Abstract: In order to increase the operational safety and to reduce the rope wear, hoisting/lowering apparatus comprise one or a combination of novel features: an adaptor (3) is provided in order to allow the attachment of accessories (50), preferably by insertion. Possible accessories are e.g. holders having a loop for the attachment of hooks, and single or multiple blocks for the formation of lifting blocks. Substantially, the adaptor is formed of a number of slot-shaped recesses which are transversely traversed by rod-shaped retaining elements (11, 9). One of said retaining elements (9) is displaceably mounted in order to allow the attachment resp. detachment of an accessory (50). Another measure is to provide a rope stop (102) on the traction side. The rope (103) runs through the rope stop (102) and drives a knurled wheel (110). At a given rope speed, the wheel is coupled to a pivotable brake appendix (118) by means of a centrifugal coupling (113, 115).

Abstract: A hardtop storage apparatus for storing a removable automobile hardtop has an overhead hoist including a depending lifting member attached to a sling including sling members which extend around and under opposite extremities of the hardtop and across the underside of the hardtop and are releasably joined at the underside of the hardtop in such a way that the sling members support the hardtop with a cradling action and without any direct attachment of the sling members to the hardtop when the hoist is operated to lift the sling and hardtop to an elevated storage position. Certain of the sling members are spaced by a stabilizing member to maintain the cradled hardtop in a balanced position. One disclosed embodiment of the hardtop storage apparatus has a fabric cover which encloses the stored hardtop and mounts a sleeve containing the stabilizing bar of the hardtop sling.

Abstract: In a safety device for the manoeuvering and auxiliary winching of self-propelled vehicles used on steep slopes, of the type comprising a manoeuvering arm (20) along which travels a winching cable (28) an end of which is fixed to the top of the slope to be travelled up, a winding drum (32) is provided around which is coiled up said cable, said winding drum (32) being disposed on the manoeuvering arm (20) particularly on a portion thereof (20a) essentially perpendicular to the plane in which said vehicle (10) lies.

Abstract: A manual hoist for use by auto mechanics to remove and install a wheel on a vehicle, comprising a vertical frame, a cantilever arm pivotally secured to the frame, a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively arranged to slidingly engage the cantilever arm, and, a fastener secured to the second end of the strap and operatively arranged to fasten to the wheel.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for lifting and suspending bulk material including a support adapted to attach to a scaffold. The material handling apparatus further includes a load connector extending downwardly from the support adapted for engaging a bag of bulk material and a locking element connected to the support. The locking element is adapted to engage and disengage the load connector for reciprocally restricting and allowing movement of the load connector.

Abstract: A rail bridge rescue frame comprises three elongated legs having upper and lower ends. The upper ends are secured to a head assembly so as to universally pivot with respect thereto. Two of the legs are forward legs of shorter and similar length and the third is a rear leg of longer length. Means are secured to the lower end of each of the forward legs to bear against a side portion of a rail. Means are attached to the lower end of the rear leg to secure to a portion of a rail. The frame is constructed so that when the rear leg is secured to one rail of a railway and the lower ends of the forward legs are bearing against outer portions of an adjacent rail thereof, the head assembly will be positioned clear of the railway to one side to provide support for a line to lift a person or the like below the railway up to the level of the railway.

Abstract: A compact, light weight, back packable winch and power source, including a cable quick release device to facilitate single handed use of the winch. The power train and cable retrieval mechanisms are mounted on one side of a back pack frame or platform, and straps and padding enabling the mechanism to be carried like a back pack are mounted on the other side of the frame together with folding legs that assist in supporting the assembly during operation. A substantial quantity of small diameter cable is wound onto the winch spool by a level wind mechanism. The spool and level wind mechanism are powered, through chain and sprocket assemblies, by a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is powered by a compact gasoline engine that operates a hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, controlled by a flow control valve.

Abstract: A railroad coupling knuckle hoist and method is provided which facilitates the movement, lifting and placement of a knuckle in an operative position in the coupling head of a drawbar in a safe and efficient manner by using a portable, lightweight knuckle hoist which is temporarily attached to the upper surface of a drawbar and which serves to mechanically move, lift, and maintain a knuckle in position to be received in the coupling head.

