Abstract: A grapple mounted rope controller and rope anchor rigging device includes a cylindrical barrel friction surface mounted to a jaw of a grapple to control a rope used in an arborist's rigging procedure. A rope attached to a load is wrapped around the rope controller to control the raising and lowering of loads. The device also includes a cylindrical barrel friction surface mounted to a fork of a grapple that has a cleat permanently affixed to hold fast a load-bearing rope for a time. The rigging tool utilizes the mobility and mass of a skid steer to provide a flexible location for rigging and a fixed mass with which to support rigging of heavy objects such as tree limbs, trunks and other weights.

Abstract: A fixation device for providing at least one fixation location at a wind turbine, the wind turbine including a wind turbine tower, a nacelle and a hub for a number of rotor blades. The fixation device includes at least one fixation arm configured for being arranged at the nacelle and/or the wind turbine tower, the at least one fixation arm being extendable. The at least one fixation arm in an inactive state, when arranged at the nacelle, is not extending essentially forward of the nacelle.

Abstract: A pump pulling apparatus that is adapted for attachment to a vertical LFG well for the purpose of moving a pump such as a dewatering pump up and down the well. The apparatus is an upright vertical column on which a reversible winch is mounted. The column may be secured to the wellhead and a cable attaches to the down-well pump and the winch is operable to lower the pump into the well and to raise the pump out of the well.

Abstract: A heli-hoist pad that is incorporated into a wind turbine nacelle in a manner that is optimized for helicopter approach and positioning of the heli-hoist pad, such as by being located within a recess in an upper surface of the wind turbine nacelle. Heat exchangers may also be positioned within the free flow of wind outside of a nacelle in manners that provide for serviceability while also allowing for optimal positioning of a heli-hoist pad.

Abstract: A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine enabling a cost effective and easy attachment/replacement of rotor blades and to a method of attaching a rotor blade to a hub of a wind turbine. The wind turbine in accordance with the invention comprises a tower resting on a base, at least one rotor blade having a blade connector portion, a nacelle housing a shaft to which a hub is attached, the nacelle being mounted atop the tower. Said hub of the wind turbine comprises a plurality of hub connection flanges, each hub connection flange being adapted to be detachably connected to a blade connector portion of a rotor blade.

Abstract: A cable winch device, particularly a cable winch device for a crane, has at least one cable winch with at least one cable, with the cable wound and/or unwound at least partially on the cable winch. The cable winch can be shifted and/or moved at least partially substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cable winch. A crane, particularly a deep sea crane, has at least one such cable winch device.

Abstract: Diverting pulley arrangement of an elevator, which includes an axle, at least one diverting pulley that rotates while supported on the axle, a faceplate structure, in relation to which and supported by which the diverting pulley is arranged to rotate on the first side of the faceplate structure, which axle is locked so that it does not rotate in relation to the faceplate structure by the aid of a locking element, which locking element is on the second side of the faceplate structure and supported so that it does not move in relation to the faceplate structure. The locking element is placed against the locking surface included in the axle so that the contact point of the locking element and the locking surface of the axle is at least partly visible.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a floating off-shore unit or other type of floating vessel, comprising a rotatably mounted chain sprocket wheel (3) having a chain (3a) secured on its outer periphery, The wheel (3) being arranged to be rotated by reciprocating movement of at least two hydraulic cylinders (1, 2). Each of the cylinders (1, 2) is provided with a locking arm (6, 7) for releasably and mechanically engaging a portion of the wheel (3) in order to rotate the wheel (3) during movement of the respective cylinders (1, 2). Also described is a chain stopper comprising at least four blocks (8) that are hinged at their first ends and at their second ends have a surface that is adapted to engage a chain link The blocks (8) are mounted in opposite pairs.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a winch having a user-adjustable or variable initial mechanical advantage. In one embodiment, the winch of the present disclosure has an outer drum diameter adjustable between a minimum outer drum diameter, which is associated with a maximum initial mechanical advantage provided by the winch, and a maximum outer drum diameter, which is associated with a minimum initial mechanical advantage provided by the winch. This provides a user with the flexibility to adjust or vary the mechanical advantage of the winch to the user's preference.

