Abstract: The suspension and hoisting system for a load support comprises two cable circuits, each comprising a cable (C1, C2) fixed at one of the ends thereof to a fixed point (Pf1, Pf2) and at the other end to a lifting apparatus (T1, T2) and being reeved around deflection pulleys (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3) mounted on two parallel shafts (Ax) located adjacent one and the other end, respectively, of the load support, the lifting apparatus (T1) of one of the two cable circuits being provided above one of the ends of the load support and the lifting apparatus (T2) of the other cable circuit being provided above the other end of the load support.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled lowering to the ground of a cut portion of a tree includes a rope and an anchor having an arrangement of guiding protuberances., each guiding protuberance including a bearing surface frictionally engaging and redirecting the rope without the rope fully encompassing any portion of the anchor including any of the guiding protuberances. Three guiding protuberances define a triangular arrangement. Of the three, a first guiding protuberance is disposed in proximity to an intermediate guiding protuberance defining a segment of a rope path therebetween, and a second guiding protuberance is disposed in proximity to the intermediate guiding protuberance defining another segment of the rope path therebetween without the segments crossing. A mounting member is attachable to the tree and a guiding member is pivotally connected to the mounting member along a pivot axis and includes an arrangement of guiding protuberances generally extending to each side thereof.

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 is a hoist system for use on a drilling rig made of a tubular mast with a front, back, and top side, a splittable block connected to the mast top side, a trolley with a trolley top and bottom side, wherein the trolley's top side is connected to the splittable block and wherein the trolley is removably secured on the mast's front side, a gripper connected to the trolley bottom side for gripping a load, a hoist cable passing through the splittable block and connected on one end to a hoist cable winch, and a hoist cable winch adapted to pull the hoist cable over the mast top side and through the splittable block to move the trolley relative to the tubular mast and lift the load.

Abstract: A tandem rod or cable apparatus for bursting and replacing pipe, which includes a frame, two sets of oppositely-disposed hydraulic cylinders having piston rods, each of which pairs of piston rods are attached to a yoke, with a gripping element provided in each yoke for independently gripping a rod or cable extending through the aligned gripping elements. One end of the rod or cable is attached to a bursting and stored energy head and the other end extends through the gripping elements, typically to a reel (in the case of a cable) for taking up slack in the cable. Advancement of the bursting and stored energy head through a defective pipe to be burst and typical simultaneous replacement with an attached replacement pipe is effected by operation of the two sets of hydraulic cylinders and the corresponding gripping elements to push or pull the rod or pull the cable.

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. A loft block is disposed within the frame for defining a vertical cable path from within a footprint of the frame.

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: 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: An apparatus for the controlled lowering to the ground of a cut portion of a tree includes a rope and an anchor having an arrangement of guiding protuberances, each guiding protuberance including a bearing surface frictionally engaging and redirecting the rope without the rope fully encompassing any portion of the anchor including any of the guiding protuberances. Three guiding protuberances define a triangular arrangement. Of the three, a first guiding protuberance is disposed in proximity to an intermediate guiding protuberance defining a segment of a rope path therebetween, and a second guiding protuberance is disposed in proximity to the intermediate guiding protuberance defining another segment of the rope path therebetween without the segments crossing. A mounting member is attachable to the tree and a guiding member is pivotally connected to the mounting member along a pivot axis and includes an arrangement of guiding protuberances generally extending to each side thereof.

Abstract: An improved block and tackle system comprising a stationary-block housing (10) having attached pulleys (14 & 18) and cam cleat (22), and a moving-block housing (12) with attached pulley (16) and cam cleat (20) Said invention allows a load (8) to be raised, moved, or lowered with a minimal amount of rope (6).

Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A robot with at least one at least partly externally positioned protective hose, particularly a cable guidance hose receiving robot tool supply cables has a winding guide located in the vicinity of a tool assembly flange for winding and unwinding the protective hose length necessary as a function of the tool positions.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.

Abstract: A robot with at least one at least partly externally positioned protective hose, particularly a cable guidance hose receiving robot tool supply cables has a winding guide located in the vicinity of a tool assembly flange for winding and unwinding the protective hose length necessary as a function of the tool positions.

