Abstract: A wire release mechanism for securing an end of a wire during a wire tying cycle is provided. The wire release mechanism may secure a first end of a wire around a bale of recycled material during knotting of the wire. The wire release mechanism may include a wire release portion having an engaging surface and the wire release portion may be movable between an open and closed position. The wire release mechanism may further include a gripping arm movable between a first position and a second position and having a retractable surface. The engaging surface may disengage the wire based on movement from the closed position to the open position. Further, the retractable surface may engage against the first end of the wire based on movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having one or more processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18. A horizontally-oriented winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 in communication with the driven rollers 32 and the winch drum 38 transfers rotational energy about the vertical axis from the processor driving rollers 14 to rotational energy about the axis of rotation of the winch drum 38. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system.

Abstract: A line tensioning device for adjusting and maintaining consistent tension in an anchored line has a ratchet assembly and a tension indicator assembly. The tension indicator assembly secures the device to an anchoring point and permits linear movement of the ratchet assembly between the line and the anchoring point. The tension indicator assembly includes a compressed spring and a plunger with a tension indicator mark visible externally from a plunger housing above a predetermined tension force threshold.

Abstract: Tensioning devices include a base housing with a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.

Abstract: A mechanism for pretensioning a cable, or like tension element, of a tension-element drive selectively engages the motor drives of the cable for pretensioning. The mechanism uses a sleeve on which a portion of the cable is wound, with another portion of the cable wound in an opposed direction on a drive shaft on the motor. A clutch connects the sleeve to the motor output shaft. An initiator mechanism selectively stops rotation of the sleeve and the cable portion wound on the sleeve while allowing the motor torque to act on the other end of the cable wound on the drive shaft.

Abstract: A well pump puller, which includes a base, a support element supporting a spindle, and an elastic element, extracts a well pump from within a well by winding electrical wiring attached to the pump around the spindle. During an extraction, at least a portion of any arising yank forces are absorbed by deformation of the elastic element, which reduces the risk of the wiring failing mechanically. A spindle can include a rotation element for rotating the spindle; a spindle lock and safety latch to limit rotation of the spindle; a wire guide to guide the wire; a pipe guide to guide a water pipe connected to the pump; a pipe catch to catch the pipe if the wiring fails; and a drill abutment that can abut a drill used to rotate the rotation element.

Abstract: A well pump extractor, which includes a base rotably supporting a spindle, a pipe guide, and a pipe catch, extracts a well pump from within a well by winding electrical wiring attached to the pump around the spindle. During an extraction, a pipe guide guides the path of water pipe connected to a pump. If the electrical wiring fails mechanically during an extraction, the pipe catch catches the water pipe, which prevents the pump from falling to the bottom of the well.

Abstract: A tool and method for removing a film from a surface is provided, wherein the tool can include a frame, a handle operably coupled to the frame, a number of wheels operably coupled to the frame, a cylinder rotatably coupled to the frame, an arm rotatably coupled to the frame, and a number of separating devices operably coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the wheels can rotate about one or more axes parallel to the surface. The cylinder, which collects the removed film, rotates about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface. The arm can rotate about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A tie-down strap system designed to be integrated with the plurality of tie-down straps that are currently on the market. A system for the protection of the tightening mechanism, the storage of excess strapping during use, a storage device when not used as a tie-down strap, a hanging system when not in used as a tie-down strap, and a termination feature that prevents the free end of the strap from sliding through the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices, systems and methods for removing automatically removing fixed carpeting such as glued down carpeting from spaces. The apparatus can include a motor powered winch having a hook end that can grip about a raised edge of the carpet. The winch can be anchored to a doorway by clamping ends of a telescopic bar to doorjamb members about the doorway opening. An operator can operate the winch by remote control and be spaced outside the room that the carpet is being removed from. Another version can include a U-shaped telescopic clamp arrangement so that the winch is also spaced outside the room from which the carpet is being removed. Another version includes a carpet grabbing plate adapter having hooks on a top side and carpet grabbing teeth extending below. The clamp ends of the telescopic bar can be locked to the upper hooks on the carpet grabbing plate. Another version has a double jawed carpet grabber with a pair of handles and teeth with channel members for enhanced carpet edge grabbing.

