Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving device for a belt axle of a winch, which addresses the problems existing in conventional winches, for example the driving devices being out of work attributing to wearing of the unidirectional teeth on the fixed base and rotary body of the winch. The rotary cylinder of the driving device of the invention is provided with insertion holes into which a crow bar can be inserted. The fixed base is fixedly connected with the belt axle of the winch. The rotary cylinder is covered on the fixed base and fixed thereto in the axial direction. A unidirectional mechanism is located between the rotary cylinder and the belt axle to be engaged by unidirectional teeth. As the shift element and shift plates can be conveniently removed, the worn shift plates or shift element can be conveniently replaced after being used for a long period.

Abstract: A control mechanism has a means for lifting, a lifting cable, and a lifting cable housing. The means for lifting has a control post, and a lift handle attached to a lift body frame about a lift pivot. The lift body frame extends longitudinally perpendicular from the control post. A hydraulic strut extends between an upper lift pivot and a lower lift pivot. A slide rail extends from a roller housing through the slide rail housing. A roller rests between a roller pin and a set pin within the roller housing. A plurality of spacing sliders straddle the slide rail. Removal of one or more of the spacing sliders allows the roller housing and the slide rail to move towards the lift housing member, thereby allowing rotation of the lift body frame and compression of the hydraulic strut.

Abstract: A pliers fencing tool includes a wedge having a through slot for engagement with the rotatably mounted ratcheted sprocket teeth of a fence wire strainer suspended between the fence wire looped ends. Through slot engaged caused the teeth to rotate from a first to a second ratcheted position and thereby strain the fence wire. A grip having a thumb receiving recess and thumb guard is provided between the wedge and the means for pivotably connecting the handles, and the handles are gripped at the grip portion with the wedge distally disposed.

Abstract: An assist device for use with a tensioning bar, the device comprising a pair of surfaces in spaced apart relation affixed to a u-shaped wall, creating an open ended box, and a pair of through bores located along a central vertical axis of each surface. The assist device is removably or permanently coupled to the tensioning bar. The tensioning bar is inserted into a truck winch, and a user facing the assist device and the truck winch, perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the bar, pushes down on an upper surface of the assist device using hands or a foot in a pumping motion, causing the bar to pivot downwards from the winch, and thus tightening or loosening the strap.

Abstract: An overload warning system for a winch hoist of the type that includes a drum that rotates about a drum shaft, a handle that is received in a socket, wherein the handle can be used to turn the drum, and a movable frame that is located between the socket and the housing. The socket is coupled to the drum shaft. There is a shear pin with one end embedded in the frame and the other end embedded in the socket, the shear pin defining a relatively weak shear zone located between the frame and the socket. There is an elongated opening defined in the socket and a projection projecting from the frame and into or through the elongated opening. If the shear pin fails under rotational load applied through the handle, the socket will rotate relative to the frame until the edge of the elongated opening contacts the projection. The socket movement provides tactile feedback that the shear pin has failed, while maintaining control over the hoist operation via the handle.

Abstract: A stake removal device is provided. The device includes a proximal end for engaging a stake and distal end for engaging the user's hand. The device further includes an elongated intermediate portion in connection with the proximal and distal ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hand tool useful for gripping a chain or chain portion of a chain hoist. The tool comprises a shaft having a handle portion on one end and a body or ring portion on the other end which ring has an slot or cut-through therein through which a chain can be inserted into a central hole or opening of the ring; furthermore, an indention is provided in the ring wherein a link of a chain is captured in the indention thereby allowing the user to pull on the handle so as to move the chain a given distance. Thereafter, the chain is removed from the indention, repositioned in the center hole and the tool repositioned to a different link of the chain wherein the succeeding link is captured in the indention and the chain is again pulled another distance. By repeating this process, the chain can be pulled a great distance in a much easier manner than is currently available.

