Load Engaging Member And Power Transmitting Cable For Shifting Member Relative To Structure Which Contacts And Guides Member Patents (Class 254/387)
  • Patent number: 11447971
    Abstract: An energy dissipation device includes an inner tube, a core tube, an outer tube and a fixing member. The inner tube includes a first protruding structure. The core tube includes a second protruding structure, and the core tube is sleeved outside the inner tube. The outer tube is sleeved outside the core tube. The fixing member is connected to the inner tube, the core tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: WELL-LINK INDUSTRY Co., LTD
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Lee, Yi Chang Hsieh, Yu Li Huang
  • Patent number: 10612252
    Abstract: The present drywall installation tool is configured to facilitate the installation of interior panels such as drywall, plywood or any applicable material on horizontal and vertical framed surfaces and to avoid the necessity of having more than one person to install each drywall panel and without using the floor as a supportive base for the installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventors: Yuriy Kudinov, Javed M. Somra
  • Patent number: 10465400
    Abstract: The drywall sheet lifting device comprises a lower frame and an upper frame. The lower frame may comprise a set of wheels to allow the drywall sheet lifting device to be moved into position. The lower frame may comprise telescopic joints in the side supports and hinged joints in the front and rear support to permit reduction of size of the lower frame for storage and transportation purposes. The upper frame may be coupled to the lower frame via two uprights. The upper frame may comprise a plurality of center braces to support a sheet of drywall. The upper frame may comprise a plurality of stop plates to prevent the sheet of drywall from sliding off. The upper frame may pivot between a first position for loading and a second position for installing. The upper frame may be raised or lower via telescopic joints in the uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Lorenzo Stephens, Emma Stephens
  • Patent number: 9879817
    Abstract: An adjustable, extendable beacon mount for a wireless communication or transmission tower. The mount mounts a beacon and allows the beacon to be raised and lowered as needed. The mount includes a lower weldment assembly with a base element and an upper weldment assembly to which a beacon is mounted. The upper weldment assembly is raised and lowered by a hand-cranked lever which activates a gear and, in turn, a ratchet pawl engages receiver notches on the upper weldment assembly, raising and lowering the upper weldment assembly. Alternatively, the hand crank could be replaced with an electric motor or other alternatively powered element to raise and lower the upper weldment assembly. The purpose is to raise the beacon above the communications or transmission antennas surrounding the top of a tower to provide a 360 degree unobstructed view for passing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jared G. Remus
  • Patent number: 9446932
    Abstract: The invention provides a pole lifting apparatus. The pole lifting apparatus including a base section having a base plate; one or more mast sections connected to the base section and extendable in an axial manner therewith, wherein an uppermost mast section of the one or more mast sections comprises a pulley mounted at its uppermost end; and a hoist secured to the base section and having a wire rope operably associated with the one or more mast sections and pulley for use in a pole lifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Wahoo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Lee Nobles
  • Patent number: 9140029
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a tower lifting system comprises a primary lifting system and a secondary lifting system. The primary lifting system includes a lift cap configured to support a tower section to be lifted, the lift cap having a first plurality of hoists, and a lift pole coupled to the lift cap, the lift pole having a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section to be lifted from within a previously lifted tower section. The secondary lifting system comprises a second plurality of hoists configured to raise the tower section to be lifted to the lift cap from a tower foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jerald Edward Jones, Valerie Lisa Rhoades
  • Patent number: 9132766
    Abstract: What is proposed is a transforming cargo trailer system of which the basic embodiment is an enclosed box trailer that is built small and light enough to be towed behind a medium size motorcycle. The enclosed box trailer embodiment is comprised of a convertible cargo box, a frame assembly, a pair of suspension assemblies, an axle assembly, an air supply system, and means for adapting, reducing or transforming the enclosed box trailer embodiment into a toy hauler trailer embodiment, a common wagon box trailer embodiment, a flat-bed trailer embodiment, and a raised platform embodiment. Also, the enclosed box trailer embodiment can also be built in a large variety of models that can be utilized for a large variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Scarbrough, Michael Shane Scarbrough, Michelle Griffin
  • Patent number: 8997888
    Abstract: A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Publication number: 20150076429