Abstract: A solar array lifting assembly and method. The device and method use a support pole, a pole bracket for supporting a solar array made up of a frame and solar panels, a pole bracket securing mechanism for securing the pole bracket at a predetermined height, and a lifting assembly for lifting the pole bracket and solar array along the support pole.

Abstract: An electric hoist with a brake motor having an output shaft oriented in the horizontal direction; a shaft located immediately below the output shaft of the brake motor and pivoting parallel to the output shaft; a chain sprocket affixed on the shaft and having a load chain wound thereon; gears provided on the output shaft side of the brake motor, the gears meshing with each other between the output shaft and one end of the shaft and transmitting the output of the brake motor to the shaft; and an upper hook provided above the brake motor and horizontally suspending the shaft with no load suspended, the shaft connected to the brake motor through the gears. The chain sprocket is provided on the shaft such that the portion of the chain sprocket on which the load chain is wound is located on the vertical line which passes through the upper hook.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lift system comprising a drum that rotates about an axis, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum about the axis, an elongate member (e.g., a cable) having a wound portion wound around the drum and a vertical portion extending downward to the article being lifted, and a low profile adjuster for adjusting a vertical length of the elongate member. The low profile adjuster comprises a first guide adapted to support the article to be lifted and including a first pathway, and a second guide movable relative to the first guide. The elongate member transitions from the vertical portion, through the first pathway to a non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) portion, and to the second guide. Adjustment of a distance between the first guide and the second guide results in adjustment of a vertical position of the first guide relative to the elongate member.

Abstract: An exemplary vibration isolation assembly for use with elevators includes a first rigid member having an outer wall at least partially surrounding a central opening. A second rigid member is at least partially received within the central opening of the first rigid member. A resilient layer between the first and second members substantially isolates the first member from vibrations of the second member.

Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and traction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A control system for a capstan assembly for use with a winch during wire rope payout. The control system comprises a sensor that detects the rope when it is in a predetermined position indicative of tension placed on the rope by an operator. The control system further comprises an actuator for rotating the capstans such that the wire rope is paid out from the winch when the actuator is in a first position. The control system causes the capstans to rotate and the wire rope to pay out when the rope is in the predetermined position and the actuator is in the first position. The control system ceases rotation when the actuator is removed from the first position or the rope is no longer in the predetermined location.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a winch to an all-terrain vehicle. The mount allows the winch to pivot to face the cable anchor during use, thereby preventing improper spooling of the cable. Alternatively, the mount allows the winch to face a predetermined direction during use.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.

Abstract: A garage car cover apparatus attachable to a ceiling of a garage including a flexible fabric car cover configured to drapingly cover a vehicle. A power unit attaches to the ceiling and to a lifting shaft having a plurality of spaced sheaves. Attaching points on the cover each connect to one end of a flexible line. A plurality of ceiling pulleys are each connectable to the ceiling directly above one of the attaching points when the cover is draped over the vehicle, each flexible line connected at one end to one sheave, a mid-portion of each line supported on one pulley. The cover is raised or lowered vertically from, and drapingly onto the vehicle by operation of the power unit. An alternate embodiment utilizes an existing power unit of an overhead garage door opener to facilitate automatic deployment and retraction.

Abstract: A gambrel device includes a gambrel frame of a generally tri-angular shaped plate construction of steel or similar strength material that includes a top apex, oppositely disposed base apexes and a substantially flat back surface. A winch is mounted to a front surface of the gambrel frame and includes an electric motor and a winch drum operatively connected to the electric motor for driving the winch drum. A rigging cable extends from the winch drum and is threaded through an eyelet disposed at the top apex of the gambrel frame. The rigging cable may be secured to an existing structure and the winch is operated to hoist and suspend the gambrel frame from the structure. Further, the gambrel device may be utilized as a skid to relocate an animal by dragging the animal across a ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rope drives working with high-strength fiber ropes such as crane hoists, boom adjustment gear, trolley traveling gear. etc. The invention in this respect in particular applies to hoist drums for the rope hoist winch of such a fiber rope drive having a drum jacket body which is provided with grooving at the peripheral side and having two guard plates adjacent to the drum jacket body at the end sides. The invention further relates to a rope pulley for such a fiber rope drive having a rotatably supported pulley body whose jacket surface has at least one rope groove. In accordance with the invention, the rope grooves have a flat-pressed, round groove contour which differs from the circular and which has a larger radius of curvature in the region of the groove base than in the region of the groove flanks adjacent thereto.

