Abstract: A ratchet binder having a main tube with internal threads at opposed open ends. The ratchet binder having a pair of semicircular threaded shafts threadably received in the opposed open ends such that when the shafts are connected by hooks to a chain and prevented from rotation, the rotation of the tube by a ratcheting mechanism causes the shafts to simultaneously move inward relative to the tube increasing tension on the opposed hooks to secure a load. A barrel divider is disposed between the shafts to keep the threads on the semicircular shafts engaged with the threads on the inside of the tube.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for a clevis hook assembly with an axial device that provides a retaining mechanism for a load pin. The axial device is disposed inside a first opening behind the load pin. The axial device may provide a retention mechanism to obstruct the load pin when the load pin is inserted into the first opening of one of the pair of opposed members and extends across a space into the first opening in the other opposed member.

Abstract: A linear actuator with an integrated variable frequency drive. The linear actuator includes an AC motor. A screw assembly with an output shaft is mechanically coupled to the AC motor. An extension tube is provided with a front mount. The extension tube is configured and arranged to be driven in translatory motion in either direction by the screw assembly. A cover tube encloses the extension tube and screw assembly. An actuator housing is operatively associated with the screw assembly and the AC motor. The actuator housing has a removable cover. A bracket is attached to the inside surface of the removable cover. The VFD is mounted within the actuator housing. The VFD may be mounted on the bracket adjacent to the inside surface of the removable cover. The removable cover may facilitate heat transfer out of the actuator housing.

Abstract: A hook assembly including a spring-biased safety latch that provides for installation of the latch onto the hook without spring tension. A fastener is configured to slide along an elongate slot when the latch is moved in translatory motion relative to the fastener. The fastener is configured to be inserted into the assembly in a first position while the tension on a biasing member is released. The first position is configured to allow the latch to rotate inward past the tip of the hook. The fastener is configured to move into a second position where it engages with a nut 53 that when installed is positioned in the portion and blocked by at least one shoulder such that the fastener is no longer able to slide in the slot preventing translator motion of the latch relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A system for automatically switching between a high speed and a low speed state for rotating the drive shaft of a manual hoist.

Abstract: An improved material handling system (15, 115) comprising a material lifting device (16), the material lifting device having a sensor (23) for sensing an operational parameter associated with the material lifting device, a load attachment device (18) configured and arranged to attach a load to the material lifting device, the load attachment device having a data tag (20) containing data regarding one or more parameters associated with the load attachment device, a reader (21) configured and arranged to read the data tag, a processing unit (22) communicating with the reader and the sensor, the processing unit configured and arranged to receive data from the reader and the sensor, and a material handling control device (19) configured and arranged to control operation of the material handling device.

Abstract: An adjustable clutch assembly comprising a base portion, a clutch housing cap, a first rotary member having a first torque transfer surface rotatable about a clutch axis and a second rotary member having a second torque transfer surface opposing said first torque transfer surface, a spring element configured to bias the opposed first and second torque transfer surfaces towards each other, a gear drive comprising a wheel engaging the clutch housing cap and a shaft engaging the wheel, a locking element constraining rotational movement of the clutch housing cap relative to the base portion, the gear drive, base portion, locking element and clutch housing cap configured such that selective rotation of the wheel about the clutch axis causes axial movement of the clutch housing cap along the clutch axis relative to the base portion, whereby the bias of the spring may be adjusted.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a single actuator housing containing within it a motor, a controller, a memory, and a position sensor having an output, a user interface for causing a first threshold value to be stored in the memory, and the controller configured and arranged to stop the motor as a function of the position sensor output and the first threshold value.

Abstract: A modular clutch assembly (15) comprising a first rotary member (16) having a first torque transfer surface (73 or 69), said first rotary member configured to rotate about an axis (x-x) and to rotationally couple to a first shaft (20), a second rotary member (22) configured to rotate about the axis and to rotationally couple to a second shaft (21), a pressure plate (23) configured to rotate about the axis, at least one of the second member and the pressure plate having a second torque transfer surface (78 or 66) opposing the first torque transfer surface, a spring element (29) configured to bias the opposed first and second torque transfer surfaces towards each other, and a pilot bearing (30) configured to act between the second member and the first shaft or the first member and the second shaft.