Abstract: A chamber lid lifting apparatus operable to lift a chamber lid of a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The chamber lid lifting apparatus includes a handle. The handle includes a short end and a long end that together form a lever. The short end is operable to be temporarily coupled to a lid pivot point of the chamber lid. The long end is operable to transfer an applied force to the short end. The transferred force is operable to lift the chamber lid at the lid pivot point.

Abstract: A fence stretcher system and method are shown and described. In one embodiment, the fence stretcher system comprises a body. A rod having a diameter configured to allow the rod to be woven into a fence's links may be attached to the body. A rod-holder having a diameter sized to receive the rod may also be attached to the body. A plurality of hooks configured to engage the rod when the rod is woven into the fence may also be attached to the body. An interface may also be attached to the body. Using this system, fence may be quickly and easily stretched with minimal link displacement.

Abstract: Applicant provides an offset safety winch bar to remove the handle portion of a winch bar from a hazard zone created by the offset angle of the winch bar for safety in winching strap spools attached to flatbed trailers. An offset safety winch bar includes a spool insert insertable into a flatbed trailer winch spool hole; a body connected to said spool insert; and a handle connected to said body, wherein said spool insert is at an offset angle from said body, and said body has one or more compensating angles to intersect a portion of said handle with the longitudinal axis of said spool insert. The compensating angles can place the longitudinal axis of said handle aligned upon the longitudinal axis of the spool insert.

Abstract: A winch bar for use together with a strap winch to tighten a load-securing strap for a flatbed truck or trailer. In addition to an offset angle, the winch bar also includes one or more compensating angles establishing an obstacle clearance area defined by a laterally offset portion of the winch bar.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable.

Abstract: A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall.

Abstract: A rachet strap tightener and a power driven rotary tool are arranged to be operated together for tightening a strap. The body of the power driven rotary tool is arranged to be anchored in mating engagement relative to the body of the rachet strap tightener, in addition to coupling the rotating mating parts of the tool and the strap tightener, such that the torque applied when winding the spindle of the tightener no longer acts to twist the tightener body from the user's hands but rather the torque is anchored directly through the bodies so that winding of the spindle with the power driven tool can be accomplished quickly, efficiently and in a safe manner.

Abstract: A hand-held lightweight tightener for tightening the girth strap of a saddle has a handle for leverage, a broad curved cam surface to act as a fulcrum, and a prong to fit in a belt hole on the girth strap. This tightening device can be used to engage and pull at an easily accessible belt hole so that more of the billet strap can be brought through the buckle on the girth strap. Once more billet strap is brought through the buckle, the strap can be buckled through one of the holes of the billet strap, and the tightener removed. The tightener is suitable for hanging on a saddle while riding. The tightener may be used for belt systems other than on a saddle. Optionally, the device has a hoof pick and a compass.

Abstract: A device for rotating, setting and locking driven pivotal ground anchors and for applying a predetermined tension to test load the locked anchor, comprises a horizontal base plate having an opening through which an anchor rod or cable can project, an upright post extending from the base terminating in a moveable arm carried by the post, which can be attached to the anchor cable through an intermediary cable, chain, or other fastener. The arm is rotatable through a socket drive rotatably carried at the top of the post, which can be actuated by a hand or power torsion wrench to cause rotation of the arm, to draw the anchor up, to rotate it in the ground to its set position and to apply a predetermined tension determined by the setting of the torque wrench to thereby proof test the holding power of the anchor. Various means can be provided to secure the anchor under tension.

Abstract: A winch bar for use together with a strap winch to tighten a load-securing strap for a flatbed truck or trailer. In addition to an offset angle, the winch bar also includes one or more compensating angles establishing an obstacle clearance area defined by a laterally offset portion of the winch bar.

