Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a winch may include first and second end frames, a drum coupled between the first and second end frames and configured to rotate to wind or unwind a cable, a brake configured to resist rotation of the drum when engaged, a switch configured to cause the brake to engage the drum when the switch is activated, a slack arm frame having a first end engaged with the cable and a second end pivotally coupled between the first and second end frames, where the slack arm frame is configured to pivot between a first position when the cable is taut and a second position when the cable is slack, and a cam coupled to the slack arm frame and configured to rotate with the slack arm frame to activate the switch when the slack arm frame is in the second position.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a winch may include first and second end frames, a drum coupled between the first and second end frames and configured to rotate to wind or unwind a cable, a brake configured to resist rotation of the drum when engaged, a switch configured to cause the brake to engage the drum when the switch is activated, a slack arm frame having a first end engaged with the cable and a second end pivotally coupled between the first and second end frames, where the slack arm frame is configured to pivot between a first position when the cable is taut and a second position when the cable is slack, and a cam coupled to the slack arm frame and configured to rotate with the slack arm frame to activate the switch when the slack arm frame is in the second position.

Abstract: A press roller spring frame is provided. The spring frame includes a frame body having a first section having an arcuate shape, a second section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape, a third section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape. The second and third sections are configured to oppose one another with the first section therebetween. The spring frame further includes a roller operatively coupled to the third section and configured to rotate about an axis. A compressive force may be applied to the roller to displace the third section closer to the second section, whereby the arcuate shape of the first member is compressed. The compression causes the first member to produce a spring force that resists the compressive force applied against the roller to keep the roller against the object applying the compressive force.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a winch may include first and second end frames, a drum coupled between the first and second end frames and configured to rotate to wind or unwind a cable, a brake configured to resist rotation of the drum when engaged, a switch configured to cause the brake to engage the drum when the switch is activated, a slack arm frame having a first end engaged with the cable and a second end pivotally coupled between the first and second end frames, where the slack arm frame is configured to pivot between a first position when the cable is taut and a second position when the cable is slack, and a cam coupled to the slack arm frame and configured to rotate with the slack arm frame to activate the switch when the slack arm frame is in the second position.

Abstract: A press roller spring frame is provided. The spring frame includes a frame body having a first section having an arcuate shape, a second section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape, a third section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape. The second and third sections are configured to oppose one another with the first section therebetween. The spring frame further includes a roller operatively coupled to the third section and configured to rotate about an axis. A compressive force may be applied to the roller to displace the third section closer to the second section, whereby the arcuate shape of the first member is compressed. The compression causes the first member to produce a spring force that resists the compressive force applied against the roller to keep the roller against the object applying the compressive force.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods for braking a hoist system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a hoist system includes a winch drum and an air motor coupled to the winch drum. The hoist system further includes a brake coupled to the winch drum and operable to stop rotation of the winch drum and an over-speed sensing device configured to sense a speed of the winch drum. The over-speed sensing device includes a pneumatic switch operable to disconnect an air supply from the air motor and engage the brake to stop rotation of the winch drum and a centrifugal clutch coupled to the winch drum and configured to rotate at a rotational speed proportional to the speed of the winch drum. The centrifugal clutch operates the pneumatic switch when the rotational speed of the centrifugal clutch reaches or exceeds a threshold rotational speed.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a winch may include first and second end frames, a drum coupled between the first and second end frames and configured to rotate to wind or unwind a cable, a brake configured to resist rotation of the drum when engaged, a switch configured to cause the brake to engage the drum when the switch is activated, a slack arm frame having a first end engaged with the cable and a second end pivotally coupled between the first and second end frames, where the slack arm frame is configured to pivot between a first position when the cable is taut and a second position when the cable is slack, and a cam coupled to the slack arm frame and configured to rotate with the slack arm frame to activate the switch when the slack arm frame is in the second position.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods for braking a hoist system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a hoist system includes a winch drum and an air motor coupled to the winch drum. The hoist system further includes a brake coupled to the winch drum and operable to stop rotation of the winch drum and an over-speed sensing device configured to sense a speed of the winch drum. The over-speed sensing device includes a pneumatic switch operable to disconnect an air supply from the air motor and engage the brake to stop rotation of the winch drum and a centrifugal clutch coupled to the winch drum and configured to rotate at a rotational speed proportional to the speed of the winch drum. The centrifugal clutch operates the pneumatic switch when the rotational speed of the centrifugal clutch reaches or exceeds a threshold rotational speed.