Abstract: A threading accessory comprising a belt and two rotatable wheels configured to revolve the belt which has a circumferential groove formed in an outer face thereof and configured to receive and hold a portion of a thread therein. One or more press-wheels are used to engage a portion of the belt passing between the rotating wheels and elastically deform the belt portion to thereby at least partially wrap it about and latch the thread portion inside in the circumferential groove for propulsion by the belt.

Abstract: A cable pulling system and associated method are shown. Examples include positioning joints that allows a pulling boom to move up or down and side to side, while maintaining alignment of a pulling cable between pulleys. Example methods include positioning a pulling boom within a conduit box and pulling an electrical cable through a conduit into the conduit box.

Abstract: The system for pulling wire through a conduit includes a cable puller and a remote controller. The cable puller may pull a wire through a conduit. The wire may be removably coupled to a cable coupler located on the rear of the cable puller. The cable puller may be inserted into a first end of the conduit and may progress to a second end of the conduit under the influence of a plurality of tractors. A camera that is mounted on a faceplate at the front of a housing of the cable puller may transmit one or more images to the remote controller. One or more visible light sources and one or more infrared light sources may provide illumination for the camera. Movements of the cable puller may be controlled remotely using the remote controller.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes: a rope; a first mount having a base and a pulley attached to the base; a second mount having a base and a pulley attached to the base; a first lift pulley movably associated with the first mount with the rope; a second lift pulley moveably associated with the second mount with the rope; a pair of support straps; a bracket located on each of the first lift pulley and second lift pulley for receiving one of the pair of support straps and one or more apertures formed through a side wall of the bracket; and a lateral strap secured at a first end through the one or more apertures of the bracket of the first lift pulley and at a second end through the one or more apertures of the bracket of the second lift pulley.

Abstract: A silo-mountable rescue assembly for accessing a distressed person in a silo includes a tripod that is configured to couple to a top of a silo so that an apex of the tripod is substantially centrally positioned over an opening in the silo. A block and tackle is coupled to the tripod proximate to the apex. The block and tackle is configured to lower equipment and personnel into the silo to rescue a distressed person in the silo.

Abstract: A device for suspending gymnastic rings and handles is described. The device has a power spring to automatically retract a strap onto a spool. There is a cam buckle that holds the strap in place at a desired height. There are marks on the strap to use as reference to easily match the rings to the same height. The device is typically used as a pair, one device for each ring. Many handle and bars can be attached.

Abstract: A method of connecting a cable of a winch mounted on a front of a vehicle to an object to the rear of the vehicle includes removably placing a first support member including a first cable guide member extending from the first support member on a first surface of the vehicle so that the first support member contacts the surface of the vehicle. The method further include extending the cable from the winch rearward to be seated in the first cable guide member and to extend rearward therefrom. The method also include connecting the cable to the object to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to device to lift, maneuver, hoist, and install an item such as a flat screen TV, cabinet, mirror, window, on the wall, such installation that would normally require more than one person. The present disclosure relates generally to a device that can lift large bulky heavy items in both vertical and horizontal directions for installing, mounting, and placing on the wall. This is accomplished by smooth and precise horizontal and vertical motion that is controlled by the operator. Manpower has been the common device of choice in many of these instances, and this invention will succeed in the cases that include handling bulky, large, cumbersome items or general items in congested or hard-to-reach places that would typically require more than one person to perform the lifting, installing, mounting, or moving.

Abstract: Trunk mountable bicycle carrier racks and various improved aspects thereof such as retractable spool mechanism, cable end-hooks, anti-sway device, improved rotatable hubs, and improved frame supports.

Abstract: A manual theatrical rigging system is motorized to achieve greater control of speed and accuracy, avoiding need to load counterweights, and without sacrifice of standard line-set spacing. Each line set has a wire-reinforced drive belt connected with the associated hand line, and is operated by a geared or gearless motorized winch. A winch support frame supports the motorized winches in a number of rows, with the winches in positions staggered from row to row. The counterweight arbor holds a fixed counterweight. A computerized control panel permits a single operator to manage the entire system of line sets. An overspeed safety brake brakes the line set if the movement exceeds a safe speed.

Abstract: A winch is provided including a rotatable drum and a gear train drivingly connecting a motor to the rotatable drum. The gear train includes a clutch that is operable to be disengaged to allow the rotatable drum to free spool. A clutch actuator is provided for disengaging the clutch and the clutch includes a pivoting pawl having a first end that engages a clutch dog of a planetary ring gear and the clutch actuator includes an electro-magnetic solenoid having a plunger that engages a second end of the pivoting pawl.

