Abstract: A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable.

Abstract: An engagement chain type hoisting and lowering device is disclosed, having a hoisting and lowering table attached to the upper end of two or more pairs of hoisting and lowering driving engagement chains. A driving motor drives two pairs of hoisting and lowering sprockets which, in turn, raise or lower two pairs of hoisting and lowering driving engagement chains. By arranging two pairs of hoisting and lowering driving engagement chains on two opposed sides of the hoisting and lowering table, buckling of the hoisting and lowering driving engagement chains is suppressed, resulting in stable hoisting and lowering operations without slippage of articles on the hoisting and lowering table, and chain endurance is improved. The device is designed so that the lowest position of the hoisting and lowering table can be lower than the height of the peripherally located driving motor, for ease and safety of operation and maintenance.

Abstract: A hoist system with an overspeed detection sub-system for detecting overspeed by comparing an actual drum assembly speed with a target value. For example, the rotation of a motor may be determined by a first rotary encoder and the rotation of a drum may be determined by a second rotary encoder. The output of the first rotary encoder (the basis of a target value) is compared with the output of the second rotary encoder (corresponding to actual motion of the drum). If the difference between the target value and the actual motion is too large, then a problem, such as a broken hoist hardware component may exist, and appropriate remedial action is taken, such as braking the motor and/or the drum.

Abstract: A boat lift drive for connection to a winch having a winch shaft. The boat lift drive includes a power unit, a drive train engaged to and being driven by the power unit, and a drive shaft engaged to and being driven by the drive train. The drive shaft in turn is engaged to and drives the winch shaft. The drive shaft includes an interior threaded opening that engages a threaded end of the winch shaft to directly connect the drive shaft to the winch shaft. The drive shaft is further engaged to the winch shaft via a pin that extends through the drive shaft and is threaded into the winch shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator installation and a method for mounting a drive unit of an elevator installation. The elevator installation comprises a car and a counterweight in a shaft and a drive unit mounted on a crossbeam or the shaft roof. The drive unit has two spaced-apart drive zones. The drive zones are in that case integrally integrated in the drive shaft and directly machined therein.

Abstract: A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, to assure proper windup of the line in organized coils on the drum. During line release, the line is placed under tension by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum even when the line is not under load from the sail to which it is attached. The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second which, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting the sails of a yacht, all without the necessity of any physical line handling by crew members, resulting in a significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew.

Abstract: A drive system for use with a cable and a carrier for raising and lowering a payload between a lower position and an upper position, the carrier being configured to hold the payload, the cable being connected to the carrier, includes a reel, a drive mechanism, a cable slack control mechanism, and a tension adjustment system. The reel is configured to receive the cable. The reel is rotatable in each of a winding direction to wind the cable onto the reel to raise the carrier and an unwinding direction to unwind the cable from the reel to lower the carrier. The drive mechanism includes a drive member and a motor operable to forcibly rotate the drive member in each of a raising direction and a lowering direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator for generating a rotational positioning movement, wherein the actuator comprises an electric motor (1) and a reduction gear (2) which consists of two assemblies (4, 5). The first assembly (4) is formed by a gear of the harmonic, cycloid or wobble, type and the second assembly (5) by a gear of the single-step or multistep planetary or Wolfrom type, whereby both assemblies (4, 5) are so tuned to each other, that the reduction gear (2) is not self-locking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engagement chain type driving device including a pair of driving sprockets, which rotate positively and reversely in opposite directions about a pair of rotating shafts, a pair of engagement chains, which engage with each other by the pair of driving sprockets so to be integrated together, and a driving source, which drives the pair of driving sprockets, wherein the engagement chain includes inner tooth plates and outer tooth plates, which each include buckling limiting flat surfaces, the inner tooth plates and outer tooth plates being brought opposite to each other and into contact with each other when the engagement chains are integrated by the pair of driving sprockets, such that the flat surfaces hold the chain engagement position.

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 “turtle” winch that rotates relative to a non-rotatable base. The rotatable part is held in place relative to the fixed base by v shaped grooves held in cam followers.

