Abstract: In a penstock internal maintenance system, the penstock includes an inclined portion between upper and lower ends, the upper end arranged in an edifice including a water collecting chamber and a gate bearing structure allowing a gate to close the penstock, the gate bearing structure adjacent the water collecting chamber forming a vertical pit. The system includes a set of units assembled in an assembled configuration and separated in a dismounted configuration, the units including an anchor unit, a launching unit and a penstock inspection platform unit, the units in the dismounted configuration being enter the penstock through the gate bearing structure adjacent the water collecting chamber, the units are assembled when located in the penstock, the anchor unit slidingly received and retained in the gate bearing structure, the anchor unit having two lateral edges being guided and retained in two vertical lateral grooves of the gate bearing structure.

Abstract: A method and a device for moving objects (44) on shelves (14;16) of a storing systems by operating a shuttle (42) between a plurality of ends of said shelves comprising the steps of engaging a first strip (30) at a first side of a support head (46) of said shuttle, engaging a second strip (30?) at a second side of said support head of said shuttle (42) opposing said first side, and displacing said shuttle (42) along said shelves (14; 16) by pushing and retracting said strips (30, 30?). Propelling means (38) are arranged to displace said shuttle (42) along said shelves (14; 16) by pushing and retracting said strips (30; 30?).

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a mechanical crawl space organization system comprises a drive element which drives a winding element. The system further comprises a cable cooperating with at least one tubular conduit to define a drive path. The cable is mechanically connected to the winding element and a lead cart. The system enables the drive element to move the lead cart along a path defined by the cable guide.

Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus for carrying a load comprises a source of magnetic flux and a controller configured to control the position of the source of magnetic flux relative to a magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion of opposite polarities. The first portions are spaced apart horizontally from a first side of the magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux further comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion of opposite polarities. The second portions are spaced apart horizontally from a second side of the magnetizable structure. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second upper portions are magnetically attracted to an upper portion of the magnetizable structure and the first and second lower portions are magnetically attracted to a lower portion of the magnetizable structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a crosshead of a decoking plant arranged by means of a carrying device to be liftable and lowerable on profiles of a frame above a drum adapted to receive material, such as coke, and guided on guide rails of the profiles by means of rolls, and carried by a cable of a winch slung around return pulleys at the top of the frame and around a carrying pulley rotatably supported at the top end of the crosshead; and equipped with brakes for stopping the crosshead in an emergency, when the carrying device fails, and for intercepting the crosshead and fixing it on the guide rails or on the profiles. For a safety device, a test apparatus is provided for testing the brakes on site, comprising a carrying device, such as a brace, attachable on the frame, on which the crosshead is mountable for simulating a free fall of the same by means of a release device, and an arrestor device for the crosshead releasably attachable on the frame at a distance below the brace.

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 travelling device for hauling timber has a loading ramp (4) for the wood and a loading crane (5). Two cable drums (12, 13) with cables (18, 19) are attached to one frame (1), and one cable (19) can be attached in front of and the other cable (18) behind the device at a stationary point (20), and each cable drum (12, 13) can be driven for purposes of winding up the cable assigned to it. Using the cables (18, 19) the device can also be moved on steep or swampy terrain in which it is no longer possible to continue to move by means of conventional drives.

Abstract: A system for towing skiers up shallow slopes, comprising a continuously moving rope with a towing run resting on and sliding along the surface of the snow, and a return run held in a raised position by line towers. A safety device stops the system should a skier fail to let go of the towing run at the right time in the arrival area.

Abstract: Cable driven racing boats compete in a simulated race including forward and return heats. In the forward heat, the racing boats are accelerated along parallel guide channels from a forward launch station into a shallow splash lake, and then hydroplane to a forward heat finish line. In the return heat, the racing boats are accelerated through the same guide channels from a return launch station located on the opposite end of the splash lake. Passengers continue to face the reverse launch station as the racing boats plunge into the shallow splash lake and hydroplane to the return heat finish line. The racing boats are stabilized by centering wheels and by guide rollers that travel along the guide channels. The racing boats are clamped onto the drive cables, and the guide rollers are mounted for rotation on tow bars that are pivotally coupled to the drive cables.

Abstract: A method and device for moving an occupied wheelchair between two levels involves tracks mounted on stairs and a pull cable that is substantially aligned with the center of gravity of the chair and is anchored above the upper level. The tracks have a transition section between the lower level and a main slope of the tracks. The device can be used by a wheelchair occupant to ascend or descend the stairs without assistance from any other person. The cable has a winch which can be manually operated by the wheelchair occupant or power operated and controlled by a remote control in the hands of the wheelchair occupant. Previously, wheelchair occupants are moved between two different levels by ramps or elevators.

