Abstract: A tensioning device for the cable of a winch or hoist transmits rotational power from the drum, on which the cable is wound through a gear train to a traction roller which rubs against the cable as it passes into and out of the hoist. The gears rotate the traction roller in the same direction in which the cable is moving but at a speed which will always keep the cable under tension on the drum. Two overrunning clutches in the gear train transmit the rotary motion of the drum to the traction reel in either the cable payout or reel in operation.

Abstract: A cable storage reel for a hoist is provided with a drum having a plurality of spaced concentric grooves to receive the cable thereon. The reel is mounted upon an elongated bearing and is free to slide longitudinally thereon. The drum of the reel is provided with a longitudinal gap traversing the concentric grooves. The reel is also keyed to the elongated bearing. An elastomeric roller is freely carried adjacent the storage reel with the reel flanges in frictional contact with the roller. When the reel is driven by the bearing to take up the cable, the cable as it reaches the gap, crosses over to the next concentric groove causing the reel to move laterally along the elongated bearing, the flanges to follow a helical path across the roller to drive the reel laterally and to level wind the cable.

Abstract: A rigid boom is provided with a cable receiving winch drum and a traction sheave to receive the cable therethrough. The drum is laterally removable from the boom and a latch and split cable guide mechanism on the sheave permits a new drum and cable to be installed on the boom in a short interval of time.