Abstract: The apparatus provides an exercise device that is portable, versatile, and enables the user to match the resistance of the device with the normal physiologic length-tension relationship of skeletal muscle. The device adds resistance in the form of cartridges that are stackable to summate resistance and can connect to a variety of attachments for use with arms, legs, or trunk, i.e., handle, bar, loop, etc. Given the device's portability, it can be used freestyle or mounted to various surfaces.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a fairlead changing direction of a line under tensions are disclosed. The fairlead may include an opening with a front lip. The line under tension may be roved through the opening. The front lip may have a variable radius round. The front lip guides a change in direction of the line.

Abstract: A fairlead for guiding a cable while maintaining a minimum radius of curvature of said cable, said fairlead comprising: a block with a first and a second side element and at least two pulleys supported between said first and second side element, allowing said pulleys to rotate around parallel axes of rotation; an endless elastic double curved belt in a loop around said at least two pulleys; at least one block carrier bow extending between said first and second side element, wherein said at least one block carrier bow defines an opening with an inner circle segment forming an arch shaped traveling path; a suspension arrangement including at least one traveling bow contact element, said suspension arrangement forming a travelling carriage running along the arch shaped traveling path in a plane parallel to said parallel axes of rotation of said pulleys.

Abstract: A piñata hanging or holder device offers the user stability and flexibility in controlling a piñata at party events. The hanging device is collapsible for shipping and storage. The hanging device is easily assembled and utilizes the user's weight to further stabilize the device from falling or tilting. For assembly, guiding marks are providing in poles to assist the user for ease of assembly. One benefit of this device is that the device does not require anchoring or include a ballast to keep the handing device erect, which reduces shipping and manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A portable hoist apparatus that can be quickly, easily and recurrently mounted on a tree or other pillar-like structure, which causes very little or no damage to the pillar-like structure, includes a hoist member having a base, a boom projecting from the base, and a support flange; and an adjustably tensionable strap for engaging the support flange and attaching the hoist member to the pillar-like structure. The portable hoist apparatus may be used by hunters to easily lift a tree stand to a desired position on a tree, or by utility workers to easily raise tools or other heavy or awkward objects up along a utility pole.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes an oilwell rig; a sheave wheel adapter connected to the rig; a sheave wheel yoke connected to the adapter; and a sheave wheel connected to the yoke. In various embodiments of the invention, this assembly is configured to permit the wheel to rotate about three mutually perpendicular planes of motion.

Abstract: An improved sailboat swivel base consisting of a rotating arm that supports both a guide pulley on one end and a rope securing cleat on the opposite end. The arm swivels about a center bearing, housed in a base which is fastened to a fixed structure such as the deck of a boat. A sail control rope, passing through the guide pulley and secured by the cleat, is tensioned by the force of the sail. The tension force of the line pulls the guide pulley end of the rotating arm toward the sail and sends the securing cleat away from the sail. This rotation aligns the cleat with the direction of pull for easy operation. When the sailboat changes tacks and the sails reverse position the rotating arm will follow the sail to the new side and self-tack the swivel base.

Abstract: A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining keeper ring having an open top and an open bottom encloses the assembled retaining collar, the keeper ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A pair of retaining rings surround the split retaining collar above and below the keeper ring to trap the keeper ring in place.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments for snatch block and snatch block assemblies are disclosed. A snatch block having a sideplate that is pivotable, enabling a bight of rope, cable, or chain to be inserted is disclosed. The pivotable sideplate may be engaged with a retaining device protruding from an assembly head of the snatch block. The retaining device may be configured to be moved within the assembly head to disengage the pivotable sideplate, enabling the snatch block to be opened. A snatch block assembly may include a rotatable sheave and an attachment structure configured for rotation about an axis substantially transverse to an axis of rotation of the sheave.

Abstract: A pulley block has a body which rotatably supports a sheave, the block having a mounting pin which extends through a bore in the block. The pin has an enlarged head disposed internally of the body to retain the pin in the bore. Rotation of the pin may be prevented by a releasable locking arrangement comprising a groove formed transversely across the enlarged head of the pin and a lock member rotatably mounted in a hole extending within the block adjacent the head of the pin. The lock member is profiled for rotation between a locked position where a part of the lock member locates in the groove in the head of the pin to restrain rotation of the pin and a free position where the lock member is free of the head of the pin so that the pin may rotate.

