Abstract: An electric motor assembly for railway drive. The motor assembly comprises: an electric drive motor; a ventilation and cooling device for ventilating and cooling the electric drive motor through cooling air; and a draining device to drain the ventilation and cooling air flow. The draining device is provided with a silencer device for the cooling air flow. The silencer device comprise at least one straight channel to reduce the turbulent flow into a substantially laminar flow of the out-flowing ventilation and cooling air. Furthermore, the draining device comprises a scroll, which consists of two separate arched channels in order to avoid the formation of stationary vortices. The two arched channels communicate with one another, from the fluidic point of view, only in a common outlet area for the ventilation and cooling air.

Abstract: Systems and a method for braking an object are provided. An example method, includes determining the expected speed of the object, monitoring the expected speed of the object, and determining if the actual speed of the object is within a preset tolerance of the expected speed. If the speed is not within the preset tolerance of the expected speed, a magnetorheological brake is activated to slow the object.

Abstract: A system is provided for extricating a patient from a position from which extrication is desired. The system includes a first hoist unit, a second hoist unit, a patient lifting pad and a portable lift stand.

Abstract: This invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system, in which a variety of different body types can be mounted and demounted from a vehicle chassis or trailer to enable a single vehicle chassis or trailer to be utilized for a variety of different purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system for motor vehicles and trailers which provides for a convenient and cost effective use of a variety of vehicle body types. Advantageously, the present invention provides a demountable vehicle body system that is capable of safely mounting or demounting a wide variety of vehicle body types, including fully-loaded heavy bodies, in a smooth and efficient manner. The vehicle body system described herein can be mounted or demounted in a matter of minutes by a single operator.

Abstract: An automated wrist restraint system providing a safe and simple device to immobilize a suspect. A conformal flexible band is employed in a loop configuration, to allow, in the open position, the entry of the largest sized hand encountered in the field. In the closed position the band conforms to the geometry of the wrist to minimize contact forces and prevent wrist injury. Additionally, a microprocessor, controlled servomechanism opens, closes and slackens the band to further prevent wrist injury. A simply activated, holster worn, radio transmitter allows the operator to remotely activate the system, while maintaining a safe distance from the suspect. Among the many possibilities contemplated, the system may be fitted to a law enforcement vehicle, or a robot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double drum traction winch supporting a fist and second rotatable drum. The circumferential surface of each drum is provided with circumferential grooves perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum. The grooves of each drum are subdivided in a first set of grooves for guiding a first wire and a second set of grooves for guiding a second wire. The grooves of the first set alternate with grooves of the second set such that the circumferential surface of each drum is provided with multiple grooves of the first group, each interpositioned between two grooves of the second group. Therefore the traction winch is capable of cooperating with a first wire in the first set of grooves or with a second wire in the second set of grooves, wherein both wires differ in type of material and/or cross section and/or maximum tensile strength.

Abstract: A shipboard winch having guide vanes includes a first drum and a second drum that are mounted on a frame so that the drums contra-rotate when the winch is activated. A plurality of guide vanes is positioned between the first drum and the second drum. Each guide vane is formed with a base and a distal lip that extends outwardly from the guide vane when the guide vane is oriented horizontally. The guide vanes are further formed with a decreasing taper from a maximum width at the base to a minimum width at the distal lip. For deployment/recovery, the cable is threaded around the first drum, through the guide vanes and around the second drum in a figure eight configuration. A feedback circuit is used to control the rotational torque of the drums to maintain a constant tension on a cable as it is deployed or retrieved.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed; a first hoist drum mounted in a first frame connected to the rotating bed; a second hoist drum mounted in a second frame connected to the rotating bed; and a third hoist drum mounted in a third frame indirectly connected to the rotating bed by being connected to at least one of the first and second hoist drum frames. Preferably load hoist drum frames are connected to the rotating bed by removable pins, the hoist drum and frame thus being detachable from the rotating bed as a combined unit.

