Abstract: An aquatic robotic assembly for testing and monitoring water quality parameters including a waterproof base with a remote-controlled motor assembly, a propulsion assembly, a power source, and a flotation assembly. The aquatic robotic assembly also includes at least one waterproof upper module that detachably connects to the base and includes a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor for use in testing and monitoring a water quality parameter, a micro-computer interconnected with the at least one sensor for reading input from the at least one sensor and converting the data to a format readable by a user, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the converted data to the user, and a power source. Alternative upper modules can be used with different sensor assemblies.

Abstract: A drive train for a rescue hoist includes a mounting portion for mounting the drive train within the rescue hoist. A load pin extends through the mounting portion and into a static structure of the rescue hoist to secure the drive train to the rescue hoist. The load pin is configured to sense the strain generated when the drive train imparts torque to the cable drum to rotate the cable drum. The sensed strain is communicated to a computer configured to calculate a torque generated by the drive train based on the sensed strain and further configured to calculate the load on the cable based on the sensed strain.

Abstract: An underwater exploration system enables signal transmission and reception to and from an underwater vehicle through wireless communication, that enables carriage of the underwater vehicle to a survey point and collection of the underwater vehicle, and, further, that enables a quick change of the survey point. The underwater exploration system includes: an underwater exploration unit including: a floating member including a first antenna and configured to support the first antenna above a water surface; and an underwater vehicle connected to the first antenna via a signal line; a communication device including a second antenna configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal to and from the first antenna; and an unmanned aerial vehicle configured to carry the underwater exploration unit and drop the underwater exploration unit to the water surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that includes an inner space, an inlet connected to the inner space, and a plurality of outlets connected to the inner space. The housing allows an inner cable of a Bowden cable to pass therethrough such that the inner cable passes through the inlet, the inner space, and any of the plurality of outlets. The apparatus also includes an inner hub rotatably mounted in the inner space of the housing. The inner hub is configured to receive and guide the inner cable passing through the housing such that the inner cable forms a curved path about the inner hub. The apparatus includes a socket configured to receive the Bowden cable. The socket can be coupled to the housing at a plurality of different positions to select any of the plurality outlets such that the inner cable of the Bowden cable passes through the selected outlet.

Abstract: A winch wherein a rope or cable is self-feeding onto a sheave by a spring that is biased so as to push a rope into contact with a grooved outer surface of the sheave. One end of the spring is pivotally supported on a frame that supports the sheave for rotation about its central axis, while the opposite end of the spring is freely flexible. A supporting block is provided for the free end of the spring to support and minimize or prevent damage to the spring. The block has an angled surface for urging the rope away from the sheave, thus, together with a stripper member, assisting removal of the rope from the sheave at a point at which the rope exits the sheave.

Abstract: A hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum while preventing relative movement between the cable and the drum. The hoist spooling assembly evenly delivers force from a roller to the cable while reducing the incidence of spooling problems, including mechanical wear of the cable and formation of loops and kinks in the cable.

Abstract: A cable processing apparatus includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and a cable. The first pulley is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The second pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis together with the first pulley. The cable includes a fixation region to be fixed to the first pulley and the second pulley. The first pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis, to thereby perform one of winding of the cable from the fixation region to one end portion and unwinding of the wound cable. The cable includes a predetermined-length portion from the fixation region to the other end portion, which is wound around the second pulley. The second pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis together with the first pulley, to thereby perform one of rewinding and tightening of the wound predetermined-length portion of the cable.

Abstract: A hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum while preventing relative movement between the cable and the drum. The hoist spooling assembly evenly delivers force from a roller to the cable while reducing the incidence of spooling problems, including mechanical wear of the cable and formation of loops and kinks in the cable.

Abstract: A hoist or capstan fitted with a driving pulley. The latter comprises a peripheral groove for taking a cable and two substantially parallel pulley halves, each pulley halve comprising a flank forming the lateral side of the peripheral groove and being axially pulled toward each other so as to prevent the slipping of a cable by elastic means formed of a continuous polymer ring.

