Abstract: A snatch block has a stationary first cheek and a movable second cheek that is slidable in its respective plane relative to the stationary first cheek. In a closed position, the second cheek connects with a crown jutting from the first cheek, thereby closing off a swallow of the snatch block. In an open position, an access gap opens into the swallow between the movable second cheek and the crown, thus enabling loading of a rope into the swallow. A locking mechanism with slide latches or rocker arms normally locks the second cheek in the closed position, and requires simultaneous actuation of two discretely separate releases to unlock the second cheek. The second cheek is biased into the open position, providing overt visual indication of any failed latching attempt. A seamlessly integral stud protrudes from the crown to rotatably support a swivel eye thereon.

Abstract: A device, system and method are used for hoisting and lowering a load. The device has a front plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave. The device also has a friction accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator to lower the load from the elevated location prior to descending.

Abstract: The pulley comprises a securing head and a first flange. A first shaft extends from the first flange. A second flange and a sheave are mounted rotatable around the first shaft with respect to the first flange. A rod is fixed to the first flange and mounted movable between a first position and a second position with a first movement. In the first position, the rod engages with the second flange to keep the second flange in the first position. In the second position, the rod allows rotation of the second flange. A blanking plate is fixed on the second flange and mounted movable between a first position and a second position with a second movement different from the first movement. The blanking plate partially covers the rod to prevent movement of the rod from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A cable block including a frame having an upper section and a lower section together defining an inner opening. The lower section has a main sheave rotatably connected thereto, with a section of the main sheave defining a lower portion of the inner opening. The upper section is hingedly connected to the lower section at a pivot point, with a lever extending on an opposite side of the pivot point than the remaining of the upper section. The lever is configured to extend into the inner opening and be engageable with the support cable, when the cable block is configured in the open configuration, and to drive the upper section in rotation upon a force being exerted on the lever by the support cable, to move the cable block from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

Abstract: A device, system and method are used for hoisting and lowering a load. The device has a front plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave. The device also has a friction accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator to lower the load from the elevated location prior to descending.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus may include a bolt assembly and a nut assembly. The bolt assembly may include a support plate, a bolt and a lifting eye attached to the support plate. The nut assembly may include a support plate, a nut and a handle attached to at least one of the support plate and the nut. A tether may also be included to connect the bolt assembly to the nut assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerial sheave device for the installation and suspension of cable. The aerial sheave device includes a frame and a rotating wheel that coordinates with a locking cable guard. The device also includes a lockable side latch for affording access to the wheel area. The frame may be attached to a utility pole via a loop attached to the frame. The loop attaches to the frame via dome-inside-a-dome connection which allows the frame to also rotate 360 degrees. The dome-inside-a-dome connection includes a solid semispherical dome attached to the loop which fits inside a slightly larger semispherical dome shaped cavity of the frame.

Abstract: Diverting pulley arrangement of an elevator, which includes an axle, at least one diverting pulley that rotates while supported on the axle, a faceplate structure, in relation to which and supported by which the diverting pulley is arranged to rotate on the first side of the faceplate structure, which axle is locked so that it does not rotate in relation to the faceplate structure by the aid of a locking element, which locking element is on the second side of the faceplate structure and supported so that it does not move in relation to the faceplate structure. The locking element is placed against the locking surface included in the axle so that the contact point of the locking element and the locking surface of the axle is at least partly visible.

Abstract: A crane hook assembly having a hook weight arrangement serves for applying a tension load to a rope (2). The rope can be wound onto or off a rope drum on a crane and lifts or lowers the crane hook (4). The hook weight arrangement (1*) includes a hook weight body (3) connected to the rope (2) and an additional weight (26) which is attachable thereto. The rope (2) is guided through an opening (10, 6) in the hook weight body (3, 3*), and the crane hook (4) is attached on the bottom end (20) of the hook weight body (3, 3*).

Abstract: Climbing or rigging block having two portions held together by magnetic attraction. The climbing or rigging blocks may be installed or retrieved from the ground using only a throw line, a throw bag, and a retrieval ball. When in position, magnetic attraction between the two component blocks forms a single unit. The block sets may be provided in several sizes having different supporting capacities.

Abstract: A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is configured to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide pulley apparatuses that can be easily incorporated into block-and-tackle configurations. In some embodiments, a rope can be easily dropped into place and removed, rather than having to be threaded in. For example, the pulley housing can include a rope channeling structure near the end opposite the aperture, and the rope channeling structure can facilitate introducing the rope into engagement with the wheel and/or removing the rope from engagement with the wheel. In some embodiments, the rope channeling structure can prevent the rope from inadvertently becoming removed from the pulley. Some pulley apparatuses can comprise a minimal number of parts, which can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and provide for a more consistent final product.

