Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rotorcraft-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system includes a modular multicopter, a storage and launch system, an anchor system, a flexible capture member, and an aircraft-landing structure. The multicopter is attachable to the fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launching the fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight. The storage and launch system is usable to store the multicopter (when disassembled) and to act as a launch mount for the fixed-wing aircraft by retaining the fixed-wing aircraft in a desired launch orientation. The anchor system is usable with the multicopter, the flexible capture member, and the aircraft-landing structure to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

Abstract: A cable angle exceedance detection arrangement is provided. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a housing having an aperture extending therethrough defining an axis, the aperture being configured to allow a cable to extend through the housing from a first end of the housing, wherein the cable is aligned with the axis, to a second end of the housing. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a detection member coupled to the housing and configured to be contacted by the cable when a fleet angle defined between the axis and the cable at the second end of the housing exceeds a selected value.

Abstract: A system for developing multiple subterranean wellbores in a land-based field can include a first operational platform disposed over a first entry point of a first subterranean wellbore at a first time. The system can also include a second operational platform disposed over a second entry point of a second subterranean wellbore at the first time, where the first entry point and the second entry point are located proximate to each other. The system can further include first field equipment disposed on the first operational platform. The system can also include a second field equipment disposed on the second operational platform. The first field equipment can be used to develop the first subterranean wellbore, and the second field equipment can be used to develop the second subterranean wellbore.

Abstract: The apparatus for moving a load includes a carrier cable having a first end connected to the load, and a second end connected to a movement device, the movement device including an operating line connected to a movement carriage. An electric motor is configured to move the carriage as a function of a force exerted on the operating line.

Abstract: A mobile telescopic crane has a telescopic jib with at least three part-jibs. Each of the part-jibs is constructed from at least two part-jib portions so as to be telescopic in a longitudinal direction. Part-jib portions arranged at a spacing from one another transverse to the longitudinal direction each form a jib portion with at least one flexurally rigid connecting element. Respective adjacent jib portions are mechanically lockable with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction. A construction of this type of the jib means that an increase in the bearing load is easily achieved by increasing the area moment of inertia of the jib.

Abstract: A device having a winch spool, a torque sensor that measures torque of the winch spool, a first angle sensor that detects a first angle of a winch line relative to a central axis of the winch spool, and a second angle sensor that detects a second angle of the winch line coming from a coil of line on the spool relative to a surface of the coil of line is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: The hoist winch system of the present invention uses a cable drum that allows a web cable to be attached to the wind drum at a mid-point along the length of cable. The single cable has web loops at the two opposite ends.

Abstract: A portable hoist adapted for attachment to a hand truck nose plate is disclosed. The hoist comprises an adapter that sandwiches the nose plate and a hole or holes may be fabricated in the nose plate for securing hardware to be installed, such as a bolt, bolts, strap, etc. Receivers on the hoist hold removable, load supportive legs securely in place. Casters may be attached to legs to improve mobility. A jib assembly capable of several height settings remains reasonably level at all times when in use, making it ideal for tight spaces. The pivot point of the arm is at the end of the mast opposite the adapter assembly, the other end attaching to the handle of the hand truck and securing with a latch. A winch attached to the arm provides a cable extending to and about a sheave or sheaves, terminating beyond the sheave carried at the free end of the jib boom. A brace on the mast allows the arm latch to secure when the arm is collapsed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tension in a wireline (4), the apparatus comprising a reel (3) mounted on a vessel or surface platform for controlling a wire in a wireline operation, a primary drive means (5) between the reel and a subsea installation around which the wireline is wound and control means for synchronizing the operation of the driver with the reel.

Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors (limit switches and encoder) if desired. The winding and unwinding of the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the cable guiding means. The improved winch can be used in theaters and can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this improved winch counterweights are unnecessary. The improved winch is compact and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for driving, emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors if desired. A new feature of this improved winch includes alternate means for supporting the winch unit from the tubular support enclosure through rollers, mounted to the inside of the tubular support enclosure and engaging the support means part of the movable winch unit. Another new feature is an option to use more than one driving means for increased capacity. The improved winch can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron.

