Abstract: This invention relates to a braking device (10) for a passenger conveyor comprising at least one movable part (12). The braking device (10) comprises a braking element (18) having a braking portion (34) engageable with the movable part (12) of the passenger conveyor. The braking element (18) is movable in a first direction into a position in which the braking portion (34) engages with said movable part (12) of the passenger conveyor. The braking element (18), in a state in which the braking portion (34) engages with the movable part (12) of the passenger conveyor, is movable in a second direction from a position of initial engagement of the braking portion (34) into a braking position of the braking element (18). The movement in the second direction is driven by movement of the movable part (12) of the passenger conveyor.

Abstract: A load-strapping device for straps used for securing a load on a vehicle comprises mutually pivotable frame parts (1, 2) which by their movement can rotate a two part spindle (3) in one direction (19) provided by pawls (10, 11) and a ratchet wheel (9). The spindle (3) is composed by a base part (12) and a pivotable part (13) that may pivot between a closed position while abutting on a stop (18) and an open position where the pivotable part (13) extends at an angle relative to the closed position.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a safety knockout override preventing release of winch tension without the handle in stowed position. The winch includes a housing; a rotating drum on the housing; a winch line on the drum; a control for spooling and un-spooling the winch line on the drum, wherein the control includes a handle for selectively tensioning the drum and moveable between a position engaged with the drum and a disengaged stowed position; a tension holding mechanism on the housing comprising a ratchet gear coupled to the drum, a pawl selectively engaged with the ratchet gear, and a knockout configures to selectively disengage the pawl from the gear to allow for release of winch tension; and a safety knockout override coupled to the housing and selectively engaged by the handle and configured to prevent release of winch tension when the handle is not in the stowed position.

Abstract: A soundless includes a body, which is a hollow cylinder that has an end forming a flange, is provided, at each of ends thereof, with a stepped section, and receives a bearing, a one-way bearing, and a friction ring therein; a reel, which has two ends each forming a stop flange, a threaded rod projecting from a center of one of the ends of the reel and having an end forming a fitting hole, the reel being received, with the threaded rod thereof, in the hollow cylinder of the body in such a way that the threaded rod of the reel is exposed outside the body to allow the bearing, the one-way bearing, and the friction ring to couple to the reel; and a handle, which is fit to the threaded rod of the reel that is exposed outside the body by a pin fit in the fitting hole.

Abstract: An electromechanical apparatus for evacuating buildings in the event of a fire includes a reel that has, rolled up on it, a mooring cable that longitudinally passes through the inside of a rigid tube, ending in an evacuation harness, where an individual will be secured. The weight of the individual makes it possible to rock the tube and a lever that has a braking disc and which acts on a brake disc that allows, by means of a mechanical transmission system, the braking and/or retention of the reel and consequently the descent of the individual. There is a radio-control unit and a standalone electric and electronic safety system that is activated when the speed of descent of the individual is too great. The apparatus allows evacuation and can be reused, once used. The apparatus carries away, brakes, retains and evacuates the individual making use of the electromechanical apparatus.

Abstract: A hoist includes a platform, a drum, and a motor. The drum is supported by and configured to rotate with respect to the platform, and the motor is coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum. The hoist further includes a shaft having a splined section and an interlock system configured to constrain rotation of the shaft. The shaft is coupled to at least one of the drum and the motor, and communicates torque between the drum and the motor. The interlock system includes a keyed ring and an arm. The keyed ring is configured to slide onto and engage the splined section of the shaft. The arm extends from the keyed ring and is configured to provide leverage to limit rotation of the keyed ring, thereby interlocking rotation of the shaft when the keyed ring is engaged with the splined section of the shaft.

Abstract: An elevator motor includes a rotor with a rotor body carrying a traction sheave as well as a brake surface configured to be gripped by a motor brake. The brake surface of the rotor is provided on a separate brake element which is separated from the rotor body, and the brake element is connected to the rotor body only via spaced apart connections. This solution leads to a reduced noise propagation of the elevator rotor.

Abstract: A safety brake device for a theatre hoist to prevent the uncontrolled release of a load that is suspended above or below people includes an overrunning clutch and a torque disc. The torque disc only rotates with the overrunning clutch when the load is lowered, but must overcome friction forces applied to the surface of the torque disc to do so. The friction forces are constantly applied to the torque disc by maintaining friction material in contact with the torque disc. The friction material is a non-asbestos, non-metallic composite saturated with a lubricant.

