Abstract: A sling manufacturing apparatus for constructing a synthetic sling having a cover and a core, includes a frame defining a longitudinal frame axis, a yarn feeder assembly associated with the frame, a drive roller connected to the frame, a tailstock movably mounted to the frame, an idler roller movably mounted to the tailstock, and an idler actuator secured to the tailstock. The drive roller is drivable to draw yarn from the yarn feeder assembly and the tailstock is movable relative to the frame substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler roller is movable relative to the tailstock parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler actuator is configured to move the idler roller from a loading position spaced a first distance from the tailstock to a tensioned position spaced a second distance from the tailstock, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: Roundslings with radio frequency identification pre-failure warning indicators comprise radio frequency identification tags, radio frequency identification tag sensors, and radio frequency signal receivers that inform a user of a pre-failure condition with the roundsling. The radio frequency tags may be affixed to one or more of an indicator yarn, a strand of the roundsling core, a dedicated strand of a pre-failure indicator assembly, or a ring of the pre-failure indicator assembly. The radio frequency tags may be active or passive, and active radio frequency tags may comprise a shield that block a signal transmitted from the tag.

Abstract: An equalizing rigging block for use with a synthetic roundsling is disclosed. The rigging block includes in preferred embodiments (a) a flatter and wider sheave to better accommodate a wider or flatter cross-section synthetic roundsling; (b) higher side sections for the sheave; and (c) a plurality of stacked bearings along the rigging block axis to provide enhanced lateral stability of the rigging block. In preferred embodiments, the rigging block sheave is manufactured from a synthetic material, such as plastic. The equalizing rigging block exhibits improved characteristics of holding a synthetic roundsling within the rigging block, and of reducing wear and tear on the roundsling.

Abstract: A high strength, high temperature resistant roundsling for use as a restraint safety device. The roundsling uses a blend of fibers having characteristics of high strength, improved heat resistance, low weight, and improved handibility, as compared to roundslings assembled from non-blended fibers. Use of the roundslings of the present invention to secure sections of pipeline systems, will assist to maintain safety and reduce failure conditions in such pipeline systems that are subject to higher pressures and elevated temperatures. An exemplary and preferred range of the fiber blend for the inventive roundsling device are within a range of 30-70% Para-Aramid fibers and 70-30% LCP fibers, respectively. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention that has been tested is a roundsling manufactured to include a blend of fibers within the approximate range of 55-65% Para-Aramid and 45-35% LCP.

Abstract: A pre-failure indicator system for determining a degradation or failure condition includes a rope having an elongated structural strand and a pre-failure indicator strand. The pre-failure indicator strand has a tensile strength less than a tensile strength of the structural strand. The pre-failure indicator strand constructed of a conductive wire. The pre-failure indicator strand is configured to fail when the rope is subject to tension that exceeds the tensile strength of the structural strand. An indicator generates a detectable signal when the pre-failure indicator strand fails. A transceiver detects the detectable signal. The transceiver is configured to transmit a warning upon receipt of the detectable signal.

Abstract: Roundslings with radio frequency identification pre-failure warning indicators comprise radio frequency identification tags, radio frequency identification tag sensors, and radio frequency signal receivers that inform a user of a pre-failure condition with the roundsling. The radio frequency tags may be affixed to one or more of an indicator yarn, a strand of the roundsling core, a dedicated strand of a pre-failure indicator assembly, or a ring of the pre-failure indicator assembly. The radio frequency tags may be active or passive, and active radio frequency tags may comprise a shield that block a signal transmitted from the tag.

Abstract: A high strength, high temperature resistant roundsling for use as a restraint safety device. The roundsling uses a blend of fibers having characteristics of high strength, improved heat resistance, low weight, and improved handibility, as compared to roundslings assembled from non-blended fibers. Use of the roundslings of the present invention to secure sections of pipeline systems, will assist to maintain safety and reduce failure conditions in such pipeline systems that are subject to higher pressures and elevated temperatures. An exemplary and preferred range of the fiber blend for the inventive roundsling device are within a range of 30-70% Para-Aramid fibers and 70-30% LCP fibers, respectively. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention that has been tested is a roundsling manufactured to include a blend of fibers within the approximate range of 55-65% Para-Aramid and 45-35% LCP.

Abstract: A sling for industrial lifting comprising a cover having fibers twisted in a first direction; and a load-bearing core within the cover, the core having a helical twist of a plurality of core strands, each core strand twisted in a second direction.

Abstract: A sling for industrial lifting comprising a cover having fibers twisted in a first direction; and a load-bearing core within the cover, the core having a helical twist of a plurality of core strands, each core strand twisted in a second direction.

Abstract: A sling for industrial lifting made of a load-bearing core and a cover. The cover protects the plurality of yarns that make-up the core. Each core yarn is made of a number of core threads twisted together. The core yarns are twisted together where the twist is in the same direction as the individual core strands and a different direction than the twist of the cover. The present invention describes the method of twisting the core yarns together by inserting core yarns substantially parallel into a cover that has a twist opposite of each core strand. As the core strands are inserted into the cover, the twists of the individual core yarns interact with the twist of the cove, resulting in the core yarns twisting together.

Abstract: An edge protector, including a flexible body portion, spacers, and mating straps, that protects slings from both abrasion damage and cutting damage caused by a heavy object being lifted.

Abstract: A pre-failure warning indicator is provided for use with a sling. The pre-failure warning indicator triggers at a point that is predictable within a relatively narrow range, thereby increasing the possibility that a damaged sling is removed from use. The pre-failure warning indicator includes a dedicated strand of material that is placed in close proximity to the load-bearing core yarns of the sling but remains separate and independent from the core yarns; the ends of the dedicated strand are connected via a sacrificial “ring.” A warning fiber having an end that is visible to operators/riggers works in conjunction with the sacrificial strand and the ring. The ring is designed to fail when the sling is subjected to a specifically chosen condition (e.g., excessive weight). The failure of the ring causes the warning fiber to withdraw from the rigger's view thereby warning the rigger that the sling was subjected to the specifically chosen condition and may be damaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing industrial slings which is especially adapted for making roundslings. The apparatus can make slings having one load-lifting core or multiple load-lifting cores. The apparatus has three primary sections, namely, a yarn feeder assembly, a control assembly and a tail section assembly. The sling-making apparatus may be left-handed or right-handed.

Abstract: A pre-failure warning indicator is provided for use with a sling. The pre-failure warning indicator triggers at a point that is predictable within a relatively narrow range, thereby increasing the possibility that a damaged sling is removed from use. The pre-failure warning indicator includes a dedicated strand of material that is placed in close proximity to the load-bearing core yarns of the sling but remains separate and independent from the core yarns; the ends of the dedicated strand are connected via a sacrificial “ring.” A warning fiber having an end that is visible to operators/riggers works in conjunction with the sacrificial strand and the ring. The ring is designed to fail when the sling is subjected to a specifically chosen condition (e.g., excessive weight). The failure of the ring causes the warning fiber to withdraw from the rigger's view thereby warning the rigger that the sling was subjected to the specifically chosen condition and may be damaged.