Abstract: A cable pulling machine in which all of the operative mechanisms are mounted on a trailer for portability. The machine has an internal combustion engine driving a hydraulic pump supplying fluid pressure to a hydraulic motor on a winch spool which holds a length of line for pulling cable through a conduit. The trailer has, at its distal end, a pair of splayed legs allowing the trailer to be backed over-top of the job site conduit so as to position a boom mounted on the trailer to have the boom free end positioned over the conduit. The boom is adjustable for angle of incidence with respect to the ground for achieving a proper pulling angle. The ends of the splayed legs have adjustable jack rods for leveling the trailer.

Abstract: The actuating device, in particular for a pipe-laying machine, according to the present invention comprises a first winch (4) and a second winch (5) for respectively operating a movable gripping element along a side arm of said machine and the side arm itself. A main oil-hydraulic circuit (1a) is also provided for actuating a first hydraulic motor (6) and a second hydraulic motor (7) respectively associated with said first winch (4) and with said second winch (5), said first hydraulic motor (6) comprising a friction clutch (14) actuated by a secondary oil-hydraulic circuit (1b) for controlled free descent.

Abstract: A winch device, comprising a drum for storing cable and the like, wherein the device disengageably couples the drum to a winch drum shaft driven by a high torque, low speed hydraulic motor or pump. The motor includes a housing suitable for mounting on a frame of a vehicle or other device. The principal components of the motor or pump include a crank shaft mounted in the housing for connection to a winch drum shaft. At least two cylinder and piston assemblies are attached to the crank shaft for rotation of the crank shaft upon movement of the pistons between a minimum and maximum point of travel in the cylinders to thereby impart motion to the crank shaft and, thus, the drum crank shaft. A valve assembly is driven by the crank shaft for providing hydraulic fluid to the cylinders under pressure to sequentially move each the piston between its minimum and maximum points of travel by providing hydraulic fluid under pressure on each face of the piston to move the piston in the desired direction of piston travel.

Abstract: A boom hoist system for supporting and adjusting the position of a lifting crane gantry is provided including a drum, a drive system, and first and second braking systems for selectively stopping rotation of the drum. The boom hoist system operates independently from crane mechanical works and the first and second braking systems may include sensors for automatically engaging when specified conditions occur in order to prevent a hoisted gantry from falling uncontrollably in the event of a hoist system malfunction or failure.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a winch cable connected to rock drilling equipment, the arrangement including the winch; a pressure fluid motor arranged to operate the winch; a pressure fluid pump for operating the pressure fluid motor; a pressure-controlled pressure relief valve installed between a pair of pressure fluid channels connected to the pressure fluid motor for setting a counterpressure of the pressure fluid motor when pulling the cable off a drum; and control means for controlling counterpressure of the pump; wherein the pump is a pressure-controlled volume flow pump and the control means comprise an adjusting device with which a control pressure prevailing in a control channel of the pressure relief valve can be adjusted for setting a limit pressure of the pressure relief valve and thus the counterpressure of the pressure fluid motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a winch, in which a rope which is wound onto a driven reel is supplied to at least one capstan head and wound around said capstan head, with a capstan drive rotating the capstan head and producing a rope advance due to the rope friction existing between rope and capstan head. Moreover, the present invention relates to a corresponding device. As an improvement of the method and the device, the invention suggests a reel drive which is adjusted separately next to the capstan drive.

Abstract: In a hydraulic winch having a clutch assembly for freeing a drum of the winch for free falling rotation, a control system is provided for controlling operation of the clutch assembly. The supply system includes a directional control valve shiftable between a first position in which fluid is supplied to the clutch assembly at a first pressure which maintains the clutch in the disengaged position to allow free fall of the drum, and a second position in which fluid is supplied to the clutch assembly at a second pressure which allows the clutch to return to the engaged position, braking free fall of the drum. A timing element shifts the directional control valve to the second position after fluid has been supplied to the clutch assembly at the first pressure for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A multi-speed winch is attached to a motor vehicle and is hydraulically powered by the vehicle's power steering system or other hydraulic source innate to the host vehicle. The winch operates in either a low-speed, high-torque mode for moving heavy loads, a high-speed, low-torque mode for quickly releasing or retrieving cable, a free-spooling mode for manually releasing cable, and a brake mode for holding the cable and load at a fixed position. The high-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft directly to the winch drum. The low-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft to the winch drum through a planetary gear assembly. In an alternate embodiment, high-speed mode is enabled by coupling the drive shaft to the winch drum through one of two planetary gear assemblies. Free-spooling mode is achieved by disengaging the drive shaft from the winch drum, and brake mode is achieved by engaging both the direct drive coupling and the sun and planet gear arrangement.