Abstract: A mobile hoist system for preventing the application of an overloading input force or an overloading weight force from an elevated load. The mobile hoist system generally includes a frame removably connected to a support structure, a drive assembly connected to the frame and a driven assembly connected to the frame and mechanically connected to the drive assembly via a main elongated member. The drive assembly includes a winch and a brake unit connected to the winch. The brake unit is capable of preventing lowering of a load up to a first torque limit. The driven assembly includes a drum having a strap wound thereon and a slip clutch to brake the drum. The slip clutch prevents slippage up to a second torque limit. The second torque limit is less than the first torque limit to prevent damage to the brake unit by the load having an excessive weight.

Abstract: An elevator brake (20) rotor for use in an elevator machine (10) includes a non-metallic elevator brake hub (36) and a metal flange (34), both of which have an opening with a splined portion for guiding axial movement of the rotor along a rotable shaft (14). This arrangement reduces metal-to-metal contact between the rotor and shaft and reduces noise.

Abstract: A power device includes a motor, a drive shaft, and a roller brake system including a cam mechanism. The motor may put out a driving torque in a first and a second rotary direction. The cam mechanism includes first and second cam members. The first cam member may be in a driven engagement with the motor and the second cam member may be slidably engaged with the first cam member and coupled to the drive shaft. The first cam member includes a circumferentially disposed ramped surface having a stop member at a first end thereof. The said second cam member is axially and rotatably fixed with the drive shaft and includes an axially extending protrusion disposed about a circumference thereof and slidably engaged with the ramped surface.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: A dismantable hoist for storing and transporting wire rope and for lowering and raising the wire rope from a building roof site including a lightweight frame having a base, lightweight reel, for storing the wire rope, having a central drum and a pair of spaced-apart peripheral rings attached to the drum forming opposed side flanges rotatably mounted in the frame, drive means removably attached to the drum for rotating the drum for lowering and raising the wire rope, and brake means operatively connected to the spaced-apart peripheral rings and normally biased into braking engagement with the peripheral rings to stop lowering of the wire rope upon release of the brake means.

Abstract: A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.

Abstract: A braking device for a winch comprises a braking bush, a brake driving shaft having one end connected to an output shaft of the motor and another end of the brake driving shaft having a first axial protrusion. A brake driven shaft defines an end rotatably disposed in the braking bush and having a second axial protrusion opposed to the first axial protrusion. A brake shoe is disposed between the first axial protrusion and the second axial protrusion. An elastic member is connected to the second axial protrusion and the brake shoe and normally urges the brake shoe toward the first axial protrusion. A winch having the braking device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retrieval assembly is configured and arranged for use with a retractable lifeline assembly including a cable assembly. The retrieval assembly is releasably engagable with the cable assembly to pay out or retract the cable during rescue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tapered braking device for electric winches which disposes a section of gear shaft, a section of core shaft, a wedge shape support, braking plates, an elastic element, a wedge shape piece A, a wedge shape piece B, a braking clutch base and so on in a gear box of an electric winch. When a motor works, the section of core shaft of the motor can drive the braking clutch base and the wedge shape pieces A, B to rotate, until a gap is formed between the friction faces of the wedge shape support and the wedge shape piece B and the braking plates so that the braking action stops. When the motor suddenly stops, a heavy load lifted by a tight wire rope reel provides a reverse pulling force so that the wedge shape piece B produces a reverse thrust force to push the friction faces of the braking plates, so the braking effect is achieved quickly.

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: A handle operated brake and release mechanism for a cable drum winch provides a winch that can be used in the assembly of inland river barges to form multi-barge tows. The handle of the brake and release mechanism can in one function and entirely by hand (without using any other tools) release the cable tension and apply the brake at the same time. The entire brake and release mechanism is mounted on the outside of a winch frame having winch side plates, thereby allowing the mechanism parts to be replaceable in the field without taking the winch side plates apart.

Abstract: A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-hydraulic leak compensating device for a mobile crane lowering brake system in an open hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic motor (5) coupled with a lifting unit (6,7), a lowering brake valve (4) and a mechanical brake (9), with a pressure sensor (13) which measures the hydraulic pressure prevailing on the load side of the hydraulic motor (5) in the hydraulic circuit and on the side of the lifting conduit (3) before the mechanical brake (9) is closed, in particular immediately before it is closed, as well as a method of electro-hydraulically compensating for leaks of a mobile crane lowering brake system in an open hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic motor (5) coupled with a lifting unit (6,7), a lowering brake valve (4) and a mechanical brake (9), comprising the following method steps: measuring the hydraulic actual pressure prevailing on the load side of the hydraulic motor (5) before the mechanical brake (9) is closed, in particular immediately before it is closed; determ

Abstract: A braking device for a power winch includes a reduction box disposed in the interior with a sectional shaft, an elastic member, a braking lining, a first engraved block, a second engraved block and a clutch base. The braking lining is an independent component assembled and positioned in the accommodating hollow of the reduction box. Only when the motor stops operating and the power winch carries out braking, may the braking lining cause wear, able to prolong the service life and elevate effect in use, and convenient in replacing.

