Abstract: A joint locking mechanism of a passive robotic arm includes: an output assembly, including a joint output shaft, and a friction disk fixed to the joint output shaft; a braking assembly, including a threaded shaft arranged coaxially with the joint output shaft, a threaded sleeve threaded to the threaded shaft, a rotary disk connected fixedly to the threaded shaft, an end cap rotatable relative to the rotary disk, and a scroll spring generating a rotational force on the threaded shaft. The scroll spring has one end connected fixedly to the end cap and the other end connected to the rotary disk or the threaded shaft. The threaded sleeve is abutted tightly against the friction disk.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline windable about and paid out from a rotatable drum and a housing. The housing includes a first connector and is configured and arranged to house the drum and the lifeline wound about a base of the drum. The first connector is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure, the lifeline is pulled outward from proximate the housing thereby paying out at least a portion of the lifeline from the drum, a second connector operatively connected to the lifeline is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure, and the lifeline is tensioned using a crank that rotates the drum to increase the tension in the lifeline and provides indication when the tension in the lifeline reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A fluid shear actuated brake mechanism includes an outer hub secured to a hoist frame, a main brake disc stack engaged between the outer hub and a hoist drum shaft, an actuator hub helically engaged with the outer hub, and an actuator disc stack engaged between the actuator hub and the shaft. The main disc stack and the actuator disc stack are immersed in a fluid. Rotation of the shaft in a load lowering direction generates fluid shear in the actuator disc stack which rotates the actuator hub in a lowering direction and advances it toward the main disc stack, compressing it and the actuator disc stack. Rotation of the shaft in an opposite load lift direction retract the actuator hub from the main disc stack.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tapered braking device for electric winches which disposes a section of gear shaft, a section of core shaft, a wedge shape support, braking plates, an elastic element, a wedge shape piece A, a wedge shape piece B, a braking clutch base and so on in a gear box of an electric winch. When a motor works, the section of core shaft of the motor can drive the braking clutch base and the wedge shape pieces A, B to rotate, until a gap is formed between the friction faces of the wedge shape support and the wedge shape piece B and the braking plates so that the braking action stops. When the motor suddenly stops, a heavy load lifted by a tight wire rope reel provides a reverse pulling force so that the wedge shape piece B produces a reverse thrust force to push the friction faces of the braking plates, so the braking effect is achieved quickly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a plane braking device for electric winches and electric winch which disposes a section of hollow gear shaft, a section of core shaft, a fixing ring, a wedge shape support, a stopping piece, a braking plate, an elastic element, a wedge shape piece B, a wedge shape piece A, a braking clutch base and so on in a gear box of an electric winch. When a motor works, the section of core shaft of the motor drives the braking clutch base and the wedge shape pieces A, B to rotate, until a gap is formed between the adjacent braking plate and stopping piece between the braking clutch base and the wedge shape piece B, so that the braking effect disappears. When the motor stops suddenly, a heavy load lifted by a tight wire drum provides a reverse pulling force so that the wedge shape piece B produces a reverse thrust force to push the friction planes of the braking plate and the stopping piece, so the plane braking effect is achieved quickly.

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: The hoist device mainly contains a gear assembly and a ratchet braking assembly. The gear assembly mainly contains a chain wheel driven by a main axle running through the ratchet braking assembly which mainly contains a ratchet wheel sandwiched between a pair of brake rings. The ratchet wheel, controlled by stopping blocks, can only turn in one direction. At an end of the main axle, there is a hexagonal cylindrical sleeve so that either an ordinary wrench or a power tool can be used to turn the main axle. As the main axle is turned to lift an object, the ratchet wheel clamped by the brake rings is turned as well. When the main axle is turned to the other direction, the brake rings release the ratchet wheel so that it will not prevent the chain wheel to lower the object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.

Abstract: A boat lift uses a one-way roller bearing in association with a friction disc clutch. A hand-wheel operator provides power input, though a motor may be substituted therefore. A gearing arrangement, a one-way roller bearing and friction clutch, a cable and cable reel for selectively providing tensile force, and a boat support such as a custom hull support or suitable adjustable or universal boat support round out the lift components. Novel couplings permit the handwheel to be rotated and translated axially.