Abstract: A rachet strap tightener and a power driven rotary tool are arranged to be operated together for tightening a strap. The body of the power driven rotary tool is arranged to be anchored in mating engagement relative to the body of the rachet strap tightener, in addition to coupling the rotating mating parts of the tool and the strap tightener, such that the torque applied when winding the spindle of the tightener no longer acts to twist the tightener body from the user's hands but rather the torque is anchored directly through the bodies so that winding of the spindle with the power driven tool can be accomplished quickly, efficiently and in a safe manner.

Abstract: A hoist is powered by a separate power unit. The hoist unit includes: a motor, a mounting connector, a spool, webbing, auto cut-off and a first portion of a mating electrical connector. The control unit includes a hollow pole, a hook, a second portion of the mating electrical connector, a control switch, electrical circuitry and a battery pack.

Abstract: A power assisted winch and method include a control system and method for detecting the amount of turning force or torque supplied by a manual input drive to the winch drum, supplying turning force or torque from a motor to the winch drum and controlling the amount of torque supplied by the motor to the winch drum as a function of the amount of turning force or torque supplied by the manual drive. The function may be a fixed predetermined ratio or it may vary depending upon the level of turning force or torque supplied by the manual input drive. A torque sensor may be utilized to detect the level of input manual torque and control apparatus controls the amount of torque supplied by the motor to gearing or coupling driving the winch drum.

Abstract: A theater rigging assembly having a beam, which is attached to structural support members of a theater or other performing arts venue. The assembly further includes a winch assembly and head block that can be positioned at any point along the beam and selectively fixed in position. The winch portion includes cables for raising and lowering battens or other loads. The head block includes head sheaves, which redirect the cables to loft sheaves that are selectively attached to the beam. The head sheaves are diagonally displaced to separate the cables. The winch portion includes a motor, a gear box, a drum and a brake. The brake includes a ratchet and two brake disks. It uses at least one friction surface that contacts at least one of the brake disks to cause a pawl to engage or disengage from the ratchet.

Abstract: The present invention is a transmission used with a winch drum. The transmission includes a drive shaft, an output shaft, a hydraulic or pneumatic system, a cooling system, a gear coaxially mounted on the output shaft, and an electric motor for powering the gear. The drive shaft is adapted to drive the winch drum and includes a clutch disc extending generally radially outwards from the drive shaft. The clutch disc has a face. The output shaft coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft and includes a friction surface extending generally radially inward. The friction surface has a face opposing the face of the clutch disc. The hydraulic or pneumatic system is adapted to bring the faces into contact, and the cooling system is adapted to remove heat from the friction surface via a fluid coolant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to wireline communication equipment are disclosed. Exemplary methods include positioning the wireline communication equipment at least partly below ground level, positioning an electric-powered lifting device near the wireline communication equipment and at least partly below the ground level, connecting the electric-powered lifting device to the wireline communication equipment, and configuring the lifting device to lift the wireline communication equipment above the ground level when access to the wireline communication equipment is desired.

Abstract: A system for servicing a water well including a well pipe having a pump and a motor at a bottom thereof. The well head has a platform to support a winch thereon. Also supported on the platform is an upstanding mast having a return wheel at a top thereof. One end of a cable is attached to the winch and another end is attached to a top of the well pipe after having been trained over the return wheel at the top of the mast. Activating the motor on the winch will pull the well pipe from the deep well including the pump and the motor.

Abstract: A hoist is powered by a separate power unit. The hoist unit includes: a motor, a mounting connector, a spool, webbing, auto cut-off and a first portion of a mating electrical connector. The control unit includes a hollow pole, a hook, a second portion of the mating electrical connector, a control switch, electrical circuitry and a battery pack.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable on a vehicle and having a mounting section and a lift section. The lift section is moveably coupled to the mounting section. A drive chain having a plurality of articulating links and defining opposite first and second ends is operably coupled with a drive gear. At least one of the drive gear and the first and second ends of the drive chain is coupled to the mounting section and at least another one of these items is coupled to the lift section. The rotation of the drive gear movingly drives the chain and thereby moves the lift section relative to the mounting section. In some embodiments, the ends of the drive chain are coupled to one of the mounting section and the lift section and the drive gear is mounted on the other one of the mounting section and the lift section.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable.

Abstract: A winch mechanism is provided with an integrated inverter for providing AC electric power from a DC electric power source. The winch mechanism is also provided with a plug receptacle to allow standard AC electric devices to be plugged into the winch mechanism so that the appliance can be utilized remotely from other AC electric power sources. An additional jump start storage device can be provided on the winch for providing back-up jump start storage.

