Abstract: A drawworks having a main drum spool, a main drum shaft which passes through and is rotatably and concentrically supported by the main drum spool, an auxiliary drum spool, respective drum shafts passing through and rotatably and concentrically supported by the drum spools in a manner in which wireline pull from the spools is isolated therefrom, a clutch mechanism rotatably connected to the shafts and brake mechanisms respectively connected to the main drum spool and the auxiliary drum spool outside the working area of the drawworks.

Abstract: The invention concerns a so-called capstan winch (1) comprising drums (2, 3) driving a cable (C) and provided with a peripheral wall (22, 32) around which are strung independent peripheral rings (40–45, 50–55). Said rings are provided with a peripheral groove designed to receive the cable (C) and are made of an elastic material so as to allow both the cable (C) to be driven and a relative sliding movement between the peripheral rings (40–45, 50–55) and the peripheral wall (22, 32), the relative sliding movement being of amplitude substantially equal to longitudinal deformation of the cable (C), when it is subjected to tension stresses. The two drums (2, 3) can be axially offset relative to each other (p/2) and their axes of rotation (?1, ?2), may form a non-null angle of inclination. The invention is particular applicable to deep sea oil exploration.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering a load comprises, in a known manner, a lifting drum and a drive, by which the lifting drum can be set in rotation in both directions. Serving as the pulling mechanisms are bands which are secured by one end to the lifting drum and at the other end carry a holding device for the load. At least two bands can be wound up on the lifting drum, by rotation of the latter, with accurate tracking and so as to lie one above the other, in such a way that all the turns of the bands lie one above the other. This lifting apparatus combines a high carrying capacity, high precision in the guidance of the bands and a high level of operating safety.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for efficiently and conveniently stowing items such as bicycles at ceiling level. The overhead storage system includes a motor connected to a spool unit, a frame supporting the motor and attachable to a ceiling, an extended member extending from the frame, a pulley attached to a distal portion of the extended member, a first cable and a second cable attached to the spool unit with the second cable extending through the pulley, and a support member attached to the distal portions of the first cable and the second cable. The support member is comprised of an elongated structure capable of supporting one or more items such as but not limited to bicycles. A control unit controls the operation of the motor and is in communication with a controller operated by a user for raising and lowering the support member.

Abstract: A system or apparatus and method for retrieving cable from water during marine operations is provided that reduces damage to the cable from pulling forces during the retrieval. A pulling device distributes the forces and stresses all along the cable components. In one embodiment, the pulling drive comprises a pulling drum powered by a clutching system or by a hydraulic torque conversion system set to slip or stall at a selectable force value. The apparatus may use a see-saw action to maintain the forces below damaging levels. The system may be adapted for deploying cable in marine operations as well.

Abstract: A lifting device for raising and lowering a load comprises in a known manner a lifting drum that can be driven in both directions of rotation, as well as at least one belt serving as traction mechanism that is secured to one end of the lifting drum and carries at the other end a holding device for the load. The belt can be wound on the lifting drum by rotation of the latter, in such a way that the windings come to lie on top of one another. In order to reduce repeated mechanical stress reversals at the step that is formed by the end of the belt secured to the circumferential wall of the lifting drum, at least one spacing element is arranged on the circumferential wall of the lifting drum, against which element rests the first winding of the belt.

