Abstract: An electric winch control module of this disclosure provides improved means for detecting changes in a current carried by an electric winch motor power lead. The module's housing includes a magnetic flux shield contained within an exposed channel of the housing and located at or toward a vertical centerline of the channel and opposite a magnetic flux sensor of the control module. The magnetic flux shield is made of a ferromagnetic material and includes a bottom wall spanning the width of the open bottom of the channel, an open top arranged opposite the top wall of the channel, and opposing sidewalls opposite a respective sidewall of the channel. The shield surrounds the side and lower portions of the lead below the sensor when in the channel, shielding the wire and sensor from outside interference while at the same time exposing an upper portion of the lead to the sensor.

Abstract: A mechanical overload sensor system for a planetary winch having a biasing means that when overcome by the force on a ring gear, opens an electric switch which terminates power to the winch.

Abstract: An improved self-engaging clutch having a carrier plate with one or more clutch actuator fingers formed into the carrier plate.

Abstract: An electronic actuated clutch for a winch. The winch having a motor and drive shaft which are engagable, via an electronically actuated clutch, to a spool. The clutch being operated by a solenoid which engages the clutch via a yoke. The clutch is operable between an engaged and disengaged position through energizing and de-energizing the solenoid. Operation of the clutch moves it linearly along the axis of the drive shaft into and out of engagement with the spool. Operation of the electronically actuated clutch may be done via a remote control.

Abstract: Monitoring the temperature of the brush of the motor on an electric winch during operation and restricting the operation of the motor within a cooling range in order to minimize downtime and maximize runtime.

Abstract: A mechanical overload sensor system for a planetary winch having a biasing means that when overcome by the force on a ring gear, opens an electric switch which terminates power to the winch.

Abstract: An improved self-engaging clutch having a carrier plate with one or more clutch actuator fingers formed into the carrier plate.

Abstract: Monitoring the temperature of the brush of the motor on an electric winch during operation and restricting the operation of the motor within a cooling range in order to minimize downtime and maximize runtime.

Abstract: An electronic actuated clutch for a winch. The winch having a motor and drive shaft which are engagable, via an electronically actuated clutch, to a spool. The clutch being operated by a solenoid which engages the clutch via a yoke. The clutch is operable between an engaged and disengaged position through energizing and de-energizing the solenoid. Operation of the clutch moves it linearly along the axis of the drive shaft into and out of engagement with the spool. Operation of the electronically actuated clutch may be done via a remote control.

Abstract: An electronically operated clutch for planetary winch where the clutch is disengaged by a first current level and maintained in the disengaged position by a second current level. The second current level being less than the first current level.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism (75) for use with a machine to disengage the machine until normal operation thereof is commenced. The clutch mechanism (75) includes a clutch engaging member (130) movable into engagement with a notch (77) of the ring gear (76) of a planetary gear stage (70) to engage the clutch, and movable out of engagement with the ring gear (76) to disengage the clutch mechanism (75). The clutch engaging member (130) is spring biased to a position in which the clutch mechanism is engaged. A manually-operated handle (120) moves the clutch engaging member (130) via a link (128) and clutch actuator (122) from a clutch engaging position to a clutch disengaging position.

Abstract: A wireless winch control system having a wireless remote transmitter for transmitting AM/PWM modulated signals. A processor in the wireless remote transmitter periodically transmits control signals while a forward or reverse button remains pushed. Once the button is released, a Stop command is automatically transmitted to the receiver. A receiver mounted for control of the winch receives the signals, demodulates the same and controls the winch motor in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A winch constructed with a fairlead frame providing a mounting base for the winch and providing a rotational support for a cable drum. Loads exerted on a cable and through the fairlead rollers and cable drum are transferred to the unitary fairlead frame members, and thus to the base to which the winch is mounted.

Abstract: An electrical winch mounted to a drawbar having at one end a receptacle and at the other end a stub. The winch drawbar can be connected between a vehicle hitch and a ball-type hitch member which is then adapted for supporting pulling and downward loads. A trailer can be connected to the ball so that the winch can be utilized to pull loads onto the trailer. Because the winch is load bearing, the loaded trailer can be repositioned or towed at low speeds, via the winch, by the vehicle. Front and rear-mounted hitches allow the winch to be releasably attached thereto for self recovery of the vehicle from either direction.

Abstract: A control valve (10) is disclosed for use in controlling a winch motor (12) on a winch. The control valve (10) is employed with a conventional operating valve (32). When the operating valve is in the neutral position, the control valve (10) acts as a hydraulic brake and an unloading valve for a brake cylinder (20). When the operating valve (32) is moved to raise a load with the winch, the control valve provides a flow path to and from the winch motor (12) to rotate the motor to raise the load and provides sufficient hydraulic pressure in the brake cylinder chamber (18) to release the brake even if the winch has no load. When the operating valve is operated to lower the load, the control valve (10) acts as an over center valve to prevent the load and winch from running away from the winch motor (12). The control valve (10) accomplishes each of these functions with only a single valve spool (132) slidable in a valve housing (100).

Abstract: A manually operated clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging a rotatable cable drum in a winch assembly to a source of power which comprises a shifting lever with a two-directional rotatable hand grip which actuate a pair of push rods mounted on the said shifting lever, the said push rods controlling a latching pin in assembly with a clutch shifter with a yoke attached to the clutch shifter. The said yoke actuates a rotatable jaw clutch into a position to engage a rotatable cable drum. The said shifting lever simultaneously moves a locking rod into position to lock the axial movement of the jaw clutch.

Abstract: A winch clutch which comprises a cable drum, a power shaft with at least four slots spaced equidistant apart on the surface of the said power shaft; a cylindrical clutch housing having a bore, the said cylindrical clutch housing fitting around the said power shaft; four dowel pins spaced equidistantly and being located in the inner surface of the said cylindrical clutch housing; a clutch locking ring in assembly with steel balls, the said clutch locking ring being actuated by movement of a shifting yoke acting against a set of springs and moving said clutch locking ring causing the said steel balls to move the said dowel pins into the said slots in the said power shaft.