Abstract: Disclosed is a knuckle boom crane for offshore application, wherein the crane includes a knuckle boom, carried by a support structure and equipped with an operating unit. The knuckle boom includes a main boom and a terminal boom. The operating unit of the knuckle boom include at least one downstream linear actuator, arranged between the main boom and the terminal boom, for the rotational operation of the terminal boom about a downstream articulation axis. And the at least one downstream linear actuator is fastened to one of the lateral faces of the main boom and to one of the lateral faces of the terminal boom, in order to provide an improved lever arm between the main boom and the terminal boom.

Abstract: A hoisting system for a drilling rig, which has a crown block for attaching to a derrick, the crown block comprising a plurality of sheaves; a travelling block suspended from the crown block via a hoisting cable, the travelling block comprising a plurality of sheaves and being connectable with a payload, the travelling block being arranged to move along a workpath; the hoisting system further comprising: a floating block comprising a plurality of sheaves reeved on the hoisting cable; wherein the floating block is configured to move between: a first arrangement in which the floating block is fixed relative to the crown block; and a second arrangement in which the floating block is fixed relative to the travelling block; wherein the hoisting system is arranged such that, when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangement, the sheaves of the floating block overlap a sheave of the crown block or travelling block in a direction of the workpath.

Abstract: An overhead storage device or system may include a mechanism for hoisting the object to be stored (e.g., a bicycle) at an elevated height (e.g., above grade or floor level). In general, the present teachings may include a cable pulley engaged with a constant torque spring unit structurally configured to apply an approximately constant torque to the cable spool that promotes rotation of a spool thereof for winding of a lift cable about the spool to lift a load. Also disclosed are techniques for improving such a constant toque lifting unit such as an inertial brake structurally configured to slow down or stop an undesired, accelerated winding of a lift cable, a self-coiling device structurally configured to advantageously wind the lift cable a predetermined amount (e.g., for removal of same as a hinderance), and an attachment mechanism structurally configured to securely couple to a load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling rig comprising: a tubular stand support tower, tubular stand storage rack, slip device for supporting multiple tubular stands, and a tubular stand connecting device. According to the invention the rig is provided with a tubular stand handling system, adapted to move a tubular stand between the storage rack and a position in the firing line above the tubular string slip device, and adapted to rotatable support the tubular stand in the firing line during spinning in, to allow for connecting the tubular stand with the tubular string, and during spinning out, to allow for disconnecting the tubular stand from the tubular string, the tubular stand handling system comprising. The tubular stand handling system comprises vertical rails and a lower motion arm assembly and an upper motion arm assembly comprising grippers, mounted on said vertical rails. Also provided is a weight compensation control system.

Abstract: An oceaneering test platform device for simulating oceaneering working conditions is disclosed. The oceaneering test platform device comprises a main body, a lifting unit, a plurality of spud legs connected to the main body by the lifting unit, a plurality of base units located correspondingly to the plurality of spud legs and one or more vertical driving unit to enable vertical movement of at least one of the plurality of spud legs. The test platform device facilitates simulation of possible effects caused by unstable and complex ocean environments to an offshore work platform.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drilling vessel comprising a rig floor, a derrick extending from the rig floor of the drilling vessel along a longitudinal axis. The derrick comprises a first end disposed at the rig floor and a second end longitudinally spaced from the first end, and a heave compensation system disposed at the second end of the derrick. The heave compensation system comprises a support structure comprising a first laterally extending frame coupled to the second end of the derrick, and a second laterally extending frame spaced from the first frame, a crown block coupled to the support structure and a transport assembly coupled to the second frame of the support structure. The transport assembly comprises a first lifting lug and a cylinder assembly supported by the first frame, wherein the cylinder assembly is releasably coupled with the crown block and configured to longitudinally displace the crown block relative to the support structure in response to a heave movement of the vessel.

