Shelving system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a logistics system for seismic equipment for storage, operation and / or transport on vessels (10), comprising: a) at least one first load carrier, a node hotel, (36) adapted for automated loading, unloading and storage of seismic nodes (11) from the at least one first load carrier, b) at least one conveyor (32) for transporting nodes from the at least one first load carrier to a load carrier for distributing nodes (34), c) at least one area (39) in a load carrier (34, 39) adapted for the task of connecting and disconnecting nodes from a rope (12), and at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships (Fig. 3, Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c). The invention also shows a racking system that is part of the logistics system.

Description

Description System and method for node management Technical area

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to the handling of nodes or seismic sensors on board vessels. More particularly, a logistics system and a racking system that can be used with the logistics system are provided. Background technique

[0002]

[0002] Seabed seismic is a subgroup of marine seismic. It is currently based on placing nodes along the seabed, which then register movement in the seabed that is triggered by a pressure wave charge. Based on these movements, the nodes can register a detailed image of the ground beneath the seabed and from this interpret what it consists of. Data that is stored in the node is then retrieved and put into a system after the node has been lifted to the surface. The method of placing nodes on the seabed is relatively new, and supplements a slightly older method where cables are laid along the seabed. Both methods go under the name seabed seismic, and differ from the supergroup marine seismic in that the sensors are placed on the seabed instead of being pulled along the sea surface.

[0003]

[0003] The need for seismic data is great, it provides oil companies with valuable information about oil levels and geological conditions around platforms.

[0004]

[0004] To obtain detailed data over large areas, many nodes are required, and the more nodes are used, the greater the need for efficiency and control. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that simplifies the logistical handling of seismic nodes. That is, sorting them and putting them into storage.

[0005]

[0005] Today, seismic nodes can be deployed on the seabed using ROVs, but also using ropes or wires where each autonomous seismic node is connected and disconnected from the rope by hand. Using multiple winches, the rope length can be increased by connecting the ropes from each individual winch as they are drained. Today's solutions for deploying autonomous seismic sensors / nodes on the seabed via cable / rope are carried out from vessels that have been built for the purpose, these are often seismic vessels with a specially adapted system on the stern deck for handling seismic nodes with large rope lengths.

[0006]

[0006] Common to today's solutions is that they are time-consuming and resource-intensive.

[0007]

[0007] As oil fields and oil rigs are spread all over the world, seismic companies will constantly have the opportunity to move their assignment area. They can work for a few months in the Norwegian Sea, and then later take on an assignment on the opposite side of the globe. This entails long voyages from one assignment site to another, with their own seismic vessels that are unsuitable for the transport task. During such transport stages, the seismic vessel will be inoperative. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is an object to provide a solution that simplifies the transport of seismic nodes and other seismic-related equipment.

[0008]

[0008] According to the present invention, a complete system is provided that shall encompass the entire handling chain, i.e. movement from storage location to the seabed, as well as retrieval and return to storage location and loading position. Data collection and servicing of the nodes are provided according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0009]

[0009] The above problems regarding logistics management, deployment and general handling of seismic nodes are sought to be solved by the present invention, by providing a system and a method for handling seismic nodes and an associated storage device for the seismic nodes. Summary of the invention

[0010]

[0010] The above-mentioned problems are solved according to the present invention by providing a Logistics System for seismic equipment for storage, operation and / or transport on vessels, comprising: a) at least one first load carrier, a node hotel, adapted for automated loading, unloading and storage of seismic nodes from the at least one first load carrier,

[0011] b) at least one transporter for transporting nodes from the at least one first load carrier to a load carrier for distribution of nodes,

[0012] c) at least one area in a load carrier adapted to the task and connecting nodes on and off a rope, and at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships.

[0013]

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier adapted for use as a data room. According to another aspect, the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse. According to another aspect, the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier adapted for use as a workshop. According to another aspect, the load carrier adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse are a common load carrier.

[0014]

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier for transporting at least one winch.

[0015]

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, one or more of the load carriers be containers.

[0016]

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the logistics system comprises: a. a cargo carrier adapted to be used as a data room, said cargo carrier being arranged approximately amidships and aft of at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships, and adjacent to port ship's side,

[0017] b. three node hotels arranged adjacent to each other and arranged adjacent to the load carrier adapted for use as a computer room and adjacent to the load carrier adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse, c. the load carrier adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse are arranged approximately amidships and aft of at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships, and adjacent to the starboard side of the ship, and d. at least one winch arranged aft of and adjacent to the load carrier adapted for use as a computer room, the load carrier adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse and three node hotels.

[0018]

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, at least one of the load carriers is an ISO container with standard dimensions.

[0019]

[0016] The present invention also provides a shelving system that can be used together with the logistics system according to the present invention and thus form part of the logistics system. In one embodiment of the invention, a shelving system is provided comprising: a. one or more stacks of shelves, b. at least one first carrier, c. at least one means for raising the shelves in a vertical direction,

[0020] d. at least one means for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelves, where the shelves: i. have a light opening with a depth c > d, where d is the width of the conveyor's transport surface d, or ii. the shelves are designed as half shelves with a distance c between two opposing shelves at the same vertical level within the same rack, a shelf pair, where c > d and where d is the width of the conveyor's transport surface d.

[0021]

[0017] According to one aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are designed as rectangular frames with two short sides of length = e and two long sides of length = a, a rectangular light opening with two short sides of length = c and two long sides of length = b where the short sides c are less than the length f of an object so that the object can rest against the rectangular shelves.

[0022]

[0018] According to another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are designed as rectangular half shelves and these half shelves are arranged in two stacks within a shelf, where the stacks are arranged with long sides opposite each other and with a distance between two half shelves at the same vertical level and within the same shelf equal to c, where two such shelves constitute a shelf pair, the half shelves are provided with a projecting rear edge, a shelf pair has a distance of a length = e between two opposite rear edges and two long sides of length = a, where the distance c between two half shelves in a shelf pair is less than the length f of an object so that the object can abut against the half shelves in a shelf pair.

[0023]

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the at least one first conveyor is arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction a and enclosed by the height-adjustable shelving, d is the width of the conveyor's transport surface, the transport surface can extend above the shelves or half shelves in a shelf pair, where d <c.

[0024]

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves can be raised and lowered without engaging the at least one first conveyor by the conveyor belt running within the shelves or half shelves.

[0025]

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the height-adjustable shelving can be provided by a plurality of shelves or half shelves being superimposed and adjacent to each other, where adjacent shelves are adapted to mutually engage with each other via pivoting arms, wire, telescopic bolts, spacer bolts, shelf brackets and / or with a chain with a lifting mechanism that can raise and lower the shelves.

[0026]

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are elongated and have a rectangular shape and all the shelves are provided with at least a first and a second hole, where the first hole is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second hole is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves, the first and second holes in the shelves are respectively adapted to pass through a first and a second wire, the two wires are at their upper end engaged with a pull-up mechanism at their lower end the first and second wires are anchored, to provide stability to the rectangular shelves the first and second wires are provided with elongated rails where the rail length is less than the length e of the short sides of the rectangular shelves.

[0027]

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelf panels are elongated and have a rectangular shape and that all the shelf panels are provided with at least two first and two second holes, where the first holes are arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf panels and arranged near each corner and the two second holes are arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf panels near each corner, the first and the second holes in the shelf panels are respectively adapted to pass through two first and two second wires, the four wires are at their upper end engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms at their lower end the wires are anchored, to provide stability to the rectangular shelf panels, the first and the second wires are provided with washers / stop devices where the washers / stop devices are designed so that they cannot slide through the first and second holes in the shelf panels and where the distance between the washers / stop devices defines the distance between neighboring shelf boards.

[0028]

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, each individual shelf is provided on its underside with fastening devices for fastening spring elements, the number of fastenings corresponds to the number of holes the shelf is provided with, the first end of each spring element is fastened to fastenings in the shelf while the second end of the spring element is fastened to a wire, so that each wire is in engagement with a single spring element.