Abstract: A retractable tow strap apparatus for towing a vehicle includes a protective casing and a reel including a hub. The tow strap apparatus further include a tow strap webbing for winding about the hub, means for attaching at least one end of the tow strap webbing to a vehicle to be towed, and means for biasing the reel to wind the tow strap onto the hub. When the tow strap is in a fully extended position, the tow strap apparatus is configured to transmit substantially all of a tension force applied by a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle through only the tow strap. In addition or alternatively, the means for biasing applies a biasing force to automatically wind the tow strap webbing onto the hub. In addition or alternatively, the tow strap webbing is non-disjoint and includes two ends that are each extendable from the casing.

Abstract: An electrically-operated assist device for raising an upper is disclosed. The assist device includes a pipe member of a predetermined length and having a handgrip or a shoulder belt and a sliding pipe inserted into the pipe member and having a hooking member in one end portion. The assist device further includes a nut in the other end portion, a motor disposed in one end portion of the pipe member, a threaded rod mounted to a drive shaft of the pipe member and threadably engaged with the nut; and an operating switch for said motor.

Abstract: A machine for storing a strap with a bag attached to the fixed strap of a ratchet-buckle assembly.

Abstract: A rotor reversing mechanism for a baler comprises a ratchet 12 mounted for rotation with the rotor, a pawl 22 carried by a reversing arm 16 for engaging the ratchet 12, a double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 for reciprocating the reversing arm 16 to cause the rotor to rotate in a reverse direction and means for disengaging the pawl 22 from the ratchet when the reversing arm is in a park position. In the invention, a spring 40 is provided for urging the reversing arm 16 towards the park position and the working chambers of the double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 are permanently connected to one another by way of a throttled passage 74.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing a flexible floor covering from a floor. The apparatus has a frame supported on a plurality of castors and a roller supported on the frame for rotational motion substantially parallel to the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the roller for driving same. A plurality of gripping members are carried on the roller for grippingly engaging a portion of the flexible floor covering and a grip releasing means functioning as a wedge placed between the flexible floor covering and the gripping members is provided to prevent floor covering from winding about the roller as the apparatus is operated.

Abstract: Described are a tensioning device and a stand having a tensioning device of this type. In a stand for clamping rod-shaped units (Christmas trees), a flexible force transfer element (wire rope) (4) is wound on a rotatable tensioning body (5) and thus tightened. The rotatable tensioning body (5) is rotated about its rotation axis (18) by means of a drive wheel (7) which is connected non-rotatably to the tensioning body and whose diameter is several times larger than that of the tensioning body (5). A safety catch (6) prevents the tensioning body (5) from turning backwards automatically into the locking position and allows the tensioning body (5) to turn backwards into the release position.

Abstract: A stress-indicating rope-tightening apparatus includes a rope-tightening unit and a stress-indicating unit. The rope-tightening unit includes a rotational joint. The stress-indicating unit includes two strain gauges disposed on two opposite sides of the rotational joint for measuring the strain in the rotational joint, a calculator for calculating the stress in the rope based on the strain in the rotational joint and a display for showing the stress in the rope.

Abstract: A carpet removal or stripping method and system (machine) employs a common dolly. The backside of the dolly member has a plurality of teeth. A motorized winching system is coupled to the front side of the dolly member. A dual purpose safety shield covers the teeth during transportation and serves as a protective screen for the user during carpet removal operation of the invention machine. The winching system automates carpet peeling activity with the dolly member lying backside down during operation, and the teeth provide an anchoring effect. A pull bar removably grasps the subject carpet. A cable is coupled between the winching system and the pull bar. The winching system takes up or pulls the cable and hence the pull bar, such that the carpet is peeled away and separated from the subfloor.

Abstract: A strap tensioning device for anchoring a load to an anchor point, that includes a strap, a base member having a pair of arms, a handle rotatably connected to the base member, a mechanism operated by rotation of the handle for securing the strap to the base member under a tension, an anchor for anchoring the base member to the anchor point, and a tension indicating device connected to the base member. The tension indicating device includes a load member extending between the arms, and preferably a spring connected between the load member and the base member. At least one of the anchor and the strap are configured to exert a changing force on the load member for moving the load member against a resilient force of the spring as the tension in the strap changes.