Abstract: There is described a device for removing a drawer-type hopper of a railroad car, the device comprising: a first support base positioned on a platform and a second support base supported on the railroad car; and a tackle fastened on the first support base; the tackle comprising a first hook associated to the drawer-type hopper, the first hook and the drawer-type hopper being moved linearly by the tackle in the opposite direction of the railroad car.

Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors (limit switches and encoder) if desired. The winding and unwinding of the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the cable guiding means. The improved winch can be used in theaters and can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this improved winch counterweights are unnecessary. The improved winch is compact and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for driving, emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors if desired. A new feature of this improved winch includes alternate means for supporting the winch unit from the tubular support enclosure through rollers, mounted to the inside of the tubular support enclosure and engaging the support means part of the movable winch unit. Another new feature is an option to use more than one driving means for increased capacity. The improved winch can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron.

Abstract: A coupling assembly separably couples a vertical support formed of an anchor pole, a vertical post and a mast to a helicopter. A top rail is pivotally coupled to an upper extent of the vertical support. A coupling plate is coupled to the vertical support. A winch is attached to the coupling plate. The top rail has ends with interior and exterior sheaves rotatably coupled to the ends of the top rail. A cable has a distal end positionable over an engine of the helicopter and adapted to be attached thereto. The cable has a proximal end attached to the winch for withdrawing and extending the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for guiding a flexible member (6) comprising a drum (4) mounted for rotation about a drum axis (5) and a pulley (2) mounted for rotation about a pulley axis (3), the drum and pulley axes being inclined. The apparatus defines a path for the flexible member including first and second drum wrap portions (7,9) on axially spaced first and second fixed drum diametric planes, a pulley wrap portion (8) on a fixed pulley diametric plane, and first and second connecting portions (7a, 7b). The arrangement is such that the connecting portions (7a, 7b) lie on the respective first and second drum diametric planes and both lie on the pulley diametric plane. As the drum (4) and pulley (2) rotate with the flexible member (6) in use, the arrangement is such that the first and second drum wrap portions (7,9) remain on the fixed drum diametric planes and the pulley portion of wrap (8) remains on the fixed diametrical plane of the pulley.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering equipment and including a fixed support arm for attachment to an elevated support structure, a movable carriage for carrying the equipment, a cable extending between the fixed support arm and the movable carriage, and a winch for spooling and unspooling the cable to raise and lower the movable carriage relative to the fixed support arm. A locking mechanism secures the carriage in its raised position, and alignment guides position the carriage to make electrical connections as the carriage is engaged onto the support arm.

Abstract: An unlimited stroke drive method for pumping fluid from an oil well in which the well has a tubing string extending from the earth's surface down to a fluid producing formation. The method includes the steps of positioning a pump barrel within the tubing, an upper end of the pump barrel having communication through a standing valve with the interior of the tubing string, vertically reciprocating a length of flexible cable within the tubing string to vertically reciprocate a plunger within the pump barrel to allow a lower portion to quickly fill with fluid from the producing formation and then to a downward position in which fluid within the pump barrel lower portion is transferred through a traveling valve to an area within the pump barrel above the plunger to move formation fluid from within the pump barrel to the interior of the tubing and thence to the earth's surface.

Abstract: A single support device (30) is adapted to support and secure a machine (34) at least one sheave (38) and a plurality of termination members (44, 46). The single support device (30) is conveniently installed within a hoistway (26) or within a machine room (90). The machine (34) and sheave (38) may be premounted to the support device (30) and the entire assembly can be lowered into position by crane (300).