Abstract: A dual braking device for a power winch includes a first braking device and a second braking device, which is composed of a transmitting sleeve, a braking lining, an electromagnetic induction coil, a magnetic conduction member, and an elastic member. When the power winch is electrically connected for retracting or releasing steel ropes, the induction coil will produce magnetic force to attract the magnetic conductive member to move and compress the elastic member, and the braking lining cannot perform braking. When the power winch is electrically disconnected, the electromagnetic induction coil cannot produce magnetic force, and the magnetic conduction member will be actuated by the elastic member to contact with and force the braking lining to stop the rotating shaft and the spindle.

Abstract: A dual braking device for a power winch includes a first braking device and a second braking device, which is composed of a transmitting sleeve, a braking lining, an electromagnetic induction coil, a magnetic conduction member, and an elastic member. When the power winch is electrically connected for retracting or releasing steel ropes, the induction coil will produce magnetic force to attract the magnetic conductive member to move and compress the elastic member, and the braking lining cannot perform braking. When the power winch is electrically disconnected, the electromagnetic induction coil cannot produce magnetic force, and the magnetic conduction member will be actuated by the elastic member to contact with and force the braking lining to stop the rotating shaft and the spindle.

Abstract: A method of damping the oscillations during an emergency stop of an ascending single drum hoist system in a shaft having a conveyance, the mechanical brakes applying a braking force to the drum and the drum rotating in a first direction having a speed, comprising applying a first brake force when the drum speed reaches close to zero enabling the drum to roll back in an opposite direction to the first direction by a force generated from a first conveyance downward swing, and controlling the brake force during the first conveyance downward swing to dissipate the energy of the swing.

Abstract: A load arrestor for use in conjunction with a primary lift, the load arrestor comprising a spool about which winds a safety line attached to a load supported at least in part by the primary lift, a lock mechanism comprising a lock plate connected to and rotatable with the spool, the plate defining a plurality of slots; and at least one cylinder having a locking pin for insertion into at least one of the plurality of slots to inhibit rotation of the lock plate and the spool; a sensor for sensing motion of the spool; and a controller which sends a signal to the at least one cylinder to activate the locking pin when the motion of the hoist drum exceeds a predetermined limit. Alternate aspects of the load arrestor are also provided.

Abstract: A brake mechanism having a motor output shaft outputting a driving torque in a power-in and a power-out direction. A camming device operably couples the output shaft to a drive shaft for fixed rotation. A one-way clutch operably couples the drive shaft and a brake device. The brake device is normally in an engaged position that prevents rotation of the clutch device. During a holding maneuver, the one-way clutch, camming device, and brake device cooperate to prevent uncommanded movement. However, the nature of the one-way clutch permits free rotation during a power-in direction and the nature of the camming device permits free rotation during a power-out direction.

Abstract: An elevator is described, comprising a first series connected pulley set installed in a fixing frame, a carriage located below the first series connected pulley set, a second series connected pulley set installed on the top of the carriage, a rotary wheel installed in the carriage and a steel rope. The steel rope connects the first series connected pulley set, the second series connected pulley set and the rotary wheel, so that the gravity load of one pulley set can belowered to decrease the pulling force of the steel rope to enhance the safety of the elevator.

Abstract: A flexible construction for an elevator gearless traction drive machine having a frame that is easily adaptable to traction sheaves of differing widths and diameters while providing the necessary stability for the drive components without an additional structure. The frame is comprised of a pair of frame members joined by a plurality connecting rods. The connecting rods can be mounted in various positions based on the diameter of the sheave to avoid interference between the drive mount and suspension means. Longer or shorter connecting rods may be used based on the width of the sheave.

Abstract: A device is provided for lifting and lowering objects to and from a deployed tree stand by an occupant of the tree stand. The device has a clamp connectable to a rigid support member of the stand, a threaded shaft connected to the clamp, a reel mounted on the shaft, and a threaded knob also mounted on the shaft, the knob having an inner portion with a contacting surface which comes into contact with a mating contact surface of the reel upon turning of the knob by the occupant. Upon making contact, the reel is slowed down and may be stopped by braking action. This enables control over movement, which may be stopped and restarted, as well as slowed down at any location.

