Abstract: Systems, devices, and assemblies for providing winch freewheel functionality and maintaining tension in a winch line of a winch system. An operator input is detected using at least one sensor. The operator input is associated with an operator pulling on the winch line and a pay-out function of a winch motor of the winch system is controlled based on the operator input.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a blade for a wind turbine is provided, comprising a first set of cable guides mounted within the nacelle, and a second set of cable guides positioned on an exterior surface of the rotor hub. An upper pulley block is suspended from a first hub flange and a second hub flange, wherein the upper pulley block is positioned above a third hub flange in a position for accepting the blade. A winch is positioned at a ground level, and the winch contains a lifting cable guided by the cable guides, and then reeved through the upper pulley block and a lower pulley block on a blade holding bracket, allowing the lower pulley block to be raised and lowered relative to the upper pulley block. The blade holding bracket attaches to the root end of the blade, and the lower pulley block is allowed to pivot and swivel relative to the blade holding bracket.

Abstract: The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a string trimmer. The lawn mower trimming attachment attaches the string trimmer to the lawn mower such that the string trimmer can be operated from the lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is a rotating structure such that the string trimmer can be rotated into position. The lawn mower trimming attachment has an adjustable elevation such that the angle of attack of the working element of the string trimmer can be adjusted. The lawn mower trimming attachment comprises the string trimmer, the lawn mower, an extension apparatus, and a pedestal. The pedestal attaches the extension apparatus to the lawn mower. The extension apparatus attaches the string trimmer to the pedestal.

Abstract: A fender mounted hoist has a frame having lifting points for receiving one or more ratchets. The frame is mounted over a fender well. The fender well includes a right fender well and a left fender well. The right fender well includes a right fender well inside frame, a right fender well base, and a right fender well wall. The left fender well includes a left fender well inside frame, a left fender well base, and a left fender well wall. A main beam has a left end of the main beam and a right end of the main beam. The main beam of the frame is horizontally oriented. A left leg is connected to the frame at the left end of the main beam, and a right leg is connected to the frame at the right end of the main beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a turbomachine part, particularly during disassembling and reassembling operations. More specifically, an apparatus for handling the stator cone of a gas turbine suitable to completely manipulate the stator cone during disassembling and reassembling operations. The apparatus allows to disassemble and reassemble the stator cone of a gas turbine without the need to dismount the turbomachine enclosure and without the necessity to have personnel inside the turbomachine package during the operations.

Abstract: An assembly kit for cable winches, comprising a cable drum, a drive motor, a transmission unit, and a supporting frame, where the assembly kit includes various transmission housing parts for the transmission unit in order to enable the assembly of a cable winch in a C shape or in a quasi-coaxial shape. A method for converting a cable winch, comprising a cable drum, a drive motor, a transmission unit, and a supporting frame, between a C-shape arrangement and a quasi-coaxial-shape arrangement, for which purpose the transmission unit, in the case of the use of different housings, in particular specific housing shells that can be assembled in order to form the different housings, is assembled differently for the C shape or coaxial shape while the same parts, in particular identical shafts, are used within the particular housing.

Abstract: A remote controlled pulley device for moving a cord of an underwater accessory comprising a motor; a drive pulley and a follower pulley spaced a distance from the drive pulley for frictionally engaging cord there between. A receiver is in communication the motor, where signals from the receiver cause the motor to turn on and off, which in turn causes the drive pulley to move or rotate in a forward or reverse direction, thus moving the cord frictionally engaged therewith. A battery is provided and configured to power the motor. A battery powered hand-held remote control device is provided and the receiver is configured to receive commands from the hand-held remote control to rotate the drive pulley and thus move the cord.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig configured for lowering and/or raising a string of tubular equipment into a subsea borehole. The drilling rig includes a drill deck; a first hoisting system being adapted for raising or lowering a first load carrier along a vertical first hoisting axis, wherein the first hoisting system is supported by a first support structure extending upwardly relative to the drill deck; a second hoisting system being adapted for raising or lowering a second load carrier along a vertical second hoisting axis located apart from the first hoisting axis, wherein the second hoisting system is supported by a second support structure extending upwardly relative to the drill deck; and a joint operations well center on the drill deck. During joint operations, the first and second hoisting axes are preferably located apart from the joint operations well center.

