Abstract: A cable pulling machine of the invention includes a frame, a mechanical linkage including first and second links having first and second cable gripping shoes disposed thereon respectively in opposed positions, a latching cylinder actuable to cause the mechanical linkage to pivot on multiple axes to bring the shoes into engagement with a cable disposed therebetween, a main cylinder having one end mounted on the frame and actuable to move the linkage in a manner effective to pull the cable in a pulling stroke once the latching cylinder has brought the shoes into engagement with the cable, and a mechanism for extending and retracting the main and latching cylinders. The machine may also include a mechanism for holding the cable in tension between pulling strokes, such as a pivoting wedge mechanism as described hereafter.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided with a shoe mountable on a work surface, and a clamp having a foot adapted for removable engagement with the shoe. Also provided is a method of clamping a workpiece in a fixed location with respect to a work surface including mounting a shoe on the work surface, providing a clamp with a foot and a clamping head, where the foot is adapted for removable engagement with the shoe, engaging the shoe and the foot, and clamping the workpiece between the clamping head and the work surface.

Abstract: The motorized clamp device includes a motor housing having a first channel. A first motor is movably positioned within the first channel. The first motor moves back and fourth within the first channel thereby increasing or decreasing the distance ‘d1’ between a first and second contact surface. The motor control switch actuates the first motor and is attached to the motor housing. The second contact is attached to the motor housing. The motorized capability of the motorized clamp device minimizes the manual adjustments that must be performed by the operator.

Abstract: A clasping device for fastening a large cargo which includes a lever pivotally connected to a body through a pair of links. A belt is tightened by pivoting the lever relative to the body in a fastening direction in such a way that the pivotal connection between the links and the lever move in the direction of the interior of the body when the lever is pivoted in a fastening direction, thereby to render the device compact in the fastening position.

Abstract: A device for increasing the tension in a taut rope segment by increasing the path length which the rope must travel. The path length is increased by first engaging an essentially straight line segment of rope at two points spaced apart on the rope segment and physically restricting the ability of the rope to move in one transverse direction at these points. The path length of the rope is then increased by deflecting the rope outward, away from the straight line pathway at a point between the two points of restricted motion.