Abstract: Systems for energizing a drain cleaning cable within a drain line or other region of interest are described. A signal transmitter on an end portion of the cable enables the cable end portion to be sensed or located when in a pipe or conduit underground. Also described are electrically conductive drivetrains for transferring rotary power.

Abstract: A luminaire is provided that includes a head, a movement system, and a control system. The movement system rotates the luminaire head around an axis of rotation. The movement system includes a motor and a braking system. The motor moves a luminaire mechanism. The luminaire mechanism may be a gobo wheel, a lens, or other optical device of the luminaire, or it may be the luminaire head or the luminaire yoke. The control system determines whether the motor is rotating and engages the braking system when the motor is not rotating. When the motor is stopped, the control system may store in non-volatile memory a current absolute position of the luminaire mechanism.

Abstract: A housing and trailer system comprising a trailer and a housing. The housing includes a lower housing and an upper housing and may be positioned on friction-reducing members that reduce friction between the housing and trailer. The reduction of friction facilitates the housing to slide more efficiently on the trailer. A safety lever and linkage system operates to safely move roof support structures and raise/lower the upper housing. An adjustable cargo system is attached to a roof on the housing. The adjustable cargo system is adjustable to receive and/or secure different sizes of cargo.

Abstract: A cable winch arrangement (1) which includes at least one cable drum (2), which is mounted rotatably about a drum axis (3), for winding up and/or unwinding at least one cable (30-37), and a supporting structure (20), and a spindle drive (14) for displacing the cable drum (2) relative to the supporting structure (20), wherein the spindle drive (14) has a spindle (16) extending along a spindle axis (15), and a cable run-off point (6) of the at least one cable (30-37), at which the cable (30-37) runs tangentially onto and/or out from the cable drum (2), is at least substantially positionally fixed with respect to the supporting structure (20), and the spindle axis (15) is arranged coaxially with respect to the drum axis (3) of the cable drum (2).

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first gear, a second gear, a first proximity sensor configured to determine a first number of teeth of the first gear that pass by the first proximity sensor within a period of time, and a second proximity sensor configured to determine a second number of teeth of the second gear that pass by the second proximity sensor within the period of time.

Abstract: A rope hoist includes: a rope drum around which a wire rope W is wound; a support shaft and a limit switch bolt arranged to be parallel to the rope drum; limit switch mechanisms; and a rope guide mechanism moving in accordance with a winding state of the wire rope W, and making the limit switch mechanisms perform on/off operation. Each of the limit switch mechanisms includes: a limit switch metal fitting into which both of the support shaft and the limit switch bolt are inserted, in which the limit switch metal fitting is sandwiched and fixed by nuts from both sides thereof in an axial direction of the limit switch bolt.

Abstract: A detection and alert system for use with plows and implements is a system generally referring to off-road vehicles such as ATV's and UTV's and comprising a plow system with a detection device in communication with an alert device. A lifting device, such as a winch, is mounted on the front portion of an ATV or UTV for the purpose of raising and lowering the plow blade. When the operator of the ATV raises the plow, a detection device attached to the plow system alerts the operator via alert device, attached to the front portion of the ATV, the gap or distance remaining between the plow system and the ATV or component thereof.

Abstract: A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.

Abstract: A press roller spring frame is provided. The spring frame includes a frame body having a first section having an arcuate shape, a second section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape, a third section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape. The second and third sections are configured to oppose one another with the first section therebetween. The spring frame further includes a roller operatively coupled to the third section and configured to rotate about an axis. A compressive force may be applied to the roller to displace the third section closer to the second section, whereby the arcuate shape of the first member is compressed. The compression causes the first member to produce a spring force that resists the compressive force applied against the roller to keep the roller against the object applying the compressive force.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating objects include a plurality of actuators distributed on a rig. The actuators cooperate to orient and move the well equipment. Each actuator may include at least one non-rigid tension member configured to engage the well equipment, and at least one sensor generating a signal representative of at least one parameter of: (i) a length of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (ii) a tension along at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (iii) a position of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members; and (iv) an orientation of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members. The actuators may also each include a drum guiding each of the at least one non-rigid tension members and a motor rotating each drum. The apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the actuators, the controller being programmed to move the object based on the at least one sensor signals.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring winch is provided. The mooring winch includes a winding drum, an AC motor configured to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit connected to the AC motor, and a control unit configured to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is configured to set a reference value of rotational speed of the AC motor to a predetermined value, drive the AC motor in one direction for a predetermined time interval, define a first value of a torque of the AC motor, drive the AC motor in an opposite direction for the predetermined interval, define a second value of the torque of the AC motor, and compute a torque estimate using the first and second values of the torque.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.