Abstract: A lift-assist apparatus, including an arm having a medial portion, a distal end, and a proximal end. One or more pulleys are attached to a surface of the medial portion. An upright support includes an upper horizontal bar and a lower horizontal bar, and a hinge point is formed medially on the upper horizontal bar. A turnbuckle has a fixed end and a connecting end, the fixed end attached to the lower horizontal bar, the connecting end adapted to attach to the medial portion. The hinge point is configured as a pair of opposing tabs defining a space in which the medial portion resides, wherein a pin can be inserted through each tab and through the medial portion to pivotally fix the arm on the upright support such that the arm can pivot in an upward and downward direction and be locked into a fixed position using the turnbuckle.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering equipment and including a fixed support arm for attachment to an elevated support structure, a movable carriage for carrying the equipment, a cable extending between the fixed support arm and the movable carriage, and a winch for spooling and unspooling the cable to raise and lower the movable carriage relative to the fixed support arm. A locking mechanism secures the carriage in its raised position, and alignment guides position the carriage to make electrical connections as the carriage is engaged onto the support arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist using a friction wheel to maximize horizontal movement of a load to be lifted while preventing a wire from deviating from a winding orbit while being wound on a wire drum, the friction wheel having a simplified configuration and being designed to stably support horizontal and vertical movable guide rollers. The hoist includes a single friction wheel on which a wire at a winding side is wound, a wire drum on which the wire at a drawing side is wound, a driven friction wheel through which the wire is guided from the friction wheel to the wire drum, vertical and horizontal stationary guide rollers and vertical and horizontal movable rollers for guidance of the wire, a movable roller mount to horizontally reciprocate the horizontal and vertical movable guide rollers, and upper and lower sheaves to guide the wire to the friction wheel.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A cable guiding device includes a base, upper and lower guide members disposed along a longitudinal direction, in which two ends of the upper guide member are mounted on the base and two ends of the lower guide member are mounted on the base. A slider defining a central cavity is penetrated therethrough in a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Upper and lower movable members are fitted slidably over the upper and lower guide members respectively, in which two ends of the upper movable member are mounted on two longitudinal side walls of the slider, and two ends of the lower movable member are mounted on two longitudinal side walls of the slider respectively. Upper and lower guiding rollers are fitted rotatably over the upper and lower movable members and disposed within the central cavity respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved level wind arm for a winch drum assembly, and a winch drum assembly incorporating such a level wind arm. The level wind arm includes a cross member adapted to bias against an outwardly extending portion of rope, the cross member being concave so that more force is required for the rope spindle associated with the cross member to “climb” the slope of the cross member, causing a momentary pause in motion of the spindle after it reaches the end of wind stroke. This momentary pause allows for rope being wound onto the drum to rise up the end wall of the drum to create a new layer which is aligned and consistent with the layer below, without causing gaps in the rope or other circumstances which could lead to the rope accumulating at any one point, or becoming tangled. The present invention also includes means of ensuring that tension is maintained in the rope, and that the rope does not jump off the reel and, for example, into the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A lift system for raising and lowering a load including a rigid platform, four spaced fixed supports positioned around corners of the platform, and a power source connected to a first of the supports. First and second inextensible lines are each preferably fastened at one end to a third support diagonally opposing the first support, and at another end thereof to the power source. The first line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the second support. The second line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the fourth support. The lift system produces a mechanical advantage of four.

Abstract: This invention will assist or allow an operator to easily lift a concrete frame panel into position without much risk of personal injury and with greater efficiency of time. A lifting bar is secured to a vertical frame member through openings in the vertical frame members and a crane or forklift is used to lift the panel prior to setting it to form the wall.

