Abstract: A line puller designed to accept a Working line (15) through a Working Line Fairlead (14), directing the line around a Capstan (21), and through a brake (28). This line puller is mainly driven by gears or friction rotational devices (38), driving the internal face or cogs (36) of a Capstan. The design allows users to load a Working Line (15) from midsection not requiring the end of the line to load the puller. The puller can be hard mounted or Soft mounted using an Anchor Line (44) fed through incorporated Anchor Fairleads (20). Multiple gear rations allow users to pull objects at different rates.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a safety knockout override preventing release of winch tension without the handle in stowed position. The winch includes a housing; a rotating drum on the housing; a winch line on the drum; a control for spooling and un-spooling the winch line on the drum, wherein the control includes a handle for selectively tensioning the drum and moveable between a position engaged with the drum and a disengaged stowed position; a tension holding mechanism on the housing comprising a ratchet gear coupled to the drum, a pawl selectively engaged with the ratchet gear, and a knockout configures to selectively disengage the pawl from the gear to allow for release of winch tension; and a safety knockout override coupled to the housing and selectively engaged by the handle and configured to prevent release of winch tension when the handle is not in the stowed position.

Abstract: A hoist system having a drum primarily self-contained within a batten, for raising and lowering lighting, sound equipment, curtains and the like in a performance environment. The hoist system may be adapted with safety mechanisms including an overload sensor and/or a slack line detector. The system may be provided in the form of a point hoist. The compact system is highly scalable to a variety of spaces and applications, including school and public theaters and concert halls, as well as some homes, private business, etc. Additional features include various cable management systems and trim adjustment mechanisms for use with the hoist system.

Abstract: A hand winch including a winding roll, a flexible elongated member, a shaft connected to the winding roll, a friction brake including a brake disk and a gear element engaging the winding roll and mounted on the shaft. The gear element has a release position and a brake position in which the gear element enters into frictional contact with the brake disk, generating a braking torque resisting winding off the flexible elongated member. Friction means is provided between the shaft and the gear element for generating a frictional resistance therebetween such that, if a driving force acting on the gear element does not overcome the frictional resistance established by the friction means, the gear element drives the shaft through friction means. However, if the driving force between the shaft and the gear element overcomes the frictional resistance, relative movement between the gear element and the shaft occurs.

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.

Abstract: A ratchet includes a spool rotatably disposed within a housing and supporting a cord having opposed cord sections extending from the housing. Tension to one cord section is initially applied by pulling on the other cord section. To increase the tension, a tool is engaged with the spool to apply a further force to increase the tension on the one cord section. In another embodiment, a cord enters the housing and into the center of a hollow shaft supporting a spool and drawn through the hollow shaft to establish an initial degree of tension on the section of the cord entering the housing. A lever cooperating with the spool turns the spool to wrap the cord about the spool and increase the tension on the cord. In a third embodiment, a cord enters a housing and extends about a spool supported within the housing and thereafter exits the housing. A pivotable lever incrementally rotates the spool to increase the tension on the cord entering the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for a winch assembly. The winch assembly may be secured to a towing trailer and arranged to assist in loading and unloading cargo from the trailer. The winch assembly may include mechanisms, systems, and features to make the winch assembly easy to assemble and use, increase the service life of the winch assembly, and improve the consistency of the performance of the winch assembly. Embodiments of a winch assembly disclosed include novel drive systems, novel ratchet and pawl systems, novel systems for guiding a winch strap, novel systems for securing the winch assembly to a towing trailer, and a novel frame member for a winch assembly.

Abstract: A winch assembly is described and shown herein. The winch assembly may include a first housing member having a first retaining member formed therein and a second housing member having a second retaining member formed therein, the second housing member secured to the first housing member forming a winch housing. The winch assembly may further include a drive system generally positioned within the winch housing, and a winch drum operatively coupled with the drive system and rotationally secured with the first and second retaining members.

Abstract: A portable strap hoist comprises a generally rectangular frame. An upper hook is mounted at a top of the frame for mounting the frame to a structure, in use. A drum includes an insulated strap wound about the drum supporting a lower hook for supporting a load, in use. A spline shaft is operatively associated with the drum to rotatably mount the drum to the frame. A driven gear is mounted to the shaft. A portable housing is mounted to the frame and includes a handle and a drive in the portable housing including a drive gear operatively engaging the driven gear.