Abstract: A system to measure the installation torque of a screw pile is provided. The system includes a rotary drive and a universal joint-type coupler. A load pin, having at least one sensor, is mounted through the universal joint-type coupler as a pivot pin. The load pin is oriented within the universal joint-type coupler so that at least some of the installation torque is transmitted through the load pin and is measurable by the sensor. Preferably, the load pin is provided with a pair of bores, and then a plurality of sensors are mounted within the bores. More preferably, a differential bridge network is used to obtain a measurable signal from the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A method for installing an inner blade part or a wind turbine blade and to a lifting bracket for use in performing said method, e.g., a inner blade part for a partial pitch wind turbine blade comprising an inner blade part and an outer blade part, said inner blade part comprising a first flange for connection to a hub flange at a wind turbine hub and a second flange for connection to an outer blade part, said flanges all comprising a number of bolts and/or bolt holes. The lifting bracket has a flange for connection to a suitable number of bolts and/or bolt holes at said second flange on the inner blade part, the flange having a first surface and an opposite second surface arranged for interfacing with the first flange, and further the lifting bracket also has at least one lifting lug and at least one counter weight.

Abstract: A manipulation apparatus that directs an operation of a drive device utilized in the movement of an object by changing a turning amount or reference direction of relative turning between a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing and second housing are in close proximity to each other along the turning axis of the relative turning, and each comprise an outer peripheral face having substantially the same diameter around the turning axis of the relative turning or having a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the turning axis of the relative turning at this proximal position or nearby, and an indicator for indicating, in a mode that is visible by an operator, information related to the turning amount or turning direction of the relative turning is provided to each of the outer peripheral faces of the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: Provided is a wire grip, which has excellent workability for bracing the wire and which can grip a linear object for bracing the wire without applying any excessive load to the linear object. The wire grip comprises a stationary-side wire gripping portion having a body and a movable-side wire gripping portion, whereby a linear object can be gripped between them, where a first action portion for moving the movable-side wire gripping portion back and forth and a second action portion connected to the first action portion by a connecting rod are turnably attached to the body, whereby the connecting rod is pulled substantially parallel to the gripping portions so that the connecting rod, and the first and second action portions are linked to act to move the movable-side wire gripping portion towards the stationary-side wire gripping portion.

Abstract: A spa cover lift assist device that attaches to the edge of a foldable spa cover that covers a conventional spa that has a cabinet with sides and a top, the cover lift assist device having a bracket that attaches to a side of the cabinet with a spring loaded arm having a first pivot end that engages a pivot pin in the bracket and a distal end that has a tether connected at one end to the distal end of the arm and anchored at the other end to the edge of the spa cover such that on folding the spa cover and displacing the folded cover toward the side of the spa cabinet on which the bracket is attached, the spring loaded arm aids in removing the folded cover from the spa.

Abstract: A lift assembly comprising an article to be raised and lowered, a cable coupled to the article and defining a longitudinal axis, a power mechanism coupled to the drive element, a drum powered by the power mechanism, a cable keeper biasing the drive element toward the drum, a keeper shaft providing lateral movement of the cable keeper, and an encoder mounted for rotation with the keeper shaft. The encoder provides information regarding the position of the article. The lift assembly can also include a load cell assembly including a load cell housing, a load cell member contacting the drive element and movable relative to the load cell housing, and a load cell sensor coupled to the load cell member and operative to provide an output corresponding with a load on the drive element. The load cell member can be mounted for movement laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lift assembly that includes a base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The base defines an outlet positioned closer to the first side than to the second side. The lift assembly further includes a take-up mechanism mounted to the base, and a cable having a stored portion on the take-up mechanism and a free portion extending from the take-up mechanism through the outlet.

Abstract: An electric actuator has a switch, a setting unit and a resetting unit. The switch is provided in a supply path of electric power from an electricity storing body to a motor. The switch opens and closes the supply path. The setting unit is operated through receiving a supply of electric power from the electricity storing body in response to an instruction from an operator. The setting unit opens the switch provided in the supply path for electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor. The resetting unit is operated through receiving a supply of electric power from an external power supply when the external power supply has been restored from being cut off. The resetting unit closes the switching unit provided in the supply path of electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor.

Abstract: Tools, systems, and methods for use in conjunction with maintenance, assembly, rebuilding, or other procedures which involve displacing components of an assembly are disclosed. These tools, systems, and methods may be used in conjunction with a crane or other lifting device and may be configured to assemble, disassemble, or otherwise maintain components of an uptower gearbox.