Abstract: A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Captured between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is removable from the between the side plates to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.

Abstract: A pulley comprises a pulley frame having two sides. A pulley wheel is located between the two sides. The pulley wheel is rotatably supported by the pulley frame. At least one of the sides is mounted for movement away from the pulley wheel to provide a gap between the moveable side and the wheel for releasing a line from the pulley. A latch is provided for releasably retaining the at least one side in the closed position to confine a line between the two sides. The latch is adapted to release the movable side when a predetermined force is applied to the latch. A retainer responsive to the release of the latch holds the moveable side in the open position when released.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a simple and convenient way to ascend and descend a rope without using a belayer. Embodiments of the invention can smoothly transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamping position, conveniently providing an effective rope control device.

Abstract: The present invention is a sheave assembly that includes a ring supported by a support assembly instead of a solid sheave wheel supported by a central axle. The support assembly may include a plurality of rollers or a curved shoe. The ring is made of a lubricated plastic material or other similar material. The ring includes a groove for retaining the wireline or cable and an inner surface that is designed to mate with the outer surface support assembly.

Abstract: A pulley comprises a pulley frame having two sides. A pulley wheel is located between the two sides. The pulley wheel is rotatably supported by the pulley frame. At least one of the sides is mounted for movement away from the pulley wheel to provide a gap between the moveable side and the wheel for releasing a line from the pulley. A latch is provided for releasably retaining the at least one side in the closed position to confine a line between the two sides. The latch is adapted to release the movable side when a predetermined force is applied to the latch. A retainer responsive to the release of the latch holds the moveable side in the open position when released.

Abstract: A snatch block for facilitating the movement of loads in loading or unloading operations includes a sheave, two side sections and a top section. The top section is releasably coupled to at least one of the side sections and pivotable with respect to at least one of the side sections. Either or both of the side sections may be rotatable with respect to the sheave. An outer groove of the sheave may be made accessible to receive a fixed-end cable when the side sections are splayed with respect to on another on the sheave. The snatch block may be loadable or unloadable from either side and may be loaded or unloaded when lying flat on the ground.

Abstract: A rope-guide device suitable for marine use as a crab-pot puller, an anchor puller, a shrimp-pot hauler, and the like includes an arcuate, side-entry slot running the entire vertical length of its cylindrical body. A unique lock-mechanism prevents rope slippage by crimping the rope between the interior wall of the body and a tongue-like locking mechanism with a positive-tension device. An optional handle, which protrudes exterior of the body and extends interior the body, resting against the locking mechanism, assists release by a user-activated motion on the handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a vacuum hose and a pressure hose of a carpet cleaning system to a support. In one embodiment, the support is secured to a railing structure of a building or dwelling. The vacuum hose and pressure hose are extended from a base unit to the support which is secured to the railing structure. Both the vacuum hose and the pressure hose are secured or clamped within the support such that both hoses are supported and held intermediately between the base unit and an application wand. This method of supporting vacuum and pressure hoses of a carpet cleaning system is particularly useful when cleaning floors and carpets on levels above ground.

Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevated an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A cable is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting cable portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling cable portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling cable portion and has a cable engaging surface.

Abstract: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of a snatch block hook bolt assembly which supports the trunnion or becket to which a hook may be attached. A snatch block having a first fixed side plate having a first aperture and a second side swinging side plate having a second aperture and a sheave rotatably held between the first fixed side plate and the second swinging side plate, comprising a spool with a passage there through and an alignment means for positioning said spool concentrically with said first aperture of said first fixed side plate; a threaded nut with an alignment means for positioning said nut concentrically with said second aperture of said second side swinging side plate; and a threaded bolt having a length extendable through said first aperture in said first fixed side plate, through said spool passage, and threadably communicating with said threaded nut.

Abstract: A sheave block for use with a wireline includes first and second opposing walls and a shaft extending therebetween. At least one grooved sheave is disposed on the shaft, each sheave being engageable with the wireline. At least one retractable sheave guard is movably connected to the first and second opposing walls and is moveable between open and closed positions, the open position allowing the wireline to be rereeved around at least one of the grooved sheaves without entirely removing the wireline from the sheave block.