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: The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for a winch assembly. The winch assembly may be secured to a towing trailer and arranged to assist in loading and unloading cargo from the trailer. The winch assembly may include mechanisms, systems, and features to make the winch assembly easy to assemble and use, increase the service life of the winch assembly, and improve the consistency of the performance of the winch assembly. Embodiments of a winch assembly disclosed include novel drive systems, novel ratchet and pawl systems, novel systems for guiding a winch strap, novel systems for securing the winch assembly to a towing trailer, and a novel frame member for a winch assembly.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack include a base, an upright support mounted adjacent to and extending upwardly from the base, a toothed rack, a toothed bar pin, and a release handle. The toothed rack has a first end and a second end and defines a plurality of ratchet troughs therebetween, and the toothed rack is mounted adjacent the upright support. The ratchet assembly is adapted to move along a path defined by the upright support, and the toothed bar pin, which is mounted adjacent the ratchet assembly, is adapted to selectively engage a portion of the toothed rack adjacent one of the plurality of ratchet troughs as the ratchet assembly moves along the path. The release handle is mounted adjacent the second end of the toothed rack, and the release handle is adapted to selectively disengage the toothed bar pin from one of the plurality of ratchet troughs.

Abstract: A hoisting and pulling device including a main body frame 2 for forming a load sheave containing space by constituting an inner face by a guide face 25a for guiding a load chain 5 wound around a load sheave, a bearing plate 21b fixedly provided to an inner side of the main body frame 2 for bearing the load sheave and a speed reducing gear on a side of speed reducing means, and a bearing plate 21a for bearing the load sheave 11 on a side of driving means for partitioning the load sheave containing space, the driving means, and the speed reducing means by the bearing plates. According to a hoist of a background art, portability and operability and durability are not compatible with each other and the hoist is not provided with a function of preventing dust of a mechanical brake. Further, a problem is posed also in the operability of the hand chain.

Abstract: A retractable bungee cord tie down having a housing enclosing a ratcheting mechanism and a bungee cord. The bungee cord is wrapped around a spool having a biasing member operatively coupled thereto to permit automatic retraction of the bungee cord into the housing. Operatively coupled to the spool is a control arm that is used to engage and disengage spool movement and thus movement of the bungee cord into or out of the housing. A button connected to the control arm permits a user to secure items by securing the bungee cord first and then operating or moving the housing to another secure location.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly comprising a housing having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and a ratchet mechanism disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The ratchet mechanism includes a tension release assembly biased in a first direction for lateral engagement with the ratchet mechanism, and lateral disengagement of the ratchet mechanism when pressure is applied to the tension release assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, is described herein. The assembly may include a force generating mechanism configured to provide a mechanical advantage when tensioning the device, and a guide roller for promoting line contact with a rotatable gripping wheel assembly.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a winch line including a wire rope, a pair of spaced side plates, a rotating spool assembly supported between the side plates and including a drum, wherein the drum defines a wire rope stacking space on the drum for storing a single stack of wire rope, and a manually actuated control for spooling and un-spooling the wire rope in the wire rope stacking space on the drum.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.

Abstract: A tree stand hoist includes a holder frame with stop bars and harnesses for fastening to a tree, a bracket provided at the back side of the holder frame to support a cable wheel, a cable pulley assembly provided with a rope for fastening to the tree at a high place, a steel cable, which has one end fastened to the cable wheel and the other end inserted through the cable pulley assembly and terminating in a hook for hooking a tree stand, and a crank handle for rotating the cable wheel through a gear transmission mechanism to roll up the steel cable so as to lift the tree stand for setting up on the tree.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a safety brake mechanism for the winding drum (8) of a hoisting machine that can be driven via a motor (4) with lifting gearbox (3), which is substantially braked to a standstill without jerking when the lowering speed is excessive by a brake ring (12) that revolves concentrically with the winding drum (8) and is frictionally joined to the latter, when the brake ring (12) lying against a cylindrical brake surface (23) of the hoisting machine is locked. In order to allow for the grinding and adjusting of the necessary braking moment in the disconnected condition of the winding drum prior to the assembly of the complete lifting mechanism with low expenditure of material and cost, the brake surface (23) for the brake ring (12) may be provided on its outer circumference with a rigid coupling (10) that concentrically connects a lifting gearbox (3) and a winding drum (8), to which the lifting gearbox (3) and winding drum (8) are removably connected.

