Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: A side recovery boom for a tow truck, which is attached to a chassis of the tow truck, includes a frame, a boom, a stabilizer arm, and a winch system. The boom which extends in and out of the frame is telescopically connected with a boom track of the frame by a boom hydraulic cylinder, and the stabilizer arm which also extends in and out of the frame is telescopically connected with a stabilizer track of the frame by a stabilizer hydraulic cylinder. The boom allows the frame to be extended so that the immobilized vehicles can be towed from the side of the tow truck while the stabilizer arm counters the moment of rotation created by the boom. The winch system provides the necessary towing power to retrieve the immobilized vehicle as the winch system, the boom, and the stabilizer arm are operated though a control panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for compensating measuring errors for handling equipment with a drive carrier that includes a carrier part and driven drums for moving the steel cables arranged thereon and including a handling receptacle in which the handling receptacle is suitable for picking up loads and is connected to the carrier part by deflection pulleys via the support cables a id a controllable lever mechanism that is at least connected to at least two support cables and with at least two force sensors that capture the forces of at least two support cables and a monitoring device that monitors the forces of the at least two force sensors. An adjustment angle of the controllable lever mechanism is captured by sensors and a correction of the cable forces based on the captured adjustment angle is carried in the monitoring device.

Abstract: An anti-kinking transmission and guiding system is described, comprising at least one first and second cable running mutually parallel along an axis (X-X) and subtended between a respective winding and unwinding system and at least one output guiding and transmission assembly of such cables, at least one anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables being interposed between the winding and unwinding system and the output guiding and transmission assembly, such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables and such output guiding and transmission assembly being rotating around such rotation axis (X-X), a rotation of such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly around such rotation axis (X-X) being adapted to perform a winding shaped as an helical cylinder of such cables along such rotation axis (X-X) without contact or rubbing points between such cables.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine load raising and lowering system for use on a vessel, comprising: i. a first winch comprising first driving means for raising or lowering a first cable from the first winch; ii. a second winch comprising second driving means for raising or lowering a second cable from the second winch; iii. operating means connected to the first and second driving means of respectively the first and second winch for synchronising the driving means so as to perform synchronous raising or lowering of the first and second cable; iv.

Abstract: A gap protection device for an examining table includes a guide rail, a protecting chain and a rigid rope. The guide rail is fixed onto the non-moving part of the examining table. One end of the protecting chain is fixed onto the body of the examining table and is movable along the guide rail so as to cover the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table. The two ends of the rigid rope are respectively connected to the two ends of the protecting chain. When the examining table is moved, the closed loop formed by the protecting chain and the rigid rope circulates synchronously under the drive of the examining table, such that the protecting chain covers the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table.

Abstract: A bottom block assembly includes a block having a central vertical axis, a hook secured to the block for attaching a load to the block, a first pair of sheaves rotatably attached to the block, a first rope reeved about the first pair of sheaves, a second pair of sheaves rotatably attached to the block, and a second rope reeved about the second pair of reeves. The first and second pairs of sheaves are each equally spaced about the central vertical axis. The first pair of sheaves are located higher on the block than the second pair of sheave so that a portion of the first rope located between the first pair of sheaves crosses over a portion of the second rope located between the second pair of sheaves. If either rope fails, the other rope ensures the block remains level with a full load attached to the hook.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: A jack for lifting the nose gear on a lightweight aircraft including a wheeled tray adapted to hold weights, a handle for manually moving the jack, and a winch mounted on the jack. The winch including a line adapted to attach to a tie down point on a tail section of the aircraft. Also, a method of using the jack to service the nose gear of alight aircraft including the steps of, loading a weight on a tray, wheeling the tray under a tail section of the aircraft, attaching a line to a tie down point on the airplane opposite the nose gear, and winching the line to apply a downward force on a tail section of the aircraft to lift the nose gear of the airplane off the ground.

Abstract: A power operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. A pair of the new winches can be controllably operated using a portable or fixed control device, with one winch controlled to retrieve one line while another winch controllably releases line in a coordinated procedure. Among other things, such coordinated operations can be useful in carrying out tacking and gybing maneuvers without crew involvement in line handling operations. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: This invention is a spring-powered bolt launcher to facilitate tugging wire or cable between two locations; typically, the locations are in low light levels, are remote by about 10–20 meters and are above a suspended ceiling in a building. The present launcher includes a unique hoop-rocker-slide mechanism to assure safe, controlled and precise launching of a bolt from the origin toward the target. The present launcher system also includes unique combinations of spliced-sequential tethers capable of accurate placement even over ranges of 20–30 meters. The present launcher system is also disclosed in the form of field-configurable kits which are carried in a portable case including a group of selectable component trays. Once the bolt is attached to cable to be pulled, the tether allows the operator to tug cable to be connected between the locations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.

Abstract: A cable winch hoisting device for theatrical stages, whereby a plurality of elongated, rod-like holding girders are suspended on cables, and these holding girders are adjustable in height by varying the free cable length between the cable suspension and the holding girder, which determines the position of the respective holding girder. The holding girders are adjustable in height between two end positions without any mutual interference in the clearance spaces which do not overlap with one another and are provided for the holding girders. At least two cables which are uniformly adjustable by the same cable-operating device act on the holding girders and are distributed over the length of the girders. The cable-operating devices are each electrically driven cable drums. The cables acting on the same holding girder can be wound up side by side onto the cable drum of the respective cable-operating device with the same change in free cable length, which determines the position of the holding girder.

