Abstract: A lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, comprising a base frame that has at least two base plates, further comprising at least two longitudinal beams which have a first end and an opposite second end and which interconnect the base plates and keep the same apart from each other. The lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, comprises a simple design and can readily be mounted, dismounted, or modified by detachably fastening the first end and the second end of the longitudinal beams to the base plates in such a way in an operational state of the lifting apparatus and designing one of the at least two base plates in such a way that the longitudinal beams can be inserted or removed in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof when mounting, dismounting, or modifying the base frame.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, comprises a base frame that has at least two base plates and at least two longitudinal beams that interconnect the base plates and are spaced apart from each other. Attachment elements are mounted on the base plates by means of holding parts. The lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, is characterized by a modular design, where the holding parts are arranged as extensions of the longitudinal beams.

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: Apparatus for an integrated winchhead winch are described herein. An integrated winchhead comprising a frame, a winch and a wedge. The frame may include a mounting base at a first end and a bow stop mounting area at a second end of the frame. The winch may be housed within the frame. The wedge may be attached to the mounting base and may also be mountable on a base stand, wherein the wedge may be adjustably mounted to the base stand and the mounting base. The winchhead may be mountable at two different angles and be vertically adjustable along the base stand. A bow stop may be secured to the bow stop mounting area.

Abstract: A winch formed of modular components can be reconfigured between different operational configurations. A number of different lengths and devices can be attached to the winch.

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: Apparatus for an integrated winchhead winch are described herein. An integrated winchhead comprising a frame, a winch and a wedge. The frame may include a mounting base at a first end and a bow stop mounting area at a second end of the frame. The winch may be housed within the frame. The wedge may be attached to the mounting base and may also be mountable on a base stand, wherein the wedge may be adjustably mounted to the base stand and the mounting base. The winchhead may be mountable at two different angles and be vertically adjustable along the base stand. A bow stop may be secured to the bow stop mounting area.

Abstract: The inventive concept involves a tree mounted hoist that can be attached to a tree at any desired height. The tree hoist consists of a support platform that has an electric motor therein. The other direction of the support platform has a plate that has serrated teeth thereon that will dig into a tree when forced thereat. The support platform has an upstanding frame thereon and the ends of the upstanding frame each have a locking sleeve thereon. The locking sleeve each receive the end of a flexible cable that surrounds the tree and when tightened around the tree stabilizes the support platform on the tree. The support platform has a forward extension thereon that has a cable pulley at its forward ends over which a hoist cable is trained which hoist cable connects to a winch which is operated by the motor. The electric motor is a 12 Volt vehicle starter motor which can be operated by a remote switch.

Abstract: A dismantable hoist for storing and transporting wire rope and for lowering and raising the wire rope from a building roof site including a lightweight frame having a base, lightweight reel, for storing the wire rope, having a central drum and a pair of spaced-apart peripheral rings attached to the drum forming opposed side flanges rotatably mounted in the frame, drive means removably attached to the drum for rotating the drum for lowering and raising the wire rope, and brake means operatively connected to the spaced-apart peripheral rings and normally biased into braking engagement with the peripheral rings to stop lowering of the wire rope upon release of the brake means.

Abstract: A tree stand lock apparatus comprises a ratchet buckle part and a wire rope part. The ratchet buckle part comprises a spool with a transaxial bore, a ratcheting lever handle, a locking means and a base affixed to a hook. The wire rope part comprises a wire rope, one end of which is affixed to a hook. The lock may be employed by wrapping the wire rope around a portion of a tree stand, hooking the hook of the rope to the hook of the ratchet buckle and threading the wire rope through the transaxial bore. The ratchet buckle is operated to render the wire rope taut and the buckle is locked in the closed position.

