Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.

Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.