Abstract: A load arrestor for use in conjunction with a primary lift, the load arrestor comprising a spool about which winds a safety line attached to a load supported at least in part by the primary lift, a lock mechanism comprising a lock plate connected to and rotatable with the spool, the plate defining a plurality of slots; and at least one cylinder having a locking pin for insertion into at least one of the plurality of slots to inhibit rotation of the lock plate and the spool; a sensor for sensing motion of the spool; and a controller which sends a signal to the at least one cylinder to activate the locking pin when the motion of the hoist drum exceeds a predetermined limit. Alternate aspects of the load arrestor are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for signaling rotation of a winch in which a rotating gear internal in the winch turns an optical disc with alternating segments of distinguishing features. The disc is then in turn read by an optical sensor that can generate a pulsed output signal based on the travel of the alternating segments on the disc. The output signal of the optical sensor is then conditioned to drive a solenoid that is placed in a control lever of the winch. The optical disc and the optical sensor are part of a self-contained unit which can be inserted internally into the winch housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating when only a given minimum preset number of winding layers are present on a drum of a winch. An optical sensor system is included in a space in a hollow housing to count the number of revolutions of the drum and the direction of rotation to produce an alarm signal when only the minimum number of winding layers remains on the drum.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: At least one cable is attached to a load lying on the ground via a releasable connection mechanism. A traction force is applied to the cable to hoist the load up to a prescribed height. That traction force is then eliminated or reduced to initiate a downward movement of the load followed by the cable. The connection mechanism is then released while the load is moving downwardly.

Abstract: A system and method to measure positioning with respect to deploying a subsea load, the system comprising a subsea metering head having a position sensor; a controllable winch operatively connected to the winch flexible cable; and a controller operatively in communication with the controllable winch and the position sensor. The controller is capable of controlling the controllable winch in response to a received position feedback sensor signal. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The flying lead deployment apparatus with one reel assembly is made of a frame assembly; a reel assembly with flying lead disposed in the frame assembly adapted to rotate to distribute the flying lead; a first ROV-flying lead interface connected to the frame assembly and one end of the flying lead; a second ROV-flying lead interface connected to the reel assembly and the other end of the flying end; a drive assembly connected to the reel assembly with a counting gear adapted to count the number of times the reel assembly rotates, an adjustable rack gear, and a locking mechanism connected to the adjustable rack gear and the reel assembly adapted to stop the reel assembly when the counting gear reaches a predetermined number; and a friction brake connected to the frame assembly and reel assembly adapted to apply friction to maintain constant tension on the flying lead.

Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.

Abstract: In a hoisting device for an elevator, a driving motor is made cylindrical, and a brake system is accommodated radially inwardly of the driving motor. The driving motor and the brake system overlap in a radial direction.

