Abstract: A nebulization system, which creates a uniform fog of tiny suspended liquid droplets, to lubricate the surfaces of MEMS devices. These droplets fall over the edge of a baffle and are then mixed with an umbrella-like sheet of N2 turbulation gas to generate a uniform cloud of droplets that fill a passivation chamber. The MEMS device is then positioned in this uniform cloud of lubricant droplets for a specified amount of time, thereby uniformly lubricating all the surfaces of the device. The system uses a laser monitoring approach to control the uniformity of the lubricant cloud by providing feedback to the system to control the flow of gases. The system also equalizes the pressure around the sample device seal to prevent gases from entering or exiting the chamber and thereby influencing the environment inside the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sleeve that screws into the same opening in a faucet that a typical aerator screws into. This sleeve replaces the aerator and includes a smaller aerator that is inserted within the sleeve. In this fashion, water aeration can still occur when aeration is desired. However, when a hose attachment is inserted into the sleeve, one of the hose attachment moves up and into the sleeve.

Abstract: Using a swirl type fuel injection valve, a concentrated spray area and a thin spray area are formed, the positions thereof are adjusted, and the spray is made to conform to the geometric shape of the engine and mounting position of the fuel injection valve, so as to reduce the fuel consumption and control the unburnt components in exhaust gas. The fuel injection valve is so constructed that a step is formed on the injection hole opening of the fuel injection valve, so as to provide two or more edge transition portions at the injection hole opening, resulting from the step, and the line connecting the edge transition portions forms an oblique angle relative to the wall formed by the step perpendicular to the injection hole center axis and the angled wall.

Abstract: A method and device that comminutes particulate organic substances in suspensions of microorganisms in mediums such as wastewaters or sludges of biological sewage treatment plants, whereby the organic substances are subjected to inertial forces in an active chamber as a result of short-term acceleration, immediately followed by deceleration of a carrier medium flowing in a closed flow channel. To generate these inertial forces, the carrier medium is evaporated and subsequently condensed in the active chamber, whereby this change in the carrier medium's aggregate state is achieved by changing the flow speed. Because of the enormous increase of the liquid phase volume upon its transition into the vapor state, the flow speed of the medium concomitantly increases. As a result, extreme acceleration forces are exerted on the loading of the liquid phase, which immediately after condensation of the vapor into the liquid phase revert back into deceleration forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of finely divided blowing agent powders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for separating outer birch bark from inner birch bark. The invention also provides methods for isolating betulin; lupeol; betulinic acid; 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid; 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid; polyphenolic polymers and fatty acids from birch bark.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry grinding system including grinding means for dry-grinding a material to be ground; first classification means for classifying a ground product obtained through the grinding means, into fine powder having a relatively small average particle size and coarse powder having a relatively large average particle size; second classification means for further classifying the coarse powder obtained through the first classification means, into find powder having a relatively small average particle size and coarse powder having a relatively large average particle size; and returning means for returning to the grinding means the coarse powder obtained through the second classification means. The invention enables production of a powder product having a desired average particle size at high efficiency.

Abstract: A food ingredient grinding assembly (10) with a removable ingredient hopper (32,34) made of translucent material to enable viewing the ingredient within the hopper through a window opening (40,42) and carries a closure assembly (FIGS. 4A and 4B) that automatically closes an outlet opening (112) when the hopper is removed from the housing (12) and when installed is control led by a solenoid (118) that when energized pushes a plate (116) to align an opening (126) in the plate with the outlet opening (112) of the hopper. When the solenoid is not energized or when the hopper is removed, a spring (118) automatically returns the plate to a closed position. Alternatively, the closure plate (116) is pulled by the solenoid (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B) through the use of vertically releasable connectors or is pushed or pulled open by an electromagnet (FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B).

Abstract: A method of operating a drink-blending machine to change the operational speed of an ice-shaver motor initiates operation of an ice-shaving process to supply a portion of shaved ice to a pitcher. Accordingly, the ice is moved past a blade to produce shaved ice. According to the rate of ice-shaving, the operational speed of the ice-shaver motor is adjusted. In doing so, the method compensates for dullness of the blade to maintain rate of ice-shaving with a specified range.

