A system for deploying a coil of spoolable pipe from a vessel includes a first tower configured to move longitudinally and transversely along a first track coupled to the vessel, a second tower configured to move longitudinally along a second track coupled to the vessel, and a coil drum assembly coupled to the first tower. The first tower is configured to insert the coil drum assembly transversely into an interior channel of the coil when the coil drum assembly is in a retracted position, the coil drum assembly is configured to support the coil when the coil drum assembly is in an extended position and rotate during deployment of the spoolable pipe, and the first tower and the second tower are configured to move the coil drum assembly vertically.

A compact creel utilization method provides arms cantileverdly extending from supports which support at least two yarn rolls thereon. Some embodiments have a front roll connected to the rear roll. Other embodiments simultaneously feed to a common eyelet or other feed opening.

A system for deploying a coil of spoolable pipe from a vessel includes a first tower configured to move longitudinally and transversely along a first track coupled to the vessel, a second tower configured to move longitudinally along a second track coupled to the vessel, and a coil drum assembly coupled to the first tower. The first tower is configured to insert the coil drum assembly transversely into an interior channel of the coil when the coil drum assembly is in a retracted position, the coil drum assembly is configured to support the coil when the coil drum assembly is in an extended position and rotate during deployment of the spoolable pipe, and the first tower and the second tower are configured to move the coil drum assembly vertically.

A creel safety latch includes an elongated pivot-control bar defining a longitudinal slot having first and second terminal ends. The slot is adapted for receiving a latch pin of a movable bobbin creel. A first pin catch is located proximate the first terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the first catch locates the latch pin in a first holding position directly adjacent the first terminal end of the slot. A second pin catch is located proximate the second terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the second catch locates the latch pin in a second holding position directly adjacent the second terminal end of the slot.

A creel safety latch includes an elongated pivot-control bar defining a longitudinal slot having first and second terminal ends. The slot is adapted for receiving a latch pin of a movable bobbin creel. A first pin catch is located proximate the first terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the first catch locates the latch pin in a first holding position directly adjacent the first terminal end of the slot. A second pin catch is located proximate the second terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the second catch locates the latch pin in a second holding position directly adjacent the second terminal end of the slot.

A system for deploying a coil of spoolable pipe from a vessel includes a first tower configured to move longitudinally and transversely along a first track coupled to the vessel, a second tower configured to move longitudinally along a second track coupled to the vessel, and a coil drum assembly coupled to the first tower. The first tower is configured to insert the coil drum assembly transversely into an interior channel of the coil when the coil drum assembly is in a retracted position, the coil drum assembly is configured to support the coil when the coil drum assembly is in an extended position and rotate during deployment of the spoolable pipe, and the first tower and the second tower are configured to move the coil drum assembly vertically.

A tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests of the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.

The invention provides a method and a system for monitoring of yarn drawn axially from a bobbin (24a). It is desired to monitor one or both of remaining capacity of an active bobbin and transfer from one active bobbin 24a to the next.

A free portion (30) of the yarn moves circumferentially about the bobbin as the yarn is drawn from it. The invention involves a sensor responsive to electromagnetic radiation arranged to sense the free portion (30) of the yarn and to provide an output which varies with a period P corresponding to the period of the circumferential movement of the free portion of the yarn about the bobbin (24a). The period P can be interpreted to provide the desired information.

An apparatus and method for loading material may utilize an unwind apparatus and a loading apparatus. The unwind apparatus may include a frame and a mandrel. The mandrel may be adapted to receive a spool including a core and a strand of material. The mandrel may be associated with a mandrel support member, which provides support. The loading apparatus includes a base member and a loading shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion may be connected with the base member and the distal end portion may be configured to engage the mandrel. The loading shaft may support a replacement spool including a core and a strand of material wound around the core. When the loading shaft is engaged with the mandrel, the core of the replacement spool is movable from the loading shaft to the mandrel.

An apparatus and method for loading material may utilize an unwind apparatus and a loading apparatus. The unwind apparatus may include a frame and a mandrel. The mandrel may be adapted to receive a spool including a core and a strand of material. The mandrel may be associated with a mandrel support member, which provides support. The loading apparatus includes a base member and a loading shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion may be connected with the base member and the distal end portion may be configured to engage the mandrel. The loading shaft may support a replacement spool including a core and a strand of material wound around the core. When the loading shaft is engaged with the mandrel, the core of the replacement spool is movable from the loading shaft to the mandrel.