Abstract: A collapsible component lift for removal and replacement of, for example, a helicopter engine or transmission in a remote location. The lift includes a mast, boom, adjustable support arm and winch. The mast is supported substantially vertical and stands next to the failed helicopter. The boom extends outwardly, over the helicopter during removal and replacement of the component (e.g. engine, transmission) and swivels away from the helicopter to access the component. A strap and winch provide lifting force. An adjustment arm connects between the mast and the boom, forming a triangle with the mast and boom. The collapsible component lift disassembles into component sections that are short enough to be transported in a maintenance helicopter that is flown to the site of the failed helicopter. Preferably, a carrying case is provided for the transportation of the individual components.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus including a hoist and control method are provided. The hoist includes a cable to which an object is connected, a motor, a drum to wind or unwind the cable in linkage with rotation of the motor, a pulley connected to the drum via the cable to guide the cable to the drum, and an angle detection assembly to detect an angle of the cable between the pulley and the object. A control unit detects whether the object shakes based on the angle of the cable and controls shaking restriction if shaking of the object is detected. User force and angle of the cable are detected and movement of the object is controlled, the object is easily moved by the user, auxiliary force is applied to the object, and vibration of the object is minimized.

Abstract: A compact, easily maneuverable lift that may be readily positioned and operated by one person, that is quickly and accurately adjustable to the desired height, and that is particularly applicable to servicing heavy parts such as aircraft batteries. The lift is easy to manufacture and may include a load platform configured to fit into tight spaces. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A power winch for handling running rigging of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a drum for winding and storing the line as it is brought in and for controllably releasing line as it is let out. A novel level wind mechanism is provided for uniformly winding, storing, and releasing lines under operating conditions. During release of line, the line is positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum by the level wind mechanism. The arrangement enables lines to be released from and retrieved by a winch, as when tacking or resetting sails, as well as when hoisting, lowering, furling or unfurling of sails, with no line handling by crew members, with resulting improvement in the safety and convenience. A novel form of primary clutch is also provided to enable the winch to convert easily from power to manual operation, in case of malfunction of the power system.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a winch and an autonomous mobile apparatus including the winch. The winch can include: a driving motor; a drum driving axle configured to be rotated the driving motor; a wire drum configured to be rotated by the drum driving axle; a roller driving axle arranged to be parallel to the drum driving axle and configured to be rotated in different direction from that of the drum driving axle by the driving motor; a roller connected with the roller driving axle and configured to support a wire wound on or unwound from the wire drum; and a one way clutch installed in the roller driving axle in such a way that a driving force transferred to the roller by the roller driving axle is cut off when the wire drum rotates in a direction of winding the wire.

Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.

Abstract: A lift assembly comprising a plurality of elongate members (e.g., cables) positioned for movement in a longitudinal direction, a drive mechanism (e.g., a drum) coupled to move the elongate members in the longitudinal direction, and a loft block including a sheave located to redirect at least one of the elongate members to a non-parallel path that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein a remainder of the elongate members travel along a parallel path that is above the sheave. The loft block can include an idler bar having an upper surface that is higher than an upper surface of the sheave. For example, the idler bar can be positioned directly above the sheave.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for one person to safely and easily deploy a tree stand or stand to a pole or a tree.

Abstract: A device for opening a cylindrically bilateral filter canister, such as that houses the M98 chemical, biological, radiological filter for storage and transport. The filter canister is sealed with an epoxy-covered pull-cord that ends in an eye-loop. The device is disposed on a platform for the opening operation. The device includes a frame, first and second rollers, and a winch. The frame includes first and second support members. The first support member engages the platform and supports the second support member. The first and second rollers are disposed parallel to the platform to support the canister along its periphery. The winch includes a drum and a motor and is disposed on the frame. The drum engages the eye-loop. The motor turns said drum to receive the pull-cord from the canister.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable winch assembly (10; 210) comprising a footplate (12; 212), a support frame (14; 214) which is locatable upon the footplate, a magazine (16; 216) which is locatable upon the support frame, and a drive mechanism (22; 222) which is connectable to the magazine to drive the magazine to rotate. The foot plate, support frame, magazine and drive mechanism comprise separable components which may be transported separately to a site of use and assembled into the winch at the site of use. The invention can provide a portable winch assembly capable of generating a tensile force of up to 10 tonnes, and is therefore suitable for pipe pulling and pipe bursting applications for example, and yet is made up of parts which can readily be carried to the site of use, which site of use may be inaccessible for vehicles.