Abstract: A mining can descender comprising a plurality of strand jacks configured to work in concert to lower a load disposed between a first strand jack and a second strand jack a base configured to accommodate said plurality of strand jacks mounted there to, wherein said base comprises a plurality of assembled sections.

Abstract: The traction system comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tendons (2) movable for pulling a load, the tendons being disposed according to a pattern in a plane perpendicular to the tendons; and at least one deviator (3) for guiding the tendons, the deviator accommodating an angular deflection of the plurality of tendons. The deviator includes a support structure (4) and a plurality of segments (5) each having an inner surface facing a convex surface of the support structure, front and rear surfaces and a plurality of channels extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The channels are disposed according to said pattern in the front and rear surfaces of each segment, each tendon being received in a respective one of the channels. At least some of the segments (5) have their inner surfaces bearing on the convex surface of the support structure (4) in response to tensile forces applied to the tendons.

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 projector lift raises and lowers a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a first mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a second mount supporting the projector, a driver configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the first and second mounts.

Abstract: A slab jack assembly for raising a fragmented slab from between sections of a concrete slab from which the fragmented slab is cut comprises a planar support positionable on top of the fragmented slab. Jacks are mounted on opposite sides of the planar support to engage an upper surface of the concrete slab. Securement pins mounted on the planar support are insertable into holes bored in the plurality of fragments in the fragmented slab and expandable within the holes to secure the fragments to the planar support. The first and second jacks are then operable to lift the planar support and fragments upward relative to the concrete slab.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a magnetic clutch to limit Z-directional motion of a mass (e.g., a carriage for transporting a robotic mechanism in context of a storage library). According to embodiments, the mass is suspended by cabling, and its Z-directional movement is controlled by a Z-drive assembly. The Z-drive assembly includes a drive gear made of a magnetic or conductive material, and the drive gear is in magnetic communication with a biasing magnet. Embodiments configured the biasing magnet with a particular magnetic moment and a position relative to the drive gear, so that the spinning of the drive gear induces magnetic currents that tend to counteract the motion of the gear. For example, in the event of power loss to the Z-drive assembly, magnetic clutching is used to limit or prevent motion of the mass under the force of gravity.

Abstract: An extraction tool lifting apparatus having a load bearing coupling capable of being removably connected to an extraction tool; an hydraulic cylinder assembly being operatively connected at a first end to the load bearing coupling; a mounting bracket being operatively connected to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder assembly; three legs, each operatively connected at a first end to the mounting bracket; the load bearing coupling being adapted to be removably connected to an extraction tool having, an elongated base member having first and second ends, and a drill bit being removably attachable to a socket in the first end, the base member having a threaded portion being disposed approximate the first end, the second end being adapted to be removably connected to the load bearing coupling.

Abstract: A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.

Abstract: A vertical mounted motor hoist and a method of hoisting a motor are provided. The motor hoist includes a threaded eye bolt for lifting the motor hoist; a sleeve threaded inside one end, and attached and held to the threaded eyebolt by means of a threaded plug and dowel pins and welding; and two safety chains for placement around the motor, each safety chain attachable to the sleeve by means of two oppositely positioned pinch bolts, each pinch bolt having a welded nut welded on to the sleeve and a jam nut tightened against the welded nuts.

Abstract: A slab jack assembly for raising a fragmented slab from between sections of a concrete slab from which the fragmented slab is cut comprises a planar support positionable on top of the fragmented slab. Jacks are mounted on opposite sides of the planar support to engage an upper surface of the concrete slab. Securement pins mounted on the planar support are insertable into holes bored in the plurality of fragments in the fragmented slab and expandable within the holes to secure the fragments to the planar support. The first and second jacks are then operable to lift the planar support and fragments upward relative to the concrete slab.

Abstract: A control system is provided for one or more chain drives. The control system includes a automation control system or control device in communication with a control board installed on one or more chain drives. The control board can include a microprocessor and a memory device. The memory device stores one or more computer programs or algorithms executable by the microprocessor to generate a plurality of commands to control the operation of a component, e.g., a motor, of the chain drive in response to receiving an operational command from the automation control system or control device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or submerged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, extending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is attached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.

