Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a lifting mechanism to a load, the apparatus comprising a hollow annular body having a radial slot extending from the periphery of the body inwardly toward a central aperture. An arcuate bolt is operatively movable within the cavity of the body between a closed position wherein the bolt traverses the slot and thereby engages the load and an open position wherein the bolt is clear of the slot and, thus, disengaged from the load. At least one connector link and an actuating link lock the bolt in the closed position until the actuating link is operated on by a release mechanism.

Abstract: A panel lifting insert to be used in combination with a lifting apparatus to lift pre-cast panels and move them from one point to another. The lifting insert comprises a body with an aperture formed therein which is embedded within the pre-cast panel. Attached to the body are a pair of spaced apart legs with one end of the legs being attached to the body and the second ends being attached to one another to form a U-shaped portion. The legs are curved back upon themselves proximal to the U-shaped portion to form a hook. The hook is used to attach the lifting insert to a segment of a reinforcing means that is embedded within the panel. A lifting attachment is then connected to the aperture in the body to provide a means for connecting a lifting apparatus to the panel lifting insert and thus to the panel itself.

Abstract: A retaining wall anchor system of the type primarily used to tie retaining walls to dead men. The anchor system comprises at least one wall anchor formed of a pair of spaced apart legs joined at one end to form a U-shaped portion while the other ends are attached to the retaining wall, such that the U-shaped portion extends from the wall. At least one tie rod which has one end attached to a dead man and the other end has a loop formed thereon by bending the end back toward the other end of the tie rod, around, toward and past the tie rod, so that the tie rod end extends beyond the tie rod. The tie rod is inserted between the spaced apart legs of the wall anchor, and a locking device is removably inserted through the tie rod loop such that the tie rod is attached to the wall anchor.