Abstract: A belt tightening device with a display comprises a body having a seat; one end of the seat being installed with one fixing hook; a pull rod pivotally installed to the seat; a wheel rotatably installed to the pull rod; a belt winding around the wheel; wherein when the pull rod is pulled so that wheel rotates with the pull rod; the belt will wind to tighten an object fixed by the fixing hook; a strain gauge installed at a connection between the fixing hook and the seat; an integrating unit installed at the seat and connected to the strain gauge; the integrating unit connected to the strain gauge will determine the tension of the fixing hook through the resistance; and a display installed in the integrating unit for displaying the tension determined by the integrating unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tension ratchet with a belt magazine, for rapidly fixing a good to be transported to a vehicle, an object to a support, or several objects to each other. The tension ratchet (30) is combined with a belt magazine (1) which receives the entire idle belt supply during use and during storage and ensures rapid tying down/releasing of e.g. a transport load, due to constant availability for use; as well as tidy storage. The belt magazine (1) is arranged in such a way that it lies flat on the lower arm of the tension ratchet (30) in order to reduce the construction height, with a vertical belt winding up shaft (15) for receiving a belt to be wound up in horizontal rotation. The belt runs into the tension ratchet out of the belt magazine on its back side in the winding position, rotates about 90° in said tension ratchet and is then led out through the load tensioning roller (8).

Abstract: A carpet removal system for efficiently removing carpeting. The carpet removal system includes a winch, a base member with a plurality of base teeth attached to the base member, an engaging member with a plurality of engaging teeth, and a cable extending from the winch for connecting to the engaging member. The base teeth and the engaging teeth are capable of catchably engaging the carpet to be removed. The engaging member is attached to an end of the carpet to be removed and the winch is positioned near an opposite position upon the carpet. The winch is operated to cause the engaging member to be drawn towards the winch thereby causing the carpet to be removed from the floor.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a housing, a rotating drum in the housing, a drum rotating and holding mechanism, and a winch line having a lead in end formed by a webbing strap. The webbing strap can include an integral safety indicator such as load indicating indicia, operating indicia indicative of operating extremes for the webbing strap, reflective material, or abrasion resistant material. The drum may include a slot receiving the webbing strap. The winch line may include wire rope, chain or rope coupled to the webbing strap. The method of tensioning the winch line includes feeding a lead in end of the winch line through the drum, manually pulling the lead in end through the rotating drum removing slack, and rotating the drum.

Abstract: A wire strainer intended for straining of wire in a fence structure. The wire strainer includes a body 12 with which a spool 11 having a plurality of teeth 18 is rotatably mounted. An engagement member 12 extend between and is slidingly engaged in elongate slots 20. Legs 24 of the engagement member 21 slidingly engage with the inside wall surfaces of the divergent arms 15 of body 12. The legs 24 thus apply a force to the engagement member 21 so that it engages with the teeth 18. The engagement member 21 can be removed from contact with the spool 11 by sliding against the biasing effect of the legs 24 so as to engage with a step 27 in the elongate opening 20.

Abstract: A strap winder (10) is provided for winding up an elongated strap (58). The strap winder (10) is actuated by a power-operated driver, e.g., a pneumatic torque or a wrench (12) or an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor (281) and includes a body (26) and a shaft (28) that is rotatably supported by the body (26). The shaft (28) has, at one end, a slot (52a) configured for receipt of a strap (58). The other end of the shaft (28) is configured to connect with the power-operated driver and a guide plate (30) is provided that is supported by the body (26) and extends is a direction that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (28). An optional guard plate (286) is pivotably mounted in parallel relation to guide plate (30) to protect the user from inadvertent contact with the rotating shaft (28) or the strap thereon. When winding is done, the guard plate (286) can be pivoted out of the way so that the coiled strap (58) can be removed from the shaft (28).

Abstract: An auxiliary device for moving vehicles in soft terrain, the device operating in a manner like a winch but is driven by a drive wheel of the vehicle, the auxiliary device comprising a winding body controllably connected to the driven wheel and a cable for winding around the winding body and for fixing to a fixed object in the terrain.

Abstract: A portable detachable side mounting load strap rotary tensioning device 1 for mounting transversely on a load binding strap 2, the detachable portable side mounting load strap rotary tensioning device 1 comprising a frame 3 and, a rotary tensioning mechanism 4, and counter-rotation tabs 7 defining an opening, the rotary tensioning mechanism 4 located proximate one end of frame 3 and the counter-rotation tabs 7 located proximate the opposite end of frame 1, the rotary tesioning mechanism 4 comprising a rotating shaft 10 having a strap receiving slot 14, characterized in that the strap receiving slot 14 in the rotating shaft 10 and the opening between the counter-rotation tabs 7 are located for mounting traversely on a load binding strap 2.