Abstract: A baffle for a food waste disposer includes a pleated portion with pleats that define an opening therethrough for equalizing pressure in the food waste disposer above and below the baffle. Water passing over the opening creates a venturi to pull air out of the high-pressure environment inside the grinding portion of the food waste disposer.

Abstract: A hand-held hand-powered food processor having a pull cord motor for rotating a spindle that carries an arm. The arm can be a cutter blade or an elastomeric flexible peeler arm having a durometer of preferable between Shore 80A and Shore 82A. A food processor having a spindle, an elastomeric arm driven by the spindle, a stop block on a sidewall near the end of the arm, and a drive for rotating the spindle to rub against the skin of food in the processor for peeling the food. The cover of the processor has a flat outer periphery so the cover can be used as a storage unit for the contents of the processor.

Abstract: A vehicle for breaking material is disclosed. The vehicle includes: an elongate vehicle frame; a feeder having a feed end portion and a discharge end portion, wherein the feeder is configured to convey the material from the feed end portion to the discharge end portion; and a material breaker supported via the vehicle frame with a feed end portion that is downstream from the discharge end portion of the feeder. The material breaker includes: a platform configured to support the material received from the feeder, at least one breaker element configured to move towards the platform and contact at least a portion of the material received from the feeder and supported by the platform, wherein movement of the at least one breaker element towards the platform is assisted, at least in part, by gravitational forces, and a lifting mechanism configured to move the at least one breaker element away from the platform.

Abstract: An agitator mill comprises a grinding receptacle and a rotarily drivable agitator arranged therein. A grinding-stock supply mouthes into the grinding chamber; a grinding-stock discharge leads out of the grinding chamber. The grinding chamber is at least partially filled with auxiliary grinding bodies. The grinding-stock discharge is embodied as a device for grinding stock suction and auxiliary-grinding-body separation, comprising a plunge pipe which dips into a bed of grinding stock and auxiliary grinding bodies and from which, above the grinding receptacle, discharges a suction pipe with a grinding-stock suction device.

Abstract: An object is to provide a particulate matter vibro-fluidizing device capable of circulating particulate matter by vibro-fluidizing the particulate matter in such a manner that granules are homogeneously dispersed over an entire surface as a result of circulating most of particulate matter 3 so that the particulate matter appears at high speed without the necessity of using a fluid such as air or gas, or a medium such as impact balls etc., so that composite processes such as crushing of an agglomerate powder and dispersion, mixing and drying of particulate matter can be carried out directly with respect to the circulating particulate matter without the necessity of a complex mechanical structure.

Abstract: A web winder of a turret winding type is provided with a first spindle secured to a first drive shaft. A second spindle is secured to a second drive shaft. Positions of the first and second drive shafts are changeable in the web winder. A changeover device changes over winding of a web wound about the first spindle to winding about the second spindle. A cutting drum is disposed on a first side with respect to a web path of the web, and has a cutter for cutting the web in a width direction thereof. A receiving drum is disposed on a second side with respect to the web path opposite to the first side. A drum support arm supports the cutting and receiving drums in a rotatable manner and in a manner of contacting drum peripheral surfaces of the cutting and receiving drums on each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive tape for a flying reel change of a flat material wound up over a reel, provided with a main support, a self-adhesive composition on the face side and at least, on the back side, one strip of a double-sided adhesive tape which has a detachable support provided on its two sides with a self-adhesive composition. The invention is characterized in that the adhesive tape is provided with at least one device which can be detected by an optical detector.

Abstract: A barbed wire installation mechanism is provided that is supported on an ATV rack with one or more poles extending vertically from the ATV rack onto which one or more barbed wire spools are placed. The mechanism includes a base plate to which the poles are attached. To hold the base plate on the ATV rack, “L” shaped brackets are attached to the base plate opposite the poles. The “L” shaped brackets slide around beams of the ATV rack and serve to hold the base plate on the ATV. A metal securing disk with a center bore fits on the pole and is placed on top of the barded wire spools to prevent the spools from sliding off the poles. A safety frame is further attached to the base plate that supports a screen to prevent the barbed wire from contacting an operator, and provide greater protection for the driver during a rollover.