    Abstract: A hoist safety lock mechanism includes a pair of pawls formed on terminal ends of each corner of a pallet support structure. The pawls are biased outward to an extended position and include a lower support surface adapted to rest on a support surface. The pawls may be pivotally deflected downward (but not upward) due to impact on a top surface of the pawl. Each pawl is configured to be received within a respective parallel column of slots formed on inwardly-facing sides of the vertical posts forming the lifting frame of the hoist. The slots within each column are vertically offset and separated by separators which can vertically deflect the pawls. Because the slots are vertically offset, and because each terminal end includes a pair of pawls, there is always at least one pawl engaged within the slot even if the other of the pair is deflected by contact with a separator. Thus, any failure of the hoist will cause the pallet support structure to only fall to the next lower separator before the pawl catches it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Tim Hansen
  • Patent number: 8979072
    Abstract: Described herein is a safety restraint mechanism for a mast assembly. The safety restraint mechanism comprises a tension line attached to a lever and a winch mechanism such that operation of the winch mechanism translates a carriage assembly along the mast. A cam brake including an engagement profile at a first end thereon is pivotally attached to the lever at a second end. The cam brake is also pivotally attached to the carriage assembly such that the engagement profile pivots into a brake position or a free lift position relative to a tension force acting on the lever. The lever is pivotally attached to the second end and includes a kickstand. The engagement profile having a protruded portion to abut the tubes in a brake position and a relief portion to space the cam brake from the tubes in a free lift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventors: Darrell K. Vandegrift, James S. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130284864
    Abstract: Described herein is a safety restraint mechanism for a mast assembly. The safety restraint mechanism comprises a tension line attached to a lever and a winch mechanism such that operation of the winch mechanism translates a carriage assembly along the mast. A cam brake including an engagement profile at a first end thereon is pivotally attached to the lever at a second end. The cam brake is also pivotally attached to the carriage assembly such that the engagement profile pivots into a brake position or a free lift position relative to a tension force acting on the lever. The lever is pivotally attached to the second end and includes a kickstand. The engagement profile having a protruded portion to abut the tubes in a brake position and a relief portion to space the cam brake from the tubes in a free lift position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Darrell K. Vandegrift, James S. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130122211
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Publication number: 20120258252
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Publication number: 20120184385
    Abstract: A channel member, a modular floor structure, and a method capable of positioning an object on a substantially planar surface is disclosed. Movement of a movable band within an interior channel of the channel member permits movement of an object outside of the interior channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TAIT TOWERS INC.
    Inventor: Adam DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20120090921
    Abstract: A lifting device has a lifting track mounted on a wall and a carriage with a lift frame movable along the track. A dolly with wheels at opposing ends is arranged to support various cargo thereon including personal vehicles such as motorcycles or snowmobiles or other comparably sized objects. The lift frame of the carriage has lift forks arranged to be received a wheel track of the dolly which receives wheels of a personal vehicle thereon. Guide flanges alongside the lifting track are engaged by upper and lower guide followers to prevent binding of the lift frame along the lifting track. The dolly includes longitudinal rails mountable at different lateral distances to accommodate different vehicle wheel configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Murray W. Janz
  • Publication number: 20110297904
    Abstract: The invention relates to silk or other materials formed to have predetermined contraction/relaxation characteristics, wherein the contraction/relaxation characteristics are initiated by exposure thereof to predetermined humidity characteristics in the adjacent atmosphere. The materials may comprise a single silk fiber, a bundle of fibers of a predetermined size or diameter, a meshwork of fibers forming a predetermined configuration such as one or more sheets, bundles or other bodies. In this manner, the material can be scaled across a size range of any desired magnitude to produce predetermined force and/or displacement characteristics in association therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Ali Dhinojwala, Todd Blackledge, Ingi Agnarsson
  • Publication number: 20110140059
    Abstract: A device for using technical equipment underwater includes at least one guide rail configured to extend vertically underwater on an edifice from above a waterline. At least one device carriage is provided and includes a basic unit having a reception flange configured to couple the technical equipment thereto, and at least one running unit that abuts against the guide rail via guide rollers. A press-on unit is disposed on a first side of the device carriage and includes a lever pivotable on an axis of the device carriage so as to generate a pressing force of the device carriage against the guide rail. The lever includes a support roller at a first end and a weight packet at a second end so as to exert a downward drifting force underwater that is greater than a buoyancy of the device carriage. At least two spacers are each disposed at a first end on the at least one device carriage and abutting the edifice at a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut fuer Polar- und Meeresforschung