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 winch for moving a patient laying on a pad is disclosed. The winch includes an enclosure that has a winching mechanism fixed within the enclosure, a power means, a motor, a gearing means, a power switching means, and a spool means. Preferably the winch further includes a bedrail hook attached to the front wall, the hook comprising at least one rigid U-shaped member. As such, the enclosure may be fixed to a bedrail of a bed to move the patient laying on the pad on the bed. A winching strap is connected at one end thereof to the spool means. The winching strap traverses an aperture in the at least one side wall of the enclosure, and a distal end of the winching strap terminates in a pad clamping means. The pad clamping means is preferably a clamping bar having at least two clamps, such that when the winching mechanism pulls the clamps towards the enclosure the clamps are further tightened upon the pad.

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: The invention relates to a winch (6) for raising and lowering persons, of the type that comprises a housing with an attachment member (16), an electric motor (39) driving a reel (27), a lifting strap (7) connected to the reel for winding and unwinding the lifting strap whereby the lifting strap is guided through one of two openings (17,19) formed in the housing.

Abstract: A hoisting machine, such as a cable block, includes a support frame having at least two face plates, which are detachably joined together and spaced apart by at least two longitudinal members. The support frame includes a simple structural design, in which the longitudinal members are detachably joined to the face plates such that the ends of the longitudinal members are pressed against a bearing surface of the face plates in the direction of their lengthwise axis, transversely to the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A portable winch apparatus having a rechargeable battery and electrical outlets for the charging and operation of external accessory devices. The winch is housed in a casing with various anchor attachments that allow for multiple dragging, towing, and lifting arrangements. Because the winch apparatus incorporates at least one accessory outlet which is powered by the attached rechargeable battery power supply, the present invention combines the portability advantages of hand held winches with the power output options available to vehicle mounted winches. The invention achieves further versatility through incorporation of a wireless remote control unit, and its versatile structural organization around an internal frame that permits it to be manufactured in differing configurations with different geometries.

Abstract: The power supply winch system comprises a generally inverted L-shaped supportive frame and a winch attached to the supportive frame. The supportive frame comprises a horizontal member and a vertical member that are pivotally attached to one another at one end. The horizontal member has a first horizontal stability bar attached thereto and a flexible strap which depends from a free end of the horizontal member. The vertical member has a winch support affixed to it and a second horizontal stability bar attached to a free end of the vertical member. The winch is secured to the winch support. The inverted L-shaped supportive frame can embrace a corner of the power supply cabinet, such that the horizontal member corresponds with a top surface of the cabinet while the vertical member corresponds with an adjacent side surface. The winch system can be folded into a compact, portable structure.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for efficiently and conveniently stowing items such as bicycles at ceiling level. The overhead storage system includes a motor connected to a spool unit, a frame supporting the motor and attachable to a ceiling, an extended member extending from the frame, a pulley attached to a distal portion of the extended member, a first cable and a second cable attached to the spool unit with the second cable extending through the pulley, and a support member attached to the distal portions of the first cable and the second cable. The support member is comprised of an elongated structure capable of supporting one or more items such as but not limited to bicycles. A control unit controls the operation of the motor and is in communication with a controller operated by a user for raising and lowering the support member.

Abstract: A device is provided for lifting and lowering objects to and from a deployed tree stand by an occupant of the tree stand. The device has a clamp connectable to a rigid support member of the stand, a threaded shaft connected to the clamp, a reel mounted on the shaft, and a threaded knob also mounted on the shaft, the knob having an inner portion with a contacting surface which comes into contact with a mating contact surface of the reel upon turning of the knob by the occupant. Upon making contact, the reel is slowed down and may be stopped by braking action. This enables control over movement, which may be stopped and restarted, as well as slowed down at any location.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sleeve comprising a nub, the sleeve sized to receive a bar. The apparatus further includes a movable spindle with a bracket. The bracket is sized to fit over either of the bar and the nub.

Abstract: A hydraulic capstan to pull electric or communication wire through conduit or open trenches over long distances from a stationary position. The capstan is powered by a hydraulic motor. An operator can activate the motor from inside the cab of a vehicle to turn the capstan. The rope attached to the wire is wrapped around the capstan. When the rope is pulled tight on the turning capstan, the rope comes on one side and off the other side, pulling the wire load.

