With Means On Circumference Of Drum, Or Relatively Movable Drum Components, For Grasping Cable Patents (Class 254/371)
  • Patent number: 11713225
    Abstract: Self-tailing winch with a release function, where said winch comprises: a stator body adapted to be fastened on a surface; a drum body arranged concentrically and rotatable around said stator body; a self-tailing device arranged concentrically to said drum body, where said self-tailing device comprises: two self-tailing jaws defining an opening suitable to receive a rope, sheet or halyard; a self-tailing cover which is rotatable relative to the drum body and the self-tailing jaws; a releasable coupling arranged between the self-tailing cover and the self-tailing jaws, said coupling being able to couple the self-tailing jaws to the drum body and by manipulating the self-tailing cover completely releasing the self-tailing jaws from their engagement with the drum body, allowing the self-tailing jaws to rotate relative to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: RONSTAN INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Derek Johns, Albert Mahoney, Niels Bramsen
  • Patent number: 10377490
    Abstract: A package launch system can be implemented to propel a package from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a generally vertically descent trajectory, while the UAV is in motion. The package launch system can apply the force onto the package in a number of different ways. For example, flywheels, coils, and springs can generate the force that establishes the vertical descent path of the package. Further, the package delivery system can also monitor the package during its vertical descent. The package can be equipped with one or more control surfaces. Instructions can be transmitted from the UAV via an RF module that cause the one or more controls surfaces to alter the vertical descent path of the package to avoid obstructions or to regain a stable orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Menashe Haskin, Michael Rolnik, Yan Vule
  • Patent number: 8919737
    Abstract: A traction device for paying out and retrieving a flexible line including a line mover, wherein the line mover includes at least one movable friction surface, the friction surface in total defines at least two arc sections configured to move the line along with the arc sections, in use the line is wound around the friction surface such that the line has a first contact area being in contact with the first arc section and a second contact area being in contact with the second arc section, and the traction device includes a line controller coupled to the line between the first contact area and the second contact area and configured to control the velocity with which the line in use is fed to the second arc section, and also a method and use of the traction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Balder, Cornelis Van Zandwijk, Cornelis Benard
  • Patent number: 8820720
    Abstract: A self-tailing arrangement for a winch comprises a rope guide channel defined by upper and lower guide rings which are rotatable with a drum and adapted to grip rope therein. A feeder arm guides rope between the drum and the rope guide channel and is fixed with respect to a support. A spring-mounted retainer guide guides rope between the rope guide channel and an unloaded end of the rope. The drum is rotatable with respect to the retainer guide. The retainer guide has a retainer lip extending partially circumferentially around the self-tailing assembly to at least partially enclose a portion of the rope guide channel. The retainer guide further defines at least one side of an opening adjacent the retainer lip, the opening being sized to conduct rope through the opening during reverse winding of the winch, the rope thereby being retained in the rope guide channel by the retainer lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lewmar Limited
    Inventors: Robert Graham Fields, Oliver Peter Gregory Falconer
  • Publication number: 20140145130
    Abstract: The invention describes a winch (1) for nautical use or for devices for lifting and lowering on a rope, comprising a fixed stator body (2) and a rotor body (3) fixedly connected to the stator body. The rotor body is able to rotate around a longitudinal axis(a-1) to wind a rope on its outer surface. The winch is provided with a self -tailing device (6) in turn comprising two half-pulleys (61, 62), a lower half -pulley (61) and an upper half -pulley (62), mounted opposite one another and coaxial to the rotor body. The two half -pulleys, at the upper portion of the outer surface of the rotor body, define a circumferential throat (63) intended to at least partially house a winding of the rope. One half -pulley is fixed with respect to the rotor body and the other half-pulley is moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis to vary the dimensions of the circumferential throat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Harken Italy S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Cazzaro
  • Patent number: 8668185
    Abstract: A hoist or capstan fitted with a driving pulley. The latter comprises a peripheral groove for taking a cable and two substantially parallel pulley halves, each pulley halve comprising a flank forming the lateral side of the peripheral groove and being axially pulled toward each other so as to prevent the slipping of a cable by elastic means formed of a continuous polymer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Hugo Leemans, Guy De Middelaer
