U.S. patent application number 12/568377 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for mobile apparatus for pressing a stud.
This patent application is currently assigned to WELAPTEGA MARINE LIMITED. Invention is credited to Anthony D. Hall.
Application Number | 20110072777 12/568377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43778755 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Anthony D. |
March 31, 2011 |
MOBILE APPARATUS FOR PRESSING A STUD
Abstract
A mobile chain stud press comprising body having a concave
opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a
loose stud; a first head connected with the body adjacent a first
end of the body; a second head connected with the body adjacent a
second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably
connected with the body and the other is statically connected with
the body; and a drive mechanism connected with the movable
head.
Inventors: |
Hall; Anthony D.; (Halifax,
CA) |
Assignee: |
WELAPTEGA MARINE LIMITED
Halifax
CA
|
Family ID: |
43778755 |
Appl. No.: |
12/568377 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
59/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21L 11/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
59/1 |
International
Class: |
B21L 11/00 20060101
B21L011/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile chain stud press comprising: a. a body having a concave
opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a
loose stud; b. a first head connected with the body adjacent a
first end of the body; c. a second head connected with the body
adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is
movably connected with the body and the other is statically
connected with the body; and d. a drive mechanism connected with
the movable head.
2. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the body
comprises: a. an inner side; b. an outer side, wherein the outer
side is thinner than the inner side; and c. a grooved portion
formed between the inner side and the outer side, wherein the
grooved portion is thinner than the sides.
3. The mobile chain stud press of claim 2, further comprising a
camera mounted to at least one of the inner side or the outer
side.
4. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, further comprising at
least one data acquisition device mounted on at least a portion of
the body.
5. The mobile chain stud press of claim 4, further comprising a
network in communication with the data acquisition device and a
processor.
6. The mobile chain stud press of claim 5, further comprising a
data storage device in communication with the processor, wherein
the data storage device has computer instructions for at least one
of storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring
data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a
report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device.
7. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, further comprising a
cathodic protection device.
8. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive
mechanism is at least partially disposed through the end of the
body adjacent the movable head.
9. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive
mechanism is engaged with a piston that is at least partially
disposed through the end of the body adjacent the movable head.
10. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive
mechanism comprises a piston at least partially disposed at least
partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head
that is movable and a hydraulic ram.
11. A mobile chain stud pressing system comprising: a. mobile chain
stud press comprising: (i) a body having a concave opening
configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose
stud; (ii) a first head connected with the body adjacent a first
end of the body; (iii) a second head connected with the body
adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is
movably connected with the body and the other is statically
connected with the body; and (iv) a drive mechanism connected with
the movable head; b. a data acquisition device connected with the
body; c. a network in communication with the data acquisition
device; d. a processor in communication with the network; e. a data
storage device in communication with the processor, wherein the
data storage device has computer instructions for at least one of
storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring
data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a
report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device; and f.
a suspension system secured to at least one of a vessel, a
platform, or a rig and connected to the mobile chain stud
press.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the suspension system
comprises: a. a mount secured on the vessel; b. a central rod
connected with the mount; c. a plurality of connecting rods
connected to the central rod; and d. a plurality of pad eyes
integrated with the body of the first mobile chain stud press.
13. The system of claim 11, further comprising an additional mobile
chain stud press, wherein the additional mobile chain stud press is
in communication with the network and the processor.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein each mobile chain stud press
simultaneously communicates with the processor.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the data acquisition device
comprises at least one camera.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is at least
partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head
that is movable.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is engaged
with a piston that is at least partially disposed through the end
of the body adjacent the head that is movable.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a
piston at least partially disposed through the end of the body
adjacent the head that is movable and a hydraulic ram.
