Abstract: A device that integrates an ascender with a pulley block consisting of two side plates pivotally connected to one another and selectively opened or closed, for loading a rope into a rope channel defined therebetween. Affixed adjacent the rope channel is a selectively activated rope clamp, to hold or release a rope. A sheave adapted to freewheel on an axle, is positioned offset the rope channel, and is used for mechanical advantage rigging when ascending or rescue. Also, a link connection is located at or near the sheave and is used for the attachment of a foot loop or other connection for assisting in ascending on a rope.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a spare wheel (R) of a vehicle includes an actuation device (14), a flexible cable (16) co-operating with the actuation device (14), and an engagement member (18, 85) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16). The device further includes a transmission member (22, 78) fixed with respect to the structure (12) of the vehicle and having a substantially cylindrical shape, arranged with its own longitudinal axis horizontal. The flexible cable (16) co-operates with a curved outer surface (28, 79) of the transmission member (22) from which it is deviated substantially by 90° around the transmission member (22); the engagement member (18, 85) has a bar with a horizontal axis (83) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16), the bar being designed to engage in a fixed transverse seat (30, 76) made on top of the transmission member (22, 78) for stable anchorage of the wheel (R) to the structure of the vehicle (12) when the wheel is in the completely raised position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing the buckling of a pipeline (10) on either side of a localised zone of increased stiffness in the pipeline (such as a buckle arrester (12)) when the pipeline is bent around an arcuate path, in which packing elements (14) are located between the pipeline and a pipeline bearing surface (20) defining the arcuate pipeline path on either side of the zone of increased stiffness so as to vary the radius of curvature of the pipeline between a first, greatest value adjacent the zone of increased stiffness, and a second smaller value substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the arcuate pipeline path at a predetermined distance from the zone of increased stiffness on either side thereof. The packing elements (14) comprise a graded series of blocks adapted to be attached to the pipeline on either side of the zone of increased thickness. The blocks may be shaped as required to cooperate with the pipeline and the pipeline bearing surface.

Abstract: A winch 100 is provided for taking up or paying out cable 13 without damaging protrusions 14 spaced along the cable from potentially high compressive forces applied to the cable when it is wound over drum members 16, 18, 20 of each of a pair of drum mechanisms 30A and 30B. The winch is operated so that the cable is pulled over the drum members and wound about the two drum mechanisms as a unit, such that successive cable protrusions are always maintained in successive cable path spaces between the drums of each drum mechanism.

Abstract: A logging block (16) formed in accordance with the present invention includes a frame (56) having a first end and an opposing second end and a sheave (50) having an upper side (58) and an opposing lower side (62) coupled to the second end of the frame such that the sheave rotatably contacts a continuous loop of cable (12) as the cable travels along a mono-cable path (32). Located at the first end of the frame (56) is a mounting assembly (77) providing at least two mounting slots (78) used for securing the frame to a stationary object along the mono-cable path (32), such as a tree or stump (20). The mounting slots (78) are positioned with respect to the sheave (50) such that when the logging block (16) is in operation, the alignment of a mounting slot is either above, below or directly in line with the sheave.

Abstract: A mine countermeasure device includes a passthrough mechanism and a mine neutralization package. The passthrough mechanism includes a first wheel with a raised rim and at least one radially oriented slot or notch, a clevis member rotatably engaging the axle of the first wheel, and a bail member slidably engaging the underside of the rim. A smaller wheel is pivotably connected at its axle to an angled member extending from the neutralization package. The neutralization package also includes a collapsed float, a gas generator to inflate the float, explosives to neutralize a mine, and an electric detonator for the explosives. The passthrough device is towed underwater by a sweep wire connected to the clevis member and to the bail member. When the sweep wire encounters a mine mooring, the sweep wire is pulled along the mooring until the mooring enters a slot of the first wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advancing extendable ventilation ductwork in an underground facility is disclosed wherein a mechanical cable and pulley system is utilized in conjunction with a support swivel. The support swivel permits support clips to advance without interference from support members. The cable and pulley system comprises a cable, support swivel, head pulley and winding mechanism.

Abstract: A safety system (10) for protecting workers at high altitudes from falling to the ground is disclosed. The system features a rope grip (12) having a rotably mounted wedge (18) in spaced facing relationship with a retaining member (20). The safety line (14) is jammed between the retaining member and the wedge. The rope grip is able to pass by an anchor (16) by virtue of the fact that the retaining member is held in place by rotating slotted wheels (44 and 46).