Abstract: A jack for lifting the nose gear on a lightweight aircraft including a wheeled tray adapted to hold weights, a handle for manually moving the jack, and a winch mounted on the jack. The winch including a line adapted to attach to a tie down point on a tail section of the aircraft. Also, a method of using the jack to service the nose gear of alight aircraft including the steps of, loading a weight on a tray, wheeling the tray under a tail section of the aircraft, attaching a line to a tie down point on the airplane opposite the nose gear, and winching the line to apply a downward force on a tail section of the aircraft to lift the nose gear of the airplane off the ground.

Abstract: A power operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. A pair of the new winches can be controllably operated using a portable or fixed control device, with one winch controlled to retrieve one line while another winch controllably releases line in a coordinated procedure. Among other things, such coordinated operations can be useful in carrying out tacking and gybing maneuvers without crew involvement in line handling operations. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises at least two multi-stage masts and a cable mechanism. Each multi-stage mast comprises a first length and a second length that is longer than the first length. Each multi-stage mast further comprises a plurality of stages, such that at least one stage of a mast is vertically movable with respect to at least one other stage. The cable mechanism comprises a spool and at least one cable that is coupled to the spool and arranged with respect to the multi-stage masts so that when each cable is wound onto the spool, each mast simultaneously and in unison changes length in a direction from the first length to the second length, and when each cable is unwound off the spool, each mast changes length simultaneously and in unison in a direction from the second length to the first length.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for tensioning lines of a winch having a reel and three lines wound about the reel. The apparatus is used to position an object on a support. The first and second lines are wound about the reel in a first direction and the third line is wound about the reel in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first line extends around the first guide, the second line extends around the second guide, and the third line extends between the first and second guides. All three lines are connected to each other and to the object at their distal ends. An inner frame and an outer frame each contact the first and second lines. At least one of the inner frame and outer frame moves with respect to the other of the inner and outer frame to maintain tension in the first and second lines.

Abstract: A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism. A special, manually operated line release clutch allows controlled release of line independently of the power or manual drive mechanisms of the winch, providing for quick release under emergency conditions as well as for a convenient, manually controlled release for sail control purposes. During line release by power or manual rotation of the winding drum, the line is tensioned by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second winch, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting sails, without any physical line handling by crew members, with resulting improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for tensioning lines of a winch having a reel and three lines wound about the reel. The apparatus is used to position an object on a support. The first and second lines are wound about the reel in a first direction and the third line is wound about the reel in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first line extends around the first guide, the second line extends around the second guide, and the third line extends between the first and second guides. All three lines are connected to each other and to the object at their distal ends. An inner frame and an outer frame each contact the first and second lines. The inner frame and the outer frame are movable with respect to each other to maintain tension in the first and second lines.

Abstract: A line stringing apparatus includes in combination an electric motor, motor controller and a processor switchable between a pulling mode and a tensioning mode. An electric motor expends electrical energy when pulling the line and generates electrical energy when tensioning the line. The processor outputting commands to the motor controller for control thereof and for application of electrical energy from the batteries to the electric motor when in the pulling mode and for application of electrical energy generated by the electric motor to the plurality of batteries when in tensioning mode. The processor limits electric motor torque and speed based on operator commands for speed and torque in said pulling mode; and, the processor controlling electric motor torque in the tensioning mode.

Abstract: A multi-function winch for handling multiple lines of the running rigging of a sailing yacht. The winch incorporates multiple winch drums capable of releasing, retrieving and storing working lines of the yacht. The multiple winch drums are mounted in an axially stacked relation on a single drive shaft. Individual ones of the drums can be engaged to be driven by the main shaft of the winch, while the others remain stationary or, where appropriate, free wheel and controllably release lines stored thereon. A rotatable selector lever, located at the top of the winch, is manipulated to engage a selected drum for driven operation. Level wind features can also be provided to assure neat and compact winding of retrieved lines.