  • Patent number: 8646755
    Abstract: A wildcat for a windlass for dropping down or hoisting an anchor for a marine vehicle, the anchor being coupled to an end of a chain (3) having inter-engaged horizontal links (5) and vertical links (6), a hole (4) formed at the center of the wildcat for engaging a shaft for rotating the wildcat (1), a bearing surface (12) being radially remote from the center of the wildcat (1) for transferring chain links (5,6) there over, horizontal link housings (7) and vertical link housings (8) each provided one after another along the bearing surface (12) for housing each respective chain link, the housings (7,8) having forms matching contours of each respective chain link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mehmet Nevres Ulgen
  • Publication number: 20130240811
    Abstract: Rope grip apparatus for raising or lowering a load has a rope-engaging portion with opposing projections. The opposing projections are arranged to grip a rope by compressing the rope between the projections. In use the rope is fed through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Keith Wilson
  • Patent number: 8464414
    Abstract: A vertical mounted motor hoist and a method of hoisting a motor are provided. The motor hoist includes a threaded eye bolt for lifting the motor hoist; a sleeve threaded inside one end, and attached and held to the threaded eyebolt by means of a threaded plug and dowel pins and welding; and two safety chains for placement around the motor, each safety chain attachable to the sleeve by means of two oppositely positioned pinch bolts, each pinch bolt having a welded nut welded on to the sleeve and a jam nut tightened against the welded nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Lorenzo R. Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20130056695
    Abstract: A portable ascender device on a rope comprising an actuation element, manual or motor-driven, a nautical winch provided with a self-tailing arrangement, rotated by the actuation element, and at least one first forced passage of the rope in proximity to the winch. The first forced passage is arranged upstream of the winch with respect to the rope winding direction. A method for hoisting oneself by means of such device along a generally vertically stretched rope, and two methods for descending along the rope by means of the same device, respectively in active mode and in passive mode, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michele Cazzaro, Andrea Merello
  • Patent number: 8342484
    Abstract: A windlass for a boat pulls in an anchor rode. A chainwheel mounted on a shaft has an annular groove to engage the anchor rode. A flexible retainer with a leaf spring is disposed across the chainwheel annular groove to press the rode into the chainwheel annular groove. The retainer has trunnions that pivot and slide transversely in upper and lower arcuate grooves, toward the slack portion of the rode. A housing is attached to a base and covers the rode for safety. The housing has the upper arcuate groove and an arcuate member has the lower arcuate groove. The base, housing, and arcuate member are aligned with three key members that engage one another. The rode slides on a low friction wear plate attached to the base. A funnel with a mouth facing forward is mounted on the base for directing the rode downward through a nozzle into the boat. A motor drive has an electric motor and a worm gear transmission attached to the shaft lower end for rotating the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Matos
  • Patent number: 8302936
    Abstract: A cable puller assembly includes a housing assembly, a motor assembly and an anti-fouling device. The motor assembly is secured to the housing assembly and has an output shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The output shaft is rotated about an axis of rotation by the motor assembly. The anti-fouling device has a capstan and a body. The output shaft is operatively associated with the capstan in order to rotate the capstan about the axis of rotation. The body is positioned around an end portion of the capstan proximate to the housing assembly. The body defines a sloped surface that biases incoming rope that wraps around the sloped surface down onto the capstan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Publication number: 20120181493
    Abstract: A hoist or capstan fitted with a driving pulley. The latter comprises a peripheral groove for taking a cable and two substantially parallel pulley halves, each pulley halve comprising a flank forming the lateral side of the peripheral groove and being axially pulled toward each other so as to prevent the slipping of a cable by elastic means formed of a continuous polymer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hugo Leemans, Guy De Middelaer
  • Publication number: 20120145981
