Patco Machine & Fab., Inc.

Patco Machine and Fabricating, Inc.

Dennis Dion

Henrix Soto

A reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection may include an electronic control unit that may operate to control the reel assembly. A sheave that redirects the direction of the cable, hose or umbilical connection may include sensors that may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of the reel assembly. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting parameters of the drive, and the like.

Reel assemblies with automated control systems

In a reel assembly, a repositionable level wind may be selectively coupled to a drum to enable powered rotation of the level wind from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the assembly may include two arced guide rails, a rotating adjustment arm, a roller bracket, a winding assembly and two fork plates, which may be adjustably mounted on the drum. In operation, the fork plates may be moved to an engaged position that couples the adjustment arm and the roller bracket to the reel flanges so that rotation of the reel causes the winding assembly to be rotated along the guide rails. Once a desired position is reached, the adjustment arm and roller bracket may be bolted to the guide rails and the fork plates may be moved to a disengaged position to allow the reel to rotate independently of the winding assembly.

Reel with power advance repositionable level wind

A reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection may include an electronic control unit that may operate to control an electric motor that drives the reel assembly. The electric motor may include a closed-loop feedback control system. A sheave that redirects the direction of the cable, hose or umbilical connection may include sensors that may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of the reel assembly. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting parameters of the drive, and the like.

Electronically controlled reel systems including electric motors

Reel assemblies with electronic control systems and sheaves

An electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of a reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection. The electronic control unit may operate in conjunction with an electro-pneumatic drive to control the reel assembly. Sensors may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting the pressure or other parameters of the electro-pneumatic drive, and the like. The system also may generate a visual notification for an operator when an alarm is triggered.

Reel control systems with data logging

A spooling system for deploying cable, hose, and/or umbilical connections may include a drum, an air motor, a sheave having one or more sensor, and an electronic control unit coupled to an electro-pneumatic drive for controlling the system. The sensors may provide information to the electronic control unit, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and the information may be displayed on the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit also may allow an operator to rotate the reel, stop rotation of the reel, increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the reel, increase or decrease pressure and/or line tension, and/or select between a normal mode of operation and a tensioning mode of operation.

Cable spools with sheaves

A system for electronically controlling a reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection may include an electronic control unit and an electro-pneumatic drive. The electronic control unit may receive input from an operator and cause the electro-pneumatic drive to operate to control a cable spool. For example, the electronic control unit may allow an operator to rotate the reel, stop rotation of the reel, increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the reel, increase or decrease pressure and/or line tension, and/or select between a normal mode of operation and a tensioning mode of operation. The electronic control unit may include a touchscreen. The electro-pneumatic device may include electric components, pneumatic components, and/or electro-pneumatic components. An electrical interface may be provided for connecting a remote control unit. The electrical interface may be wired or wireless. The remote control unit may enable an operator to control one or more reel assemblies and may allow an operator to take over control of a reel assembly via the remote control unit. Sensors may be provided on a turn down sheave that directs the cable, hose or umbilical connection toward a BOP stack. The sensors may provide information to the electronic control unit, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed.

Controlling cable spooling systems

A reel having an adjustable deployment angle including a frame, a drum mounted in the frame and having a core and end flanges, a level wind assembly having a carriage, a lead screw and an indexing finger or fingers, and a guide frame element or elements coupled to the frame proximate one of the end flanges, wherein the guide frame element includes a groove having a plurality of discrete, preferably linear, segments configured to receive the indexing finger. Additionally, the groove may include a generally radially-inwardly extending notch at an intersection of each of the discrete segments, where each of the notches may be radially spaced a different distance from an axis of rotation of the drum. Adjusting the level wind assembly may include moving the indexing finger out of a notch, along one or more of the discrete segments, and back into a second notch.

Incrementally adjustable level winding mechanism

A reel for receiving, storing, and paying out a cable, hose, or the like has a drum mounted in a frame and a level winding mechanism, which includes a carriage having a guide for the cable or hose, and a rotatable drive which moves the carriage approximately parallel to a rotational center of the drum. The rotatable drive is elongated and is mounted at each end on a mounting location attached to the frame. A source of motive power for rotating the rotatable drive is provided at each end thereof.

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Spring, TX, United States of America

Dennis Dion