Abstract: In a load tie-down system that incorporates a wind-down winch for securing and tensioning a hold-down member, the improvement consists of incorporating a tensioning spring that maintains a resilient loading upon the drum of the winch, such that in the event of reduction in the tension of the hold-down member, the drum is driven in a winding-on sense, to maintain tension in the hold-down member. A releasable coupling between the spring and the winch drum enables independent operation of the winch and of the tensioning spring. One embodiment incorporates a spring mounted upon an extension of the winch drum, outside the frame. Helical springs are used. The spring torque is automatically connected to the winch drum, and is automatically disconnected when the spring is de-tensioned.

Abstract: A spooler for tensioning a fence rail includes a hub with an aperture. The aperture receives the rail such that the rail may pass through the hub. Each of a pair of cup-shaped discs has a plurality of openings in the bottom. The discs are located at each end of the hub and face away from each other. At least one drive is located on one of the discs and receives a driver. A rim of the disc extends to be at least flush with the end portion of the drive. At least one locking pin is adapted to be inserted into one opening in each disc. When the at least one locking pin is fully inserted, the sides of each disc extend beyond ends of the at least one locking pin.

Abstract: A cable pulling machine in which all of the operative mechanisms are mounted on a trailer for portability. The machine has an internal combustion engine driving a hydraulic pump supplying fluid pressure to a hydraulic motor on a winch spool which holds a length of line for pulling cable through a conduit. The trailer has, at its distal end, a pair of splayed legs allowing the trailer to be backed over-top of the job site conduit so as to position a boom mounted on the trailer to have the boom free end positioned over the conduit. The boom is adjustable for angle of incidence with respect to the ground for achieving a proper pulling angle. The ends of the splayed legs have adjustable jack rods for leveling the trailer.

Abstract: A carpet removal apparatus for removing carpet adhered to a floor provides a spool having an attachment member adapted to attach a portion of a carpet to be removed to the spool member. The spool member is rotated over the upper surface of the carpet about the axis of the spool member to wind the carpet onto the spool member and tear the carpet from the floor. The spool member is typically rotated using a motor supported by a frame rotatably attached to the spool member. A power transmission member transmits the power and rotation from the motor to the spool member, slowing the rotation and increasing the power. An alternative, manual spool member uses a pair of rotating handles, one attached to each end of the spool member. The rotating handles are used as levers to force the rotation of the spool member and, thereby, wind the carpet onto the spool member, ripping the carpet from the floor.

Abstract: A winch for mounting upon a track having hooks and flanges wherein the winch includes a base having lips homogeneously formed of the base material which engage the track flanges. The winch construction, and the method for making the winch, permits a high strength construction to be economically formed by punching and bending operations.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning a fence wire winds the fence wire around a wire tightening device that remains in the fence after the tool has been removed. The wire tightening device includes at least 3 wire engaging elements which are attached to a substantially rigid planar base. The device introduces tension by threading the wire around the wire engaging elements which takes up the slack therein. The tool manipulates the device by bringing it in to contact with the wire and rotating it around the wire. The tool then disengages from the device which becomes a permanent part of the fence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining a restraining device placed over a load in constant tension as the load shifts during transit are disclosed. The present invention provides a winch having two ratchets, the first of which provides the initial tension in the restraining device. The second ratchet is connected to a spring, which is connected to the shaft upon which the restraining device is wound. By operating the second ratchet, the spring is displaced and an urging force is created. Upon a reduction of the initial tension in the restraining device, the urging force acts upon the shaft, advancing the shaft and the first ratchet, thereby maintaining the tension in the restraining device. Since the first ratchet is advanced, any slack in the restraining device is accumulated and the strap is locked into a tighter position. Methods and apparatus providing a locking bar to prevent unauthorized use of the winch and theft of the restraining device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for winding and unwinding for a line-strainer, which has a housing to enclose and secure the strainer during winding and unwinding and provides a mechanism for applying an approximately directed transverse load to the line, such as wire, during the winding or unwinding modes to direct the wire onto or off the strainer hub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning a strap loop around an object and terminating the tensioning of the strap loop at a predetermined loop tension. The object is encircled with a loop of strapping having a predetermined thickness, width, and coefficient of friction. A leading end portion of the strap is restrained while disposing a trailing end portion of the strap adjacent a traction wheel that is rotatable about a first axis at a predetermined maximum available torque. A pressing member that is pivotable about a second axis oriented parallel to the first axis and that has a predetermined configuration and coefficient of friction is biased toward the traction wheel so as to press the strap trailing end portion against the traction wheel.