Abstract: A boat lift braking system includes a threaded shaft driven by the boat lift motor. A torsion tube disposed about the shaft carries an interiorly threaded nut that interengages the peripheral threads of the shaft. A rotor is mounted to the nut adjacent a brake pad that is supported by a ratchet component. A pawl mechanism cooperates with the ratchet component for limiting rotation of the ratchet component in a first direction and permitting rotation of the ratchet component about the shaft in a second direction. The torsion tube is connected through a reduction apparatus to the winder of the boat lift. When the lift is at rest, a torsion spring drives the torsion tube and rotor against the brake pad and the ratchet component interlocks with the pawl mechanism to hold the lift at a desired elevation. When the motor is driven to lower the lift, the shaft is driven within the torsion tube such that the rotor momentarily disengages the pad.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a reeling device for a hoisting system, including a flexible member having a lower end and an upper end, a rotatable drum on which the flexible member is windable, disk means rotatably mounted on said drum, to which disk means the upper end of the flexible member is anchored, and a stop mechanism activated by the disk means once the flexible member has completely unreeled from the drum.

Abstract: A boat lift uses a one-way roller bearing in association with a friction disc clutch. A hand-wheel operator provides power input, though a motor may be substituted therefore. A gearing arrangement, a one-way roller bearing and friction clutch, a cable and cable reel for selectively providing tensile force, and a boat support such as a custom hull support or suitable adjustable or universal boat support round out the lift components. Novel couplings permit the handwheel to be rotated and translated axially.

Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.

Abstract: The invention comprises a winch, including a chain wheel (10, 11) mounted on a spindle (1). A clutch (11) provided to selectively engage or disengage the chain wheel (10, 11) with the spindle (1). A clutch nut (27) having a central aperture, is movable rotationally and longitudinally on the spindle (1) by way of mutually engaging threads (4) on the spindle (1) and central aperture. A stop (30) is provided on the spindle, to prevent longitudinal movement of the clutch nut (27) away from the chain plates beyond a predetermined position. A carrier (24) rotates on the spindle (1) and a rotational direction limiting means is provided between the carrier (24) and the spindle (1).

Abstract: A manual winch includes a housing supporting a rotatable reel, a ratchet assembly coupled to the reel movable between an engaged and disengaged position, and a load releasing system for moving the ratchet assembly system to a disengaged position. The ratchet assembly includes a rotatable ratchet gear which is adapted to be engaged by a pivotable locking pawl. The locking pawl is pivotable into and out of engagement with the ratchet gear for moving the ratchet assembly between the engaged and disengaged position. The locking pawl is mounted on a movable base which secures the locking pawl to the housing. The load releasing system includes a linear actuator for moving the relative position of the base relative to the ratchet gear and the housing, and a separate brake for holding the reel and ratchet gear in position under a load.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes a winch coupled to a bracket, a carrier having first and second members, and a latch coupled to one of the bracket and the first member. A flexible member extends through apertures extending through the first and second members. The first member includes a first end disposable through an aperture of the second member and a second end which may not pass through the aperture of the second member. The latch engages the other of the bracket and the first member upon a tire being moved toward a stored position. The first member is disengagable from the bracket to allow the tire to be moved to an accessible position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a braking device for a motive winch, mainly having a sectional axle, an elastic member, two engraved chunks, and a clutch base in a retardation compartment of the motive winch; wherein said first engraved chunk is coupled to the sectional axle, having a braking plate being contacted with the frictional surface in the retardation compartment; the elastic member has an appropriate whirling force with respect to the first engraved chuck such that the braking plate of the first engraved chuck tends to press against the frictional surface of the retardation compartment; the second engraved trunk is coupled to the sectional axle and rotates synchronously, such that the first and second engraved chucks are capable of being attached to each other to push the brake plate of the first engraved trunk to generate the braking action on an inclined surface and the clutch base brings a protruded member to rotate, and the protruded members on the two engraved chunks is pushed by the protruded

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline is connected to a cable which passes around and is attached to a drum within the housing. The cable wraps around the drum as the drum is rotated and winds into a plurality of grooves located on the drum. A wheel located in front of the drum and a guide member located behind the drum ensure that the cable does not tangle as it winds upon the drum. A lever is utilized to rotate the drum in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the drum through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline is connected to a chain which passes around a sprocket wheel within the housing. A guide member is located behind the sprocket wheel and ensures that the chain remains on the sprocket wheel. A lever is utilized to rotate the sprocket wheel in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the sprocket wheel through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate. A second series of disk brakes connected to the sprocket wheel function as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A strap tensioning and collecting device disclosed has a variable length strap and a fixed length strap operatively associated with a strap storage section and a strap tensioning section. The strap storage section includes a spool housing and a spool in the housing mounted for rotation about an axis with the spool having exposed serrated edges extending beyond the walls of the housing so that the user holding the device with one hand may use the thumb to rotate the spool. The variable length strap extends through the strap tensioning section and has a lever arm which upon rotation selectively decreases the length of the strap to place a tension on the straps when the straps are connected at free ends to a fixed location.

