Abstract: A fluid-operated, load-handling apparatus is provided for handling loads of various weights. The apparatus includes a fluid-operated hoist with an elongate member extending downwardly to a load-carrying unit. A pilot fluid-controlled regulator supplies fluid to the hoist and a load-responsive, pilot fluid regulator is carried by the load-carrying unit and supplies pilot fluid to the pilot fluid-controlled regulator. The pilot fluid is varied according to the weight of a load, being higher for heavier loads and lower for lighter loads so that the pressure of the fluid supplied to the hoist is accordingly varied by the pilot fluid-controlled regulator to automatically balance the load carried by the load-carrying unit. The apparatus also can include a brake for preventing the elongate member from moving up or down while loads are being changed or are at rest.

Abstract: A winch includes a rotatable drum unit (11) for carrying a load hauling cable wound therearound. The drum unit (1) is rotated by a motor (25) connected to a gear assembly (41). The drum unit (11), motor (25), and gear assembly (41) are carried by a supporting structure including first and second stands (12, 13) arranged on each side of the drum unit (11). The first stand (12) comprises a hollow bearing body (26) mounted to a yielding member (56) of the stand (12). The bearing body extends into the drum unit (11) and has axially spaced external bearing means (31, 32) for journalling said drum unit (11). The bearing body (26) also includes means (29, 30, 49) for carrying said motor (25) and at least partly said gear assembly (41) which is located in the drum unit (11).

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic powered hoist wherein the motor driving the load lift wheel is located within a substantially sealed housing which also encloses the hoist gear and brake mechanisms. The motor exhausts into the housing allowing the exhaust to expand and circulate throughout the housing while cooling and lubricating the mechanisms therein and exit through restricted chain guides leading to and from the load lift wheel; the exhaust further expanding and cooling and lubricating the chain. The high pressure, staccato exhausts from the motor are attenuated and muffled interiorly of the housing.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake assembly for incorporation into chain hoists and the like includes a planar disk slidably secured to the output shaft of a pneutmatic motor by complementary splines. The disk is biased toward a planar surface and when in contact with such surface, inhibits rotation of the motor output shaft. Compressed air is supplied to both the pneumatic motor and the brake assembly through a network of passageways and check valves. Compressed air supplied to one face of the brake disk, translates the disk, disengaging it from the planar surface and permitting output shaft rotation.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated hoist includes a housing 10 provided with a suspension means 12,13 for suspension of the hoist from an overhead support, a pneumatically driven motor 15 provided with a first flow passage 75 arranged for serving as a pressurized air inlet during raising of a load and as an air exhaust passage during lowering of the load and a second flow passage 76 arranged for serving as an air exhaust passage during raising of the load and a pressurized air inlet during lowering of the load, a load engaging means 16,17 drivingly connected to the motor 15, and a control means 18 or regulating air flow to and from the motor 15. Known such hoists of this type are slow in lowering light loads or too fast in lowering heavy loads safely.

Abstract: A restraining device for controlling the movement of a loaded strop 3 comprises a power-driven reel for the strop and an associated pair of toggle-controlled clamping jaws 14, 15 pivoted at 16 and 17 respectively. The jaws are cross-connected by a link 18 and are loaded into the operative position to grip the strop 3 by a spring 25. The controlling toggle comprises links 28 and 30 pivoted together at 31, the link 28 being pivoted to the jaw 15 at 29 and the link 30 being pivoted to a fixed point 32. The link 30 carries a pivoted hand-lever 35 for releasing the toggle and formed with a hook portion 42 which engages with a corresponding hook portion 44 on the link 28 to lock the toggle in the released position to free the strop. The lever 35 can be released either manually or automatically by the piston 37 of a pneumatic cylinder 38. When the lever is released, the toggle moves to the braced position where it assists the action of the spring 25 in holding the jaws together to grip the strop.

Abstract: This invention is a tool apparatus operable to aid in assembling and disassembling of large, rotational sprinkler systems for crop irrigation purposes. The tool apparatus function is to present the tools and the structure for readily maneuvering the elements of the respective irrigation sprinkler system.

Abstract: A fluid control valve is provided for use in conjunction with a fluid device and a source of fluid pressure wherein the fluid device includes an expansible fluid chamber which, upon connection to the fluid pressure source, actuates the fluid device while exhaustion of the fluid pressure from the expansible chamber deactuates the fluid device. The fluid control valve, according to the present invention, comprises a valve member and a housing axially slidably disposed over the valve member. The housing further includes a first fluid port adapted for connection with the fluid pressure source, a second fluid port adapted for connection with the expansible chamber of the fluid device and a third fluid port adapted for connection with a source of low fluid pressure. Resilient means are provided within the housing to retain the housing in a central or neutral position relative to the valve member.