    Inventors: Roland Krone, Philipp Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20110126748
    Abstract: The present invention which relates to the field of offshore wind turbine installation technology, discloses a wind turbine holding and lifting system for a movable operating platform above water. The wind turbine holding and lifting system comprises a first standing column, a second standing column, a beam lifting device, no less than one beam and enclasping means for holding the wind turbine tower; the first standing column and the second standing column are juxtaposed, and the opposed faces of the first and second standing columns are provided with guiding grooves for sliding the beams; the enclasping means is arranged on the beam, and the two ends of the beam are interfitted within the guiding grooves of the first and second standing columns; the beam lifting device is fixed to the first or second standing column, and the lifting end of the beam lifting device is connected to the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Sany Electric Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Jialiang WU, Xinming Wang, Yanlin Li, Junlei Bai
  • Publication number: 20100270521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier device for a hose packet 5 of supply lines of a working robot. The hose packet 5 is secured by the intermediary of a compensator 6 to a carrier element 7, which can be lowered from a high operating position above the working robot 4 into a lower maintenance position at floor level by way of traction means. Thanks to the compensator 6, in the operating position the hose packet is on the one hand held high, but, on the other hand, can also give when force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP DRAUZ NOTHELFER GMBH
    Inventors: Kaus-Dieter Hock, Dominick Winter, Gunter Reineke
  • Publication number: 20090242861
    Abstract: A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: J. R. CLANCY, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Kochan, Michael S. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20090131753
    Abstract: A pulling apparatus includes an input portion configured to be operated, a braking portion configured to apply a braking force to the input portion to generate a resistance force against to an operation to the input portion, a pulling portion configured to pull a pulling member, a pulling order generation portion configured to generate a control order signal to the pulling portion such that the pulling member is pulled by the pulling portion in accordance with an operation to the input portion, a pulling amount detecting portion configured to detect pulling amount of the pulling member, a pulling amount increase and decrease determination portion configured to determine an increase and decrease in the pulling amount detected by the pulling amount detecting portion, and a braking control portion configured to control the braking portion in accordance with a determination result obtained by the pulling amount increase and decrease determination portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Shoichi AMANO, Seigo ITO, Atsushi OGAWA, Takashi SAWAI, Harutaka ADACHI, Masanobu KOITABASHI
  • Publication number: 20090127530
    Abstract: The Cableveyor may be able to support its own weight in the direction of gravity since the Cableveyor having the bent portion that connects between the straight-moving unit and the rotating unit is arranged so that it bends in a horizontal plane. As a result, the Cableveyor and the maintenance member do not collide, thus collision noise or dust caused by the collision can be suppressed. Moreover, since the Cableveyor is arranged to the side of the straight axis, the height size of the robot can be suppressed compared with the composition that arranges the Cableveyor on the upper surface of the straight axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Shigeru Takeda
  • Patent number: 6942198
    Abstract: A lifter is constructed to include a hollow main upright, a frame pivoted to the main upright to carry a hand winch, a link coupled between the frame and the main upright, a hollow auxiliary upright axially movably mounted in the hollow main upright, a lifting upright axially movably mounted in the hollow auxiliary upright, two first pulley blocks coupled between the hand winch and the hollow auxiliary upright and adapted to lift the hollow auxiliary upright upon operation of the hand winch, and two second pulley blocks coupled between the hollow main upright and the lifting upright and adapted to lift the lifting upright upon operation of the hand winch after the hollow auxiliary upright has been extended out of the hollow main upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Piao Huang
  • Patent number: 6926103
    Abstract: The invention is a hoist system for a derrick with a derrick inside, a derrick outside, and a derrick top side; a splittable block connected to the derrick top side; a hoisting cable guided through the splittable block; a moveable trolley with a trolley top side and a trolley bottom side, wherein the trolley is connected to the splittable block and wherein the moveable trolley is removably secured on the derrick; and a hoist winch adapted to pull the hoisting cable over the derrick top side and through the splittable block to move the moveable trolley relative to the derrick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Anne Klaas De Groot
  • Patent number: 6921095
