Abstract: A hoisting apparatus for submersible pump units (4), which is provided particularly for use in deep shafts, comprises a flexible traction element, a drive means for hoisting and lowering the traction element, and a coupling part (1) arranged at the lower end of the traction element, which is automatically connectable to and releasable from a corresponding connecting element (26) provided on the submersible pump unit.

Abstract: A snubber having a seal assembly in which a seal having a generally U-shaped cross section encircling a reciprocating rod is engaged with a separate integral wedge element in such a way that radial loads are applied so as to force the outer lip of the seal outwardly and the inner lip of the seal inwardly. The outwardly directed radial load is uniform around the entire seal, and the inwardly directed radial load is likewise uniform around the entire seal; however, the inwardly directed radial load is greater than the outwardly directed radial load.