Abstract: A snatch connector is provided with a disconnection lanyard assembly including a tensioner assembly including a spreader bar, cables, and a cable reel. The reel may be set to allow paying out of the cable or to pull in the cable and when set to pull in, will resist paying out of the cable, thereby providing a tensile force for snatch disconnection.

Abstract: A manual winch includes a housing supporting a rotatable reel, a ratchet assembly coupled to the reel movable between an engaged and disengaged position, and a load releasing system for moving the ratchet assembly system to a disengaged position. The ratchet assembly includes a rotatable ratchet gear which is adapted to be engaged by a pivotable locking pawl. The locking pawl is pivotable into and out of engagement with the ratchet gear for moving the ratchet assembly between the engaged and disengaged position. The locking pawl is mounted on a movable base which secures the locking pawl to the housing. The load releasing system includes a linear actuator for moving the relative position of the base relative to the ratchet gear and the housing, and a separate brake for holding the reel and ratchet gear in position under a load.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline is connected to a cable which passes around and is attached to a drum within the housing. The cable wraps around the drum as the drum is rotated and winds into a plurality of grooves located on the drum. A wheel located in front of the drum and a guide member located behind the drum ensure that the cable does not tangle as it winds upon the drum. A lever is utilized to rotate the drum in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the drum through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline is connected to a chain which passes around a sprocket wheel within the housing. A guide member is located behind the sprocket wheel and ensures that the chain remains on the sprocket wheel. A lever is utilized to rotate the sprocket wheel in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the sprocket wheel through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate. A second series of disk brakes connected to the sprocket wheel function as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is capable of tensioning a horizontal lifeline while providing an adjustable shock absorber and a gauge or indicator for indicating the amount of tension on the lifeline. A housing is adapted to be secured to an anchor point through an anchoring line. The free end of a horizontal lifeline passes over a pulley within the housing and around a number of rollers which are adapted to maintain the lifeline in secure contact with the pulley. A lever is utilized to rotate the pulley in order to tension the lifeline. The lever, however, is interconnected to the pulley through an adjustable disk brake which can be preset to a desired force. When the tension on the lifeline reaches its desired level, the brake slips and the lever can freely rotate. A second series of disk brakes connected to the pulley function as a shock absorber.

Abstract: An overload prevention clutch assembly features input and output members connected by a coupling member, which is resiliently deformable under the control of threaded fasteners to vary the torque which may be transmitted between the input and output members across the coupling member. The fasteners serve to mount the coupling member on the output member, whereupon the coupling and output members cooperate to mount the input member in assembled relationship therewith.

Abstract: The free-running operation of a load sheave of a chain lever hoist is assured by an assist mechanism that keeps the relative position between a hub and a spindle of the hoist at a brake inactive position, when the screwing control position of the hub relative to the spindle has been shifted from a winding operation position to a free-running operation position. operator can easily switch the hoist to the free-running operation made by slightly turning a hub knob and a spindle knob by hand. Such an operation eliminates steps such as holding the chain by hand, or turning the spindle while the hoist lever is engaged with the hub. The above operation frees an operator from getting his hands dirty with the chain, and permits an immediate switching to the free-running operation. The use of indicators allows the operator to recognize the free-running operation setting at a glance.

Abstract: In a lever type hoist an operation handle (18) is provided between a stopper (17) provided at the axial end portion of a driving shaft (5) and a driving member (8) screwed on the driving shaft (5) so as to be movable in the axial direction but non-rotatable relatively to the driving shaft (5). A spring (19) for energizing the operation handle (18) toward the driving member (8) is provided to bring inclined surface (31a) of the engaging projection (31) provided on the operation handle (18) into elastic contact with an engaging stepped portion (37) of the driving member (8) during the time when the mechanical brake (13) is being operated, whereby the driving member (8) can be prevented from being reversely rotated while being accompanied by a returning operation of the operation lever (16) by the engaging resistance of a feed click (14) during the time when a hoist and traction operation is being conducted under the no-load condition.

Abstract: A manual hoist and traction machine wherein an outer diameter of a first lining plate constituting a mechanical brake is made smaller than an inner diameter of a driven disc of a handwheel. The outer diameter of a second lining plate and of a driven disc are made smaller than an inner diameter of a cylindrical portion of a braking ratchet wheel, and the first and second lining plates are formed of a lining raw material having improved performance with a compressive strength of 15 (Kgf/mm.sup.2) or more and a maximum strain of 12 (10.sup.-3 mm/mm) or more.