Abstract: The instant invention uses a ladder which attaches to a wheel-base type stabilizer which aids in rolling the object onto and off a roof or other elevated area. The ladder attaches to the wheel base stabilizer with two "U" shaped channels which receive two of the ladder rungs and the rungs are locked in place with two slip pins on the underside. At the top of the ladder is a leg which also has two "U" shaped channels which slip over the rungs of the ladder and are locked in place with two slip pins. A boom, with a mating square tube welded to it, receives the leg which is attached to the top of the ladder. A leg and wheel assembly are assembled into a second mating square tube welded to the other end of the boom and held in place with a slip pin.

Abstract: A device for lifting panels and other construction materials wherein a single individual may cause such panels or the like to be elevated vertically in connection with a structure to a location considerably a higher location than that which the person performing the operation is located, and without the use of ladders or the like, wherein a frame is provided which can be mounted vertically and erected vertically and a panel or the like slides upwardly by a winch operation until in position for securing to the structure. And a provision for legs to be established to attach to said frame by which a work table may be provided to work on such panels or the like prior to their installation.

Abstract: A derrick for raising and lowering a cargo container which comprises a tri-pod structure having a pulley within its apex for engaging and lifting and lowering the load. The tri-pod structure has a roller for engaging the load at the top or apex of the derrick with a hook for engaging the cargo container at its base. The hook includes a pair of shoes one for engaging the outside surface of the cargo container and a second one for engaging the inside surface of the cargo container at the area of hook contact with the cargo container.

Abstract: An automobile hardtop storage apparatus that includes a flexible cover adapted to be draped over the outer surfaces of a hardtop while in position on the automobile. Attachment devices are carried on edge areas of the cover for attachment of the cover to the hardtop. An overhead lifting device is connectable to the cover for lifting the cover and hardtop to an elevated storage position. Cradle elements at opposite ends of the lifting device support the hardtop when in its storage position.

Abstract: A clamp on combination chain and rope hauler wheel formed from two semi-circles half wheels having an outer periphery adaptable for gripping the links of a chain and a rope which are removably clamp together and gripping clamp around a drum. The gripping connection to the drum is adjustable to grip a range of different drum diameters of a drum winch.

Abstract: An apparatus for the motorized control of theatrical sets connected to manual lift units each comprising upper and lower pulleys upon which a line runs to raise and lower a counterweight operatively connected to a set on the stage by a plurality of lift lines is comprised of a series of upper and lower sheaves for support of an independent control line connected to the counterweight. The sheaves are positioned as to not interfere with the manually-operated lines. A drive drum and motor drive unit is associated with each upper and lower sheave, and runs the control line. The drive drums and motor drive units are arranged in a spaced array such that the drive units may be connected and discounted to the drive drums as necessary and required by a particular set configuration, thus eliminating the need for all drums of the array to be coupled to drive units at all times.

Abstract: A trailer connecting guide for use with a boat trailer or the like. The trailer connecting guide is attached to one side of the tongue of the trailer and is operable to guide the trailer sufficiently close to the tow vehicle to complete the connection. The trailer connecting guide assembly includes a pulley, a mounting bolt, and a winch cable guide. The cable guide is mounted between the pulley and trailer tongue and includes at least one elongated slot adjacent to the pulley track which restricts the lateral movement of the winch cable with respect to the pulley track to prevent the winch cable from pumping out of the pulley track. In operation, a length of cable is first let off the winch and the end of the winch cable is attached to the towing vehicle adjacent the vehicle hitch. A portion of the cable is then slipped around the pulley and guide assembly and any excess slack in the cable is taken up by operation of the winch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pole member organization, wherein a plurality of vertical posts are fixedly secured together joined at their upper terminal end to an "L" shaped junction. The "L" shaped junction includes a first horizontal post telescopingly receiving a second and third horizontal post. The first and second horizontal posts include guide slots that are longitudinally aligned, with the guide slots receiving an alignment eye and leg within each slot to guide each post in a telescoping relationship. A winding reel is mounted within the "L" shaped junction, with the "L" shaped junction including an aperture aligned with each eye to effect a winding and reeling of the associated crab trap to the post structure.

