Abstract: A radial load measuring apparatus is disclosed, which may include a rotational member rotatably supported to rotate about an axis of rotation and configured to be subjected to a radial load, and at least one support member interfacing with the rotational member. Each support member may have a contact interface that is oriented at an oblique angle relative to a reference plane comprising the axis of rotation, such that the radial load applied to the rotational member is translated into a proportional axial force applied to the at least one support member in an axial direction. The radial load measuring apparatus may include a force sensor configured to measure the proportional axial force applied to the at least one support member from which to determine a magnitude of the radial load.

Abstract: A winch or a hoist (100) includes an input shaft, a rotatable drum (112), and a gearbox (120) including a plurality of high-contact ratio spur-type gears, the gearbox coupled to the input shaft and to the rotatable drum such that rotation of the input shaft at a first speed drives rotation of the rotatable drum at a second speed that is different than the first speed.