Abstract: A torque-limited winch assembly is provided including: a winch supported on a winch shaft for rotation therewith, a first enclosed chamber for housing the winch including a housing wall formed to include an opening to receive the winch shaft, a torque-override apparatus, a second enclosed chamber separated from the first chamber for receiving the torque-override apparatus including a shell having a radially-extending peripheral rim, and means for retaining the peripheral rim in fixed engagement with the housing wall so that the shell is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing wall, wherein there is a backing plate cooperating with the housing wall to define the first chamber for containing the winch and cooperating with the shell to define the second chamber for containing the torque-override apparatus, wherein the means for retaining the peripheral wall includes a two part connector comprising a plurality of tangs that each engage within one of a plurality of slots.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes a winch coupled to a bracket, a carrier having first and second members, and a latch coupled to one of the bracket and the first member. A flexible member extends through apertures extending through the first and second members. The first member includes a first end disposable through an aperture of the second member and a second end which may not pass through the aperture of the second member. The latch engages the other of the bracket and the first member upon a tire being moved toward a stored position. The first member is disengagable from the bracket to allow the tire to be moved to an accessible position.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes an actuating mechanism coupled to a winch and a latch. Rotation of the winch in a first direction drives the actuating mechanism to position the latch at a first position. The actuating mechanism includes a clutch allowing further rotation of the winch in the same direction after the latch is positioned.

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided including a single mounting bracket for mounting the winch assembly directly to a frame (for example beams) of a vehicle having a front and rear. The mounting bracket has a winch mounting area provided therewith, and a tire carrier and cooperative flexible member outlet area spaced from the winch mounting area towards the front of the vehicle. The mounting bracket is adapted to bolt directly to the frame members (for example beams) of a vehicle. The mounting bracket for the winch therefore obviates the need to provide welded or fastened reinforcing plates with the vehicle proximate the locations wherein the winch assembly is to be mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus and controls therefor are provided for piercing sheet material. A punch is driven by a cylinder and piston positioned in tandem with a second cylinder and piston. The arrangement is such that a small pressure applied to the second piston results in a large force applied by the punch to the sheet material. Controls for the apparatus include means to sense a sudden drop in pressure in the second cylinder and means to then supply return air to the rod ends of the cylinders. The controls are quickly responsive so that as the punch breaks through the sheet material, it is immediately reversed toward its original position. The noise and jarring ordinarily resulting when a punch breaks through sheet material being pierced are thereby substantially eliminated.