Abstract: A process for winching comprising attaching a first line to a jack, connecting a second line to the object to be winched, connecting a third line to the running gear of the jack, immobilizing the jack, connecting the third line to the second line and cranking the jack to move the object, and connecting the first line to the second line to hold the object in its new position. Apparatus for holding an object being winched in a new position including a winch tensioner bracket connected to a grab hook by a chain.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing overlap of coils on a cable of a rotatable winch drum have a rotatable roller which is mounted at a certain location with respect to the axis of rotation of the winch drum. The rotatable roller has an outer surface which is engageable with a side surface of the incoming coil of the cable as the incoming coil is being formed. The rotatable roller exerts a sufficient force through the roller and the body of the cable at the incoming coil to maintain the roller engaged portion of the incoming coil at the location of the rotatable roller and to shift all previously formed engaging adjacent coils of the cable sufficiently longitudinally on the surface of the winch drum in a direction along the axis of rotation of the winch drum so as to make room for the formation of the incoming coil directly on the surface of the winch drum.

Abstract: A winch spooled with a cable is provided for mounting on the boom of a host vehicle. The winch is surrounded by a frame housing that is capable of withstanding the forces applied by the host vehicle. A braking mechanism is provided for controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable. The winch is mounted on the boom of a host vehicle by a conventional attachment that is used for other custom tools such as buckets of a backhoe.

Abstract: A recovery device particularly useful in confined space and remote rescues. The recovery device includes a base plate, a winch coupled to the base plate, and an anchoring plate coupled to the base plate to detachably couple the base plate to an object that will support the recovery. A cord is attached to the winch to raise or lower the load to or from the recovery device or object. A guide roller assembly is coupled to the base plate to guide the cord and reduce the amount of friction on the cord that occurs when raising a load with the winch.

Abstract: A winch including a casing for accommodating an electric motor, a gearbox and a roller for winding and unwinding a traction member. In order to provide a cost-effective flat winch which can be transported by a single person and used universally, in particular for the domestic sector, the casing has a box-like configuration to exhibit a shape and size of a suitcase or attaché case, with the casing having opposite flat outer sides, with one outer side having attached thereon a suspension member, and the other outer side being formed with an opening for passage of the traction member. The electric motor, the gearbox and the roller are arranged in the casing and extend in a common plane, with the casing including a handle to allow transport of the winch by a person. The electric motor may be designed as a universal motor, and connected via a belt drive to the gearbox which is designed as a self-locking worm drive.

Abstract: A winch spooled with a cable is provided for mounting on the boom of a host vehicle. The winch is surrounded by a frame housing that is capable of withstanding the forces applied by the host vehicle. A braking mechanism is provided for controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable. The winch is mounted on the boom of a host vehicle by a conventional attachment that is used for other custom tools.

Abstract: A recovery device particularly useful in confined space and remote rescues. The recovery device includes a base plate, a winch coupled to the base plate, and an anchoring plate coupled to the base plate to detachably couple the base plate to an object that will support the recovery. A cord is attached to the winch to raise or lower the load to or from the recovery device or object. A guide roller assembly is coupled to the base plate to guide the cord and reduce the amount of friction on the cord that occurs when raising a load with the winch.

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.

Abstract: Selectively attachable winch assemblies wherein a first embodiment includes a bracket having a base plate, a stanchion extending upwardly from the base plate including structure for supporting a winch in an elevated free standing position and a backing plate which preferably is permanently attached to the vehicle and includes structure for securing the bracket. During periods of nonuse, the winch assembly is removable from the vehicle to free up space for other purposes. Under another embodiment of the present invention the winch is selectively adjustable along various points on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A frame apparatus is constructed to be mounted on and conformed to the trunk of a tree for use by arborists in handling loads involved in an arbor rigging procedure. The frame apparatus engages a curved surface of the trunk of the tree at three triangularly disposed locations. In one embodiment an angled spike structure at one lower end of the frame structure penetrates the trunk at an angle which utilizes circumferential shifting and inward pulling of the frame apparatus on the tree to secure the frame apparatus to the tree. In another embodiment resilient pads are mounted at each of the three triangularly disposed locations for resiliently gripping the opposed portion of the trunk to minimize damage to the tree.