    Abstract: The instant invention concerns a proceeding and an arrangement in connection with a winch for a sheet or a halyard on a sailing boat. This is, besides for sheeting-in, constructed to also allow veering-out of sheet or halyard rope arranged thereon by means of means that normally otherwise are intended for sheeting-in, more precisely a crank possibly having an appurtenant transmission integrated in the winch or the corresponding motor drive and appurtenant transmission, for driving of a drum belonging to the winch and a self-tailing unit arranged at the upper end of the same. The last-mentioned one has upper and lower rope guide rings as well as means in the form of an expedient arm for directing the rope into and out of the self-tailing unit in a controlled way. The invention embraces suspension and spring-mounting means for at least one of the rope guide rings that are arranged in such a way that this/these obtain(s) a mutually static and dynamic motion pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SELDÉN MAST AB
    Inventor: Anders Ryberg
  • Patent number: 8152140
    Abstract: A flat belt clamping pulley securely clamps the end of a flat belt to the pulley without requiring fastener holes being provided through the end of the flat belt. The design of the flat belt clamping pulley enables the pulley to be economically constructed without requiring difficult or troublesome machining steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Ouellette, Richard J. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 8132789
    Abstract: A drive disk with rim segments which are located at a distance from each other and are embodied in the form of segments of the groove track which are made from the same or different material and high-powered magnets are introduced in between the grooves in the drive disk rim and the cable along the peripheral line of the drive disk rim. Foamed steel or fiber composite ceramics or similar, respectively with increased friction values, are used as materials for the rim segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Graebner
  • Patent number: 8079570
    Abstract: A come-along for pulling loads includes a rope winding mechanism that enables the rope to be wound and fed out smoothly. The rope winding mechanism includes a positioning hole that reduces the angle between the secured end of the rope and an axial tube about which the rope is wound. The come-along also includes a rope securing mechanism. The secured end of the rope has a seal head that fits through an installation hole and rests against the positioning hole. A helical slot around the axial tube enables the rope to wind evenly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Bu Qin Ruan
  • Patent number: 8066262
    Abstract: A device for opening a cylindrically bilateral filter canister, such as that houses the M98 chemical, biological, radiological filter for storage and transport. The filter canister is sealed with an epoxy-covered pull-cord that ends in an eye-loop. The device is disposed on a platform for the opening operation. The device includes a frame, first and second rollers, and a winch. The frame includes first and second support members. The first support member engages the platform and supports the second support member. The first and second rollers are disposed parallel to the platform to support the canister along its periphery. The winch includes a drum and a motor and is disposed on the frame. The drum engages the eye-loop. The motor turns said drum to receive the pull-cord from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Walter Dzula, III, Kevin Matthew Cogley, Laura Marie Haak, Gregory Neumann Miller, Brian Franklin Rainer, Anthony Charlie Richardson, George Russell Richardson
  • Patent number: 7971856
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a drive system for theatrical rigging, comprising a drive rope and a drive pulley. The drive rope has a fiber or cable core, surrounded by a plastic jacket. Formed on or in the surface of the drive rope are traction features that engage corresponding grooves in the drive pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: J.R. Clancy, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Kochan
  • Patent number: 7934698
    Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
  • Patent number: 7931254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hoisting device for use at a wind turbine, in particular for use in a wind turbine nacelle, which hoisting device 1 comprises a reel 4, a drive motor 12, control means 14 and a hoisting line 6. The hoisting line is a rope, which comprises synthetic fiber material, e.g. a high-tech rope. Hereby it is achieved that the hoisting device can be provided in a compact form, compared with traditionally used hoisting means, since the synthetic rope used as a hoisting line is characterized in having a high tensile strength and a low weight, whereby a rope having a comparable low weight can be used for lifting the same load, for which traditionally a steel wire having a relatively large weight has been used. Further, since the weight of the rope itself is relatively small, a drive motor, gear etc. having reduced capacity, power etc., can be used as compared to a traditional hoist, thereby also aiding in reducing the size, weight, complexity, cost etc. of the hoisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignees: PP Energy ApS, Geo. Gleistein und Sohn GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Teichert, Rudolf F. Kirst
  • Patent number: 7581715
    Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
  • Publication number: 20090127526