    Abstract: A hand trolley includes a chassis formed from side frames comprising parallel frame members, wheels and a base platform provided with a load lifting carriage having a lifting surface. The carriage can be raised from a low position on the base platform to an elevated position by operating a hand cranked winch with a crank handle rotatable about an axle located proximate to a hand grip on the chassis rails and parallel to the axis of the wheels. The positioning and orientation of the crank handle allows correct ergonomic use by an operator who can grip the trolley chassis with one hand while controlling and operating the crank handle in an ergonomically sound position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Middleby
  • Patent number: 6571970
    Abstract: A load carrier for supporting, raising or lowering a load includes a frame member, a telescoping mast, and a support frame. The frame member is adapted for being movably supported by a rail. The telescoping mast is supported by the frame member, with the support frame supported by the telescoping mast. The telescoping mast includes at least one fixed mast section and at least one movable mast section, with the support frame being coupled to the movable mast section. The movable mast section is supported for movement between a plurality of extended positions in which the support frame is lowered and raised with respect to the frame member and the fixed mast section with the movable mast section being guided by the fixed mast section when the movable mast section is moved to its extended position. The driver selectively moves the movable mast section to its extended position and includes at least one cord for raising and lowering the movable mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Spoeler, Juergen Cittrich
  • Patent number: 6371247
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes first and second elevator structures, each including a first scissors section, a second scissors section pivotally connected to the first scissors section and supporting a lift shaft which extends between the first and second structures, at least one intermediate scissors section pivotally connected to the second scissors section, and an upper scissors section pivotally connected to an uppermost of the intermediate scissors sections and supporting a top bar. First and second side plates upstand adjacent the first and second structures, each having therein an elongated slot, the lift shaft being disposed in the slots. A lower pulley is mounted proximate each of the base bars on a common drive shaft. An upper pulley is mounted proximate an upper end of each of the side plates. A strand extends from each of the lower pulleys to each of the upper pulleys, and thence to the lift shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William H. Nedderman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6371449
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce T. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6280358
    Abstract: A drive, preferably a gate drive with a belt transmission encompassing a drive pulley and an output pulley. According to the invention the drive pulley consists of at least one cylinder with inwardly tapering flanges at its ends. A round belt, rope or similar serves as a drive agent, which is wound a number of times around the cylinder. The return strand of the round belt, rope or similar can be held continuously under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hörmann
  • Patent number: 6134422
    Abstract: The present invention is a base station that may be adjusted to varying altitudes along a vertical support but will not temporarily suspend wireless communications services to all mobile telephones within its associated cell when being serviced. In one embodiment, the base station of the present invention comprises a plurality of micro-cells and a plurality of independently moveable carriages. Each of the plurality of micro-cells being associated with a sector of a cell, and comprising a radio unit and a directional antenna for providing wireless communications services to mobile telephones within the associated sector. Each of the micro-cells are mounted to one of the plurality of carriages, which are independently and moveably mounted to a vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Javier Bobadilla, James Vincent Canzonier
  • Patent number: 6095501
    Abstract: An apparatus for a derrick, comprising two or more hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangements (10, 11) for raising and lowering a yoke (8) which travels on guide rails (7) in the derrick (1) itself, where two or more wire lines (13) are strung over sheaves (12) rotatably attached to the yoke. The wire lines (13) are attached at one end thereof to the top drive (9) and at the other end thereof are secured to an attachment point (14a, 14b) adjacent to a drill floor (2), said two or more wire lines being run in two sets (13a, 13b) of lines. The attachment points (14a, 14b) for each wire set are connected to a tension equalizer assembly to equalize differences in tension in the wire lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Maritime Hydraulics AS
    Inventor: Per Vatne
  • Patent number: 5595265
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for raising and lowering a load vertically along a substantially vertical structure. The apparatus comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by a retainer. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide and a platform which supports the load is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by some means whereby the load is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. The carriage also comprises a safety brake for immobilizing the carriage with respect to the vertical guide when the means for raising and lowering the carriage is inoperative or malfunctions. The apparatus further comprises wheels rotatingly attached to the bottom of the vertical guide and a hitch attached to the top of the vertical guide, such that the entire device may be towed behind a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Chester J. Lebrocquy
