Abstract: A retrieval device may include a first plate and a second plate which may be movably coupled to a body via a first body fastener and a second body fastener, respectively. An upper plate connector and a lower plate connector may each be movably coupled to the first plate and a second plate with the lower plate connector positioned between the upper plate connector and the body fasteners. An optional tensioner may tension portions of the first plate and a second plate together. Upper gripper(s) may be coupled to the upper plate connector and lower gripper(s) may be coupled to the lower plate connector. The device may be movable between an open position, in which the upper gripper(s) and lower gripper(s) are positioned relatively distally from each other, and a closed position, in which the upper gripper(s) and lower gripper(s) are positioned relatively proximate to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guard for a trailer that utilizes a strap webbing to prevent a vehicle from underriding the trailer. The guard includes one or more straps that span the length of the trailer and may include additional structures to pre-tension the straps before a crash or supplement the tension of the straps as a vehicle crashes into the guard. When two or more straps are utilized on a single guard, the straps may be aligned parallel to each other or may form a cross shape. Additional structures may be incorporated into the guard to direct an impacting vehicle towards or away from specific features of the trailer.

Abstract: A tool and method for removing a film from a surface is provided, wherein the tool can include a frame, a handle operably coupled to the frame, a number of wheels operably coupled to the frame, a cylinder rotatably coupled to the frame, an arm rotatably coupled to the frame, and a number of separating devices operably coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the wheels can rotate about one or more axes parallel to the surface. The cylinder, which collects the removed film, rotates about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface. The arm can rotate about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a new system for transmitting energy through a cable (2) and interconnected pulleys (1, 3, 5). The traditional power transmission through pulleys sizes the system of belts and friction surfaces depending on energy to be transmitted and is obtained through systems composed of a rotary element for every point of application and of a flexible element for the connection. In the proposed system, the flexible element is a high-resistance cable (2) and friction on the rotary element is increased by using interconnected pulleys, which increase the cable friction surface allowing power transmissions without any sliding till the cable breaking point. The lightness of such system allows it to find optimum application in transmitting to ground all wind energy produced at an upper level. The system of interconnected pulleys (1, 3, 5) is further applied to discontinuous tractions in the sailing field, replacing the traditionally used winches.

Abstract: A novel device for climbing inside corners, outside corners, and a variety of surfaces. The technology presented herein relies on high friction materials, suction devices, adhesive materials, pneumatic devices, etc. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are designed to clamp onto inside or outside corners such that the devices weight, and an optional load, can be supported. Further embodiments allow the device to climb up, down, and across corners. Moreover, embodiments that can scale flat, rough, or jagged surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel device for climbing inside corners, outside corners, and a variety of surfaces. The technology presented herein relies on high friction materials, suction devices, adhesive materials, pneumatic devices, etc. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are designed to clamp onto inside or outside corners such that the devices weight, and an optional load, can be supported. Further embodiments allow the device to climb up, down, and across corners. Moreover, embodiments that can scale flat, rough, or jagged surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for winding an elongate strap onto a winch. The winch has a hub member to which may be coupled the strap winding apparatus and a reel element fixed to the hub member about which may be wound the elongate strap. The strap winding apparatus has a protective housing and a winding assembly at least partially retained within the housing. The winding assembly includes a coupling ring sized to fit over the hub member for selective mating therewith and a spool assembly. The spool assembly has a spool member mounted in surrounding relation with the coupling ring, a cord which may be wound about the spool member and which may be pulled to urge rotation of the spool member in a first direction, and a torsion spring member connected to both the housing and the spool member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device using force of one or several persons comprising a lever arm which consists of a bar (1) and an effort transmission triangle (1.2) and points fixed to a ground for pushing the vehicle rear part (1.4) in such a way that it is moved from mud. Said fixed points are formed by blocks (2) inserted under the wheels and anchored to the ground by the vehicle weight. The inventive device essentially comprises a main bar (1) consisting of abutment elements (1.1), a triangle (1,2) provided with end rings (1.7), a laddle (1.6) resting on the ground, straps or cables (1.9) tensioning the bar in such a way that it operates under tension, a joint and a vehicle hooking point (1, 4), strips, rods and blocks. The blocks (2) are placed before the wheels and are connected to the rings of the triangle through the connecting rods (3) and strips (3,6). The bar lifting force is transformed into a rear push and the vehicle progression.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a banner from a support member at a display height above ground level includes upper and lower banner mounting arms that are capable of receiving and mounting a banner with the assistance of an operator located at ground level.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing and maintaining tension in a flexible member. The apparatus includes a housing with openings therethrough for receiving the end portions of the flexible member. The apparatus further includes a retainer which maintains one end portion of the flexible member in fixed relationship with the housing, and a biasing device operatively attached to the other end portion of the flexible member and attached to the housing for applying biasing force to the flexible member. A method for tensioning a flexible member of a cartridge handling system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A telescopic device with two telescopic members (1, 2) comprises a control means with a flexible transmission element (4) for bringing the telescopic members in relative movement. The transmission element (10) is in engagement with a driving wheel (5), which is fixed relative to one (1) of the telescopic members in that the driving wheel is journalled at a base part (3) attached to said one telescopic member and from which the transmission element extends in a loop, which is arranged about a diverting wheel (8) arranged within a space limited by the telescopic members. The diverting wheel (8) is likewise fastened relative to the first telescopic member (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding and clamping an elongated flexible rope comprises a body supporting a plurality of rotatively mounted guide rollers aligned for guiding said rope in a plane. One of said guide rollers is mounted on said body adjacent a tension end of the rope and is selectively lockable against rotation. The other guide roller is mounted on said body adjacent a portion of the rope that is looped around for tension and is mounted for movement toward and away from said first guide roller so that rope passing around both guide rollers and extended between adjacent portions thereof may be pressed into a clamped position when the second guide roller is moved toward said first guide roller. The rope is released upon movement of the second roller in an opposite direction. Anchor means is provided for securing said body to pivot about a fixed point between a rope clamping position and a rope releasing position, and a hook element is provided for securing the body in the rope clamping position.

Abstract: A floating power transmission ring gear whose inner periphery is supported through its gear mesh with a pinion and whose outer periphery is engaged with a belt, to increase the belt's bending diameter without a corresponding increase in the belt's travel per pinion's revolution.