Abstract: A method for forming an annealed thermoplastic tape is disclosed. The method includes supplying continuous fibers to an extrusion device, supplying a thermoplastic feedstock to the extrusion device, wherein the feedstock comprises a thermoplastic polymer, pre-heating, tensioning, spreading, and flattening the continuous fibers, extruding the continuous fibers and the feedstock within an impregnation die to form an extrudate in which the continuous fibers are embedded with a matrix of the thermoplastic polymer while under continuous tension and heat, and maintaining the continuous tension on the extrudate until cooled to a solid thermoplastic tape. The resulting annealed thermoplastic tape is formed of a plurality of unidirectional fibers, and a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A grip for cylindrical or elongated elements, such as an umbilical cable. The system includes a mesh fabric that is created by interwoven lines that are initially laid out in a flat rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The mesh fabric is wrapped around the object to be gripped. A lifting eye is integrated into one end of the mesh. The grip is closed by a series of interlocking loops that create a sort of daisy-chain closure.

Abstract: A grip for cylindrical or elongated elements, such as an umbilical cable. The system includes a mesh fabric that is created by interwoven lines that are initially laid out in a flat rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The mesh fabric is wrapped around the object to be gripped. A lifting eye is integrated into one end of the mesh. The grip is closed by a series of interlocking loops that create a sort of daisy-chain closure.

Abstract: A system for applying a tensile load, the system having: a length of continuous synthetic rope having first and second bitter ends; the continuous synthetic rope being woven with itself to create a sling; the first and second bitter ends of the rope being capable of moving relative to each other and the sling. The system may be configured such that movement of the bitter ends relative to the sling or each other is observable or measurable. Systems may be slings that provide a plurality of wraps of a continuous synthetic rope having loops at opposing ends; the plurality of wraps of continuous synthetic rope having at least three parts and being woven such that the resulting woven sling has at least three picks.

Abstract: A system for applying a tensile load, the system having: a length of continuous synthetic rope having first and second bitter ends; the continuous synthetic rope being woven with itself to create a sling; the first and second bitter ends of the rope being capable of moving relative to each other and the sling. The system may be configured such that movement of the bitter ends relative to the sling or each other is observable or measurable. Systems may be slings that provide a plurality of wraps of a continuous synthetic rope having loops at opposing ends; the plurality of wraps of continuous synthetic rope having at least three parts and being woven such that the resulting woven sling has at least three picks.

Abstract: A hook for use in a wood chipper having a winch including a winch line, the hook being intended for use in securing the winch line to a load of branches, brush or logs so that the load can pulled by the winch line toward a feed mechanism in the wood chipper. The cutter blades in the wood chipper are made of steel. The hook comprises a unitary structure. The material from which the hook is made is selected from the group consisting of tin, glass fiber reinforced polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, wood, ceramic, zinc alloy, lead and combinations thereof. The unitary structure in one version of the invention has a head portion, a neck portion extending down from the head portion and at least one arm extending out from the bottom of the neck portion and curving upward and inward toward the direction of the neck portion.

Abstract: A system for applying a tensile load, the system having: a length of continuous synthetic rope having first and second bitter ends; the continuous synthetic rope being woven with itself to create a sling; the first and second bitter ends of the rope being capable of moving relative to each other and the sling. The system may be configured such that movement of the bitter ends relative to the sling or each other is observable or measurable. Systems may be slings that provide a plurality of wraps of a continuous synthetic rope having loops at opposing ends; the plurality of wraps of continuous synthetic rope having at least three parts and being woven such that the resulting woven sling has at least three picks.

Abstract: A system for applying a tensile load, the system having: a length of continuous synthetic rope having first and second bitter ends; the continuous synthetic rope being woven with itself to create a sling; the first and second bitter ends of the rope being capable of moving relative to each other and the sling. The system may be configured such that movement of the bitter ends relative to the sling or each other is observable or measurable. Systems may be slings that provide a plurality of wraps of a continuous synthetic rope having loops at opposing ends; the plurality of wraps of continuous synthetic rope having at least three parts and being woven such that the resulting woven sling has at least three picks.

Abstract: A traversing carriage has a shift member movable thereon which bears a pair of partial nuts for alternate engagement with each of two lead screws. A pair of latches are mounted on the carriage, each adapted to retain one of the partial nuts in engagement with a lead screw. Latch actuators are located to trip the latches and to operate the shift member when the carriage reaches predetermined limits of traverse.