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: The present invention relates to a guiding device of a hauling rope, in more detail, a guiding device of a hauling rope that installed at the top of casing, which controls inserting/withdrawing a hauling rope connected with a Sonde, measuring instrument, which probes, observes, and examines an underground structure, geological features, or soil conditions etc. within borehole.

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 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 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 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 lifting column comprising two or more telescopically arranged column elements, where each column element comprises at least two column sub-elements arranged symmetrically on either side of a first vertical plane, one set of sub-column elements closer to the plane than the other set of sub-elements, where the outer sub-elements are slidingly connected to adjacent inner sub-elements by means of guiding sledges, and further where each column sub-element comprises at least two pulley wheels, one up-per and one lower, and further where one first continuous flexible member runs from an upper pulley wheel of a first sub-element to a lower pulley wheel on an adjacent sub-element, so that the first flexible member runs on the upper or lower pulley wheels of the innermost sub-elements on either side of the vertical plane, and that the flexible member is shortened or lengthened by rolling at least one end of the flexible member around a drive wheel on a rotatable axle of an actuating motor.

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: An improved fairlead for efficiently guiding a cable as it is wound on to or off of a drum. The improved fairlead reduces operation and labor concerns by decreasing cable wear and increasing cable life.

Abstract: A lift system having a modular backbone with two or more backbone sections being attached end to end to form the backbone. Also, a lift system with end to end modular attachment, using universal joints, between motor assembly(ies), shaft section(s), drum assembly(ies) and/or shaft end sections. Also, a lift assembly with a backbone having longitudinally adjustable lift component attachment hardware, such as an elongated slot with lips suitable for engaging a nut tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and reinstalling the detachable hardtop of an automobile; the hardtop comprising a pair of opposite side panels, each panel comprising a downwardly extending pin at its bottom. The apparatus comprises a bracket for engaging the pins, an overhead winch for elevating and lowering the hardtop about the bracket, and adjustable straps for balancing the hardtop such that the hardtop is maintained in the same horizontal position as on the automobile when elevated and/or lowered.

Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include: a funnel-shaped drum having a constant diameter portion and a gradually increasing diameter portion; a cable management system adapted to position a cable in a single layer in a tray; a beam clamp tube receiver adapted to allow a tube to slide relative to a beam and be secured to the beam; a cable keeper and a slack line detector adapted to maintain cables in position about a drum upon loss of cable tension; a horizontally oriented low profile cable adjuster adapted to adjust the length of a cable; an overspeed braking mechanism; a fleet pivot arm pivotable on the end of a tube so as to guide cables along a desired fleet angle; and/or a pull-type load sensor connected between a tube and a drum adapted to sense changes in a load force and adjust movement of a load.

Abstract: A storage facility has a frame having a pair of first and second opposed parallel spaced apart elongated frame elements. The frame members each include means for attaching the frame to a horizontal ceiling. A cable support element is positioned at each end of each frame member. An elongated rotatable shaft has a first end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member, and a second end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member. A drive mechanism is connected to the shaft to control the rotational position of the shaft. A number of cable portions each have a first end secured to a respective end portion of the shaft. Each cable portion has an intermediate portion received by a respective cable support member, and a free end extending downwardly from the support member. A platform is connected to and supported by the free ends of the cables, and operates to elevate or lower in response to rotation of the shaft by the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for lifting and storing 5th wheel hitches from pickup truck beds. The 5th wheel hitch lifting device consists of modified kingpin hitch, a hoist, and a support structure for the hoist. The modified kingpin hitch utilizes a detachable or integrated loop that allows the hook on a hoist to lift the hitch. Also described is a method for using the 5th wheel hitch lifting device.

Abstract: An arrangement for raising and lowering relative light weight objects from a ground position to a high storage position. A bracket is secured to the high storage position and supports a vertical rotatable shaft, with a pair of horizontal reels and an automatic lock position. A rod is detachably attached to the shaft and extends horizontally downwardly to the ground position. Rotation of the shaft around its central axis causes rotation of the reels. The reels are affixed to two lines which extend generally horizontally from the reels, with the free ends of the lines extending over spaced pulleys and extending downwardly for attachment to the ground level. Rotation of the shaft allows raising and lowering of the object. A spring loaded mechanism associated with the shaft causes automatic locking of the reels in any position, and locks the reels upon raising to the high storage position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pulling device for a container inspection system including a pulling vehicle (1) arranged inside an inspection passage, a winch (5) and wire tension mechanisms (6,6?). Front and rear ends of the pulling vehicle are connected to a wire rope so as to drive the pulling vehicle to move back and forth inside the inspection passage. The wire rope connected to front and rear ends of the pulling vehicle is wound around a wire tension mechanism arranged at front and rear ends of the inspection passage and is turned around by a swerving pulley (2) which is positioned at the same horizontal plane as that of the wire rope, the pulling vehicle, and the wire tension mechanisms, then the wire rope passes through the vertical pulley block, and finally it is connected to a single winding drum (4) of the winch (5) and wound around the single winding drum (4) respectively.