Abstract: A mobile lifting device comprises a supporting carriage which is capable of travelling along a specific path and from which there is suspended, via a hoisting apparatus having at least two traction members a lifting platform which can be moved with a vertical component of direction in relation to the supporting carriage. In order to prevent uncontrolled lateral movements of the lifting platform, a stabilizing apparatus is provided which is formed by at least one essentially rigid pivoting member. The latter is swivellably connected, in one end region, to the supporting carriage and, in an opposed end region, to the lifting platform. In this way, a movement of the platform that possesses a vertical component of direction is always linked with a defined horizontal movement. If desired, this defined horizontal movement can be compensated for, wholly or partially, by a corresponding, oppositely directed translational movement of the supporting carriage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hoisting device with a drive unit (1) including a motor and a transmission, a drive shaft (2) which can be driven by the drive unit (1), with drive flange (3) which can be secured to it, as well as a cable drum (4) which can be connected to the drive flange (3), wherein the torque of the drive shaft (2) can be transmitted by a coupling to the cable drum (4), wherein the coupling consists of at least one coupling element (9) arranged essentially by form fitting between the drive flange (3) and the cable drum (4), being constructed from individual coupling segments (9a), which have drive cams (10) pointing radially inward and outward on both sides, which engage with corresponding recesses (11) of the two adjoining structural parts (3, 4) that can be coupled together for the torque transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for hoisting and transporting big game such as deer, and more particularly a device for mounting on an all-terrain vehicle such as a quad, is disclosed. The device includes two or more spaced-apart lift lines for encircling the trunk of a big-game carcass so as to hoist and transport the carcass with the trunk extending substantially horizontally. The lift lines are attached to a common reel rotatably mounted to the vehicle. The device includes a hand crank for rotating the reel so as to spool in the lift lines and a hand-manipulable set screw for locking the reel and lift lines during transportation of the carcass.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and aligning a blade to a support, such as a grader moldboard or a scraper bowl. In one aspect the invention is an apparatus with a frame, flexible hoisting means for holding the blade, a drum to which each flexible hoisting means is attached, a stabilizing means for stabilizing the apparatus, and a drive means for rotating the drums. In another aspect, the invention is a method for lifting a blade to a support, which involves inserting flexible hoisting means through different apertures of a support and the corresponding apertures in the blade, and providing means to controllably reduce the length of the flexible hoisting means while holding the blade. The apparatus and method can be used by one person to lift, line up, and securely bolt a blade to a support.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus with a horizontal stabilizing means for a load holder is provided. This apparatus comprises a base secured to a ceiling, a load holder, to which a load is detachably attached, a pair of cables extending between the base and the load holder, and a drive means mounted on the base, which is operative to take in or let out the cables from the base. The horizontal stabilizing means includes a shaft horizontally supported in the load holder to be freely rotatable, around which the cables are wound in opposite winding directions to each other. The horizontal stabilizing means is operative to correct an inclination of the load holder in a horizontal position by unwinding a required length of one of the cables from the shaft and at the same time winding the same length of the other one around the shaft.

Abstract: An improved driving device (10) for the traction of cables or chains, in particular a device (1) for driving electric anchor winches (15), electric winches or windlasses (24), which are able to drive boat or ship anchors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hoisting device with a drive unit (1) including a motor and a transmission, a drive shaft (2) which can be driven by the drive unit (1), with drive flange (3) which can be secured to it, as well as a cable drum (4) which can be connected to the drive flange (3), wherein the torque of the drive shaft (2) can be transmitted by a coupling to the cable drum (4), wherein the coupling consists of at least one coupling element (9) arranged essentially by form fitting between the drive flange (3) and the cable drum (4), being constructed from individual coupling segments (9a), which have drive cams (10) pointing radially inward and outward on both sides, which engage with corresponding recesses (11) of the two adjoining structural parts (3, 4) that can be coupled together for the torque transmission.

Abstract: A garment hoisting system is suspended from overhead in order to avoid using the existing floor area of a merchandise preparation area. Motorized rigging apparatus, associated attachment hardware, and arrangements of rods or pipe, are mounted to overhead building structure and used to lift and lower merchandise safely into and out of the available space above the floor. Control is provided by wired or wireless devices with appropriate buttons for moving the pipes up and down.

Abstract: A braking device includes a brake wheel, a pair of rotation shafts, a pair of brake arms which is rotatably supported through the rotation shafts, a pair of brake pads arranged at one end of the brake arms and contacting and separating from the brake wheel, and a brake part connected to another end of the brake arms for providing and releasing a braking force of the brake pads. When the centers of the rotation shafts are fulcrums, the centers of contact of the brake pads with the brake wheel are points of action, and the connections between the brake arms and the brake part are power points, the fulcrums, the points of action, and the power points are located in a semicircular area of the brake wheel.

Abstract: A hoist machine is provided for an elevator system that includes an elevator car and a rope, connected to the elevator car and by which the elevator car is hoisted. The output shaft of the machine motor carries a traction sheave for frictionally engaging and moving the rope, and at least two bearings support and guide the output shaft. When viewed axially, the profile of the traction sheave can be circumscribed by a profile of the bearings. The traction sheave and the output shaft can be of integral, unitary construction. The machine can also include a unitary bearing frame, having a pair of openings aligned with one another for respectively receiving and supporting one of the bearings. During assembly, the traction sheave can be inserted through one of the openings of the bearing frame.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for overhead traveling cranes. The lifting arrangement includes two single reeved drums that are reeved together to provide true vertical lift of a load. The lifting arrangement allows for equalization of full up and full down rope fleet angles through utilization of axially staggered dual drums and/or a bottom block with two separate sheave nests. The lifting arrangement may utilize commercially available components to reduce the overall cost of the crane when compared with other powerhouse crane designs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoisting mechanism comprising a rotatable reel and hoisting cables to be wound onto the reel, the hoisting cables running substantially parallel to one another, and a guide plate having feed-through apertures for the hoisting cables, with at most one hoisting cable running through each feed-through aperture. For each hoisting cable a guide member is provided between the rotatable reel and the guide plate, which guide member is embodied as a spiral spring whose coils abut to one another and whose inside diameter is dimensioned such that the hoisting cable fed through the spiral spring is able to move in the feed direction.