Abstract: A compact hoist with a central hoist housing and an enclosed transmission located opposite a motor. The output shaft, of the motor, is guided coaxially through a transmission output shaft that is hollow and supports a sprocket wheel, or similar device, and receives power from the transmission. The hoist is particularly easy and economical to assemble, service and repair, and is flexible when in use. In a preferred embodiment, the motor shaft is mounted in a transmission cover opposite the motor and the transmission-output shaft is mounted, on one side in the wall of the hoist housing, and on the other side in an end plate of the motor. That configuration makes the invention particularly suitable for automatic assembly.

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

Abstract: The game sled of the instant invention includes an elongate, game carrying box which has spaced apart, substantially parallel sides and a planar base. The forward end of the box is streamlined for easy movement over and around obstructions. The game sled is drawn over a surface by a powered winch which is mounted in the box and which includes a spool having a length of cable wound thereon. The cable is played off of the spool and attached to a fixed object. The winch is then used to draw the sled towards the fixed object. A cable is trained from the spool through a cable guide, located in a substantially V-shaped fairlead located at the front end of the box. The free ends of the fairlead are attached at the sides of the box such that the apex of the V, containing the cable guide, is vertically swingable to assist clearance of the box over and around obstacles as the sled is drawn over the surface.

Abstract: Pulley hoists are disclosed which provide moving anchor hooks that are suspended by two "pulls" of rope, and which may be fabricated by a single part. Anchor hooks are also disclosed which have multiple, independently movable hook portions so that certain large objects may be moved using a sole power unit having said anchor hooks at either end thereof. The anchor hooks of the present invention are also provided with tension indicator apparatuses and safety apparatuses in the event of the overloading of the device. Safety apparatus and sound alarm apparatus are also provided on the power units of the pulley hoists of the present invention in the event of the overloading of the device.

Abstract: A hoist includes a shaft driven by external force, a driving shaft connected to the shaft, a reduction gear train for transmitting rotation of the driving shaft to a load sheave, a mechanical brake assembly in the reduction gear train, and an overload safety device having a clutch mechanism capable of transmitting torque larger in driving said load sheave in a winding-off direction than that in a winding-up direction.

Abstract: A portable hoist or puller has two facing half shell members housing a chain sprocket rotatably affixed to a drive shaft supported for rotation by a pair of rollers. The first roller is slidably fixed for rotation with the drive shaft while the second is threaded to the shaft. The periphery of the threaded roller is serrated for engagement by a spring detent to inhibit its free rotation. Each roller has a hub portion extending outwardly of the housing to selectively receive a drive tool. A friction disc is disposed between each of the rollers and adjacent housing portion. To apply force to a load connected to the chain trained over the sprocket, the drive tool is coupled to the first roller and rotated causing the sprocket to feed the chain with the rollers pulled against the sprocket. If the drive tool released, the pull of the load tends to reversely rotate the shaft whereby the threaded arrangement causes the rollers to lock-up against the housing.

Abstract: A pivotable support mechanism for an aircraft rescue hoist or the like. The pright position provides sufficient structural strength to support objects to be lifted by the hoist. The swing-away position provides clearance for access to other equipment without requiring removal of the hoist from the aircraft.

Abstract: The cable pulling device includes a control unit having a force indicator gauge and a switch and circuit breaker assembly in series in the hot wire to the electric motor which rotates the capstan for cable pulling. Power to the electric motor can thereby be interrupted manually or automatically in the event cable pulling force approaches an overload level where damage could occur to the device, accessories and/or cable. The control unit is detachable from the puller device for location close to the operator during a pull.

Abstract: A removable operating lever is provided for a ratchet buckle device for tightening and tensioning straps. The ratchet buckle has a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted and employs a bifurcated handle member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms rotatably mounted on the reel. The handle has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the handle is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. The buckle has a cross member on the handle member thereof which has mounting means thereon for mounting an elongated lever member which can be employed to actuate the handle member.