19. A method for remotely pressing a stud comprising: a. providing
a mobile chain stud press on a vessel, wherein the mobile chain
stud press comprises: (i) a body having a concave opening; (ii) a
first head connected with the body adjacent a first end of the
body; (iii) a second head connected with the body adjacent a second
end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably connected with
the body and the other is statically connected with the body; and
(iv) a drive mechanism connected with the movable head; b. placing
at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain within the
concave opening between the first head and the second head; c.
moving the first head from the first position to the second
position; d. compressing the stud of the chain laterally; e.
acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally, wherein the
data includes at least one of an image of at least one end of the
stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was
compressed; and f. transmitting the acquired data to a processor
over a network, wherein the processor comprises a data storage
device, and wherein the data storage device has computer
instructions for at least one of monitoring data acquired by the
data acquisition device, storing data acquired by the data
acquisition device, storing information on a manufacturer of the
stud, storing identification information on the stud, and producing
a report on the stud.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising transmitting data
from the data storage device to a plurality of remote device in
real-time allowing for remote monitoring of the mobile chain stud
press.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present embodiments generally relate to apparatus,
methods, and systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on
a chain. Specifically, one or more embodiments relate to a mobile
apparatus for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain
used with deep sea mooring systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Studs on chains used with deep sea mooring systems on
vessels, platforms, or rigs often come loose and need to be reset.
The resetting of these studs often require relocation of the
platforms, vessels, or rigs having the mooring system dock side and
use of large permanent resetting facilities. Accordingly, a need
exists for apparatus, methods, and systems for mobile pressing or
resetting of studs on deep sea mooring chains and or other
anchoring chains without relocating the associated vessel, rig, or
platform. Thereby, eliminating the need to relocate the platforms,
vessels, or rigs to have chains studs reset or pressed by
shore-based equipment.
[0003] The present embodiments meet these needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description will be better understood in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an
illustrative body, according to one or more embodiments
described.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a top isometric view of an illustrative
mobile chain stud press having the body of FIG. 1 and a chain link
operatively positioned between two ends of a second side of the
body, according to one or more embodiments described.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a front isometric view of the mobile chain
stud press of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments
described.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts the mobile chain stud press of FIG. 2
connected to an illustrative suspension system, according to one or
more embodiments described.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud
on a chain, according to one or more embodiments described.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for
resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments
described.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for
resetting a stud while at least a portion of the stud is under
water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments
described.
[0012] The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to
the listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to
be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular
embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0014] The present embodiments relate to apparatus, methods, and
systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain. The
apparatus or mobile chain stud press can have a body, and the body
can have a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion
of a link having a loose stud. A first head can be connected with
the body adjacent a first end of the body. For example, the first
head can be threaded into a portion of the first end or connected
to a movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through
the first end. A second head can be connected with the body
adjacent a second end of the body. For example, the second head can
be threaded into a portion of the second end or connected to a
movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through the
first end. On of the heads can be movable and the other head can be
statically connected to the body. For example, one of the heads can
be connected to a piston or cylinder and the cylinder can move the
head from a first position to a second position and the other head
can be at least partially threaded into the body.
[0015] A drive mechanism can be connected with the movable head.
The drive mechanism can be a hydraulic ram, electrically operated
ram, or other device capable of applying force to the movable head
and moving the movable head from a first position to a second
position. In one or more embodiments, the drive mechanism can be
integrated with or include the piston the movable head is connected
with or secured to or the drive mechanism can be independent
therefrom and engage the piston the movable head is connected or
secured to.
[0016] In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can
be integrated into or part of a system. The system can include a
data acquisition device connected with or secured to the body. The
data acquisition device can be a strain gauge, a stress gauge, a
pressure gauge, an accelerometer, a camera, a video camera, other
devices capable of measuring and/or acquiring data, or combinations
thereof. In one or more embodiments, a network can be in
communication with the data acquisition device. For example, the
network can communicate with the data acquisition device through
wired telemetry, such as fiber optics, or wireless telemetry, such
as radio frequency. The network can be in communication with a
processor. For example, the processor can communicate with the
network via wireless or wired telemetry.