    Abstract: The automatic coiling machine is a device for automatically coiling an elongated flexible element, such as a fishing line. The automatic coiling machine includes a housing adapted for mounting to a support surface, such as a wall of a boat. The housing includes at least one sidewall. A drive roller is rotatably mounted to the sidewall by a drive shaft. A drive system, such as a motor, is mounted to the sidewall for selectively and controllably driving rotation of the drive shaft and, thus, the drive roller. An idler roller is rotatably mounted to the sidewall adjacent the drive roller and contacting the drive roller so that rotation of the drive roller drives rotation of the idler roller. The sidewall is angled so that an axis of rotation of the drive roller is angled with respect to the axis of rotation of the idler roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Tuck Zaruba
  • Patent number: 7527243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a traction sheave hoist for a platform operated by at least two ropes 5, having a traction sheave 13 that can be driven by a motor, at least a first rope groove and a second rope groove 17 being formed around the traction sheave circumference, and a first hold-down system for the first rope groove and a second hold-down system 20 for the second rope groove 17 with which the ropes wrapping around the traction sheave 13 are pressed into the corresponding rope grooves 17 during operation. In order to be able to ensure the horizontal alignment of the platform at all times, an adjustment device 30 is assigned to at least one of the hold-down systems 20 with which the position or engagement depth of the rope 5 in the rope groove 17 achieved with the corresponding hold-down system 20 can be controllably varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Greifzug Hebezeugbau GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Blasek
  • Patent number: 7448597
    Abstract: A powered rope ascender that supports a person or a load while ascending a vertical rope. The rope ascender has a motor driven capstan drum that engages the rope. A pinch roller grips the rope against the capstan drum. A load limiting assembly releases the grip by the pinch roller when the load supported by the ascender exceeds a predetermined amount. A centrifugal clutch reduces starting torque required by the motor and the outer drum of the centrifugal clutch interacts with a brake to hold position on the rope. For heavy loads a motion activated brake is used. Hand controls provide a freewheeling, a braking and an ascending mode of operation. A harmonic drive or planetary reduction gears provide speed reduction from the motor to the capstan drum. The powered rope ascender can be threaded on the rope without access to a rope end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Quoin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Jacobson, Tim Walter
  • Publication number: 20080203369
    Abstract: A winch, a retainer assembly and a method for assembling a winch. The winch may include a fixed first housing supportable on a surface, and a second housing supported for pivoting movement relative to the first housing, the second housing including a winding portion and spaced apart flanges defining an outwardly-facing groove, a line being windable on the winding portion and positionable in the groove, the winch being operable to apply a pulling force to the line. A retainer assembly may include a support connected to the first housing, and a retainer connected to the support and positioned to cover at least a portion of the winch groove, the retainer inhibiting radial movement of the line from the groove. In some constructions, the support has a flexible portion allowing movement of the retainer relative to the first housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hans P. Asmussen
  • Patent number: 7261278
    Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
  • Patent number: 7226042
    Abstract: Disclosed is a winch drum for rotation about a rotation axis. The winch drum has a rope-receiving surface with a plurality of raised ridges defining substantially helical channels between them. The channels provide guidance for rope along the rope-receiving surface at least during rope release. The ridges have a meandering shape extending around the drum, formed from a series of alternating circumferential and axially inclined ridge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Lewmar Limited
    Inventors: Tony Cobden, Christopher Lesley Treagust
  • Patent number: 7168686
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering a load comprises, in a known manner, a lifting drum and a drive, by which the lifting drum can be set in rotation in both directions. Serving as the pulling mechanisms are bands which are secured by one end to the lifting drum and at the other end carry a holding device for the load. At least two bands can be wound up on the lifting drum, by rotation of the latter, with accurate tracking and so as to lie one above the other, in such a way that all the turns of the bands lie one above the other. This lifting apparatus combines a high carrying capacity, high precision in the guidance of the bands and a high level of operating safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Franz Ehrenleitner
  • Patent number: 7108248
