Abstract: A telescopic load binder (1) with a tubular barrel (2) and a pair of oppositely threaded members (7,8) threaded into the opposite ends of the barrel and method of assembling same. When assembled, the load binder is designed to prevent subsequent inadvertent disassembly and includes means (13,14) placed on the threads of the members to prevent their removal from the barrel without breaching the barrel itself. A threaded cylindrical insert (12) is inserted into the barrel at one end and enables and facilitates load binder assembly.

Abstract: In a load system which involves a powered chain hoist wherein raising or lowering of a load is effected by a rotating drive sprocket over which the chain is trained, the amplitude of motion due to resonant response of the load system as a consequence of coincidence between the natural frequency of the load system and the frequency of oscillatory excitation produced by the chain/sprocket drive is significantly reduced by providing an energy dissipation device in series with the load. This device involves a spring mechanism which permits a limited motion at the resonant condition, in combination with a controlled damping factor. The spring compliance of the device normally will lie in the range of about 1/2-3 times the spring compliance of the active length of the chain at the resonant condition and the relation between the spring rate of the device and the effective damping factor is perferably such that the spring rate divided by the damping factor will be at least about 0.006 seconds.

Abstract: A bent wire link type chain wear inspection apparatus for measuring the section thickness of a chain link to determine the limit of permissible wear thereof comprising a device (1) having a plurality of slots (5-14) therein uniquely identified with respect to chain size and used to establish the continued serviceability of chains from a wear standpoint. Each of the slots has an opening smaller than the identified chain size and which is preferably equal to the minimum acceptable link section size. Acceptable chain links are therefore excluded from fitting into the opening whereas worn chain links which have been worn to a degree which equals or exceeds the limit of permissible wear slide into the opening thereby indicating that the chain should be removed from service.

Abstract: A hoist brake unit having a shading coil mechanically locked into the core of the brake unit's electromagnet. The mechanical lock is achieved by passing the coil through a cavity in the core having intervening core material between the cavity and an external surface of the core.

Abstract: A coupling shackle for field/factory assembly of lengths of chain, rope, cables, or the like/or attachments thereto; said coupling shackle comprising a generally U-shaped unit comprising an overlay/underlay assembly of two or more relatively nested complemental-configured U-shaped members which are traversed and interconnected at their leg ends as by means of a bolt or pin or the like. Said members may be first stamped or otherwise cut out of sheet/plate stock and then bent into U-shaped configurations; the bowed intermediate portions thereof being subsequently U-shape sectionally formed. The open end leg portions at opposite sides of the unit are apertured and side-by-side mounted upon the structurally cooperating interconnecting bolt or pin.

Abstract: A ratchet type telescopic load binder (1) having axially and oppositely moveable first and second threaded screw members (7,8) of different diameters is disclosed. The larger diameter member (7) includes an axial cylindrical void (11) into which the smaller screw member (8) is permitted to move. Greater reach is achieved by providing the smaller member (8) with a screw thread (10) pitch and a thread (10) length which are greater than those of the larger member (7). The cylindrical void (11) of the larger member (7) extends past its operative thread (9) length to accommodate increased penetration of the smaller member (8).

Abstract: An oblique lay sprocket wheel utilizes a pocket construction wherein load bearing portions of successive pockets are overlapped. Also, a bent link chain construction is shown which allows the use of a four pocket wheel.

Abstract: A pressure actuated reversing switch for a pendant hoist control station is provided in which manually exerted pressure causes the electrical contacts to make and break in a staggered sequence. The armature of the switch is spring loaded so that pressure exerted on the armature causes the armature to move both laterally and rotationally. This complex motion permits contacts at one end of the armature to be brought into electrical contact with the leads prior to power contact being made at the other end of the armature. When pressure is released, the complex motion permits the power contacts to be broken prior to the breaking of the contacts at the other end of the armature. Additionally, the complex motion permits a self-cleaning action which assures reliability and long life.