[0017] The processor can have a data storage device or be in
communication with a data storage device. The data storage device
can have computer instructions for at least one of storing data
acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring data acquired
by the data acquisition device, and generating a report on the data
acquired by the data acquisition device.
[0018] The mobile chain stud press can be secured to or connected
with a vessel, a platform, or rig by a suspension system, which is
secured to or mounted on the vessel, a platform, or a by a
suspension system.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can
be used with a method for remotely pressing a stud. The method can
include providing the mobile press on a vessel, platform, or rig
and placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain
within the concave opening between the first head and the second
head. Moving the movable head from a first position to a second
position and compressing the stud of the chain laterally. The
method can also include acquiring data as the stud is compressed
laterally. The data can include at least one of an image of at
least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and
when the stud was compressed. The data can be transmitted to the
processor over the network. The processor can at least one of store
the data in the data storage, monitor the data acquired, store
information on a manufacturer of each stud, and produce a report on
the stud.
[0020] In addition, the method can include transmitting data from
the data storage device to a plurality of remote devices in
real-time, which can allow for remote monitoring of the mobile
chain stud press. For example, the data can be transmitted to a
plurality of client devices using a network. In one or more
embodiments, the data can be transmitted to the plurality of client
devices over the network simultaneously, for example by using a
plurality of gateway protocols.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an
illustrative body 100 according to one or more embodiments. The
body 100 can include a channel 110 formed between a first side 112
and a second side 114. The body 100 can resemble a curved I-beam.
The body 100 can be molded or machined into an appropriate shape
and thickness. For example, the body 100 can be machined out of a
single block or blank of steel or similar material. In one or more
embodiments, the body 100 can be formed by a casting or molding,
such as a sand casting or mold casting, a malleable material, such
as heated steel, into a suitable shape.
[0022] The first side 112 can have a first end 120, a second end
122, and a thickness 124. The second side 114 can have a first end
130, a second end 134, and a thickness 138. The first side 112 and
the second side 114 can be on opposite sides of the channel 110. In
addition, the thickness 124, 138 can be the same or similar or one
can be larger than the other. For example, the thickness 138 can be
larger than the thickness 124.
[0023] The body 100 can have a concave or other shape opening 136
for receiving a link of a chain. The opening 136 can be formed or
located between the ends 130, 134 of the second side 114. The size
of the opening 136 can depend on the size of the link to be located
therebetween. A back portion 140 can be located or formed on the
body 100 adjacent the opening 136 and can be contacted or engaged
by at least a portion of a link of a chain when a stud of the link
is properly aligned within the body 100, or a space can remain
between the back portion 140 and the link when the stud is properly
located within the opening 136. The back portion 140 can have a
U-shape or other configuration.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative mobile
chain stud press 200 having the body 100 and a chain link 210
operatively positioned between the two ends 130, 134 of the second
side 114, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 3 depicts a
front isometric view of the mobile chain stud press 200 of FIG. 2,
according to one or more embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3,
two heads 220, 225 can be attached or secured to the body 100. For
example, a first head 220 can be secured on or adjacent the first
end 130, and a second head 225 can be secured on or adjacent the
second end 134.
[0025] The heads can be threaded or otherwise attached to the body
100. For example, one of the heads 220, 225 can be welded,
threaded, or clamped to the body 100, and the other head 220, 225
can be secured to a piston 240 movably attached to the body 100.
Accordingly, at least one of the heads 220, 225 can be movable and
the other can be fixed in position when attached to the body 100.
For example, as depicted, the second head 225 can be secured to a
piston 240 disposed through a portion of the second end 134, and
the first head 220 can be removably secured to the first end 130 or
proximate the first end 130. In one or more alternative
embodiments, the piston 240 can be secured or engaged with the
first head 220 and disposed through the first end 130, and the
second head 225 can be removably secured to the second end 134.