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 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: The present invention relates generally to a panel lifting device. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for quickly and securely lifting panels. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being foldable and/or modular for easy transportation from one location to another location.

Abstract: A line tensioning system for regulating tension on a line having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is operatively connected to a drum. The line tensioning system comprises a frame, a first and second sets of rollers, and first and second sets of displacement assemblies. The frame defines first and second side edges. Each first and second displacement assembly is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second rollers relative to the first and second side edges of the frame, respectively. The line is arranged such that the line contacts the first and second rollers. The first and second displacement assemblies displace the first and second rollers relative to the first and second edges based on a tension on the line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for elevated storage of articles including application of a spring clutch winch to provide the required lifting and holding forces. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a spring clutch winch, one or more elongate elements payed out from and, alternatively, wound onto the winch, at least one rotational support supporting each elongate element and a hanger secured to an elongate element end. The article to be stored can be raised by winding each elongate element onto the spring clutch winch and can be lowered by unwinding the line from the spring clutch winch. Use of a spring clutch winch for this storage application provides a highly effective yet simple and cost effective manner of raising and lowering the article and securely holding the article in an elevated position.

Abstract: Provided is a lifting device comprising: a hook or clip; secured to the hook or clip, one or more first pulleys; a second hook or clip; secured to the second hook or clip, (i) a release mechanism comprising a second pulley and a releasable lock for an engaged flexible serpentine article and, optionally, (ii) one or more third pulleys, the second and third pulleys collectively the beta pulleys; and the flexible serpentine article engaged, at a first end, to one or the other hook or clip, and serially engaged through the first pulleys and beta pulleys, to provide a nominal two-fold or greater mechanical advantage, wherein the other end of the serpentine article is last engaged, among above recited elements, by one of the first pulleys.

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 a power source. Finally, the storage member is affixed to a second end of each of the hoist wires.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized winch which can be retrofitted into existing manually operated systems that use counterbalancing weights. The counterbalancing weight will be fixed at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. The winch is rated at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. By using the winch in a closed loop configuration, it will operate the set at any load from 0 to 100% of its rated capacity, without the need to ever adjust the counterbalancing weights.

Abstract: A winch assembly is disclosed that eliminates rope crushing, even when synthetic ropes are used. Tension is applied to the rope by at least one traction sheave so that the tension at the drum is reduced. By using multiple sheaves with large wrap angles traction can be applied to the rope over a much larger area, reducing shear stress and minimizing internal wear due to relative motion of rope components. The winch drum and at least one traction sheave are driven independently, preferably by AC induction motors using frequency control. The winch assembly may operate in conjunction with a hydraulic tensioner so that lower horsepower motors can be used to maintain constant tension in moving systems.

Abstract: A lifting unit, comprising a frame for supporting a motorized winch, at least one first tackle and one second tackle, the first tackle being interposed between the second tackle and the winch, each tackle being provided with two blocks, a fixed one and a movable one, and each comprising at least one pulley, and a flexible element, with a first end connected to the winch and wound around the pulleys, to form at least one initial loop around the first tackle, an outgoing portion from the first tackle to the second tackle, at least one intermediate loop around the second tackle, a return portion from the second tackle to the first tackle, and at least one end loop around the first tackle, the second end of the flexible element being connected to the frame, and a temporarily locking element for locking sliding of the flexible element.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting a boat locatable adjacent a dock requires only two elongate vertically disposed pilings each having a lower end portion mounted into the floor of a body of water near the dock and an upper end portion extending upwardly adjacent the dock. A lift is connected to a boat cradle for moving the cradle substantially vertically and includes a piston/cylinder attached between the dock and cables, which are mounted to each piling and are connected between the piston and the cradle. The piston is movable between a first position for lifting and pulleys and guides are mounted to the pilings and the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electric hoist using a suspended electric winch that maintains a horizontal posture in any cargo handling operation. A hoist in one aspect includes a winch including a drum axially connected to a drive shaft of a motor, a suspension hook attached to the winch above the center of gravity of the winch that is in a horizontal posture thereof in and empty load state thereof, a first roller arranged on the opposite side of the winch from the suspension hook and turning the direction of a wire paid out from the drum toward the center of gravity, and a second roller for turning the direction of the wire to be aligned with a vertical line downward extended from the center of gravity of the winch. The winch is suspended in the simplest suspension method when the winch is used as a hoist. The suspension method is implemented in many plants and warehouses without any particular facility.