Abstract: The present invention provides ease of installation of toilet paper rolls on a vertical spindle sitting on a plate that prevents the unrolling of the paper. The floor free standing unit has a provision to store spare rolls on the pole, the spindle supports a decorative plate for decoration. A second unit is a wall mounted unit with a flex arm that could move the plate and spindle from right to left. A third is a wall mounted fixed unit. All three units are built with the same basic elements, plate and spindle. Each units' spindle supports a decorative plate.

Abstract: A paper towel holder comprising a base and a mandrel extending upwardly from the base, the base including a suction cup arranged to engage a support surface in use, an actuator mechanism adapted to raise or lower the centre of the suction cup to create or release a movement resisting suction between the cup and a support surface, the mechanism comprising an elongate member connected to the cup and extending axially of the mandrel, an actuator including a hand grip mounted for rotational movement at the top of the mandrel, one or more radially extending projections at the top of the elongate member, the actuator including a collar comprising one or more of cam surfaces, the or each cam surface being arranged to engage the or each projection to raise or lower the said projection as the actuator is rotated, a sleeve including one or more of vertical guide channels, each channel being adapted to receive a projection to prevent rotation of the projection during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle to intercept a target is described. The method iteratively estimates a time-to-go until target intercept and modifies an acceleration command based upon the revised time-to-go estimate. The time-to-go estimate depends upon the position, the velocity, and the actual or real time acceleration of both the vehicle and the target. By more accurately estimating the time-to-go, the method is especially useful for applications employing a warhead designed to detonate in close proximity to the target. The method may also be used in vehicle accident avoidance and vehicle guidance applications.

Abstract: A rotor system (12) for a helicopter (10) includes a rotating shaft (82). A gimbaled hub assembly (56) is coupled to the rotating shaft (82). Rotating blades (24) and non-rotating blades (33) are coupled to the gimbaled hub assembly (56). The non-rotating blades (33) provide lift for the helicopter (10) in forward flight unloading the rotating blades. The rotating and non-rotating blades (24, 33) provide equal and opposite rolling moments for lift offset operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for the performance enhancement of rotary wing aircraft through reduced torque, noise and vibration. In one embodiment, a system includes a sail having an aerodynamic shape positioned proximate to a tip of the rotor blade. An actuator may be configured to rotate the sail relative to the blade tip. a A control system receives information from a rotorcraft system and commands the actuator to rotate the sail to a predetermined favorable rotor blade operating condition. In another embodiment, a method includes configuring the rotorcraft in a selected flight condition, communicating input signals to a control system operable to position sails coupled to tips of blades of a rotor assembly, processing the input signals according to a constraint condition to generate sail positional information, and transferring the sail positional information to the sail.

Abstract: Process for reducing the aerodynamic loads applied to the elevators of an aircraft during takeoff wherein, prior to the rotation, the adjustable horizontal tailplane (2) is nose-up overdeflected and the elevators (4) are nose-down deflected.

Abstract: An unmanned, lighter-than-air airship includes three omnidirectional thrust generating units. One unit is mounted at the fore-end of the airship to generate thrust in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship. This unit controls pitch and yaw movements of the airship. The other two units are mounted on the airship equidistant from the first unit, and are located in a same midships plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. These two units generate thrust vectors that control roll movements of the airship and provide propulsion for the airship.

Abstract: A thrust reverser includes reverser doors circumferentially spaced around a nacelle. An arcuate yoke is disposed coaxially around the nacelle. An actuator is mounted tangentially to the yoke for rotary movement thereof. Actuator rods join the doors to the yoke for simultaneous deployment of the doors as the yoke is rotated.

