Abstract: A system arrangement for the drive train of lifting mechanisms, such as crane lifting mechanisms, is disclosed. The system arrangement includes at least one drive motor (1, 1?), at least one cable drum (2, 2?) connected thereto, a reduction transmission (3) arranged between the drive motor (1, 1?) and the cable drum (2, 2?), an automatic overrun shutdown freewheel (6), and at least one safety brake (4, 4?). To optimize such a drive train, at least one active motor locking assembly (5, 5?) is utilized to hold the load when the drive motor (1, 1?) is decelerated electrically to a rotary speed of zero. The active motor locking assembly is utilized instead of at least one passive operating brake.

Abstract: A mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electric motor of a handling plant. The device includes a first rotating member moved by the motor of the handling plant. The device also includes a second rotating member connected to the first member through a first transmission apparatus. A third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through a second transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device further includes a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through a third transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device includes a sixth rotating member connected to a fifth rotating member through a fifth transmission apparatus. The sixth rotating member and the first rotating member are connected through a sixth transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A winch apparatus (10) comprises first and second drum assemblies (12, 14) each defining a discontinuous drum contact surface for engaging a common spoolable medium (50), wherein the first and second drum assemblies (12, 14) are configured to rotate about respective first and second axes of rotation (24, 26) which are inclined relative to each other. In one disclosed embodiment the drum assemblies (12, 14) are intermeshed in a general axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double drum traction winch (1) of which the rotatable drums (3,4) are both provided with adjustable grooves (7,8). Each drum comprises multiple, for example three or more, curved segments (11), each segment defining a section of a circumferential groove, such that multiple circumferential grooves on the outer surface of the drum are each composed of several curved segments. The curved segments are each movably supported by a core body (10) for movement in a substantial radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the drum. An actuator mechanism for the curved segments is provided, that comprises actuators (12) that cause essentially radial displacement of the curved segments, such that the circumference of the grooves can be adjusted.

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 winch formed of modular components can be reconfigured between different operational configurations. A number of different lengths and devices can be attached to the winch.

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: The invention relates to a four post parking platform for motor vehicles, comprising two longitudinally directed platform tracks (20, 21) for receiving the vehicle, a front and rear transverse member (5, 6) which both are guided on their ends at the posts (1-4) in a vertically displaceable manner, flexible traction cords (27, 28, 28?) which are provided for engaging at the transverse members (5, 6) for raising and lowering the platform tracks and can be wound and unwound on spool bodies (60), a torsionally rigid shaft (19) for connecting the two spool bodies (60) to each other, and with an electrical drive assembly (15) as rotary drive for the two spool bodies (60) and the shaft (19). According to the invention, the drive assembly (15) is mounted to a vertically liftable and lowerable transverse member (6). The shaft (20) is aligned parallel to the platform tracks (20, 21) and rotatably mounted to the two transverse members (5, 6).

Abstract: A control and regulation arrangement for protection of a conveyor or other hoisting or crane device that assures a safe reaction to overloading. A brake apparatus is provided that acts on the conveyor under control of an overload sensor. If the load approaches a predetermined threshold, a signal is emitted from the overload sensor and transmitted to a speed sensor that limits the conveyor speed. Simultaneously the control transmits a signal to the brake apparatus to actuate and stop the conveyor. Upon receipt of a subsequent signal that a load relief state is to be established, the control brakes the conveyor in accord with the speed signal such that the object in transport moves toward a safe position at a constant speed. A conveyor with multiple hoisting devices may include duplicate control and regulation arrangements for each hoisting device.

Abstract: A rigging system for raising and lowering a load includes at least one tether suspended between first and second spaced apart connection points. A hoist apparatus is selectively movable along the at least one tether and is coupled to the load so that movement of the hoist apparatus causes the raising and lowering of the load. The hoist apparatus can include drive pulleys and guide pulleys. A connection apparatus for connecting a tether to a fixed surface includes a base plate, a spring mechanism, at least at least one end plate, and a bushing member coupling the second end of the spring mechanism to the end plate. Tension on the tether causes the spring mechanism to compress and reduce distance between the end and base plates.

