Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources

Université De Sherbrooke

Sylvain Ouellette

Alan John Marsden

William Dale Quesnel

Christian Clavet

Remy Oddo

Gilles LeBlanc

Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for analysis of synthetic ropes, cords, slings, cables and belts (collectively termed 'ropes') including but not limited to ropes for bearing loads as well as fiber optic cables. The ropes are provided with one or more elements for magnetic detection, wherein the magnetic detection elements each comprise a metal fiber or an appropriately treated synthetic fiber. The methods and apparatuses encompass detection of induced or residual magnetism or magnetic flux in the magnetic detection element(s), to sense for example lay length and/or damage, breakage or wear of the magnetic detection element(s), indicative of the condition of the rope.

Device for analysis of synthetic rope or cable, and method of use

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring lay length of a wire rope having a number or external strands to form a rope having spiral grooves in the surface between the strands. A magnetic flux circuit is generated, part of which is formed within a region of the advancing wire rope. Variations of magnetic field around the region of the rope or variations of magnetic flux entering or leaving the rope are sensed by at least two sensors arranged around the rope. Signals from the sensors are subtractively combined to eliminate variations due to off-axis movements of the rope, and the combined signals reveal an oscillating pattern due to the undulating surface of the rope. Linking the oscillating pattern to distance along the rope reveals the lay length, which corresponds to a number of oscillations which is the same as the number of strands at the surface.

Measurement of lay length of wire rope

Described is an anti-vibratory handle for installation on a reciprocating tool supplied with a pressurized fluid and producing vibrations in the direction of an axis of reciprocation of the tool. The anti-vibratory handle comprises a stationary portion mounted to a body of the tool, a mobile portion comprising a hand-grip member and an articulation between the stationary and mobile portions. This articulation comprises a pivot assembly interconnecting the stationary and mobile portions, the pivot assembly defines a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the tool reciprocation axis, and the hand-grip member of the mobile portion is spaced apart from both the pivot axis and the tool reciprocation axis. The articulation also comprises a resilient vibration-damping assembly interposed between the stationary and mobile portions to avoid transmission of vibrations through the articulation. At least one conduit extends through the mobile portion, the articulation and the stationary portion to supply pressurized fluid to the tool.

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Val-d'Or, Canada

Sylvain Ouellette