Abstract: Various hoisting systems with heave compensation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a winch having a rotatable drum and a heave compensation system with both active and passive drive input devices. The heave compensation system can be coupled to the rotatable drum so that the active and passive drive input devices can each be used to drive rotation of the rotatable drum in response to heaving motion of the winch. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A land based dynamic sea motion simulating test drilling rig has a soil bound foundation and a pivot structure secured to said foundation. A motion base is mounted on said pivot structure and pivotable about at least one horizontal pivot axis. A drilling tower is erected on said motion base and is provided with a hoisting device adapted to manipulate a drill string section in a vertical firing line. A drilling tubulars storage vertically stores drilling tubulars and a tubulars racker device moves drilling tubulars between the drilling tubulars storage device and the firing line allowing for assembly and disassembly of a drill string section in the firing line. A motion drive is provided which is adapted to impart cyclic pivoting motion about said at least one horizontal pivot axis to the assembly of the drilling tower, drilling tubulars storage, and tubulars racker device in order to simulate said assembly being subjected to a sea state induced motion.

Abstract: A heave compensation and tensioning apparatus for use on a floating vessel during “locked-to-bottom” operations is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders that are fixed to a lower section of a frame. Respective free ends of piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders are operatively associated with an upper section of the frame. A pair of accumulators are in communication with pressure vessels and the cylinders using a pneumatic fluid line and a primary hydraulic fluid line, respectively. A control valve assembly allows the piston rods to retract or extend in response to, and to compensate for, heave of the floating vessel. An isolation valve can hydraulically lock the piston rods. In this way, the heave compensation and tensioning apparatus forms a rigid link and can be employed as a secondary or back-up heave compensator for a primary heave compensator.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system comprising a hoisting assembly having an upper link, a lower link, and a first joint coupling the upper link and the lower link. The top drive system also includes a main body coupled to the hoisting assembly by a second joint, wherein the hoisting assembly is configured to support the main body, and the main body is configured to support a tubular. Further, the top drive system includes a frame coupled to the main body and a counter moment system configured to apply a force on the first joint to create a bending moment about the second joint.

Abstract: A device for connecting and disconnecting an active compensator actuator or additional passive compensator actuators from a passive compensated load bearing unit during operation and at static suspended condition. The device comprises a connection arrangement (7), which is operatively connected to a crown block. The connection device (7) is adapted to selectively grip a second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1). The device comprises further a safety arrangement (6) which are adapted to selectively grip the second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1) when it is not in engagement with the connection arrangement (7), the device comprises also a support arrangement (2), which is adapted to support the heave compensator actuator when it is not connected to the crown block (8).

Abstract: A rope guide that includes an arm, a rope-contacting element, and a spring damper. The rope guide is pivotably coupled to the boom of a mining shovel. The combination of the arm, spring damper, and rope-contacting element maintains a nominal tension in the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood of wear and fatigue on the rope.

Abstract: The disclosed invention introduces an efficient lifting mechanism for reciprocating vertically a load system, the load consisting of the aggregate weights of a cargo payload in conjunction with “dead weights” of moving parts of the lifting apparatus. The disclosed invention uses a hydro-pneumatic linear actuator to lift the load and a pressurized accumulator, acting as a force intensifier. The pressurized accumulator, acting as a self-contained stored energy source, provides to the actuator adequate power to lift the “dead weights” plus part of the cargo payload. An external power source provides to the actuator adequate power to lift the remainder of the cargo payload. The disclosed invention saves significant amounts of power and energy in applications in which the “dead weights” are sizable compared to the cargo load. The disclosed invention provides also exceptional means for accurate motion control of the cargo payload.