[0029]

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf is provided with a first and a second pair of pivotable arms extending between two adjacent shelves with the exception of the upper and lower shelves which have only one neighbor each and therefore a first and a second pivotable arm, the pivotable arms are pivotably attached at their ends to adjacent shelves so that the distance between shelves can be varied from folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivotable arms, the first pair of pivotable arms is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second pair of pivotable arms is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves,for the upper and lower shelves, the first rotatable arm is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second rotatable arm is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves, the upper shelf is engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the lower shelf is anchored.,

[0030]

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf is provided with a first and a second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upwardly and in engagement with an above-mentioned shelf and a first and a second pair of pivotable arms which are in engagement with and adapted to be pivoted downwardly to an adjacent shelf below with the exception of the upper and lower shelves which have only one neighbor each and therefore two first and two second elongated pivotable arms, the pivotable arms are pivotably attached at their ends to adjacent shelf panels such that the distance between shelves can be varied from folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivotable arms, the first pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upwardly is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upwardly is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves,correspondingly, the first pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted downwards is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted downwards is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, for the upper shelf plate the first pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted downwards is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted downwards is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular upper shelf plate, in the lower shelf plate the first pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upwards is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upwards is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular lower shelf plate the upper shelf plate is engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms the lower shelf plate is anchored.,

[0031]

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelf plates are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf plate is adapted to engage with a plurality of spacer bolts, the spacer bolts being formed with a tubular middle portion with extensions at both ends, the spacer bolts being arranged such that an upper extension is adapted to abut an upper shelf plate while the lower extension is adapted to constitute a bearing surface for a neighboring shelf below, the shelf plates are further provided with holes, the holes being larger in diameter than the tubular middle portion of the spacer bolts and the holes being smaller than the extensions at the ends of the spacer bolts so that a spacer bolt cannot be pulled through said holes and at the same time so that the extensions can constitute bearing surfaces for the shelf plates. The spacer bolts between two shelf plates may be in a mutually offset position.

[0032]

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf is adapted to engage with a plurality of telescopic bolts, each telescopic bolt being composed of two or more tubular elements threaded into each other, the tubular elements having different external and internal diameters, the upper tubular element is provided with an extension, the lower tubular element is provided with a lower extension, the upper extension is adapted to abut an upper shelf while the lower extension is adapted to constitute a bearing surface for a non-adjacent shelf below, the shelf plates are further provided with holes, the holes being larger in diameter than the tubular portion of the telescopic bolts engaging the respective shelf,and the holes are smaller than the extensions at the ends of the telescopic bolts so that a telescopic bolt cannot be pulled through the said holes and at the same time so that the extensions can constitute contact surfaces for the shelf plates, further the telescopic bolts are provided with a number of intermediate contact surfaces for engagement as a contact surface between an upper and a lower shelf plate.,

[0033]

[0029] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves are designed as half shelves with a distance c between two opposing shelves at the same vertical level within the same shelf, a shelf pair, where c > d and where d is the width of the conveyor's transport surface d, each half shelf is provided with two or more associated shelf brackets adapted to engage with a post structure and where the shelf brackets are slidably movable vertically along the posts provided by a first and second roller arranged for engagement with a post.

[0034]

[0030] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, the height-adjustable shelving is provided by a plurality of half shelves being superimposed and adjacent to each other, where adjacent shelves are adapted to mutually engage with each other via pivoting arms, wire, telescopic bolts, spacer bolts, and / or with a chain with a lifting mechanism that can raise and lower the shelves.

[0035]

[0031] According to yet another aspect of the shelving system, where the shelf panels are half shelves, these are provided with at least two first and two second holes, where the first holes are arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf panels and arranged near each corner and the two second holes are arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf panels near each corner, the first and the second holes in the shelf panels are respectively adapted for the passage of two first and two second lifting means, the four lifting means are at their upper end in engagement with one or more lifting mechanisms, at their lower end the lifting means are anchored, in order to ensure the correct distance between the rectangular half shelves, the lifting means are provided with discs / stop devices where the discs / stop devices are designed so that they cannot slide through the first and second holes in the shelf panels and where the distance between the discs / stop devices defines the distance between neighboring shelf boards.

[0036]

[0032] According to another aspect of the racking system, the racking system comprises: a hoisting mechanism, wherein the hoisting mechanism comprises a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism is connected to a drive means from the drive mechanism, the drive means is engaged with an endless transmission means, the endless transmission means is engaged with a shaft which provides a rotation of the shaft which in turn provides a synchronous rotation of one or more winch drums. According to one aspect, the transmission means may be one of: a chain, a timing belt, a V-belt, a multi-ribbed belt or a flat belt.

[0037]

[0033] According to another aspect of the shelving system, the shelves for storing objects are provided with raised side edges at at least two of their side edges. In one aspect of the invention, the objects are seismic nodes and the conveyor is a conveyor belt.

[0038]

[0034] Further advantages of the present invention will emerge from the accompanying patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0039]

[0035] The present invention will be more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. the figures there,

[0040]

[0036] Figure 1 shows a vessel for laying seismic nodes on the seabed,

[0041]

[0037] Figure 2 shows a map with examples of operative and non-operative routes for seismic vessels,

[0042]

[0038] Figure 3 shows a modular system consisting of several load carriers arranged on the deck of a vessel,

[0043]

[0039] Figure 4a shows a modular system arranged aft of the ship as seen from the stern of a vessel,

[0044]

[0040] Figure 4b shows a modular system arranged aft of a ship, seen from the side. the side of a vessel,

[0045]

[0041] Figure 4c shows a modular system arranged aft of a ship, seen from the side. a vessel,

[0046]

[0042] Figure 5 shows nodes entering or exiting a node hotel with racks placed in perspective,

[0047]

[0043] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram for the distribution and transport of nodes in a node hotel, Figure 6a shows a filled rack, Figure 6b a rack during filling and Figure 6c shows an empty rack,

[0048]

[0044] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram for the distribution and transport of nodes in a node hotel, Figure 7a shows a filled rack, Figure 7b a rack during filling and Figure 7c shows an empty rack,

[0049]

[0045] Figure 8a shows an example of means for regulating the distance between shelves in racks,

[0050]

[0046] Figure 8b shows an example of means for regulating the distance between

[0051] shelves in racks, where the means are pivoting arms as shown in Figure 7,

[0052]

[0047] Figure 9a shows an example of using spacer bolts to regulate the distance between shelves, frames in racks,

[0053]

[0048] Figure 9b shows an example of shelves in a folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack,

[0054]

[0049] Figure 9c shows an example of shelves in a folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed straight from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor,

[0055]

[0050] Figure 9d shows an example of shelves in a folded position seen in perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor is not shown for simplicity,

[0056]

[0051] Figure 9e shows an example of shelves in a partially folded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0057]

[0052] Figure 9f shows an example of shelves in a partially expanded position seen in perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor is not shown for simplicity,

[0058]

[0053] Figure 9g shows an example of shelves in an expanded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0059]

[0054] 9h shows an example of shelves in a fully expanded position viewed straight from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0060]

[0055] Figure 9i shows an example of shelves in an expanded position seen in perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor is not shown for simplicity,

[0061]

[0056] Figure 9j shows an example of a shelf seen from above according to a embodiment of the present invention,

[0062]

[0057] Figures 10a and 10b show an example of a telescopic bolt according to a embodiment of the present invention,

[0063]

[0058] Figure 10c shows an example of a section of a telescopic bolt according to a embodiment of the present invention,

[0064]

[0059] Figure 10d shows an example of a telescopic bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0065]

[0060] Figure 11 a shows an example of shelf panels / half frames in assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack,

[0066]

[0061] Figure 11b shows an example of half-frames in assembled position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed straight from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor,

[0067]

[0062] Figure 11c shows an example of half frames in the assembled position as seen in

[0068] perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0069]

[0063] Figure 11 d shows an example of shelf panels / half frames in a partially assembled position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0070]

[0064] Figure 11 e shows an example of half frames in a partially folded position viewed straight from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0071]

[0065] Figure 11 f shows an example of half frames in a partially expanded position as seen in

[0072] perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0073]

[0066] Figure 11 g shows an example of half-frames in a partially folded position, viewed in perspective from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0074]

[0067] Figure 11 h shows an example of shelf panels / half frames in an expanded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0075]

[0068] Figure 11 i shows an example of two neighboring shelves with shelves / half frames in an expanded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the shelf, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0076]

[0069] Figure 11j shows an example of two adjacent racks with shelves / half frames in an expanded position as seen directly from the opposite side of Fig. 11i, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0077]

[0070] Figure 11 k shows an example of half-frames in expanded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed straight from the short side in the longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor,

[0078]

[0071] Figure 111 shows a detailed section of shelf boards / half frames in a partially assembled position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, elements for shelf spacing and organization of these elements are clearly shown,

[0079]

[0072] Figure 11m shows the same section as Figure 111, but with one of the shelves / half frames in a slightly different position,

[0080]

[0073] Figure 11 n shows a detailed section of shelves / half frames in expanded position with elements for determining the vertical distance between the shelves,

[0081]

[0074] Figure 11 o shows a rack from the short side with half-frames in expanders and assembled quietly, showing an alternative way to organize a line / wire that determines the vertical distance between half-frames,

[0082]

[0075] Figure 11 p shows an example of two half-frames seen from above according to a embodiment of the present invention,

[0083]

[0076] Figure 11 q shows an example of half-frames in expanded position with shelves in folded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed straight from the short side in longitudinal direction / parallel to a conveyor, the conveyor is not shown, the shelf hoist is shown,

[0084]

[0077] Figure 11 r shows an example of shelves / half frames in expanded position with shelves in folded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention, objects for storage and parts of hoisting mechanism are shown, conveyor is not shown,

[0085]

[0078] Figure 11s shows an example of half-frames in an expanded position with folded shelves viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack viewed from a position between the half-frames, according to an embodiment of the present invention, objects for storage and parts of the hoist are shown, conveyor is not shown,

[0086]

[0079] Figure 111 shows a hoist for a rack section seen from the underside without studwork,

[0087]

[0080] Figure 11 u shows the hoisting mechanism from Figure 111 for a rack part seen from the underside in a another angle, detail view of hoisting mechanism is shown, and

[0088]

[0081] Figure 11 v shows an example of shelf panels / half frames in expanded position and folded position viewed directly from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention, objects for storage and parts of hoisting equipment in the form of wire / rope are shown, with detail of shelf bracket, conveyor is not shown. Detailed description of the invention

[0089]

[0082] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0090]

[0083] In the following, nodes are to be understood as devices for seismic measurements. It is not crucial for the invention whether the nodes are autonomous or not. The term seismic sensor is also often used. According to the invention, it is essential that the devices for seismic measurements can be physically separated from each other so that they can be stored in specific assigned locations.