Abstract: A hoisting machine, such as a cable block, includes a support frame having at least two face plates, which are detachably joined together and spaced apart by at least two longitudinal members. The support frame includes a simple structural design, in which the longitudinal members are detachably joined to the face plates such that the ends of the longitudinal members are pressed against a bearing surface of the face plates in the direction of their lengthwise axis, transversely to the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A three-phase drive motor is utilized to operate a boat lift. In one example, a drive motor arrangement for replacing manual drives on an existing boat lift winch shaft comprises a worm gear box with a worm driven by an integrally mounted motor on the worm gear box. A worm gear is mounted on a tubular cross shaft extending outwardly on opposite ends of the gear box. The bore of the cross shaft is of size to slide over an existing winch drive shaft. The tubular shaft has a drive connection that mates with the existing drive connection on the winch box shaft. As shown a disc that effects drives to a mating disc on the winch box shaft. After removing the manual ratchet and wheel on an existing winch shaft, the tubular shaft of the worm gear box can be put into place and a suitable fastener is used to hold the drive connection on the tubular shaft in engagement with the drive member on the winch shaft.

Abstract: A winch includes an electric motor having a fixed stator, and a cylindrical rotor which rotates about the stator. A drum is affixed to the rotor and carries the cable which is wound or unwound by the winch. The winch may be a drawworks for an oil and gas rig.

Abstract: A winch mechanism is provided with an integrated inverter for providing AC electric power from a DC electric power source. The winch mechanism is also provided with a plug receptacle to allow standard AC electric devices to be plugged into the winch mechanism so that the appliance can be utilized remotely from other AC electric power sources. An additional jump start storage device can be provided on the winch for providing back-up jump start storage.

Abstract: A portable winch apparatus having a rechargeable battery and electrical outlets for the charging and operation of external accessory devices. The winch is housed in a casing with various anchor attachments that allow for multiple dragging, towing, and lifting arrangements. Because the winch apparatus incorporates at least one accessory outlet which is powered by the attached rechargeable battery power supply, the present invention combines the portability advantages of hand held winches with the power output options available to vehicle mounted winches. The invention achieves further versatility through incorporation of a wireless remote control unit, and its versatile structural organization around an internal frame that permits it to be manufactured in differing configurations with different geometries.

Abstract: A heavy duty wheeled vehicle for an industrial environment is electrically driven by one or more switched reluctance motor traction drive system connected to the wheels. The switched reluctance motors are powered by an electrical generator that is driven by an engine, such as a diesel engine, which may run at a substantially constant RPM. A digital control system provides operator displays and controls power conversion from the generator, as well as providing maintenance and control functions for the switched reluctance motors. A heavy-duty hoisting apparatus electrically drives a hoisting mechanism using an SR motor, providing power for lifting a load. The heavy-duty hoisting apparatus may include an engine and generator or provide power to the SR motor from an external source.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lifting assembly has a frame structure with a translatable support element. The support element has a load-bearing surface and a screw-form. The screw-form is threadedly connected to a gear which is in mechanical communication with a power source, which may be an electric motor. The load-bearing surface is fixed to a shaft of the translatable support element and at least a portion of the load-bearing surface is angularly oriented with respect to the shaft. A guide with at least one end fixed to the frame structure is adapted to adjust the rotational orientation of the load-bearing surface.

Abstract: An electric winch includes a motor, a speed reducer, a rope shaft, a rope wound around the rope shaft for lifting up or lowering down a heavy load, a clutch, two fix bases, two fix rods, a base plate, and a controller. The motor rotates the speed reducer and then the rope shaft for winding or unwinding the rope. The clutch can connect or disconnect the speed reducer to or from the rope shaft. The fix base is respectively positioned between the motor and the rope shaft and also between the speed reducer and the rope shaft. The fix rods are positioned between the fix bases for securing the distance between the two fix bases. The base plate is positioned on the fix rods, and the controller is firmly mounted on the base plate, with the cap covering over the controller and the base plate for hiding them.

