Abstract:
A system is provided that includes a print head, a conveyance system, an encoding sensor, and at least one processor. The print head defines a print zone, and is configured to print on objects within the print zone. The conveyance system passes through the print zone, and is configured to translate a pallet through the print zone. The encoding sensor is disposed proximate to the conveyance system, and is configured to be oriented toward the pallet and to acquire positional information regarding the pallet. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the print head and the encoding sensor, and is configured to: receive the positional information from the encoding sensor; determine timing information corresponding to when a substrate disposed on the pallet will be in the print zone; and control the print head to print on the substrate when the substrate is in the print zone.
Abstract:
A computer program for compensating for motion of a boat as it floats on water includes computer code for causing a processor to receive motion measurements of the boat floating on water relative to another element in an area surrounding the boat, and generate driving signals for driving actuators operatively associated between the boat and at least one carrier based on motion of the boat, wherein the actuators hold the at least one carrier substantially stationary relative to the element based on the driving signal.
Abstract:
A heave compensating system for a marine vessel includes a hydraulic machine configured to be coupled to a load suspended from the vessel and to vary the distance between the load and the vessel in response to heaving motion of the vessel. The system further includes a second hydraulic machine in fluid communication with a hydraulic accumulator, both the first and second hydraulic machines are mechanically connected to one another and a shared electric motor, and a controller configured to control hydraulic movement of the first and second hydraulic machines and to control the supply of power to the electric motor.
Abstract:
A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.
Abstract:
A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).
Abstract:
A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).
Abstract:
A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).
Abstract:
The instant invention is directed to a active-over-passive coordinated motion winch designed to be used in combination with a class of existing offshore lifting systems such as A-Frames, booms or cranes to minimize the relative movement between a payload position and a destination position occurring commonly in offshore operations. The configuration of this system allows a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other launched load to be firmly captured until it is delivered to the desired destination. The configuration of the system also permits towed loads, such as sonar devices, to closely maintain level tow paths along the sea floor.
Abstract:
A system or apparatus and method for retrieving cable from water during marine operations is provided that reduces damage to the cable from pulling forces during the retrieval. A pulling device distributes the forces and stresses all along the cable components. In one embodiment, the pulling drive comprises a pulling drum powered by a clutching system or by a hydraulic torque conversion system set to slip or stall at a selectable force value. The apparatus may use a see-saw action to maintain the forces below damaging levels. The system may be adapted for deploying cable in marine operations as well.
Abstract:
A fixed structure is shaped like a pier and equipped on an upper part with a slide guide. A length of the pier extends from land to a point at sea where the depth is such as to allow boats to be transported to float. A trolley slides along the pier. At least two arms extend from the trolley transverse to the pier. The arms are equipped with independent hoisting devices for harnessing the boats. The arms also have a sliding counterweight and are equipped with devices which indicate the horizontal position of the arms and control the movement of the sliding counterweight. The arms are also equipped with commands with which the hoisting devices and other motorized parts of the machine are controlled.