Abstract: A safety device for a trolley riding an inclined track. The safety device includes a safety line running parallel to a tow cable operating the trolley. The trolley includes a lever with a distal end continuously engaging the safety line. When the lever is swung, the distal end takes up slack in the safety line and trips a switch at an end of the safety line to stop operation of the tow cable. The safety device further includes a tension mechanism for maintaining a predetermined amount of tension in the line and for automatically returning the line to such tension after the lever has been pulled. The safety device further includes an isolator connected between the safety line and the switch to isolate the switch from vibrations or disturbances in the line during operation of the trolley to minimize a premature tripping of the switch.

Abstract: A portable equipment handling apparatus comprises a track assembly that can be laid out in any desired configuration throughout a manufacturing plant, on a construction site or other desired facility. A movable platform is mounted on the track assembly and receives the equipment or supplies that are to be moved through the facility from an old location to a new location. The tugger puller is secured at the new location and the movable platform is loaded with the equipment or supplies at the old location. The activation of the tugger puller pulls the movable platform from the old location, along the track assembly, to the new location at which the equipment or supplies can be offloaded from the movable platform, if desired. The track assembly can include straight and curved segments to allow the track to be laid out in the desired path. The track can be disposed along floors, up and down stairs, along vertical walls and across ceilings.

Abstract: A transfer system moves fuel assemblies along a track extending through a transfer tube within a containment wall in a nuclear power plant between the auxiliary building side and the containment building side. A car carries a basket for the assemblies. Two winches are located on the auxiliary building side above the water level existing over the track during refueling operations. The winches operate respective pairs of cables, driving the car in either direction. Four sheaves respectively direct the cables to the horizontal direction along the track. One pair of cables is secured to a yoke on the car to drive the car away from the containment building. Two horizontal sheaves are located near the containment end of the transfer tube. The other two cables extend horizontally along the track from the vertical sheaves to the horizontal sheaves, redirecting them to extend horizontally in the reverse direction. These return cables are secured to the yoke to drive the car toward the containment building.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement relating to the cable winding device that moves the transfer vehicles (2) of a store and/or transfer line (1, 10), located at the end of the line, in which the store line (1) is formed of sequential store places, and in which the store line (1) is crossed by at least one transverse transfer line (10), and in which the packages on the store line (1) are transported by being carried on the lifting device of the transfer vehicle, in which the aforementioned cable winding device includes a motor (9) and a cable drum (7) turned by it or a corresponding cable collecting device. By means of the invention an attempt is made to achieve a precisely operating cable winding device to be installed at the end of a line, which makes simple crossing arrangements possible.

Abstract: A rail car moving system including a double truck assembly which is operative in a guide track alongside the rail track for applying a pushing force to a rail car. The double truck assembly includes pusher arms which are movable from a recessed position to a raised position in order to apply a force onto the side frame of a rail car. The pusher arms are spring loaded for raising the arms and a hydraulic cylinder-piston is provided to lower the pusher arms. A cable-winch is used for applying the moving force.

Abstract: A process is described for hauling a loaded motorized dump truck up an untracked incline typically found in mining situations. The process makes use of the momentum of an unloaded dump truck to facilitate the hauling of the loaded truck. In one form of the invention, the two trucks are coupled. In another form, the energy generated by the unloaded truck as it moves down, is stored and used to help raise a loaded truck.

Abstract: A cable-driven arm-reciprocating system particularly useful for transferring nuclear fuel bundles from a nuclear reactor pool to a spent fuel storage pool, wherein an arm-retracting cable extends from a winch drum around fixed and movable-axis sheaves to a retracting anchor device and an arm-extending cable extends from the same winch drum also around fixed and movable-axis sheaves to an extending anchor device, each anchor device including spring means for maintaining and allowing for variations in cable tension.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a soot blower of the long retracting type. In accordance with the invention, a novel cable drive system is provided to impart a traverse motion to the lance tube of the soot blower. The cable drive system comprises a rotatable, cable-supporting drum, a first cable including one end fastened to the drum and extending from the drum to an operative connection with the traveling carriage supporting the soot blower lance tube and a second cable including an end fastened to the drum and extending from the drum to an operative connection with the traveling carriage on a side thereof opposite to the side which is connected to the first cable. The drum is selectively rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and rotation of the drum is operative to move the traveling carriage in an advancing or retracting direction along a predetermined path of travel.