Abstract: A hand-operated cable winch (10) has a proximal handle part (12) with a pawl (16) that engages a toothed gear (21) which causes rotation of a cable (23) onto a drum. A distal handle part (13) is rotatably disposed between ends (31, 32) of said proximal part by a pivot (14). A retaining sleeve (27) slides over a spring latch (28), depressing it toward the distal part (13) as it slides by it. When the distal part (13) is rotated into working alignment with the distal part (12), a retaining sleeve (27) may slide proximally, depressing a spring latch (28) and sliding over it, into a locked position, which thereafter prevents the retaining sleeve from moving so that the winch may be operated by means of the distal handle part (13). To fold the handle, the operator depresses the spring latch (28), slides the retaining sleeve (27) distally to its inoperative position on the distal part, and rotates the distal part into a folded position.

Abstract: A winch bar is provided for use in combination with a strap winding winch for flatbed trailers. The bar has a rotatable link member at one end thereof which is provided with a hook portion adapted to interface with the apertures of the hub on one end of a reel of the winch. Upon the hook engaging the apertures, the bar can be rotated at a safe distance from the truck bed in order to rapidly, safely and securely rewind the strap onto the winch reel.

Abstract: A wire rope pre-failure indicating device that can be installed at any location along a length of conventional wire rope of the character used in many industrial applications. The indicating device reliably functions to provide a pre-failure warning that the wire rope has been loaded beyond a specified magnitude. The indicating device also provides a pre-failure warning that the swaged fittings, which interconnect the indicator to the wire rope, have undesirably slipped.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a fastening strap comprises a base and a lever; a spindle pivotally connecting the lever to the base and adapted to permit the strap to be wound therearound, the spindle having a first spindle component and a second spindle component which together define therebetween a gap adapted for passage of a portion of the strap; and at least one ratchet wheel disposed around the spindle for rotating in concert with the spindle and driven by the lever to rotate the spindle, wherein the gap has a variable width that can be narrowed to cause the first and second spindle components to clamp the strap.

Abstract: A tightening device leverage tool includes a bar member with a bar axis; a first receiver mounted to the bar member, and a second receiver mounted to the bar member and spaced-apart along the bar axis from the first receiver. The first and the second receivers are simultaneously engageable with a respective one of a first ratchet buckle member and a second ratchet buckle member, spaced apart from one another, for pivoting at least one of the first and the second ratchet buckle members about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A turnbuckle head assembly. The device includes a pivot housing to which is secured a pivotable handle. An upper attachment feature is pivotably affixed to the pivotable handle. At the bottom portion of the pivot housing, an attachment feature such as a threaded nut is provided for securely accepting a tensionable member such as a threaded rod. Alignable apertures are provided in frame members of the pivoting housing and in the pivotable handle, for locking the device via pin or lock.

Abstract: A cable puller has on its actuating lever an elongated grip with an ergonomically friendly shape that directs a user to use both hands placed side by side on the grip when manipulating the lever.

Abstract: A tool for association with a ratchet wheel of a tie-down device, the tie-down device for securing an article by a strap whereby a shaft is journaled for rotation in which the strap is wound around the shaft in a take-up direction, the tie-down device including a ratchet wheel having ratchet teeth rotatable with the shaft and further having a center bore which extends in a direction parallel with the shaft. The tool enables a user to quickly rewind the strap on the shaft in the take-up direction for storing the strap when not being used of securing.

Abstract: A frame constitutes the main part of a gradually released tension machine, which is a kind of tool for tensioning and releasing cargo binding strips by hand, and which also comprises a ratchet and an operating handle. On the edge of the frame is a locking slot and a loosening slot, and a releasing slot near the loosening slot. The frame also has a slow-release device comprising the releasing slot and a sliding gear which is used in combination with the ratchet of the tension machine and is rotatably fixed in proximity to the releasing slot, such that the tip of the sliding gear overlaps the releasing slot and is substantially even with the teeth of the ratchet. The frame is simple and can be easily manufactured. Utilizing this kind of frame, the releasing effect is much better, and the tension machine has greatly improved reliability and safety.

Abstract: A cable puller has on its actuating lever an elongated grip with an ergonomically friendly shape that directs a user to use both hands placed side by side on the grip when manipulating the lever.