    Abstract: The invention concerns a detachable fastening of a cable (2) on a cable drum (1), especially a wire cable, with an opening (1a) arranged in the cable drum (1), with an enlarged cable end (2a) on the cable (2) and a connection piece (4), by which the cable (2) with its end thickening (2a) is detachably secured to the cable drum (1) in the region of the continuous opening (1a). The connection piece (4) may be detachably secured in the continuous opening (1a) and the enlarged cable end (2a) be detachably secured to the connection piece (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Jürgen Winter, Heinrich Flaig, Jürgen Backsmann, Franz Schulte
  • Patent number: 7108247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operation of and apparatus for a lifting and/or conveying device (1), such as a crane, that comprises at least one cable (2) capable of being rolled (wound) onto or off a dispenser roll (3). To lengthen the service lifetime of the cable, a separation medium (4) is introduced between individual windings (5, 5?, 5?) of the cable (2) on the dispenser roll (3) during operation. The separation medium prevents at least partial contact, and, preferably all contact, between the individual windings thereby reducing contact wear. According to one aspect of the invention, the separation medium is a plastic web that may be wound onto the individual windings via a separation media roll (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sympat GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Wechsler
  • Patent number: 7055805
    Abstract: A self tailing conversion is provided for a standard winch or capstan, particularly a sailboat winch. In one embodiment a self tailer or rope jaw device is secured to the top of the winch drum, and a feeder arm is attached to the stationary center stem of the existing winch. Upward extensions are provided for the stationary center stem and for the driving shaft of the standard winch. Different methods of attachment of the self tailer are described. In a second embodiment a self tailer device is secured below the drum crown of the standard winch, assembled from sections or halves, and a feeder arm is secured to the stationary center stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: David Leitch
  • Patent number: 6820863
    Abstract: A portable, motorized chain driver for lifting and lowering loads by attaching the chain driver to a manual chain hoist for driving the chain. The chain driver comprises a chain and rotor housing attached to a compact electrical or gas driver unit with an angled head, a gear reduction and a handle with direction and speed controls. The chain and rotor housing comprises two halves which include integral chain guides, a central rotor and clutch area and a drive source mount. The chain driver is particularly useful for driving manual chain driven hoists and garage doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: James Rosati
  • Publication number: 20040149973
    Abstract: A winch includes a chain wheel mounted on a spindle. A clutch is provided to selectively engage or disengage the chain wheel with the spindle. A clutch nut having a central aperture is movable rotationally and longitudinally on the spindle by way of mutually engaging threads on the spindle and central aperture. A stop is provided on the spindle to prevent longitudinal movement of the clutch nut away from the chain plates beyond a predetermined position. A carrier rotates on the spindle and rotational direction limiting structure is provided between the carrier and the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Maxwell Marine Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Chambers
  • Publication number: 20040149974
    Abstract: A winch includes a chain wheel mounted on a spindle. A clutch is provided to selectively engage or disengage the chain wheel with the spindle. A clutch nut having a central aperture is movable rotationally and longitudinally on the spindle by way of mutually engaging threads on the spindle and central aperture. A stop is provided on the spindle to prevent longitudinal movement of the clutch nut away from the chain plates beyond a predetermined position. A carrier rotates on the spindle and rotational direction limiting structure is provided between the carrier and the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Maxwell Marine Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Chambers
  • Patent number: 6641117
    Abstract: Apparatus for slip-free determination of a cable motion in longitudinal cable direction for a hoist, in particular a pneumatically operated cable balancing hoist, which includes a housing, and a cable drum having an outer surface area formed with a groove for receiving a cable. The cable drum is rotatably supported in the housing and moveable in a longitudinal direction in such a way that a run-off point of the cable is at a same location at any time. A sensor is provided to detect markings of the cable drum, as the markings move relative to the sensor during rotation of the cable drum, for delivering an output signal. The groove defines a helical ridge in parallel relationship to the groove, wherein the markings are provided along the ridge, and wherein the sensor is secured to the housing in confronting relationship to the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Heun, Markus Löbel, Klaus-Jürgen Winter
  • Patent number: 6527253