Abstract: The hydraulic system is used to drive a hydraulic motor for operation in a quartering direction for lowering of cargo as well as for operating the drive motor in a lifting direction. The hydraulic system employs an oil-gas accumulator which accumulates pressure oil during a quartering mode of operation of the drive motor. During a subsequent lifting mode of operation of the drive motor, stored pressure oil is used for the operation of the drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a subsurface float line and the like during doyment of the line and thereafter includes a capstan rotatably mounted and located in a liquid medium, the capstan having a bore extending from one end of the capstan to the other end, the bore including a plurality of pump blades for moving the liquid through the bore when the capstan is rotated, the capstan also including turbine blades located around the circumference of the capstan and adjacent both ends of the capstan, the capstan also including a circular surface interposed between the turbine blades for communicating with the line to be tensioned. The pump and turbine blades do work when the capstan is rotated thereby creating a counter rotational (drag) force that tensions the line during and after deployment.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor is configured to drive a cable spool. A first fluid diverting valve is hydraulically connected between a discharge of a vehicle steering pump and the hydraulic motor. The first fluid diverting valve is configured to divert full fluid flow to a vehicle power steering box, and to divert full fluid flow to the hydraulic motor. A second fluid diverting valve is hydraulically connected between the first fluid diverting valve and an inlet of the vehicle steering pump. The second fluid diverting valve is configured to divert full fluid flow from the first fluid diverting valve to the hydraulic motor and to divert full fluid flow from the first fluid diverting valve to the inlet of the vehicle steering pump, bypassing the hydraulic motor and permitting fluid flow between the inlet of the hydraulic motor and the outlet of the hydraulic motor through the second fluid diverting valve so that manual operation of the winch is permitted.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a fluid pressure operated hoist has a load mounted handle assembly including tubular handle portion slidable on a support rod attached to the hoist cable, and a bracket fixed at one end to the handle and extending alongside and offset from said support rod. A three position spring centered valve is mounted to the bracket, with a pair of pins each engaging one end of a valve element and a respective fixed flange on the support rod allowing valve operation by movement of the handle to block, vent, or pressurize a hoist fluid chamber to hold, lower, or raise the load.

Abstract: A winch operates with a hydraulic motor which is supplied by a servo-valve. The servo-valve is connected as a 3-way system so that the supply hose used as a discharge when the load is being winched up is connected directly to the fluid return and so that during the descent, this motor is no longer supplied with high pressure and the fluid is circulated in a closed circuit without pressure. Fluid is refreshed with a flow rate low enough so that it does not excessively increase the supply of energy, but high enough that it limits the overheating of the fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch assembly is attached to a motor vehicle and hydraulically powered by the vehicle's power steering system. A four-way, dual solenoid-operated valve controls the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. During normal driving operations while the winch is not in use, hydraulic fluid flows through the valve with no diversion of fluid away from the power steering system. With either of the solenoid coils energized, the valve diverts hydraulic fluid to the winch motor for operation of the winch. Return hydraulic flow from the winch motor maintains sufficiently high pressure to enable the power steering system to function safely during operation of the winch. In this manner, the winch is fail-safe because power steering system operation will not be adversely affected in the event of an inadvertent activation of the winch. Hydraulic fluid is continuously cooled by a cooler, even when the winch is not in operation.