Abstract: A strand tensioning tool comprises a tool body, a stationary clamp mounted on the tool body for holding one end of the strand and including a fixed plate secured to the tool body and a gripper plate pivotally mounted on the tool body using two parallel levers for allowing even distribution of clamping stress over a predetermined length of strand, a rotary drum also mounted on the tool body and having a notch across the face thereof for inserting the other end of the strand to tension the strand around packages to be strapped by rotation of the drum, and a guide plate rotatably mounted on the tool body and adapted to trap the strand in the notched drum to prevent it from sliding out of the drum during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A winch suitable for construction in a pocket-sized version for lightweight winching operations has a rotatable spool assembly slidingly received between horizontal guide rails of a cage having oppositely disposed vertical sideplates joined by upper and lower dowels. A load-carrying strap is wrapped around a drum of the spool, with upper and lower strap ends respectively passing tangentially off the drum around opposite sides of the upper and lower dowels. An intermediate point of the strap wraps around a third dowel joining the spool flanges at an interval from the drum, so that as the spool is rotated the strap will be double-wrapped about the drum to shorten the distance between its ends. Compact construction is provided by an internal wave gear speed reduction mechanism that enables rotation of the spool drum at a speed less than rotation of a central drive shaft. The shaft has a square bore to be turned by passing a sprocket wrench driver through aligned bores of the cage sideplates.

Abstract: A fence wire tightener includes an elongated body; a post on one end of the body extending outwardly in one direction perpendicular to the body, with a slot in the outer free end of the post for receiving a wire to be tightened; and a handle on the other end of the body extending outwardly therefrom in a direction opposite to the post and perpendicular to the body, whereby, when a wire is inserted into the slot the handle can be used to rotate the body and post around the axis of the post to wind the wire around the outer free end of the post.

Abstract: A racket stringer tensioner is provided for use on a typical racket holding frame whereby the string being tensioned can be easily looped around and passed between the two separate portions of a split drum which compresses to pinch the string when it is tightened, tightening being accomplished by the force exerted by a weighted torque arm expressed to the split drum through a one-way mechanism which permits a ratcheting-type action to advance the string further in the string gripper if necessary, so that in the event the string is not advanced far enough in the split drum string gripper, a quick ratcheting action tightens the string while maintaining the weighted torque arm substantially in horizontal position, which is required to insure the accuracy of the weight setting.

Abstract: A device for securing one end of fencing material, having a post extending into the ground with its bottom portion having outwardly extending flanges. A wire stretching device including a yoke with a turning rod passing therethrough to which is attached the wiring material comprising the fence, with the turning rod rotated to tighten the fence and a locking device for preventing the rod from counter-rotating. A tensioning device connecting the wire stretching device to the post which has a first and second sleeve with the second sleeve generally disposed within the first sleeve. A resiliant element connected to the second sleeve and adjustably connected to the first sleeve permits the second sleeve to move within the first sleeve. Selectively adjusting the resiliant element the tensioning device maintains the fence at a proper tautness. The device is adaptable to be an electrified fence and to utilize automated equipment in the setting of the posts in the ground.

Abstract: A mobile winch for the lashing of loads, comprising a base, a drum rotatably mounted on the base, and a drive for rotating the drum relative to the base, the drum being provided with a first opening in the peripheral surface of the drum communicating with a second opening in one end of the drum, whereby the free end of a lashing cable or rope can be passed respectively through the first and second openings for winching.

Abstract: An object lifting, pulling and digging apparatus has a pair of jaws that can be opened to enable positioning the jaws around a post, tree, and/or bush then closed around the post, tree, and/or bush. The jaws can then be raised to pull the post, tree, and/or bush from the ground. The jaws of the apparatus can also be closed and angled downwardly to drive the distal ends of the jaws into the ground, where the jaws can then be moved upwardly to dig the post, tree, and/or bush from the ground. The apparatus can easily be attached to a vehicle equipped with a universal quick attach hitch and having auxiliary hydraulics, for example, a “skid steer” type farm or construction vehicle.