The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing a first pipe having a first leading end and a first trailing end, providing a second pipe having a second leading end and a second trailing end, abutting at least a portion of the second leading end to at least a portion of the first trailing end to define a pipe abutment zone comprising a portion of the first pipe measured longitudinally from the first trailing end and a portion of the second pipe measured longitudinally from the second leading end, conveying the first and second pipe past an inspection device, inspecting by the inspection device a first portion of the pipe abutment zone and a second portion of the pipe abutment zone, and providing defect data that describes defects detected within the first portion and the second portion.

A continuous pipe feeder machine which avoids clamping against welded joints of a pipe is provided. The continuous pipe feeder machine is especially suitable for use in pipeline and tunnel construction. The system includes soft pads for moving a pipe. The soft pads of the machine for moving the pipe are located at strategic locations on the machine so that a pipe fed into the machine gets moved without the pads compressing and damaging the welded joints of the pipe.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing a first pipe having a first leading end and a first trailing end, providing a second pipe having a second leading end and a second trailing end, abutting at least a portion of the second leading end to at least a portion of the first trailing end to define a pipe abutment zone comprising a portion of the first pipe measured longitudinally from the first trailing end and a portion of the second pipe measured longitudinally from the second leading end, conveying the first and second pipe past an inspection device, inspecting by the inspection device a first portion of the pipe abutment zone and a second portion of the pipe abutment zone, and providing defect data that describes defects detected within the first portion and the second portion.

Apparatus for handling bars including a support plane configured to support a plurality of bars having an oblong development, and handling devices configured to remove a bar from a removal zone of the support plane and to deliver it to a delivery zone. Movement devices are associated with the support plane which are configured to distribute the bars on the support plane and to move them toward the removal zone.

A buffer (1) for paper cores comprises: a structure (2); a plurality of planes (5), arranged one over the other for accumulating cores; a mechanism (6) for feeding the cores associated with the planes (5) to provide the cores being fed; a first device (11) for transferring cores by the mechanism (6) to one of the planes (5), the first device (11) being interposed between the mechanism (6) and the planes (5) and being movable from one plane (5) to another in order to transfer the cores to the latter; a mechanism (16) associated with the planes (5) in order to discharge the accumulated cores; a second transferring device (21), interposed between the planes (5) and the mechanism (16), for transferring cores from the planes (5) to the mechanism (16), the second device (21) being movable from one plane (5) to another in order to empty the planes (5).

An automatic load table and related method are provided. The automatic load table utilizes a movable loading arm and a riser assembly with a stepped configuration. The movable loading arm is operable to move billets in a loading direction along the stepped configuration of the riser assembly. The movable loading arm is capable of lifting and separating adjacent billets in a single lifting motion.

A releasable lock (11) for a pipe cradle is disclosed. The releasable lock (11) comprises an elongate arm (1), pivotally secured at a first end to a pivot end mounted on a cradle frame (12). At a second end the releasable lock comprises a locking element (3), said locking element (3) being moveable between a release position allowing pivoting of the elongate arm (1) about the pivot end and a gripping position preventing said pivoting. The pivot end is moveable about a pivot pin (10) housed on the cradle, said movement displacing the elongate arm (1) between a first release position allowing removal or addition of pipes (15) from/to a cradle and a second position in which pipes are secured in position in the cradle.

Disclosed is a lifting device and related methods. The lifting device features a housing with at least two arms that each have engagement cams. The lifting device is placed over a tubular object and then the arms are pulled upwards until the engagement cams are in contact with the tubular object. Once in contact with the tubular object, the force from the arms creates a secure hold between the engagement cams and the object, whereby a user can lift the object and move it from one point to another safely and efficiently.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes providing a first pipe having a first leading end and a first trailing end, providing a second pipe having a second leading end and a second trailing end, abutting at least a portion of the second leading end to at least a portion of the first trailing end to define a pipe abutment zone comprising a portion of the first pipe measured longitudinally from the first trailing end and a portion of the second pipe measured longitudinally from the second leading end, conveying the first and second pipe past an inspection device, inspecting by the inspection device a first portion of the pipe abutment zone and a second portion of the pipe abutment zone, and providing defect data that describes defects detected within the first portion and the second portion.

A carrying device for attaching to and aiding the carrying and placement of corrugated pipe. A handle is attached to a spine having a curved grip with raised surfaces attached to each opposing end of the spine. Each of the curved grips has an open portion facing each other configured to hold a corrugated pipe. Attachments may be attached to the carrying device. A perpendicular handle may be attached providing easier carrying. Stabilizing legs may be attached providing stability when placed on the ground. A telescoping handle may be attached providing remote attachment. Carrying large cumbersome corrugated pipe is made secure and easy.