Abstract: A primary device placed at the upstream end of a duct and a relay device placed at an access point pull a cable through respective duct segments. The pulling speed of the primary device is controlled by an operator. The pulling speed of the relay device is variable in response to movement of the cable by the primary device to maintain equilibrium between the pulling speeds of the devices. The pulling tension exerted upon the cable by each device is monitored and discontinued upon reaching a predetermined maximum value. At the inlet to the second segment, lubricant is supplied to the cable at a quantitative rate which is proportional to the pulling speed.

Abstract: A hoist is operated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders having output rods engaging a spool drum to selectively axially displace the drum on a ball screw to cause wind up of a load cable. The hoist is mounted on a mast and boom supported by a wheeled cart, with a battery powering a pump motor to raise the load. A selectively disabled check valve allows the weight of the load to lower itself by forcing fluid past the disabled check valve, returning the fluid to a reservoir.

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 remotely controlled winch designed for use with a tower crane located at a building site to enable a building panel to be raised from the bed of a truck into the proper position for installation on the side of the building. The building panel normally rests on one of its side edges on the truck bed. The winch includes a frame which is secured to the hoisting cable of the tower crane. A sheave is secured to the lower end of the frame and has a first cable mounted thereon with the ends thereof being removably secured to the upper end of the building panel. A remotely controlled hydraulic winch is mounted on the frame and has a winch cable extending therefrom which is operatively secured to the other side edge of the building panel adjacent the lower end thereof. The tower crane is initially operated to cause the hoisting cable thereof to be moved upwardly which causes the building panel to be raised from the truck.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered, direct drive, quick response, bidirectional rotation, and variable speed and torque wireline multiple reel assembly for winding or unwinding cable under the control of an operator. A frame for rotatably supporting one or more reels. Two hydraulic wheel hubs of different cubic inch displacement are coaxially mounted internally in each reel. Each wheel hub displacement may be individually selected or combined together to give the reel assembly different speed/torque characteristics. An operator panel allows control of the selection, speed and rotational direction of each reel.

Abstract: The device serves to convert rotary motion to hydraulic pressure and vice versa. A piston assembly is entirely located within a cylinder, including a piston head and a piston stem fixed to the piston head. The piston assembly divides the cylinder into two distinct variable volume chambers to be filled with a fluid. The piston assembly is prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder. A rotary shaft extends through one closed end of the cylinder and has an inner portion in telescopic and threaded engagement with the piston stem. Two fluid ports communicate with the respective chambers for allowing a fluid to alternatively exit from and enter into the chambers. Rotation of the shaft causes longitudinal displacement of the piston assembly relative to the cylinder or vice versa. The device can have different applications: for instance, if a throttle valve is connected across the two ports, controlled braking of the shaft rotated by an external torque, is obtained.

Abstract: An operating force controlling device includes a pair of reactive force mechanisms (70, 70') disposed in an opposing relationship to each other in the direction of operation of an operating lever (60). A load pressure of a motor (30) is detected by a detector (91, 91'), and a controlling signal is outputted from a controller (90) in response to the load pressure. A pilot pressure is outputted from an electromagnetic proportional pressure reducing valve (80) in response to the control signal. The pilot pressure is inputted into one of the chambers of the reactive force mechanisms (70, 70') which moves a rod (72, 72') to project, to apply an operation reactive force to the lever (60). The operation reactive force is controlled such that the rate of change thereof may be high when the load pressure of the motor (30) is low but may be low when the load pressure is high.

Abstract: A drum and piston drive system incorporates within the interior of a drum used for reeling cable in and out, a reversible electric motor which drives the drum from the inside through a gearset. Also carried within the drum is a manifold structure including a gear pump driven directly from the opposite end of the reversible motor operating in a closed hydraulic circuit to supply hydraulic pressure to reversibly move a piston in a cylinder. The manifold includes check valves limiting the pump output pressure, and a pair of accumulators which maintain a desired pressure on both sides of the pump to avoid cavitation. Relief valves in the manifold limit the pressure to the piston and check valves in each line to the cylinder block reverse flow. The system operates to control and coordinate drum rotation movement and direction with the direction and movement of the piston.

