Abstract: An automatic load responsive winch is disclosed and includes a base, a winch drum rotatable mounted on the base, and a rotatable drive shaft for driving the winch drum. At least two gear trains are mounted between the drive shaft and the drum for rotating the drum in response to rotation of the drive shaft. One of the two gear trains produces a different drum speed than the other gear train. In one embodiment, when a variable torque load is applied to the winch, a mechanism is vertically displaceable. The mechanism engages one of the gear trains at a first vertical position of the mechanism and disengages the one gear train at a second vertical position to isolate the one gear train and provide for rotation of the winch drum by the other gear train. In another embodiment, when a variable torque load is applied to the winch, a mechanism is angularly displaceable.

Abstract: A power sailboat winch mechanism for the high speed gathering of running rigging line under initial low tension with final slow speed gathering of the same line under final high tension combined with line storage is disclosed. The winch mechanism includes two drums handling the line in series, these drums constituting a winding drum and a high torque drum. The winding drum is provided threaded to the bitter end of the line with a level wind for even distribution of the line along the drum. This winding drum provides initial rapid line take-up, tailing force to a high torque winch drum and line storage for the requisite amount of line used in the particular running rigging handled by the winch. A conventional high torque winch drum is provided between the winding drum and line load. This high torque winch is provided with surfaces to induce line climbing of the drum by conventional crowd climbing over the drum surface.

Abstract: Multi-pedestal winch system with disconnect automatic reconnect.

Abstract: A three speed winch has two alternative inputs. The first input shifts the winch between first, second and third gear trains by successive reversals of the direction of an input member. The alternative input drives the winch at two different speeds responsive to rotation of an input member in opposite directions. The alternative input may be connected to drive the winch in either first or third gear so that the winch provides seven gear ratios. There are four pairs of gear ratios available by simple reversal of direction of an input, and the winch has three different ratios between the gear ratios of the different pairs.

Abstract: A pedestal winch with variable radius crank arms. The winch is intended for use on a sail boat or the like. The crank arms each include two telescoping sections together with a locking apparatus for locking the sections together in differing positions so as to achieve differing radii. A thumb-actuated operating member is positioned adjacent each crank handle for controlling the locking apparatus. Accordingly, an operator need not remove his/her hands from the crank handles in order to switch the winch between a short radius position for high speed winching and a long radius position for high power winching.