Abstract: An elevator may include an elevator car, counterweight, set of hoisting ropes, and one or more rope pulleys. The elevator car and counterweight may be suspended on the set of hoisting ropes. The one or more rope pulleys may be provided with one or more rope grooves. Each rope groove may have a groove bottom and groove sides. At least one rope pulley may have a coating adhesively bonded to it. At the groove bottom, a thickness of the coating may be at most about 3 mm. At the groove bottom, the thickness of the coating may be substantially less than half a thickness of the at least one hoisting rope running in the one or more rope grooves. At the groove sides, the thickness of the coating may be at most about 3 mm. The coating may be thicker at the groove bottom than at the groove sides.

Abstract: A manipulator for a load has a stand, an accommodation connected to the stand (2, 8) for the load, wherein the accommodation allows movement of the load with respect to the stand with respect to at least a first axis, a drive having a rope pull or a chain or belt drive which supports the movement of the load along the first axis, and an elasticity means acting along the first axis. The elasticity means has a frame translationally displaceable along the first axis with respect to the stand and elastically retained which supports a guiding element of the drive.

Abstract: This invention will assist or allow an operator to easily lift a concrete frame panel into position without much risk of personal injury and with greater efficiency of time. A lifting bar is secured to a vertical frame member through openings in the vertical frame members and a crane or forklift is used to lift the panel prior to setting it to form the wall.

Abstract: A method for controlling a crane includes controlling a rope part connected to a hook of the crane with a friction-operated driving wheel, extra rope being coiled into a plurality of layers onto a storage reel. In the method, two machineries are used, of which the first is intended for the driving wheel and the other for the storage reel, one machinery being controlled with a speed instruction and the other machinery with a torque instruction.

Abstract: A method and a device for exchanging roller batteries on supports of cableway installations, include driving a service vehicle towards the support, lifting a cable which runs on the roller battery from the roller battery, then dismounting the roller battery and installing a new roller battery and finally relaying the cable on the roller battery.

Abstract: A winch system includes a cable storage system (34), a drive system (30) and a deployment system to deploy a cable having a hook system attached thereto. A right angle sheave (46) guides the cable between the cable storage system and the drive system. The drive system includes a dual mode transmission that provides high speed capabilities when moderate to no load is being lifted, while also providing high torque for heavy lift operations at low speeds. The deployment system is rated to support a maximum hook load and is mounted to the airframe for pivotable movement about a deployment axis to enable large cable exit angles.

Abstract: A method of replacing wind turbine equipment, which can reduce the cost for replacing large equipment disposed in a nacelle, is provided. The method is characterized by including a winch-hoisting step for winching up to a nacelle a reciprocating winch that is used for replacing the wind turbine equipment disposed in the nacelle mounted atop a tower and a balance supporting the wind turbine equipment with an ordinarily-installed winch provided on a girder that moves in the nacelle; a wire-hoisting step for hoisting a wire that is used for the replacement of the wind turbine equipment to the nacelle from a drum disposed on the ground; a winch-replacing step for detaching the ordinarily-installed winch from the girder and attaching the winch for replacement to the girder; and a wire-arranging step for arranging the hoisted wire on the reciprocating winch and a movable pulley provided between the balance and the girder.

Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.

Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include a substantially rectangular tube, a motor operably connected to first and second traction drives and a rotatable drum and structurally connected to one end of the tube, a head block fixed to the opposite end of the tube, and a plurality of loft blocks positionable at an infinite number of locations within the tube. An elongate member attached on one end to the drum can be routed through a generally horizontal path from the drum to the first and second traction drives, the head block, and the loft blocks, and then through a generally vertical path from the loft block to an attached article. The elongate member can be wound about the drum to raise the article, and unwound from the drum to lower the article. The system can further include a load-side braking mechanism. The tube can include a compressible material adapted to absorb at least a portion of a horizontal load placed on the lift system.

Abstract: An apparatus which enables the user to transition the location of a load contained within vessels or cavities which are accessed by means of a manhole, manway, or other similar openings which provides for limiting peripheral interference, the establishment of a high center point in both horizontal and vertical applications, and limiting the weight and bulk of such an apparatus.