Abstract: A gas spring device includes a gas spring which generates a force proportional to a differential pressure between an inner space pressure and an atmospheric pressure, a suction/discharge part which can adjust a gas amount in the gas spring inner space, a rotary body which is connected to the gas spring, to which a torque due to the force generated by the spring is applied, a displacement part which is connected to the rotary body, and is displaced in conjunction with a rotary body rotary movement, a speed change part which is arranged in one of or both of between the rotary body and the displacement part and between the gas spring and the rotary body, and a torque compensating part which sets the torque applied to the rotary body to substantially 0 when the inner space gas amount of the gas spring is at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for influencing a cable winch force acting on a cable drive, comprises the method steps providing a cable drive with a drivable winch and with a cable that can be wound on the winch, providing a device for producing a traction sheave cable force on the cable, determining an outer cable force, predetermining a cable drive operating state, providing a control-regulating unit to influence the traction sheave cable force, producing a control-regulating variable by means of the control-regulating unit depending on the outer cable force and the predetermined cable drive operating state, producing the traction sheave cable force by means of the device and influencing the traction sheave cable force by means of the control-regulating unit in such a way that the cable winch force acting on the cable drive can be controlled depending on the respective cable drive operating state and the outer cable force, wherein the device is a traction sheave drive, wherein a four-quadrant operation of the traction sheave dr

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a frame adapted to mount to a pipe handling system that includes a hanger adapted to guide a load coupled to a cable towards a wellhead, where the load exerts at least a portion of a tensile force on the cable; and a winch including a drum and a brake. The brake is adapted to control rotational motion of the drum to spool a portion of the cable over the drum and set the drum to substantially prevent rotational motion of the drum. The well servicing system also includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder coupled to a sheave. The piston is adapted to stroke into or out of the cylinder when the tensile force exceeds a desired load when the drum is set to substantially prevent rotational motion to spool the cable from the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tension in a wireline (4), the apparatus comprising a reel (3) mounted on a vessel or surface platform for controlling a wire in a wireline operation, a primary drive means (5) between the reel and a subsea installation around which the wireline is wound and control means for synchronizing the operation of the driver with the reel.

Abstract: A tensioning device (7) for tensioning of a rope or cable (5) to be spooled onto or off a winch drum (4), the tension device (7) comprising wheels (10, 20, 30, 40), drums and/or belts(10, 20, 30, 40), characterised in that the wheels, drums and/or belts (10, 20, 30, 40) are arranged to be displaced from an disengaged position where the rope or cable (5) is running freely through the tensioning device (7), and an engaged position where the rope or cable (5) rests against said wheels, drums and/or belts (10, 20, 30, 40) that are provided with braking means (13) to withhold the rope or cable (5) to provide a tension, is described. A hoisting device comprising a tensioning device (7) is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing sensing slack on cabling coupled between a drive mechanism and a carriage. Embodiments of the carriage are configured so that the cables are substantially in tension when Z-directional movement of the carriage is substantially unimpeded and at least one cable manifests slack when Z-directional movement is impeded. Accordingly, detecting slack on the cables can be used to detect impedance to Z-directional movement of the carriage. According to some embodiments, a novel slack sensor translates tension on the cables into a forward pulling force that holds the slack sensor in a deactivated state. A reverse force is maintained on the slack sensor in a magnitude and direction that causes the slack sensor to move to an activated state whenever sufficient tension is not manifest on the cables. Slack can thus be detected by detecting when the slack sensor is in its activated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved level wind arm for a winch drum assembly, and a winch drum assembly incorporating such a level wind arm. The level wind arm includes a cross member adapted to bias against an outwardly extending portion of rope, the cross member being concave so that more force is required for the rope spindle associated with the cross member to “climb” the slope of the cross member, causing a momentary pause in motion of the spindle after it reaches the end of wind stroke. This momentary pause allows for rope being wound onto the drum to rise up the end wall of the drum to create a new layer which is aligned and consistent with the layer below, without causing gaps in the rope or other circumstances which could lead to the rope accumulating at any one point, or becoming tangled. The present invention also includes means of ensuring that tension is maintained in the rope, and that the rope does not jump off the reel and, for example, into the clutch mechanism.

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: The present disclosure relates to a device for lifting and lowering a load in water, including a hoisting gear with a first hoisting rope and a storage drum with a second hoisting rope, which preferably are arranged on a floating unit. In accordance with the present disclosure, a hoisting gear frame is fastened to the first hoisting rope, whose buoyancy in water is variably adjustable. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for lifting and lowering a load in water by using such a device.

