaging the blocker from the feed structure after the feed structure has been extended, retracting the feed structure relative to the blocker until the blocker is positioned in a first blocking position in which at least one of the pockets of the feed structure is blocked, and re-engaging the blocker with the feed structure once the blocker is oriented in the first blocking position.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a magazine for holding a plurality of rods. The magazine includes a plurality of columns in which the rods are held. Each of the columns has a separate bottom opening. A feed structure is positioned beneath the magazine. The feed structure includes a plurality of upwardly opening pockets sized for receiving the rods from the columns. The horizontal directional drilling machine further includes a blocking arrangement that automatically blocks one or more of the pockets of the feed structure.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: A tool for attachment to a working end of an excavator arm for use in supporting a pipe section while lowering it into a trench. The tool has a proximal end from which extends an elongated arm, held in an approximately horizontal position when in use. A vertical riser is attached to the arm at the proximal end, and an upper end of the riser is attached to a quick coupling connector for attachment to a corresponding mating quick coupling on the working end of an excavator arm. A lateral support, extending from each side of the tool is included, making the tool self supporting in a vertical position on level ground in a position ready for connection to an excavator arm. A further embodiment includes the combination of the tool as described above with a leveling device attached to an excavator, a combination that provides precision alignment and joining of pipe lengths in a trench.

Abstract: An automated drill road loader particularly suited for thin walled drill rods. The loader, generally affixed to a drill, includes an open frame sufficiently wide to accommodate and store drill rods. A clamp rod gripper and a swing gripper consisting of two pendulums are affixed to a side of the frame. A lift first raises a stored rod from the open frame. The rod is then grasped by the clamp rod gripper and the swing gripper to index the rod in a drill mast. By sequentially manipulating and translating the clamp rod gripper and the swing gripper, the rod is carefully held for threading. The drill rod may be establishing a new drill string or it may be inserted into an existing drill string.

Abstract: A log positioning and securing device is described in which a frame supports a log receiving trough with sides positioned to receive and support a log along a longitudinal plane. A log clamp including a pair of log clamp members is movably mounted to the frame. The clamp members are driven to move between an inoperative position in which the log clamp members are separated in a log receiving position, and a log clamping position in which the log clamp members are moved toward one another and toward the longitudinal plane, to clamp and hold a log securely along the rough, with the centerline of the log parallel to or coincidental with the plane.

Abstract: Device to separate rolled bars (12) advancing on a carrier plane (11) with a direction substantially orthogonal to their axis towards a tying and/or packing zone, the carrier plane (11) comprising a plurality of movement elements (14) arranged in the direction of advance of the bars (12) and longitudinally separated, there being included a counter/spacer device (13) suitable to separate the bars (12) from each other in correspondence with a leading end segment, the device comprising a plurality of separator assemblies (10) arranged in alignment along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bars (12) and each arranged in the space between two adjacent movement elements (14), each separator assembly (10) comprising separator elements having a first inactive position arranged retracted below the carrier plane (11) of the bars (12) and a second active position wherein they are taken progressively above the carrier plane (11) and, inserting themselves between two adjacent bars (12), cause the progress