Abstract: Rope-holding characteristics of a winch drum (2) are determined by a staggered array of pyramidal protuberances (12, 14, 17, 19) on its surface. The staggering is such that there is no true circular path round the drum within the array, and a rope wound on it in the hoop direction is deflected sinusoidally.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A tension member for an elevator system has an aspect ratio of greater than one, where aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves may be used with this type of tension member. In a particular embodiment, the tension member includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer separates the individual ropes and defines an engagement surface for engaging a traction sheave.

Abstract: A double mooring bollard fo the contra rotating, mechanically driven type is provided for ship and offshore installations. The mooring bollard includes first and second fixed mooring bollards, at least one of which includes a motor and a centrally located driving axle thereinside. An outer cylinder is rotably provided on the outside of each fixed bollard with an upper end therof arranged for coupling to the driving axle.

Abstract: A digitally-controlled variable-gain amplifier is disclosed, which comprises a polarization means to transform the input signal into differential signals of positive and negative polarity; first and second gain blocks, each composed of dual-multiplying digital-to-analog converters, which multiply the polarized signals to produce positive and negative amplified signals; and a differential amplification means which receives the amplified signals, and subtracts them from each other. The resulting output signal is proportional to the input signal and yields a 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over a single multiplying digital-to-analog converter stage. A plurality of amplification chains, each comprising a first and second gain block, may be used to amplify the differential signals for summing by the differential amplification means to provide a greater signal-to-noise ratio improvement.

Abstract: In order to improve upon a take-up device for a line comprising a frame on which a take-up drum for the line is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis, and a rotary coupling between a line terminal fixed to the frame and a line terminal fixed to the take-up drum, in such manner that as reliable as possible a rotary coupling is provided, it is proposed that the rotary coupling comprises a first auxiliary drum which co-rotates with the take-up drum and a second auxiliary drum which is fixed relative to the frame, that the rotary coupling comprises a rotating element which is rotatable about the rotation axis at a lower speed than the first auxiliary drum, and that the rotary coupling comprises a connection line which can be wound onto or unwound from the first auxiliary drum, passes from the first auxiliary drum to the rotating element in a first strand and passes from the rotating element to the second auxiliary drum in a second strand, and can be unwound from or wound onto said second auxiliary drum.

Abstract: An agricultural or floricultural elevation system is provided for lifting and supporting agricultural or floricultural products or containers at a desired elevation above the ground. The system includes a spool shaft and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is operable from a location below the spool shaft, and is adapted to selectively rotate the spool shaft axially in a first direction and a second direction. The elevation system further includes a plurality of first lines having a first end and a second end. The first ends are secured to the spool shaft so that when the spool shaft is rotated in the first and second directions, the first lines are wound and unwound, respectively, around the spool shaft. The system also includes a hanger rod that is secured to the second ends of the first lines to suspend from the spool shaft. In operation, a user secures agricultural or floricultural products or containers to the hanger rod.

Abstract: A rope arrangement having carrying ropes guided downward in pairs at four corner points of an imaginary four-cornered shape at a carrying device. One of the carrying ropes extends from one of the corner points of one transverse side of the imaginary four-cornered shape and another of the carrying ropes extends from the other corner point of the same transverse side. The carrying ropes are at a spread angle relative to one another and in a plane extending parallel to the transverse side. Spaced fastening locations of the pairs of carrying ropes provided at an attachment device lie in at least one vertical plane which intersects the transverse sides transversely in the center. In order to achieve a damping of load oscillations in any direction, two carrying ropes are respectively fastened to the corner points and accordingly to the fastening locations of the carrying device and the planes associated with the pairs of carrying ropes are inclined relative to one another at an angle (.beta.

Abstract: A drum winch is replaced with a traction winch module. The traction winch module is mounted on and supported by the existing mooring winch frame of the drum winch. The traction winch module includes a traction frame, a front traction drum, and a rear traction drum. A portion of the drive system from the drum winch may be retained and used to drive the traction winch module. In one embodiment, the traction winch module is designed to mount between pillow blocks from the existing mooring winch frame. In addition, the power train and load-sensing systems from the existing drum winch may be used with the converted traction winch to drive the drive shaft and to provide the converted traction winch with tension information, respectively.