Abstract: A manual swivel winch includes safe loading mechanism. The winch has a pair of spaced side plates, a rotating drum supported between the side plates, a drum gear coaxially mounted with the rotating drum, a pinion drive gear engaging and rotating the drum gear, and a lever supported by at least one side plate for rotating the pinion drive gear. The lever includes a selectable lever gearing assembly. The lever is selected to be operated in an initial tensioning mode for rotating the pinion drive gear, and in a final tensioning mode wherein the lever utilizes the lever gearing assembly to provide a mechanical advantage over the initial tensioning mode.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a housing, a rotating drum in the housing, a drum rotating and holding mechanism, and a winch line having a lead in end formed by a webbing strap. The webbing strap can include an integral safety indicator such as load indicating indicia, operating indicia indicative of operating extremes for the webbing strap, reflective material, or abrasion resistant material. The drum may include a slot receiving the webbing strap. The winch line may include wire rope, chain or rope coupled to the webbing strap. The method of tensioning the winch line includes feeding a lead in end of the winch line through the drum, manually pulling the lead in end through the rotating drum removing slack, and rotating the drum.

Abstract: A rope tensioning device includes a support base, a handle, a connecting post, two fixing plates, two ratchet wheels, two locking blocks, two shafts, a snap ring, two elastic members, two insertion pins, a bolt, a nut, and a fixing pin. Thus, the rope tensioning device can be assembled rapidly and conveniently, thereby greatly reducing costs of assembly. In addition, the rope tensioning device can wind and unwind the rope easily, conveniently and rapidly.

Abstract: A manual winch with dual locking dogs is designed to be easily retrofitted into existing winches. The design of the winch includes a housing supporting a rotatable drum upon which the cable is reeved. A pair of gears are attached to the drum with locking dogs that may be independently engaged with each gear, wherein the drum is prevented from unwinding with at least one locking dog engaged with a respective gear.

Abstract: A winch assembly including a brake mechanism. The winch assembly may include a winch housing and a shaft extending through the winch housing. The brake mechanism of the winch assembly may include a ratchet coupled to the shaft and including a plurality of teeth and a pawl with a pawl shoulder coupled to the winch housing and engaging one of the plurality of teeth of the ratchet to lock the shaft from rotating in an unwinding direction. A pawl controller may be coupled to the shaft and include a notch to engage the shoulder of the pawl and bias the pawl away from the plurality of teeth of the ratchet when the shaft is rotated in a winding direction, thereby reducing noise associated with the pawl contacting the plurality of teeth of the ratchet.

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 manual marine winch includes a housing, a rotating drum in the housing, a drum rotating and holding mechanism, and a winch line having a lead in end formed by a webbing strap. The webbing strap can include an integral safety indicator such as load indicating indicia, operating indicia indicative of operating extremes for the webbing strap, reflective material, or abrasion resistant material. The drum may include a slot receiving the webbing strap. The winch line may include wire rope, chain or rope coupled to the webbing strap. The method of tensioning the winch line includes feeding a lead in end of the winch line through the drum, manually pulling the lead in end through the rotating drum removing slack, and rotating the drum.

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 manual winch with dual locking dogs is designed to be easily retrofitted into existing winches. The design of the winch includes a housing supporting a rotatable drum upon which the cable is reeved. A pair of gears are attached to the drum with locking dogs that may be independently engaged with each gear, wherein the drum is prevented from unwinding with at least one locking dog engaged with a respective gear.

Abstract: The cable puller uses a compound handle to create great leverage in order to generate a large pulling force with a minimal amount of force applied by the operator. The pulling force can be used for heavy lifting applications. The cable puller could be used to hoist motors, shafts, gears, automobile engines, construction material, machinery and other heavy objects. The cable puller could also be used in the demolition of building structures, the erection of buildings and towers, straightening collision damage, opening railroad car doors, securing tent structures, stretching fence and wire, and tightening conveyor belts. In one embodiment, the handle creates a lever ratio of 65:1. In this instance, 8,000 lbs. can be lifted with an exertion of 123 lbs. of force by the operator. The compound handle is formed by a driven member that engages and rotates the ratchet wheel. A cable is taken up by the wheel in order to move objects. The driven member is connected to a driving member by a connection member.

