Abstract: A self-tightening clamp assembly may be selectively positioned along a flexible rope to provide a rigid stop thereon. The clamp assembly includes a clamp housing having a clamping surface and a movable clamp plate located therein on opposite sides of the rope. The clamp plate is urged against the rope by a lever and cam surface to clamp the rope against the clamp surface. A connecting assembly is provided at a rearward end of the lever that may be connected to the flexible rope so the lever will pivot in response to tensioning and loosening of the rope between ends. As the rope moves to a taut position, the lever automatically moves the clamp plate toward the clamp surface, tightly clamping the rope therebetween. As the rope is relaxed, the lever releases pressure against the clamp plate and therefore loosens its grip on the rope.

Abstract: A self-locking log skidding carriage for skidding logs uphill along a skyline to a powered skidding machine. The carriage includes two freely rotatable sheaves, a first for engaging a taut skyline, and a second for rotatable engagement with a dragline commonly utilized for skidding and hauling logs from one point to another. A locking wheel is positioned between the two sheaves and is actuated by members positioned on the skyline and dragline. The first actuator member on the skyline operates the locking wheel of the carriage in response to gravitational movement of the carriage down the skyline. As the carriage engages the first actuating member, the locking wheel is moved to lock the carriage to the first actuating member and to release the dragline from a previously locked position. The dragline is then free to be pulled outward from the carriage in substantially any direction to be secured to a log or group of logs. The skidding machine may then be operated to retract the dragline over the second sheave.