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 method of producing ball joints of the type that include a ball and stem member pivotally mounted in a housing, the method comprising forming separate stem portions and ball portions and joining the portions at welded junctions to provide pivot members of composite construction. Such pivot members are characterized by relatively large ball diameters as compared to the shank diameters so as to provide a high degree of angularity of movement.

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.