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 elevator hoisting machine includes a first rotary part having a sheave, a brake-side end plate, and a brake disk integrally formed together, a second rotary part having a rotor with a permanent magnet and a motor-side end plate integrally formed together, wherein the second rotary part is coaxially coupled to the first rotary part with the sheave abutting on the rotor. A sheave casing serves to cover the first rotary part and support the inner periphery of the brake-side end plate, and includes a brake main body which makes contact with the brake disk body to provide braking. A frame serves to covers the second rotary part and support the inner periphery of the motor-side end plate, and includes a stator arranged to face the permanent magnet. The sheave casing and frame are coupled together to form an external enclosure.

Abstract: A hoist is powered by a separate power unit. The hoist unit includes: a motor, a mounting connector, a spool, webbing, auto cut-off and a first portion of a mating electrical connector. The control unit includes a hollow pole, a hook, a second portion of the mating electrical connector, a control switch, electrical circuitry and a battery pack.

Abstract: A flexible construction for an elevator gearless traction drive machine having a frame that is easily adaptable to traction sheaves of differing widths and diameters while providing the necessary stability for the drive components without an additional structure. The frame is comprised of a pair of frame members joined by a plurality connecting rods. The connecting rods can be mounted in various positions based on the diameter of the sheave to avoid interference between the drive mount and suspension means. Longer or shorter connecting rods may be used based on the width of the sheave.

Abstract: A modular adjustable hoist has a winch and a cable for hoisting an object. An electric motor is coupled to the winch for winding and unwinding the cable. An adjustable frame is used for securing the winch to a support or in a free standing position. The support can include a door frame, a wall, and an automotive vehicle. Legs can be attached to the adjustable frame for providing stability to the hoist for use with or without the structural support.

Abstract: An actuator and control algorithm which provide an operator with the ability to intuitively and responsively maneuver heavy work-pieces with ease and precision. The structure of the apparatus may provide a hoist with a compliant sensing system to measure the weight of the payload. The compliant sensing system may result in smaller dead-bands than are realizable with traditional force sensing methods. At the command of the user, the control algorithm may switch between two distinct operational modes: float mode and manual mode. In float mode, the hoist actively counterbalances the weight of the load, allowing it to feel substantially weightless in the operator's hands. The operator can apply forces directly to the payload to accelerate it in the desired vertical direction. Because of the small dead-band realized with compliant sensing, the payload may be highly responsive to the operators force inputs. As a result, the payload may be intuitively maneuvered at very high speeds, as well as very low speeds.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: An improved chain motor drive controller is provided for a chain hoist. The system employs a position encoder including a position sensor located within the casing of the chain hoist to producing encoded electrical position signals. A motor pulley is mounted on the chain motor rotary drive shaft and is coupled by a cogged belt to rotate an encoder pulley that is mounted on the same shaft as the position sensor. A mechanical coupling is thereby provided entirely within the casing of the chain hoist to transmit rotary motion from the rotary drive shaft directly to the position sensor. Also, tracking circuitry, likewise located entirely within the chain hoist casing, receives electrically encoded destination signals and compares these to signals from the position sensor.

Abstract: A hoist synchronization apparatus and method using a master controller operating software that provides a pulse reference to a slave controller. The slave commands its motor to rotate at the speed conveyed by that pulse reference. The slave controller monitors the pulse feedback from both the master encoder and the slave's encoder and compensates for any position error by adjusting its motor output speed. In addition, the slave controller includes the capability to automatically resynchronize the hoists. Resynchronization is accomplished by storing position error generated when either the master or the slave is run independently and correcting for the error when both units are operated at a later time.

Abstract: The lifting gear includes a rotatably mounted drum (5) for winding up tension means (4), which is driven in rotation by at least one rotary driving device (19) comprising a rotary driving motor (21) acting on the drum (5) through at least one change-speed gearbox (25). The at least one rotary driving device (19) is—in relation to the axis of rotation (S) of the drum (5)—arranged alongside the drum (5) in such a way that the drum (5) and the rotary driving device (19) at least partially overlap in a projection perpendicular to the axis of rotation (S) of the drum (5).

Abstract: A winch drive assembly comprises a motor-driven winch drive (1) drivably engageable with a winch (11) and a laterally-outwardly extending member (4) attached to the winch drive (1), the laterally-outwardly extending member (4) being engageable with a stop for hindering or preventing rotation of the winch drive (1) during driving of the winch (11).