Abstract: A tag line return that repositions a tag line to the base of an outrigger after release of a fishing line from the tag line. The return has a housing with internal guides which are adapted to urge the return upwardly when a fishing line is attached to the tag line and to slide downwardly when the fishing line is released.

Abstract: A bi-, tri-, or quadripod apparatus utilized over a confined space to aid in the introduction or removal of persons or equipment into the space, including a head casting with upright members extending vertically downwards and outwardly from the head casting. An anchor plate is centered and affixed in each of the respective exterior surfaces of the head casting, and the anchor plates have apertures in or about their lower portions for the attachment of support and/or hauling devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively raising, storing, and lowering a recreational water craft that includes a first cable. The first cable is attached at one end to a winch for selectively shortening or lengthening the first cable. The first cable is attached at the other end to a ring and the first cable passes through a first pulley. A proximal strap is releasably and adjustably attached to the boat and is connected to a second cable. The second cable is connected at one end to the proximal strap and at the other end to the ring. A distal strap is releasably and adjustably attached to the boat. The distal strap is connected to a third cable, with the third cable being attached at one end to the distal strap and at the other end to a size adjustment assembly. The size adjustment assembly is connected to the ring.

Abstract: A rope guiding device (1) for rope winches (W) comprises a stand with points of attachment for the attachment of a rope winch, which stand accommodates a rope guide (3) constituting the rope outlet and inlet and a guide roller (4) pivotally supported on this rope guide for deflecting the rope between rope winch and rope guide.

Abstract: A new logging tractor accessory for supporting a cable from grapple-style skidding implement. The inventive device includes a housing secured to an arch of a logging tractor equipped with grapple-style skidding elements. The housing includes a pair of upwardly extending side members disposed in a parallel relationship. Upper ends of the side members have a horizontal support extending therebetween. Three guide members are provided including an upper guide member and a pair of side guide members. The upper guide member extends between the upper ends of the side members in a horizontal orientation. The pair of side guide members are secured to leading edges of the side members. A roller is secured between the side members downwardly of the horizontal support. The roller receives a cable from the logging tractor thereover.

Abstract: A winch 100 is provided for taking up or paying out cable 13 without damaging protrusions 14 spaced along the cable from potentially high compressive forces applied to the cable when it is wound over drum members 16, 18, 20 of each of a pair of drum mechanisms 30A and 30B. The winch is operated so that the cable is pulled over the drum members and wound about the two drum mechanisms as a unit, such that successive cable protrusions are always maintained in successive cable path spaces between the drums of each drum mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a cable includes a frame and a cable guide member mounted to the frame for rotation around a guide member axis. The cable guide member includes a curved outer peripheral cable guide surface disposed radially outwardly from the guide member axis for guiding the cable. A bearing having a cable guide surface is disposed radially outwardly from the outer peripheral cable guide surface. When the cable guide member has a small radius of curvature, the cable may contact the bearing and thus avoid the excessive friction encountered in the prior art.

Abstract: The outer race of a roller bearing sheave is omitted so that the bearings are in direct engagement with a line. A retainer for the ends of the bearings is provided to allow the bearings to rotate and recirculate around an inner race. The rollers deflect portions of the line equally to equalize the load and to prevent high stresses on individual rollers.

Abstract: An elongated track receives and supports a movable wiper arm carriage having a windshield wiper extending therefrom. A plurality of pulleys couple the wiper arm carriage to an oscillatory drive mechanism having a reciprocating carriage. The pulley and cable system provides a distance multiplication in which the wiper arm carriage moves a substantially greater distance in response to motion of the oscillatory system carriage. A single direction drive motor is coupled to the oscillatory drive which includes a rotating arm together with a pivotally supported connecting arm and slider coupled to a guide bar supported upon and coupled to the oscillatory system carriage.

Abstract: A low profile fairlead has a plurality of blocks support in a spaced relation along the arc of a circle to simulate a single bearing block of larger diameter.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device in which a supported, locked, and guided cable or other flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the invalid, thus stabilized. Also taught by the present invention is a portable apparatus in which a collapsible tripod is used to mount and support the stabilizing apparatus.