Abstract: If the load applied on the load sheave is small, the pressing drive member contacts tightly with the friction members to make secure the braking of rotation of the drive shaft, so that the small load is prevented from moving downward by its own gravity, and moreover the operation wheel is engaged with and held in the rotation limiting member spline-coupled with the drive shaft so as to be free to idle even in a no-load state, and a spring for pressing the operation wheel to the rotation limiting member is inserted between the outer end surface of the operation wheel and the spring retainer held on the drive shaft projecting from the rotation limiting member.

Abstract: A winch, for example, for winding in and paying out a cable attached to a person in a hazardous situation, for example underground, comprises a pair of axles mounted on a frame, one of the axles carrying the cable drum for rotation therewith. Two safety brakes are provided, one on each axle, and each including a cam actuated clutch so that rotation of the drum in the pay-out direction is only allowed when the axles are driven in the pay-out direction. A handle for driving the axles includes two hand grasp portions for different mechanical advantage. The handle can be located at two different positions on a drive sprocket on one of the axles or on a second drive sprocket freely rotatable on the first axle for different drive ratios.

Abstract: A power winch is described which includes drive means with an output shaft, lock means to prevent reverse rotation of the shaft and a drum clutch assembly. The drum can be selectively engaged with or disengaged from the drum shaft. The lock means prevents the drum from rotating in reverse when it is engaged with the drum shaft. The power winch can be made compact and portable and can be powered by a small internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An anchor davit assembly preferably includes an anchor support bracket and a winch. The bracket is provided with a releasable locking system to positionally lock the anchor to the anchor support bracket, the locking system including a lever which is pivotally connected at one end to the anchor support bracket, and a tension spring (or other suitable biasing structure) which connects the anchor to the lever. The tension spring thus urges the anchor rearwardly against the anchor support bracket while also urging the lever to pivot in a direction towards its locked position. The winch of the invention includes a spool freely rotatable about an axle and a handle pivotally connected to one of the axle's ends. The axle is, in turn, mounted for rotation relative to a base support.

Abstract: In order to overcome the disadvantage of overspinning of a winch drum when a disconnect device adjacent the drum is disengaged, a drag brake apparatus is provided for limitedly restricting the rotation of the drum when an actuator having a braking element is continually urged against the drum by a spring. A control mechanism includes a control lever assembly movable to operate a hydraulic valve assembly for the primary control of the winch drum, and movable to operate an associated valve for controllably directing pressurized fluid to the actuator for supplementing the spring force. Thus, a first drag brake mode can be attained for substantially freespool operation of the drum, and a second drag brake mode can be attained for controlled load dropping operation of the drum.

Abstract: There is disclosed a clutch/brake mechanism of the "disc" type wherein the coacting friction producing members are severally configured of frusto-conical and planar form whereby sealing contact is maintained at the peripheral surfaces thereof when in a brake-released condition to thereby prevent entrance of external contaminants into the brake-clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A capstan winch for pulling cable through conduit includes means for measuring the torque applied to the capstan and a take-up reel. The torque measuring means comprises an inner drum connected by a tension spring to a concentric outer drum. A patterned disc on the inner drum is visible through a window in the outer drum. The pattern indicates the relative position of the inner and outer drums, which is correlated to the applied torque.

Abstract: A hoist having an overload protection device is provided with a locking mechanism between a hoist body and a disc hub at a mechanical brake provided at the hoist body, the locking mechanism utilizing forward screwing of a driving member forming part of the mechanical brake to lock rotation of the disc hub during an overload condition.

Abstract: The drum of a hoisting apparatus is axially shifted to frictionally engage a driving plate. The drum is shifted by rotating an adjacent, first disc about the drum axis relative to a coaxial stationary disc. Each of the discs has three holes of a particular configuration to define three cooperative pairs of holes. Each cooperative pair of holes receives a dowel of predetermined length so that rotation of the first disc causes the dowel to react against the discs and shift the first disc and drum away from the stationary disc and into frictional driving engagement with the driving plate.