Abstract: An apparatus is described permitting rapid rehanging of fallen freight bracing bulkheads and trolleys, comprising a movable shaft mounted on the existing trolley tracks, a portable winch for raising detached bulkheads, and a ceiling jack, attachable to said movable shaft, causing the apparatus to be suitable for raising fallen bulkhead trolleys.

Abstract: A boat loader and unloader has a vertical post which is mounted on the rear of a vehicle. A carriage is slidably and pivotally mounted on the top of the post by rollers. A reel assembly having a crank-operated, cable take-up tube is removably mounted transversely across the midportion of a boat. A cable is attached to and extends between the reel tube and carriage which is clamped to the boat transom. Acutation of the crank-operated reel tube winds the cable about the tube raising the boat from the ground to a position where the boat and carriage then can be pushed forwardly on the rollers to move the boat and carriage to a forward storage position on top of the vehicle. A reverse operation enables an individual to manually unload the boat from on top of the vehicle. An improved conrol mechanism is mounted on the reel and includes a plurality of spring-biased camming rollers which are engaged between ramp surfaces formed on a band brake and a stub shaft attached to the take-up reel.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device having a frame, a cable-winding drum carried in the frame, ratchet wheel means attached to the drum, a reciprocable handle bearing a driving pawl for advancing the ratchet wheel means, and a holding pawl normally limiting rotation of the drum to a single direction. The ratchet wheel means may comprise a pair of toothed ratchet wheels respectively spaced on either side of the drum, and engageable with a driving pawl having similarly spaced teeth to provide symmetrical driving of the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a displaceable winch device having an external frame, a winch and a control cabin mounted inside said frame, transmission means coupled with said winch for driving the cable drum from a driving engine, for example, a Diesel engine, said frame having the dimensions and characteristics of a standardized transport container, in which the winch, the control-cabin and the driving engine are accommodated.

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 method and apparatus for installing an apertured moldboard bit to a similarly apertured moldboard. The bit installing tool includes a handle operated winch drum mounted to a winch frame for winding and unwinding a cable. The winch frame is connected to a base frame and the base frame secures the tool to the moldboard. The cable has means at a free end for releasably securing the bit for hoisting to the moldboard. The bit installing tool is affixed to the moldboard. The cable is extended from the tool and threaded through apertures in the moldboard and the bit. The cable is secured to the bit, the bit is hoisted to the moldboard by winding the cable about a winch drum, and the bit is bolted to the moldboard. Bit removal may be accomplished by reversing the above steps.

Abstract: The improved crab pot line hauler's drive motor, sheave and associated line guide means having a common support are mounted as a composite unit on pivotal support bearings that permit the unit to revolve freely about a fixed bearing axis in addressing itself to the incoming line being hauled and that restrain the unit against other bodily motion. Placement of the center of mass of the hauler unit at or closely adjacent to such pivot bearing axis assures its relatively steady orientation in operative relation to the incoming line with minimal line deflection force acting on it to do this. Polar moment of inertia about such bearing axis being also made relatively small by such mounting system, quickness of response of the unit to changing line approach direction is also achieved, a major advantage in stormy weather.

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

Abstract: A movable winch adapted to be aligned on a guide track above each of the filter bags in a baghouse to secure the bags at a predetermined tension within the baghouse.

Abstract: A load handling device for arborists attachable temporarily to a tree trunk for lowering severed tree limbs and main stems including a base having a cross member and a vertical member. An elongated leg protrudes from the cross member and frictionally engages the tree trunk. A cylindrical member is mounted on the vertical member above the elongated tree gripping leg and is positioned with its longitudinal axis generally at right angles to the base member. The rope used to lower the severed tree limb is wrapped about the cylindrical member. An upper flange is connected to the vertical member above the cylindrical member and protrudes from the base a greater distance than the tree gripping leg so that the cylindrical member is tipped with its longitudinal axis at an angle below a horizontal plane. The device is frictionally held to the tree trunk by an elongated flexible member such as a strap. Cinching means mounted on the cross member holds the flexible member securely to the tree.