[0091]

[0084] In the following, the term cable is used to refer to the cable used for deploying nodes attached to the cable. The cable is normally passive and any type of cable that is dimensioned for the task can therefore be used, including ropes of various types and wire.

[0092]

[0085] As mentioned, it is an object of the invention to simplify the handling and transport of nodes. Transport and storage of nodes takes place in load carriers, these load carriers can be ISO containers of standard types, such as 20 and 40 foot containers. It should be understood that other suitable load carriers can also be used. A complete system for deploying nodes includes winches or cable drums, these can be stored and transported in suitable load carriers, according to one aspect of the invention, the cable drums are adapted to the dimensions of standard containers or other standard load carriers. In principle, objects other than nodes can be handled in the same way as the handling, storage and transport of nodes is described according to the present invention. A prerequisite is that the objects have certain maximum and minimum dimensions that are adapted to automated storage in certain racking systems with given shelf dimensions.

[0093]

[0086] According to the present invention, the nodes may be seismic nodes for deployment on the seabed, so-called seabed seismic (Fig. 1). Typically, the nodes shall be deployed via cable where the nodes are attached to this cable at a certain distance from each other, the cable is normally passive and the nodes are thus autonomous and adapted to reading separately. The distance between the nodes may be determined from time to time and may differ from mission to mission.

[0094]

[0087] The present invention will first be described generally, then examples of embodiments will be given.

[0095]

[0088] According to the present invention, a complete system is provided that shall encompass the entire handling chain of nodes, i.e. movement from storage location to the seabed, as well as retrieval and return to storage location and charging position. Data collection and servicing of the nodes are provided according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0096]

[0089] The system should be able to be mounted on vessels with cargo decks. Such decks are found, for example, on anchor handling tugs (AHTS vessels), supply vessels (PSV vessels) and MPV vessels, where the decks can be used as storage space for supplies to the platforms, but also for any other purpose, and then also as a base for the handling system according to the invention. The type of vessel used for transport and storage of seismic equipment is not essential in itself, what is essential is that the vessel has facilities that enable such storage, operation and transport of seismic equipment. It is conceivable that operation of the seismic equipment takes place from a vessel and that the load carriers are loaded onto another vessel that can transport the load carriers to a new destination where the load carriers are unloaded and loaded onto a vessel that is suitable for operation of the seismic equipment to make seismic measurements (Fig. 2).In other words, according to the present invention, it is not essential that seismic equipment be transported and operated from the same vessel.

[0097]

[0090] According to the present invention, a modular system is provided which consists of several load carriers, each containing its own part of the system, and which is thus mobile (Fig. 3). The seismic operator will then have the opportunity to move the system to vessels with available capacity, preferably to ships which are in an area where a mission is to be carried out.

[0098]

[0091] The node handling system according to the present invention will further do the job that the current system does, but in a more compact and efficient way. The process starts by releasing nodes that are (Fig. 4a - 4c) stored in an automated node hotel inside containers 36. The nodes are released into the sea via a winch, where the winch can be part of the system and where the winch can be movable. The client can determine which type of rope to use, and from that it can be determined which winch or which winches to use, and how the nodes should be attached to the rope. As the nodes exit the hotel, they are attached to the rope and released into the sea, where they sink to the seabed. Gradually, the hotel is emptied, and the operator can release the end into a buoy, and then perform pressure wave explosions that the nodes down on the seabed use as a basis for their registrations.Once this job is done, the nodes are hoisted back up to the boat, where they can then be removed automatically or manually from the rope. They are then transported to Hotel 36.

[0099]

[0092] Here they are sorted in order in a rack system (Fig. 5) which is foldable, according to one embodiment telescopically foldable, or foldable to the extent that the vertical distance between each shelf is significantly reduced. Before the nodes enter, the rack is empty, and it is then folded under the top level of an associated and adjacent conveyor belt (Fig. 6c, 7c, 9b - c, 11a - c,). As nodes enter, one by one the shelves from the rack will be pulled up, so that the node remains with the shelf up (Fig. 6b, 7b, 9e - f, 11 d - g). In other words, the rack will expand one notch above the conveyor belt for each node, or for example for every fifth node, as it is possible to collect several on one shelf. The rack height is controlled by the internal height of the load carrier, if an ISO container is used it will typically be about 220 cm or 235 cm. For an ISO container, for example, 10 shelves per expandable rack may be suitable.For a High Cube Iso container, for example, 12 or 13 shelves per expandable rack would be suitable. When a rack has expanded to its full height, it extends from the conveyor belt up to the roof of the load carrier (Figs 6a, 7a, 9h, 11h — k). Loading and retrieving data can then begin. A data room is required for this, which can be placed in a separate load carrier 37 which can therefore become part of the mobile system for logistics processing of seismic nodes.

[0100]

[0093] The following description will provide a detailed discussion of the figures and

[0101] specific embodiments according to the present invention.

[0102]

[0094] Figure 1 shows an example of nodes 11 deployed on the seabed. The nodes 11 are interconnected by a rope or cable 12. The length of the rope between adjacent nodes will determine the distance between the nodes on the seabed. A buoy will typically be connected to the last node deployed so that it is easy to fish it out for collection of the nodes 11. According to the invention, any vessel 10 that has facilities for storing and operating seismic equipment from cargo carriers can be used for the purpose, namely to perform seabed seismic measurements.

[0103]

[0095] Figure 2 shows examples of inoperative and operational voyages for seismic vessels. The dotted lines show inoperative voyages, it is clearly seen that the inoperative voyages constitute by far the longest stages, it is thus an advantage if specialized seismic vessels are not used for such stages. The inoperative voyages can according to the present invention be carried out by any vessel that can transport the load carriers used to practice the present invention.

[0104] Vessel for transporting and handling nodes according to the present invention

[0105]

[0096] Figure 3 shows an example of a vessel loaded with seismic equipment, where a number of cargo carriers in the form of containers are outlined.

[0106]

[0097] An important principle that emerges from the figure is that all storage of equipment takes place aft of the unloading ramps which are shown amidships, the unloading ramps are shown with a rope 12. By amidships is meant the ship sides extending from the bow to the stern of the ship. More specifically in this case, amidships is meant the ship sides which lie ahead of the node hotels 36. Unloading ramps arranged on the ship side between the bow and stern will provide flexibility as one can choose to have unloading ramps on the port and / or starboard side.

[0107]

[0098] Figure 3 shows a rope 12 that is stretched from a cable drum 38 and up to a load carrier 34 adapted with an area 39 adapted to the task and to connect nodes on and off the rope 12. The load carriers can for example be one or more containers. The rope functions as a fastening for the nodes 11 when laying nodes on the seabed. The figure shows six cable drums 38 arranged on the ship's deck. The cable drums 38 can be adapted for transport on load carriers such as containers. The cable drums 38 can have a winch function so that they can lower and hoist on board nodes attached to the rope 12. The figure shows 6 drums 38, but the number of drums can be varied according to need. In an embodiment as indicated by the figure, there are six drums / winches with 200 km of rope length each. The figure further shows a 12-meter container 37 adapted as a data room. One can imagine several containers or other cargo carriers for this purpose. Data collection from the nodes 11, as well as any data analysis, is carried out from the data room.The data room 37 is located in Figure 3 adjacent to three node hotels 36 which are shown as three 12-meter containers for the sake of illustration. A node hotel 36 of this type can typically store approximately 1000 nodes according to an aspect of the present invention. The three node hotels 36 that are outlined are arranged for carrying out seabed seismic measurements. During in-operative transport, these can of course be oriented in a different way, the number can also be different when transported from one place to another. Three node hotels are shown as three 12-meter containers 36, the size and number of load carriers will be varied as needed. The figure further outlines a workshop 35 arranged in a 12-meter container adjacent to a node hotel 36. In the workshop, necessary service and maintenance of the node equipment can be carried out. The same load carrier 35 is also designed as a warehouse 33 for spare parts.The load carrier 35, 33 with workshop and spare parts warehouse can also be divided into two separate load carriers 35, 33, for example two 6-meter containers. A 12-meter container 34 is outlined ahead of the node hotels 36 for the distribution of nodes. Nodes that are disconnected from the rope and that are loaded on board will typically be transported amidships via a conveyor 32 and to the distribution area 34. In the distribution area, one or more conveyor belts 32 running transversely may be arranged. The conveyor belts 32 running transversely in the distribution area are in communication with conveyor belts arranged in and to and from the node hotels 36 and / or the computer room / charging stations 37.