Abstract: A strong yet portable deer pole including a platform, removable support legs telescopingly received in sockets on the platform for supporting the platform above the ground and a plurality of hangers which extend from the platform to support multiple game animals such as deer. A winch is rigidly interconnected with the platform and a cable from the winch extending over one of the hangers raises the animals to the support platform where the animals may be tied to the hangers. Optional tensioning cables between feet on the distal ends of legs keep the distal ends tensioned together for use on uneven terrain.

Abstract: A well pump includes a string of risers composed of a plurality of releasably coupled risers, a hollow upright, and a drive mechanism releasably mounted on the upright. The corresponding erecting rig consists of a mast adapted to be supported by the upright, a deflecting device arranged at the upper end of the mast, and a pulling element passing around the deflecting device and formed at its one end for suspension of a riser and at its other end for suspension of a lifting device. The erecting rig is much lighter in weight and simpler and, therefore, may be transported and assembled more easily than lifting tackle used so far of the same lifting height and capacity.

Abstract: A telescopic device with two telescopic members (1, 2) comprises a control means with a flexible transmission element (4) for bringing the telescopic members in relative movement. The transmission element (10) is in engagement with a driving wheel (5), which is fixed relative to one (1) of the telescopic members in that the driving wheel is journalled at a base part (3) attached to said one telescopic member and from which the transmission element extends in a loop, which is arranged about a diverting wheel (8) arranged within a space limited by the telescopic members. The diverting wheel (8) is likewise fastened relative to the first telescopic member (1).

Abstract: A compactor particularly for junk vehicles, has a flatbed supporting a pair of opposed, hinged compaction doors. Each door has a linkage hydraulically operated to open and close the door for compaction of the vehicle against the flatbed. A winch disposed on the front of the compactor has its tow line extending beneath the doors and connects to the front or rear end of the vehicle to progressively advance the vehicle over the flatbed for compaction by the doors. A sequence control circuit is also provided which automatically opens and closes the compactor doors and automatically operates the winch to sequentially advance segments of the vehicle into the compactor. Additionally, the compactor can easily be made portable facilitating its transportation from one location to another.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering and raising a suspended article comprises a base, at least one holding means connected to the base adapted to locate and hold the base onto a desired structure, a suspension rod rotatably connected to the base, and winding means connected to the base or the suspension rod. The suspension rod extends upwardly from the base and includes a hanging device at an upper end thereof. The winding means windingly receives a cord extending downwardly through the hanging device of the suspension rod for lowering and raising the article attached to an end of the cord.

Abstract: A compactor particularly for junk vehicles, has a flatbed supporting a pair of opposed, hinged compaction doors. Each door has a linkage hydraulically operated to open and close the door for compaction of the vehicle against the flatbed. A winch disposed on the front of the compactor has its tow line extending beneath the doors and connects to the end of the vehicle opposite the flatbed to progressively advance the vehicle over the flatbed for compaction by the doors. A sequence control circuit is also provided which automatically opens and closes the compactor doors and automatically operates the winch to sequentially advance segments of the vehicle into the compactor. Additionally, the compactor can easily be made portable facilitating its transportation from one location to another.

Abstract: A portable lifting device designed for the removal of an injured person from a boom supported aerial bucket having a peripheral flange, the device comprising a davit having a footing adjacent one end thereof, the footing being engageable with the bucket flange for supporting the davit in an operative position, a pulley mounted at the other end of the davit, and a winch unit mounted on the davit, the winch unit having a cable extending over the pulley, the cable providing at its free end means for securing engagement with an injured person to be removed from the bucket.

Abstract: A winch arrangement intended for the rapid shifting of aircraft or other wheeled vehicles which incorporate their own braking system and which may be under the control of an occupant during winching, is so constructed as to provide compensation for wide fluctuations in load on the winch due to a possible lack of coordination between operation of the winch drive and the control of the vehicle. The winched arrangement comprises a drive motor, a winch drum assembly coupled to the drive motor by means of a transmission incorporating a reduction gear said transmission being of relatively high inertia, so that it can run on to drive the winch drum and take up slack in the winch rope in the event of stoppage of the drive motor. The transmission preferably includes an eddy current overload coupling.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, self-contained pipe joining device and system for installing succeeding, very heavy, concrete pipe sections into the end of a preceding pipe section positioned in a trench. The pipe joining device includes a power operated winch which is mounted on an adjustable height stand which may be mounted on a sled. The adjustable height stand allows the positioning of the winch inside the initial pipe section at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical centerline of the pipe section. The winch cable is anchored to the winch stand, passed through a snatch-block and secured to the winch drum. Secured to the snatch-block is a two part sling with a hook at the free end of each part. The winching cable assembly is led through the interior of the succeeding pipe section being installed, and the hooks are placed over the pipe wall at the far end. The pipe joining device is anchored in the initial pipe section by means of a static two part sling.