Abstract: A side lever type handle for hand operated tensioning devices, such as hoist or puller mechanisms, which is adapted to 360.degree. rotation operation; said handle being reverse-curve contoured so as to minimize torsional moments acting to rotate the hoist/puller mechanism about the axis of the load system incidental to pushing/pulling upon the handle. Optionally, the handle may be sectionally designed to complement its aforesaid contour so as to adapt it to yield plastically in torsion and bending in response to attempts to overload the associated mechanism.

Abstract: A hook of the so-called "grab hook" type for engaging a chain of the welded wire link type, which features improved chain link engagement means. The chain receiving throat of the hook is inclined relative to the load lift line of the hook, and the chain link which is centered in the hook is supported upon a flat saddle portion of the hook which extends beyond opposite sides thereof. The hook receives and carries the chain when under load so as to subject the engaged links of the chain to no severe stress increases.

Abstract: A master link of forged metal construction features a multiple hole sling chain attachment arrangement serving to minimize bending moment deformation/failure stresses in the master link under various branch chain connection configurations; and reduces the number of special attachment links required to attach the branch chain(s) to the master link.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved coupling device or "link" for interconnecting separate lengths of chain and/or attachments thereto and/or for repairing broken chains and method of producing same; said coupling link comprising two half-link units each of which comprises a laminar assembly of two or more relatively nested and interfittingly configured strap-like members. These members are stamped out in generally U-shaped plan form from sheet or plate stock; the legs thereof then being twisted while the intermediate bow-shaped portions of the members remain flat-wise in the planes of the original stampings. Such half-link units may then be assembled and fabricated from only a minimized number (one or two) of differently configured strap-like members disposed in laminate relationship.

Abstract: A manually operable tool for engaging a welded wire link type chain for tensioning the chain against a load. The tool comprises a main body portion which is tunneled to accommodate insertion and progress of the chain therethrough; the body portion having an access opening through the tunnel wall to permit insertion of an operating lever. The lever is arranged to pivotally rock relative to the body portion so as to alternately engage/disengage with the chain for driving the chain through the tunnel. Means are provided for holding the chain against retrogressive movements relative to the body, intermediately of levering operations.

Abstract: An improved combination; chain hoist; slack chain transport chute; and slack chain receiving carrier depending therefrom. The carrier is of vertically flexible and overall resilient construction, so as to accommodate it to impacts from various sources under service conditions.

Abstract: In a multiple-reeved electric hoist of the type employing either a load cable winding drum or a load chain lift wheel, and wherein the dead end of the cable (or chain) carries a part of the load and is attached to the hoist frame; an improved overload sensing and responsive power shut-off and overload impact distributing device associated with the dead-end of the load lift cable (or chain) for deenergizing the hoist motor and protecting the hoist parts and its supporting structure against damage whenever an overload is applied to the hoist lift cable (or chain).

Abstract: A hoist employs a modified Weston brake characterized as having an axially aligned ratchet pawl or plate and ratchet wheel assembly and a cam device operable to supplement spring force applied to the ratchet assembly for gaining and maintaining a positive engagement of the ratchet assembly during load lowering or holding thereof.

Abstract: A coupling link for field/factory assembly of chain lengths and/or attachments thereto; and/or for repairing broken chains or to couple lengths of chain together whenever desired; said coupling link comprising two half link units each of which comprises an overlay/underlay assembly of two or more relatively nested complemental-configured half-link shaped members all of which are stamped out from sheet/plate stock and formed into generally U-shaped sectional form, the paired components thereof being complementarily shaped and internested together. Thus, where the coupling link is under tension loadings the bowed portions of contiguous members yield into mutually reinforcing shapes. Said half-link shaped members have apertured terminal ear portions interdigitally mounted upon a common interconnecting pin; thereby spreading the operational shear loads on the pin.

Abstract: A safety hook for use with lifting hoists and the like features a thumb operated keeper latch device arranged adjacent an end of a hook body gripping groove, which serves to both protect the fingers of an operator and position and operator's thumb for engagement with the latch device.