Abstract: An actuated wedge socket assembly. The assembly includes a wedge socket having an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at an opposed second end, and an open interior cross-section tapering from the large opening to the small opening. A wedge includes a large end, an opposed small end, and a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope therein. A mechanism is provided to mechanically move and seat the wedge and the wire rope in the wedge socket to a controlled depth.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for a shackle having a pair of opposed legs with an opening at one end of each of the pair of opposed legs to form a pair of opposed openings. The securing mechanism includes a shackle bolt having a head at one end and a circumferential groove near an opposed end wherein the shackle bolt is received through the pair of opposed openings in the shackle. A two piece hinged clamp assembly is received in the circumferential groove in order to retain the shackle bolt in the shackle. A retainer pin is received in an opening in the two piece clamp assembly to hold the two piece clamp assembly in a closed position. A retainer clip surrounds the retainer pin. A lock pin through the two piece clamp assembly retains the retainer pin in the two piece clamp.

Abstract: A method and system of identifying, inspecting and training regarding a material lifting device. The method includes the steps of attaching RFID tag to a material lifting device. Identification and inspection data regarding the material lifting device is installed and stored on the RFID tag. The identification and inspection data on the RFID tag may be accessed with a portable computer device having an RFID reader. The material lifting device is periodically inspected to obtain inspection data. The identification and inspection data is updated on the portable computer device and is also updated on the RFID tag.

Abstract: A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining keeper ring having an open top and an open bottom encloses the assembled retaining collar, the keeper ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A pair of retaining rings surround the split retaining collar above and below the keeper ring to trap the keeper ring in place.

Abstract: A field adjustable block for use with a bridge crane having a rotating cylindrical drum for rope. The block includes a cylindrical center pin having a key way recess parallel to an axis of the center pin. An inner side plate has an opening therethrough and an extending key receivable in the key way recess to prevent rotation of the inner side plate. Multiple sheaves are receivable over the center pin. At least one toroidal spacer is receivable over the center pin. A lock washer has an inwardly extending key receivable in the key way recess of the center pin and has a plurality of radially extending tabs. A nut has at least one notch to receive one of the extending tabs therein. An outer side plate is removably attached to the inner side plate by fasteners.

Abstract: A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining keeper ring having an open top and an open bottom encloses the assembled retaining collar, the keeper ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A pair of retaining rings surround the split retaining collar above and below the keeper ring to trap the keeper ring in place.

Abstract: A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining collar cover having a closed top and an open bottom encloses the retaining collar, the cover having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A fastener mechanism fastens the retaining collar cover to the split retaining collar and to the shank.

Abstract: A combination master link and chain shortener that can be readily connected to existing closed loop lifting rings. In one preferred embodiment, a bail connects to a lifting mechanism and an elongated body having a pair of opposed ends includes an opening at one end to connect to the bail. A pair of chain shortening cradles are provided, each chain shortening cradle in angular relation to the elongated body. A pair of chain connecting hooks, each receive a chain end link therein. A chain retainer pin retains the chain end links within the connecting hooks. In an alternate embodiment, a bail connects to a lifting mechanism and an elongated body includes a pair of opposed ends with an opening at one end to connect to the bail. A pair of chain shortening cradles are provided with each cradle in angular relation to the elongated body. A pair of receptacles are provided at an opposite end of the body in order to receive a pair of chain end links.

Abstract: A wedge socket with actuator assembly. A wedge socket has an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and a pair of sides. A wedge has a large end, a small end, a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope, and a pair of sides, wherein at least one side of the wedge has a series of recesses. At least one side of the wedge socket has an opening therethrough to permit a tool to pass through said opening to be received in one of said recesses in order to move said wedge with respect to the socket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of a snatch block hook bolt assembly which supports the trunnion or becket to which a hook may be attached. A snatch block having a first fixed side plate having a first aperture and a second side swinging side plate having a second aperture and a sheave rotatably held between the first fixed side plate and the second swinging side plate, comprising a spool with a passage there through and an alignment means for positioning said spool concentrically with said first aperture of said first fixed side plate; a threaded nut with an alignment means for positioning said nut concentrically with said second aperture of said second side swinging side plate; and a threaded bolt having a length extendable through said first aperture in said first fixed side plate, through said spool passage, and threadably communicating with said threaded nut.

Abstract: A hinge pin and retention sleeve to be used as part of a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes two chain half-links, the hinge pin, and the retention sleeve. The hinge pin has an annular notch with a reduced cross-section. The retention sleeve has a valley with a reduced cross-section. The retention sleeve fits over the hinge pin and the valley of the retention sleeve fits into and engages the hinge pin annular notch, preventing the hinge pin from moving laterally with respect to the sleeve. Ends of the sleeve nearly abut the chain half-links, with a slight gap between the ends and the chain half-links. The sleeve is restricted from substantial lateral movement by inner faces of the chain half-links. The hinge pin annular notch and the retention sleeve valley are located in the center portion of the hinge pin and retention sleeve, respectively, away from the high-stress areas near the chain half-links.

Abstract: A method of securing a termination element to an end portion of a wire rope, the termination element having an elongated, ductile tubular sleeve portion, including the steps of positioning the end portion of a wire rope within the tubular sleeve portion, positioning the sleeve portion between co-acting dies, the dies having an opening that is non-circular in cross-section, closing the dies a first time to deform the sleeve portion about the wire rope and into a non-circular external cross-section shape opening dies rotating the sleeve portion less than 180° closing the dies a second time to form the sleeve portion into a final external non-circular shape and opening the dies to remove the termination element.

Abstract: The termination area of a wire rope is formed by a round or oval sleeve that is formed into a quasi-polygonal, preferably quasi-hexagonal, swage using a two pass die closing method using apparatus wherein opposing die cavity faces or sides include a reservoir space for swage material during the first pass of the die closing.

Abstract: A fitting for a synthetic web sling. In one preferred embodiment, the fitting includes a spool for receiving the synthetic web sling. A hook is opposed to the spool, the hook having a width and having a saddle for receiving the synthetic web sling therein. The saddle includes an arcuate surface with an expanded diameter larger than the width of the hook. The saddle also includes a central raised portion. A pair of opposed frusto-conical bumpers are axially aligned with the saddle to laterally align the web sling on the saddle.

Abstract: A swivel hoist ring to web sling connector. The connector includes a swivel hoist ring having a screw with a threaded shank for receiving a load and a body which receives the screw therethrough. A web sling includes a spool having a saddle to receive a fabric web sling. A frame has a first pair of legs connected to the sling spool and a second pair of legs which pivotally connect with the hoist ring body.

Abstract: A wire rope clip comprising a two-piece bolt and saddle. The clip comprises first and second bolts, each having a head, a threaded end, and a plurality of splines fashioned proximate the head. The clip further comprises first and second saddles, each having a base, a first orifice and a second orifice. A first nut engages the threaded end of the first bolt and a second nut engages the threaded end of the second bolt.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a web-type sling to other fittings is comprised of a U-shaped member having legs with threaded ends that interconnect with a clasp that non-rotatably retain nuts, threaded to the legs, in sockets. The clasp includes a central arcuate saddle to receive the web sling. A pin extends across the U-shaped member legs above the arcuate saddle to retain the web sling upon the saddle.