Abstract: A constant tension hoisting system is provided for raising and lowering an object between a platform and a surface undergoing vertical motion relative to the platform, such as raising and lowering a lifeboat from a seagoing vessel to the sea in rough weather. The system operates in a normal hoisting mode to raise or lower the object, and in a constant tension mode when the object is supported on the surface. The system is changed from the normal hoisting mode to the constant tension mode at the moment when the object being lowered is first supported by the surface, and a slack condition exists in the cable. The changeover from the normal hoisting mode to the constant tension mode, is performed by a solenoid-operated mode selector responsive to a proximity switch operated by a lever arm engaging the cable. The hoisting system is operated by a single, manually-actuated control lever, which mechanically activates the proximity-type control switches.

Abstract: An aircraft handling system comprises a plurality of hydraulically operated winches, each winch having a wire for connection to the aircraft. Each winch also has a dedicated hydraulic pumpset positioned in proximity thereto. An electrical control unit effects co-operating operation of the winches in order to effect the desired movement and control of the aircraft. The tension in the wire of at least one of said winches is detected, and in response thereto an electrical signal is transmitted to the control unit. An electrical control signal is then transmitted from the control unit to the other winch or winches in order to control the tension in their wires in relation to the wire tension detected in the first winch.

Abstract: An internally mounted rotary drum drive mechanism optimizes the space within a drum by utilizing a rim-mounted, motor-driven rotating gearbox for applying torque to the drum through a ring-type mounting flange releasably secured between the gearbox and an internal wall of the drum. Radial screws extend through oversize apertures in the wall of the drum for releasably attaching the gearbox to the drum. A motor mounting flange locates the motor in driving position adjacent the gearbox. The motor mounting flange is supported on a reactor tube extending out of the drum and the reactor tube is supported by an external anchor plate. The drive mechanism may be situated at one end of the drum, and a bearing assembly of similar character to the drive mechanism, but using a rim-mounted dummy gearbox, may be provided internally at the other end of the drum.

Abstract: A compact retrieval winch and a control therefor are mounted on a recovery vehicle for pulling an immobilized heavy vehicle, such as a military tank, back onto suitable terrain. The winch comprises a support structure, a rotatable hollow cable drum with a cable wrapped thereon, a reversible variable displacement hydraulic motor for driving the drum through a multi-stage power transmission mechanism located within the drum, and a drum brake. The winch control comprises a sensing mechanism for sensing the number of layers of winch cable wrapped on the drum while the drum is operating in the pulling mode and the cable is connected to the tank. The winch control further comprises a hydraulic control circuit, including a constant line pull valve assembly responsive to movement of the sensing mechanism, for controlling the displacement of the hydraulic motor so as to maintain constant maximum cable pulling force regardless of the number of layers of cable on the cable drum.

Abstract: A unitized portable hoist having a base structure. A support structure is attached to the base structure. A hoist drum is rotatable attached to hydraulic motors which are in turn attached to the base structure. A crown block is attached to the base structure below the hoist drum. An electric motor drives a hydraulic pump, both of which are attached to the base structure. The hydraulic pump drives the hydraulic motors. A cable is taken up and let out by the hoist drum. A fall block rides on the cable.

Abstract: An internally mounted rotary drum drive mechanism optimizes the space within a drum by utilizing a rim-mounted, motor-driven rotating gearbox for applying torque to the drum through a split ring-type mounting flange releasably secured between the gearbox and an internal wall of the drum. Radial screws extend through the wall of the drum for releasably attaching the mounting flange and axial screws attach the mounting flange to the gearbox housing. A motor mounting flange locates the motor in driving position adjacent the gearbox and the motor mounting flange is provided with a peripheral notch for obtaining access to the gearbox mounting flange fasteners during assembly and dismantling of the mechanism.

Abstract: A portable workover rig for lowering and raising objects such as pipe into and out of a borehole and includes a mast which can be raised from the horizontal position to a vertical position. a first hydraulic motor drives a sandline drum and a second hydraulic motor drives a mainline drum. A normally closed pilot operated check valve provided in the power hydraulic fluid conduit can be opened to permit freewheeling of the main drum allowing heavy objects to free fall in the wellbore. The mainline drum's motor is controlled by a control valve having a counterbalance feature which when a heavy load is being lowered into the well bore prevents the drum from rotating faster than it would be driven by the power hydraulic fluid. A similar but separate control system is used for the sandline drum.