[0026] Both of the heads 220, 225 can be connected with the body
100 such that they can be removed therefrom. In one or more
embodiments, the heads 220, 225 can be anvils. The heads 220, 225
can have different sizes and shapes depending on the manufacture of
the chain to be reset. For example, the heads 220, 225 can be
triangular, beveled, tapered, square, or any other shape required
to press a stud. A person skilled in the art with the benefit of
this disclosure would be able to determine the proper shape of the
heads 220, 225.
[0027] The piston 240 can be configured to move one of the heads
220, 225 towards the other head 220, 225. For example, the piston
240 can be engaged with or integrated with a drive means, which can
extend the piston 240 from a retracted position to an extended
position. The drive means can be at least one of hydraulically,
pneumatically, mechanically, or electrically operated. For example,
the piston 240 can be part of or engaged by a hydraulic press or
ram 230. Accordingly, the hydraulic ram 230 can be actuated to move
the first head, which is the movable head in this none limiting
embodiment, from the first position to the second position. For
example, the hydraulic ram 230 can extend the piston from a first
or retracted position to a second or extended position. When the
piston 240 is in the first position, the second head 225 can be
adjacent or proximate the second end 134, and when the piston 240
is in the second position, the second head 225 can be adjacent or
contacting at least a portion of the link 210, such as a stud 215.
As the second head 225 contacts at least a portion of the link 210,
such as the stud 215, the second head 225 can compress or force at
least the contacted portion of the link 210 against the first head
220.
[0028] The pressure or force exerted on the contacted portion of
the link 210 can be pre-set by controlling the pressure delivered
to or achieved by the hydraulic ram 230. For example, the hydraulic
ram 230 can be operated to provide a pre-selected pressure. The
pre-selected pressure can be determined or selected based on at
least one of the material properties, size, and shape of the
portion of the link 210 to be contacted. In one or more
embodiments, the pressure can be sufficient to longitudinally
deform the stud 215 and push the ends of the stud 215
longitudinally outward to form a pressure fit between the ends of
the stud 215 and other portions of the link 210.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 200
can have one or more cameras 250, 255 positioned thereon to record
the deformation of the stud 215. For example, the cameras 250, 255
can be actuated when the piston 240 starts to extend and move the
head 225 and record the stud 215 as the stud 215 is compressed and
longitudinally elongated to contact or form a pressure fit with
other portions of the link 210. Accordingly, the cameras 250, 255
can provide real time documentation of the stud 215 being pressed
or reset with the link 210. In one or more embodiments, the cameras
250, 255 can transmit data to a processor or data storage device
over a network.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts the mobile chain stud press 200 connected to
an illustrative suspension system 300, according to one or more
embodiments. The suspension system 300 can be movably mounted or
secured to a structure, such as a platform, a rig, or a vessel by a
mount 305. The suspension system 300 can allow the mobile chain
stud press 200 to be moved into an operation position when a stud
needs to be reset and stored in a non-operation position when not
in use.
[0031] The mount 305 can be can be a hydraulically operated mount,
a rack an pinion mount, an A frame mount, an I frame mount, a T
frame mount, or other device configured to secured to a structure
and support the mobile chain stud press 200. The mount 305 can be
configured to allow for the mobile chain stud press 200 to be moved
either by an operator or mechanical device from a first position to
a second position. For example, the mount 305 can have one or more
swivels, extendable arms, movable portions, or the like allowing
for the movement of the mobile chain stud press 200 to form at
least a first position to a second position. The mount 305 can be
connected with a central rod 310. The central rod 310 can have any
shape and size sufficient to hold the weight of the mobile chain
stud press 200. The central rod 310 can be configured to rotate
about the mount 305. The central rod 310 can be connected with one
or more connection rods 320.