Abstract: A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining collar cover having a closed top and an open bottom encloses the retaining collar, the cover having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A fastener mechanism fastens the retaining collar cover to the split retaining collar and to the shank.

Abstract: A line-handling block particularly for sailing vessels has an attachment device (30) rotatably mounted in the body. Locking device (50) are slidable in keyhole slots (60) into or out of engagement with the attachment device (30). When in engagement the locking device (50) may permit only limited rotation of the attachment device to either side of a central position. They may yield if an excessive torsional load is experienced, and may be supplied in various interchangeable forms for fitting to a given block so that its characteristics may be adjusted.

Abstract: A bracket and tension rod device is mounted to a top-drive dolly to carry the weight of a sheave wheel assembly. The device is deployed by connecting the sheave wheel assembly to a rigid dolly arm with an adjustable tension rod to relieve a gooseneck from adverse tensile, compressive and bending forces from the movement of a wireline through the sheave assembly.

Abstract: A tie down device having a pulley incorporating a ratchet and a security lock. The tie down device has a housing which encloses a pulley over which is reeved a plastic jacketed metallic stranded cable, a ratchet wheel and associated pawl, and a key operated lock. The housing is formed in two parts united by rivets, and is devoid of externally accessible tool operated fasteners such as screws. A crank handle affords a user mechanical advantage when imposing tension on the cable. In an alternative embodiment, the tie down device includes a mounting element for securing the tie down device to a transport vehicle. In one alternative embodiment, a hook is provided to suspend the tie down device from an environmental object.

Abstract: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device is provided for use on a hoist of the type generally used for safety of personnel entering a manhole or the like which has a base for mounting on a support surface at the hole and a jib portion. A winch is mounted at one position on the hoist for paying out and pulling in a first cable which passes over the jib portion to a pulley at the jib end. A fall restraint device with a second cable is mounted at a different location on the host with the second cable extending upwardly from the hoist to a second pulley at the jib end. The shock absorbing device for the pulleys includes a common mounting member pivotally attached to the mounting element at the jib end for pivotal movement relative thereto about a horizontal axis with a shock absorbing brake arranged to resist said pivotal movement up to a predetermined load limit such that a downward shock force from the load on at least one of the first and second pulleys causes the common member to pivot downwardly in a shock absorbing action.

Abstract: A high speed safety block assembly includes a first and second cheek plates with a sheave and axle installed between the cheek plates. The cheek plates each have a recessed area on their inner surfaces and have interlocking ears which increase the safety of the block assembly by preventing the block assembly from coming apart in the event of a screw failure. The sheave of the high speed safety block assembly includes a needle bearing which rolls on the bearing surface of the axle, permitting much higher loads and speeds when the high speed safety block assembly is used.

Abstract: A rope pulley construction comprising a frame, at least one rope pulley equipped with a rope groove, rope pulley bearing, guard to prevent a lifting rope from coming off the rope pulley, and suspension point for hanging the rope pulley. The frame of the rope pulley construction comprises two plate parts joined together which simultaneously provide suspension for the rope pulley, at least one suspension point for hanging the rope pulley construction and guard to prevent a lifting rope from coming off the rope pulley.

Abstract: A modular guidance device for routing cable through an underground chamber includes a plurality of rollers positioned in adjacent relation. End plates hold the rollers in position. A support leg is connected to the end plates and a support member is secured to the support leg and is movable in different positions within the underground chamber. The support leg is further connected to articulation means for allowing the modular guidance device to be oriented according to the position of the support member during routing of the cable between inlet and outlet orifices of the underground chamber. The articulation means further includes two plates placed at right angles to a main axis of the support leg, the plates and respective support leg portions thereof facing each other and capable of rotating relative to each other and then fixed in position.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device is provided for use on a hoist of the type generally used for safety of personnel entering a manhole or the like which has a base for mounting on a support surface at the hole and a jib portion. A winch is mounted at one position on the hoist for paying out and pulling in a first cable which passes over the jib portion to a pulley at the jib end. A fall restraint device with a second cable is mounted at a different location on the host with the second cable extending upwardly from the hoist to a second pulley at the jib end. The shock absorbing device for the pulleys includes a common mounting member pivotally attached to the mounting element at the jib end for pivotal movement relative thereto about a horizontal axis with a shock absorbing brake arranged to resist said pivotal movement up to a predetermined load limit such that a downward shock force from the load on at least one of the first and second pulleys causes the common member to pivot downwardly in a shock absorbing action.

