Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated actuator for a braking mechanism on a cable drawworks is provided. The actuator can have an enclosed tubular main body capable of being connected to an external hydraulic system. The main body can further contain a spring-opposed hydraulic piston connected to an actuator rod. The actuator rod can extend out of the main body and can connect to a braking system for the drawworks. In operation, the springs can push on the hydraulic piston and hold the actuator rod in a fully extended position to engage the braking system. When pressure from the external hydraulic system is applied to the hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston can compress the springs and retract the actuator rod into the main body, which can disengage the braking system.

Abstract: An air balancer has a rotary drum on which a rope member is to be wound and that is supported rotatably by a stationary shaft in a casing, a conversion system that converts pressure of first air supplied into the casing into rotational force of the rotary drum for winding the rope member on the rotary drum, a rotary member that is rotatably supported by the stationary shaft and linked with the rotary drum to integrally rotate therewith, a rotation restriction member to be in contact with the rotary member to restrict rotation thereof, a disengagement mechanism that causes the rotation restriction member to retract by pressure of second air supplied into the casing to thereby disengage the contact between the rotary member and the rotation restriction member, and a control module having an air circuit that supplies the second air into the casing only when the first air is supplied into the casing or when the first air is discharged from the casing.

Abstract: An air balancer has a rotary drum on which a rope member is to be wound and that is supported rotatably by a stationary shaft in a casing, a conversion system that converts pressure of first air supplied into the casing into rotational force of the rotary drum for winding the rope member on the rotary drum, a rotary member that is rotatably supported by the stationary shaft and linked with the rotary drum to integrally rotate therewith, a rotation restriction member to be in contact with the rotary member to restrict rotation thereof, a disengagement mechanism that causes the rotation restriction member to retract by pressure of second air supplied into the casing to thereby disengage the contact between the rotary member and the rotation restriction member, and a control module having an air circuit that supplies the second air into the casing only when the first air is supplied into the casing or when the first air is discharged from the casing.

Abstract: In the drawworks for lowering and withdrawing a load, in particular a drilling or a drilling plugging device, in particular for use on floating drilling platforms, which drawworks has at least one brake arrangement for braking and holding the load, an emergency brake device is provided for producing an additional braking force.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch in which a piston rod of a brake cylinder constituting a hydraulic winch is connected in a state capable of being moved only in a range fixedly controlled in axial and diametral directions relative to a pressure plate to control an axial movement of the piston alone when a mode is switched and not to exert an unreasonable load to the connected portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an overstroke of the piston of the brake cylinder and to improve the switching responsiveness when switched to the brake release state again.

Abstract: A boom hoist system for supporting and adjusting the position of a lifting crane gantry is provided including a drum, a drive system, and first and second braking systems for selectively stopping rotation of the drum. The boom hoist system operates independently from crane mechanical works and the first and second braking systems may include sensors for automatically engaging when specified conditions occur in order to prevent a hoisted gantry from falling uncontrollably in the event of a hoist system malfunction or failure.

Abstract: An improved force transmitting apparatus for transmitting force between first and second members includes a plurality of force transmitting assemblies. The force transmitting assemblies are operable between engaged conditions in which the first force transmitting apparatus is effective to transmit force and disengaged conditions in which the force transmitting apparatus is ineffective to transmit force. A controller operates the force transmitting assemblies between the disengaged and engaged conditions as a function of a load applied to the apparatus. The improved force transmitting apparatus is useful as a brake in a drilling system having a draw string connectable with pipe. The force transmitting assemblies are connected with a drum of a winch connected to the draw string.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated balancing hoist includes a housing forming a gas chamber, an inlet for communicating with the gas chamber, a sliding piston, and a rotatable longitudinally movable cable drum. The rotatable longitudinally movable cable drum contains one or more longitudinal openings which slidably accommodate drive rods. The drive rods impart the rotation of the cable drum to a flywheel. Exterior to the flywheel are rotating brake shoes which contact a stationary braking surface when the rotation of the longitudinally movable cable drum exceeds a predetermined angular acceleration. A conically shaped brake system attached to the flywheel is mechanically engaged to prevent rotation of the cable drum until pressurized gas is supplied to the chamber.

Abstract: A winding machine, useful as an air hoist, includes a winding portion about which a chain is wound, and from which articles are hung for loading and/or unloading thereof. The winding machine is rotationally powered by an air driven motor controlled by an air supply valve which regulates the supply of air to the motor by virtue of a built-in variable shuttle valve. An operation unit pneumatically biases a main spool in the shuttle valve in a desired direction and to a selected extent to provide, respectively, rotation in normal and reverse directions, by permitting adjustable flow-through of air from a supply line. A rotation suspending mechanism includes an air activated braking mechanism, normally biased to provide braking of the motor when not actively being rotationally operated. The braking mechanism is connected through a variable aperture to the air supply, such that sufficient air pressure provided thereto overcomes the biasing thereof.