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device with a housing having a drive wheel, a friction disk brake, a load wheel and a gear arranged sequentially in an axial direction inside the housing. The drive shaft extends through the friction disk brake and the load wheel. A torque is transmitted from the drive wheel to the load wheel. The drive wheel cannot move axially on the drive shaft, but can rotate over a limited range relative to the drive shaft. The drive wheel can rotate in a limited fashion relative to a brake disk, which is axially moveable on a threaded section of the drive shaft and can be pressed with the help of a friction disk against a pressure disk that is attached to the housing. The drive wheel forms a component of the friction disk brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Yale Industrial Products GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Struck
  • Publication number: 20020175320
    Abstract: Apparatus for slip-free determination of a cable motion in longitudinal cable direction for a hoist, in particular a pneumatically operated cable balancing hoist, which includes a housing, and a cable drum having an outer surface area formed with a groove for receiving a cable. The cable drum is rotatably supported in the housing and moveable in a longitudinal direction in such a way that a run-off point of the cable is at a same location at any time. A sensor is provided to detect markings of the cable drum, as the markings move relative to the sensor during rotation of the cable drum, for delivering an output signal. The groove defines a helical ridge in parallel relationship to the groove, wherein the markings are provided along the ridge, and wherein the sensor is secured to the housing in confronting relationship to the ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Jurgen Heun, Markus Lobel, Klaus-Jurgen Winter
  • Patent number: 6471190
    Abstract: A capstan winch includes a reel assembly comprising a reel, which rotates, and two generally annular floating flanges which are supported so that the planes in which they rotate converge toward one another, which has the effect of creating an apparent axial movement of the flanges with respect to the reel as they rotate together. The cylindrical surface of the reel is provided with alternating lands and grooves and floating flanges have formed on them alternating inclined faces which correspond with the lands and the grooves. The inclined faces are angled so that the faces which correspond to each land on the reel are generally parallel to one another. The inclined faces which correspond to each groove converge. Consequently, substantial lateral forces are exerted on a cable being wound onto the reel only when the cable overlies the grooves and frictional forces on the cable are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gunnar Andreas Lindeman
  • Patent number: 6435480
    Abstract: Rope-holding characteristics of a winch drum (2) are determined by a staggered array of pyramidal protuberances (12, 14, 17, 19) on its surface. The staggering is such that there is no true circular path round the drum within the array, and a rope wound on it in the hoop direction is deflected sinusoidally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Lewmar Limited
    Inventor: Peter George Allen
  • Patent number: 6250607
    Abstract: A winch drive comprising a portable power tool having a bit (4) shaped to fit the drive socket (11) at the top of a winch (12). The power tool includes a self-tailing device (14) and is preferably battery driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: William Strom
  • Patent number: 6149133
    Abstract: A ratchet-type tensioning mechanism for a rope or cord has a rotatable sheave with faces having improved outwardly extending serrations which include alternating primary and secondary projections. The secondary projections are located in valleys between pairs of primary projections. A releasable ratchet mechanism permits rotation of the sheave in one direction but not the other. The projections are positioned at regular intervals around the circumference of the sheave and located so that a primary projection on one face of the sheave faces a secondary projection in a valley on the opposite face of the sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Helmut K. Skyba
  • Patent number: 6092791
    Abstract: A ratchet for use with a cord includes a pair of opposed tear drop shaped members defining a one piece housing for rotatably supporting a one piece ratchet spool, for supporting a pivotally mounted thumb release and for supporting an angularly displacable hook. Opposed circular cavities are disposed within the members to rotatably support corresponding bosses extending from opposed sides of the spool. A plurality of opposed interleaved non-radial ribs extend from opposed surfaces of the spool to frictionally grip a cord partially extending about the spool. A pair of wheels forming the spool are interlocked with and secured to one another through a key and keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald M. Kingery
  • Patent number: 6070858
    Abstract: A device is provided for tensioning lines (ropes, cables or wires). In order to improve a device for gripping and tensioning ropes, cables or wires, particularly in sheet or hoisting winches or windlasses, in tackles or pulley blocks or pulley lifting tackle, permanently or operationally interconnected coniform discs are provided which can be actuated by motor or by hand via a crank or a tackle line, and which exhibit surface contours, such that with only a single loop of the tensioning line a secure clamping effect of the coniform discs on cable put through in only a single loop is attained without the occurrence of wear or snapping of the tensioning line. Putting through and releasing (slackening) of the line is facilitated, and the improvement takes effect with respect to both rotation directions independent of the direction. The surface contouring of the discs is implemented as inwardly directed radial waves of the described form which are designed as straight lines or curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Anke Hase