Abstract: A frame of gradually released tension machine, which is a kind of tool for binding by hand and the main part of machine; at the edge of the frame there are a locking slot and a loosening slot; a releasing slot is near the said loosening slot; the frame also has a slow-released device comprising the releasing slot and a sliding gear which combines with the ratchet of the tension machine and is turnable at the side of the releasing slot, and the acme of the sliding gear is up or even with the ratchet. The frame is simple and can be easily manufactured. Choosing this kind of frame to assemble the tension machine, the releasing effect is much better, and greatly improves its using reliability of safety. It is an ideal part for updating tension machines.

Abstract: The cable puller uses a compound handle to create great leverage in order to generate a large pulling force with a minimal amount of force applied by the operator. The pulling force can be used for heavy lifting applications. The cable puller could be used to hoist motors, shafts, gears, automobile engines, construction material, machinery and other heavy objects. The cable puller could also be used in the demolition of building structures, the erection of buildings and towers, straightening collision damage, opening railroad car doors, securing tent structures, stretching fence and wire, and tightening conveyor belts. In one embodiment, the handle creates a lever ratio of 65:1. In this instance, 8,000 lbs. can be lifted with an exertion of 123 lbs. of force by the operator. The compound handle is formed by a driven member that engages and rotates the ratchet wheel. A cable is taken up by the wheel in order to move objects. The driven member is connected to a driving member by a connection member.

Abstract: Hand operated truck winches used for securing loads to a flat bed are given a powerful tensioning spring which is tensioned independently of the operation of the usual winch mechanism, enabling the hold-down force to be maintained, by providing a sustaining spring torque acting upon the winch to take up a substantial degree of slack that may otherwise occur in the tie down member, so as to sustain tension in the tie down member. Several embodiments enable hold-down tensions to be increased significantly. The device can be a kit, some elements of which may be hooked or pinned onto an existing winch for retro-use or with new OEM winches. An extended winch drum may be included. The tensioning spring may be a coil spring or a flat, “clockwork” type spring.

Abstract: A load binder with locking structure has a cradle portion defining two spaced arms and an actuating handle having a swinging component portion at a first end. A first pivotal connection is operatively connected to one end of the cradle between the two spaced arms and a second end of the actuating handle for relative swinging movement about a first pivotal axis between a load tightening position and a release position such that an intermediate portion of the handle is received between the two arms of the cradle. A second pivotal connection is operatively connecting a second tension element to the handle for relative pivotal movement about an axis offset from the first pivotal axis at a location to be overcenter with respect to the first axis when the handle is in a load tightening position. A locking pin has an elongated member with a first eccentric portion located near or on a first end.

Abstract: A manual post puller mechanism having a lever extendable for increasing the amount of leverage applied for pulling the post from the ground, the lever being securable within a base and serving as a handle graspable by the operator for carrying the mechanism between locations. A chain extends downwardly from a chain engaging front portion of the lever which includes slots that allow the position of the chain to be adjusted so as to vary the amount of leverage applied to the post. A post holder mechanism carried at the bottom of the chain engages the post and defines an enclosed generally rectangular opening that receives the post. A pair of pivot plates coupled with the lever generally hinder an operator's fingers from being pinched during post pulling operations.

Abstract: A rope pulling device includes a come-along (20) having a frame (30) on which are mounted an anchor end grip assembly (200) and a load end grip assembly (300). During operation, the anchor end grip assembly is locked on the rope. A hook (100) is carried on the spindle (62) of the ratchet assembly (60). A lever assembly (50) drives a pawl assembly (80) which rotates the ratchet assembly in the forward direction. The hook causes rope to move through the unlocked load end grip assembly and to wind about the spindle. When the spindle is full, the load end grip assembly is locked. A lock assembly (70), which prevents counter-rotation of the spindle is released, allowing the spindle to be reversed and emptied. Slack rope is then passed around the hook, and wound about the spindle for approximately two turns. The load end grip assembly may then be released and the spindle may again be filled with rope, thereby pulling the load (400) closer to the anchor (500).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a weight of chain link mesh fence and holding the fence in position while a single installer secures the fence. The apparatus includes a lever arm, at least one tip for engaging an intersection of chain link mesh, a pivot point between the lever arm and tip, a hook attached to the lever arm by a flexible tether or connector which allows the chain link mesh to remain in place once engaged. The installer first places the pivot point on the fence post and pivots the chain link mesh upward to the desired height. Then the installer attaches the hook to an intersection of fence so that the flexible tether is taut. Once done, the forces are balanced on each side of the pivot point of the apparatus and the installer can release the tool and work with both hands to install the fence.