Abstract: The suspension system for an elevator car provides ropes that converge on the car close to a vertical line containing the center of gravity of the car. The ropes thus impart very little lateral or torsional movement to the car whereby a smoother ride results. The ropes are mounted on a set of sheaves which are arranged in a V-shaped array. The ropes thus fed to the counterweight are spread farther apart than those fed from the sheaves to the car.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a load has a braking device, brake indicator, and a one-way pulley. The braking device uses a wedge-shaped braking element to stop the advancement of a cord. The brake indicator indicates when the braking device is enabled. The one-way pulley allows the load to be lowered at a steady rate and uses a braking element positioned between a stop pin and a braking surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for protecting rope from abrasion as it is drawn over building parapets, rock edges and irregular terrain. The device comprises a series of chain-like links having large side plates to retain the rope upon rods interconnecting the side plates. The side plates have both radial and axial free play upon the rods, so that the chain can twist substantially to adapt to the terrain.

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, at a location between a winch and the fairlead that guides the rope. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid communication with a fluid pressure system includes parallel flow paths connected to the system. A first flow path includes first valve apparatus for selectively closing the flow path. The second flow path includes relief valve apparatus responsive to fluid pressure in the second flow path to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Switching apparatus, including sensors for detecting the condition of the system, operate to close the first valve apparatus in response to pre-determined threshold values of such condition. Fluid communication from the system may thereafter occur along the second flow path at the relief valve apparatus opens in response to pressure buildup in the flow path. A third flow path, parallel to the first two flow paths, may be provided with throttling apparatus for controlled communication of fluid along such third flow path.

Abstract: A boat steering assembly (10) including a pedestal steering actuator (11) in a column (12) mounted on a boat sole (16). A pair of steering cables (18,20) lead from the actuator through a substantially vertical orientation and then through a universal self-adjusting pulley (26) and then in substantially horizontal orientation to a rudder assembly (24). A depending bracket assembly (22) is mounted under the boat sole (16). The universal self-adjusting idler pulley (26) is mounted under the pedestal column (12) below the boat sole (16) by the depending bracket assembly (22). The steering cables (18,20) extend down from the steering actuator (11) and about the pulley assembly (26) with the bracket assembly (22) disposed on the outside of the turn of the cables (18,20) through the pulley (26) to suspend the pulley (26) in tension from the bracket assembly (22). The pulley assembly (26) is adjustable to accommodate various positions of the rudder assembly ( 24) relative to the pedestal column (12).

Abstract: A pulley block assembly having a pulley block unit for an aerial line, comprising a pulley frame, a pulley rotatably supported by the pulley frame, and an inverting guide roller rotatably supported by the pulley frame opposite to the pulley in the pulley frame. The inverting guide roller has a peripheral helical groove in which the aerial line can be frictionally fitted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counter-balanced sheave assembly for supporting a cable comprising a plurality of sheaves mounted in an arcuate path on a support frame; counter-balancing weights positioned above the support frame and rigidly connected thereto; and a suspension arrangement, connected at the center of the assembly, for providing rotation of the assembly about two perpendicular axes of rotation; and sensors are provided for determining downward force on the sheave assembly and the angle of the cable by monitoring the number of pulleys rotating.

Abstract: A lifting beam for the shed forming device in a weaving loom which includes a fork joint made in the form of two cheeks or pairs of opposing flanges having aligned openings formed therein through which the stub shaft of two pulleys are rotatably mounted. The pulleys are made of an appropriate plastic material which is overmolded over the metal pins or shafts with opposing grooves provided in the interfaces of the cheeks to facilitate positioning of the pins in the openings.

Abstract: Well derrick in which the travelling crown block is operated by hydraulically operated linear actuators and a travelling block is operated by special reeving, the arrangement advantageously being such that the loads being handled bypass the tower of the derrick so that the cost of the tower can be reduced. The reeving system results not only in uniform and symmetrical force distribution relative to the crown block and travelling beam but also in a travel of the travelling beam twice the stroke of the linear actuators.

