Abstract: A traction hook and rope lock which has a unique locking mechanism wherein accidental release is eliminated. Also this hook and rope lock is unusual in manner due to the fact that it will stay in its locked position even when there is little or no tension applied on the rope. This invention is uncomplicated and easy to use and has promise of being highly efficient when used in hospitals for patients in traction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating electric power lines includes an insulator assembly to which is pivotally connected two line clamps. After the clamps clamp to the wire, the wire is cut so that the insulator isolates the line. In one form the clamping surfaces are curved in the longitudinal direction to make up for the loss of line length due to the elongation of the assembly under line tension. Cut-out assemblies for fuse and disconnect purposes are readily applied to the assembly by a lineman standing on the ground below.

Abstract: A device for gripping or locking a rope or wire comprises a pair of rope engaging members or jaw members defining a pair of oppositely arranged wire engaging surfaces forming a passageway for the rope. The jaw members are mounted in the frame of the gripping device by means of a swinging link suspension including a pair of swinging links. The jaw members are suspended so that the frictional forces acting between the rope and the jaw members cause displacement of the rope engaging surfaces thereon in mutual parallel relationship towards each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope in a first direction, while the rope engaging surfaces are displaced away from each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope or wire in a second opposite direction. This means that the rope is pinched between the rope engaging surfaces, when the rope is pulled in the said first direction, and released, when pulled in said second direction.

Abstract: Clamping means for a strap comprises a support member having a concave surface and a guide member having a convex surface. The guide member is pivotally mounted on the support member for angular movement between a first position in which the concave and convex surfaces are spaced apart by a distance greater than the uncompressed thickness of the strap and a second position in which the concave and convex surfaces are spaced apart by a distance less than the uncompressed thickness of the strap. The guide member further comprises a lobe so positioned in relation to the convex surface that the length of the path of the strap extending from a first predetermined location, round the lobe and between the concave and convex surfaces (24, 48), to a second predetermined location decreases as the guide member pivots from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A rope or cable connection is made between first and second lengths of rope or cable by a clamp device including an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member which are hinged together. The upper jaw member defines an open ended engagement slot through which the lengths of cable or rope extend. The jaw members may be pivoted apart to an open position, or alternatively, pivoted together to a closed position. When in the closed position, the open end of the slot is bridged by the lower jaw member and the lengths of rope or cable are compressed within the slot. A latch means holds the upper and lower jaw members in their closed position while permitting quick attachment or disengagement of the clamp device without the need for tools. Slot inserts may also be provided with the clamp device which are dimensioned to be received within the slot. The slot inserts permit cable or rope lengths of different diameters to be clamped together.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing the ends of a drawstring. The fastener has two parts, one for each end of the drawstring. The parts are held together by a dovetail connection which is separated by excessive tension in the drawstring. At least one of the parts is connected to the associated end of the drawstring by a connection which resists movements of the drawstring in the direction to enlarge or loosen the string, but is easily released to permit intentional loosening of the string.

Abstract: A halyard stopper for a sailboat includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates extending up from a base. A jamming arm in the form of a class two lever is pivotally mounted between the plates above the base adjacent the entrance end of the stopper so that the arm can be swung from a jamming position wherein its free end is disposed close to the base and a nonjamming position wherein its free end is spaced further away from the base. A class one lever pivotally mounted between the side plates adjacent the exit end of the stopper is swingable so as to engage the free end of the arm and move the arm from its jamming to its nonjamming position even though the arm is under a very large jamming load.

Abstract: A wireline protector for protecting an electrical wireline used in a downhole drilling operation. During the operation of adding additional drill string members to the drill string, the electrical wireline is encased by and clamped within the wireline protector thereby guarding it against damage by any slippage of the slip members. The wireline protector includes an elongated section that is arranged to extend through the opening in the rotary table through which the drill string passes in such a manner so as not to interfere with the drill string and a second section substantially perpendicular to the elongated section. The elongated section has an elongated opening into which the portion of the wireline passing through the rotary table can be inserted so that it is substantially surrounded and guarded by the elongated section. After the wireline is inserted into this elongated section, a clamping member acts to grip the wireline so as to retain it in place.

Abstract: A system and clamp for supporting a load such as an elevator in which the clamp is mounted on a cable above the load which is normally supported by and otherwise attached to the cable. The clamp supports the load in the event of failure of structure normally supporting the load between the clamp and load. The clamp includes two members defining between them an extending passage for the cable with one of the members being mounted for movement toward and away from the cable. A cam member is pivotably mounted with a cam surface at a variable radius from the pivot axis in engagement with the one member and attached by cable to the load to pivot and apply a force to the one member to frictionally lock the clamp to the cable and support the load in the event of failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tension-setting edge clamp with an improved linkage and an improved anchor point location so that when in use in sets of pairs, to pull broken belt ends toward one another for reconnection, wherein the anchor point for the center of pull on each clamp is aligned with the center of the clamping jaws of the same clamp, to minimize belt twisting, yet not interfere with the site of the adjoining broken edges. This eliminates a cause of belt rupture and tearing, yet provides space for the reconnection to be made.

Abstract: A strain relief device, especially for power tools, has a pin upon which is pivotally mounted a clamping member with a spirally curved rough clamping surface which coacts with a second clamping surface. An electrical line is inserted between these surfaces and the clamping member is swung thereby applying a clamping force to the electrical line. When strains are applied to the line, the clamping member provides an increased clamping force by swiveling so that a section of the member of larger diameter presses the line against the second clamping surface. A lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the electrical line from being pushed further into the housing.

Abstract: A tensioning device for maintaining tension in ropes, cables and the like is disclosed. The device includes a boss member over which one of the lines passes and which changes the direction of the line and a pair of pivoting gripping members which are designed to allow one of the lines to pass freely in one direction but to prohibit motion of the line in the opposite direction. The device may be employed to tension lines such as tent lines, clotheslines and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a workpiece, such as the end portion of a conveyor belt, includes a link member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion with a receiving member secured intermediate the end portions for horizontally supporting the workpiece. A bent lever having a first end portion angularly disposed relative to a second end portion is pivotally connected at a fulcrum point to the link member upper end portion. An arcuate blade member having a clamping surface is secured to and projects outwardly from the lever arm first end portion above the receiving member. An actuator is pivotally connected at one end portion to the lever second end portion and at the opposite end to the lower end portion of the link member. The application of a selected force to the actuator in a direction away from the link member pivots the lever about the fulcrum point on the link member downwardly and urges the blade clamping surface into frictional engagement with the workpiece.