Abstract: A cable pulling system includes a pickup truck having on-board hydraulic and electrical systems, the hydraulic system including a pump driven by the truck engine, a reservoir tank mounted in the truck cargo bed and associated plumbing. An equipment module is removably mountable on the cargo bed and comprises a pallet which carries a hydraulic control console adapted to be coupled to the hydraulic system, a sump pump removably disposed in a support, a hydraulic winch motor and a take-up reel respectively removably mounted on pivoting supports, a reel of hydraulic conduit having one end thereof coupled to the hydraulic system and the other end adapted to be coupled to the sump pump, and an extension reel of hydraulic conduit for coupling the winch motor or the sump pump to the hydraulic system. The winch motor and take-up reel are mounted on a bumper support for use.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuated winch adapted to be manually mounted and dismounted from a three point hitch of a farm tractor. The winch is mounted on a specialized mounting member that is specifically designed to quickly mount onto the link connections of the three point hitch. Quick connections are provided on the hydraulic lines of the winch adapted to quick connect into the hydraulic power source of the tractor.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a pump mounted to a portable frame having an integral fluid reservoir for circulating the hydraulic fluid. Detachably mounted to the frame is a multiple speed winch. The fluid reservoir within the frame comprises the hollow structural tubing of the frame itself. The frame includes a handle for carrying the unit while the winch is in operation and for providing a hydraulic head to the pump and an expansion chamber for the hydraulic fluid. The multiple speed winch includes, in addition to the hydraulic motor, a first rotatable shaft and a second rotatable shaft operatively connected to the motor for providing two speeds to the winch. Each shaft has a freely rotatable hub mounted thereon which is engaged to its shaft by an associated clutch. By engaging and disengaging the clutches, the hydraulic motor may drive either of the shafts directly to reel in the attached cable or play it out.

Abstract: A log skidding vehicle (10) having a winch (18) controlled by a lever (20) on which is mounted means (50) for simultaneously actuating a transmission neutralizer (46) and a brake apparatus (38). The actuating means (50), when engaged by the operator, causes a winch brake control valve (32) to transmit compressed air to the brake apparatus (38). Simultaneously therewith, the actuating means (50) causes a transmission neutralizer control valve (42) to obstruct air flow to a transmission neutralizer (46) and thus cause a transmission (48) associated therewith and its shift lever (49) to move to a neutral position. By mounting the actuating means (50) on the winch control lever (20) operator visibility of the skidded load is improved and the operator's comfort is enhanced. In moving the transmission (48) and its shift lever (49) to neutral the utilizing vehicle will not, without additional operator action, move subsequent to disengagement of the brake apparatus (38).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling sway and pendulous motion of suspended loads is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a mobile crane or similar hoist system. The arrangement includes stabilizing cables attached to a load lifting structure or spreader of the crane. The stabilizing cable is reeled and unreeled as the load lifting structure is moved up and down, respectively. The reel for the stabilizing cable is connected to a hydraulic motor which is driven by a pressurized fluid source when the load lifting structure is raised to reel in the stabilizing cable reducing and abating any pendulous motion. Upon unreeling of the stabilizing cable and lowering of the load lifting structure, the fluid flow through the hydraulic motor is reversed and directed through bypass circuitry around the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved control system for a driven cable reel mounted on a vehicle wherein the reel is adapted to pay-in and pay-out electrical cable to supply power to the vehicle, such as a mine car. The control system modifies the torque supplied by the reel drive so as to maintain a relatively constant tension on the cable. The improved control system has a first or basic output which provides higher torque when the reel is paying in cable and provides lower torque when the reel is paying out cable, the difference in drive torque being necessary to compensate for the reversal of frictional characteristics during paying in and paying out of the cable. The control system further provides a transient condition output signal to modulate the drive of the cable reel in a manner which compensates for acceleration and deceleration of the cable reel to reduce cable slack and prevent a sudden increase in cable tension which could cause cable breakage.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a spooling drum of a reversible hoisting winch of the type having a bidirectional hydraulic motor for driving the drum via two planetary drives in series, with the final planetary drive having a spring-loaded brake which, when actuated hydraulically, allows the drum to freewheel. The control system comprises a shuttle valve connected between a pair of conduits through which the bidirectional drive motor is placed in selective communication with a first pump and a fluid drain by a motor control valve. Pilot-operated from the shuttle valve is a selector valve which, in response to the pilot signal supplied when the motor is in rotation in either direction, delivers pressurized hydraulic fluid from a second pump to a lubricating circuit of the planetary drives. When the motor control valve is neutralized, setting the drive motor out of rotation, the selector valve delivers the output of the second pump to the brake for freewheeling the winch drum.