Abstract: A rescue hoist is comprised of a receiver tube attached to a mounting bracket. The receiver tube is for attaching to a tow hitch on a motor vehicle. A motor is attached to a gear head. A flange on the gear head is attached to the mounting bracket. A capstan is attached to an output shaft of the gear head. A rotatable plate is attached to the mounting bracket, and is freely rotatable relative to the mounting bracket about an axis of the capstan. A lead block with rollers is attached to the rotatable plate. A rope is wound around the capstan. A control portion of the rope is gripped by an operator, and a load portion is positioned through the lead block between the rollers and attached to a load. The rotatable plate is automatically rotated to align the lead block with the direction of the load portion.

Abstract: A self-locking reduction device used in a winch has a support to which an input shaft is rotatably mounted. The input shaft has an eccentric shaft portion. Three pins are formed at regular intervals on a circumference around the center of the eccentric shaft portion on an external gear that is mounted to the eccentric shaft portion. Three bores are formed at regular intervals on the support facing the external gear on a circumference around the center of the input shaft. The pins are engaged with the bores so that the external gear may be eccentrically moved. The number of internal teeth of the internal gear is slightly more than that of the external teeth of the external gear, thereby providing a reliable self-locking reduction device. Metal-to-metal contact between the input shaft and the wall of a surrounding bore provides a braking force for self-locking of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An elevator hoist apparatus including a ventilation passage within a motor frame includes an inlet suction port at one end, a flow passage extending through the motor, and upper and lower discharge ports at the lower end of the motor frame. The upper discharge port is at a position above the horizontal plane that includes the motor axis. The upper discharge port has an axis forming an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal plane, and the lower discharge port is at a position below the horizontal plane. A blower is connected to each discharge port, thereby generating a substantially uniform flow of cooling air within the motor frame. Therefore, the flow of cooling air generated within the motor frame is substantially uniform, eliminating stagnation regions and uneven cooling, improving the cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A hoist synchronization apparatus and method using a master controller operating software that provides a pulse reference to a slave controller. The slave commands its motor to rotate at the speed conveyed by that pulse reference. The slave controller monitors the pulse feedback from both the master encoder and the slave's encoder and compensates for any position error by adjusting its motor output speed. In addition, the slave controller includes the capability to automatically resynchronize the hoists. Resynchronization is accomplished by storing position error generated when either the master or the slave is run independently and correcting for the error when both units are operated at a later time.

Abstract: A wire winding and ordering device for an electromotive winch is installed at a front opening of a winch. The wire winding and ordering device includes a transversal displacement element and a longitudinal displacement element. The longitudinal displacement element is movably combined with a transversal displacement element and is penetrated through by a twisting wire so as to clamp the wire. Thereby, the twisting wire with or without burden can be rewound in order.

Abstract: An improved driving device (10) for the traction of cables or chains, in particular a device (10) for driving electric anchor winches (15), electric winches or windlasses (24), which are able to drive boat or ship anchors; wherein the drive units (45, 46), e.g. relays, contactors, mos units or four-quadrant units, are incorporated inside the motor (23B). The power (P) and control (S) cables are wired to a common connector terminal (60) on the motor.

Abstract: A winch for use in a heave compensation system has a winch drum (42) driven by an AC asynchronous motor (50) via a gearbox (52). The motor (50) is controlled by a variable speed control (58) as a function of heave speed. The motor (50) and its drive train, and the winch (42), are chosen to have low inertia. The winch pays out and reels in to compensate for heave substantially instantaneously, without the need for prediction of wave patterns.

Abstract: The invention is a system for removing dead animals from a building having a ceiling structure, a plurality of parallel elongated pens, and a dead animal depository station. The system includes a track that extends horizontally over the pens and is suspended from the ceiling structure. A carriage assembly is mounted on the track for travel along the track. Rotatably secured to the carriage assembly about a vertical axis is a winch apparatus that extends downwardly from the carriage. Secured to the winch is a flexible means that moves vertically with respect to the winch which is attached to dead animals for raising the animal above the pen and lowering the animal to the dead animal depository.

Abstract: In a drum winding unit, a cylindrical drum winding a wire is supported by paired supports fixed to a base structure so the drum freely rotates about a central axis of the drum. A drive unit for rotating the drum is disposed inside the drum. The drive unit is insertable into and extractable from the drum while keeping the drum and the supports in their operating positions.