Abstract: A friction grip hoist (1) includes: at least one body (2); a pulley (3) mounted on the body, the pulley including a pin (4) and a wheel (5) having an outer peripheral groove (6) for receiving a cable; drive elements (7) for driving rotation of the wheel; and holder elements (15) for holding the cable inside the groove (6) of the wheel. The pin, referred to as a “dynamometer” pin, about which the wheel of the pulley is mounted to rotate is fitted with measurement elements (11) for measuring at least one magnitude representative of at least radial forces or loads exerted on the pin, and the hoist includes a monitor unit fitted with processor elements and with elements for issuing an alert signal and/or for controlling the elements (7) for driving rotation of the wheel of the pulley as a function of the at least one measured magnitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable powered rope climbing device, which can carry persons and objects to ascend or descend along a climbing rope, and ensure controllable speed. The invention comprises a battery pack, an electromagnetic brake direct current motor, an output shaft of the said motor is connected with an input shaft of a reducer. An output shaft of the reducer and the input shaft of the reducer are arranged in a 90-degree manner. A driving rope pulley is fixed to the output shaft of the reducer. A climbing rope is wound inside the driving rope pulley. A warping brake rope-pressing pulley block and rope-pressing pulleys tightly press the climbing rope. The climbing rope is wound between the driving rope pulley and a reversing rope pulley and is led out of the driving rope pulley. A speed control module is connected with the said motor.

Abstract: A winch wherein a rope or cable is self-feeding onto a sheave by a spring that is biased so as to push a rope into contact with a grooved outer surface of the sheave. One end of the spring is pivotally supported on a frame that supports the sheave for rotation about its central axis, while the opposite end of the spring is freely flexible. A supporting block is provided for the free end of the spring to support and minimize or prevent damage to the spring. The block has an angled surface for urging the rope away from the sheave, thus, together with a stripper member, assisting removal of the rope from the sheave at a point at which the rope exits the sheave.

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: A restraint device is disclosed that limits the movement of the cable or rope relative to the traction, thus reducing or eliminating the popping noise associated with the cable or rope snapping back against the traction sheave. In one embodiment, the restraint device comprises a molded component that is fitted to encompass the region of the sheave where separation of the wire rope from the sheave is most likely to occur. The restraint device may be mounted so that it is removable and replaceable with minimal dismantling of the hoist containing the sheave. The restraint device may be reversible so that one restraint device may by used for at least two cycles before being replaced. Indication of the need for replacement may be provided by including a second color material at the depth where wear reaches the allowable limit, thereby providing a visual signal to initiate replacement as seen during service.

Abstract: A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.

Abstract: Hoists for hoisting loads by means of a cable are in existence for a long period. There are various types of hoists, which include winches and capstans. Generally, the principle of operation of a hoist is based on the cable being driven by adherence of the cable to the drum of the hoist. A hoist is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hoist comprises a drum, a plurality of guides, a guide support and a biasing device for displacing a portion of a cable away from the guide when the drum is rotationally displaced to thereby hoist a load.

Abstract: A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.

Abstract: A fast looping-up and releasing rope loop assembly includes two one-way locking devices, at least one band, and a buckle. The one-way locking device includes a body constituted by a base and a cover. The one-way locking device allows the pull rope to extend therethrough and to move with respect thereto along a single direction. By inserting the pull rope through a rope entry opening of the base of the one-way locking device and further extending the rope around a rotary disk and a rotary wheel arranged inside the locking device and extending out of the locking device, the one-way locking device that locks the movement of the rope in an opposite direction is completed. When the rope is jammed due to excessive tightening, a presser of the buckle is depressed to release the one-way locking device from the jamming condition so that efficient loop-up and release can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable lifting apparatus for lifting people or loads, including a traction sheave provided with a peripheral groove housing a suspension cable against which rollers apply a pressure in order for the traction sheave to perform the pulling function thereof. The apparatus is designed such that the radial load on the cable is a function of the load to be lifted and of the torque applied by a pinion mounted at the output of the reduction power unit and meshed with a gear wheel integrally connected to, and rotatably concentric with, the traction sheave. The described apparatus allows using a variable number of cables, either by means of the use of a modified sheave provided peripherally with as many grooves as there are cables and having an independent group of pressure rollers for each cable or through the formation of grooves between portions separated by notches made in radial planes between successive portions and having a single group of pressure rollers for all of the cables.