Abstract: A compact windlass and a method of operating the windlass are disclosed for exerting a force upon a load along a selected direction of force. A drum is extended along a longitudinal axis of rotation and a line is engaged with a surface on the drum. The line is aligned with a line spooling direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of rotation for being spooled onto the drum by a line spooling mechanism located in close proximity with the surface of the drum and engaging the line at a line engagement location juxtaposed with the drum, in response to rotation of the drum in a spooling direction of rotation, and off of the drum in response to rotation of the drum in an unspooling direction of rotation.

Abstract: A winch with adjustable arms allowing the length to be adjusted. The winch can have a very thin drum to allow it to fit in confined spaces.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A hoist device adaptable to lift or pull load material of various types. The hoist device is attachable to the trailer hitch of a vehicle and comprises a telescopic boom of a pair of rectangular tubular members attachable slidably to a base support member. In adjacent position on the base support is a control post member to which other components are attached, including a motor-driven winch positionable on the upright end thereof. A lifting component is attachable to the end of the boom member to be able to rotate easily, in any direction, since the angular movement of the boom member is always only one direction in regard to the axis of the boom member. A cable is used to operate the movement of the boom member, and has one end attached to the winch and a second end attached to a rigid component on the boom member after engaging pulley means on the boom member or control post member as chosen to provide suitable angular orientation of the boom member and telescopic extension of the boom member.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A zero fleet winch with guides that move while a cable is wound on a drum. The guides hold the cable always at 90 degrees to the drum. A tensioning turnaround sheave keeps the cable tight.

Abstract: A synchronous actuator comprises a telescopic cylinder assembly having at least three pivotally connected cylinders, a drive assembly and a driven assembly. The drive assembly is connected to two adjacent cylinders. The driven assembly is connected to three adjacent cylinders. With the drive assembly and the driven assembly, the cylinders of the telescopic cylinder assembly can be extended or retracted synchronously in axial direction.

Abstract: Equipment and method for lowering equipment (10) to the seabed from a vessel (12) using man made fibre rope (16) and a winch (20) employing wire rope (24), the fibre rope being paid out (or when lifting, drawn in) in sections by repeated operation of the winch (20) and wire rope (24). This is preferably done by holding the fibre rope (16) with holding means (32), while the wire rope (24) is detached for connection to a next section. The holding means (32) may be arranged to engage an attachment point (18) between adjacent rope sections but distinct from that engaged by the hoist platform (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction sheave hoist for a platform operated by at least two ropes 5, having a traction sheave 13 that can be driven by a motor, at least a first rope groove and a second rope groove 17 being formed around the traction sheave circumference, and a first hold-down system for the first rope groove and a second hold-down system 20 for the second rope groove 17 with which the ropes wrapping around the traction sheave 13 are pressed into the corresponding rope grooves 17 during operation. In order to be able to ensure the horizontal alignment of the platform at all times, an adjustment device 30 is assigned to at least one of the hold-down systems 20 with which the position or engagement depth of the rope 5 in the rope groove 17 achieved with the corresponding hold-down system 20 can be controllably varied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for lifting and storing 5th wheel hitches from pickup truck beds. The 5th wheel hitch lifting device consists of modified kingpin hitch, a hoist, and a support structure for the hoist. The modified kingpin hitch utilizes a detachable or integrated loop that allows the hook on a hoist to lift the hitch. Also described is a method for using the 5th wheel hitch lifting device.