Abstract: A tension control device for an anchor line rope of large diameter, which winds off or onto a winch drum at a marine vessel includes an arm with a first inner link arm with a first sheave arranged near the first link arm's outer end, a second, intermediate link arm arranged rotatable adjustable on the first arm and arranged with a second intermediate sheave near the second link arm's outer end, and a third, outer link arm arranged rotatable adjustable on the second, intermediate link arm and arranged with a third sheave near the third, outer link arm's outer end. The second, intermediate link arm's angle is regulated by use of a first actuator arranged between the first, inner link arm and the second link arm. The third, outer link arm's relative angle to the second, intermediate link arm is regulated by a second actuator. Each sheave includes a brake.

Abstract: A device for lifting an article comprises a housing having a leading edge region in fluid communication with an inner chamber. The leading edge region is arranged to engage a region between an article and a support surface beneath the article. An elongate tubular member, closed at one end, and at the other end, in fluid communication with the leading edge region and the inner chamber. The housing is arranged to provide a retracted position in which the elongate tubular member is held relative to the leading edge region and responsive to an operative pressure within the inner chamber so as to unfurl beyond the leading edge region where the elongate tubular member migrates along the access region toward a deployed position in which the tubular member extends a distance such that opposed ends of the tubular member may be used in lifting the article from the support surface.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a frame adapted to mount to a pipe handling system that includes a hanger adapted to guide a load coupled to a cable towards a wellhead, where the load exerts at least a portion of a tensile force on the cable; and a winch including a drum and a brake. The brake is adapted to control rotational motion of the drum to spool a portion of the cable over the drum and set the drum to substantially prevent rotational motion of the drum. The well servicing system also includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder coupled to a sheave. The piston is adapted to stroke into or out of the cylinder when the tensile force exceeds a desired load when the drum is set to substantially prevent rotational motion to spool the cable from the drum.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A method for lift compensation of an item (12) which is connected to a vessel (1) by means of a rope (4) which is coiled around the rope drum (6) of a lifting device (2), the lifting device (2) being provided with a heave compensator (20), a controller (30) of the heave compensator (20) controlling the effect of the driving device (32, 34, 42) of the rope drum (6) on the basis of a heave term and a deviation term, the method comprising: —bringing a correction term into the heave compensation when, because of environmental forces, the force on the rope (4) falls outside a first limit (d, e); and—leaving the correction term out when the force on the rope (4) is within a second limit (c, f), the second limit (c, f) being equal to or different from the first limit (d, e).

Abstract: A method of deploying an object (14) onto the seabed in very deep water from a vessel having a heave compensated deck crane (12), comprises lowering the object a distance into the sea while being suspended in the crane wire (16). In an initial step, a first fibre rope section (4a) of a first length is connected to the object (14) via a first connector (3a) on the object before the lowering is started and is freely run out supporting from a storage reel (13) during the descent. Subsequently, the first rope section is the object via a second connector (3b) located at the upper end of the first rope section (4a), the second connector being supported by a support mechanism (1) on the vessel deck (8), followed by off-loading the crane wire (16) and disconnecting it from the object and heaving it up said first length for connection to the second connector (3b) at the vessel deck and taking over the load of the object.

Abstract: With certain technical applications actuation has to be carried out at positions where the required energy supply is costly or difficult to provide. The invention offers a solution to this problem with a mechanical process, which functions without energy, for those cases where operation-related variable force or torque occurs, or where such force or torque fluctuations can be artificially produced. The invention concerns, on the one hand, the storage of rope segment that, multiplied by existing force, represents stored work, whereby the force contact point moves against the direction of force. On the other hand, it concerns the subsequent utilization of this stored rope segment for actuation, with actuation being gained from the stored rope segment through force prevailing at this time, whereby the force contact point moves in the direction of force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for lifting an article comprising a housing having an inner chamber, the housing having a leading edge region in fluid communication with the inner chamber, the leading edge region being arranged to engage an access region between an article and a support surface beneath the article, an elongate tubular member having a first open end region and a second closed end region, the first open end region being directly or indirectly in fluid tight relation with the leading edge region, the elongate tubular member having a first surface in fluid communication with the inner chamber and an opposite second surface, the housing being arranged to provide a retracted position in which the elongate tubular member is held relative to the leading edge region and responsive to an operative pressure within the inner chamber to unfurl beyond the leading edge region to cause the elongate tubular member to migrate along the access region with the second surface in contact with the article and the supp