Abstract: A lift system configured to lift an article (e.g., a batten). The lift system includes a first cable configured to be coupled to the article, a second cable configured to be coupled to the article, a drive mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and operable to raise and lower the article, a first loft block including a first loft sheave to redirect the first cable from a first substantially horizontal axis to a first substantially vertical axis, and an idler sheave to direct the second cable along a second substantially horizontal axis. The lift system further includes a second loft block including a second loft sheave to redirect the second cable from the second substantially horizontal axis block to a second substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A dumbwaiter is provided. The dumbwaiter includes an elevator mechanically coupled to a left glide and a right glide. The left glide is immediately adjacent to and located between a pair of left guides, and the right glide is immediately adjacent to and located between a pair of right guides. A strap is used for raising and lowering the elevator. As the glides are bound between respective pairs of guides, the elevator is protected from vibration. Thus, the dumbwaiter of the present invention may be suitable for being used in a mobile setting, such as a motor home in transit, for example.

Abstract: A portable crane for installing and removing windows. The portable crane for installing and removing windows includes a wheeled base with a platform having front and rear ends; a boom support assembly removably fastened to the wheeled base; and a boom assembly supported by the boom support assembly.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding supplying lines used with a digging tool on a drilling machine is described. The device comprises a support branch, formed by a plurality of spacers, adjacent to one another in which a rope or tie-rod is inserted in a housing comprised in the spacers, a supplying pipe for the supplying line and a crosspiece comprising a seat adapted to support the supplying pipe. Each pair of adjacent spacers comprises retaining means. Each retaining means comprises a retaining element, associated to a first spacer of a pair of adjacent spacers, and a slot having a shape substantially matching the shape of the retaining element, associated to a second spacer of the pair of adjacent spacers. A retaining element, during use, engages with a slot allowing relative axial movement, in the longitudinal direction of the rope, of a predetermined amount.

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: The hoist winch system of the present invention uses a cable drum that allows a web cable to be attached to the wind drum at a mid-point along the length of cable. The single cable has web loops at the two opposite ends.

Abstract: A system is mounted onto a forklift truck for covering and/or uncovering a cargo with a tarpaulin. The system comprises a tube frame assembly having a telescoping frame slidably attached to it. The telescoping frame is configured to be capable of being extendable and/or retractable within the tube frame assembly. The telescoping frame comprises a plurality of rollers configured to be capable of rotating when engaged with the plurality of flexible members and the flexible cover. A powertrain device is installed onto the tube frame assembly for causing to retract and/or to extend the telescoping frame within the tube frame assembly. A winch assembly is configured to be coupled to the tube frame assembly and having a plurality of straps engaged with the tarpaulin to cover and/or uncover the cargo.

Abstract: An improved crown pulley assembly attached to an upper end of a vertical drilling rig derrick mast used in conjunction with an improved top drive assembly which is used within the drilling rig derrick for the drilling of a well, the improved crown pulley assembly having a crown frame supporting a plurality of pulleys with the top drive providing two sets of paired top drive pulleys, the pulleys suspending a single drive cable through the plurality of pulleys with an anchor end of the single drive cable affixed below the derrick and the winch end of the cable attached to a winch to raise and lower the improved top drive assembly within the drilling rig derrick.

Abstract: A portable hoist adapted for attachment to a hand truck nose plate is disclosed. The hoist comprises an adapter that sandwiches the nose plate and a hole or holes may be fabricated in the nose plate for securing hardware to be installed, such as a bolt, bolts, strap, etc. Receivers on the hoist hold removable, load supportive legs securely in place. Casters may be attached to legs to improve mobility. A jib assembly capable of several height settings remains reasonably level at all times when in use, making it ideal for tight spaces. The pivot point of the arm is at the end of the mast opposite the adapter assembly, the other end attaching to the handle of the hand truck and securing with a latch. A winch attached to the arm provides a cable extending to and about a sheave or sheaves, terminating beyond the sheave carried at the free end of the jib boom. A brace on the mast allows the arm latch to secure when the arm is collapsed.

Abstract: A belt-driven transportation system including a first set of pulleys rotatably attached to a first member and a second set of pulleys rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members have relative movement to each other. The system further includes a unitary belt that is guided through a path defined by the first and second sets of pulleys with the path substantially lying in a stationary plane, and a plurality of retention rollers. A retention roller is disposed adjacent each pulley, with the belt extending about the pulley and between the pulley and the retention roller. The positioning of the belt substantially on the path is maintained by the plurality of retention rollers, and the first and second members are moved relative to each other with changes in the length of the path.

Abstract: A winching apparatus includes a fairlead mounted to a vehicle and a fifth roller mounted below the fairlead that is positioned and sized such that the cable does not contact any portion of the vehicle between the fairlead and the fifth roller when the cable passes from the winch and under the vehicle.