[0108]

[0099] Farthest forward amidships and adjacent to a loading ramp, an area 39 adjacent to the distribution area is illustrated, this is adapted to the task of connecting and disconnecting nodes from the rope 12. After disconnection, the nodes will be transported via one or more conveyor belts 32 to the distribution area 34. When connected, the nodes 11 will go the opposite way, that is, come from the distribution area 34 and to the "area for connecting and disconnecting nodes" 39. It should be understood from

[0109] Figure 3 shows that the on / off area 39 and the distribution area 34 can be reconfigured so that the on / off area is placed adjacent to the port side.

[0110] Loading and unloading of nodes 11 amidships provides flexibility in comparison to corresponding loading and unloading aft, as loading and unloading amidships can occur from the starboard and or port side simultaneously or separately in time.

[0111]

[0100] It is obvious that the outlined solution with load carriers with seismic equipment is scalable in relation to the seismic missions to be performed and that it scales very well in relation to fixed installations on dedicated seismic vessels, it is also possible to add more load carriers with other support functions for the system if necessary.

[0112]

[0101] Figures 4a - c show many of the same features as figure 3, but seen in perspective. The rope 12 that lowers and lifts nodes on board is indicated in the figures. Furthermore, the "area for connecting and disconnecting nodes" 39 is clearly seen. In figures 4a - c, the cable drums are indicated as 38.

[0113]

[0102] It should be understood that with such a flexible and scalable system as indicated by Figures 3 and 4a - c, the composition of load carriers and their equipment can be freely adapted to the needs of individual seismic missions. Distribution and storage of nodes on racks in node hotels

[0114]

[0103] Figure 5 shows nodes 11 on their way into a node hotel 36. The nodes 11 are transported on a conveyor belt into the node hotel. However, a conveyor belt is only one of several possible conveyors for the nodes 11. Typically, the conveyor could comprise combinations of conveyor belts, rollers, castors and wheels, as is known to those skilled in the art. Figure 5 further shows parts of racks with a number of stored nodes 11 placed on shelves. A shelf can be designed as a frame as can be seen from the figure where a lower shelf is shown being filled with three nodes 11. It can also be designed as two plates, two half frames that lie on opposite sides of the conveyor belt and that move synchronously, see figures 11 a - 11 p. A closer study of the figure shows that the nodes 11 move on a belt within a shelf designed as a frame with an end edge 55 to prevent the nodes from moving outside the shelf.It can also be seen that the shelves / frames are provided with raised edges 56 at the rear edge of the shelf. A corresponding raised edge is also outlined at the front edge of the shelves / frames so that the frames have three raised edges. The stop edge / end edge 55 has the purpose of preventing the nodes 11 from moving with the conveyor belt further into the next rack or outside the rack. The raised side edges have the purpose of ensuring a good placement of the nodes 11 on the shelves / frames, they thus function as guides.

[0115]

[0104] Figure 6 shows the shelving system schematically. Figure 6a shows a shelving full of nodes 11, figure 6b shows a shelving being filled, while figure 6c shows an empty shelving.

[0116] The figure shows a schematic design of the shelves seen from above as H, while the shelves seen schematically from a short side are shown as G.

[0117]

[0105] Viewed from side J, nodes 11 are seen being transported under filled shelves 62 in Figure 6a. For simplicity, only one shelf 62 is shown, but the number of shelves can be much greater and is dictated by the internal height of the load carrier. The nodes 11 are transported on the conveyor belt 32 driven by rollers 64. Figure 6a, viewed from side G, shows the stop edge 55 and a trailing edge 56. A "leading edge" corresponding to the trailing edge 56 is not drawn, but according to one embodiment, such a leading edge for guiding the nodes 11 is also provided.

[0118]

[0106] Figure 6b, viewed from the top H, shows that the nodes 11 have a width f that is greater than the width f of the conveyor belt 32, so that they abut against the shelf plate 62. Figure 6b, viewed from the side J, also shows that the conveyor belt 32 projects above the shelf plate 62 that is to be filled. When the shelf plate 62 is filled with nodes 11, it will be raised and a new shelf plate 62 will be ready for filling, until the shelf in 6b is filled up as the shelf in 6a is.

[0119]

[0107] Figure 6c shows that the width e is greater than the width f of a node 11, furthermore the opening c in the shelf plate 62 is greater than the width d of the conveyor belt 32, thus achieving the intended effect that the nodes abut against the shelf plates 62 at the same time as the shelf plates can be lowered under the upper side of the conveyor belt 32 for filling and then hoisting.

[0120]

[0108] The conveyor is shown as a conveyor belt 32, but other solutions such as a combination of conveyor belts and rollers are conceivable. A continuous conveyor that passes several racks is also possible by dividing the shelves, as is apparent from figures 11 a - 11 p. Furthermore, the side edges 56 of the shelf plates can be omitted or be hinged. The stop edge 55 can according to an embodiment of the invention be hinged. It is also conceivable that the shelf plates are provided with a hinged protruding edge on the opposite short side of the stop edge 55. Such a hinged edge opposite the stop edge is not drawn in. A purpose of a hinged edge opposite the stop edge 55 may be that when it is in a protruding position after a shelf plate 62 has been filled, it will secure the nodes 11 against a lateral movement when moving the node hotel.

[0121]

[0109] Emptying of racks is the opposite operation of filling racks. The solution with expandable racks where nodes 11 can be transported under an expanded rack allows for a choice in terms of logistics, so that one can have a first-in, last-out regime or a first-in, first-out regime for the nodes 11 in the node hotel. In the case of a first-in, first-out regime, this will be limited to blocks consisting of each entire rack, or possibly smaller blocks if each rack is only partially filled before being released again. Since the system can be fully automated and that one can raise and lower shelves automatically, other combinations of filling and emptying regimes are conceivable.

[0122] Designs of expandable and "collapsible" racks for storing nodes.

[0123] A first embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention.

[0124]

[0110] Figure 7 shows an example of an expandable and "collapsible" rack according to a first embodiment of a rack according to the present invention. By collapsible is meant that the shelves or frames 62 that make up a rack or part of a rack can be packed together completely or

[0125] partly to a stack of shelves or shelves 62, preferably in such a way that transport of nodes 11 can take place from one shelf to an adjacent shelf

[0126] regardless of whether a rack is fully expanded, partially expanded or completely combined.

[0127]

[0111] Figure 7a shows a rack that is fully expanded where all shelves 62 or frames 62 are filled with nodes 11. It can be seen from the figure that nodes 11 can pass under the lowest shelf 11 on a conveyor 32 to an adjacent rack. The shelves 11 are raised and lowered via a hoisting mechanism 73 which is engaged with a rope, cable or wire 75. The wire 75 is in

[0128] engagement with the upper shelf plate 75, for example with an attachment to a rotatable arm 76. In order for the shelf plates 62 to be able to be pulled up horizontally

[0129] and down with an evenly distributed load over the shelf plate, there will be four attachments between the pull-up mechanisms 73 and the upper shelf plate 62 according to one embodiment of the invention. There may be one, two or four pull-up mechanisms 73 for raising and lowering the shelves 62. If one or two pull-up mechanisms 73 are used, then one or two load distributors will be necessary between the pull-up mechanisms 73 and the upper shelf plate 62. Load can for example be distributed from

[0130] the pull-up mechanisms of the upper shelf plate using pulleys, and or a y split of a wire.

[0131]

[0112] Figure 7b shows a rack being filled, it can be seen that nodes 11 pass under three filled shelves 62 on a conveyor 32. The conveyor 32 projects over a shelf 62 to be filled. The shelf 62 to be filled is pulled up from a stacked stack of shelves under the conveyor 32. The distance between adjacent shelves is dictated by the lengths and angles in the upright position of the pivotable arms 76. When the shelf / frame 62 being filled is filled, the lifting mechanism will lift the shelves up one "step", that is, the adjacent shelf on the underside of the just filled shelf 62 is lifted up to a level corresponding to the level the newly filled shelf 62 had before being lifted. In this way, shelves can be filled until a rack is full or has the desired degree of filling. It should be understood that if the shelf plate 62 that is being filled in Figure 7b is lowered so that a stop edge 55 (not shown) lies lower than the conveyor, then nodes 11 can be transported further to a neighboring shelf.Thus, the conveyor 32 is designed so that it runs within the plates, that is, the plates are designed as frames as indicated in Figure 6. Figure 7c shows a rack that is completely folded where no shelves are filled and where there is no load on the wires 75.