Abstract: A motor winch, which is suitable as a sheet or halyard winch (11) for sailing yachts, etc., has an integrated electric or hydraulic drive. The motor (52) is integrated into the winch in such a way that it is located within the winch body and in particular within the winch drum (16). The motor brings about rotation of the winch drum through a multistage gear located in the winch foot (22), optionally assisted by an epicyclic gear (54). A manual operation with a winch crank is made possible by a winch crank nut (32) in the winch head (29). The manual driving shaft is past the somewhat eccentrically positioned motor. A reverse rotation or veering function can be provided in which following the disconnection of the drum locking mechanism, the motor is rotated back in braking manner with a controlled speed.

Abstract: For providing a chain lever hoist that can ensure a stable free rotation operation over a long term with a simple design, improvement is made in the chain lever hoist wherein an engaging pawl is switched to a neutral position, at which the engaging pawl is not allowed to engage with engaging teeth in the forward direction or a reverse direction, by the operation of a selector lever and then a load chain on the non-loaded side is pulled or an operating handle is rotated in the reverse direction to thereby produce the free rotation state just the way it is, the improvement being such that the operating lever is rotatably supported on a brake cover at its opening with a predetermined spaced interval from a first hub. By virtue of this, the first hub is allowed to rotate together with the drive shaft, without contacting with the operating lever, during the free rotation operation, and as such can attain reliable free rotation operation.

Abstract: A power driven tool is provided for winding a strap or other flexible component onto a winch. The tool is inserted into the axial opening of the winch spindle and includes a longitudinal slot that receives the inner end of the strap. The tool also includes a head portion that is lockably interengagable with a drive component of a rotary power apparatus. The rotary power apparatus is interengaged with the tool and rotatably driven such that the tool turns the spindle to wind the strap thereon.

Abstract: An extensible boom or strut has a telescoping action easily adjusted for appropriate length, and further is capable of attachment to a fixed point such as on a ceiling or wall at one end, and a lighting fixture or such at the other end. A torque tube is engaged with a cable winding device for playing out and winding up the cable which pulls on the innermost segment of the boom to shorten it or relaxes to allow gravitational force to lengthen it.

Abstract: A mechanical winch includes a ratchet lever having a single pawl which may be positioned in either one of two orientations in order to preclude clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the winch, drum or reel. In each orientation, the ratchet lever may also be positioned in a free wheeling position for the drum.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a rotary electric actuator for the formation of a shed on a loom wherein the actuator includes a driving rotor for rotating a device for winding and unwinding a harness thread and wherein the actuator includes a locking plate driven by the rotor which interacts with a locking member such that, when a stop of the locking member engages the locking plate, rotation of the rotor is stopped. A control mechanism is provided to selectively maneuver the locking member relative to the locking plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch which is capable of generating significant amounts of torque and providing very high line pull even after a significant amount of cable is wrapped onto its spool. The winch spool is also capable of carrying a large amount of thick cable. It is useful in applications such as assisting maintenance of dredge disposal areas in which a ditching machine must be assisted by a tether across the pit of the disposal area. In the described embodiment, the novel winch includes a transportable base or skid which is affixable to a prime mover vehicle, a heavy duty spool, a chain drive and a power train. The power train for the winch is powered by a hydraulic motor. Through significant gear reduction via the chain drive and a hydraulic gear box, the winch is capable of generating sustained significant torque regardless of the amount of cable on the spool.

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 safety mechanism for preventing a cable drum to rotate with overspeed has parallel ratchet wheels which encircle a brake drum. At a periphery of the ratchet wheels are stopping slots wherein a latching pawl is inserted when an overspeed is detected. The slots of the adjacent ratchet wheels are staggered. Thus the braking effect of each ratchet wheel starts at a different point of time.

Abstract: A take-up reel suitable for taking up cable as a coil. The reel includes a pair of plates and a central raised hub carrying an outer peripheral surface about which a cable may be wound. The central hub may be formed from one of the plates and may also carry a recess in the hub. An anchor secures one end of the cable between the plates and presents an abutment and locking surface. A cable follower is pivotally biased to engage the outer surface of the coil of cable being taken-up and let out from the take-up reel. The cable follower is adapted to abut an abutment when the cable has been substantially let out (played out) to preclude further rotation of the take-up reel.A torque limiter may be provided employing a spring plate and parallel oriented clutch plate in face to face abutting relation with the spring plate.The connection between the take-up reel and torque limiter is effected by a special pin construction to ensure maximum torque transfer to the reel from the torque limiter.

