Abstract: An overhead storage device comprising a cable pulley; a constant torque spring unit attached to the cable pulley and adapted to apply an approximately constant torque to the cable pulley; a cable partially wound around the cable pulley and having an attachment mechanism at one end of the cable; and a locking mechanism; comprising a pawl, a release cord attached the pawl and a ratchet unit; adapted to permit the attachment mechanism and an attached load to be lowered and locked at any desired position within the range of the device. The device is particularly suited for storing items, such as bicycles, golf clubs and yard equipment that are commonly stored in garages.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.

Abstract: An overhead storage device having a lifting range. A constant torque spring is attached to a power pulley and is adapted to apply an approximately constant torque to the power pulley. A cable is partially wound around the power pulley and has an attachment mechanism at one end of the cable. A locking mechanism is adapted to permit the attachment mechanism and an attached load to be lowered and locked at any desired position within the range of the device. The approximately constant torque applied by the constant torque spring continuously causes the cable, unless restrained, to be further wound on the pulley.

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 manipulator for a load has a stand, an accommodation connected to the stand (2, 8) for the load, wherein the accommodation allows movement of the load with respect to the stand with respect to at least a first axis, a drive having a rope pull or a chain or belt drive which supports the movement of the load along the first axis, and an elasticity means acting along the first axis. The elasticity means has a frame translationally displaceable along the first axis with respect to the stand and elastically retained which supports a guiding element of the drive.

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 flagpole winch that fits inside the internal hollow space a flagpole and is configured to alternatively wind or unwind a cord spool or to lock the cord spool into a rotational position. The winch uses a release spindle that unlocks an actuator mechanism when turned in either direction, allowing the cord spool to be positively rotated in either direction. Once the positive input or turning ceases, the continuous tension on the cord causes the actuator mechanism to automatically lock to arrest the cord spool.

Abstract: A height-adjustably mounted apparatus has a flexible supply line that is conducted to the apparatus from above and is provided with a weight compensation device so that the apparatus can be easily adjusted to different vertical positions. The weight compensation device includes a cable drum that accepts a first carrying cable which is loaded with the height-adjustably mounted apparatus and is subjected to a force directed opposite to the weight of the device and the weight compensation device includes a second carrying cable that is accepted on the cable drum and has an end secured to a supply line at a fastening location, so that the fastening location is lifted by the second carrying cable during vertical adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a load tie-down system that incorporates a wind-down winch for securing and tensioning a hold-down member, the improvement consists of incorporating a tensioning spring that maintains a resilient loading upon the drum of the winch, such that in the event of reduction in the tension of the hold-down member, the drum is driven in a winding-on sense, to maintain tension in the hold-down member. A releasable coupling between the spring and the winch drum enables independent operation of the winch and of the tensioning spring. One embodiment incorporates a spring mounted upon an extension of the winch drum, outside the frame. Helical springs are used. The spring torque is automatically connected to the winch drum, and is automatically disconnected when the spring is de-tensioned.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising (a) a first and second member in rotational alignment to each another; (b) a torsional resilient mechanism for providing torsional resilience between the first and second members, the torsional resilient mechanism comprising at least two or more coaxial helical springs connected in series with the inner-most spring connected to the first member and the outer-most spring connected to the second member; and (c) one or more stops for preventing at least one of said springs from winding or unwinding beyond a particular point.

Abstract: A device (1) for equalizing the weight of a suspended load, for example a tool to be operated by hand, includes a cable drum (2) and at least two parallel or substantially parallel suspension cables (3), which can be evenly wound up and unwound on a corresponding number of grooves (9) of matching diameter arranged parallel alongside one another on the cable drum (2). Each of the suspension cables (3) has for this purpose a resistance to tear corresponding to or exceeding the nominal load to be accommodated, so that considerably larger safety reserves are present, and even if one cable tears, the remaining cable can continue to carry the load. By distributing the load on two cables, the danger of a cable tear is, however, at the same time diminished.