[0032] The connection rods 320 can be of any size and shape
sufficient to support the weight of the mobile chain stud press
200. In addition, any number of connection rods 320 can be used.
For example, two, three, four, or more connection rods 320 can be
used. Each connection rod 320 can be secured to the body 100 or
another portion of the mobile chain stud press 200 by a pad eye or
other connection member 330.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 200
can have a cathodic protection device 390 to prevent corrosion of
the mobile chain stud press 200. The cathodic protection device 390
prevents corrosion by converting all of the anodic sites on the
metal surface to cathodic sites by supplying electrical current
from an alternate source. Accordingly, the cathodic protection
device 390 prevents corrosion as long as the current is arriving at
the cathode faster than oxygen is arriving.
[0034] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud
on a chain according to one or more embodiments. The system 500 can
include one or more mobile chain stud presses (two are shown 520,
530) secured to a platform or vessel 502. Each mobile chain stud
press 520, 530 can be in communication with one or more hydraulic
systems 525, 535. The system 500 can also include a network 540 in
communication with a processor 550 and the mobile chain stud
presses 520, 530. The processor 550 can have one or more data
storage devices 560. The data storage devices 560 can have one or
more computer instructions (four are shown 570, 580, 590, 596).
[0035] The platform or vessel 502 can be a working vessel or
platform, such as one used for hydrocarbon production or recovery.
The platform or vessel 502 can be secured in an operation area 505
by a mooring system or one or more chains (two are shown 510, 515).
The mobile chain stud presses 520, 530 can be secured or attached
to the platform 502 adjacent or proximate the chains 510, 515
respectively. At least a portion of the hydraulic systems 525, 535
can be connected or secured to the at least a portion of the
platform 502 adjacent the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530. The
hydraulic system 525 can be in fluid communication with the mobile
chain stud press 520, and the hydraulic system 535 can be in fluid
communication with the mobile chain stud press 530. Accordingly,
the hydraulic systems 525, 535 can be used to drive the piston of
the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530.
[0036] The hydraulic systems 525 can include a hydraulic pump 526.
The hydraulic pump 526 can be in communication with a control
system 527. The control system 527 can be a micro-processor or
other control system known in the art. The control system 527 can
be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram 230 of
the mobile chain stud press 520. The hydraulic pump 526 can be in
fluid communication with the hydraulic ram 230 and a hydraulic
fluid source 528. The hydraulic fluid source 528 can be a hydraulic
tank or other fluid source.
[0037] The hydraulic system 535 can include a hydraulic pump 536.
The hydraulic pump 536 can be in communication with a control
system 537. The control system 537 can be a micro-processor or
other control system known in the art. The control system 537 can
be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram 230 of
the mobile chain stud press 530. The hydraulic pump 536 can be in
fluid communication with the hydraulic ram 230 and a hydraulic
fluid source 538. The hydraulic fluid source 538 can be a hydraulic
tank or other fluid source. In one or more embodiments, the
hydraulic pumps 536, 526 can be in fluid communication with a
single hydraulic fluid source.
[0038] Each mobile chain stud press 520, 530 can have one or more
data acquisition devices or monitoring devices 521, 531
respectively. The data acquisition devices 521, 531 can be or
include stress gauges, strain gauges, accelerometers, video
cameras, cameras, or a combination thereof. The data acquisition
devices 521, 531 can have communication equipment 529, 539
respectively. The communication equipment 529, 539 can include
receivers and transceivers allowing the data acquisition devices
521, 531 two way communication with the network 540. The
communication equipment 529, 539 can include wired or wireless
telemetry.
[0039] Accordingly, the data acquisition devices 521, 531 can send
messages to and receive messages from the processor 550 via the
network 540 and the communication equipment 529, 539. The data
storage 560 can store the data sent to the processor 550 by the
data acquisition devices 521, 531 via the network 540 and
communication equipment 529, 539. The computer instructions 570,
575, 580, 590, 596 can be or include programming or software for
instructing the processor 550 to store data acquired by the data
acquisition equipment, monitor the data acquired by the data
acquisition equipment, store information on the manufacturer of
each stud 215 or chain 510, 515, store identification information
on each stud 215 or chain 510, 515, and produce a report on each
chain 510, 515 with studs 215 reset or pressed by either one of the
mobile chain stud presses 520, 530.