Abstract: A truck cap lifting assembly includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member each having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of lateral side edges. A lifting assembly is attached to each of the first and second elongated members such that the first and second elongated members may be selectively lifted or lowered. The lifting assembly supports the first and second elongated members such that the elongated members are spaced from each other and are orientated parallel to each other. Wherein a truck cap may be positioned on the elongated members and selectively raised or lowered by the lifting assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a hoist system for use on a drilling rig made of a tubular mast with a front, back, and top side, a splittable block connected to the mast top side, a trolley with a trolley top and bottom side, wherein the trolley's top side is connected to the splittable block and wherein the trolley is removably secured on the mast's front side, a gripper connected to the trolley bottom side for gripping a load, a hoist cable passing through the splittable block and connected on one end to a hoist cable winch, and a hoist cable winch adapted to pull the hoist cable over the mast top side and through the splittable block to move the trolley relative to the tubular mast and lift the load.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for overhead traveling cranes. The lifting arrangement includes two single reeved drums that are reeved together to provide true vertical lift of a load. The lifting arrangement allows for equalization of full up and full down rope fleet angles through utilization of axially staggered dual drums and/or a bottom block with two separate sheave nests. The lifting arrangement may utilize commercially available components to reduce the overall cost of the crane when compared with other powerhouse crane designs.

Abstract: An elevated equipment holding apparatus includes a pin; and a latch plate that engages the pin. The latch plate includes a tortuous path that directs the pin to a latching point after the latch plate is raised and then lowered a first time, and frees the pin from the latch point after the latch plate is raised and lowered a second time. The elevated equipment holding apparatus includes a capsule for holding equipment. One of the pin or the latch plate is attached to the capsule. The other of the pin or latch plate attached to a body at an elevated position. The body, in various embodiments, can be a tower, a monopole.

Abstract: A winch constructed with a fairlead frame providing a mounting base for the winch and providing a rotational support for a cable drum. Loads exerted on a cable and through the fairlead rollers and cable drum are transferred to the unitary fairlead frame members, and thus to the base to which the winch is mounted.

Abstract: The wall crane is used to raise a wall from a horizontal to a vertical position. The crane has a base, a telescopic post pivotally connected to the base and a pulley connected adjacent to the top of the post. A hook is used to connect the crane to the wall and a cable extends from the hook, over the pulley and terminates at a winch. By reeling the hook toward the winch, the wall is raised. A catch is connected to the post and engages the wall when it has been raised to a vertical position to prevent the wall from toppling over backward away from the crane.

Abstract: A device and method to assist a person to walk up a flight of stairs is provided. The device includes a winch that is suitable for mounting at the top of the stairway having a winch cable of sufficient length to provide walking assistance along the length of stairway desired. A winch controller is attached to the winch cable that is adapted for grasping by the person to be assisted. The winch controller may include a switch operable by the hand of the user to selectively cause the winch to operate and provide assistance to the user.

Abstract: Apparatus for hoisting and suspending a pick-up truck cap adjacent the ceiling of a storage structure. The apparatus includes a slotted, aluminum beam and plural lifting straps. The lifting straps are removably secured at two positions on the beam. Plural storage cables are attached to the ceiling of the storage structure and extend around the truck cap. Each storage cable is adapted to be removably positioned on hooks disposed in the ceiling of the storage structure. A conventional worm gear winch and pulley system is provided for hoisting.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes an elevator car (18) supported for vertical movement on a belt (16) having an end fixed to the hoistway (26) and the other end wound about a drum (32) of a drum drive (12). When the belt (16) is wound or unwound about the drum (32), the elevator car (18) is raised or lowered, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital cable extension transducer, which is an integral structure of a spool, a spiral spring, a cable guide assembly and a magnet-detecting element for directly sending out a digital signal of a displacement of the monitored object. A circuit board is mounted on a bottom plate of the housing for further data transmission. With the pulleys in the cable guide assembly, the cable extends and winds orderly around the spool. A baffle is provided for shielding both the spool and three pulleys of the cable guide assembly, thereby, to prevent the extended cable derailing from the pulleys when the extended cable releases at high acceleration or loosens by accident.

Abstract: A drill floor hole comprising a through-going vertical opening in a drill floor. A pipe holder is mounted so as to be capable of vertical movement below the opening. The pipe holder is suspended in a pulley loop in a wire drive wherein a wire is attached to the drill floor, runs down and over the pulley loop and passes up to a winch.

Abstract: A load handling assembly that is attachable to the receiver of a receiver hitch assembly of the pickup truck. The load handling assembly includes a winch assembly in connection with a rotatable support structure to allow heavy loads to be lifted to the level of the pickup truck bed and then rotated into position over the pickup truck bed prior to lowering. To accommodate users stationed on the ground or on the bed of the pickup truck, the rotatable support structure is provided with two separate winch mounting brackets so that the winch could be safely mounted to accommodate operation from the desired location.

