Positioning device

Details Positioning device Positioning device

1999-02-19

2001-11-27

Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)

Endless belt power transmission systems or components

Positive drive pulley or guide roll

With particular belt

C474S155000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06322472

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to a positioning device and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a positioning device for use in the construction, repair and maintenance of oil and gas wells.
Our European Patent Application No. 92 117 969.3 (Publication No. 0 593 803) describes a positioning device which is extremely useful in manoeuvring tongs into position during the construction, repair and maintenance of oil and gas wells. The positioning device has also been found extremely useful in positioning tubulars, particularly lengths of heavy casing during stabbing operations. Essentially the positioning device comprises a first flexible member and a second flexible member which can be engaged to form a rigid member, wherein said first flexible member comprises a chain provided with a plurality of compression members which, in use, can bear against one another, and said second flexible member comprises a locking chain which, when said first flexible member and said second flexible member are brought together inhibits separation of said adjacent compression members.
Whilst this positioning device has been found extremely useful it is relatively expensive to make. It is also believed desirable to be able to increase its lateral strength bearing in mind the use of even larger and heavier tubulars.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,412 discloses a device for lifting a vehicle lift platform comprising two separate, flexible link chains both having hooks and pins which interlock as they are forced through merging guides to form a rigid strut.
The present invention aims to reduce the cost of constructing a positioning apparatus for a given duty or increasing the lateral strength for the same cost.
The present invention is characterised in that said compression members are planar.
Preferably, each compression member is provided with two recesses to accommodate sequential cross-members of said locking chain.
Advantageously, one of said recesses is shaped and disposed to snugly accommodate a cross-member of said locking chain whilst the other is shaped and disposed to freely accommodate the next member of said locking chain whilst inhibiting separation of said locking chain from said first member.
Preferably, said compression members are each provided with a leading edge and a trailing edge which, when said first flexible member and said second flexible member are brought together contact one another and tension at least part of said first flexible member.
In one embodiment, said compression members form one side of alternate links of said chain.
In another embodiment said first flexible member comprises two chains which are arranged side-by-side and are connected together, wherein alternate links of each chain comprises an outer plate and an inner plate, and the remaining links comprise an outer plate and an inner plate formed by a compression member.


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“Rigid Pushing Chains,” Serapid USA, Inc., 1992.

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