[0040] In operation, the chains 510, 515 can be recovered from the
water 501 of the operation area 505, and one or more persons can
check the studs 215 of the links 210 as the chains 510, 515 are
recovered. If any loose studs 215 are found in the links 210 of the
chains 510, 515, a portion of the link 210 having a loose stud can
be operatively aligned with the mobile chain stud press 520, 530
associated with the chain 510, 515 having the link 210 with the
loose stud 215. After the a portion of the link 210, such as the
loose stud 215, is properly located within the associated mobile
chain stud press 520, 530, the control system 527, 537 associated
with mobile chain stud press 520, 530 can be used to initiate the
movement of the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press
520, 530 to be used to press the loose stud 215. For example, if a
loose stud 215 is found in a link 210 of the chain 515, the stud
215 can be operatively positioned within or about the mobile chain
stud press 530, and the control system 537 can be used to
pre-select an appropriate pressure and start the hydraulic pump 536
to drive the hydraulic ram 230.
[0041] As the loose stud 215 is pressed or reset, the data
acquisition devices or monitoring devices 521, 531 can acquire data
associated with the mobile chain stud press 520, 530 respectively
and relay the information to the processor 550 and/or data storage
560 via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539. The
data acquisition devices 521, 531 can communicate with the
processor 550 simultaneously with one another or at different times
via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539. The data
acquisition devices 521, 531 can provide real-time acquired data to
the processor 550 via the network 540 and communication equipment
529, 539.
[0042] As such, the resetting or pressing of loose studs in chain
or mooring line can be performed concurrent or near simultaneously
with the recovery of the mooring line or chain associated with
normal relocation procedures. Thereby, limiting disruption of
normal operations. In addition, the mobile resetting or pressing of
loose studs eliminates the need to weld chains, which reduces
health and safety exposure for operating personnel.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 520
can have a fail safe 523, and the mobile chain stud press 530 can
have a fail safe 533. As such, before the control systems 527, 537
can actuate the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press
520, 530, the associate fail safe 523, 533 has to be released or
actuated. The fail safes 523, 533 can be released or actuated by
entering a code into the control systems 527, 537 by pushing one or
more latches secured to at least a portion of the mobile chain stud
presses 520, 530, or otherwise.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for
resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments. The method
600 can include retrieving a portion of a first chain while in an
operation area, which is represented at box 610. The method 600 can
further include placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of
the first chain between a first head and a second head secured to a
first mobile chain stud press, which is represented at box 620. The
method 600 can also include moving one of the heads from a first
position to a second position, which is represented at box 630. The
method can also include compressing the chain stud of the first
chain laterally, which is represented at box 640. As the chain is
compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position
to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which
is represented at box 645. The data can include at least one of an
image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to
compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the
stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was
compressed.
[0045] The method 600, as represented at box 650, can include
transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The
processor can have data storage and computer instructions for
monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on
manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud,
and producing a report on the stud.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for
resetting a stud while at least a portion of the chain is under
water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments.
The method 700 can include placing at least a portion of a stud of
a link of a chain between a first head and a second head connected
with a first mobile chain stud press while the link having the
loose stud is at least partially underwater, which is represented
at box 720. For example, the first mobile chain stud press can be
mount to the vessel such that it can be extended into the water and
remotely operated to press studs when the are underwater.
[0047] The method 700 can also include moving one of the heads from
a first position to a second position, which is represented at box
730. The method can also include compressing the chain stud of the
chain laterally, which is represented at box 740. As the chain is
compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position
to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which
is represented at box 745. The data can include at least one of an
image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to
compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the
stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was
compressed.
[0048] The method 700, as represented at box 750, can include
transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The
processor can have data storage and computer instructions for
monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on
manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud,
and producing a report on the stud.
[0049] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on
the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of
the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than
as specifically described herein.
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