Abstract: A winch assembly including a mount attachable to a vehicle, and a guide attached to the mount; including a winch having a drum for winding and unwinding a line, and a motor for driving the drum about a winding axis, wherein the drum has a helical groove for receiving the line as it is wound. A frame connects to the first and second end of the drum and is adapted to move relative to the guide so as to synchronize movement of the drum along the winding axis so that the line is aligned with the helical groove during winding and unwinding. A rod is attached to the frame and generally parallel to the winding axis, and passes through a hole in the guide, allowing the movement of the drum along the winding axis but preventing the frame from rotating about the winding axis is disclosed.

Abstract: A winch is described that includes a drum, a motor and transmission, and a tensioner. The motor and transmission apply torque to the drum, thereby enabling the drum to draw in and let out a line. The tensioner is positioned adjacent to the drum, such that when the line passes between the tensioner and drum, the line is in frictional contact with the tensioner and drum. The tensioner rotates with a linear speed exceeding a linear speed of the drum as the line is let out from the drum, and rotates freely as the line is drawn onto the drum. Methods for making and using the winch are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, the motor and drum are quickly and easily detachable from a structure by way of a flange and mounting bracket. The flange and mounting bracket have holes which are coaxially aligned. A pin or other fastener is used to join the flange and mounting bracket together.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A tracking module tracks an actual amount of line let out from the drum. A servo control unit receives the actual amount, compares the actual amount to a desired amount of line to let out from the drum, and generates an error signal reflecting a difference between the actual amount and the desired amount. A modulation module generates, from the error signal, a control signal to control the motor, thereby bringing the actual amount into better alignment with the desired amount.

Abstract: Hoists for hoisting loads by means of a cable are in existence for a long period. There are various types of hoists, which include winches and capstans. Generally, the principle of operation of a hoist is based on the cable being driven by adherence of the cable to the drum of the hoist. A hoist is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hoist comprises a drum, a plurality of guides, a guide support and a biasing device for displacing a portion of a cable away from the guide when the drum is rotationally displaced to thereby hoist a load.

Abstract: A lashing assembly lashes together two or more fiber optic telecommunications cables. The lashing assembly comprises at least a first and a second bobbin. As the cables are passed through the first bobbin, twine pays off from the first bobbin and wraps around the cables in a clockwise helix. As the cables are passed through the second bobbin, twine pays off from the second bobbin and wraps around the cables in a counterclockwise helix. In this way, the twine from the first and second bobbins lash the cables together as the cables are passed through the first and second bobbins.

Abstract: A cable guide of a cable winch, such as a cable hoisting winch, includes a cable drum having at least one cable groove and a cable guide having at least two base segments expanding into a ring. The two base segments are guided in the cable groove by at least one engaging element and are supported against the cable winch by at least one torque support. Elements for guiding and holding down a cable are arranged on the base segments. To create a simplified and optionally modular design of a cable guide, the base segments may be configured such that at least one torque support and at least one add-on element for guiding and holding down a cable can be secured in a desired arrangement on the base segments.

Abstract: A winding tool operating in conjunction with a level wind spools coiled tubing in a helical pattern onto a reel. In one embodiment, the winding tool includes a plurality of rollers that are urged against the winds of coiled tubing with a biasing member. A driver provides controlled oscillatory translational movement for the rollers.