Abstract: A chain puller for use in marine salvage that includes a chain pulling platform having linearly disposed first and second chain stoppers. Each chain stopper includes a pair of pivotal doors that permit the passage of a chain in one direction while stopping the action of a chain moving in the opposite direction. The action on the pivotal doors uses gravity for vertical alignment. The pivotal doors are spaced apart the distance of a vertical chain-link in the static position and are pivotally spread apart to permit movement of the chain in one direction in the dynamic position.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus that lowers and raises a turkey, or similar food item, into a large fry pot is herein disclosed. The apparatus has a vertically-adjustable tripod stand that is positioned over the top center of a fry pot. A manual cranking mechanism lowers and raises a steel cable having a grasping hook at the distal end. Additionally, the steel cable can have a basket at its distal end. In operation, the turkey to be fried is placed thereon the hook or therein the metal basket. Then, with the user a safe distance removed, the crank lowers the food into the hot oil in a controlled manner. When the food has finished cooking, the cranking mechanism is reversed to raise the food from the fryer. The apparatus may also be provided having an alternate electric-powered winch.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a shroud block in a casing are disclosed. The system includes a crane, an engagement device mounted to the shroud block, and a hoist connecting the engagement device and the crane. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing. The method includes mounting an engagement device to the shroud block, and actuating a hoist connected to the engagement device. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing.

Abstract: A compact lift apparatus for use in confined spaces to raise and lower an object is described. The apparatus includes first and second drag chains with upper object mourning ends that are moveable along paths having adjacent vertical inner sections with lower ends and chain storage sections extending outwardly from the lower ends of the lower sections, the chain storage sections extending outwardly in opposite directions; spaced parallel plates on opposite sides of the chains, the plates including inner faces that together define drag chain raceways forming the paths; and drive means simultaneously conveying the drag chains along the paths between the lowered and raised positions to raise and lower the mounting ends, the drive means including first and second rotatable sprockets having teeth engaging the chain lengths and a drive means to rotate at least one of the sprockets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.

Abstract: A boat lift with a rotatable head attached to a bracket securable with respect to environmental structure such as a pier which to be capable of lifting a watercraft from the water and while rotating thereof to a position above an adjacent area such a dock area. The lift includes a rotating head assembly having a mounting fin extendable into the interior of a vertically reciprocating mast. A watercraft supporting cradle is secured to the mast to be movable therewith and includes vessel support members for facilitating retaining of a watercraft thereupon. Vertical movement between the mounting fin and the reciprocating mast is facilitated by sliding wear pads positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A hoisting assembly for lifting or lowering a heavy object includes an upper fixed block, an upper movable block being suspended from the upper fixed block by at least one first rope which is reeved into one or more first rope lengths between the upper fixed block and the upper movable block, a lower movable block being connected to the upper movable block by at least one second rope which is reeved into one or more second rope lengths between the upper fixed block and the upper movable block. The first and second ropes are reeved in such a way that in use the upper movable block can be positioned at a distance greater than zero from the upper fixed block and at a distance greater than zero from the lower movable block by controlling the lengths of the first and second ropes.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering an urn comprises a frame, a substantially horizontal platform for supporting the urn, and a lowering mechanism mounted to the frame that is releasably connected to the platform. The lowering mechanism automatically releases the platform when the platform is in the bottom position. To releasably connect the lowering mechanism to the frame, four hangers may be used to releasably connect the platform to respective suspension straps. Each hanger may comprise a square body for insertion through a corresponding square hole in the platform. Each hanger may have a pivoting arm that pivots into a substantially horizontal posture to support the platform from underneath, the pivoting arm of the hanger comprising a counterweight to cause the pivoting arm to return to a substantially vertical posture when legs underneath the platform reach the bottom position.

Abstract: A floating dock mover that utilizes electrically powered devices to aid in relocating a floating dock whenever water levels change in a lake or reservoir. Electrical powered winching mechanisms are used to adjust cables lengths to maintain a position, or aid to obtain a new position of the dock in relation to the shoreline. Additionally, a motorized speed reducer is used to turn the wheels on the dock walkway, which moves the walkway and dock away from, or toward the shore. By electrically powering winch cable lengths, plus electrically powering the walkway wheels, the dock can be relocated horizontally and vertically and maintain a relative desired position in relation to a moving shoreline. An additional electrically motorized unit is used to operate an anchor which aids in maintaining a dock in a desired position.

