Abstract: A tower may support a horizontal track and a vertical climbing wall therebelow. A trolley, movable along the track, may be selectively driven toward and away from the tower by belay lines, line and capstan, positive drive, or some combination. Belay lines reeved over pulleys on the trolley may be taken up and paid out independently from the trolley, while fixed or moving. A rider may climb, be lifted, or both to near the intersection of the tower and track, from there to fall or jump into a controllable trajectory such as swinging or simulating a parachute landing. Swinging may be rapidly attenuated almost entirely by “bumps,” lifting a rider to remove momentum and kinetic energy as a rider moves toward a pivot point overhead. Control may be simplified based on sensing and using timing past bottom dead center (BDC).

Abstract: A climbing wall defines vertical, transverse (horizontally in-and-out, toward-and-away-from wall) and lateral (horizontally sideways) directions, mutually orthogonal. A surface treatment simulates rock by texture, holds, or both. A line (rope, cable) extends from a belay anchor, spaced away from the wall, to a climber at the wall. Line distance is controlled to eliminate slack to start, and continuously if the wall is increasingly steep and possibly curving sideways (laterally). When climbing ends, the climber swings transversely (and, optionally, laterally sideways) away from the wall in a pendulum fall, swinging (oscillating) about the belay anchor for multiple cycles and clear of contact with the wall. The fall may be intentional (the climber releasing a grip on the wall), accidental (falling from own weight), or due to line tension initiated by an automated timer or operator intervention.

Abstract: A pulley wheel rack includes a first rack part and a second rack part; a pulley wheel space between the first rack part and the second rack part; a first frame arranged to the first rack part, and a second frame arranged to the second rack part; an axle configured to extend from the first frame to the second frame, and configured to be rotatable into different securable positions by a ball joint arranged into the first frame and the second frame; and a pulley wheel bearing-mounted on the axle by hub bearings, and including at least one traction surface for engaging an elevator rope. A method for aligning a pulley wheel in a pulley wheel rack is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motion compensation system disposed on a structure of a drilling vessel. A stabilization assembly for use with the motion compensation system includes a first arm connectable to the structure, a first sheave connectable to the structure, a second arm connectable to the first arm, and a second sheave connectable to the second arm. At least one of the first arm and the first sheave are connectable to the structure at different locations and the first arm and the second sheave are connectable to the second arm at different locations.

Abstract: A serial robot includes a base, first and second segments, a proximal joint joining the base to the first segment, and a distal joint. The distal joint that joins the segments is serially arranged and distal with respect to the proximal joint. The robot includes first and second actuators. A first tendon extends from the first actuator to the proximal joint and is selectively moveable via the first actuator. A second tendon extends from the second actuator to the distal joint and is selectively moveable via the second actuator. The robot includes a transmission having at least one gear element which assists rotation of the distal joint when an input force is applied to the proximal and/or distal joints by the first and/or second actuators. A robotic hand having the above robot is also disclosed, as is a robotic system having a torso, arm, and the above-described hand.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guiding device of a hauling rope, in more detail, a guiding device of a hauling rope that installed at the top of casing, which controls inserting/withdrawing a hauling rope connected with a Sonde, measuring instrument, which probes, observes, and examines an underground structure, geological features, or soil conditions within borehole.

Abstract: A stuffing box assembly for a wellhead intervention has a stuffing box and an adjustable sheave. The stuffing box has a body with a collar for connecting to a wellhead and with a passage for running wireline therethrough. A frame connected to the body has side plates and has a hub assembly with hubs rotatable about a first rotational axis. An axle interconnects the two hubs and supports them between the side plates. The sheave can rotate about the second rotational axis of the axel to run the wireline into and out of the stuffing box. The hub assembly can be rotated about its axis of rotation to adjust the location of the axle's axis of rotation. This can move the sheave away from a fixed guard, can change how the sheave lines up with the stuffing box, and can move the sheave away from the stuffing box.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A load balancing hoist constructed to combine the power module and the travel module of the hoist into a single unit to substantially reduce the cost and the length of the hoist without effecting its operation and application.

Abstract: The invention comprises an anchor, rope and pulley system to load and unload cargo into and out of passenger vehicles. The anchor system comprises two load bearing straps and a means to attach the straps together. The straps are looped around the vehicle's side handle grips. The looped straps attach to each other near the center of the cargo area. The rope and pulley system comprises a rope, a large pulley, a small pulley, a means to attach the rope and pulley system to the anchor system, a means to attach the cargo to the rope and pulley system, and a means to clamp the rope to create a handle. Cargo can be lifted into a vehicle by pulling the handle with one hand and guiding the cargo with the other hand. A durable guard material over the cargo area's point of entry protects the vehicle and cargo from damage.

Abstract: A screw, nut and cable transmission device (6, 7, 12, 13, 20 and 21) between a motor (5) and a device (1, 2) which is to be moved and which is made up of at least one double pulley (14), which amplifies the movement of the cable line (20) which is close to the device, relative to that of the cable line (12) which is close to the screw (7). By sacrificing part of the usual advantage of reduction of movement provided by the screw, (7) a greater movement travel for the device (1) is obtained for the same size constraints or constraints due to the length of the screw (7).

