Abstract: A tension applying device including a housing in which are mounted a primary shaft, a main shaft, a pinion shaft, and a load-member sheave shaft. A ratchet handle is associated with the primary shaft for imparting rotation thereto when pumped by a user. Rotation of the primary shaft causes rotation of the main shaft which, in turn, is imparted to the pinion shaft and to a load-member sheave mounted on the load-chain sheave shaft. Rotation of the load-member sheave then applies tension to the load member which, in turn, is connected to a desired application. The tension applying device further includes a plurality of drive mechanisms for achieving different mechanical advantages between the ratchet handle and the load-member sheave, thereby allowing a desired input force to attain a desired output force. Further, the load on the tension member may be used for automatically switching between the plurality of drive mechanisms and for a load limit lock-up.

Abstract: A tension applying device including a housing in which are mounted a primary shaft, a main shaft, a pinion shaft, and a load-member sheave shaft. A ratchet handle is associated with the primary shaft for imparting rotation thereto when pumped by a user. Rotation of the primary shaft causes rotation of the main shaft which, in turn, is imparted to the pinion shaft and to a load-member sheave mounted on the load-chain sheave shaft. Rotation of the load-member sheave then applies tension to the load member which, in turn, is connected to a desired application. The tension applying device further includes a plurality of drive mechanisms for achieving different mechanical advantages between the ratchet handle and the load-member sheave, thereby allowing a desired input force to attain a desired output force. Further, the load on the tension member may be used for automatically switching between the plurality of drive mechanisms and for a load limit lock-up.