Abstract: A portable winch apparatus having a rechargeable battery and electrical outlets for the charging and operation of external accessory devices. The winch is housed in a casing with various anchor attachments that allow for multiple dragging, towing, and lifting arrangements. Because the winch apparatus incorporates at least one accessory outlet which is powered by the attached rechargeable battery power supply, the present invention combines the portability advantages of hand held winches with the power output options available to vehicle mounted winches. The invention achieves further versatility through incorporation of a wireless remote control unit, and its versatile structural organization around an internal frame that permits it to be manufactured in differing configurations with different geometries.

Abstract: A ground support system for wire rope of a hoist that includes a support, and at least two tension capstans aligned on the support. Each of the tension capstans is rotatable, and each of the tension capstans has at least one annular groove engageable with the wire rope. An inspection device is mounted to the support to inspect the wire rope. A take-up member rotatably is mounted on the support and has an inner receiving area for receiving the wire rope. A drive member is coupled to one of the tension capstans and to the take-up member. The drive member rotates the one of the tension capstans and the take-up member and applies a load to the wire rope.

Abstract: An electromechanical prize dispensing system is provided for a game used, for example, in the arcade, amusement, carnival, trailer, or group game industries. The invention includes a means of suspending and controlling the movement of prizes on an extensible and retractable telescopic lifting platform.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lifting device includes a mounting column having a first major portion extending in a first direction, and a second major portion fixedly coupled to the first major portion and extending in a second direction. The lifting device also comprises a lifting arm rotatably mounted on the second major portion of the mounting column and having a first hole formed therein for receiving a pin, a bracket fixedly coupled to the second portion of the mounting column and having a second hole formed therein for receiving the pin so that the pin restrains the lifting arm from substantial rotation about the second major portion of the mounting column, and a retaining member secured to the second major portion of the mounting column so that the bracket and the retaining member restrain the lifting arm from substantial movement in the second direction.

Abstract: The device of manual transporting large objects or loads, which includes a wheeled, load supporting frame vertically adjustable, facilitates the manual load, unload, and transport of large objects or loads, such as pickup truck toppers or shells, sheet material, pipes, other building supplies, appliances, etc. Frame height adjustment to the level of on or off load is by means of telescoping legs, supported on lockable wheels or castors, or in combination with hand winches mounted on the legs. Rollers may be attached to the top of the frame for ease in sliding objects or loads on or off. In an alternate embodiment for elongated objects or loads, such as pipes, beams, rails, etc., a beam and additional supports are added to the frame. The device is positioned over the load. The load, such as a pipe, is attached to each end of the beam by chains and transported to an interim workstation or its final disposition.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus has a base to which is pivoted one end of a rockable arm, the opposite end of which is coupled to one end of a force transmitting line by means of which the arm may be rocked from and to a rest position. Movement of the arm away from the rest position is yieldably opposed by elastic resistance members which react between the rockable arm and the base. An upright arm is removably supported by the base and is equipped with one or more line guides about which the force transmitting line may be reeved. In one embodiment the line guide automatically compensates for variations in the force which must be applied on the rockable arm to overcome variations in the resistance of the resistance members.

Abstract: A unit dolly having a detachable rectangular box frame with left and right side members and front and back members, each member having top and bottom members interconnected by vertical support posts, including four winches and lifting means for hoisting heavy or cumbersome objects, and a method for using the unit dolly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving golf balls from a submerged surface includes a power drive device which is stationed along the shore of the submerged surface of a golf course water hazard and which carries a pair of spools on which flexible line is wound. The flexible line on one spool is connected directly to a golf ball retrieving mechanism, and the line from the other spool is connected around a pulley on a deadman stake on the opposite side of the submerged surface and is then connected to the golf ball retrieving device. Accordingly, the golf ball retriever is moved along the submerged surface toward and away from the opposite shores of the water hazard by alternatively driving one of the spools and permitting the other spool to unwind. The power drive device is moved incrementally along the shore surface after each sweep of the golf ball retriever so that golf balls may be retrieved from all of the submerged surface.