Abstract: A vertical fall arrest device that combines, in a single unit, a fall arrest function, the capability to automatically traverse intermediate supports provided along a safety line and ease of attachment and detachment from the safety line at any point throughout the length of the safety line with dismantling the device. When the device is attached to the safety line, the safety line is captured in a retaining recess and is always in a ready state to lock-on to the safety line in the event of a fall condition. The device can be removed from the safety line easily and without disassembly by depressing a release catch while at the same time pulling a rotatable member a limited distance in a direction away from the main body. The rotatable member moves away from the main body against a spring bias and creates an opening for the withdrawal of the safety line from its captured position. When the pulling force is relaxed, the spring bias causes the rotatable member to relax to the fully locked position.

Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevate an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A cable is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting cable portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling cable portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling cable portion and has a cable engaging surface.

Abstract: A winch pulley accessory for directing the pull of a vehicle-mounted winch to move a motor vehicle in any desired direction. The pulley accessory comprises an elongated tubular member and a pulley block. The tubular member slides into a box hitch mounted on the front of a vehicle. The pulley block is attached to the end of the tubular member. The pulley block has a sheave rotatably mounted on a pin. The pulley accessory allows a front-mounted vehicle winch to pull the vehicle backwards by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented horizontally and extending the winch cable under the vehicle, or laterally by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented vertically. The pulley accessory is lightweight, easy to install, and easy to remove for transport.

Abstract: A stuffing box sheave assembly includes a brace having a tubular collar positioned at one end and a pair of spaced apart forked arms outwardly projecting from the opposing end. A nylon wheel is rotatably mounted between the forked arms. The wheel has an annular grooved recessed around the circumference thereof. The groove is configured to receive a wireline. An arcuate shroud is positioned over a portion of the circumference of the wheel. A pair of spaced apart retention pads are mounted to the shroud. Each of the pads are configured to be received within the groove of the wheel so as to prevent accidental jumping of the wireline out of the groove. A pair of tubular posts project from opposing sides of the shroud and are selectively received within the channel of a tubular member upwardly projecting from each forked arm.

Abstract: Non-planar thermoplastic article having a flexible portion suitable for use in an aggressive chemical environment, with the flexible portion is an irradiated thermoplastic consisting of polyethylene, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene ethyl acrylate, or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. Such articles can be made by forming the article and then irradiating, or alternatively by radiating the thermoplastic and then forming the article.

Abstract: The double roller elements for Jacquard machines are produced as one piece plastic carcasses each comprising a central body (60) with end plates (64, 66) integrally hinged thereto. The body has hollow spindles (88) to receive the rollers, (94) and once the rollers (94) have been placed on the hollow spindles, the plates (64, 66) are hinged to cover the rollers (94) and plugs (90) snap into the spindles (88). The cords can be snapped past the gaps between the outer peripheries of the plates (64, 66) to couple the cords to or uncouple them from the element, without unplugging the plates (64, 66) from the spindles (88).

Abstract: A snatch block which may be opened to receive a line has a sheave assembly and a pair of sideplates on the sides of the sheave assembly, as well as a head connecting the sideplates. One of the sideplates and sheave is hinged from the head and can pivot toward and away from the other sideplate. A spring loaded plunger is carried by the sheave and engages an aperture in the other sideplate to lock the assembly. The plunger is pushed by a lever in the other direction to open the block.

Abstract: A line releasing pulley system suitable for the remote conveyance of an article, such as an improvised explosive device, along a complex path, involving many direction changes. The pulley system comprises a pulley frame having a pivoting cheek plate that provides automatic release of the line as a breaker member on the line passes over the pulley.

Abstract: A wire prefeeder has a tower standing on a base. A horizontal upper shaft is mounted fixedly to the upper end of the tower and a plurality of pulleys are on the shaft. A carriage is adapted to in the tower and another horizontal lower shaft which has a plurality of pulleys and is mounted to the carriage in parallelism with the upper shaft. A wire infeed device is driven with an electric motor. Wire feeds to a dancer pulley after which it is looped around the upper and lower pulleys in succession and departs tangentially from a pulley on its way to a wire processing machine which draws the wire. The carriage rises when there is an instantaneous increase in wire tension and an electric signal is produced whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of carriage movement. The motor responds to the signal by changing the motor and wire infeed speed to pay out wire at a rate which keeps the tension in the drawn wire constant. A new type of clamp is provided for coupling a wire reel to a shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheave assembly for supporting a downward extending cable wherein a plurality of rollers are disposed upward and outward in a staggered manner from a plane defined by a downward facing arcuate path along which the cable approximately passes and wherein each roller comprises a plurality of portions constructed, configured and dimensioned to conform to cables having different diameters and being composed of differing materials, if desired.