    Inventors: Peter Hase, Ewald Ettrich
  • Patent number: 6047955
    Abstract: The present invention is a marine winch having a tension limiting clamp ring thereon, to permit the safe release of a line or halyard when forces become too great therewith. The winch has a base for attachment to a boat. A central driveshaft is supported on the base. A drum is disposed about the driveshaft. The drum has an upper flange and a lower flange thereon, the drum being arranged to receive a line thereabout. The upper flange has an inner hub disposed about the upper end of the driveshaft. A clamp ring is arranged about the hub, the clamp ring and the upper flange having opposed outer annular surfaces thereon arranged to receive a line therebetween. The clamp ring is movable with respect to the upper flange and the hub to provide a limitable force on a line disposed between the outer annular surfaces of the flange and the clamp ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Paul D. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 6019354
    Abstract: A device for weighing elongated members such as marine lines and ropes includes a hub, a motive wheel which is supported on the hub and is driven by a motor, and a driven wheel which is coupled to and driven by the motive wheel. The motive wheel and the driven wheel respectively form opposite sides of a groove for receiving the elongated member which is being weighed. A thrust ring is fixed to the driven wheel, and the motive wheel lies axially between the thrust ring and the driven wheel. The axial position of the driven wheel relative to the motive wheel is controlled by an idler roll which bears against the thrust ring and is adjustably mounted on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Giovanno Antonio Vado, Domenico Manca
  • Patent number: 6019353
    Abstract: A winch has two portions of respectively different diameters. A ridge between them permits line to be flipped from the larger diameter portion to the other. Surface treatments of the two portions may be different, with that on the larger diameter portion being less aggressive than that on the smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Lewmar Marine Limited
    Inventor: Philip Atfield
  • Patent number: 5996971
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for pulling well pipe upwardly through a well includes a well pipe hauling head which incorporates two opposed, inwardly tapering discs which are adapted to frictionally engage well pipe therein by only a quarter-turn engagement with the pipe. This allows for easy manual engagement and disengagement of the well pipe with the hauling head. The hauler head is mounted with suitable mounting apparatus permitting the hauler head to be freely rotatable in a supported position adjacent a well. The apparatus may be provided with a reduction gear box so that it may be actuated by a portable power drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald Crouse
  • Patent number: 5967496
    Abstract: A cable guide for a winch having a lifting drum over which a cable is wound back and forth between two end flanges. A guide body in the form of a truncated cone is slidably mounted upon a pinion that is located adjacent to one end of the drum, generally perpendicular to the axis of the drum. The guide body contains a groove at its narrow end in which the cable rides as it approaches the end of the drum. The guide smoothly plays the cable onto the drum so that it can reverse its direction without producing multiple wraps at the end of the drum. A spring biases the guide body into a home position to accommodate the cable during the time the first wrap is being wound on the drum. Thereafter, the guide automatically moves back against the spring force to automatically align itself with regard to further wrapped layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Reimann & Georger Corp.
    Inventors: Alfred J. Ulrich, Casimer J. Koniniec, Gregory A. Gorecki
  • Patent number: 5957433
    Abstract: A belt hoist for allowing fixture of a belt to a winding member to be strengthened to improve the reliability, with a simple structure. The winding member around which the belt is wound includes a shaft insertion bore at the center thereof; a belt fixing surface for allowing the belt to be fixed on a winding periphery; and a belt holder fitted on the belt fixing surface to press an end portion of the belt against the belt fixing surface. The belt fixing surface has a width not less than an inner diameter of the shaft insertion bore, and a fixing bore is so bored in the belt fixing surface as to escape from the shaft insertion bore, whereby the end portion of the belt is inserted in and fixed between the belt fixing surface and the belt holder by a fixing member fixed into the fixing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Elephant Chain Block Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Fujikawa, Koji Saai