Abstract: A strap tensioning device comprises a frame (1) with a rotatable reel (3) and a turnable command member (2). A ratchet wheel (43) is co-rotatively connected with the reel, the wheel cooperating with two spring-loaded latch elements (14, 29). When the command member (2) is turned out from the frame (1), the reel (3) is carried with it. At an opposed return movement, the reel (3) is blocked. A rotatable support roller (4) is arranged between the two side pieces (5, 5') of the frame (1). The reel (3) comprises a shaft (16) whose opposed ends are arranged in elongated holes (9). In this way, the reel (3) may be distanced from the support roller (4), whereby the device may be used for both strap tensioning and strap feeding.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fencing tool which includes an elongated member (2) having a slidably adjustable flange (3) which may be positioned and fixed along the length of elongated member (2). Elongated member (2) includes one end having a point extending therefrom for engaging a link on a chain and the other end presents a flattened surface for tamping. Elongated member (2) also includes a plurality of holes along its length so that slidably adjustable flange (3) may be positioned along the length of elongated member (2) and fixed in its location. The tool may serve as a post puller, as an implement for tamping and compacting fill around a newly installed fence post, as an implement for assisting the fence builder in easily pulling fencing wire from a spool and as an implement for tensioning fencing wire prior to securing the wire to the post.

Abstract: There is a winch bar for winding a winch having a winding drum with an annular wall and a circular opening. A plurality of winch bar receiving apertures extend diametrically through the drum on opposite sides of the wall. The winch bar has an outer portion dimensioned to extend through the apertures. The winch bar also has an inner portion larger than the apertures and a first shoulder between the inner portion and the outer portion. The outer portion includes an outer tip which tapers outwardly. There is a first segment of reduced section adjacent the tip and dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on the first side thereof. A second shoulder is located between the tip and the first segment. There is a second segment of reduced section adjacent the first shoulder and which is dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on a second side thereof. The bar has a third segment having a larger section than the first and second segments and which is located therebetween.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a strapping tool. The tensioning mechanism comprises a housing structure, a shaft mounted rotatably to the shaft, a handle coupled to the shaft, and a coupler for coupling the handle to the shaft. The handle is a tension-sensing handle comprising plural members capable of pivotal movement relative to each other and biased in such manner that tension limits can be user-adjusted within a separately adjustable range. Pivotal movement of the handle is limited in such manner that the handle cannot be further pivoted, even in small increments, after sufficient tension has been sensed by the handle.

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: Wafer handling apparatus operating under the Bernoulli principle to pick up, transport and deposit wafers, which apparatus includes a plate having a plurality of laterally oriented outlets and a central outlet for discharging gas in a pattern sufficient to develop a low pressure enviroment to pick up the wafer while bathing the wafer in radially outflowing gases to prevent intrusion and deposition on the wafer of particulate matter in suspension.

Abstract: An extension apparatus (110) for vehicles is disclosed. The extension apparatus (110) includes a frame assembly (111) having upper and lower frame members (112a, b) which are interconnected by a flexible member (116) attached at the lower and upper edges thereof to the lower and upper frame members (112a, b). The frame assembly is adjustable between raised and lowered positions. The extension apparatus further includes jack means (118) attached to the lower and upper frame members (112a, b) on a cargo bed side of the flexible member and pivotal about a horizontal axis parallel to the flexible member (116) for raising said upper frame member (112b) into the raised position. The frame assembly is suitably attached to the top of the sidewalls (20) of a cargo bed area. A stabilizing bar member (192) interconnects one of the upper frame members (112a) and one of the lower frame members (112b) on opposite sides of the frame assembly (111).