Abstract: A hoist system including a roller assembly which is allowed to pivot as a suspending member is rolled up around a drum compensates for lateral forces and allows a load on the suspending member to remain centered under the roller assembly. The drum has a shaft mounted through the center with a resilient coupling between the shaft and the drum which allows transfer of rotational torque while allowing the drum to pivot. Such a coupling can be furnished by a pair of concentric rings around the shaft having pivot holes orthogonal to the shaft axis. The innermost ring is connected by a pair of pivot pins to the shaft. The outermost ring is connected to the innermost ring by another pair of pivot pins perpendicular to the pivot pins through the shaft. The outermost ring is attached to the inside of the drum.

Abstract: A device (1) for equalizing the weight of a suspended load, for example a tool to be operated by hand, includes a cable drum (2) and at least two parallel or substantially parallel suspension cables (3), which can be evenly wound up and unwound on a corresponding number of grooves (9) of matching diameter arranged parallel alongside one another on the cable drum (2). Each of the suspension cables (3) has for this purpose a resistance to tear corresponding to or exceeding the nominal load to be accommodated, so that considerably larger safety reserves are present, and even if one cable tears, the remaining cable can continue to carry the load. By distributing the load on two cables, the danger of a cable tear is, however, at the same time diminished.

Abstract: A winch has two portions of respectively different diameters. A ridge between them permits line to be flipped from the larger diameter portion to the other. Surface treatments of the two portions may be different, with that on the larger diameter portion being less aggressive than that on the smaller.

Abstract: A mooring unit and method of retrofitting a mooring unit are provided. Certain existing combination mooring units, of the type having two wire rope drums and two wildcats, are experiencing increased winch drive train component stress levels during operation when used in water deeper than they were designed for. Existing units are modified by providing left and right twin drum traction winch assemblies and additional winches. The existing wire rope drums are discarded, or reused with the additional winches. The additional winches are preferably mounted below the mooring unit. The twin drum traction winch assemblies, which deliver a constant winch pull force, are vertically mounted within the support flanges where the removed wire rope drums were previously mounted, without any modification to the support flanges.

Abstract: A rope guide for a winch, especially for hoisting gear, with a winding drum which has rope grooves running in opposite directions, including guide means which are provided for the alignment of at least a pair of rope lines and connected with one another via coupling means so as to run in opposite directions. The guide means include guide elements and are drivable by the rope lines, which can be wound on or wound off the winding drum. To facilitate a gentle winding on and winding off of the rope in a compact constructional form which is robust, resistant to impact and maintenance-free, each guide element comprises a rope guide channel which is formed in a channel support and which has, in a first plane disposed at a right angle to the axis of rotation of the winding drum and in a second plane disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding drum, an input contact portion, for a rope and an oppositely located output contact portion for the rope.

Abstract: A sailboat winch used for trimming lines of alternate sails, such as a jib and a spinnaker, has a drum with upper and lower drum portions of different diameters separated by a continuous radially projecting lip. The upper drum portion has a first diameter and is used for trimming the jib at maximum power. The lower drum portion has a diameter greater than the first diameter and is used for trimming the spinnaker lines. The radial extent of the lip is sufficient to prevent a line, when wrapped on the lower drum, from slipping upwardly and becoming disengaged from the lower drum.

Abstract: A rope guide for a winch including a rotatably supported winding drum defining an axis of rotation and having helical cable or rope grooves defined about the drum periphery and which spiral inward from the drum distal edges toward the drum center. Two guide elements are provided to align a corresponding pair of rope lines as the lines are wound onto and from the rotating winding drum. Coupling means affixed to the guide elements movably connect the guide elements for movement along the tracks of an elongated rail and parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding drum as the rope lines are wound onto and from the drum. The coupling means are constructed as longitudinal coupling supports that are concurrently movable in opposite directions longitudinally along the rail and are guided in the respective tracks and supported at at least two spaced apart points. The combination of each longitudinal coupling support and guide element is preferably guided and supported via the guide element in different tracks.

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: A composite storage winch for use in the deployment and retrieval of anchor systems employed with motive offshore drilling platforms.

Abstract: Three suspension points 20-22 are arranged in the shape of an equilateral triangle on a vertically movable table 16 and two cables 23-28 are attached to each. Three pairs of hoist members 10/11/12 are arranged on the main body 4, and each hoists a cable from two suspension points.While preventing oscillation and twist of the vertically movable table and making guide poles unnecessary, high speed vertical rising and lowering is possible.