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 housing is formed by a plastic shroud between two metal mounting brackets, and a drive shaft is rotably supported by the brackets. A spool is mounted on the shaft for rotation and is formed by first and second powdered metal plate members which define a track within which a cable is wound upon itself in a spiral overlapping manner. The first plate member has an integral hub which defines an undercut cavity receiving a fitting secured to the inner end of the cable and also defines a set of recesses receiving lugs on the second plate member which has an integrally formed ring gear. A powdered metal control plate is integrally formed with an external gear located within the ring gear, and the ring gear has two teeth with leading and trailing surfaces in simultaneous contact with corresponding trailing and leading surfaces on the external gear for preventing backup of the spool.

Abstract: A fall-arrest apparatus comprises a drum (1) which holds a cable (3) for attachment to a load and has a brake (7-11, 13-15) which automatically stops the drum if it exceeds a certain unwinding speed. The apparatus incorporates a winch mechanism (16-20) by which the drum (1) can be manually turned either to raise or to lower a suspended load. The winch mechanism is associated with a braking device (21) comprising permanently contacting friction braking elements (22,24,25) and a one-way torque coupling (22,28,31-33). That coupling functions between those friction braking elements and the winch handle shaft (17). When the winch mechanism is set for use the one-way torque coupling prevents unwinding motion of the drum (1) otherwise than against the resistance of the permanently contacting friction braking elements.

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: A vault door opener for opening a vault door wherein the vault door is disposed near a grating. The vault door opener comprises a stand with a winch connected to one end of the stand. Means are connected to the opposite end of the stand for removably connecting the stand to the grating whereby the stand is supported in an upright position on the grating. In the supported position of the stand, a cable on the winch is connected to the vault door and the winch is rotatable to reel the cable in thereby lifting the vault door to the opened position.

Abstract: The sheave and cable assembly includes a center sheave plate having an arcuate, cable-wrapping track and an exterior shoulder truncating the cable-wrapping track to accommodate a cable end fitting that is supported between adjacent sheave side plates for rotation relative to the sheave. The end fitting includes an outer, arcuate cable-wrapping shoulder which is generally contiguous with the cable-wrapping track on the center sheave plate when the end fitting is in a "cable wrap/unwrap" position in cooperative relation to the sheave center plate. This position of the cable end fitting permits wrapping of the cable on the track by rotation of the sheave in one direction and paying off (unwrapping) of the cable by rotation of the sheave in the opposite direction. When the cable is payed off the track and the sheave is rotated in a "wrong" direction (i.e.

Abstract: Improvements in marine winching apparatus and method for use in conjunction with oyster dredging, shrimping, and similar activities in the fishing industry with regard to two, four, and five drum winches as used in the fishing and marine industries. The improvements relate to the overall compact compartmentation and configuration of the device, as well as new innovative improvements in the clutch mechanism, the split collar, wear plates, cleaves, shaft, and other aspects of the mechanism of the winch, which will vary depending upon the contemplated use. An exemplary embodiment and design for a winch specifically designed for oyster dredging, in which the winch includes a new and unique configuration, including the incorporation of a "dredge post" implemented in the construction of the winch for safer and more efficient dredging of oysters, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for blocking a winch is disclosed. A winch reel is mounted between two opposed sideplates which are joined to form a frame. The winch reel includes a plurality of blocking pins extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the reel and away from one side of the reel. One sideplate of the frame incorporates a plurality of blocking apertures positioned to engage the blocking pins. A spring is interposed between the second sideplate to bias the reel in the direction of the sideplate having the blocking apertures. An inclined ramp is integral with and extends away from each of the blocking apertures in one rotational direction. The inclined ramps allow the winch to be readily rotated in one direction. Alternatively, the interaction of the blocking pins and the blocking apertures block rotation in the other direction unless a force is applied through a handle to compress the spring thereby shifting the reel and disengaging the blocking pins from the blocking apertures.