Abstract: A retractable tie-down assembly includes a frame, a spool rotatably mounted to the frame, a strap wrapable on the spool, and a locking device. A holder bracket is pivotally connected to an axle of the spool. A catch member is mounted in the holder bracket. A spring includes a first end attached to the holder bracket and a second end attached to an end of the catch member to thereby bias the catch member to a position disengaged from the ratchet wheel. When the locking device is in a position engaged with a ratchet wheel on the spool and thus locks the spool against rotation in a pay out direction, and when the holder bracket is manually pivoted in a direction away from the locking device, the catch member is moved to engage with and thus exerts a force to the ratchet wheel such that the spool rotates in a retracting direction. Fine tightness adjustment of the strap is achieved by simple repeated reciprocating pivotal movements of the holder bracket.

Abstract: A roller comprises: a support shaft bearing at either opposite end a bush supporting an external tubular element containing the shaft and destined to be a support element of a cover fixed thereto by one end; a motor to recall the roller by setting the tubular element in rotation about the shaft in an opposite direction to that followed during an unwinding of the cover, and constituted by at least two helix springs, separate but cooperating, which are coaxially keyed on the shaft; the ends of each spring being stably fixed on corresponding seats exhibited by a first support keyed on the shaft and a second support, axially fixed and rotatably mounted on the shaft, and solid to the tubular element.

Abstract: A remotely controllable retractable lifeline extender having an electric motor attached thereto to provide powered payout and retraction of the lifeline to a user located below. The remote retractable lifeline extender may be fastened to the ceiling or rafter of a structure, or to some other sturdy structural component thereof having a great deal of clearance below the connection point. The device is actuated by a hand-held remote control unit used by the worker to be attached to the lifeline. By activating the remote control unit, the lifeline is lowered to the worker by the motor-powered unit. The lifeline is attached to the worker's safety belt or harness by a fastening member such as a locking snap hook or carabiner.

Abstract: A strap extending and tensioning system includes a strap winding mechanism to wind a predetermined length of strap on itself. A clevis slip hook is included for coupling to a rear end of a tow truck or the like. A strap tightener allowing the strap to be tightened passes through a through slot in the strap tightener. The strap tightener has a rotatable handle to rotate counter-clockwise a pair of ratchet wheels and a shaft to wind the strap on the shaft and thus place the strap in tension loading. Two pawls, as part of a pawl plate in the rotatable handle, may engage the ratchet wheels to rotate counter-clockwise through a biasing spring which pushes the pawl plate in a predetermined direction. The shaft can wind the strap to tighten it when the displaceable handle is rotated to provide a counter-clockwise rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A retractable tie-down assembly that enables a transportable item to be secured on a trailer. The retractable tie-down assembly is assembled about a frame that is permanently attached to the trailer. Webbing or other strap material has one end which is attached to a spool that is rotatably mounted to the frame. The spool includes a pair of side walls which are formed in the shape of ratchet wheels. A handle is movably mounted on the frame and includes a pawl that is engageable with the ratchet wheels and capable of rotating the ratchet wheels and spool in its retracting direction to take up webbing onto the spool and tighten the same. The retractable tie-down assembly also includes a lock that is capable of locking the spool against rotation in its pay out direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining a restraining device placed over a load in constant tension as the load shifts during transit are disclosed. The present invention provides a winch having two ratchets, the first of which provides the initial tension in the restraining device. The second ratchet is connected to a spring, which is connected to the shaft upon which the restraining device is wound. By operating the second ratchet, the spring is displaced and an urging force is created. Upon a reduction of the initial tension in the restraining device, the urging force acts upon the shaft, advancing the shaft and the first ratchet, thereby maintaining the tension in the restraining device. Since the first ratchet is advanced, any slack in the restraining device is accumulated and the strap is locked into a tighter position. Methods and apparatus providing a locking bar to prevent unauthorized use of the winch and theft of the restraining device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated door and door guiding track covers storage bays of a beverage body. An articulated door is formed by engaging a plurality of polymeric panel sections into a sequence such that each panel section can be positioned at varying angles with respect to an adjacent engaged panel section. The articulated door is guided between an open position and a closed position by a door guiding track comprised of a left channel facing a right channel across a door opening. The sequence of panel sections is slidably positioned in the door guiding track by having a left end of each panel section extending into the left channel and a right end of each panel section extending into the right channel. A counter-balance comprised of a spring-loaded drum having a strap with one end attached to the bottom of the door and another end attached to the center of the drum is provided to assist in raising and lowering the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tensioning apparatus and method for creating and maintaining a substantially constant tension force in a flexible cable or shaft element. The apparatus used for maintaining the flexible cable at a constant tension includes interconnected reel and camming elements joined to a resiliently acting element. The reel and camming elements cooperate to adjust a variable tension force produced by the resiliently acting element to a substantially constant tension force of selected characteristic in the flexible cable.

Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing mechanism for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing mechanism being movable at an inherently variable of force; a first biasing force transmission, connected intermediately of the window sash and the like and the biasing mechanism, for increasing the effective range of movement of the biasing mechanism; and, a second biasing force transmission connected intermediately of the first biasing force transmission and the biasing mechanism, the second biasing force transmission having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing mechanism, to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force. The biasing mechanism preferably comprises a linearly extensible and contractible spring. In one embodiment, both the first and second biasing force transmissions comprise pulley and cable systems.

Abstract: A tensioner (10) is disclosed for use in tensioning connecting lines (16) connecting a marine riser (14) to a floating platform (12). The tensioner (10) is a passive system which incorporates a series of cylindrical elastomeric members (42, 54, 60) which are deformed in torsion to exert the proper tension on the connecting line (16). A specially tapered drum (30) is provided on the tensioner so that the radial distance from the axis of rotation of the drum to the position where the line leaves the drum varies to compensate for the variation in torsional moment of the elastomeric members so that a predetermined tension can be maintained on the line (16) as the line is payed out and taken in from the tapered drum.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing injuries to a worker as a result of a fall includes a housing which is intended to be supported at an elevated position where the worker is working and a cable which is adapted to be connected to a harness or belt worn by the worker. The housing includes a spring driven drum therein which normally keeps the cable wound thereon but which allows the same to be withdrawn slowly from the housing as more cable is needed by the worker. A centrifugally operated brake senses an initial quick withdrawal of the cable from the housing which results from the worker falling and stops further withdrawal therefrom to thereby prevent the worker from falling further. A hand operated winch mechanism carried by the housing allows a fellow worker to raise the fallen worker to safety.

Abstract: A winch has a drum arranged on a rotatable shaft, a rope member connected with the drum and connectable with a load, a speed-changing transmission, a drive element arranged to drive at least one member of the transmission, and a clutch arranged to connect the shaft with the transmission to provide rotation of the drum with one speed and disconnect the shaft from the transmission to provide rotation of the drum with a different speed.

Abstract: A multi-stage extendable tower for controlled elevated support and positioning of workmen and equipment having a plurality of telescoping frame sections that may be raised from a collapsed nested position to a partially or fully extended position. Functionally positioned and interconnected between each adjacent frame section is at least one heavy-duty coiled spring whose potential energy stored in torsion provides sufficient lifting force to overcome the weight of the above frame members, workmen and equipment. Both manual and motorized means are disclosed and claimed for effecting compression and renesting of the frame members.

Abstract: A winch for use with a van door opening system having separate opening and closing cables includes a two-section drum mounted on a common, motor-driven shaft. A helical spring is interposed between each drum section and the shaft, for compensating for differential extension of the opening and closing cables and for maintaining tension in the opening and closing cables. A driver is affixed to the shaft, and cooperates with a stop on the interior surface of each drum section, for providing a positive driving force for opening the door, and for closing the door. In operation, rotation of the shaft stores energy in the appropriate spring before the driver contacts a stop to provide a positive driving force, so that cable tension will be maintained when the motor-driven shaft is de-energized.

Abstract: A mooring line handling apparatus comprising a small diameter sheave, a large diameter sheave, the small sheave and the large sheave being axially mounted on a shaft secured to a base, a first line wrapped for at least part of its length on the large sheave, and an elastic line extending from an anchor to the small sheave for resisting rotation, by the elasticity of the elastic line, of the large sheave when a load is applied to unwrap the first line. A plurality of elastic lines of equal length can be used. Another version of mooring line handling apparatus has a lever pivotably secured to a base, a mooring line attached to a first end of the lever, and an elastic line extending from the anchor to the second end of the lever. A load applied to the mooring line pivots the lever which stretches the elastic line thereby effectively increasing the mooring line length as a load is applied.