Abstract: A hoist system having triangular suspension bands minimizes sway and twisting during the lifting of a payload. The system includes three depending retractable and extensible triangular tension members which provide three sets of opposed horizontal tensile forces aligned along three non-parallel lines. Each tension member comprises a flexible triangular band attached along one side to one of three rotatable spools arranged at 60.degree. to each other. The bands are attached near their vertices to a payload gripper assembly which is raised or lowered as the bands are wound or unwound from the spools. The three triangular bands provide six horizontal force components which provide good lateral stability and torsional rigidity, thereby minimizing sway and twisting of the payload. The bands also provide good payload lifting strength.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point has a plurality of reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least two spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A cable winding mechanism and method employ a cable reel having a hub portion having an axis of rotation and first, second and third sets of spokes extending radially outwardly from the hub portion, with the second spoke set located between the first and third spoke sets and defining therewith first and second winding gaps, respectively, for accommodating respective monospiral windings of a cable. A drive rotates the cable reel about the axis of rotation of the hub portion and a cable deflector guides cable into the first and second winding gaps during the winding of the cable on the reel. The second set of spokes is interrupted by a cross-over gap at which the cable can extend between the first and second winding gaps and the cable deflector is displaced, in timed relation to the rotation of the reel, so as to guide the cable alternately into the first and second winding gaps and through the cross-over gap.

Abstract: In a method and a device for paying out or hauling in a supply line cable of an underwater device from a ship or a suitable platform, the supply line cable is guided from a drum of a winch through a lower guide roller and over the edge of the ship. A pivoting device is rotated from a vertical position into a horizontal position about the axis of the lower guide roller, or about an axis parallel thereto, for lockingly coupling or uncoupling the cable coupling of the supply line cable to a cable coupling of another supply line cable. As a result of the rotation of the pivoting device, it serves as a horizontal working platform for the coupling or uncoupling process. The pivoting device is returned to its vertical position after the coupling or uncoupling has been completed. The pivoting device is dimensioned in such a manner that the cable couplings of the two supply line cables can be aligned with one another at a spatial distance governed by necessary cable connecting lines.

Abstract: An improved double capstan drive allows mechanical amplification for increased power output from stepper motors, servo motors, and other control devices. Tensile members are attached to loads, wrapped around two continuously driven capstan drums, and attach to the stepper motors. The stepper motors, when energized, supply tailing forces to the tensile members which then engage frictionally on the capstan drums. Amplification of forces is achieved. Each wrap provides for slightly less than 2 times amplification of the tailing force with no upper limit to the number of wraps. Elastic bands attach to each wrap of the tensile members approximately midway between the two drums to provide for immediate and responsive release when stepper motors deenergize or reverse direction. Grooves or rings on the periphery of the drums provide tracks for wrapping the tensile member.

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 fist 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: 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: A support for a top cover for a tanning bed using three redundant straps spaced such that any two of the three will support the cover in the event of a failure of one of the other straps. Controls are provided for electrically controlling the operation of the motor for the top cover. These controls have the ability to raise the top cover automatically after a certain time delay or only after a certain sequence of manual actuation to provide improved control of the operation of the power top cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for maneuvering scenery, particularly for stages of theaters and the like. The device includes at least two main rails mounted above the stage, running parallel with respect to each other and symmetrically with respect to the axis of the stage. On each of the rails is a radio transmitter-controlled motorized carriage. A batten having scenic background cloth supported therefrom is suspended from each of its ends by belts extending from each of the carriages. A remote controlled powered winch is provided for each of the suspension belts so that the batten can be raised or lowered through remote control of the winch. The device is particularly applicable to pre-fabricated standardized theater scenery.

Abstract: A self-threading capstan drive includes two sheaves mounted in a frame, each having a spiral groove with approximately three turns. The sheaves are slightly misaligned so that an elongated sonar array is directed from one sheave to the next without lateral bending. A pair of containment troughs are aligned with the top and bottoms of the sheaves to direct the sonar array between the sheaves. At least one of the sheaves is motor-driven such that its direction of rotation is reversible, the sonar array being reeled onto and off of a storage reel. Each of the sheaves and the containment troughs includes a groove with an inner channel whose dimensions accommodate the sonar array and an outer channel of larger diameter accommodating an endless tubular belt which recirculates over both sheaves and makes contact throughout most of its length with the sonar array, positively driving and carrying the sonar array in either direction.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle is demonstrated herein which is powered by unwinding a cable from a continuous stepped drum. In the preferred form of the vehicle the cable is unwound and the drum rotates at a faster and faster speed thus causing the vehicle to rapidly accelerate. The preferred method demonstrates the steps of winding the cable on the drum and imparting external power to the cable to thereby cause the drum to rotate.