Abstract: An automatic tensioning system for a chain drive system of a rock drill assembly is disclosed. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to one end of the feed channel of a rock drill assembly. When pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic cylinder, a plunger within the hydraulic cylinder pulls on a tensioner sprocket, which in turn provides tension to the chain of the chain drive system. This allows for a constant tension to be applied to the chain throughout a long duration of operation as opposed to a manually adjusted chain drive system in which the chain tension varies during operation in between manual adjustments.

Abstract: Winch for high speed pulling of cable consisting of a winch drum driven by a motor equipped with stator winding for creation of magnetic field with changing rotational direction or stand still and hydraulic damper disk attached to the cable preventing transient oscillations.

Abstract: A depth compensated passive eave compensator comprises a first cylinder connected at its upper end to a vessel. A piston rod extends from a piston located within the first cylinder through the lower end thereof and is connected to subsea equipment. A second cylinder contains a compressed gas which maintains pressure beneath the piston of the first cylinder. The upper end of the first cylinder is connected to the upper end of a third cylinder having a piston mounted therein. A piston rod extending from the piston of third cylinder extends through the lower end thereof thereby applying the pressure of the sea to the piston of the third cylinder.

Abstract: A method for controlling the tension in a spooled device disposed on a winch, comprises providing an input signal to a controller indicative of a measured tension in the spooled device, providing an input signal to the controller indicative of a desired tension in the spooled device, and providing an output signal from the controller to adjust the speed of the winch based on a difference between the desired tension in the spooled device and the measured tension in the spooled device.

Abstract: Ship's winch including a frame which can be attached to a vessel and on which the cable drum and the motor driving the cable drum are provided. Adjacent to the cable drum, a slipping clutch is provided and between slipping clutch and the motor, a freewheel mechanism is provided which works towards the frame. The slipping clutch is embodied not to transmit further load to the freewheel mechanism or motor, respectively, in case of a certain overload caused by tension in the towing cable. In addition, by positioning the freewheel mechanism/clutch in this manner, the motor output for pulling in a certain load under greatly varying stresses can be reduced.

Abstract: A heave compensation system provides a direct acting heave compensator that reduces stress and fatigue on a line, the system includes a single sheave system that compensates for heave as it carries a load line and moves along a curve profile of the heave compensator tangent to the point the load line comes off of a line handling system. The length of the line extending from the line handling system to the sheave remains substantially the same length during heave compensation operations, and the point where the line takes off from the line handling system is substantially the only point of changing stress on the line.

Abstract: A vibration damped elevator system is provided that includes a damper or dampers attached to the elevator cable. The damping coefficients of the damper or dampers are chosen to provide optimum dissipation of the vibratory energy in the elevator cable. A method of determining the optimum placement of the damper or dampers and their respective damping coefficients is also provided.

Abstract: A compact cable tension tender device includes first and second pulleys rotatably coupled to a drive shaft. First and second plates are fixed to the drive shaft. Drive stops on the plates engage and rotate the pulleys when the drive shaft is rotated. A resilient coupler urges the first and second pulleys to rotate away from engagement with the drive stops. Cables are coupled to the pulleys and adjusted to be in tension such that the first and second pulleys both engage the drive stops at the same time. The engagement of both pulleys with the drive stops at the same time minimizes lost motion when reversing the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A load compensating device, especially one for lifting appliances, includes a detector for detecting an overload or an underload and designed to cause actuation of the compensating device. The device comprises an actuator attached to one of ends of a rope or ropes that support the load for producing positive or negative displacement of the rope or ropes over a short distance compared with the length of the rope or ropes. The actuator is operated by a brushless electric motor connected to an infinitely variable-speed transmission. The transmission is connected to the detector.