Abstract: A brake for a hoisting apparatus including a hoisting line, a drum for the hoisting line, a hoisting motor and a brake system for braking of the hoisting cable, the brake system consisting of a hydraulic brake and a mechanical brake. The mechanical and the hydraulic brakes are connected to a common transmission which is driven by the drum when this rotates freely, and the mechanical and the hydraulic brakes are controlled by a common controller for controlling the distribution of braking power between the two brakes. The control system distributes the braking power automatically between the brake systems. The transmission can also be connected to an autodriller for controlling the weight on the bit.

Abstract: At predetermined low speeds, a safety brake is applied directly to the hoisting drum at a setting sufficiently high to stop the load from falling should drive line failure occur. The load can be lowered or raised by applying sufficient torque to the drum to overcome the braking force and thus lower or raise the load. If drive train failure occurs, the brake will instantaneously stop the load without further uncontrolled movement.

Abstract: An actuator for a brake band wherein a unique cam and compression yoke arrangement permits location of the cam actuator along an axis parallel to the winch axis thereby permitting its location within the protective zone of the winch and the elimination of exposed spring operated brake actuating arrangements.

Abstract: A brake system for controlling a winch cable for an oil well drilling or servicing operation includes a main external contracting band brake for stopping the cable and an auxiliary disk brake for controlling the speed the cable unwinds from the winch so as to control the descent of a load on the cable.

Abstract: An improved mobile pumping apparaus for producing fluids from, for instance, shallow and/or slow-flowing marginal oil wells. The invention comprises a boom assembly which is adapted for mounting on a tractor, truck, or other vehicle having a standpipe mounted on the front thereof which is lowered into engagement with a wellhead and a winch having a cable attached at one end thereto, the other end of the cable extending down into the standpipe and having a swab bar attached thereto. The swab bar is provided with a heavy lead weight, so that the swab bar will sink down into the fluid as the cable is wound off of the winch, and a plurality of cups for lifting the fluid up out of the well when the direction of the winch is reversed. The oil is lifted up out of the well into the standpipe and on into a hose for collection in a storage tank.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor cn be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor can be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: The invention relates to the braking, by means of a control lever, of the winch of a derrick equipped with a band brake and located away from the lever. The lever and the band brake are included in a servo-control circuit and connected by an electric transmission line. A force return is provided on the lever by means of a torque motor receiving the position error signal relative to the mobile end of the band in relation to the control value position given by the lever.

Abstract: A unitized portable hoist having a base structure. A support structure is attached to the base structure. A hoist drum is rotatable attached to hydraulic motors which are in turn attached to the base structure. A crown block is attached to the base structure below the hoist drum. An electric motor drives a hydraulic pump, both of which are attached to the base structure. The hydraulic pump drives the hydraulic motors. A cable is taken up and let out by the hoist drum. A fall block rides on the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing fluid from a well. The apparatus is mobile, and includes a power winch mounted on a mobile support means with a cable attached to the winch. A constant tension maintaining unit is connected to the winch to maintain relatively constant tension on the cable while the cable is wound off the power winch into the well, and a swab is mounted on the free end of the cable. The swab is operable to lift the fluid out of the well when the cable is wound back onto the power winch. Also included is a means in fluid connection with the well operable to receive the fluid lifted out of the well by the swab. Also provided is a swab bar for use in removing fluid from a well and a device for effecting a seal with the well head.

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: A hydraulic disk brake apparatus especially useful for braking the rotation of a hoisting drum used to support a drill string in a well. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic fluid pump having an actuating lever, a pair of brake calipers having hydraulically actuated friction pads for engaging a brake disk coupled to the drum for rotation therewith, hydraulic fluid lines interconnecting the pump and the friction pads, and a mechanism for converting the braking reaction force caused by the torque applied to the calipers, when the pads engage the rotating disk, to an additional hydraulic force proportional to the amount of torque so applied to the calipers and applying this additional hydraulic force to the pads. This renders the braking action self-energized and provides a physical indication, i.e., a "feel", in the brake actuating lever reflecting the braking action actually take place on the drum.

Abstract: The upward and/or downward travel of a traveling block in a derrick is controlled to prevent travel beyond normal, safe operating limits. A control line is positioned across the vertical movement axis of the traveling block and upon being moved by the traveling block will actuate sensors to brake and deactivate the draw works, in the event the traveling block traverses beyond safe predetermined limits.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a brake on a drawworks having cable wound thereon. A tension gauge detects the tension in the cable which is displayed on a switch gauge. A pulse generator provides periodic pulses to one side of a relay having a set of normally open contacts. When the tension is at or above a preselected level, the other side of the relay is grounded. The relay contacts pulse a pneumatic relay which is connected to a ram that operates the drawworks brakes. When tension is at or below a preselected level, a second pneumatic relay is actuated for maintaining the ram in a brake activating condition. A switch is connected to a third pneumatic relay, which in turn is connected to the ram to permit manual brake activation and deactivation.