Abstract: An elevated equipment holding apparatus includes a pin; and a latch plate that engages the pin. The latch plate includes a tortuous path that directs the pin to a latching point after the latch plate is raised and then lowered a first time, and frees the pin from the latch point after the latch plate is raised and lowered a second time. The elevated equipment holding apparatus includes a capsule for holding equipment. One of the pin or the latch plate is attached to the capsule. The other of the pin or latch plate attached to a body at an elevated position. The body, in various embodiments, can be a tower, a monopole.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting a boat locatable adjacent a dock requires only two elongate vertically disposed pilings each having a lower end portion mounted into the floor of a body of water near the dock and an upper end portion extending upwardly adjacent the dock. A lift is connected to a boat cradle for moving the cradle substantially vertically and includes a piston/cylinder attached between the dock and cables, which are mounted to each piling and are connected between the piston and the cradle. The piston is movable between a first position for lifting and pulleys and guides are mounted to the pilings and the cradle.

Abstract: A level winder is provided for winding cable in a winch system. The winch is suitable for use on a tracked vehicle, such as a snow grooming vehicle, to assist the vehicle in maneuvering on steep inclines. The level winder uses a pivoting pulley assembly to feed cable onto and off of a drum.

Abstract: A rope tensioner sets the tension of a rope operated switch assembly actuable to switch between first and second conditions on a change in tension of the rope. The tensioner comprises a body, a rotatable member which engages the rope, a shaft for rotating the member relative to the body to adjust tension in the rope by winding the rope around the member, and a lock to lock the member in position relative to the body. The rope opperated switch assembly is much simpler to install than previous assemblies, as the tensioner may be simply threaded or otherwise installed onto the rope without the rope having to be cut.

Abstract: A winch constructed with a fairlead frame providing a mounting base for the winch and providing a rotational support for a cable drum. Loads exerted on a cable and through the fairlead rollers and cable drum are transferred to the unitary fairlead frame members, and thus to the base to which the winch is mounted.

Abstract: A portable motorcycle hoist has a main frame assembly which includes a pair of vertically-oriented parallel channel beams rigidly affixed to both an upper cross brace and to a base member. The pair of channel beams provide a caged track for a trolley which is movably slidable therein between a lowermost position and an uppermost position. The trolley is fitted with a plurality of guide wheels to minimize sliding friction within the caged track. A cradle assembly, adapted to support a motorcycle beneath its engine, is attached to the trolley. Attachment may be made with welds, threaded fasteners, or other suitable means. The base member may be unitary, or it may be partially disassemblable to facilitate transport and storage. The base member may also incorporate casters to facilitate the repositioning of a supported cycle.

Abstract: The Tahoe Rescue Tool is a precision lifting hoist that can be used to lift and lower people and equipment with precision and safety not available with other existing designs. The Tahoe Rescue Tool combines a motorized capstan winch with an integral swivel base plate that incorporates guide rollers.

Abstract: Winch apparatus for raising and holding a rolling steel door includes a wheeled base with telescoping members extending upwardly from the base. A hand cranked winch raises and lowers the telescoping members, while a reversible electric motor is used to power a separate winch for raising and lowering a load secured to an arm extending outwardly from an innermost telescoping member. The arm is disposed against a building when the apparatus is in position to raise the rolling steel door for its installation.

Abstract: A cable guide for a winch having a lifting drum over which a cable is wound back and forth between two end flanges. A guide body in the form of a truncated cone is slidably mounted upon a pinion that is located adjacent to one end of the drum, generally perpendicular to the axis of the drum. The guide body contains a groove at its narrow end in which the cable rides as it approaches the end of the drum. The guide smoothly plays the cable onto the drum so that it can reverse its direction without producing multiple wraps at the end of the drum. A spring biases the guide body into a home position to accommodate the cable during the time the first wrap is being wound on the drum. Thereafter, the guide automatically moves back against the spring force to automatically align itself with regard to further wrapped layers.

Abstract: A rope guide for a winch, especially for hoisting gear, with a winding drum which has rope grooves running in opposite directions, including guide means which are provided for the alignment of at least a pair of rope lines and connected with one another via coupling means so as to run in opposite directions. The guide means include guide elements and are drivable by the rope lines, which can be wound on or wound off the winding drum. To facilitate a gentle winding on and winding off of the rope in a compact constructional form which is robust, resistant to impact and maintenance-free, each guide element comprises a rope guide channel which is formed in a channel support and which has, in a first plane disposed at a right angle to the axis of rotation of the winding drum and in a second plane disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding drum, an input contact portion, for a rope and an oppositely located output contact portion for the rope.