Abstract: A truck cap hoisting system includes a winch, at least one pulley, at least two support channels, at least two lifting strap assemblies, and a lifting line. The truck cap lifting system is preferably installed in a garage. The winch and a guide pulley are attached to a wall of the garage. The lift pulley is attached to a ceiling or an overhead beam. The lifting line is fastened to a lift ring and a reel of the winch. Each lifting strap assembly is threaded through one end of the at least two support channels. The truck cap is hoisted off the pick-up truck by first placing spacers between the truck box and the truck cap and sliding support channels in the gap. The same procedure is repeated for the opposite side. Four S-hooks extending from the at least two lifting assemblies are attached to the lift ring. The winch is then rotated until the truck cap is hoisted to a suitable height. The at least two support channels could be eliminated by forming at least four slots in the bottom of the truck cap sides.

Abstract: A device for use in raising a wall, includes a footing member, an upright member, having a first end and a second end, a pulley, a flexible cable, the flexible cable having a first end and a second end, a cable guide member, a cable guide offset member, the cable guide offset member having a first end and a second end, and a wall engaging member. The upright member first end is fixed to the footing member and extends in a substantially vertical direction from said footing member. The footing sits on a floor or other generally horizontal surface. The cable guide member is secured to the cable guide offset member first end, and the cable guide offset member second end is fixed to said upright member second end. The flexible cable has its first end secured to the pulley, and its second end secured to the wall engaging member, and is supported between its two ends by the cable guide member.

Abstract: A holding device for storing a hard-top including a belt system into which the hard-top can be placed in such manner that the weight of the hard-top is supported essentially entirely by the belt system. The belt system enables the hard-top to be fixed in the holding device and attached thereby to a wall or a ceiling of a room. A protective cover into which the belt system is sewn, can also be provided. The holding device is suitable for hard-tops with attachment pins as well as for hard-tops without attachment pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively raising, storing, and lowering a recreational water craft that includes a first cable. The first cable is attached at one end to a winch for selectively shortening or lengthening the first cable. The first cable is attached at the other end to a ring and the first cable passes through a first pulley. A proximal strap is releasably and adjustably attached to the boat and is connected to a second cable. The second cable is connected at one end to the proximal strap and at the other end to the ring. A distal strap is releasably and adjustably attached to the boat. The distal strap is connected to a third cable, with the third cable being attached at one end to the distal strap and at the other end to a size adjustment assembly. The size adjustment assembly is connected to the ring.

Abstract: A storage apparatus that includes a storage shelf having a plurality of horizontally and vertically arranged storage sections for storage of articles and a moving body for taking articles in and out of the storage shelf. Conventionally, since an article carrying in and out section for taking articles in and out of such storage apparatus is divided into working sections having substantially the same width as that of storage sections, a space for work is small and a work is made difficult and inefficient when the moving body is used to take articles out of the storage sections or articles are placed on the working sections. Therefore, a working space, which protrudes beyond the article carrying in and out section and is free of partitions is provided. With such arrangement, however, there is a problem that a storage apparatus is extended in a lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A truck cap hoisting system includes a winch, at least one pulley, a pair of support channels, a pair of lifting strap assemblies, and a lifting line. The truck cap lifting system is preferably installed in a garage. The winch and a guide pulley are attached to a wall of the garage. The lift pulley is attached to a ceiling or an overhead beam. The lifting line is fastened to a lift ring and a reel of the winch. Each lifting strap assembly is threaded through one end of the pair of support channels. The truck cap is hoisted off the pick-up truck by first placing spacers between the truck and truck cap and sliding support channels in the gap. The same procedure is repeated for the opposite side. Four S-hooks extending from the pair of lifting assemblies are attached to the lift ring. The winch is then rotated until the truck cap is hoisted to a suitable height. The pair of support channels could be eliminated by forming at least four slots in the bottom of the truck cap sides.

Abstract: A rope guiding device (1) for rope winches (W) comprises a stand with points of attachment for the attachment of a rope winch, which stand accommodates a rope guide (3) constituting the rope outlet and inlet and a guide roller (4) pivotally supported on this rope guide for deflecting the rope between rope winch and rope guide.

Abstract: A hoist for lifting and lowering an equipment in a well comprises base member; a belt for removably securing the base member to a vertical wall portion of the well casing; a boom with its first end being secured to the base member and its second end extending above the well casing; and a winch assembly operably associated with the boom for lowering and lifting the equipment in the well.

Abstract: The Boat Lift has two support rods with a lower pulley connected to each end of each support rod. An upper pulley and a winding device with a ratchet are located above each lower pulley. Four cords and a winch are provided. Each cord has one end connected to one winding device and extends downward around its associated lower pulley; upward around its upper pulley; and has its other end coupled to the winch. Operations of the winch lowers and raises the support rods. The ratchets and winding devices are employed to allow the two support rods to be leveled.