Abstract: Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

Abstract: A tension measurement assembly, for measuring and monitoring a tension force in a cable being deployed from a spooling device on which the cable is spooled, comprises at least one force sensor disposed adjacent the spooling device for sensing a force applied to the spooling device and generating a force signal representing the sensed force, and a processor responsive to the force signal for calculating and monitoring a tension force present in the cable. A cable sensor engages the deployed cable for sensing a spooling/unspooling rate and a length of the cable moving past the cable sensor in a pre-determined time period and generating a spooling signal representing the sensed rate and length to the processor for use in the calculating and monitoring of the tension force.

Abstract: Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum wench system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

Abstract: A tension measurement assembly, for measuring and monitoring a tension force in a cable being deployed from a spooling device on which the cable is spooled, comprises at least one force sensor disposed adjacent the spooling device for sensing a force applied to the spooling device and generating a force signal representing the sensed force, and a processor responsive to the force signal for calculating and monitoring a tension force present in the cable. A cable sensor engages the deployed cable for sensing a spooling/unspooling rate and a length of the cable moving past the cable sensor in a pre-determined time period and generating a spooling signal representing the sensed rate and length to the processor for use in the calculating and monitoring of the tension force.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a drum to a winch assembly comprises a drum assembly, a frame defining at least a portion of a mounting base for the drum, at least one connector for connecting the drum assembly to the mounting base, a lifting apparatus releasably attached to the drum assembly, and at least one guide member releasably attached to the frame and engaging with the lifting apparatus for directing the drum assembly away from the frame when the drum assembly is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A tension measurement assembly, for measuring and monitoring a tension force in a cable being deployed from a spooling device on which the cable is spooled, comprises at least one force sensor disposed adjacent the spooling device for sensing a force applied to the spooling device and generating a force signal representing the sensed force, and a processor responsive to the force signal for calculating and monitoring a tension force present in the cable. A cable sensor engages the deployed cable for sensing a spooling/unspooling rate and a length of the cable moving past the cable sensor in a pre-determined time period and generating a spooling signal representing the sensed rate and length to the processor for use in the calculating and monitoring of the tension force.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a drum to a winch assembly comprises a drum assembly, a frame defining at least a portion of a mounting base for the drum, at least one connector for connecting the drum assembly to the mounting base, a lifting apparatus releasably attached to the drum assembly, and at least one guide member releasably attached to the frame and engaging with the lifting apparatus for directing the drum assembly away from the frame when the drum assembly is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for controlling the tension in a spooled device disposed on a winch, comprises providing an input signal to a controller indicative of a measured tension in the spooled device, providing an input signal to the controller indicative of a desired tension in the spooled device, and providing an output signal from the controller to adjust the speed of the winch based on a difference between the desired tension in the spooled device and the measured tension in the spooled device.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system to dissipate heat from electric equipment disposed in an explosive atmosphere comprises at least one electric device disposed in an explosive atmosphere, and a cooling system operable to remove heat from the at least one electric device to cool the at least one electric device to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling the tension in a spooled device disposed on a winch, comprises providing an input signal to a controller indicative of a measured tension in the spooled device, providing an input signal to the controller indicative of a desired tension in the spooled device, and providing an output signal from the controller to adjust the speed of the winch based on a difference between the desired tension in the spooled device and the measured tension in the spooled device.