[0132]

[0113] In one embodiment, it is conceivable to have several parallel wires 75 that can act as strain reliefs, so that not all the load for shelves below the top shelf plate 62 does not load this. Attaching a wire 75 to, for example, a center shelf plate 62 will be able to distribute the load from the top shelf plate to the other center shelf plate with a wire 75 that is attached to said center shelf plate.

[0133]

[0114] Although the first embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention refers to Figure 7 where swing arms / rotatable arms 76 are used to ensure expansion and folding of shelving, Figure 7 is intended to show a principle where means other than swing arms / rotatable arms 76 can be used. According to the first embodiment, a wire solution is used as shown in Figure 8a.

[0134]

[0115] Figure 8a shows a system where the distance between shelves is dictated by wire 75 with spacers 83. In the assembled state, the wire 75 will be coiled between the shelf plates 62. To ensure that the wires 75 lie correctly between adjacent shelf plates 62, they can be provided with a spring 89, as shown in Figure 8a, attached at one end to a protruding attachment on the underside of the shelf plate 62 and at the other end to a fastening device 84, for example a ring to which the wire 75 is passed. The wires 75 are passed through the shelf plates 62 via holes arranged in the shelf plates 81.

[0135]

[0116] A variant of the system for determining the vertical distance between shelves / half-frames 62 is shown in figures 111 - 11 n. The wire, rope or line 75 from figure 8a can be found again, however, a different means and principle than shown in figure 8a is used to keep the wire, line or line 75 in order, namely a rubber band 118 between two wires, lines, ropes 75 that are adjacent to each other at the same horizontal level and within the same shelf half. The solution with rubber band 118 can be replaced by a spring or a combination of spring and line, rope or wire. In figure 11 n the spacers 83 appear clearly. It can be seen that these lie below the half-frames 62 and will hold these in a specific vertical position.

[0136]

[0117] A further variant of the system for determining the vertical distance between shelf boards / half frames 62 is shown in Figure 11o. The wire, rope or line 75 from Figure 8a can be found again, however, a different means and principle than shown in Figure 8a is used to keep the wire, rope or line 75 in order, namely a bungee 118 extending from the rope, line, wire 75 and to an eye 120. The bungees 118 are thus engaged with the rope, wire, line 75 and an eye 120. In the figure, the eye is arranged on the shelf brackets 116, the line 75 and the eyes 120.

[0137] A second embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention

[0138]

[0118] According to a second embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention, a shelving system is provided as discussed under the first embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention with reference to Figure 7, the differences being related to the means for ensuring the correct distance between shelves and to ensuring that they can be folded and that shelves can be expanded. The second embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention differs from the first embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention in that pivotable arms / swing arms 76 are used instead of a wire 75. A review of the general principles related to Figure 7 is therefore not necessary. Figure 8 shows examples of means that can be used to raise and lower shelves 62 in a shelf, as well as means for ensuring a specific distance between adjacent shelves.

[0139]

[0119] Figure 8b shows the second embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention for raising and lowering the shelves 62. This embodiment is also chosen to exemplify raising and lowering the shelves 62 in Figure 7. Figure 8b shows rotatable arms 76 threaded through shelves 62 which are attached to the shelves 62 with, for example, cylinder screws 87. At the upper end of the rotatable arm 76, the rotatable arm is attached to the upper side of the shelf 62 with a cylinder screw 87; at the lower end of the rotatable arm 76, the rotatable arm is attached with a cylinder screw 87 to the underside of a shelf 62. The rotatable function of the rotatable arms 76 can be ensured by other fastenings between the rotatable arm 76 and the shelf 62, such as, for example, by a non-threaded shaft with or without ball bearings.

[0140] A third embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention

[0141]

[0120] Figures 9a - 9j show a third embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention for raising and lowering shelves and at the same time ensuring a desired distance between shelves in an expanded position and ensuring a compact stack of shelves in a collapsed position. The same principles for raising and lowering with wire as shown in Figure 7 can be used. Furthermore, the very basic principle for distributing nodes in shelving as illustrated in Figures 5 - 7 is maintained.

[0142]

[0121] Figure 9a shows an alternative, according to the third embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving, to the solution with wire 75 or pivotable arms / swing arms 76 as shown in Figures 8a and 8b. A plurality of plate-like bodies with a series of openings / holes are shown. The plate-like bodies may represent cut-outs of the corners of shelf panels 62, alternatively they may be separate plate-like bodies which are mounted to the corners of the shelf panels 62. The corner areas of the shelf panels / frames 62 are seen in Figures 9d, f, i and j.

[0143]

[0122] The spacer bolts 96 are arranged in columns A, B, that is, two columns on each long side parallel to the conveyor 32. Furthermore, the spacer bolts are arranged in 6 rows a -

[0144]

[0123] The spacer bolts 96 are designed with a tubular middle portion with extensions at both ends, for example in the form of a plate-like / disk-like termination on the tubular middle portion. The tubular middle portion of the spacer bolts 96 can move axially and freely in holes that are recessed in the shelf plates. When fully expanded as shown in Figure 9g - i, the extensions of the spacer bolts will abut against a surface of the shelf plates and prevent the spacer bolts from sliding through the holes in the shelf plates. The distance between adjacent shelf plates is dictated by the distance between the extensions of the spacer bolts 96. This in turn is dictated by the height y (Fig. 6, Fig. 7) of the objects to be stored in the shelves, typically nodes 11.

[0145]

[0124] Figure 9b shows a row of shelves in a fully collapsed position viewed in the longitudinal direction a of the shelves, here the conveyor 32 is indicated as a bold black line above the shelves in the collapsed position. A row of spacer bolts 96 are seen projecting above the stack of shelves. The spacer bolts are arranged so that they cannot engage with a conveyor. The rack is further shown with a framework with uprights 98 drawn and an optional stiffener 99 drawn at the upper end of the rack. Pull-up mechanisms as mentioned in the description of Figure 7 can, for example, be attached to the stiffener 99 or a fastening device at the top of one or more of the uprights 98. The pull-up mechanism can otherwise be designed as indicated in the explanation of Figure 7 with one, two or four wires and with or without a relief wire.

[0146]

[0125] Figure 9c shows a row of shelves in a fully assembled position as in Figure 9b but here seen towards the short side e of the shelves. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is indicated by the designation 32. The belt has a width d, while the light opening for the short side in the shelves 62 is indicated as c. The uprights 98 can be seen, it is further seen that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two by two columns A, B.

[0147]

[0126] Figure 9d shows a rack with shelves in a fully assembled position seen in perspective with a framework. 98. A study of the figure shows how the individual spacer bolts 96 are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (A, B) and transverse direction (a - Q.

[0148]

[0127] Figure 9e shows a rack with partially expanded shelves viewed from the same angle as Figure 9b, where four shelves are lifted up. These four shelves will typically be filled with nodes. It should be understood that a conveyor may extend above shelf number five from the top. The conveyor here in the form of a conveyor belt can be seen, as can the conveyor belt rollers shown adjacent opposing posts 98. In Figure 9e it can be seen that the spacer bolts 96 for the upper shelves act as spacers between adjacent shelves. It can further be seen that the spacer bolts 96 are in an offset position for every other shelf viewed in the longitudinal direction a, this will appear more clearly with the support of Figure 9j.

[0149]

[0128] Figure 9f shows a rack with shelves in a partially expanded state as seen in perspective with a framework. 98.

[0150]

[0129] Figure 9g shows the shelves fully expanded, and the aforementioned offset spacer bolts 96 between them in the longitudinal direction are clearly visible. The spacer bolts are arranged in groups of 6 rows a - £ in each corner so that they go clear of the conveyor belt. The figure is viewed from the same angle as Figures 9b and 9e. A conveyor belt 32 can be seen below all the shelves, with reference to Figures 6 and 7 it should be understood that the distance between the conveyor belt and the lower shelf / frame 62 is preferably greater than the height of a node.

[0151]

[0130] Figure 9h shows a shelf in a fully expanded position as in figure 9g but here seen towards the short side e of the shelves. The figure only shows a section with the four lowest shelves. According to a solution with groups of two columns A, B and six rows a - £ in each corner, such a solution outlined could have 12 shelves. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is indicated by the designation 32. The belt has a width d, while the light opening for the short side in the shelves 62 is indicated as c. The uprights 98 can be seen, it can also be seen that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two columns A, B.

[0152]

[0131] Figure 9i shows a rack with shelves in an expanded state seen in perspective with a framework. 98. The shelves or frames are here clearly provided with a stop edge 55. A study of the figure shows how the individual spacer bolts are engaged between adjacent shelves and the offset position in the longitudinal and transverse directions can be seen.