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 drawworks for a rig is disclosed. This drawworks may be used by any appropriate type of rig, such as a drilling rig or a service/workover rig. The drawworks includes at least one drum (e.g., a main drum, a sand drum), and each such drum may incorporate a number of desirable features. For instance, the drum may include a lubricant flowpath with at least one annular section that reduces the potential for clogging. This drum may also include a drive hub that is detachably interconnected with one or more drive sprockets so as to facilitate repair/replacement. Finally, this drum may include one or more structures for reducing the potential that certain lubricant will reach the clutch, where this lubricant is propelled from one or more rotating drive sprockets and/or the associated chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winch device with a first winch having a first winch drum and a second winch having a second winch drum. There is also a synchronizing device through which a rotation of the first winch drum can be synchronized with the rotation of the second winch drum. Further, a differential shaft with a first synchronous wheel and a second synchronous wheel is provided, said first synchronous wheel being connected via a first rotary connection device to a first drive and the second synchronous wheel is connected via a second rotary connection device to the second drive.

Abstract: A winch installation comprises a rotatably supported main winch device, such as a drum, for winding and unwinding an elongated flexible object such as a wire or cable. At least one auxiliary winch device is rotatably supported so as to be rotatable around the main winch device, said at least one auxiliary winch device being provided with at least one aperture for allowing the flexible object to pass from the circumference of the main winch device and outwardly with respect to the circumference of the auxiliary winch device, and control means for controlling the rotations of said winch device.

Abstract: A twin lifting machinery for two 40 feet container shore crane is disclosed, comprising motors, high speed shaft brakes, two reductors, a plurality of multiple-project rope reels, and a plurality of reel brakes; wherein at least two motors and two reductors are provided; the input shafts of said two reductors connect to one of the output shafts of the motors respectively, and the output shafts of each reductor connect to the reels, the reel brakes are provided on each reel respectively. The synchronous operation or individual operation of two sets of lifting machineries under electrical control can be carried out, achieving the lifting and lowering operation of two hanger tools of sea side and land side The twin lifting machinery thus can carry out both the synchronous operation of two hanger tools and the individual operation of a single hanger tool, increasing the loading and unloading efficiency of the container crane by more than 60%.

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: A lifting platform for vehicles having at least one column, at least one support arm shiftable on the column by vertical guides and having supports. The lifting platform also includes a prime mover having switching and control elements and a transmission disposed between the prime mover and the associated support arm, the transmission having at least one flexible traction cable coupled to a rotating member positioned at the upper end of the respective column and to the associated support arm.

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 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: An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.

Abstract: The device has an input shaft intended to be connected to motor members and rotating at an input speed and an output shaft intended to be connected to the winch and rotating at an output speed, the ratio between the output speed and the input speed being equal to a transmission ratio.

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: An electric pump 13 is mounted on a support 24 and can be raised and lowered using chains 25 driven by a motor.Supply cable 14 for the pump is stored on drum 15. Fluid is discharged by the pump through hose 17 stored on drum 18.A spray ring 20 attached to the pump is supplied with water through hose 21 stored on drum 22. The drums are rotated by hydraulic motors 32 and chains eg 36, 37. As the pump is raised at a uniform speed the drums are rotated to take up the slack hose and cable. The height of the pump is sensed from movement of the pump motor and the pressure supplied to the hydraulic motors is changed in discrete steps to maintain the wind up speed on to the drums despite the change in weight of unwound hose or cable.

Abstract: A hoisting system is disclosed which includes a hoisting drum around which two hoisting ropes are wound in respective hoist rope grooves. The hoisting ropes are secured to the hoisting drum at one end, and extend down to a suspended device, such as an elevator, or a crane hook. The hoisting drum also includes a cable groove, which is located between the two hoist rope grooves. An electrical cable is secured at one end to the hoist drum, is wound around the hoist drum in the cable groove, and extends down to the suspended device. A slip-ring assembly establishes an electrical connection to the cable, so as to permit power to be supplied to the suspended device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pulling cables has a subassembly including a cooperatively driven line pulling take-up spool and level winding device. The subassembly is utilized in combination with a capstan with the take-up spool, level winding device and capstan driven jointly by the same drive. The drive is coupled to a drive shaft upon which the take-up spool is mounted. The take-up spool drive shaft in turn is coupled separately to both a level winding device drive shaft and a capstan drive shaft to provide the cooperative drive. The assembly is mounted on a tiltable table which permits pulling from various angles.