Abstract: Launch and recovery of an aerial vehicle by a forwardly moving surface vehicle relies on a winch module having a winch to selectively reel out and reel in a towline and a sensor capable of sensing tension in the towline. A lifting body assembly having a pair of lifting bodies and a snagging wire is connected to the towline. The lifting bodies lift and laterally extend the snagging wire between the lifting bodies. An aerial vehicle flying through the air engages the snagging wire by a hook. A first signal representative of tension of the towline causes the winch to reel in the towline and to bring the aerial vehicle to the surface vehicle, and a second sensor associated with the hook generates a second signal representative of tension in the hook and causes the aerial vehicle to cut its motor.

Abstract: A parachute release apparatus for controllably and timely releasing a drogue parachute from a descending, aerially delivered cargo platform. The parachute release apparatus is comprised of a pendant body with multiple parallel plates. Cavities are defined between each two parallel plates of the pendant body. Latch mechanisms are disposed on either side of the pendant body. Each latch mechanism is comprised of an articulating outer and inner plate. Within each cavity is a pair of release arms which articulate with the pendant body. Either release arm engages with the inner latch plate of each latch mechanism. The latch mechanisms are maintained in a latched configuration by a cut loop attached to extension arms on either outer latch plate, and are released by a pyrotechnic cutter disposed on the cut loop. A plurality of suspension straps are coupled with the apparatus, which are enshrouded in a bifurcated sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally toward leading edge flap apparatuses and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an aircraft system having an airfoil, an actuator driver, and a leading edge device with two flow surfaces and six links. In a further aspect of the invention, the flow surfaces of the leading edge device are at least approximately located in the same position when the actuator driver is in two different positions. Another aspect of the invention is directed toward an aircraft system having an airfoil and a leading edge device movable between at least a retracted position and an extended position along a motion path having two segments. The second flow surface can be positioned generally behind and/or generally above the first flow surface when the first and second flow surfaces are located in the first segment of the motion path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a model vehicle layout by moving a vehicle around the track and noting when the vehicle passes track position detection elements. The vehicle can either detect the position detection elements, or the position detection elements can be sensors which detect the vehicle. By noting the order of the position detection elements as detected, and the direction of the vehicle, the layout of the track can be determined. In one embodiment, the position detection elements are sensors along the track which detect an emitted ID from the vehicle, and also detect the speed and direction of the vehicle. This information is then relayed to a control system. In another embodiment, the vehicle detects the position detection element, and relays this information, along with the train ID, speed and direction, to the control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate control signals such as digital messages or DC offset signals corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches to control the form the control signals take, and a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.

Abstract: A hair dryer stand for setting an operating blow-dryer on a countertop without burning the countertop or material on the countertop. The hair dryer stand comprises at least one base, at least one side wall having a top and a bottom where the bottom is attached to the base, at least one vent, and an opening wherein the opening profile is defined by the top of the side wall and can receive the intake side of a blow-dryer that is turned on. In use, the blow-dryer is supported in the opening and suspended above the countertop. Air is allowed to flow into the intake side of the blow-dryer, over the heating coils inside blow-dryer and prevents the blow-dryer from overheating. Also, the exhaust side of the blow-dryer is directed upward, away from the countertop so the countertop or material on countertop will not burn.

Abstract: An umbrella stand having a tube with an axial lumen, a top, a bottom, and the top capable of receiving a pole into the axial lumen; a removable lever; the top being able to receive and release the removable lever; and the bottom capable of securing the tube into the ground. Or, the above device wherein a first hole and a second hole are oppositely positioned on the side of the tube; and the removable lever comprises a cylindrical rod capable of fitting through the first and second hole. Or, the above device wherein the a grip screw is coupled to the side of the tube and capable of securing the pole in the tube; an annular shim is placed in the stand; the bottom of the stand is a grooved spiral; and latches are coupled to the stand and capable of holding the removable lever.

Abstract: An adjustable clip having a first clip member and a second clip member. The first clip member includes a first slide tang that includes a first end, a second end with a detent tang. The second clip member includes a second slide tang having a first end, a second end with a detent tang. The slide tangs of the first and second clip members are positioned over the rail for installation and the slide tangs are moved towards each other until the detent tangs of the first and second clip members engage opposing ends of the rail.