Abstract: A system and method of use for determining a desired physical parameter relating to a load deployed by a movable vessel, in a predetermined plane, using a sensor disposed proximate the load underwater where the sensor produces a transmittable signal indicative of the desired physical parameter and communicates the signal, via a communication link, to a receiver that receives and indicates the pressure signal. A deployment frame may be used to further support the load. Once deployed, the load encounters water having changes in the detected physical parameter and the sensor sends a signal indicative of the changes such as to a controller or computer located on a movable vessel. These signals can be used to determine movement and positioning of the load, e.g. when positioning the load proximate an underwater structure.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus is provided to facilitate maintenance of a load such as luminaires used at high elevations under safe working conditions. The apparatus comprises at least one cable, a load holder for holding the load, a base secured to a ceiling of a structure, and coupled to the load holder through the cable, and a drive unit for moving the load holder up and down by use of the cable between a top position where the load holder is located adjacent to the base, and a bottom position where the load holder is spaced from the base. The load holder has cable-length adjust unit for adjusting a length of the cable to stop the load holder at a desired position between the top and bottom positions.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes an actuating mechanism coupled to a winch and a latch. Rotation of the winch in a first direction drives the actuating mechanism to position the latch at a first position. The actuating mechanism includes a clutch allowing further rotation of the winch in the same direction after the latch is positioned.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety mechanism for a winch assembly when storing a load, such as a tire under a vehicle or a boat on a trailer, in a raised or stored position. The invention finds particular application to a spare tire, but those skilled in the art will appreciate the broader benefits of such a structure when used with a winch assembly for other uses such as a boat winch for a trailer or any analogous use wherein it is desirable to secure a load in the raised or stored position. A unique actuator is described with an improvement of the invention, which includes a control path therewith to control a rod end and thereby actuates in a preferred embodiment a latch by converting rotary motion to linear motion.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus comprising a frame, a hoist drum mounted on the frame for rotation about a drum axis, a motor connected to the drum for selectively rotating the drum in opposite wind-up and wind-off directions about the drum axis, a hoist rope wound around the drum such that the rope winds on to and off of the drum in response to rotation of the drum in the wind-up and wind-off directions, respectively, the rope having a maximum wind-up point beyond which it is not desirable to wind a significant amount of rope on to the drum, and a proximity switch mounted on the frame adjacent the drum such that the drum moves relative to the switch, the switch being capable of sensing the presence of the rope without touching the rope, and the switch preventing the motor from rotating the drum in the wind-up direction when the switch senses the presence of the rope on the drum at the maximum wind-up point.

Abstract: A method of operating a winch having a winch drum mounted in a housing to reel in and pay out the cable over a plurality of repeated cycles of use during a period of use of the winch. A digital counter is mounted on the housing so as to be responsive to each rotation of the drum in both directions and arranged to generate a total count during the period of use which is indicative of the number cycles so that the winch can be taken out of operation for service when the number of rotations reaches a predetermined maximum. The digital counter includes a follower contacting a raised portion on an edge of the drum so as to be moved by the raised portion for actuating each count of the digital counter.

Abstract: A chainless drive winch is provided having a cable cylinder meshing with an orthogonal, cylindrical reduction gearing member. The reduction gearing member may be driven by, for example, an electric motor. A brake is provided operable only when the reduction gearing member is rotated is a direction to lower a load. Limit switches may be provided which are adjustable to alter the distance between them. A trigger finger moving between the limit switches is driven from the cable cylinder. The cable cylinder may be provided with a generally parallel roller to hold turns of cable on the cylinder. The roller may be independently biased at each end so that, when cable is partially unwound from the cylinder, the bias of the roller is enhanced on the remaining turns.

Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.

Abstract: An electric hoist with motor-speed-regulated lifting speed, in particular an electric chain hoist, including an electric motor, a gear unit, and a wheel around which the hoisting chain is looped. A load-carrying device is arranged on the hoisting chain. The motor, gear unit and wheel are connected with one another in a drive connection and the lifting speed is provided by an electric control unit for the electric motor, which control unit is connected to a manual control switch. In order to achieve suitable cooling while apportioning the space in an appropriate manner for the arrangement of all required components, the electric control unit, which has control electronics with speed sensing equipment, is arranged in an external protective housing fitted to the gear box.

Abstract: A mechanical limit control device for adjustably halting the operation of a winch at preset points including a proportionally driven flexible cog belt providing a compact conformable configuration having projections which operate a snap action air valve to limit the deployment extent of a pneumatically operated winch.