Abstract: A storage apparatus is disclosed. The storage apparatus comprises a mounting mechanism, a hoist system and a storage member. The hoist system, which is attached to the mounting mechanism, comprises at least one pulley. A hoist wire is disposed within each of the at least one pulleys. A hoist wire mount receives a first end of each of the hoist wires and also includes a power source. Finally, the storage member is affixed to a second end of each of the hoist wires.

Abstract: A normal belt capstan assembly for arrays towed by vessels includes a drive wheel mounted on the vessel and adapted to deploy and discharge an array. The drive wheel has a continuous groove throughout an outer edge thereof with opposed rims on either side of the groove. The assembly further includes a normal belt mounted on a plurality of rollers and disposed along a portion of the periphery of the drive wheel, the belt having a continuous central groove formed in a surface facing the drive wheel. The combined drive wheel groove and central groove are adapted to receive the array and termination module, and a retaining groove on either side of the central groove are adapted for receiving the drive wheel rims. The normal belt provides a normal force to the array and termination module.

Abstract: A boat lift assembly comprises a winch, a cable wrapped around the winch and adapted to be attached to the platform, wherein rotation of the winch in a first direction urges the cable to wrap further around the winch, and rotation of the winch in a second direction urges the cable to unwrap around the winch, and a cable retainer comprising a first bracket and a second bracket. A gap separates the cable from the cable retainer when the cable is taut around the winch, and when the cable is slack the cable is restricted from movement away from the winch by the cable retainer.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly comprising a housing having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and a ratchet mechanism disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The ratchet mechanism includes a tension release assembly biased in a first direction for lateral engagement with the ratchet mechanism, and lateral disengagement of the ratchet mechanism when pressure is applied to the tension release assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, is described herein. The assembly may include a force generating mechanism configured to provide a mechanical advantage when tensioning the device, and a guide roller for promoting line contact with a rotatable gripping wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction sheave hoist for a platform operated by at least two ropes 5, having a traction sheave 13 that can be driven by a motor, at least a first rope groove and a second rope groove 17 being formed around the traction sheave circumference, and a first hold-down system for the first rope groove and a second hold-down system 20 for the second rope groove 17 with which the ropes wrapping around the traction sheave 13 are pressed into the corresponding rope grooves 17 during operation. In order to be able to ensure the horizontal alignment of the platform at all times, an adjustment device 30 is assigned to at least one of the hold-down systems 20 with which the position or engagement depth of the rope 5 in the rope groove 17 achieved with the corresponding hold-down system 20 can be controllably varied.

Abstract: A brush chipper is disclosed having a pivoting and/or reciprocating winch for improving the efficiency of the winch.

Abstract: A manual marine barge winch includes a housing, a winch-line holding drum mounted for rotation on the housing, a winch-line coupled to the drum and adapted to be wound onto and off of the holding drum to tension and pay out the winch, a drum drive for rotating the drum to tension and to pay out the winch line, and at least one winch-line engaging roller adapted to engage the winch line at least during tensioning of the winch. Preferably at least one of the winch line engaging rollers is a powered or driven roller for driving the winch line.

Abstract: A powered rope ascender that supports a person or a load while ascending a vertical rope. The rope ascender has a motor driven capstan drum that engages the rope. A pinch roller grips the rope against the capstan drum. A load limiting assembly releases the grip by the pinch roller when the load supported by the ascender exceeds a predetermined amount. A centrifugal clutch reduces starting torque required by the motor and the outer drum of the centrifugal clutch interacts with a brake to hold position on the rope. For heavy loads a motion activated brake is used. Hand controls provide a freewheeling, a braking and an ascending mode of operation. A harmonic drive or planetary reduction gears provide speed reduction from the motor to the capstan drum. The powered rope ascender can be threaded on the rope without access to a rope end.