  • Patent number: 5547185
    Abstract: A basketball goal and pole is provided of the type permitting the height of the basketball goal above a playing surface to be adjusted. The adjustable basketball goal comprises: a vertical pole having a plurality of rails formed on the outside thereof running along the longitudinal axis of the pole, a crank assembly having a rotatable reel fastened to the pole beneath the rails, a pulley assembly having a grooved wheel fastened to the pole atop the rails, a collar having an interior surface forming trackways slidably mounted on the rails and movable between the crank assembly and the pulley assembly, a basketball goal extending upwardly and outwardly from the collar, and a cable connected to the reel and threaded over the grooved wheel and connected to the collar for moving the collar between the crank assembly and the pulley assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Glenn Wagner, Anita Wagner
  • Patent number: 5528948
    Abstract: An actuating device intended for spacially moving a mobile part in relation to a fixed point, characterized in that it includes a motor (1) driving, around its shaft (2), a winding element (4) pulling a mobile lifting element (9) connected to a fixed point (22) used as anchoring point for the flexible element (4) and sliding, perpendicularly to the axis of the thus constituted pulley block mechanism, in a tube-shaped guide (15) inside which it is housed and compressing a return spring (10) ensuring the return in extension of the mobile element (9), in such a way that this device works in traction and without any buckling stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Christian De Gelis
  • Patent number: 5375945
    Abstract: A pipeline is forced into a borehole using a deadman disposed directly in front of the entry to the borehole. A force is generated between the deadman and a collar attached to the pipeline such that the pipeline is forced through the deadman into the borehole. The force may be generated by a cable and sheave combination or through hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Cherrington Corporation
    Inventor: Martin D. Cherrington
  • Patent number: 5224569
    Abstract: A boat support framework including an elevating cradle supported between a plurality of cable and pulley containing lift towers via a plurality of roller bearings in engagement therewith. A cable take up axle includes separate cable drums and cables to each lift tower and is controlled from a handwheel or winch operated articulating drive arm and multiple endless chains coupled therebetween. Hinged frameworks pivotally coupled to cross frame members of a base frame and the cradle articulate to support the cradle over the range of lift travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Larry L. Hewitt
    Inventors: Larry L. Hewitt, Donald W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 5221075
    Abstract: A safety device for a lifting apparatus, said lifting device having a carriage member (12) guided in a column (14) said carriage member (12) selectively positioned with respect to said column member (14) by a flexible tension member (20) connected to a drive means (22); a pawl member (34) is disengaged from an elongated rack (62) by a predetermined tension in the tension member (20); A reduction in the predetermined tension in the flexible tension member (20) will automatically engage the pawl member (34) into the rack member (62) by the urging of a biasing member (56) preventing any uncontrolled movement of the carriage relative to the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Helmut Habicht
  • Patent number: 5090667
    Abstract: A portable cable hoist mechanism is provided which incorporates a wheel mounted base structure having base legs that are capable of being unlocked and folded or otherwise moved to an out-of-the-way position for storage or handling. The base forms a framework to which the extendible base legs are movably secured. Latch members fixed to each of the base legs are projected through latch receptacles in the base framework when the base legs are fully extended. Locking elements establish locking engagement with the respective latch elements to secure the base legs at the extended positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Summer Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry J. Harrell
  • Patent number: 5078364
    Abstract: A portable plural telescoping mast cable hoist mechanism is provided which incorporates a single cable for telescopically extending and retracting the mast sections and for controlling movement of a load handling carriage. A carriage lock mechanism is provided to prevent inadvertent movement of the carriage and movable mast sections while the cable hoist mechanism is being transported or otherwise moved about while positioned on its side. The carriage lock mechanism incorporates a freely pivotal carriage lock having a hook at its lower end which is normally positioned out of locking engagement with a locking pin and which is pivoted by gravity into locking engagement with the locking pin while the unit is lying on its side for transportation and handling, thereby securing the carriage and mast sections against inadvertent movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Sumner Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry J. Harrell
  • Patent number: 5069863