Abstract: A load equalizing rope termination serves to prevent a load imbalance between a pair of rope leads of a rope termination. The rope termination includes an end section such as an end loop and the pair of rope leads attached to a pair of rope ends. A rope termination fitting includes a base support member over which the end section is supported, and a pair of load equalizing support members disposed upstream of the base support member and over which the rope ends are supported. The engagement between the rope ends and the equalizing support members prevents a load imbalance of the rope leads.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A heave compensation apparatus and method for a winch or crane system, the winch or crane system preferably for a vessel and including a lift wire for attachment to a load. The apparatus includes a vessel motion measurement device which may be in the form of a motion reference unit for measuring the motion of the vessel, and a control device or computer capable of receiving an output from the vessel motion measurement device and controlling the winch or crane system according to the movement of the vessel, so as to stabilise the load. The apparatus may further optionally include one or more of a lift wire tension measuring device for measuring the tension in the lift wire; a lift wire distance measurement device which measures the length of lift wire that has been paid out; and a load motion measurement device for measuring the motion of the load.

Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.

Abstract: An air balancer has a rotary drum on which a rope member is to be wound and that is supported rotatably by a stationary shaft in a casing, a conversion system that converts pressure of first air supplied into the casing into rotational force of the rotary drum for winding the rope member on the rotary drum, a rotary member that is rotatably supported by the stationary shaft and linked with the rotary drum to integrally rotate therewith, a rotation restriction member to be in contact with the rotary member to restrict rotation thereof, a disengagement mechanism that causes the rotation restriction member to retract by pressure of second air supplied into the casing to thereby disengage the contact between the rotary member and the rotation restriction member, and a control module having an air circuit that supplies the second air into the casing only when the first air is supplied into the casing or when the first air is discharged from the casing.

Abstract: A device for a wave-power plant includes a self-tightening winch with a winch wire. The winch wire is connected to a wave-power-operated absorption element at one end and to a cable drum of the self-tightening winch at the other end. The cable drum is connected via a transmission system to an outgoing axle which is further connected to an energy-storing restructuring machinery. Movement of the absorption element results in rotation of the cable drum and transmission of mechanical energy from the cable drum to the rotating outgoing axle and to the restructuring machinery. The transmission system includes a slip clutch connected to the outgoing axle, which protects the components in the wave-power plant, particularly the components in the restructuring machinery, against overload in the event of large wave amplitude.

Abstract: A system is described for handling a wire, a chain, a cable, etc. (12) onboard a vessel, comprising a number of winches (10) to pull in and let out said wire, chain, etc. (12), and also a number of tow pins (14) and shark jaws (16), mounted in an area at the stern of the vessel, and which is arranged to guide and/or to hold said wire, chain, etc. (12) that runs from or to said winches (10). The system further comprises at least one centering device (18) arranged between said tow pins (14) and shark jaws (16) and winches (10), preferably adjoining said tow pins (14) and shark jaws (16), where the centering device (18) comprises at least two guiding plates (20) that can be raised and lowered and which are arranged to guide and possibly to hold said wire, chain, etc. (12).

Abstract: A sliding door drive assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a transmission operatively connected to a motor for transmitting a rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates therewith. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the sliding door. Support guides extend tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces. Front and rear pulley assemblies are mounted to the motor vehicle and are operatively coupled to the first and second cables between the sliding door drive assembly and the sliding door for tensioning the first and second cables.

Abstract: A ratchet-driven mechanical winch that is adapted to measure the force applied to a cable, wire, or other tether through the operation of Hooke's Law. The device operates by compressing a pair of linear springs as increasing force is applied to the cable, wire, or other tether.

Abstract: A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abseiling device comprising a cable feeding point and a cable output point (26) for a safety cable (16) comprising a disk (10) for the cable and a brake device (12) for the disk (10). The brake device (12) is arranged on the same shaft (14) as the cable disk (10). At least one friction brake (20) is also arranged on the abseiling device in such a way that it directly interacts with the safety cable (16), braking the same by means of frictional engagement.