Abstract: A helicopter transportable traveling block having means for ready assembly and disassembly into component portions of preselected maximum weight, the traveling block being formed into two sub-assemblies, each having an inner and outer plate with a shaft therebetween and a plurality of sheaves rotatably supported on the shaft between the inner and outer plates. The lower portions of both the inner and outer plates of each sub-assembly has perpendicularly extending clevis support and bracket members with aligned openings therebetween, the clevis support members also having lower openings. Bolts are positioned in the aligned openings of the clevis support and bracket members for each sub-assembly to retain the lower end of the sub-assembly together. A U-shaped clevis is secured to the clevis support members of each of the sub-assemblies to thereby retain the sub-assemblies together at the lower end.

Abstract: An improved line stringing block utilizes a double gate mechanism to transfer a lead line from the exterior of the block frame to the interior of the block frame. An outer gate is held open until the line is received within a passageway in the block frame. A non-load bearing inner gate is held closed to maintain alignment of said frame until the line is received in the passageway. A spring loaded trigger within the passageway releases the inner gate and closes the outer gate which becomes a load bearing gate.

Abstract: This concerns a snatch block for free stringing rope to a sheave supported between two side plates, one of which is movable. One of the side plates, called a swing plate, is rotatable with respect to the sheave. A removable bolt holds the two side plates together. Means are provided to prevent the bolt from falling completely out of the non-movable side plate when the other side plate is moved. Further, special means are provided for the bolt to help support the spool and further novel means are provided to aid in preventing the trunnion and hook from falling off the spool when the side plate is swung free.

Abstract: A cable block device which is capable of clamping upon a strand of any conventional diameter and which is capable of retaining a cable or cables of any conventional diameter. The cable block device includes a bracket which hooks over a strand to support the bracket. A shaft which extends through the bracket has a lever attached thereto. A cam is also attached to the shaft. The lever, the shaft, and the cam rotate together. A portion of the cam is engageable with the strand which supports the bracket to establish clamping action of the cam upon the strand. A roller is also attached to the bracket and is rotatable with respect to the bracket to support a portion of a continuous cable or cables.An arm is attached to the cam for pivotal movement of the arm with rotative movement of the cam. The arm extends from the cam and has a retainer portion. The retainer portion of the arm is movable to a position spaced from the roller, to permit positioning a portion of a cable upon the roller.

Abstract: A rope grip which comprises a shell (12) and a plate (16) defining a first gripping surface and a cylinder (20) defining a second gripping surface is disclosed. The two surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship and define a passage (30) for receiving a rope. The cylinder travels in an angular field of motion with respect to the plate which causes a rope of appropriate size to become jammed between the plate and the cylinder depending upon the position of the cylinder. An operating arm (18) is mechanically coupled to the cylinder in order to control its position and accordingly, the distance between the surfaces of the plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: A truck mounted hydraulic cable reel apparatus for heavy power cable includes bed frame members supporting a circular turntable. A motor rotates the turntable 45.degree. to either side of a longitudinal center line. Two vertical stanchions are mounted on the turntable. One stanchion supports a tail stock assembly, and a second supports a reel drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a reel drive shaft connected at one end to a hydraulic motor and having a reel drive face plate on the other end. The face plate has lugs which engage lugs on an end of the cable reel spool shaft. The hydraulic motor reversely rotates the cable spool to wind in or pay out power cable. Vertical guide rollers are disposed at either end of the horizontal cable roller. Telescoping outrigger booms are adjustably positioned on either side of the bed frame. Multiple guide rollers on the ends of the booms open and lock closed to capture the power cable and to act as outriggers when laying or retrieving cable.

Abstract: A novel snatch block particularly suitable for marine use and for movement on a boat deck mounted track, comprising a track slide portion and an upper sheave assembly. The sheave assembly comprises a pair of normally spaced-apart side cheeks; a sheave pin extending between said cheeks; and a sheave rotatably mounted on said sheave pin. Structure is provided for holding the sheave pin at one end to one of the side cheeks, and releasably engaging the sheave pin at the opposite end with the other of the side cheeks to hold the sheave assembly in a normally closed position. Both the side cheeks are pivotally mounted on the slide portion so that with release of one of the side cheeks by the sheave pin, the sheave assembly is capable of expanding to a wider opening than available with conventional snatch blocks.

Abstract: An improved bundle conductor stringing block having a main frame constructed essentially of structural steel components and including a cantilever suspension yoke positioned to form a tow-line receiving passage through which a helicopter can dispense a conductor tow-line onto a central one of multiple sheaves. Guide members pivoted to the opposite sides of the tow-line passage guide the tow-line onto the central sheave and include toggle spring device engageable by a running board at the trailing end of the tow-line to engage these members and pivot them in either direction to retracted positions along the block side frame.