[0153]

[0132] Figure 9j shows a shelf seen from the top. The uprights of the shelf framework can be seen as square profiles 98. It can be seen that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two and two columns A, B seen from the short side of the shelf / shelf plate in each corner of the shelf plates, ref. figure 9c, d, h. It can also be seen that the spacer bolts are arranged in 6 rows a - £ seen along the longitudinal direction of a shelf plate, refer to figure 9e, g. It is further clear from figure 9j and 6c that the shelf plates are designed as frames, where the light opening of the frames across the longitudinal direction is indicated by a width c. The width c must be greater than the width of a conveyor if the shelf plate is to be able to enclose the conveyor and be raised and lowered around it. Furthermore, e must be greater than the nodes / goods to be stored on the shelf plate.

[0154] A fourth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention

[0155]

[0133] According to a fourth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention, the spacer bolts 96 are designed as "telescopic bolts" 106. Such a variant is shown in Figure 10a and Figure 10b. By telescopic bolts 106 is meant that the spacer bolts themselves can be designed telescopically so that the tubular part of the spacer bolts can comprise two or more tubes that are threaded into each other. The innermost tube 106a will be provided with a stop edge 103a such as the fixed spacer bolts 96 discussed above. The innermost tube 106a of a plurality of tubes will be threaded through holes in an upper shelf plate and the stop edge 103a, for example designed as a disc, will ensure that the upper shelf plate does not slide downwards in the expanded position and keep the shelves lying below at a fixed distance from the upper shelf plate. The outermost tube 106d will be provided with a stop edge 103b to keep a lower shelf raised at a fixed distance from the shelf above.Intermediate shelves will rest on tube edges 104, 105, 107. The number of joints in a telescopic bolt 106 is a design issue. The distance yi, y2, y3 and y4 determine the distances between adjacent shelves for a telescopic bolt 106. In principle, one can imagine that all shelves in a rack rest on four such telescopic rods / telescopic bolts 106. A combination of the telescopic variant 106 shown in Figure 10 and the spacer bolt variant 96 shown in Figures 9a - 9j i may be a usable candidate as spacers between shelves in a rack system according to the present invention. The number of joints in a telescopic bolt 106 is, as indicated, a design issue.

[0156]

[0134] Figure 10c shows an example of a telescopic bolt 106 in engagement with corner portions of shelves. A lower link 106d of the telescopic bolt 106 has a lower collar 103b that abuts a lower corner portion of a shelf. An upper edge of 106d forms an abutment surface for a second lower corner portion of a shelf. A second telescopic link 106c has an upper edge that forms an abutment surface for a third lower corner portion of a shelf. Similarly, third 106b and fourth 106a telescopic links will form abutment surfaces for corner portions. As indicated, the number of telescopic links in a telescopic bolt 106 can be varied.

[0157]

[0135] Figure 10d shows a similar example of a telescopic bolt as Figure 10c, but 10d shows the telescopic bolt seen from the side while 10c shows the telescopic bolt in perspective.

[0158] A fifth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention

[0159]

[0136] According to a fifth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention, the shelves or frames 62 are provided as half shelves or frames. Such a solution provides flexibility in relation to the use of the conveyor 32 as such a conveyor can then extend over several adjacent shelves, this is particularly evident in Figures 11 c and 11 g.

[0160]

[0137] Figure 11a shows a series of shelves in a fully assembled position viewed in the longitudinal direction a of the shelves, here it is seen that the conveyor 32 extends past the rack itself shown in the figure. The rack is shown with a framework with posts 98 drawn in. Pull-up mechanisms as mentioned in the description of Figures 7 and 8 can, for example, be attached to a fastening device at the top of one or more of the posts 98. The pull-up mechanism can otherwise be designed as indicated in the explanation of Figure 7 with one, two or four wires and with or without a relief wire.

[0161]

[0138] Figure 11b shows a row of shelves in a fully assembled position as in Figure 11a but here viewed from the short side e of the half shelves. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is indicated by the designation 32. The belt has a width d, while the distance between two half shelves 62 is indicated as c. The upright structure 98 can be seen.

[0162]

[0139] Figure 11c shows a rack with shelves in a fully folded position seen in perspective with a framework. 98. It is clearly seen here how the conveyor 32 extends between half shelves.

[0163]

[0140] Figure 11 d shows a rack with partially expanded shelves viewed from the same angle as Figure 11 a, where four half shelves 62 have been lifted up. These four half shelves 62 will typically be filled with nodes. It should be understood that a conveyor 32 lies between the two half shelves number five from the top, as can be seen from Figures 11 c and 11 g. The conveyor 32 shown here as a conveyor belt can be seen, as can one of the conveyor belt rollers 64. Shelf brackets 116 that are attached to individual shelves 62 are shown in the figure. These shelf brackets 116 have the purpose of ensuring that the half shelves are slidably anchored to the studwork 98. However, the shelf brackets 116 are not only attached to the shelves 62, but also in direct engagement with the studs 98 via rollers, which will be discussed in more detail. with support in figures 11 q and 11 v.

[0164]

[0141] Figure 11 e shows the same situation as figure 11 d, towards the short side e of the half shelves. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is indicated by the designation 32. The belt has a width d, while the distance between two half shelves 62 is indicated as c, ref. fig. 11b. The upright structure 98 can be seen. The shelf brackets 116 are seen here from the side and it is clear that these shelf brackets 116 are provided with an opening adapted to the uprights 98. Typically the opening will be rectangular, but it can have other shapes depending on the cross-sectional area of ​​a upright 98.

[0165]

[0142] Figure 11 f shows a rack with shelves in a partially expanded state seen in perspective with a framework. 98. Here it is clear that the shelves 62 are half, that they are provided with stop edges 55 and protruding side edges 56. The uprights 98 have a cross-section like a round log and a rectangular opening in the shelf bracket 116 is adapted to this.

[0166]

[0143] Figure 11 g shows the same situation as figure 11 e, towards the short side e of the half shelf boards, but here in perspective. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is clearly visible from the figure. The fastening devices 116 are seen here from the side and it is clear that these shelf brackets 116 are provided with an opening adapted to the posts 98. Typically, the opening will be rectangular as mentioned above, but it can have other shapes depending on the cross-sectional area of ​​a post 98, the posts are in figures 11a-11va of the round log type, that is, tubular.

[0167]

[0144] Figure 11 h shows the shelves 62 fully expanded, and the aforementioned shelf brackets 116 are clearly visible. The figure is viewed from the same angle as Figures 11a and 11d. A conveyor belt 32 can be seen below all the shelves 62, with reference to Figures 6 and 7 it should be understood that the distance between the conveyor belt and the lower shelf / frame 62 is preferably greater than the height y of a node 11.

[0168]

[0145] Figure 11 k shows the shelves in a fully expanded position as in Figure 11 h but here viewed from the short side e of the shelves. According to a solution as shown, there will be 12 half shelves in height, the height h of the uprights will dictate the number of shelves 62 in the vertical direction, together with the mutual distance between adjacent shelves in the vertical direction. The shelf brackets are indicated in the figure as 116.

[0169]

[0146] Figure 11 p shows a shelf seen from above. The uprights 98 from the rack framework can be seen with a tubular profile. It is further clear from figure 11p that the shelves are designed as two half shelves 62 where the distance between the shelves is indicated by a width c. The width c must be greater than the width d of the conveyor 32 if the conveyor is to be able to move freely between the half shelves and at the same time extend beyond the width a of the shelves 62. Furthermore, e must be greater than the nodes / goods to be stored on the shelf.

[0170]

[0147] Figure 11 q shows the same situation and section as Figure 11 e. The figure shows more clearly the shelf brackets 116 and the hoist for raising and lowering the shelf plates 62.

[0171]

[0148] On a shelf level we have two half shelf plates 62, called a shelf pair, on each side of the conveyor 32. In one embodiment, each shelf is suspended by two ropes 75. As indicated by the discussion of figures 7 and 8a, the ropes can be replaced by wire, wire, cable or line or be a combination of these. In total, there are four ropes 75 for each shelf level. These ropes 75 are pulled up onto each winch drum 73 with coils that ensure constant lifting length per revolution. All four winch drums 73 are connected to the same drive, via shaft 73a and transmission means 117. The transmission means 117 can be any type of belt drive such as a V-belt, timing belt, multi-rib belt or flat belt. Timing belts and chain drives have the advantage that they do not slip and will thus ensure synchronous operation of the hoist. The winch drums are designed so that the angle of the rope 75 down towards the shelf plates 62 is always equal or symmetrical.

[0172]

[0149] The shelves are attached to the rope 75 with integrated rope clamps 83. Each shelf level thus has four rope clamps 83 (stop device), distributed over two shelves. All shelf levels hang from the same four ropes 75. Each rope thus has as many attachment points as the number of shelf levels. The distance between rope clamps 83 on the same rope 75 dictates the vertical distance between two vertical levels of the shelves 62.

