Developed to support off-shore fiber-optic cable handling, WSM modules and control systems resolve the shortcomings of older technology.

Improvements include:

-BELT DRIVE...our primary feature, super-fast changout. Each belt can be changed in under 10 minutes keeping maintenance costs and down time to a minimum.

-MODULAR DESIGN...you get exactly what you need, no more, no less. 1 module, 2 modules, 3 modules, more...

-AIR SUSPENSION...for 15" of smooth, compliant travel resulting in maximum control over bodies and adjustable squeeze force.

-SUPER-SLOW CAPABILITY...hydraulic motors (capable of smooth power transfer down into the inches per minute range) for greater control while passing bodies, splices or other problem areas. Electric motors optional.

-UNIVERSAL PARTS...chosen from manufacturers with global distribution (ie. Parker Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Vickers Hydraulics, Timken Bearings, SKF Bearings, to name a few).

-OPEN FACED DESIGN...means that access to internal areas where buildup may occur is easy. Debris removal can be accommodated without disassembly.

-EASY-ACCESS MAINTENANCE...all grease fittings are easily accessible; all parts are designed for quick removal (example: the tensioner pulley is changed out by removing retaining clips on its shaft and then sliding out the shaft. A screwdriver is the only tool needed.)

-QUICK CUSTOM TURNAROUND...if you are interested in our modules but need a change (smaller, bigger, faster, lighter, etc...) we will work with you to achieve the optimum design for your task.
 
 

-Length: 70" with Manual Guides, 44" without

-Width: 40"

-Height: 53"

-Weight: 2500 lb without Drive System or Guides

-Drive Medium: WSM BELT

-Drive (Belt) Width: 11.5"

-Drive Belt Linear Engagement: 32"

-Body Size: 15" max

-Squeeze: 6500 lb max

-Optional Hydraulic or Electric Drive

-Optional Control Systems
 
 

Western Space & Marine's module was designed to pass a large variety of asymmetrical bodies up to 15" tall. By using an air cylinder, WSM produces a machine which can delicately pass repeaters at a high speed while remaining in firm control throughout the duration of the pass.
 
 

A belt has many advantages over current cable moving schemes...
 

Tracks:

-Are Noisy

-Allow grime to enter the mechanism

-Excessive change-out time (costly in the yard... much more costly in the field)

-Work properly in only one direction
 
 

Tires:

-Provide insufficient linear engagement with the cable

-Require excessive deck space for multiple pairs

-Insufficient width for stability while moving cable and splices
 
 

Belts:

-Are much quieter than tracks

-Keep debris out of the mechanism

-Change out extremely fast

-Operate equally well in both directions

-Provide better linear engagement with the cable than tracks (32" per module)

-Are very wide for stability when passing bodies

-Require minimal linear deck space

-Our belts can be compounded with various durometers of rubber to enhance traction or longevity. We can also change the thickness of the engagement layer (pinkish layer) if the need arises. Our belts can also be grooved for modified traction or water-shedding properties.
 
 

This figure illustrates how a belt wears after transferring 400 km of 1" armored cable and several dozen 5" splices. The metal bar across the belt helps to illustrate the negligible amount of grooving which resulted from the job. The grooves are roughly 1/32"-1/16" deep. Belt life could exceed 50,000 km under similar circumstances.
 
 

Removal and Replacement of Belts:
 

A view of the tensioning mechanism is shown below. Removal and replacement is performed as follows:

1. The two jack screws are loosened and the tensioner pulley is dropped.

2. The old belt is slid off the front (much like a belt sander) and the new belt is slid on.

3. A calibrated hydraulic cylinder is used to tension the new belt to the recommended tension.

4. The two jack screws are tightened and the cylinder removed.

This scenario takes 2 workers less than 10 minutes per belt. On a 4 module LCE, all 8 belts can be replaced in an hour-and-a-half... including a 10 minute coffee break.

The modular system was developed to fulfill varying customer needs. Some customers only need a single module (Hauler) to handle cable with its own self-contained hydraulic or electric drive system. Others desire a series of modules (Linear Cable Engine) to accommodate high cable tensions or to offer the redundancy desired off-shore. These engines often require remote computer control and operator console or booth. With WSM's modular system, we can accommodate any variation desired.
 

To further accommodate the customer, WSM has 3 standard module variations based on pull capability. Custom variations are always met with enthusiasm at WSM.
 
 

Option 1: CABLE-PRO 1500

Pull Capability: 1500 lb

Speed Capability: 4 knots

Weight: 2800 lb with manual guides

Option 2: CABLE-PRO 3000

Pull Capability: 3000 lb

Speed Capability: 5 knots

Option 3: CABLE-PRO 6000

Pull Capability: 6000 lb

Speed Capability: 6 knots