Abstract: A monitor-holding device is attached to a table, holds a monitor and has a vertical support, a shoulder joint, an inner arm, an elbow joint (40), an outer arm, a universal joint and a monitor bracket. The shoulder joint is attached to the vertical support. The inner arm is connected pivotally to the shoulder joint. The elbow joint is connected rotatably to the inner arm. The outer arm is connected to the elbow joint and pivots relative to the inner arm. The universal joint is connected pivotally to the outer arm and has an inner joint, an outer joint and a connector bracket connected to the outer joint. The monitor bracket has a monitor connector detachably connected to the connector bracket and has multiple fingers connected to the monitor. The monitor with the monitor bracket can be easily detached from or attached to the connector bracket.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hanging device including a hanger, a stationary connector, a rotational connector, and a tool-connecting element. The rotational connector is connected to a first portion of the tool-connecting element. A tool can be connected to an opposite second portion of the tool-connecting element. When the second portion is separated from the first portion of the tool-connecting element, the second portion and the tool can be rotated relative to the rotational connector. Thus, the tool can be removed from the second portion of the tool-connecting element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stock bar and T-bar coupling structure for mounting a sprinkler. In the present invention, a locking bracket is easily securely coupled to a T-bar using an elastic locking unit and a wing bolt. Furthermore, a stock bar made of standard rectangular pipe is coupled to the locking bracket by a first locking unit such that the stock bar crosses over the T-bar. Because this locking bracket is manufactured as a separate component from the stock bar, the present invention can be used without limiting the distance between the T-bars. Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that a standard rectangular pipe can be easily used as a stock bar merely by cutting the pipe to a desired length.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to methods and apparatus for providing supplemental support for items used in manual tasks and may include one or more of the following features: a supplemental support apparatus, a supplemental support method, techniques for providing supplemental support in a compact manner, techniques for providing supplemental support in a variably-adjustable manner, techniques for correlating supplemental support to an overall workspace height, techniques for maintaining a parallel support surface through a variable-adjustment range, and techniques for retaining an item on a support surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a rigid or collapsible folding stand for a high fidelity amplifier or speaker. In general, the amplifier or speaker has a rear base edge placed on a two or more flexible straps. The amplifier or speaker is then tilted backward until it touches the amplifier or speaker stand at a single point. The rear surface of the amplifier or speaker, supporting legs and one or more lower flexible straps form a triangle that supports the amplifier or speaker. The stand holds the amplifier in an adjustably tilted position that is controlled by the length of the supporting legs and/or flexible straps used.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head, a mounting base, a support arm and a cover element. The mirror head includes a reflective element and at least one electronic component which is electrically connected to a power source of the vehicle via wiring. The support arm has an elongated shaft portion, a first end and a second end opposite said first end. The mirror head is pivotable about the first end via a first ball and socket joint, and the second end is pivotable about the mounting base via a second ball and socket joint. The wiring is disposed between an outer surface of the shaft portion and the cover element. The cover element attaches to the shaft portion such that the wiring is routed at least partially along the outer surface and is at least partially hidden from view by the cover element.

Abstract: A portable/collapsible umbrella stand assembly that would be utilized to provide relief from the heat of the sun. It has an elongated base member that is relatively narrow. A cylindrical support post that extends upwardly from its top surface and a Y-shaped tubular post is telescopically received over the cylindrical support post. The Y-shaped tubular post has a vertically extending primary tubular member and a secondary tubular member extending at an acute angle thereto. The bottom end of the umbrella pole can be removably inserted into either of the respective tubular members. A plurality of stabilizer legs are pivotally attached to the top surface of the base member. They are pivoted transversely to the base member when the stand is setup. In their collapsible state, they are stacked upon one another on the base member.

