Abstract: A system for monitoring loading of equipment includes a transmitter assembly mounted to the equipment and a central server. The transmitter assembly has a strain gauge secured to the equipment, an on-board controller and a battery. The central server is in communication with the on-board controller. The central server is configured to receive collected loading data from the transmitter assembly. The on-board controller is configured to operate the transmitter assembly in a load monitoring power mode and a deep sleep mode. The on-board controller is configured to operate at a sleep interval when a load measured by the strain gauge is less than ten percent of a rated working load of the equipment and at an active interval when the load measured by the strain gauge is greater than ten percent of the rated working load. The sleep interval is less than the active interval.

Abstract: A system for monitoring loading of equipment includes a transmitter assembly mounted to the equipment and a central server. The transmitter assembly has a strain gauge secured to the equipment, an on-board controller and a battery. The central server is in communication with the on-board controller. The central server is configured to receive collected loading data from the transmitter assembly. The on-board controller is configured to operate the transmitter assembly in a load monitoring power mode and a deep sleep mode. The on-board controller is configured to operate at a sleep interval when a load measured by the strain gauge is less than ten percent of a rated working load of the equipment and at an active interval when the load measured by the strain gauge is greater than ten percent of the rated working load. The sleep interval is less than the active interval.

Abstract: A sling manufacturing apparatus for constructing a synthetic sling having a cover and a core, includes a frame defining a longitudinal frame axis, a yarn feeder assembly associated with the frame, a drive roller connected to the frame, a tailstock movably mounted to the frame, an idler roller movably mounted to the tailstock, and an idler actuator secured to the tailstock. The drive roller is drivable to draw yarn from the yarn feeder assembly and the tailstock is movable relative to the frame substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler roller is movable relative to the tailstock parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler actuator is configured to move the idler roller from a loading position spaced a first distance from the tailstock to a tensioned position spaced a second distance from the tailstock, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: An electronic overload inspection and warning system for a roundsling having a strand positioned within a plurality of core strands and a cover. The system includes a wireless sensor system mountable to the roundsling. The wireless sensor system includes at least one strain gauge electrically connected with a wireless transmitter. The strain gauge measures strain on the strand. The system also includes a wireless base station and a carrier element. The wireless base station includes a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with multiple deployed wireless sensor systems. The carrier element is secured to the strand. The strain gauge is secured to the carrier element.

Abstract: A sling manufacturing apparatus for constructing a synthetic sling having a cover and a core, includes a frame defining a longitudinal frame axis, a yarn feeder assembly associated with the frame, a drive roller connected to the frame, a tailstock movably mounted to the frame, an idler roller movably mounted to the tailstock, and an idler actuator secured to the tailstock. The drive roller is drivable to draw yarn from the yarn feeder assembly and the tailstock is movable relative to the frame substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler roller is movable relative to the tailstock parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler actuator is configured to move the idler roller from a loading position spaced a first distance from the tailstock to a tensioned position spaced a second distance from the tailstock, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: An electronic overload inspection and warning system for a roundsling having a strand positioned within a plurality of core strands and a cover. The system includes a wireless sensor system mountable to the roundsling. The wireless sensor system includes at least one strain gauge electrically connected with a wireless transmitter. The strain gauge measures strain on the strand. The system also includes a wireless base station and a carrier element. The wireless base station includes a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with multiple deployed wireless sensor systems. The carrier element is secured to the strand. The strain gauge is secured to the carrier element.

Abstract: An electronic overload inspection and warning system for a roundsling having a strand positioned within a plurality of core strands and a cover. The system includes a wireless sensor system mountable to the roundsling. The wireless sensor system includes at least one strain gauge electrically connected with a wireless transmitter. The strain gauge measures strain on the strand. The system also includes a wireless base station and a carrier element. The wireless base station includes a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with multiple deployed wireless sensor systems. The carrier element is secured to the strand. The strain gauge is secured to the carrier element.

Abstract: A pre-failure indicator system for determining a degradation or failure condition includes a rope having an elongated structural strand and a pre-failure indicator strand. The pre-failure indicator strand has a tensile strength less than a tensile strength of the structural strand. The pre-failure indicator strand constructed of a conductive wire. The pre-failure indicator strand is configured to fail when the rope is subject to tension that exceeds the tensile strength of the structural strand. An indicator generates a detectable signal when the pre-failure indicator strand fails. A transceiver detects the detectable signal. The transceiver is configured to transmit a warning upon receipt of the detectable signal.