Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the load bearing capacity of a surface by continuously transporting a known load along the surface and measuring the resulting deformation thereof. In one embodiment a contactless laser transducer is mounted directly in front of and behind a loaded wheel for measuring the elevation of the surface before and after the load. A computer determines the difference between the measured elevations which is indicative of the load bearing capacity of the surface. Conventional recording, display, and storage equipment are provided for recording, displaying, and storing the elevation values and the corresponding differences. The load velocity and longitudinal position may also be determined and stored with the corresponding elevation and difference values.

Abstract: Known winches for sailing boats have flanges which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The instant invention comprises a self-tailing winch in which the upper flange is inclined in relation to the axis of rotation and follows the rotation of the drum. In operation, the rope rises along the drum as it is taken up by the winch. When the rope has reached the underside of the flange, it is automatically clamped, and, since the flange is inclined, the rope will become loose during rotation of the flange as the drum lets out the rope.

Abstract: A resilient ring is provided as an attachment to fit around the barrel of a winch for jamming the end turn of a loaded rope wound around the barrel against the adjacent turn thereby obviating the need to apply manual tension to the tail of the rope.