Abstract: A chain winch 10 having a sprocket wheel 14 of polygonal cross-section with flat faces 32 dimensioned in dependence on the dimensions of a link chain to be used therewith and having pin formations 36 for engaging between or in chain links. The winch includes a self latching pawl 48 engageable with the chain links and a braking mechanism 16 for controlled unwinding when required in use. The winch is simple and inexpensive and the sprocket tolerant of chain dimensions so that it can be used with uncalibrated chain. This winch, amongst other things, has application for permanent fitting to a tire chain for tensioning it on to a tire.

Abstract: An extension apparatus (10) for vehicles is disclosed. The extension apparatus (10) includes a frame assembly having upper and lower frame members (12a,b) which are interconnected by a flexible member (16) attached at the lower and upper edges thereof to the lower and upper frame members (12a,b). The frame assembly is adjustable between raised and lowered positions. The extension apparatus further includes jack means (18) pivotable about a horizontal axis parallel to flexible member (16) and releasably attached to the lower and upper frame members (12a,b), on a cargo bed side of the flexible member, for raising said upper frame member (12b) into the raised position. The frame assembly is suitably attached to the top of the sidewalls (20) of the cargo bed area.

Abstract: A load binder having a shortened handle with means to receive and interlock with a separate extension member, which is also adaptable to release the load binder.

Abstract: An overcenter tensioning apparatus is provided including an elongated crank member having a first tension member pivotally anchored thereto at one end, an elongated lever arm pivotally connected thereto adjacent its other end and a second tension member pivotally connected thereto intermediate the first tension member and the lever arm. The crank member, when the remote ends of the tension members extend outward in opposite directions, is swingable in one direction toward a limit position slightly past a center position between respective release and tensioning positions and abutment structure is operatively associated with the lever arm and crank member for releasably limiting angular displacement of the lever arm in opposite directions.

Abstract: In a load binder of the overcenter type having an operating lever comprising a handle portion acting through a crank mechanism to which a tensile load is connected, the lever is connected to the crank mechanism by a pivotal connection which provides a degree of lost motion, thereby enabling the crank mechanism to overrun the operating lever on passing the dead center position.

Abstract: A lashing device for tightening a band securing cargo at a platform is swingably mounted within a recess in one side of the platform, and comprises a lever structure and a locking member. The lever structure includes two parallel bars arranged parallel to the pivot and around which a loop in the band may be led. The lever structure comprisesa securing hook for cooperation with the locking member and a pedal by means of which the necessary force for tightening the band is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stretching wire. The apparatus comprises a pair of elongated handles attached to a connecting element. A cylindrical member having an open-sided slot therein is secured to the connecting element. In operation, the wire to be stretched is placed in the slot in the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member is placed with its outer peripheral surface against a side of the fence post remote from a preceding fence post. The operator of the tool then rotates the handles in a manner rotating the cylindrical member about its longitudinal axis to stretch and wrap the wire about the cylindrical member. At the same time, the cylindrical member "rides" upwardly or downwardly along the fence post against which it is placed. In this way, a single operator can both stretch the wire and attach the wire to the fence post.

Abstract: A winch arrangement having a feed wheel for feeding a hauling line, such as a line through the winch. The wheel is driven in the feed direction by means of a reciprocatingly movable member, such as a pivotable lever. The lever is pivoted with the aid of the outgoing part of the line, by effecting a pumping movement therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for stretching wire and similar such devices commonly used in the repair or fabrication of wire fencing. The structure according to the present invention is defined by a pivot point, an arcuate handle attached to the pivot point and opposed hooks disposed at extremities of the handle whereby the wire can be tensioned and refastened to a post with only one person operating the tool and reaffixing the wire.