Abstract: A rope based fall protection device including a rotation unit, a brake unit, and a rope. A first end of the rope is connected to the rotation unit. The rope includes a first rope loop and a second rope loop that are wound around the rotation unit. A first retaining portion of a retaining ring is sleeved on the first rope loop and a second retaining portion thereof is sleeved on the second rope loop, such that the rope forms a rope section which has a fixed length between the second retaining portion and the first end and is wound around the rotation unit. When a free end of the rope is pulled by an external force to release the rope wound around the rotation unit in a direction away from the rotation unit, the retaining ring is broken to release the rope section of the rope. The external force is greater than or equal to a pulling force generated by a user's free fall.

Abstract: A modular hoist drum is disclosed for use with a power shovel. The modular hoist drum may have a first outer body, a second outer body, and an anchor body that are hollow and generally cylindrical. The anchor body is connected between the first outer body and the second outer body. The anchor body may include an internal anchor configured to receive a ferrule.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind or unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: A linear material reel design promotes the uniform spooling of a linear material around a reel drum, while also reducing stress acting on the end of the linear material that is connected to the drum. A connector ramp has a connector face generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the drum and is configured to orient the connecting section of a linear material substantially parallel to the outer surface of the drum. A guide groove promotes uniformity of spooling. A retraction limiting band maintains a length of the linear material wrapped around the drum. The retraction limiting band, guide groove, and connector ramp can be employed together or independently. Methods of spooling linear material with the use of such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A novel cable-tie off device for cable lifting assemblies (e.g. elevators and boat lifts) is disclosed herein. The device is an elongated member having, in a series, a head portion, a elongated shank portion, and an end portion. Immediately subjacent the head portion is a hole for maintaining the proximal end of a lifting cable therein. The elongated member is designed for engagement within a pair of holes drilled, in registration, through the spool of a winder assembly. When engaged within the spool holes, the elongated member securely maintains the proximal cable end held within the member between the head portion of the member and the outer surface of the spool. A fastener is secured to the end portion of the member to tightly maintain the member within the spool.

Abstract: A novel cable-tie off device for cable lifting assemblies (e.g. elevators and boat lifts) is disclosed herein. The device is an elongated member having, in a series, a head portion, a elongated shank portion, and an end portion. Immediately subjacent the head portion is a hole for maintaining the proximal end of a lifting cable therein. The elongated member is designed for engagement within a pair of holes drilled, in registration, through the spool of a winder assembly. When engaged within the spool holes, the elongated member securely maintains the proximal cable end held within the member between the head portion of the member and the outer surface of the spool. A fastener is secured to the end portion of the member to tightly maintain the member within the spool.

Abstract: A media receiving cassette is disclosed for use in a system in which a web of media is transferred from a supply cassette to the receiving cassette. The media receiving cassette includes a housing, a rotatable core, and a spring biased grasping mechanism. The housing includes first and second opposing ends, and at least one of the ends includes a generally circular track therein that includes an extended portion which extends radially outwardly. The rotatable core is coupled to the first and second opposing ends of the housing such that an axis of rotation of the core extends through each of the first and second ends. The spring biased grasping mechanism is attached to the rotatable core via at least one spring.