Abstract: A sheave arrangement having a driving drum and a tension wheel. The driving drum includes a circumferential groove that has two side walls disposed at an angle, alpha. A line preferably is placed between the drum and tension wheel such that a substantially non-distorting three contact point driving force is achieved. Utilization of this sheave arrangement in a slack pulling carriage and a method of driving a line with the sheave arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A utility linkage apparatus configured in a preferred embodiment to have a ring-like member that has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than a dimension approximately perpendicular thereto. Various ring member configurations are disclosed as are mechanisms for releasably securing a cable to the ring member. A choker that utilized the ring member and releasable cable attachment mechanism is also disclosed.