Abstract: A spare tire lift-and-carry apparatus for use on a vehicle includes a rotatable input shaft supported by a housing. A transmission mechanism is provided for transferring torque from the rotatable input shaft to a cable storage member driven in rotation about a longitudinal axis to retract and deploy a cable having a rim retainer connected at one end. The rim retainer is adapted to engage a spare tire or wheel assembly. A clutch mechanism can be provided for allowing transfer of rotation in both rotational directions from the input shaft to the cable storage mechanism, while preventing transfer of rotation through the clutch mechanism in either rotational direction originating from the cable storage mechanism, rather than the input shaft. A torque override mechanism can also be provided between the input shaft and the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A control device for lifting winches, in particular for drilling rigs, uses an electric motor able to operate in all four quadrants of the torque-speed diagram. A control circuit procures controlled excitation of the electric motor. A manipulator on a control panel controls the control circuit by establishing, according to its position, a given speed request instruction. An indexing circuit for controlling the control circuit is adapted, on the bases of predetermined end of travel positions and a given law relating the speed to the difference in height between a given end of travel position and the actual height at the time in question, to establish a given speed request instruction. A comparator passes to the control circuit only the speed request instruction that it receives representing the lower speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking up and paying out first and second ends of an endless loop of tape that has an intermediate section. A first reel connected to the first end carries a first coil of the tape. The first coil extends from the first reel and is normally self-expanding and unwinding so as to unwind itself from the first reel. A second reel is connected to the second end for carrying a second coil of the tape. The second coil extends from the second reel and is normally self-expanding so as to unwind itself from the second reel. A drum supports both of the first and second reels for rotation in the same direction. Pulleys guide the intermediate section of the tape from the first reel to the second reel for moving a sludge collector. When the drum is rotated in a first rotary direction, the first coil tends to self-unwind from the first reel and the second coil is wound up on the second reel to move the intermediate section of the tape and the sludge collector.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a single crystal grown by Czochralski method includes a winding drum disposed in a case for winding up and down a flexible pull wire, a power transmission mechanism for driving the winding drum, and a bearing unit for rotatably supporting the winding drum. The power transmission mechanism and the bearing unit are disposed outside the case and isolated from the furnace atmosphere surrounding the winding drum and the pull wire in the case. With this construction, metallic dust produced by abrasion from the power transmission mechanism and the bearing unit has no influence on the condition of the furnace atmosphere and hence the quality of a single crystal being pulled upwardly by the pull wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a tank-like vessel comprising(a) a supporting arm attached to a fixing plate, which can perpendicularly extend downward,(b) a folding arm of which base portion is rotatably attached to the lower end of the supporting arm, a position of the folding arm being changeable between a housed position and a position in use wherein the folding arm is approximately horizontally stretched out,(c) a rope winded up and winded down by a hoist, and(d) a cleaning nozzle capable of injecting jet water in a two-dimensional direction or three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: A crane device is installed in a freight car with a roof and comprises a revolvable frame suspended by the roof so as to be revolvable about a vertical axis, a derrick boom assembly having a telescopically extendable boom and luffably supported by the revolvable frame, a winch mounted on the revolvable frame and operating to lower and raise a cargo hook via a length of wire rope, a control system using motive power to operate the crane device, and a safety system having a tactile sensor on the front end of the boom and operating to stop movements of the boom when the sensor contacts an object such as a part of a freight car or a piece of cargo. The winch is provided with a safety device for preventing excessive unwinding of the wire rope.

Abstract: Load position limits and incremental lowering of a load are controlled by a microprocessor forming an interface between an operator's control station and the hoist. Other hoist status conditions such as underspeed and overspeed of the hoist motor are detected by the microprocessor based upon hoist speed during the position limit setting cycle. Still other hoist status data such a motor overheating, number of power-up cycles, number of under and overspeed shut-downs, number of power failures, etc. are input to the microprocessor and all such data as up-dated are entered into a non-volatile memory which, when extracted, permits maintenance scheduling.