Abstract: The device comprises two winches (12, 12') fastened to the outer surface of a hollow body (2) having a vertical channel (3) in which the load (4) is displaced. Each of the winches (12, 12') comprises two drums (13a, 13b) driven by a common motor (14). The drums (13a, 13b) of a first winch (12) are each arranged opposite a drum of the second winch (12') in relation to the axis of the channel (3). The device comprises two cables (15a, 15b) which are common to two drums located opposite one another around the body (2). The cables (15a, 15b) are wound with their end part on the drums located opposite one another and on their run between the drums pass over deflecting pulleys (16a, 16b), the axis of which is stationary, and over load-supporting pulleys (34a, 34b), the axis of which is movable and accompanies the load. The device ensures that the load is held and displaced in the event of a failure of one of the motor assemblies (14) and in the event of a break of one of the cables.

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: The transfer of elongate objects across a gap is enabled by doubling a jackstay between a supply station and a receiving station, so as to provide a pair of parallel guides for the load during transfer. The load is supported from each of the parallel jackstay portions, such that its length is normal to the lengths of the jackstay parallel portions, and moved by outhaul/inhaul cables.

Abstract: A continuous winch with two, drums at least one of which is driven and is provided with a multiple groove configuration with one discharge groove for the non-loaded cable. The non-loaded, running-off, or discharging cable in the discharge groove is capable of being stressed or tensioned transverse to the discharge direction. The discharge groove is limited by a tensioning disc which is spring-loaded in the tensioning direction. The tensioning disc is capable of being lifted from the cable counter to spring-loading by a hydraulically engaged stroke piston. The cable exit groove, which is located opposite the discharge groove in the axial direction of the drums, is limited by a clamping disc, which is capable of being tensioned by a hydraulic pressure piston against the cable. The stroke piston of the tensioning disc, and the pressure piston of the clamping disc, are coupled by a hydraulic control and are capable of being engaged by pressure in opposite directions with respect to the cable.

Abstract: An improved cable paying out and taking up device particularly for use in underground or overhead cable pulling environments which includes a novel winch assembly disposed on a vehicle, a swivel fairlead disposed on a trailing portion of the vehicle bed adapted for facile removal and redeployment, the swivel fairlead provided with instrumentalities for operatively orienting a pulley sheave associated with the fairlead in 360.degree. of direction and allowing disassociation of the pulley sheave from its associated support drum so that cable including an enlarged end unable to fit within clearances about the pulley sheave can be threaded through the swivel fairlead without disassociation of the cable from the enlarged end.

Abstract: A drum hoist or winch in which at least one circular cam lobe mounted eccentrically on an axle overlapping the axle is interconnected with a like circular cam lobe mounted on a second axle by inboard linkage whereby rotation of one axle will rotate the other axle in unison. A hoist drum mounted concentrically with at least one of the axles can thus be rotated in unison with the other axle to wind or unwind one or more cables thereon.A preferred embodiment has three circular cam lobes mounted eccentrically on each axle 120.degree. angularly out of phase with each other with an inboard link plate interconnecting a cam lobe on each axle in rotatable relation.A brake mechanism mounted on an axle has components normally frictionally engaged which rotate as a unit. Sliding frictional motion to slow down and positively brake the hoist to a stop is provided only when rotary speed of the axle exceeds a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A winch for use with a van door opening system having separate opening and closing cables includes a two-section drum mounted on a common, motor-driven shaft. A helical spring is interposed between each drum section and the shaft, for compensating for differential extension of the opening and closing cables and for maintaining tension in the opening and closing cables. A driver is affixed to the shaft, and cooperates with a stop on the interior surface of each drum section, for providing a positive driving force for opening the door, and for closing the door. In operation, rotation of the shaft stores energy in the appropriate spring before the driver contacts a stop to provide a positive driving force, so that cable tension will be maintained when the motor-driven shaft is de-energized.