Abstract: Systems and a computer-readable medium is provided. In one embodiment, an integrated pull-up system is provided which includes an electric hoist adapted for mounting in one of an upper portion of a medical imaging device, at a base of said medical imaging device, integrated in said medical imaging device, and on a patient handling system (“PHS”). One end of a cable/strap is attached to the hoist. The other end of the cable/strap includes a grab-bar attached thereto. When actuated, the cable/strap retracts and extends to move a patient, holding the grab-bar, towards/from a supine position towards/from a seated position on the PHS.

Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving energy may include a cable and a weight connected to the cable. A plurality of cable modules may be attached at spaced-apart locations to the cable above the weight. Each cable module may prevent the cable above and below the cable module from coming in contact with a neighboring stationary wall. A hoist may controllably raise and lower the weight by sequentially grabbing each neighboring cable module.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a device from the bottom of a body of water includes a clamp configured to be slidably affixed to the device above the water bottom. The clamp has a selectively engageable lock to fix a position of the clamp on the device. A line ratchet is coupled to the clamp. A line is disposed through the line ratchet. A first flotation device is coupled to one end of the line. A second flotation device is coupled to the other end of the line. The system includes means for applying tension to the line disposed proximate the second flotation device. The line ratchet is arranged to enable movement of the line therethrough toward the means for applying tension, and is also arranged to substantially prevent motion therethrough in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A lift construction for lifting and lowering a blade of a windmill is described herein. The lift construction for lifting and lowering a blade of a windmill to and from its mounted position at a rotatable cone of the windmill comprises a first yoke mountable at the inside of the blade and a second yoke mountable in the cone of the windmill, wherein the first yoke and the second yoke are arranged to cooperate.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: The present application relates to ceiling lifts and ceiling lift components. One embodiment relates to a ceiling lift gear box that is made from multiple plates. One embodiment relates to a swivel assembly. One embodiment relates to a ceiling lift display. One embodiment relates to use of an optocoupler in a ceiling lift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier device for a hose packet 5 of supply lines of a working robot. The hose packet 5 is secured by the intermediary of a compensator 6 to a carrier element 7, which can be lowered from a high operating position above the working robot 4 into a lower maintenance position at floor level by way of traction means. Thanks to the compensator 6, in the operating position the hose packet is on the one hand held high, but, on the other hand, can also give when force is applied.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a nacelle, a base, and a plurality of blades operably connected around a turbine hub is described. The wind turbine is configured to house a winch mechanism for servicing a portion of a blade. The winch mechanism may have any of a number of components or configurations. Features included as part of a winch mechanism are a winch, a cable, pulleys and a securing element. Methods of servicing blades of a wind turbine with the winch mechanism including repair, removal, installation, replacement of the blades is also described. The winch mechanism may be removably or statically housed in the wind turbine for performing of the described methods and may be mounted by hoisting through the tower. A device for temporarily applying attachment points to a wind turbine blade, such that the attachment points can be remotely removed, is also described.

Abstract: Current pole/mast mounted photovoltaic systems rely on gravity to lower the panel down the mast. The energy derived is typically conducted along a coiled conductor that expands or collapses like a spring inside the hollow mast as the movable device, with the solar panel attached, is raised or lowered for maintenance. Due to the large size and stiffness of the coiled conductor, especially in cold weather, the weight of the movable device may not be sufficient to cause the panel to descend when tension on the supporting cable is released. We have developed a method of pulling the sleeve/ring down the mast/pole as well as up. Over long periods of non-use, the sleeve can freeze in position. This new system aids in freeing it up and is also useful when there is un-even side loading on the sleeve. A winch driven chain or cable, attached to the movable device, extending upward to a top roller then internally downward to the winch and then externally extending back up to the movable device, accomplishes this task.

Abstract: A log lifting beam with structural attachments that allow it to be fastened to a downed tree trunk. A means is provided for coupling the beam to a portable jack. The beam is positioned on a downed tree trunk with its forward end resting perpendicularly on the top of the tree trunk. The lower end of the beam rests on the ground. A tongue assembly hangs downward from the forward end of the beam. A steel chain stretched from the lower end of the tongue assembly and extended under the tree trunk to an attachment point mid-section the beam serves as a cradle for the tree trunk. The tongue of a jack is inserted under a short chain also bolted to the lower end of the said tongue assembly. The jack tongue is raised against this chain and the downed tree trunk is lifted.