    Abstract: A transfer system moves fuel assemblies along a track extending through a transfer tube within a containment wall in a nuclear power plant between the auxiliary building side and the containment building side. A car carries a basket for the assemblies. Two winches are located on the auxiliary building side above the water level existing over the track during refueling operations. The winches operate respective pairs of cables, driving the car in either direction. Four sheaves respectively direct the cables to the horizontal direction along the track. One pair of cables is secured to a yoke on the car to drive the car away from the containment building. Two horizontal sheaves are located near the containment end of the transfer tube. The other two cables extend horizontally along the track from the vertical sheaves to the horizontal sheaves, redirecting them to extend horizontally in the reverse direction. These return cables are secured to the yoke to drive the car toward the containment building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert E. Meuschke, Mark J. Harper, David J. Stefko
  • Patent number: 4951924
    Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the travelling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: McDermott International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Calkins
  • Patent number: 4919393
    Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the traveling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowreing/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: McDermott International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Calkins
  • Patent number: 4909458
    Abstract: For acceleration of bodies along a track, a traction rope was wound onto a drum at the end of the track. During disengagement, the rope and the vicinity within range of the rotating rope were liable to suffer damage.The device according to the invention serves in particular for the catapult-launching of flying bodies. A winding drum driven by hydraulic motors is arranged below the point of maximum track velocity of the flying body and moves the latter along the longitudinal track until it reaches lift-off velocity. A flat traction ribbon connected to a carriage causes the winding drum to reverse its sense of rotation, so that the carriage is braked along a short stretch.The device can be mounted on a light truck and is electrohydraulically operated by the vehicle battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft vertreten durch das Eidgenossische Flugzeugwerk
    Inventor: Monkewitz Martin
  • Patent number: 4838522
    Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the traveling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: McDermott International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Calkins
  • Patent number: 4809954
    Abstract: A carriage cooperates with a cable way machine with an oblique multigroove pulley and a friction drive drum, so oriented that the cable runs in straight directions off and onto circular grooves of the drum. One cable portion runs from the cable way machine through the carriage towards a fixed anchoring point, the remaining cable portion runs also through the carriage to a tension biasing anchoring point; function and configuration of a main cable and of a hauling cable are thus combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Friedrich W. Delwig, Dieter Schoenert
  • Patent number: 4757975
    Abstract: A jack for supporting a ceiling beam is provided and consists of a pair of vertical sliding support members operated by a winch mechanism with cable which allows one person to set the beam. The jack will lift heavy loads eliminating the need for a crane and more manpower. In a modification the winch handle can be operated by a foot lever on base of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventors: Wesley Gordon, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4725398
    Abstract: A cable-driven arm-reciprocating system particularly useful for transferring nuclear fuel bundles from a nuclear reactor pool to a spent fuel storage pool, wherein an arm-retracting cable extends from a winch drum around fixed and movable-axis sheaves to a retracting anchor device and an arm-extending cable extends from the same winch drum also around fixed and movable-axis sheaves to an extending anchor device, each anchor device including spring means for maintaining and allowing for variations in cable tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Nuclear Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ruckey, Alvaro Obligado
  • Patent number: 4715583
    Abstract: A tensioning device for use with an endless traverse which is longitudinally adjustable in both directions responsive to a rotational drive. The rotational drive includes two driving gears which are each selectively coupled with a drive shaft so that when one of the driving gears is positively driven, the other driving gear is permitted to rotate freely. The traverse changes from one driving gear to the other by passing from between a pair of overlying side walls and over a flange. Elongation resulting from strain of the traverse is continuously led out of the system so that blocking or braking of the traverse is avoided. The tensioning device is especially suitable for the operation of strip curtains or conventional curtains, as well as for curtain systems with large and heavy traverses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: K. Bratschi, Silent Gliss
    Inventor: Hans Grutzner
  • Patent number: 4647014
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Jan Ekman
  • Patent number: 4620693
    Abstract: Apparatus for lifting electric line poles is disclosed which also enables a ground rod or stake to be driven into the ground next to such a pole. There is provided a telescopic mast having a hoist with a rope run over pulleys to a lifting hook and attached at the upper end of the mast. For driving in ground rods or stakes a carriage mounted for movement along the mast is used which can be attached to the lifting hook and can secure an air hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Jacques Vialars, Alain Rossignol, Andre Vidal, Lionel Sarrade