Abstract: An elevator having a car and a suspension member or respectively hoisting member for carrying an operating weight. Furthermore, a power transmission is intended for moving the suspension member and the hoisting member over at least one moving surface of the power transmission. The power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are rope-shaped and/or belt-shaped. Also, the power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are physically separated from each other. The power transmission and the suspension member or respectively hoisting member are stretched against at least one supporting body.

Abstract: The invention provides an elevator apparatus comprising a cage 1 disposed inside a path of upward or downward movement vertically movably, a counterweight 2 vertically movable with the upward or downward movement of the cage 1, and a lift drive mechanism for driving the cage 1 upward or downward. The drive mechanism comprises a sheave 42 disposed inside the path, ropes 3 extending along a route around the sheave 42, and a drive device 5 in engagement with the ropes 3. The drive device 5 comprises a belt transmission provided alongside the ropes 3 and revolvingly movable along the rope extension route, a mechanism for pressing a belt surface of the belt transmission into contact with the ropes 3, and a drive motor for driving the belt transmission. The cage can be driven upward or downward without using any traction sheave, while the cage can be reduced in weight.

Abstract: A cable winder guide is disclosed comprising a cylindrical drum having a cylindrical surface with a shaft rotatably mounting the cylindrical drum. A drive is provided for rotating the cylindrical drum about the shaft. A helical groove is defined in the cylindrical surface of the drum for retrieving and releasing the cable upon rotation of the cylindrical drum. A cable retainer is disclosed for resiliently engaging the cable when the cable is located within the helical groove for maintaining the cable within the helical groove.

Abstract: A traction arrangement for propelling an elevator cab within an elevator system includes a traction device. The traction device applies a load normal to a driving sheave that biases the elevator rope or belt against the sheave. The tension device preferably includes a plurality of rolling members that move about their axes responsive to relative movement between the driving sheave and the rope or belt. A traction belt rides upon the rolling members and the traction belt engages the rope or belt to bias it against the driving sheave with a preferably distributed force.

Abstract: A drive assembly (22) for a policy (26) comprises a first pulley (26) having a cable (20) passing around part of the pulley circumference. Three relatively small pulleys (30, 32, 34) are mounted on the assembly body (24) and a belt (36) extends around the pulleys. The belt (36) is driven and two of the small pulleys (30, 34) are located on a chord of the first pulley (26) such that tension in the belt (36) tends to bias the belt (36) to bear against the cable (20) as it passes around a portion of the circumference of the first pulley (26) located between the two small pulleys (30, 34). In a further embodiment, a convex support surface (70; 86) is formed by a belt (62) or rollers (92), rather than by the pulley (26). In another embodiment an assembly (150) may be used to drive a ground engaging wheel (164) of an aircraft or vehicle, rather than a pulley wheel (26).

Abstract: A winch includes a chain wheel mounted on a spindle. A clutch is provided to selectively engage or disengage the chain wheel with the spindle. A clutch nut having a central aperture is movable rotationally and longitudinally on the spindle by way of mutually engaging threads on the spindle and central aperture. A stop is provided on the spindle to prevent longitudinal movement of the clutch nut away from the chain plates beyond a predetermined position. A carrier rotates on the spindle and rotational direction limiting structure is provided between the carrier and the spindle.

Abstract: The instant invention teaches a docking head having a sheave which is capable of translating position within its plane or rotation so as to alter the placement of its axis of rotation, thereby allowing the docking head to safely accommodate umbilical cable mounted fixed floatation devices. The system senses the floatation presence and automatically shifts the sheave to allow trouble free passage of the floatation up to and including the step of latching the payload.