Abstract: A rope guide for a winch including a rotatably supported winding drum defining an axis of rotation and having helical cable or rope grooves defined about the drum periphery and which spiral inward from the drum distal edges toward the drum center. Two guide elements are provided to align a corresponding pair of rope lines as the lines are wound onto and from the rotating winding drum. Coupling means affixed to the guide elements movably connect the guide elements for movement along the tracks of an elongated rail and parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding drum as the rope lines are wound onto and from the drum. The coupling means are constructed as longitudinal coupling supports that are concurrently movable in opposite directions longitudinally along the rail and are guided in the respective tracks and supported at at least two spaced apart points. The combination of each longitudinal coupling support and guide element is preferably guided and supported via the guide element in different tracks.

Abstract: A hoist for loads that includes an elongated upright support assembly and an elongated extending support assembly pivotally mounted to the upper end of the former. The free end of the elongated radially extending assembly being able to follow a curved path in a horizontal plane. An elastic cable is attached to a non-elastic cable that is wound in a spool assembly so that the equilibrium point for the tool or equipment load can be adjusted at a vertical point. The spool is driven by an electric motor that in turn is activated by the wireless transmission of signals for winding and unwinding. These signals are produced when the tension at the end of the elastic cable attached to the load falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system for automatically causing a flexible sail to be brought to its optimum position with respect to the wind direction includes a sail holding member installed on the front of the hull and rope winders installed at rear portions of the hull, a flexible sail having its front end attached to the sail holding member and its rear end tied to the ropes wound on the winders, a wind direction detector for detecting wind direction, and a control unit which determines rope winding amounts on the basis of an output from the wind direction detector, and which actuates the rope winders on the basis of the determined values.

Abstract: A boom point construction connects the for and aft mountings of a sheave swivel to the major structural elements of a boom. The boom point includes a framework of elongated members joined together to form a truss. The framework includes assemblies of at least three members joined together at one common point and extending in different directions from the point to define three different planes. Two of the assemblies extend from opposite sides of the front swivel support and another of the assemblies extends from the rear swivel support. A member of the assemblies from the front swivel support is connected to members of the assembly extending from the rear swivel support. The boom point is shown connecting the swivel to a boom having either three or four major longitudinal structural elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating objects and consisting of a frame for bearing on a subjacent support surface for the apparatus, a platform having an upwardly facing surface for bearing against an object to be elevated and laterally spaced sides and mounted to the frame for movement relative to the frame in a vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible cord, a winch mounted on the frame for selectively retrieving and paying out the cord, an elongate hollow conduit with spaced opposite ends mounted to the platform so that the conduit length is aligned laterally with respect to the platform, and wherein the cord extending from the spaced opposite ends of the conduit is connected to the winch and frame so that as the line is retrieved by the winch a lifting force is exerted on the conduit to elevate the platform.

Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, on the deck of a ship at a location between the winch that controls the effective length of the rope and the fairlead that guides the rope so that it does not snag or tangle as it is wound and unwound from the winch. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: A form erection hoist for use with concrete building forms or panels has a support which engages the top or an intermediate rib of an erected form. A column is rigidly attached to the support and extends above and below it. A support for a central and an outboard sheave is mounted on the upper end of the column. A cable reel support is mounted on the lower end of the column and engageable selectively between the sides of an erected form. Cable from the reel extends around the two sheaves and downwardly to engage the handle of a form to be raised into position alongside the previously erected form or to be lowered when no longer needed. The sheave support is shiftable to extend outboard of either side of an erected form. The hoist is lightweight and may be handled and operated by a single person with minimal risk of injury.