Abstract: An ascender device is disclosed that includes a base plate having a base top, a base bottom, a base rear surface, and a base front surface, wherein the base front surface further includes a first side and a second side; a plurality of pawls that are rotationally biased and secured to the base plate, a plurality of teeth on the plurality of pawls, wherein at least in part, the teeth are opposed to each other to form a gap that extends between the teeth and wherein the gap is configured to receive a rope therein and can be increased and decreased in size via pivoting of the pawls to releasably engage the rope, a plurality of strap supports extending from the base, an upper gate adjacent the base top and having an opening for receiving the rope therein, and a securing mechanism for securement to an article of footwear.

Abstract: An ascender device is disclosed that includes a base plate having a base top, a base bottom, a base rear surface, and a base front surface, wherein the base front surface further includes a first side and a second side; a plurality of pawls that are rotationally biased and secured to the base plate, a plurality of teeth on the plurality of pawls, wherein at least in part, the teeth are opposed to each other to form a gap that extends between the teeth and wherein the gap is configured to receive a rope therein and can be increased and decreased in size via pivoting of the pawls to releasably engage the rope, a plurality of strap supports extending from the base, an upper gate adjacent the base top and having an opening for receiving the rope therein, and a securing mechanism for securement to an article of footwear.

Abstract: A block including first and second generally identical side plates that engage one another and rotatably capture a sheave between them. The side plates may includes interlocking tabs to secure the engagement between the side plates or a separate clip may be used to engage elements of the side plates to secure the plates to each other.

Abstract: Hydraulic pump applications sometimes require the pump to be able to provide relatively low pressure with larger amounts of fluid moved, while other applications call for relatively higher pressures but less fluid moved. The multi-speed hydraulic pump can operate at multiple speeds so as to provide multiple outputs of pressure and flow. In a two-mode version, the pump has one mode of operation that provides for lower pressure/more fluid moved and another mode of operation that provides for higher pressure/less fluid moved. Having multiple modes of operation in the pump allows for a single pump to provide greater movement or greater pressure while working within the limits of the force or speed at which the pump is actuated.

Abstract: Hydraulic pump applications sometimes require the pump to be able to provide relatively low pressure with larger amounts of fluid moved, while other applications call for relatively higher pressures but less fluid moved. The multi-speed hydraulic pump can operate at multiple speeds so as to provide multiple outputs of pressure and flow. In a two-mode version, the pump has one mode of operation that provides for lower pressure/more fluid moved and another mode of operation that provides for higher pressure/less fluid moved. Having multiple modes of operation in the pump allows for a single pump to provide greater movement or greater pressure while working within the limits of the force or speed at which the pump is actuated.

Abstract: A block including first and second generally identical side plates that engage one another and rotatably capture a sheave between them. The side plates may includes interlocking tabs to secure the engagement between the side plates or a separate clip may be used to engage elements of the side plates to secure the plates to each other.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises a rotatable pawl with a pawl arm held in a pawl sleeve. The pawl has an open position in which a rope may be freely adjusted in tightening or loosening directions, and a closed position in which the rope is lockably engaged between the pawl and the pawl sleeve. The pawl has a pawl arm against which the locked rope may be directed to rotate the pawl into an open position. The lifting device also includes a pulley for mechanical advantage, and a base for mounting to a surface. A preferred embodiment of the lifting device of the invention comprises a plurality of pulleys for additional mechanical advantage, and is pivotally attached to an overhead surface.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises a rotatable pawl with a pawl arm held in a pawl sleeve. The pawl has an open position in which a rope may be freely adjusted in tightening or loosening directions, and a closed position in which the rope is lockably engaged between the pawl and the pawl sleeve. The pawl has a pawl arm against which the locked rope may be directed to rotate the pawl into an open position. The lifting device also includes a pulley for mechanical advantage, and a base for mounting to a surface. A preferred embodiment of the lifting device of the invention comprises a plurality of pulleys for additional mechanical advantage, and is pivotally attached to an overhead surface.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.

Abstract: A bearing block has a head, a central hub, bearing means facilitating rotation of the sheave about the central hub. The block further has locking means for removably locking a length of high strength, fibrous material, such as cord, to the block for tethering the block to a boat deck or the like. The locking means may be a part of the block head, cheeks, or may be located at the block central hub. Preferred locking means are a plurality of passages for the cord ends to pass through, with set screws in two of the passages for removably holding the cord ends therein. A center portion of the cord length thus forms a loop for tethering the block.

Abstract: A flexible bearing retaining cage has a flexible spine with bearing retaining means for rotatably retaining bearings. A flexible bearing cage assembly comprises a flexible bearing retaining cage with bearings rotatably retained. The flexible cage of the invention may be configured in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, linear, oval, eliptical, and circular. The cage of the invention may also be cut to a desired length to fit a particular race.

Abstract: A bearing block has a sheave rotatably mounted between a pair of side plates. A plurality of exposed ball bearings are mounted in the side plates for bearing engagement with the sides of the sheave. The ball bearings can circulate and are either provided in a circular groove or in arcs having a ball return channel connected between the ends of each arc. Location of thrust bearings in the side plates allows for reduction in mass of the sheave and increased space for main bearing capacity.

Abstract: A resilient stand up device for a pulley or block includes a hollow rigid fitting between the block and a support. The fitting has open jaws at each end, with one set of jaws disposed at right angles to the other, with attachment pins extending between the jaws. A compressible elastomer member is disposed in the fitting under compression. The fitting enables the block to be tilted in two directions, with the elastomer member providing a restoring force.

Abstract: A bearing block has a central hub with a pair of circular grooves near the sides of the hub. The grooves define an inner ball race and also define an outer ball bearing retaining lip. A ring-shaped sheave is disposed around the hub and has a pair of recesses in the sides, which define an outer bearing race and a thrust bearing race. Ball bearings are snap fitted into the races over the lips, such as that the bearings are self-contained in the assembly.

Abstract: The outer race of a roller bearing sheave is omitted so that the bearings are in direct engagement with a line. A retainer for the ends of the bearings is provided to allow the bearings to rotate and recirculate around an inner race. The rollers deflect portions of the line equally to equalize the load and to prevent high stresses on individual rollers.