Abstract: A suspension structure is disclosed for use in running well hardware such as a pumping assembly by cable into a well and pulling the hardware from the well, the structure including two suspension masts. One of the masts is a lightweight mast having a working height sufficient to suspend the hardware above a well platform or the like on which the masts are mounted but not having a load capacity sufficient to withstand the forces required to pull the hardware from the well. The other mast is a short mast of high-load capacity capable of withstanding such forces but not of sufficient height to suspend the hardware. The two masts are used alternatively for running and pulling operations.

Abstract: When a hoist is used to elevate a grain truck for dumping same, at an elevator terminal or the like, a pair of lift cables extend from the overhead hoist assembly to the cradle upon which the front wheels of the truck are engaged. As the truck is lowered after emptying the grain therefrom, the slack cables often foul the truck as it is being driven from the cradle. In the present device, each cable passes through a spring loaded arm normally urging the cables outwardly away from the sides of the truck thereby clearing same, but which are aligned against the spring pressure as soon as the lifting load is applied so that the cables run vertically from the hoist assembly.

Abstract: An emergency stop mechanism for a lifting device capable of moving a load along a predetermined path against and with the force of gravity using a primary cable. The emergency stop mechanism includes a secondary cable or line functionally in parallel with the primary cable. The secondary cable is attached to the load and is wound around an idling drum, with means provided to keep the secondary cable taut around the idling drum. In the event of a failure of the primary lifting system, a braking assembly, sensing and actuated by a decrease in tension in the primary cable, arrests the rotation of the idling drum and thus stops or slows the descent of the payload.

Abstract: The improved crab pot line hauler's drive motor, sheave and associated line guide means having a common support are mounted as a composite unit on pivotal support bearings that permit the unit to revolve freely about a fixed bearing axis in addressing itself to the incoming line being hauled and that restrain the unit against other bodily motion. Placement of the center of mass of the hauler unit at or closely adjacent to such pivot bearing axis assures its relatively steady orientation in operative relation to the incoming line with minimal line deflection force acting on it to do this. Polar moment of inertia about such bearing axis being also made relatively small by such mounting system, quickness of response of the unit to changing line approach direction is also achieved, a major advantage in stormy weather.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for towing surfers out into a body of water. The device includes an anchor in the body of water and a buoyant member connected thereto carrying a pulley adjacent the surface of the water. An endless flexible line is reeved about the pulley and has two runs extending from the buoyant member to a location adjacent the shore. The flexible line is wrapped about a windlass or capstan which is driven in a manner to move one of the runs in a direction away from the shore and toward the anchor. A plurality of drop lines are connected to the endless line which may be grasped by the surfer who is thereupon towed from the shore into the body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing worn carpeting which may have been adhesively bonded to the floor of a building. The method involves the steps of affixing a power winch mechanism to the floor of the building proximate one side edge of the carpet to be removed and affixing pulleys, in pairs, on opposite side edges of the room. A rope from the winch is routed through said pulleys and the free end thereof is connected to an elongated clamp mechanism secured to one edge of the carpet to be removed. By energizing the power winch, the old carpeting is peeled back to the middle of the room, at which time, the rope is routed through a different pulley to a further carpet clamp whereby the pulling force acts in an opposite direction to complete the peeling of the remaining half of the carpeting to the middle of the room.

Abstract: A bailer mounted to the derrick of a top head drive well drilling rig. The bailer includes a winch line drum mounted by a bracket to the derrick. A positive displacement hydraulic motor mounts one end of the drum and receives fluid under pressure from the existing hydraulic pressure supply. Valving is provided to allow reverse operation of the motor so equipment can either be raised or lowered relative to the derrick. The hydraulic delivery line to the motor includes a one way restrictor that will allow relatively free passage of fluid to the motor in a driving or lifting mode but will reverse flow of fluid from the motor, thereby affording a braking effect for lowering a load at a selected rate.