Abstract: The lifting system and method comprises a winch and pulley system, the pulleys being adapted to be mounted to a wall of a structure, the winch being mounted to a tube assembly, said tube assembly comprising a tube and winch plate, wherein said tube is slideably and removably coupled to a receiver portion such that the winch may be removed when not in use or may be moved to be used in another system; wherein said receiver portion is coupled to a substructure upon which a cooler structure is mounted; wherein, a first pulley is mounted to an outside wall of said structure; wherein said second pulley is positioned at an end of a lifting arm, said arm being coupled to an inside wall of the structure; wherein a through opening is provided in said wall so that a winch cable may be threaded from the winch outside the structure, through the first pulley, through said wall opening, and over said second pulley; and wherein an end of said cable may be secured to a motor in the interior of said structure.

Abstract: A lift-assist apparatus, including an arm having a medial portion, a distal end, and a proximal end. One or more pulleys are attached to a surface of the medial portion. An upright support includes an upper horizontal bar and a lower horizontal bar, and a hinge point is formed medially on the upper horizontal bar. A turnbuckle has a fixed end and a connecting end, the fixed end attached to the lower horizontal bar, the connecting end adapted to attach to the medial portion. The hinge point is configured as a pair of opposing tabs defining a space in which the medial portion resides, wherein a pin can be inserted through each tab and through the medial portion to pivotally fix the arm on the upright support such that the arm can pivot in an upward and downward direction and be locked into a fixed position using the turnbuckle.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting and storing an ice house or other item includes a base and a plurality of horizontal brace members rigidly connected to one another. The assembly further includes an electric winch mounted to the base and a plurality of rollers and pulleys. The rollers are rotatably attached to the base and the pulleys are connected to the horizontal brace members. The assembly includes at least one cable that is routed from the electric winch, past the roller and over the pulley. The cable is attached to the ice house. The ice house is lifted and suspended from a ceiling or an assembly of overhead beams via the electric winch.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a winch assembly includes a pair of wheels operatively connected to a winch assembly and is configured to grippingly receive a cable extending therebetween from a rotatably movable drum configured to extend/retract the cable with respect to the winch assembly. The pair of wheels continuously maintains a predetermined tension to the cable extending between the pair of wheels and the drum during operation of the winch assembly.

Abstract: An anti-kinking transmission and guiding system is described, comprising at least one first and second cable running mutually parallel along an axis (X-X) and subtended between a respective winding and unwinding system and at least one output guiding and transmission assembly of such cables, at least one anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables being interposed between the winding and unwinding system and the output guiding and transmission assembly, such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables and such output guiding and transmission assembly being rotating around such rotation axis (X-X), a rotation of such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly around such rotation axis (X-X) being adapted to perform a winding shaped as an helical cylinder of such cables along such rotation axis (X-X) without contact or rubbing points between such cables.

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: The invention relates to a lifting device for lifting and lowering loads with a toothed belt which is driven by an output gear and which is positively engaged with the output gear in a wrapping region. In order to provide an improved lifting device, multiple guiding rollers are fixed to the lifting device in the wrapping region such that said rollers maintain the positive engagement between the toothed belt and the output gear.

Abstract: A winch operated hoist has a first elongated vertical member is operatively attached at a lower end thereof to a frame. A second elongated vertical member telescopically disposed in the first elongated member. A third elongated member operatively attached to a top end of the second elongated member, the third elongated member being perpendicular to the second elongated member, the third elongated member being operatively pivotally disposed with respect to the first elongated member about a substantially vertical axis. Using a series of idler pulleys, over which a cable of the winch is trained, the second elongated member telescopes up to raise a load higher than it could be lifted using prior art technology.

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: A lift-assist apparatus, including an arm having a medial portion, a distal end, and a proximal end. One or more pulleys are attached to a surface of the medial portion. An upright support includes an upper horizontal bar and a lower horizontal bar, and a hinge point is formed medially on the upper horizontal bar. A turnbuckle has a fixed end and a connecting end, the fixed end attached to the lower horizontal bar, the connecting end adapted to attach to the medial portion. The hinge point is configured as a pair of opposing tabs defining a space in which the medial portion resides, wherein a pin can be inserted through each tab and through the medial portion to pivotally fix the arm on the upright support such that the arm can pivot in an upward and downward direction and be locked into a fixed position using the turnbuckle.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: A power winch for retrieving a load using a strap comprising: a motor, where the motor includes a drive shaft, where the drive shaft extends from the motor and a gear coupling at the end of the drive shaft; at least one gear reducer; at least one drive shaft, where said drive shaft engages the at least one gear reducer; a gear extension in each drive shaft; and four rollers that engage the gears of the at least one drive shaft where the rollers are designated as a first top roller, the second top roller, a first bottom roller, and a second bottom roller, where the first top roller and first bottom roller are aligned in a first vertical plane and a second top roller and second bottom roller are aligned in a second vertical plane. The four rollers are positioned at four different respective vertical heights. A strap interweaves through the four rollers that allows for the movement of the strap through the rollers powered by the motor.