Abstract: An endless clothes-line is trained onto pulleys in the usual manner and a sprocket wheel is located between the top and bottom run of the clothes-line and nearer one of the pulleys. Both ends of a cable are attached to the clothes-line. The cable carries spaced clothes pins and is trained on the sprocket wheel. The clothes pins clip onto the clothes-line and are made to disengage the same when travelling around the sprocket. Each clothes pin has a V-shape configuration with a circular notch at the apex of the space between the legs of the clothes pin. Each clothes pin has a transversely-slidable locking plate, also with a notch registering with the notch of the pin itself in the open position, so as to receive the clothes-line or the clothes-line with the garment draped thereon. The locking plate is spring biased to closed position. In this closed position, the locking plate protrudes from one side of the clothes pin.

Abstract: A crab pot line hauler in which an upright sheave support plate in the hauler head assembly is configured to serve as a continuing part of an outboard-extending cantilever swiveling support extending laterally from an upright post, and also to serve as a combined water splash guard and line loop whip guard for the hauler sheave, the multifunction support plate leaves the sheave open around its periphery for viewing of the line and ready accessibility to the line in order to clear it of incoming line knots and debris.

Abstract: In a chain sheave/chain-rope system wherein an end of a chain is connected to an end of a rope via a splice member, guide members are provided on the splice member for cooperation with guide members within a hawsehole that precedes the chain sheave. As a result of this cooperation, the splice member and the chain attached thereto are brought into the correct position for engagement prior to their entry onto the chain sheave.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple pulley sheave assembly for supporting a cable comprising a plurality of pulleys, including a center pulley, mounted in an arcuate path on a support frame; a pair of retainer pulleys for keeping the bend of the cable constant around the center pulley; a cable monitor coupled to the center pulley for measuring the tension, footage, and cable speed; counter-balancing weights positioned above the support frame and rigidly connected thereto; and a suspension arrangement, connected at the center of the assembly, for providing rotation of the assembly about two perpendicular axes of rotation, whereby the cable stays within a plane defined by the arcuate path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counter-balanced sheave assembly for supporting a cable comprising a plurality of sheaves mounted in an arcuate path on a support frame; counter-balancing weights positioned above the support frame and rigidly connected thereto; and a suspension arrangement, connected at the center of the assembly, for providing rotation of the assembly about two perpendicular axes of rotation, whereby the cable stays within a plane defined by the arcuate path.

Abstract: A multi-purpose exercise implement for physical conditioning wherein a flexible hand line is provided with handles at each end, wherein in one embodiment and at least one of the handles consists of a tube with one end of the hand line extending into the tube and secured adjacent the other end of the tube handle so that the hand line may be readily removed from the handle or a hand line loop may be made quickly at the end of the handle to provide a loop handle. In another embodiment, the device is depicted utilizing a unique pulley for additional uses for a myriad of physical exercises.

Abstract: An improved gill net hauling and fish picking system employing a net modified by incorporation of a longitudinal suspender line secured to the mesh along its length midway between cork line and lead line. With the suspender line caused to run over an elevated net guiding support, preferably in the form of a split sheave device, in approaching the storage drum, the halfwidth panels of the net draped from the suspender line are spread out and the mesh opened up to facilitate removal of fish therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining guide pulleys for load cables of a building front cable lift in a housing stationarily arranged at the top of a building, from which housing said guide pulleys are outwardly pivotable from ground. In the housing which is open at its face there are supported two beams which are outwardly pivotable horizontally and carry the guide pulleys for the load cables. The beams are retained releasably by means of an interlocking device arranged in the interior of the housing. The interlocking device is releasable by means of auxiliary cables guided on the guide pulleys, said auxiliary cables depending from an edge cutout in the base of said housing.

Abstract: The safety device detects the derailment of a cable and/or the loss of one or more sheaves of a rocker supporting the cable. It includes a pivotable cross-piece which extends over the side-plates of the rocker and is prolonged laterally to form a component for catching the derailed cable. An appendix can form a temporary support for the cable when a sheave 10, 12 is lost. The pivoting of a crosspiece cuts the safety-line conductor to signal a problem condition.The device can be applied to a gondola lift.