Abstract: A drum winch is replaced with a traction winch module. The traction winch module is mounted on and supported by the existing mooring winch frame of the drum winch. The traction winch module includes a traction frame, a front traction drum, and a rear traction drum. A portion of the drive system from the drum winch may be retained and used to drive the traction winch module. In one embodiment, the traction winch module is designed to mount between pillow blocks from the existing mooring winch frame. In addition, the power train and load-sensing systems from the existing drum winch may be used with the converted traction winch to drive the drive shaft and to provide the converted traction winch with tension information, respectively.

Abstract: In a theatrical rigging system, a number of motors can be placed on platforms which can move upon rails to be connected to different theatrical rigging elements. The motors can be randomly attached to operate different overhead hanging devices.

Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.

Abstract: A rear bumper mounted van and truck winch comprising a frame having two long vertical segments and one short horizontal segment, the segments including a plurality of apertures, the horizontal segment being affixed to the upper ends of the vertical segments, the horizontal segment including a generally cylindrical shaped pulley wheel affixed thereto, the lowermost extent of each vertical segment including a bracket to permit coupling to the rear bumper of a vehicle, a strap being coupled to the horizontal segment and the rear of the vehicle to enhance the strength of the frame; and a winch base having two horizontal components and a vertical component therebetween, each of the components including a plurality of apertures, the horizontal components of the base being affixed to the frame with a portion thereof extending beyond one of the vertical segments, a hand winch formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a handle projecting therefrom being affixed to the base, the hand winch including cable po

Abstract: A boom includes a plurality of boom sections joined end to end. Each boom section includes two or more parallel inflatable chambers which are joined with a weighted curtain which is reinforced for strength. Boom sections are stored compactly on respective reels. A substantial number of reels are arranged compactly in the hold of a carrier vessel which is smaller in size and has greater speed and maneuverability than vessels carrying known oil spill containment systems. Boom sections are consecutively unwound from their respective reels and connected end-to-end as they are deployed to form a continuous boom. The boom sections unwind naturally from the reels as the carrier vessel moves through the water away from a tender vessel holding the first end of the boom. The boom's deployment is controlled by a brake on an idler roller and a hydraulic crane's drive wheel on the reel, thus limiting manual handling to lighter-weight tasks.

Abstract: An auxiliary winch for mounting on the drive axle of an all terrain vehicle and operating by rotation of the drive axle to remove the all terrain vehicle from a stuck or bogged condition. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary winch is characterized by a split shaft fitting having matching split shaft halves for fixed retrofitting to the drive axle of the all terrain vehicle and a split reel characterized by a pair of matching split reel halves which mount on the split shaft fitting in normally rotatable relationship. A pair of wing nut bolts are used to couple the split shaft fitting to the split reel. One end of a winch line is anchored to the split reel, the winch line is extended through a pulley mounted on the vehicle frame above and in alignment with the split reel and the opposite end of the winch line is secured to a tree, stump or other fixed object when the all terrain vehicle is stuck or bogged.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism is provided to unseat and lift manhole covers and gratings and to replace them after servicing, easily and safely. The mechanism includes a frame, winches, cables, and hooks to lift and lower the covers and gratings. The mechanism also includes spuds for fixing the frame in position to prevent it from rolling into the hole being worked on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a winch and a boat trailer equipped therewith. The winch has a retaining line reel for retaining a boat loaded onto the trailer in a secure position thereon. The winch also has a drum or capstan on the same axle with the retaining reel for advancing the bow line or rope for loading and unloading the boat onto and off said trailer. The winch may be manually driven or it may be power driven.

Abstract: A hoist that includes a winding drum for a load-lift cable mechanism. The um has two drum sections of slightly different diameter; end portions of the cable are wound in different directions on the drum sections, so that one cable section winds onto a drum section while the other cable section winds off the other drum section. The effect is to provide a very slow net cable motion related to the difference in drum section diameters. The hoist includes a latch mechanism adapted to suspend the load from the boom during certain periods of a load transfer operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a cable spooling reel or drum onto a support frame structure for facilitating the use of the cable in a well bore drilling, servicing, or producing operation, or the like, the apparatus including a pivotal ramp for guiding the drum onto and off of the frame structure, a pair of winches engagable with the opposite end of the spool or reel shaft for moving the drum over the ramp and onto the frame structure and for unloading the drum from the frame structure, and a traverse mechanism for facilitating the winding and unwinding of the cable with respect to the core of the cable spooling drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a blow-out preventer during oil or gas drilling operations includes a base frame which can be manually positioned atop the rotary table of the drilling platform of the drilling rig used to drill the well. The apparatus further includes a pair of winches which can be lowered to preselected positions on the base frame, after positioning the base frame on the rotary table, and secured to the base frame via pins that extend through clevises that are welded to the base frame and through apertured lugs that are welded to the winches and extend into the clevises. The blow-out preventer is lifted by the winches via cables that are wrapped on reels of the winches and passed through the base frame and rotary table to the blow-out preventer to which the cables are attached.

Abstract: This invention is a tool apparatus operable to aid in assembling and disassembling of large, rotational sprinkler systems for crop irrigation purposes. The tool apparatus function is to present the tools and the structure for readily maneuvering the elements of the respective irrigation sprinkler system.