Abstract: A remote-controlled latch assembly having a latch plate assembly with a latch plate attached to a shank of a hoist hook. A latch is attached to the latch plate and is disposed across a throat of the hook. A latch operating assembly is also attached to the latch plate assembly and includes a drive motor for causing the latch to rotate to an open position. An electronics package, including a radio receiver, is disposed adjacent the drive motor and in electronic communication therewith. The operating assembly further includes an electrical power source for supplying electrical power to the electronics package and the drive motor.

Abstract: An auxiliary protective coil lifter saddle adapted to be mounted on an arm of a coil lifter for transporting a coil of material having an inner surface defining a core, the arm having a lifting segment with a lifting surface and two side walls depending therefrom. The auxiliary protective coil lifter saddle includes a frame and a pad. The frame has a body with at least two opposite ends and a plurality of lugs, wherein at least one of the lugs attaches to a respective end of the body. The body and the lugs have upper surfaces and lower surfaces. The pad attaches to the upper surface of the body and is made of a soft resilient material such as polyurethane, whereby a bottom surface of the body can be placed on the lifting surface of the arm and the lugs deform so that the lugs depend from the body. The respective bottom surfaces of the lugs abut against the lifting segment. Accordingly, the inner surface of the coil rests on an upper surface of the pad.

Abstract: A coil edge protecting coil lifter and insert. The insert mounts within a cavity through an aperture in the front wall of each lifter arm of the coil lifter. The edges of a coil contact with a protruding portion of an endless belt which extends through the aperture and outwardly beyond each front wall. A low-friction wear plate atop a backing plate is positioned behind the endless belt and causes the belt to protrude outwardly. The endless belt can be made to additionally protrude through an aperture in the rear wall of each lifter arm.