Abstract: A vehicle for removing slash from steep logging slopes includes an anti-skid propulsion system characterized by a power winch for reeling in an uphill-anchored cable and a pair of crawler tracks (or large tires) driven in synchronization with the winch. The vehicle has an articulating tail boom for working against the cable to assist in maneuvering the vehicle along the slope and stabilizing the vehicle during slash gathering operations. A knuckle boom which is extendable from the vehicle has a grapple for gathering slash within a relatively large area around the vehicle. Removal of slash from the operating site of the vehicle is accomplished by transporting the slash to an access landing using a mobile slash wagon or by chipping the slash using a chipper mounted on the vehicle and then pneumatically carrying the chips through a pipe to a storage van at an access landing remote from the vehicle.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for towing surfers out into a body of water. The device includes an anchor in the body of water and a buoyant member connected thereto carrying a pulley adjacent the surface of the water. An endless flexible line is reeved about the pulley and has two runs extending from the buoyant member to a location adjacent the shore. The flexible line is wrapped about a windlass or capstan which is driven in a manner to move one of the runs in a direction away from the shore and toward the anchor. A plurality of drop lines are connected to the endless line which may be grasped by the surfer who is thereupon towed from the shore into the body of water.

Abstract: An improved cargo handling apparatus is described herein, which includes a crane truck, adapted to travel along a wharf sloped surface and to be fixedly positioned in the proximity of a mooring position of a ship for the loading or unloading of cargoes, and a cargo transportation truck or trucks adapted to travel along a path parallel and adjacent to the path of the crane truck between a crane positioned on the shore side of the wharf and the fixed positioned location of the crane truck.

Abstract: First and second cars are movable on an inclined track and adapted to bypass each other at an intermediate turnout of the track. A traction cable is trained around a reversing pulley at the upper end of the track and has two courses extending along the track and connected to respective ones of the cars and to move the cars in opposite directions along the track. Two sets of guide pulleys guide respective ones of said cable courses. The guide pulleys of each set are spaced along the track. The two sets of guide pulleys are disposed on opposite sides of the track therebelow and outside the rails thereof and guide the cable courses so that they extend on opposite side of the track outside the rails thereof.

Abstract: A logging carriage is mounted by hinged sheaves for travel along an elevated cable for the conveyance of felled logs to a log unloading site. The carriage is moved in one direction along the elevated cable by an in haul line which is attached at one end to a powered drum in a yarder. The carriage is moved under the force of gravity in a second direction. The other end of the inhaul line is attached to a spring powered rotatable drum structure mounted on the logging carriage. A drop line for raising and lowering felled logs is mounted on a portion of the spring powered rotatable drum. The spring powered rotatable drum structure is actuated by a compressed air actuated brake assembly. A clamp assembly is mounted on the logging carriage and is selectively engageable with the elevated cable to lock the logging carriage in a preselected position along the cable. The clamp and brake assemblies are controlled by solenoid valves and a radio receiver mounted on the logging carriage.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe in a pipe carrier between a pipe rack and a derrick floor wherein the pipe carrier is supported by a first cable and is manipulated between the pipe rack and the derrick floor by a second cable which is operably connected to a lateral displacement means mounted with the pipe carrier for lateral displacement of the pipe carrier and the pipe therein as the pipe carrier nears the derrick floor thereby to position the pipe for unloading at the derrick floor without detrimental contact of the pipe with any object to accomplish such lateral displacement.

Abstract: A railway car positioning carriage movable back and forth along a track parallel to a railway track is provided with a member for engagement with the end of a car on the railway track to move it. A pair of sheaves are rotatably mounted on the carriage, and first and second anchor devices are disposed at opposite ends of its track. A wire rope is secured at one end to each of the anchor devices and each rope extends therefrom toward the carriage and around one of the sheaves. The other ends of the ropes are connected to a member for pulling on either rope while simultaneously paying out the other one to thereby pull the carriage along its track. One of the ropes can be temporarily released from its anchor device and detachably connected to the carriage, which can then be pulled by the other rope so that the carriage will pull the released rope across its anchor device to take up slack in the ropes.

Abstract: A cable connection with slack cable-brake release for an aerial cableway, wherein a traction cable and possibly a counter cable are secured to the travelling mechanism or carriage of the aerial cableway and a brake mechanism of the aerial cableway is automatically released by a brake release mechanism influenced by the cable traction upon decrease of the cable traction to a predetermined minimum value. The tensioned or traction cable is guided over a damping mechanism arranged at the travelling mechanism for overcoming the oscillations of the cable and after wrapping about a cable drum is attached to the travelling mechanism. The traction cable in an oscillation-free range is deflected by a force measuring device which for a predetermined value of the cable-contact force which is proportional to the cable traction brings about the response of the brake release mechanism.