Device for Analysis of Synthetic Rope or Cable, and Method of Use
AssigneeHer Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada
InventorSylvain OUELLETTE
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Abstract
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 fibre optic cables. The ropes are provided with one or more elements for magnetic detection, wherein the magnetic detection elements each comprise a metal fibre or an appropriately treated synthetic fibre. 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.
Claims29
Apparatus for measuring lay length of a synthetic rope comprising at least one magnetic detection element that completes one or more circumferential, helical or sinusoidal path(s) around or within the synthetic rope for each lay length of the rope, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a sensor device having a body defining an elongate passageway enabling the synthetic rope to be advanced there through in a direction of the central axis of the rope while permitting limited lateral movements of the rope;
- b. sensors on the body of the sensor device, sensing changes in magnetic flux in the region of the rope caused by variations in the magnetic flux of the at least one magnetic detection element and/or its proximity and to the sensors, thereby to generate an oscillating pattern of detected magnetic flux as the rope advances through the passageway;
- c. means for associating the detected oscillations with physical distances along the rope;
- and
- d. a lay length calculator or display that calculates or displays a distance along the synthetic rope of one or more of the detected oscillations correlating to the number of circumferential, helical or sinusoidal paths of the magnetic detection element around or within the rope.
Apparatus for testing a synthetic rope comprising at least one magnetic detection element running the length of the synthetic rope, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a sensor device having a body defining an elongate passageway enabling the synthetic rope to be advanced therethrough in a direction of the central axis of the rope while permitting limited lateral movements of the rope;
- b. sensors on the body of the sensor device, sensing changes in magnetic flux in the region of the rope caused by breakage points or damage to the at least one magnetic detection element;
- c. a calculator or display that calculates or displays recorded data corresponding to the changes in magnetic flux;
- and
- d. optionally means for preconditioning the at least one magnetic detection element by generating magnetic flux therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.