[0173]

[0150] To prevent the rope from becoming entangled between the shelves and creating extra distance in the assembled position, a tensioning means 118 such as a rubber band 118 can be provided between the ropes to guide the ropes 75. The rubber band 118 has the same function as the spring 89, and the rubber band can be replaced with such a spring and attached as shown in Figure 8a. To ensure that the ropes 75 lie correctly between adjacent shelf plates 62, they can be provided with a spring 89 attached at one end to a protruding attachment on the underside of the shelf plate 62 and at the other end to a fastening device 84, for example a ring to which the rope 75 is passed. The ropes 75 are passed through the shelf plates 62 via holes arranged in the shelf plates 81.

[0174]

[0151] Each half shelf 62 is mounted with two shelf brackets 116, which in turn are adapted to engage with their respective uprights 98. The shelf bracket is defined by two half spacers 116c, these spacers being congruent and arranged parallel to each other. At each end of the spacers there is arranged a roller 116a, 116b which functions as a spacer between the spacers 116c. The spacers 116c and a first 116a and a second roller 116b define a rectangular opening adapted to engage the uprights 98, the rectangular opening constituting that portion of the shelf brackets 116 adapted to engage the uprights 98. The rectangular opening in the shelf bracket 116 has a lower second roller 116b adjacent a half shelf 62. This lower second roller 116b abuts the upright 98. The rectangular opening in the shelf bracket 116 has an upper first roller 116a abutting the upright 98. The first 116a and the second roller 116b provide a slidable shelf bracket 116.

[0175]

[0152] Figure 11r shows a rack with partially expanded shelves as shown in Figure 11d viewed from the same angle. It should be understood that a conveyor 32 lies between the half shelves. The conveyor is not shown. Shelf brackets 116 that are attached to individual shelves 62 are shown in the figure. Also shown is hoisting means 75, which may be rope, wire, line or the like. A study of the figure shows that the hoisting means 75 extends from the hoisting mechanism down through all the shelves 62. The means 118 for maintaining order on the hoisting means 75 is shown in the figure. Nodes on the shelves are not shown.

[0176]

[0153] Figure 11 s shows the same situation as Figure 11 r, but here the shelves are seen from one shelf half towards another shelf half. A shelf half is a part of a shelf with half shelves that are vertically arranged one above the other and that are in engagement with the same uprights 98. The figure shows a section of the hoisting mechanism, where a motor 114 for operating winch drums 73 via a drive means 115 for operating transmission means 117 for transmission transmission between motor 114 and winch drums 73 for raising and lowering shelf boards 62. The means 118 for keeping the line, wire or rope 75 in order is not shown. Nodes 11 are shown on one of the half frames.

[0177]

[0154] Figure 11t shows the hoisting mechanism for a rack as seen from below. The figure shows the drive mechanism in the form of a motor 114 where the motor 114 is connected to a drive means 115 from the motor. The drive means 115 is shown in engagement with an endless transmission means 117. The endless transmission means 117 is in engagement with a shaft 73 which provides a rotation of the shaft 73 which in turn provides a synchronous rotation of the winch drums 73. In the figure the transmission means is shown as a chain and the drive means 115 from the motor is a sprocket for chain drive.

[0178]

[0155] Figure 11 u shows the hoisting mechanism for a rack seen from below as Figure 11t does, but here the viewing angle is different and details of the hoisting mechanism are shown. The details show, among other things, that the drive means 115 is provided with a gear wheel 115. The lower part of the figure shows the hoisting mechanism with its associated framework.

[0179]

[0156] Figure 11v shows the same situation and viewing angle as Figure 11r, but here details of the shelf bracket 116 are shown with spacers 116c and a first roller 116a and a second roller 116b. A rubber band 118 is shown stretched between the lifting means 75 for each level of shelves 62 that are in the expanded position.

[0180] A sixth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention

[0181]

[0157] The fifth embodiment of expandable and collapsible shelving according to the present invention discloses a shelving system with half shelves for each vertical shelf level, where a hoisting means 75 is used to control the spacing between the vertical shelf levels. The half shelves are slidably engaged with posts 98.

[0182]

[0158] The raising and lowering mechanism described in connection with the fifth embodiment largely coincides with that described with reference to Figure 8a, as regards the raising means 75 and its engagement with the shelf plates 62.

[0183]

[0159] It is to be understood that the spacing between half shelves as discussed in the fifth embodiment above can be provided by pivot arms or rotatable arms as seen in Figures 7 a - c and 8b. The hoisting mechanism can be as for the fifth embodiment, but according to this solution the hoisting means 75 can be attached to an upper shelf pair 62, the shelves in the same vertical stack being engaged with each other via the rotatable arms 76.

[0184]

[0160] A number of other solutions can be envisaged to ensure a given distance between shelf panels 62 in the vertical direction, including grooves in the uprights 98 which, in combination with a pull-up system for the shelf panel, will ensure that the shelf panel abuts against these grooves. The distance between adjacent grooves in the vertical direction will then determine the distance between two adjacent shelf panels 62 in the vertical direction.

[0185]

[0161] It is to be understood that the at least one means for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelves described above, namely, hoisting means 75 with stop lugs 83, pivoting arms 76, spacer bolts 96 or telescopic bolts can be combined with a shelving system with half shelves and shelf brackets 116.

[0186]

[0162] Handling of nodes on board vessels has been described. According to the invention, the nodes can be replaced by other suitable objects as long as they are adapted to the shape, depth and light opening of the shelves or the distance between the shelves.

[0187]

[0163]

[0188]

Claims

1. Logistics system for seismic equipment for storage, operation and / or transport on a vessel (10), comprising:a) at least one first load carrier, a node hotel, (36) adapted for automated loading, unloading and storage of seismic nodes (11) from the at least one first load carrier,b) at least one conveyor (32) for transporting nodes from the at least one first load carrier to a load carrier for distributing nodes (34),c) at least one area (39) in a load carrier (34, 39) adapted for the task of connecting and disconnecting nodes from a rope (12), and at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships (Fig. 3, Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c).

2. Logistics system according to claim 1, wherein the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier (37) adapted for use as a data room.

3. Logistics system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier (33) adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse.

4. Logistics system according to claims 1 - 3, wherein the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier (35) adapted for use as a workshop.

5. Logistics system according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the load carrier (35) adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier (33) adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse are a common load carrier.

6. Logistics system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the logistics system further comprises at least one load carrier for transporting at least one winch (38).

7. Logistics system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the load carriers are containers.

8. Logistics system according to one or more of the preceding claims 5 - 7, wherein the logistics system comprises: - a load carrier adapted to be used as a data room (37) where this load carrier is arranged approximately amidships and aft of at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships (Fig. 3, Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c), and adjacent to the port side of the ship, - three node hotels (36) arranged adjacent to each other and arranged adjacent to the load carrier adapted to be used as a data room (37) and adjacent to the load carrier (35) adapted to be used as a workshop and the load carrier (33) adapted to be used as a spare parts warehouse, - the load carrier (35) adapted to be used as a workshop and the load carrier (33) adapted to be used as a spare parts warehouse are arranged approximately amidships and aft of at least one unloading and loading ramp arranged amidships (Fig. 3, Fig.4b, fig 4c), and adjacent starboard ship side, and at least one winch (38) arranged aft of and adjacent to the load carrier adapted for use as a computer room (37), the load carrier (35) adapted for use as a workshop and the load carrier (33) adapted for use as a spare parts warehouse and three node hotels (36).

9. Logistics system according to one or more of the preceding requirements, where at least one of the load carriers is an ISO container with standard dimensions.

10. Shelving system comprising:- one or more stacks of shelves (62),-at least one first conveyor (32),-at least one means (75) for raising the shelves (62) in a vertical direction (h),-at least one means (76, 83, 96, 106) for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelves, wherein the shelves (62):a) have a rectangular light opening with two short sides c where c > d and where d is the width of the conveyor (32) transport surface d, orb) the shelves are designed as half shelves (62) with a distance c between two opposing shelves at the same vertical level within the same rack, a shelf pair, where c > d and where d is the width of the conveyor (32) transport surface d (32).

11. Shelving system according to claim 10, wherein the shelves (62) are designed as rectangular frames with two short sides of length e and two long sides of length a, a rectangular light opening with two short sides of length c and two long sides of length b where the short sides c are less than the length f of an object (11) so that the object (11) can rest against the rectangular shelves (62).

12. Shelving system according to claim 10, wherein the shelf plates (62) are designed as rectangular half shelves and these half shelves are arranged in two stacks within a shelf, wherein the stacks are arranged with long sides opposite each other and with a distance between two half shelves at the same vertical level and within the same shelf equal to c, wherein two such shelf plates (62) constitute a shelf pair, the half shelves (62) are provided with a projecting rear edge (56), a shelf pair has a distance of a length e between two opposite rear edges (56) and two long sides of length a, wherein the distance c between two half shelves in a shelf pair is less than the length f of an object (11) so that the object (11) can abut against the half shelves (62) in a shelf pair.