Abstract: The container loading and unloading system includes a first set of cables attached to the front of the container, a second set of cables attached to the rear of the container, a winch for alternately extending and retracting the cables by rotating a cross bar, a pair of substantially parallel rails for supporting the bottom of the container, a pivot bar located between and normal to both rails, and a yoke for supporting the pivot bar. To load the container--which may be a camper, a cargo box or a tool box--a cross bar is rotated in a first direction to extend the first set of cables and to retract the second set of cables, thereby pulling the container along the rail members onto a raised surface. The rails pivot along with the container on the pivot bar to assist in the loading operation.

Abstract: A control mechanism for the selective engagement and disengagement of a motor drive includes an elongated handle which is connected to the control arm of the motor drive wherein the position of the control arm determines whether the motor drive is engaged or disengaged. The handle is selectively movable to two positions corresponding to the engaging and disengaging positions of the control arm. The handle is resiliently urged to its positions. Locking structure is provided to selectively hold the handle in each of the positions.

Abstract: An autonomous, heliborne-mobile construction/emergency pod (AHP) system that is structurally and functionally designed and configured to efficiently and expeditiously deploy independently operable, self-contained equipment pods utilizing the operational capabilities provided by helicopters. The AHP system is configured for integration in combination with a helicopter external stores support station. The AHP system includes a dual cable winch and rack (DCWR) assembly and an equipment pod that is configured for provisioning remote and/or inaccessible locations with a full complement of mission specific power actuated equipment and a self-contained power source to facilitate extended mission operations without external support.

Abstract: A control mechanism for the selective engagement and disengagement of a motor drive includes an elongated handle which is connected to the control arm of the motor drive wherein the position of the control arm determines whether the motor drive is engaged or disengaged. The handle is selectively movable to two positions corresponding to the engaging and disengaging positions of the control arm. The handle is resiliently urged to its positions. Locking structure is provided to selectively hold the handle in each of the positions.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism is provided to unseat and lift manhole covers and gratings and to replace them after servicing, easily and safely. The mechanism includes a frame, winches, cables, and hooks to lift and lower the covers and gratings. The mechanism also includes spuds for fixing the frame in position to prevent it from rolling into the hole being worked on.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling an electric cable or wire between two locations such as along the length of a pipeline is described including an engine mounted in the box of a truck and having a pinch wheel operatively connected thereto. A torque balanced pulling rope is extended around the pinch wheel and passes through spaced-apart sheaves mounted on the pipeline. The free end of the rope is connected to the electric cable which is to be pulled along the length of the pipeline. The rope passes from the pinch wheel to an automatic rope tender mounted on a trailer positioned rearwardly of the truck. The automatic rope tender is operated at a slightly greater grade than the sheave wheel and deposits or drops the rope into a storage container. The automatic rope tender includes means for lifting the storage container from the ground to enable the container to be moved from one location to another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a displaceable winch device having an external frame, a winch and a control cabin mounted inside said frame, transmission means coupled with said winch for driving the cable drum from a driving engine, for example, a Diesel engine, said frame having the dimensions and characteristics of a standardized transport container, in which the winch, the control-cabin and the driving engine are accommodated.

Abstract: A forklift assembly for use with tractors having a conventional three point hitch includes a frame mounted to the tractor via the three point hitch. Raising and lowering the three point hitch raises and lowers the frame. A tine assembly slides along the lateral sides of the frame. A roller is rotationally mounted between the lateral sides near their upper ends. One end of a first cable is attached to the roller and the cable is wrapped around it in a first direction and the other end is attached to a stationary point on the tractor at a point below the roller. Second cables are each attached to the roller at one end and wrapped in a second direction around the roller and the opposite ends are attached to the tine assembly. Movement of the frame upwardly unwinds the first cable from the roller and winds the second cables onto the roller to raise the tine assembly along the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist for boats. The hoist comprises two booms which are connected at one of their ends by a cross member. The hoist is supported by three wheels which are associated with only one boom and with the cross member, and a counterweight is located in the angle formed by this boom and this cross member. The invention can be used for lowering small pleasure boats into the water.