Abstract: A rotatable hitch (30) is secured to crosshead channels (10) on an overhead sheave (40) and includes a sleeve (50) and a connecting rod (60) disposed within the sleeve (50).

Abstract: A rope pulley construction comprising a frame, at least one rope pulley equipped with a rope groove, rope pulley bearing, guard to prevent a lifting rope from coming off the rope pulley, and suspension point for hanging the rope pulley. The frame of the rope pulley construction comprises two plate parts joined together which simultaneously provide suspension for the rope pulley, at least one suspension point for hanging the rope pulley construction and guard to prevent a lifting rope from coming off the rope pulley.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention relates to a new design for a fairlead that is capable of being remotely uninstalled from and then reinstalled on an offshore drilling and production vessel, while the vessel is in its moored position, in the event that the fairlead develops mechanical difficulties that require repair. Thus, the present invention discloses a fairlead that may be remotely uninstalled and reinstalled while the fairlead is underwater and without ballasting the vessel far enough to raise the fairlead above the water surface. The need for this invention primarily arises in connection with fairleads that are mounted to a vessel of the type where the ballasting process can be a very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reducing overload and dampening collision energy, for instance, in connection with a container crane, the apparatus comprising a movable bar (16) to receive a load and a resistance device (18) against the predetermined resistance of which the movable bar are able to move in a dampening situation, and the resistance device comprise at least one friction device (18) arranged to cooperate with the movable bar (16).

Abstract: A stuffing box sheave assembly includes a brace having a tubular collar positioned at one end and a pair of spaced apart forked arms outwardly projecting from the opposing end. A nylon wheel is rotatably mounted between the forked arms. The wheel has an annular grooved recessed around the circumference thereof. The groove is configured to receive a wireline. An arcuate shroud is positioned over a portion of the circumference of the wheel. A pair of spaced apart retention pads are mounted to the shroud. Each of the pads are configured to be received within the groove of the wheel so as to prevent accidental jumping of the wireline out of the groove. A pair of tubular posts project from opposing sides of the shroud and are selectively received within the channel of a tubular member upwardly projecting from each forked arm.

Abstract: A cable drive for a hoisting mechanism, including a carrying element having a recess, at least one of a top block and a cable end attachment, each of which has a horizontal swivel axle having two ends, and bearing elements swivelably mounted at both ends of the axle so that each of the bearing elements is rotatable by 180 degrees relative to its vertical central plane. The bearing elements are arranged in the recess of the carrying element, each bearing element having a laterally offset bearing bore in which the swivel axle is mounted so that movement of the bearing element causes a lateral parallel movement of the swivel axle.

Abstract: A bearing block has a head containing a totatably mounted post to enable attachment of the block on a support. A manually operated latch mechanism is mounted in the head, and the latch may be moved into engagement with one or more recesses in the post to lock the post in a given position.

Abstract: A logging block (16) formed in accordance with the present invention includes a frame (56) having a first end and an opposing second end and a sheave (50) having an upper side (58) and an opposing lower side (62) coupled to the second end of the frame such that the sheave rotatably contacts a continuous loop of cable (12) as the cable travels along a mono-cable path (32). Located at the first end of the frame (56) is a mounting assembly (77) providing at least two mounting slots (78) used for securing the frame to a stationary object along the mono-cable path (32), such as a tree or stump (20). The mounting slots (78) are positioned with respect to the sheave (50) such that when the logging block (16) is in operation, the alignment of a mounting slot is either above, below or directly in line with the sheave.

Abstract: An underwater self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead housing includes a bending shoe which guides the anchor chain from its orientation within the bending shoe up the platform column to the deck. The fairlead housing is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure.