Abstract: A holding device is designed to compensate for the weight of a tool using a non-vertical length of an elastic rope. The elastic rope may be redirected using a pulley mounted to a carrier that is mounted to a support structure. The user is able to use the tool without supporting the entire weight of the tool during use.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground.

Abstract: Winch apparatus for raising and holding a rolling steel door includes a wheeled base with telescoping members extending upwardly from the base. A hand cranked winch raises and lowers the telescoping members, while a reversible electric motor is used to power a separate winch for raising and lowering a load secured to an arm extending outwardly from an innermost telescoping member. The arm is disposed against a building when the apparatus is in position to raise the rolling steel door for its installation.

Abstract: A machine for heavy loads comprising a rope support sheave mounted on a boom between upper and lower ends of the boom for movement between a raised position wherein the sheave supports a hoist rope above the boom and a lowered position wherein the rope support sheave is accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: A block for handling an elongate body such as a monitoring cable, comprising a plurality of wheels (5) having parallel axles (11) which, in an operational position, are arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the block, wherein the axles (11) of the wheels (5) are mounted on arms (6) which are pivotally mounted in a shaft (4) which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the block.

Abstract: A rope guiding device (1) for rope winches (W) comprises a stand with points of attachment for the attachment of a rope winch, which stand accommodates a rope guide (3) constituting the rope outlet and inlet and a guide roller (4) pivotally supported on this rope guide for deflecting the rope between rope winch and rope guide.

Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.

Abstract: A snatch block assembly for engaging a line between its ends includes a pair of arms mounted at their inner ends to a base. Engagement structure, in the form of a roller, is mounted to the outer end of each arm. The arms are either fixed in position relative to the base or are pivotably mounted to the base. The line is engageable with the engagement structure by inserting a line between the arms, with the portion of the line engaging the arms being parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers. The line is then moved into engagement with the rollers so as to pass through a passage defined between the facing surfaces of the arms. The rollers thus engage the line between its ends to temporarily maintain the line in a desired position. When the arms are pivotably mounted to the base, movement of the line between the arms engages side edges of the arms to move the arms apart, and a biasing mechanism such as a spring moves the arms back together when the line is moved into engagement with the rollers.

Abstract: A safety device for cable sheave installations, which provides cable guide assemblies which block hands and the like from being drawn in to be injured between moving cables and sheave wheels. The cable guide assemblies are pivotally attached to the outside ends of arms in turn pivoted at their inside ends from the sheave wheel support structure. The cable guides also prevent injury and property damage from cable jump, by guiding cables with large approaching fleet angles directly onto the wheels.

Abstract: A device for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of a person in a supine position. The device includes a board with straps to restrain the pelvis of the person. A rope and pulley system, operated by the person by pulling and releasing extends between the feet and to a support above the head. The rope is pulled by the user to raise the legs, and additional mechanical advantage is employed as the rope is gradually released to lower the legs.

Abstract: A device for training athletes in gymnastics, acrobatics and the like comprising a spotting rig wherein the slack in the gymnast's suspension lines is automatically removed by a take-up mechanism. In a preferred form, the take-up mechanism includes a pair of connected swinging arms having sheaves at their free end. The arms are spring loaded so as to urge their ends away from each other, and the suspension line slack is accumulated between the sheaves. A brake mechanism is provided to slow or stop the motion of the arms and thereby retard or arrest the downward movement of the gymnast.

Abstract: Mounted in the upper part of an oil well drilling derrick are horizontal crown beams having end portions projecting beyond the opposite sides of the derrick. A fast line sheave and a dead line sheave are mounted on those beams near the opposite sides of the derrick, and a crown block is mounted on the beams between those sheaves. The sheaves and the crown block are adjustable along the beams. The fast line sheave is movable outwardly into an inactive position on the adjacent projecting end portions of the beams when the crown block is in a position suitable for supporting a fast line directly, and the dead line sheave is movable outwardly into an inactive position on the adjacent projecting portions of the beams when the crown block is in a position suitable for supporting a dead line directly. When both sheaves are in operating positions, the crown block can be placed in any desired location between them.

Abstract: A device for keeping constant the tensile stress in a cable, comprises two guide pulleys for the cable spaced from each other and disposed in a common plane. A plurality of pulleys are disposed between the two guide pulleys in that same plane and are secured to a piston-cylinder unit that exerts a substantially constant force on those pulleys. The guide pulleys and the cable are movable relative to each other so that these intermediate pulleys can be moved out of engagement with the cable. The guide pulleys are also mounted on a frame that is movable perpendicular to that plane.

Abstract: A pair of pin assemblies located at the stern of a marine vessel for guiding and controlling cables involved in anchor handling procedures, the pins assuming a vertical position when in use and a horizontal position when not in use, the top of the pin assemblies being flush with the vessel's deck when the pins are not in use.

Abstract: An adjustable cable draw mechanism including a pair of interlocking elongated channel members slidable relative to each other so as to vary their combined length, a plurality of rollers mounted in end-to-end relationship and lengthwise on each of the channel members, hooks on the outer ends of the channel members for mounting the channel members in underslung relationship to the sides of a cable tray, and adjustable mountings for the hooks to both vary their height and their position on the channel members.