13. Shelving system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one first conveyor (32) is arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction a and enclosed by the height-adjustable shelf, d is the width of the conveyor (32) transport surface, the transport surface can extend above the shelf plates (62) or the half shelf plates (62) in a shelf pair, where d <c.

14. Shelving system according to claims 10-13, wherein the shelf panels (62) can be raised and lowered without engaging the at least one first conveyor (32) by the conveyor belt running within the shelf panels (62) or the half shelf panels (62).

15. Shelving system according to one or more of claims 11-14, wherein the height-adjustable shelf is provided by a plurality of shelves (62) or half shelves being placed over and adjacent to each other, wherein these shelves (62) or half shelves are adapted to mutually engage with each other via rotatable arms (76), wire (75), telescopic bolts (106), spacer bolts (96), shelf brackets (116) and / or with a chain with a lifting mechanism (73) that can raise and lower the shelves (62).

16. Shelving system according to claims 10-15, wherein the shelf plates (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape and that all the shelf plates are provided with at least a first (81) and a second hole (81), wherein the first hole (81) is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and the second hole (81) is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62), the first (81) and the second hole (81) in the shelf plates are respectively adapted to pass through a first (75) and a second wire (75), the two wires are at their upper end in engagement with a winding mechanism (73) at their lower end the first (75) and the second (75) wire are anchored, to provide stability to the rectangular shelf plates the first and the second wire are provided with elongated rails where The rail length is less than the length e of the short sides of the rectangular shelves (62).

17. A shelving system according to claim 16, wherein the first and second wires 75 are engaged with each other via a rubber band 118 stretched between the first and second wires 75.

18. A shelving system according to claim 16, wherein the first and second wires 75 are engaged with an eye arranged on the shelf brackets 116 via a bungee 118.

19. Shelving system according to claims 10-18, wherein the shelf plates (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape and that all the shelf plates are provided with at least two first (81) and two second holes (81), wherein the first holes (81) are arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and arranged near each corner and the two second holes (81) are arranged adjacent the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) near each corner, the first and the second holes (81) in the shelf plates (62) are respectively adapted for the passage of two first (75) and two second wires (75), the four wires are at their upper end engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms (73) at their lower end the wires are anchored,to provide stability to the rectangular shelves, the first and second wires are provided with washers / stops (83) where the washers / stops are designed so that they cannot slide through the first (81) and second holes (81) in the shelves (62) and where the distance between the washers / stops (83) defines the distance between adjacent shelves., 20. Shelving system according to claim 19, wherein each individual shelf is provided on its underside with fastening devices for fastening spring elements (89), the number of fastenings corresponds to the number of holes the shelf is provided with, the first end of each spring element is fastened to fastenings in the shelf while the second end of the spring element (89) is fastened to a wire (75), so that each wire is in engagement with a single spring element (89).

21. A shelving system according to claims 10-15, wherein the shelves (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf is provided with a first (76) and a second pair (76) of pivotable arms extending between two adjacent shelves (62) with the exception of the upper and lower shelves which only have one neighbor each and therefore a first and a second pivotable arm (76), the pivotable arms (76) are pivotably attached (87) at their ends to adjacent shelves so that the distance between shelves can be varied from folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivotable arms (76), the first pivotable arm pair is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second pivotable arm pair is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves,for the upper and lower shelves, the first rotatable arm (76) is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelves and the second rotatable arm (76) is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelves (62), the upper shelf is engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the lower shelf (62) is anchored., 22. A shelving system according to claims 10-15, wherein the shelves (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf (62) is provided with a first and a second pair of pivotable arms (76) adapted to be pivoted upwardly and in engagement with an above-mentioned shelf and a first and a second pair of pivotable arms (76) which are in engagement with and adapted to be pivoted downwardly to an adjacent shelf below with the exception of the upper and lower shelves which only have one neighbor each and therefore two first and two second elongated pivotable arms, the pivotable arms being pivotably attached (87) at their ends to adjacent shelf panels so that the distance between shelves can be varied from folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivotable arms,the first pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upward is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf panels and the second pair of pivotable arms adapted to be pivoted upward is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf panels (62), correspondingly the first pair of pivotable arms (76) adapted to be pivoted downward is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf panels and the second pair of pivotable arms (76) adapted to be pivoted downward is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf panels, for the upper shelf panel the first pair of pivotable arms (76) adapted to be pivoted downward is arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf panel (62) and the second pair of pivotable arms (76) adapted to be pivoted downward is arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular upper shelf panel,in the lower shelf plate, the first pair of rotatable arms adapted to be rotated upward are arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of rotatable arms adapted to be rotated upward are arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular lower shelf plate, the upper shelf plate is engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the lower shelf plate is anchored., 23. A shelving system according to claims 10 - 15, wherein the shelf plates (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf plate (62) is adapted to engage with a plurality of spacer bolts (96) where the spacer bolts are designed with a tubular middle portion with extensions at both ends, the spacer bolts are arranged such that an upper extension is adapted to abut an upper shelf plate while the lower extension is adapted to constitute a bearing surface for a neighboring shelf below, the shelf plates are further provided with holes, where the holes are larger in diameter than the tubular middle portion of the spacer bolts (96) and the holes are smaller than the extensions at the ends of the spacer bolts so that a spacer bolt (96) cannot be pulled through said holes and at the same time so that the extensions can constitute bearing surfaces for the shelf plates.

24. Shelving system according to claim 23, wherein the spacer bolts (96) between two shelf boards are in a mutually offset position.

25. Shelving system according to claims 10-15, characterized in that the shelf plates (62) are elongated and have a rectangular shape, each shelf plate (62) is adapted to engage with a plurality of telescopic bolts, each telescopic bolt (106) being composed of two or more tubular elements (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) which are threaded into each other, where the tubular elements (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) have different external and internal diameters, the upper tubular element is provided with an extension (103a), the lower tubular element is provided with a lower extension (103b), the upper extension is adapted to abut an upper shelf plate while the lower extension is adapted to constitute a bearing surface for a shelf plate lying below that is not adjacent, the shelf plates are further provided with holes, wherein the holes are larger in diameter than the tubular portion of the telescopic bolts (106) that engage the respective shelf,and the holes are smaller than the extensions at the ends of the telescopic bolts (103a, 103b) so that a telescopic bolt cannot be pulled through the said holes and at the same time so that the extensions (103a, 103b) can constitute contact surfaces for the shelf plates, furthermore the telescopic bolts (106) are provided with a number of intermediate contact surfaces (104, 105, 107) for engagement as a contact surface between an upper and a lower shelf plate., 26. A shelving system according to claims 10-15, wherein the shelves are designed as half shelves (62) with a distance c between two opposing shelves at the same vertical level within the same shelf, a pair of shelves, where c > d and where d is the width of the conveyor (32) transport surface d, each half shelf (62) is provided with two or more associated shelf brackets (116) adapted to engage with a post structure (98) and where the shelf brackets (116) are slidably movable vertically along the posts (98) provided by a first (116a) and second roller (116b) arranged for engagement with a post (98).

27. A shelving system according to claim 26, wherein the height-adjustable shelving is provided by a plurality of half shelves (62) being superimposed and adjacent to each other, wherein adjacent shelves are adapted to engage each other via pivoting arms (76), wire (75), telescopic bolts (106), spacer bolts (96), and / or by a chain with a lifting mechanism (73) that can raise and lower the shelves (62).

28. Shelving system according to claim 27, wherein the shelf plates are provided with at least two first (81) and two second holes (81), wherein the first holes (81) are arranged adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and arranged near each corner and the two second holes (81) are arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) near each corner, the first and the second holes (81) in the shelf plates (62) are respectively adapted for the passage of two first (75) and two second lifting means (75), the four lifting means are at their upper end in engagement with one or more lifting mechanisms (73) at their lower end the lifting means are anchored,to ensure the correct distance between the rectangular half-shelf plates, the lifting means (75) are provided with discs / stops (83) where the discs / stops are designed so that they cannot slide through the first (81) and the second holes (81) in the shelf plates (62) and where the distance between the discs / stops (83) defines the distance between adjacent shelf plates., 29. A racking system according to claims 26 - 28, wherein the racking system comprises a hoisting mechanism, wherein the hoisting mechanism comprises a drive mechanism (114), the drive mechanism is connected to a drive means (115) from the drive mechanism, the drive means (115) is engaged with an endless transmission means (117), the endless transmission means (117) is engaged with a shaft (73a) which provides a rotation of the shaft (73a) which in turn provides a synchronous rotation of one or more winch drums (73).

30. A racking system according to claim 29, wherein the transmission means (117) is one of: a chain, a timing belt, a V-belt, a multi-ribbed belt or a flat belt.

31. Shelving system according to one or more of claims 10-26, wherein the shelf plates for storing objects (11) are provided with projecting side edges (56) at at least two of their side edges.

32. A racking system according to any one of claims 10-28, wherein the objects are seismic nodes (11).

33. Shelving system according to any one of claims 10-29, wherein the conveyor (32) is a conveyor belt.