Abstract: A retaining pin assembly for a lifting system which includes a hook prong and a hook cam. The retaining pin assembly includes at least one lock arm assembly having a first end with at least one aperture which aligns with an opening through the hook cam and having an opposed second end with at least one aperture which aligns with an opening through the hook prong. A hook cam retaining pin has a head and has a shaft passing through the hook cam opening and the lock arm first end aperture, wherein the shaft has at least one groove therein parallel to the axis of the shaft. A retaining ring surrounds the hook cam shaft, the retaining ring having at least one inwardly extending tab received in the shaft groove in order to retain the pin in the lock arm. A recess in the lock arm receives the retaining ring therein.

Abstract: A thimble mechanism for retention of a shackle in a wire rope loop termination. In one preferred embodiment, a thimble device is provided for a shackle having a pair of opposed legs with each leg having an end with a width smaller than a depth. The thimble device includes a thimble body having an external arcuate edge with a rope groove for receipt of a wire rope therein. A central opening extends through the thimble body with the central opening larger than the width but smaller than the depth of the shackle ends. A keyway is provided in the thimble body extending from the central opening to the arcuate edge of the thimble body.

Abstract: A retaining pin assembly for a lifting system which includes a hook prong and a hook cam. The retaining pin assembly includes at least one lock arm assembly having a first end with at least one aperture which aligns with an opening through the hook cam and having an opposed second end with at least one aperture which aligns with an opening through the hook prong. A hook cam retaining pin has a head and has a shaft passing through the hook cam opening and the lock arm first end aperture, wherein the shaft has at least one groove therein parallel to the axis of the shaft. A retaining ring surrounds the hook cam shaft, the retaining ring having at least one inwardly extending tab received in the shaft groove in order to retain the pin in the lock arm. A recess in the lock arm receives the retaining ring therein.

Abstract: An actuated wedge socket assembly. The assembly includes a wedge socket having an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at an opposed second end, and an open interior cross-section tapering from the large opening to the small opening. A wedge includes a large end, an opposed small end, and a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope therein. A mechanism is provided to mechanically move and seat the wedge and the wire rope in the wedge socket to a controlled depth.

Abstract: A method and system of identifying, inspecting and training regarding a material lifting device. The method includes the steps of attaching RFID tag to a material lifting device. Identification and inspection data regarding the material lifting device is installed and stored on the RFID tag. The identification and inspection data on the RFID tag may be accessed with a portable computer device having an RFID reader. The material lifting device is periodically inspected to obtain inspection data. The identification and inspection data is updated on the portable computer device and is also updated on the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and system of identifying, inspecting and training regarding a material lifting device. The method includes the steps of attaching RFID tag to a material lifting device. Identification and inspection data regarding the material lifting device is installed and stored on the RFID tag. The identification and inspection data on the RFID tag may be accessed with a portable computer device having an RFID reader. The material lifting device is periodically inspected to obtain inspection data. The identification and inspection data is updated on the portable computer device and is also updated on the RFID tag.

Abstract: A wedge socket with actuator assembly. A wedge socket has an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and a pair of sides. A wedge has a large end, a small end, a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope, and a pair of sides, wherein at least one side of the wedge has a series of recesses. At least one side of the wedge socket has an opening therethrough to permit a tool to pass through said opening to be received in one of said recesses in order to move said wedge with respect to the socket.