Abstract: Limiting of hoist overload is accomplished by applying the brake of a pneumatically powered hoist. The brake release signal is interrupted by means of directly sensing the load being lifted by means of this invention, causing the brake to be applied and thus halting the drive mechanism. This device can be applied to any load bearing member such as chain or cable anchors, hooks, connections to trolleys, or other suspension.

Abstract: A remote controlled slack pulling log skidding carriage is provided for feeding a slack drag line toward a log to be skidded. A drive sheave rotatably mounted in the carriage is operated by a hydraulic motor. The fluid to operate the motor is stored in one or more accumulators, and a radio controlled valve starts and stops the flow of fluid to the motor. A mechanically operated hydraulic pump also is provided to recharge the accumulators during a skidding operation. A reciprocating locking assembly is provided to alternately lock the carriage to the skyline or to the slack line.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for preventing runaway lowering of a hook block in an oil drilling rig characterized by monitoring the instantaneous values of hook load and speed and using these values together with parameters associated with the rig drawworks to calculate an energy value which must be dissipated during a braking stop by the drawworks brake. The brake or an emergency brake associated with the drawworks is automatically actuated when the calculated energy value reaches a predetermined value representative of the maximum energy absorbing capability of the brake. The brake may also be automatically activated when the position of the hook block reaches predetermined upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake assembly for incorporation into chain hoists and the like includes a planar disk slidably secured to the output shaft of a pneutmatic motor by complementary splines. The disk is biased toward a planar surface and when in contact with such surface, inhibits rotation of the motor output shaft. Compressed air is supplied to both the pneumatic motor and the brake assembly through a network of passageways and check valves. Compressed air supplied to one face of the brake disk, translates the disk, disengaging it from the planar surface and permitting output shaft rotation.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated winch assembly having a dual planetary gear system for driving a common ring gear from a power input shaft. Power from the shaft is divided through the two planetary gear systems for driving the common ring gear which is attached to the load member, such as a winch drum. A brake assembly can be assembled as a unit and then inserted into the winch assembly and is axially fixed in position by a retainer plate that is held on the housing of the winch assembly by means of a snap ring. The brake assembly is axially inserted into the housing and against the snap ring and bolt means then are secured between the retainer plate and brake assembly so as to fix the assembly in position within the housing. The brake assembly; includes an axially extending piston rod forming a part of a hydraulic actuator which actuates the brake assembly and the power input shaft for the planetary gear system is piloted in the end of the piston rod.

Abstract: One or more freefall systems for a crane or the like is disclosed, which system includes a protective circuit that includes three separate switches that must be closed before the winch can be placed in its freefall mode. A mode switch in the cab must first be closed, a brake pedal must be depressed to close a second switch, and a third switch must be held closed by the operator during freefall.

Abstract: A drive train for a winch from a continuously rotating input source to an intermittently rotated drum in which the drive train is through a clutch, then to a shaft, then through a continuously driven internal brake which forms a part of the drive train from the shaft, then to the drive train to the drum, with the shaft being provided with a one-way clutch so that the brake automatically is engaged for lowering the load by reversing the drum. A free-spool circuit is provided which can be operated only in the brake release position for safety and is operated off the brake release hydraulic control fluid pressure. A static or manual pump control fluid circuit is provided for operating the clutch, brake and/or free spool. A combination driving clutch and drag clutch are energized by opposite directional movement of a single piston for coupling an input to an output or stopping movement of the output.

Abstract: A log skidder winch control system (10) includes a manually actuated master cylinder (22) connected to the winch drum brake release cylinder (18) to allow the winch cable (44) to be winched out gradually independent of the vehicle hydraulic system. The master cylinder is connected in the hydraulic line between the winch control valve (34) and the drum brake release cylinder, and normally serves only as a conduit for oil flow to the brake release cylinder when the control valve is put in a "free spool" condition. With the control valve is neutral the master cylinder can be manually actuated to pressurize the brake release cylinder to provide gradual release of the winch drum brake (26).

Abstract: A manually initiated, brake actuating system for immediate stoppage of the traveling block in a drilling derrick drawworks that overrides a conventional automatic drawwork safety control device. The system includes a normally closed, solenoid-controlled pneumatic valve mounted in an explosive resistant container between the system air supply and the pneumatic brake for the drawworks drum. A manually operated electrical switch, when actuated, simultaneously (1) energizes the solenoid to the emergency override pneumatic valve,and (2) de-energizes the drawworks power circuit, cutting off power to the drawworks motor.