Method for pressing a stud

Abstract

Methods and systems for pressing a stud using a mobile stud chain press are provided. The method can include retrieving a portion of a chain while in an operation area, and placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the chain between two heads secured to a mobile chain stud press. At least one of the heads can be movable from a first position to a second position. The movable head can be moved from a first position to a second position to compress the stud laterally.

1 . A method for pressing a chain stud using a mobile chain stud press comprising:
 a. retrieving a portion of a chain while in an operation area;   b. placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the chain between two heads secured to a mobile chain stud press, wherein at least one of the heads is movable from a first position to a second position;   c. moving the movable head from a first position to a second position; and   d. compressing the stud laterally.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile chain stud press comprises:
 a. a body; and   b. a hydraulic ram connected with the movable head.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein moving the movable head from the first position to the second position comprises actuating the hydraulic ram. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein moving the movable head from the first position to the second position comprises remotely actuating the hydraulic ram. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein compressing the stud laterally deforms the stud longitudinally. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising recording at least one end of the stud as the stud is compressed. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising acquiring data on at least one of the pressure used to deform the stud, longitudinal deformation of the stud, and the date and time that the stud was compressed laterally, and transmitting the acquired data to a remote data storage device. 
     
     
         8 . A method for resetting a stud comprising:
 a. retrieving a portion of a first chain while in an operation area;   b. placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the first chain between a first head and a second head secured to a first mobile chain stud press, wherein one of the heads is movable from a first position to a second position;   c. moving the moveable head from the first position to the second position;   d. compressing the stud of the first chain laterally;   e. acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally, wherein the data includes at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was compressed; and   f. transmitting the acquired data to a remote data storage device.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a. retrieving a second chain;   b. placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the second chain between a first head and a second head secured to a second mobile chain stud press, wherein one of the heads is movable from a first position to a second position;   c. moving the moveable head from the first position to the second position;   d. simultaneously compressing the studs of the chains laterally;   e. simultaneously acquiring data as the studs are compressed laterally, wherein the data includes at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was compressed; and   f. simultaneously transmitting the acquired data to a remote data storage device over a network.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the acquired data is transmitted in real time. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein placing at least a portion of the stud of the link of the first chain between a first head and a second head secured to the first mobile chain stud press comprises moving the first mobile chain stud press from a first position to a second position by moving at least a portion of a suspension system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first mobile chain stud press comprises:
 a. a body; and   b. a hydraulic ram connected with the moveable head.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the suspension system comprises:
 a. a central rod connected with a mount;   b. a plurality of connecting rods connected with the central rod; and   c. a plurality of pad eyes integrated with the body of the first mobile chain stud press.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein moving the moveable head from the first position to the second position comprises actuating the hydraulic ram. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein moving the moveable head from the first position to the second position comprises remotely actuating a hydraulic ram. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein compressing the stud laterally deforms the stud longitudinally. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising releasing a fail safe prior to moving the first head from the first position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising recording at least one end of the stud as the stud is compressed. 
     
     
         19 . A method for resetting a stud comprising:
 a. placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain between a first head and a second head secured to a first mobile chain stud press, wherein the stud is at least partially under water in an operation area, and wherein at least one of the heads is movable from a first position to a second position;   b. moving the movable head from the first position to the second position;   c. compressing the stud laterally;   d. acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally, wherein the data includes at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud and when the stud was compressed; and   e. transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network, wherein the processor comprises data storage and computer instructions for monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on a manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud, and producing a report on the stud.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein moving the first head from the first position to the second position comprises actuating the hydraulic ram.