Abstract: A breakaway banner support assembly for mounting to a vertical support structure having at least one mounting member connected to a support structure, a support rod extending along a generally horizontal plane for supporting a flexible banner, and a breakaway and return hinge interconnecting the support rod and said mounting member, said rod being pivotally movable along said generally horizontal plane between a display position and a breakaway position, said rod pivoting to a breakaway position in response to a force acting thereon so as to deflect said force and pivotally returning to said display position when said force dissipates.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: A control valve assembly that utilizes a butterfly valve having a valve body and a valve disc movable between a seated position and an open position. The control valve assembly includes a flow insert positioned along the interior of the valve body and generally aligned with a first outer sealing edge of the rotatable valve disc. The flow insert maintains close spacing to the first outer sealing edge of the valve disc as the valve disc initially moves away from the valve seat. The control valve assembly can also include a first, upstream butterfly cage and a second, downstream butterfly cage positioned on opposite sides of the valve body. The first and second butterfly cages aid in controlling the flow of fluid past the valve disc as the valve disc moves from its seated position to its open position.

Abstract: A valve assembly provides a holder cantileveredly attached to a boss on an end cap to axially dispose an actuator and a poppet on an axis with a valve seat formed in the end cap. The actuator is preferably a shape memory alloy actuator. The end cap may be placed in line with a fluid system such as in a gas oven so that an electrical communication with an igniter is provided.

Abstract: A flow rate control valve comprises a rotary driving source which is rotated by a control signal, a movable member which is displaceable by the aid of a transmitting shaft under a rotary action of the rotary driving source, a valve mechanism which is connected to the end of the movable member and which is capable of being seated on and separated from a valve seat of a valve body, and a balance mechanism which is integrally connected underneath the valve mechanism with a connecting shaft intervening therebetween. When the valve opening degree is changed in a state in which pressure fluid is supplied into the valve body, the balance mechanism maintains an equilibrium state with respect to the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed having a valve closing member that divides the valve bore into passageways of unequal cross sectional areas when in an open position. A venturi is positioned within the valve bore upstream of the valve closing member. The throat of the venturi may be within one pipe diameter of the valve closing member. The venturi is offset from the bore centerline so as to align with the larger of the two passageways. Turbulence is reduced allowing more accurate pressure measurements to be made within the venturi yielding more accurate determination of volumetric flow rates.

Abstract: A leaf spring spreader assembly comprising a tubular frame (20) having a V-shape with legs (22) extending in opposite directions from an apex (24) to a collar (30) welded to each of spaced ends with a screw (32) disposed in telescoping relationship with and extending axially out of each leg (22) to a plate (42) for engaging the end curl (34) of a leaf spring. A nut (36) has radial holes (38) for receiving a round rod to rotate the nut (36) for reacting with the collar (30) for moving the screw (32) relative to the frame. A bearing (40) is disposed about each screw (32) for transmitting thrust loads from and facilitating rotation of the nut (36). A tension spring (52) is pulled through the tubular frame (20) and connected to the second screw (32) and released to pull the inner ends of the screws (32) together to retain the nuts (36) in engagement with the bearings (40) to maintain the components together.

Abstract: Remotely-adjustable support apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary support and a secondary support moveably coupled to the primary support. The secondary support includes a cradle member adapted to engage the workpiece. The apparatus further includes a drive assembly operatively coupled to the secondary support and adapted to move the secondary support relative to the primary support. A control device is remotely positionable with respect to the drive assembly and operatively coupled to the drive assembly. The control device is adapted to transmit at least one control signal to the drive assembly to move the secondary support relative to the primary support.

Abstract: A self-climbing stage lighting system having a self-climbing apparatus and a light bar is disclosed. The self-climbing apparatus is hung from cables that extend approximately vertically from a fixed endpoint. The self-climbing apparatus includes an elongated support member and a linear actuator that drives travels sheaves along a portion support member. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in a first direction, the self-climbing apparatus climbs cables. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in the direction opposite the first direction, the self-climbing apparatus descends the cables.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized winch which can be retrofitted into existing manually operated systems that use counterbalancing weights. The counterbalancing weight will be fixed at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. The winch is rated at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. By using the winch in a closed loop configuration, it will operate the set at any load from 0 to 100% of its rated capacity, without the need to ever adjust the counterbalancing weights.