Abstract: A snatch block assembly for engaging a line between its ends includes a pair of arms mounted at their inner ends to a base. Engagement structure, in the form of a roller, is mounted to the outer end of each arm. The arms are either fixed in position relative to the base or are pivotably mounted to the base. The line is engageable with the engagement structure by inserting a line between the arms, with the portion of the line engaging the arms being parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers. The line is then moved into engagement with the rollers so as to pass through a passage defined between the facing surfaces of the arms. The rollers thus engage the line between its ends to temporarily maintain the line in a desired position. When the arms are pivotably mounted to the base, movement of the line between the arms engages side edges of the arms to move the arms apart, and a biasing mechanism such as a spring moves the arms back together when the line is moved into engagement with the rollers.

Abstract: A dragline comprising a main housing, a bucket hoist mechanism mounted on the housing, a bucket drag mechanism mounted on the main housing, a moving mechanism for moving the main housing over the ground, a boom which is supported on the main housing and which has an upper end, a bucket, a hoist rope having one end connected to the bucket hoist mechanism, extending over the sheave, and having an opposite end, a drag rope extending between the bucket and the bucket drag mechanism, a dump block including a frame having a main portion connected to the opposite end of the hoist rope, and a cantilevered spindle extending from the main portion, and a dump block sheave mounted on the spindle for rotation about a sheave axis, and a dump rope extending over the dump block sheave and having one end connected to the drag rope and an opposite end connected to the bucket, such that the dump rope can be removed from the sheave in the direction away from the frame main portion.

Abstract: A block and tackle system having two different purchases is operated from a single line. The system includes a primary purchase system and a secondary system having a higher purchase than the primary system. The primary and secondary systems are separated by a one-way block, and the secondary system is connected back to a floating block in the primary system. The secondary system is activated upon initial ease of the line from any given position, with the one-way block locking the line in the ease direction.

Abstract: As a carriage carrying a mooring line guide is lowered by paying out a hoisting line two retaining projections mounted on the carriage are inserted into complementary stationary sockets to anchor the carriage in a lower position, As the carriage reaches such lower position two reciprocable latch pins mounted on the carriage are projected by compression springs into stationary sockets to lock the retaining projections in their sockets, Retraction of such latch pins in opposition to the force of such compression springs to remove the latch pins from their sockets is effected by tensioning of the hoisting line, The carriage is guided for elevational movement by rollers engageable with upright tracks or by guide sleeves encircling an upright taut guide line.

Abstract: A bearing block having an inner and outer race is provided with an enlarged axial opening through the unloaded portion of the inner race and is selectively reinforced in the region carrying the load, in order to provide an improved strength to weight ratio.

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: The upper block assembly of a crane is connected to the crane boom via a special universal joint having a pivot axis and a hollow shaft. The cable by which the lower block assembly is suspended is fed through the hollow shaft and extends to the crane winch via a pulley mounted on the boom. Guide pulleys are arranged on the upper block assembly and universal joint respectively so that the cable extending therebetween is coincident with the pivot axis of the hollow shaft. With this arrangement, the lower pulley block has unlimited freedom to swing laterally (side lead angle).

Abstract: An electric wire or cable feeding tool is provided with mounting brackets for removably attaching the tool to opposite side walls of a conventional electric junction box. An axle extends between the two mounting brackets, and an elongate guide roller having enlarged respective ends is journaled thereon.

Abstract: A snatch block has its sheave established by connecting the smaller ends of a pair of frusto-conical shell portions to a central member rotatably mounted on an axle protruding from one side of the hanger. The larger ends of the portions merge with end walls which are normal to the axis of the sheave and extend outwardly a distance greater than line diameters. The end walls have lips which are disposed relative to fixed water shields in a manner preventing a line, running against an end wall, from contacting the proximate water shield.

Abstract: A deflectable trunnion assembly that has a deflectable eye member or hook. The trunnion assembly is connectable to a pulley block of a hoist. The trunnion assembly has a trunnion block on which a deflectable spherical roller thrust bearing rides. The eye member rides on the spherical roller thrust bearing. The trunnion block is covered by a cover that contains a dome. The eye member ends in a pin that has a balled end. The balled end of the pin rotates within the dome, during deflection within the spherical roller thrust bearing of the trunnion assembly.