Abstract: A crab pot line hauler in which an upright sheave support plate in the hauler head assembly is configured to serve as a continuing part of an outboard-extending cantilever swiveling support extending laterally from an upright post, and also to serve as a combined water splash guard and line loop whip guard for the hauler sheave, the multifunction support plate leaves the sheave open around its periphery for viewing of the line and ready accessibility to the line in order to clear it of incoming line knots and debris.

Abstract: A rotary drum cable winding apparatus particularly adapted for constant tension pulling operations in conjunction with stringing aerial electrical cables includes a hydraulic drive and control system utilizing a variable displacement, variable torque hydraulic motor supplied by a pressure compensated hydraulic pump. The motor has a built-in displacement control which is responsive to a predetermined pressure set point which may be varied by a pilot control pressure signal to increase motor displacement per revolution and output torque for a given motive fluid supply pressure. The increasing torque requirements and the reduced rotative speed of the rotary drum coincide with the requirement for relatively constant tension and constant speed of the messenger line or cable being wound on the drum.

Abstract: The hydraulic control system of this invention uses a series of hydraulic valves for directing hydraulic fluid to energize and pressurize rapidly the various clutches of a hydraulically driven transmission, while protecting the input clutch of the pump. A restrictor check valve slows the rate at which the input clutch disengages the pump from the power takeoff, thereby ensuring that the variable displacement pump destrokes during backdriving before the input clutch disengages. A sequence valve is ordinarily used to ensure that the winch is deactivated by dumping pressure in the system and by destroking the pump when control pressure in the system drops below a predetermined level. The hydraulic controls include a single-lever, four-function control valve for selecting four modes of operation: brake-off, reverse, free-spool, and forward, and a range selector for selecting between high and low range. Three three-way valves are used to shuttle hydraulic fluid to the main drive clutches (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swab hoist for use in conveying crude oil and natural gas having a cable drum and a driving motor for the cable drum.It is the object of the invention to provide a swab hoist of improved properties.This is achieved according to the invention by providing a hydraulic drive for the transmission of force from the driving motor to the cable drum. The hydraulic drive consists of a hydraulic pump driven by the driving motor, a hydraulic motor connected to the cable drum and a control means, in particular a pressure-reducing means, all connected to one another by means of pressure lines.

Abstract: A heave motion compensation appartus is used to move a load from a supply ship in heavy seas to a platform on an oil rig. A main load line extending down from a point of a crane boom mounted on the oil rig is driven by a pair of hydraulic main hoist drum motors. One of the motors is a variable displacement swash-plate type motor. The motors are driven through a hydrostatic transmission by a pair of variable displacement hydraulic pumps. A signal line running over the boom point is attached to the supply vessel and maintained taut. Sensor and control means reading movement of the signal line with respect to the first platform is used to control the displacement of one of the main hoist pumps to cause an outer end of the main hoist line to move up and down with the supply vessel. The other pump is controlled to raise and lower the outer end of the main load line. The main load line is attached to the load.

Abstract: A winch control system for a crane or the like; the winch including a rotatable spool. A motor is connected for rotating the spool while a dual state brake is connected to prevent spool rotation in one state while permitting spool rotation in its other state. A power source provides energy to drive the motor and to change the state of the brake. Control elements selectively interconnect the power supply with the brake and motor, the interconnection of the power supply and motor being responsive to the interconnection of the brake and power supply.