Abstract: A towing accessory for use in connection with a chain having a plurality of links includes an elongate body having a J-hook at one end and a T-hook at the other end. The J-hook has a hook portion that extends away from one side of the elongate body, and the T-hook has a T-cross that extends away from the opposite side of the elongate body. The elongate body also includes a central hole that is configured and sized so that adjacent links of the chain may pass therethrough, a first slot that extends from the central hole towards one end, and a second slot that extends from the central hole towards the other end. Both the first slot and the second slot are configured and sized so that a chain may be locked therein.

Abstract: A chain comprising at least two links (15) having a generally oval or rounded shaped side profile, each of the links having a longitudinal axis (x-x) and linked together such that a force (16) is applied to each of the links when the chain is in tension, the force generally orientated along the longitudinal axis, each of the links having a cross-sectional profile (18) at the longitudinal axis and the cross-sectional profile having an outer width (19) generally along the longitudinal axis and an outer thickness (20) substantial transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer width is greater than the outer thickness. The cross-sectional profile may further comprise an inner thickness (30) substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is less than the outer thickness (29). The cross-sectional profile (26) may be substantially uniform around the link.

Abstract: A hoist limiting system (15) comprising a frame (16), a hoist drum (17) supported by the frame and rotatable about a hoist axis (x-x), a hoist driver (19) supported by the frame and configured to rotate the hoist drum in opposite upward (30) and downward (31) directions about the hoist axis, a hoist line (18) in engagement with the hoist drum such that the hoist line winds in the upward or downward direction in response to rotation of the hoist drum, at least one gear (20) mechanically coupling the hoist driver and hoist drum and configured to rotate about a gear axis (x-x), the gear having a face (21) that rotates about the gear axis in a upward or downward direction in response to rotation of the hoist drum, a first proximity limit switch (26) supported by the frame adjacent the rotating face such that the rotating face moves relative to the proximity switch and a second proximity limit switch (28) supported by the frame adjacent the rotating face such that the rotating face moves relative to the second pro

Abstract: A tire size reduction/wire separation system comprising a drive shaft; a plurality of rotors mounted on the drive shaft, each rotor having axial slots with a rotor mounted knife removably secured within each slot; and an independent housing supporting the drive shaft and rotors. The independent housing has a central region with stationary knives. The roots and crests of the stationary knives are matingly oriented and respect to the roots and crests of the rotor mounted knives The independent housing also has lateral regions including an annual wear ring vertically secured to the axial ends of the rotors. Each lateral region also includes a wear liner with a circular opening with a diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the wear rings.

Abstract: A connector assembly suitable for use with a leveraging system is disclosed. The assembly includes two connector components, each having an attachment component receiving portion and a pin-coupling portion. The pin-coupling portions cooperate, in an assembled connector assembly, to define a closed pin-receiving orifice passing through the connector assembly. The assembly can be quickly coupled to and from a fixed pin structure, thereby facilitating changing of an attachment component such as a knob hook. Additional features include a releasable securing device that secures the connector components into a connector assembly. Also, inclusion of a rounded transitional surface on each connector component permits use, and quick attachment, of the assembly in environments wherein space is otherwise unduly restricted around the pin to be coupled. A method for using the connector assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device (20) is adapted to move an elongated object (21), such as rebar, from a first location (22) to a second location (23). The device includes an object-supporting surface (24), such as a conveyor; a plurality of stops (25) extending in a direction away from the surface; at least one hold-down (26) spaced from the surface and the stop. The first (22) location is arranged between the surface, stop and hold-down. A mechanism (28) is adapted to pick up an object positioned at the first location and to move the object along an orbital path (46) to a second location (23). Before arriving at the second location, the object may be counted and/or separated from other objects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved actuating mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism (15) is comprised of a split housing (16), a gear transfer system (18) enclosed in the housing, a threaded barrel (19) extending from the housing, a screw rod (20) threaded for movement through the barrel, an end plate (21) mounted to the housing opposite the barrel, the transfer system communicating with a driver input (22) and the barrel, whereby rotation of the transfer system will cause rotation of the barrel and axial movement of the screw rod through the barrel. The transfer system comprises beveled ring (23) and pinion (24) gears. The driver input comprises a square recess set in the pinion gear. The driver input may be adapted for operation with either a pneumatic driver or a manual driver. The housing is filled with grease and the barrel and housing are adapted to be greased by means of a conventional grease gun. The end plate and screw rod include clevis end connections (28, 32).