Abstract: The pulley support head according to the invention is adapted to permit easy adjustment of the orientation of the pulley at any time, even when the pulley is turning.The support head comprises a rigid frame (11) having a front extremity (13) which carries the pulley outside the frame, and mechanical means for pivoting this axle with respect to the frame on two substantially orthogonal axes (23, 40) defined by bearing edges provided on the frame. A first bearing edge (22) is situated in the front part of the frame. A threaded rod (27) articulated on the rear extremity (14) of the axle and connected to the frame by means of screws (31) permits pivoting the axle on the first edge (22). A guiding fork (34) defines a second pivoting axis (40) near to the rear extremity of the axle.Such a support head may be utilized in any cable conveyor, for example a ski tow or a building site cableway.

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 resilient support is provided for maintaining a pivotally mounted yacht fitting in an upright position. The support is in the form of a conical section made from a resilient polymeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheave assembly for supporting a downward extending cable wherein a plurality of rollers are disposed upward and outward in a staggered manner from a plane defined by a downward facing arcuate path along which the cable approximately passes and wherein each roller comprises a plurality of portions constructed, configured and dimensioned to conform to cables having different diameters and being composed of differing materials, if desired.

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 hose reel system for a sewer and catch basin cleaner and the like has a fixed mounted hose reel and a movable hose traction wheel. The hose reel includes a drive motor which rotates the reel in a direction to wind a hose onto the reel and a clutch which permits the reel to freely rotate when the hose is payed out. The hose traction wheel may be attached to a boom movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the reel and is driven by a motor to pay out the hose and a clutch which permits the traction wheel to turn freely during rewind of the hose. A first fairlead assembly mounted to the fixed reel and a second fairlead assembly mounted to the hose traction wheel guides the hose to permit pay out and rewind when the traction wheel is not in the plane of the reel.

Abstract: A dump block is provided for a dragline bucket wherein a central cylinder is equipped with axially spaced side plates to provide a reeve-way for the dump rope, and a steel ring rotatably disposed about the cylinder having inner and outer plastic elements with the cylinder providing an oil reservoir for lubricating the inner plastic elements.

Abstract: In order to bring a pulley block close to the load to be hauled, same is provided with a carriage, removable or not, and possibly completed by a drawbar, the carriage including means for rolling on the ground and means for its fixation to the pulley block.

Abstract: A rigger for trolling a fishing lure at a desired depth includes an elongated arm having a free end and an end pivotally secured to a mounting base. A trolley is slidably mounted on the arm for movement towards and away from the free end of the arm. A downrigger line pulley is secured to the trolley for movement therewith. A downrigger line reel is mounted on the base and a downrigger line or cable extends over the downrigger pulley. An elastic cord has ends fixed to the trolley for biasing the trolley towards the free end of the arm. A latch is provided to secure the arm in a vertical or tipped up position.

Abstract: A guide such as a roller and bracket means to feed electrical wires through conduit when wiring a building or other installation for electrical service, comprising a first bracket having hook means to mount to a junction box or to a second bracket, the first bracket also including an axle supported by said hook means, a roller mounted for rotation on the axle, whereby the roller is positioned for alignment with the open end of an electrical conduit connected to the junction box when the first bracket is hung thereon or on said bracket. Electrical conductors can then be fed smoothly and freely over the roller, into and through the conduit without scraping or catching on a portion of the junction box or other structure. The second bracket is used when necessary to face the roller sideways, or at a right angle to its position when the first bracket alone is hooked to a portion of the box.

Abstract: A rope grip which comprises a guide means and operator means defining a channel for receiving a rope. The guide means defining a first gripping surface and the operator means defines a second gripping surface. The two surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship. Between these two surfaces a restricting means is disposed. The restricting means is springingly connected to an operating arm which influences its position. The extremities of the gripping surfaces are at different distances from one another, which causes a rope of appropriate size to become jammed between a gripping surface and the restricting means, depending upon the position of the restricting means.