Abstract: The present invention is a hoisting winch that uses two motors, one a low-speed, high-torque hoisting motor and the other a high-speed, low-torque compensation motor. The motor shafts are connected to a cable drum by an epicycloidal gear trains. Uni-directional free-wheel assemblies are operatively connected to the motor shafts between the motors and an associated gear train. A first free wheel assembly includes a first driving element which is connected to the hoisting motor shaft and which drives a first driven element only in the drum unwinding direction. A second free wheel assembly includes a second driving element which is connected to the compensation motor shaft and which drives a second driven element driven only in the drum winding direction. Selectively appliable and releasable brakes resist rotation of the driven elements. An electrohydraulic control system controls the motors and brakes to allow the hoisting winch to be used in loading and unloading cargo from a ship.

Abstract: An improved brake valve for a hydraulically powered winch which has one flow path permitting the relatively unrestricted flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve when the winch is being used to raise a load and a second flow path in which the flow of fluid is controlled in response to the pressure of fluid at the motor inlet when the winch is being used to lower a load. Of particular significance are a fixed area orifice, an annular restrictive passageway and a variable area orifice which cooperate to distribute the pressure drop in the control circuit so as to reduce the sensitivity of the valve to pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic motor circuit. Also of significance are seals used on the spool and damper piston to retard the movement of the spool and to produce a desirable hysteresis effect in its response to pilot pressure.

Abstract: One or more freefall systems for a crane or the like is disclosed, which system includes a protective circuit that includes three separate switches that must be closed before the winch can be placed in its freefall mode. A mode switch in the cab must first be closed, a brake pedal must be depressed to close a second switch, and a third switch must be held closed by the operator during freefall.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for controlling a winch used in mining machinery, wherein the direction of operating a winch and speed thereof are controlled by changing the position of a control element of a fluid pump for supplying a fluid into a fluid pressure recirculating circuit, by a device incorporating the fluid pressure recirculating circuit and a control circuit. The arrangement is characterized by feeding ON/OFF signals for giving instructions of a position to a control element, by a bi-polar pulse generator. Pulse from the bi-polar pulse generator are fed to a reversible BCD counter by pressing push buttons, and comparing a voltage generated via a D/A converting circuit from the reversible BCD counter with a voltage generated from a potentiometer coupled to the control element according to the position of the control element to be selected, thereby controlling the instruction of the position of the control element; and setting a speed of the winch by pressing the push buttons.

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: A unique, single lever hand control is operatively associated with means for energizing the clutch mechanism which control the various parts of the transmission as well as control the reversibility and stroke of a pump which drives the input motor. The hand control assures a proper correlation between braking and powering of the drum.

Abstract: A winch mechanism of the deep lift type comprises a variable displacement hydraulic pump/motor which is adjusted so as to support from a ship or the like via a rope haulage mechanism a submerged load under the influence of pressurized hydraulic fluid which is stored at a substantially constant pressure in a high pressure accumulator and in a low pressure accumulator. As the ship rises and falls, forces on the submerged load are sufficient to maintain the load substantially stationary with hydraulic fluid being passed via the pump/motor between the two accumulators. Lifting is accomplished by a pump which circulates hydraulic fluid through the pump/motor.

Abstract: A rapid reverse winch has a hollow winding drum and a hydraulic motor to a first side of the drum. A drive shaft extends inwardly from the motor and is connected to a primary sun gear near the center of the drum. A primary internal gear extends about the primary sun gear. There is a primary planet hub between the primary sun gear and the primary internal gear and a plurality of planet gears rotatably mounted on the primary planet hub are in mesh with the primary sun gear and the primary internal gear. A final drive sun gear to a second side of the drum is connected to the primary planet housing. A non-rotatable final drive housing extends about the final sun gear. There is a final drive planet hub between the final drive sun gear and the final drive housing with a plurality of planet gears in mesh with the final drive internal gear and the final drive sun gear.