Abstract: A double-bearing fishing reel has a spool shaft with a spool secured thereto. The spool shaft is supported between a pair of right and left reel side plates. A handle shaft is rotatably supported by one of the reel side plates. The handle shaft and the spool shaft are connected through a power transmission mechanism and a clutch mechanism, which are provided in the one reel side plate. The reel further has a level-wind device provided forward of the spool. The level-wind device is adapted to guide a fishing line to the spool. The reel is provided with an informing mechanism for informing the angler of the amount of the fishing line that has been let out. The mechanism is composed of a detector which detects the number of revolutions of the spool and the direction of rotation thereof, a display, an operation key, a microcomputer, a power source and so forth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for dropping heavy weights on the ground for carrying out processes of dynamic compaction or dynamic consolidation wherein a brake is provided on the hoist drum which can be actuated automatically after a given period of time has elapsed after the release of the hoist drum brake to drop the weight.

Abstract: A pickup is connected to a system of sheaves of a mobile hydraulic hammer for providing a signal proportional to velocity of a hammer weight. The pickup is connected to the input of a differentiating circuit, and the output of the differentiating circuit is connected to the starting input of an electronic timer. Two-level output of the timer is connected to hydraulic valves that control the lifting and dropping of a hammer weight. The signal applied to the starting input of the timer has two states, one state resulting from any noticeable acceleration of the hammer weight and the other state resulting from zero acceleration. The timer starts in response to zero acceleration at the time of impact of the hammer weight and provides a signal to cause the hammer weight to be lifted without delay to a predetermined height according to a predetermined timing period, the height always being with reference to the level at which impact occurred.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus includes a monitoring system for monitoring the exact elevation of the traveling block. The monitoring system detects the elevation of the traveling block by means of periodically transmitted signals which are reflected back to the monitoring system by the traveling block. The apparatus further includes a control system preferably including an industrial control digital computer which is responsive to the elevation of the traveling block and controls the drawworks of the apparatus to prevent the traveling block from crashing into the crown block or working floor. In one embodiment of the apparatus the velocity of travel of the traveling block and the load being supported by the traveling block are also monitored in order to further restrict raising and lowering of the traveling block to be maintained within predetermined safe limits of operation.

Abstract: Interposed between the driving shaft of the tackle and the hoisting hook of the tackle is a flat textile strap or a flat metal braid. The strap or braid is attached to the drum of a drum-pulley keyed on the driving shaft at the end of the strap or braid. The strap passes around the pulleys of a pulley-block comprising an upper block mounted on the frame of the tackle to pivot about a horizontal axis X-X, and a lower block suspended from the strap or braid and carrying the hook.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for preventing runaway lowering of a hook block in an oil drilling rig characterized by monitoring the instantaneous values of hook load and speed and using these values together with parameters associated with the rig drawworks to calculate an energy value which must be dissipated during a braking stop by the drawworks brake. The brake or an emergency brake associated with the drawworks is automatically actuated when the calculated energy value reaches a predetermined value representative of the maximum energy absorbing capability of the brake. The brake may also be automatically activated when the position of the hook block reaches predetermined upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A device for precisely positioning a hoist suspended load which operates by temporarily releasing the hoist brake for a predetermined limited time period without actuating the hoist motor so that the load is lowered through a small incremental distance by the influence of its own weight. A control signal may be generated by a delay timer, a repeat cycle timer, a digital timing device or a device for detecting the degree of movement of the load carried by the hoist.

Abstract: A winding arrangement suitable for sheeting in a sail of a yacht comprising a winch drum and a piston cylinder assembly having a double-acting piston which is reciprocable within a cylinder. A rack member, coupled to the piston, produces unidirectional rotation of the winch drum through a particular clutch and gear system. A manually operated pump is arranged to supply fluid under pressure to the piston-cylinder assembly through supply pipes and a valve which directs the fluid supplied by the pump to opposite ends of the cylinder alternately, thereby to reciprocate the piston and rotate the winch drum.

Abstract: A telescoping vehicle body has a covered base frame having a telescoping frame telescoping thereover allowing the body to be lowered for travel. A lifting winch is attached to the base frame and has one or more cables connected thereto, which are connected through a plurality of rollers located on the base frame to the base frame. The cables also pass under rollers attached to the telescoping frame, so that pulling the cable taut will lift the telescoping frame, while loosening the cable will allow the telescoping frame to lower itself. Guides are provided for guiding and stabilizing the telescoping frame during raising and lowering.