Abstract: A winch device, comprising a drum for storing cable and the like, wherein the device disengageably couples the drum to a winch drum shaft driven by a high torque, low speed hydraulic motor or pump. The motor includes a housing suitable for mounting on a frame of a vehicle or other device. The principal components of the motor or pump include a crank shaft mounted in the housing for connection to a winch drum shaft. At least two cylinder and piston assemblies are attached to the crank shaft for rotation of the crank shaft upon movement of the pistons between a minimum and maximum point of travel in the cylinders to thereby impart motion to the crank shaft and, thus, the drum crank shaft. A valve assembly is driven by the crank shaft for providing hydraulic fluid to the cylinders under pressure to sequentially move each the piston between its minimum and maximum points of travel by providing hydraulic fluid under pressure on each face of the piston to move the piston in the desired direction of piston travel.

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided including a single mounting bracket for mounting the winch assembly directly to a frame (for example beams) of a vehicle having a front and rear. The mounting bracket has a winch mounting area provided therewith, and a tire carrier and cooperative flexible member outlet area spaced from the winch mounting area towards the front of the vehicle. The mounting bracket is adapted to bolt directly to the frame members (for example beams) of a vehicle. The mounting bracket for the winch therefore obviates the need to provide welded or fastened reinforcing plates with the vehicle proximate the locations wherein the winch assembly is to be mounted.

Abstract: The system and method for use with a drawworks having a rotatable drum on which a line is wound, wherein the drawworks and the line are used for facilitating movement of a load suspended on the line, includes a drawworks control system for monitoring and controlling the drawworks. A brake arrangement is connected to the rotatable drum for limiting the rotation of the rotatable drum and at least one electrical motor is connected to the rotatable drum for driving the rotatable drum. A load signal representative of the load on the line is produced and a calculated torque value based on the load signal and electrical motor capacity is provided. The drawworks control system provides a signal representative of the calculated torque value to the electrical motor wherein pre-torquing is generated in the electrical motor in response to the signal.

Abstract: In order that an operating lever for a hoist and traction apparatus is combined as a unit to ensure the smooth operations so as to provide an improved workability with achieving a downsizing, a driving member of the hoist and traction apparatus is provided with a non-circular configured part, while also the operating lever is provided with a ratchet wheel having a non-circular fitting hole engageable with the non-circular configured part to be non-rotatable relative thereto and a transmission tooth around its outer periphery; a feed pawl engageable with the ratchet wheel; and a switching mechanism for selectively switching the feed pawl to a normal engagement position, a reverse engagement position, and a free rotation position at which the feed pawl is not engaged with the ratchet wheel in either of the normal and reverse directions.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline passes over a pulley within the housing and around a number of rollers which are adapted to maintain the lifeline in secure contact with the pulley. A lever is utilized to rotate the pulley in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the pulley through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate. A second series of disk brakes connected to the pulley function as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A brake for a hoist gear is provided with a pair of brake shoes for braking a disk to be braked arranged on a winding drum side by pressing both sides of the disk. Floating pin fitting piece portions protrude integrally from a body of a bearing supporting the winding drum. A caliper is attached to the fitting piece portions through floating pins. Axis points of the floating pins are arranged in point symmetry of approximately 180.degree. in respect of an axis point of a push rod inserted into the caliper in order to uniformly contact the disk face.

Abstract: An automatic brake for vehicle winch that is automatically applied when the applied torque of the drive motor ceases and automatically released upon application of motor torque. The brake features brake pad segments that move radially outward against the interior of the drum to affect braking and retract radially inward to affect releasing of the brake. The pads have tapered ends that mate with opposed frusto-conical shoes. The brake utilizes rotation of a cam rotatable with respect to a cam follower in one direction to force one shoe toward the other to force the pads radially outward to engage the interior surface of the drum. Rotation of the cam with respect to the cam follower in the opposite direction releases the braking action. A wave spring is incorporated to eliminate chatter as the brake is applied and released. The configuration of the brake components provides a conductive path for the dissipation of heat generated by the braking action.