Abstract: A remotely controllable recovery vehicle winch/stabilizing system, having a vehicle bumper; a first pulley attached to the bumper's first end; a winch attached to bumper's second end; a second pulley approximately midway between the first pulley and said winch and adjacent a swivel sheave; a cable, directed by the first and second pulleys and the swivel sheave, to be wound or unwound about the winch, with the pulleys, the swivel sheave, and the winch operatively arranged with respect to each other so as to maintain the cable perpendicular, or nearly so, to the rotational axis of the drum as it is fed to or played off of the drum so as to prevent the cable from jamming as the cable is used to either recover or deposit an object, and a set of stabilizing legs each leg attached to said bumper so as to stabilize and secure the recovery or release apparatus.

Abstract: A compact capstan includes a drum, a coupled hub, a passage extending through the drum and hub, and a shaft extending through the drum and hub. The shaft engages the passage such that the shaft can transmit a torsional force to the drum and the hub which are free to move along the length of the shaft. The drum includes a spiral groove to receive a cable loop wound around the drum. The hub has a thread with substantially the same pitch as the spiral groove to engage a threaded support such that the hub and the drum move laterally along their length relative to the threaded support as the hub and the drum are rotated. The shaft has a length that is substantially greater than the passage such that the shaft extends beyond both ends of the passage.

Abstract: A zero fleet winch with guides that move while a cable is wound on a drum. The guides hold the cable always at 90 degrees to the drum. A tensioning turnaround sheave keeps the cable tight.

Abstract: The Gravity energy storage and generating device, main object of the invention is to provide improved mechanical energy storage and release device comprising of the wound and weight energy storing elements. The said device installed in the ground or above where gravity plays a vital role in generating and storing, a large stainless steel encased concrete piston mass that fits in a long cylinder. Both end of the said piston is sealed with two rubber seal ring on the top of the piston and the bottom of piston against the cylinder walls. The cylinders top and the bottom is completely sealed (air tight). The piston's resting point known as first position at the bottom of the cylinder is rubber padded cushion with springs attached to soften the fall of the piston during generating electricity. As the steel cables that is attached at the top of the heavy said piston is pulled up by mean of pulleys.

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: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A manual storage lift system for efficiently hoisting articles to a raised position for providing temporary or permanent storage for the articles. The manual storage lift system generally includes a drive unit including a mounting plate mounted on a vertical surface, a shaft rotatably connected to the mounting plate, a spool coaxially positioned along the shaft, wherein the spool rotates independently of the shaft, at least one elongated member wound upon the spool, a hand crank connected to the shaft for winding or unwinding the at least one elongated member upon the spool and a brake assembly mounted to the drive unit, wherein the brake assembly includes a torsion spring. A first force applied with the hand crank in a rotational direction upon the torsion spring lessens a tension of the torsion spring allowing the torsion spring and the spool to rotate.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering apparatus may include: at least one cable, at least one pulley connected to the at least one cable, at least one drive member connected to the at least one cable for driving the at least one cable in at least one direction, a moveable payload attachment member for attaching to a payload to be at least one of lifted and lowered, an attachment member guide attached to the moveable payload attachment member, and an alignment guide for positioning at a position. The moveable payload attachment member may be at least one of lifted and lowered by the at least one cable. Both the attachment member guide and the alignment guide may be shaped to force the attachment member guide into a pre-determined mating position and orientation against the alignment guide at the position.

Abstract: A belt-driven transportation system including a first set of pulleys rotatably attached to a first member and a second set of pulleys rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members have relative movement to each other. The system further includes a unitary belt that is guided through a path defined by the first and second sets of pulleys with the path substantially lying in a stationary plane, and a plurality of retention rollers. A retention roller is disposed adjacent each pulley, with the belt extending about the pulley and between the pulley and the retention roller. The positioning of the belt substantially on the path is maintained by the plurality of retention rollers, and the first and second members are moved relative to each other with changes in the length of the path.

Abstract: A hoist system includes a drive system and a shaft in rotatable connection with the drive system. The hoist system also includes a flexible first hoist member operatively connected to the shaft at a first longitudinal position thereon so that it can be wound around the shaft or unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. The first hoist member extends from the shaft in a first direction. The hoist system also includes at least a second flexible hoist member operatively connected to the shaft at the first longitudinal position so that it can be wound around the shaft or unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. The second hoist member extends from the shaft in a second direction, different from the first direction, so that the first hoist member and the second hoist member are wound around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft in a first or forward direction and are unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft in a second or reverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.