Abstract: The instant invention teaches a docking head having a sheave which is capable of translating position within its plane or rotation so as to alter the placement of its axis of rotation, thereby allowing the docking head to safely accommodate umbilical cable mounted fixed floatation devices. The system senses the floatation presence and automatically shifts the sheave to allow trouble free passage of the floatation up to and including the step of latching the payload.

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 axial support of a winding drum, i.e. a support in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the winding drum, in a hoisting apparatus comprising a frame, a grooved winding drum supported substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis against the frame by bearings, a hoisting rope and machinery. The winding drum comprises at least one axial support element and the frame comprises at least another axial support element, and at least either the axial support element of the winding drum or the axial support element of the frame substantially extends round the circumference of the winding drum. The axial support element of the winding drum and the axial support element of the frame are arranged in respect of each other such that the movement of the winding drum in the direction of its longitudinal axis, which is caused by the axial component of the rope force of the hoisting rope, is hindered at least in one direction.

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 cable hoist controller used with mechanized multi-story scaffolding includes a load-bearing support plate and a prime mover secured to the support plate, the prime mover having a rotational power output shaft in direct mechanical communication with an angular velocity modification gear. The controller also includes a primary gear in driven gear relationship with the velocity modification gear, and journalled to the support plate; and a driving sheave having an axial width and further having a circumferential surface including a circumferential cable-receiving groove, the sheave journalled upon a common axis of rotation of both the primary gear and the sheave, the sheave secured in fixed rotational relationship with the primary gear. Also included is a cable situated within the cable-receiving groove of the sheave and a sequence of rollers, each having a circumferential cable-receiving groove.

Abstract: A sheave arrangement having a driving drum and a tension wheel. The driving drum includes a circumferential groove that has two side walls disposed at an angle, alpha. A line preferably is placed between the drum and tension wheel such that a substantially non-distorting three contact point driving force is achieved. Utilization of this sheave arrangement in a slack pulling carriage and a method of driving a line with the sheave arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A slack puller has symmetrical sheave assemblies on each side of a cable path. The sheave assemblies each include a driven sheave mounted on an arm. When the sheaves are engaged with the cable by an actuator, tension in the cable pulls the sheaves in a way which tends to increase the compressional forces exerted by the sheaves on the cable. The self actuating nature of the slack puller allows compressional forces on the cable to be kept small until the cable comes under tension. The sheaves are driven by positive displacement hydraulic motors connected in series with a hydraulic pump. This permits the sheaves to turn quickly when the cable is not under tension and slows the sheaves as tension in the cable increases. The slack puller operates more quickly and causes less cable damage than conventional slack pullers. The slack puller has particular application in skyline logging operations where its compact size is an additional advantage.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a counterweight-drive assembly (26) having a motor (32) and drive pulley (36) mounted internally to engage a drive belt (42) for climbing or descending with respect thereto, resulting in raising or lowering of an elevator car (12) coupled to said counterweight-drive assembly (26).

Abstract: Capstan arrangement for transporting a cable to a treatment plant, which capstan arrangement comprises a stationary stand, a capstan wheel rotatably mounted on the stand with a peripheral track for the cable and a motor driven driving device in engagement with the capstan wheel for rotating the capstan wheel in relation to the stand. To achieve a play-free rotation of the capstan wheel, the capstan wheel is provided with a co-axial ring-shaped driving flange, whereby the driving device comprises pairs of drive wheels pressing against opposite sides of the driving flange, at least one drive wheel of each pair of drive wheels being motor-driven.

Abstract: A gypsy-type winch has a sheave for driving a rope, chain or rope-chain pulling element. The pulling element is urged into contact with the sheave by a spring assembly acting on the element at positions spaced apart from each other and in different sides respectively of a first diameter extending between the inlet and outlet runs of the element, but both on one side of a second diameter perpendicular to the first.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a counterweight-drive assembly (24) having a motor and drive pulley (26) mounted thereon to engage a belt (16) for climbing or descending with respect thereto, resulting in raising or lowering of an elevator car (12) coupled to said counterweight-drive assembly (26) via the same belt (16).