Abstract: A webbing for use with a tiedown or sling which has overall increase strength efficiency when compared to known tiedowns or slings which use texturized yarn. The webbing contains non-texturized yarn material having reduced elongation characteristics in the core, combined with non-texturized yarn having higher elongation and improved wear characteristics on the exterior surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible sling includes two oppositely disposed attachment points defining a first end and a second end of the sling, and an elongate flexible body extending in a lateral dimension from the first end to the second end, the body having a top side and a bottom side. Each of the top side and the bottom side includes a center line marking a center of the body, a first pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line, a second pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the first pair of lines, and a third pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the second pair of lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endless shaped article comprising at least one strip of material forming a plurality of convolutions of the strip of material, the strip having a longitudinal axis, wherein each convolution of said strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis of said strip, wherein said twist is an odd multiple of 180 degrees. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture said article, and its use as sling, loop, belt or chain link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain link comprising a strip comprising warp yarns and weft yarns, with the warp yarns containing warp yarn A and warp yarn B, with the minimum creep rate of warp yarn B being higher than the minimum creep rate of warp yarn A, wherein the strip comprises a longitudinal core section and at least two longitudinal edge sections, and wherein the concentration of warp yarn A in the core section is higher than the concentration of yarn A in the edge sections of the strip and the concentration of warp yarn B in the edge sections is higher than the concentration of warp yarn B in the core section of the strip. The invention also relates to a chain comprising said chain link and to use of said chain in different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cuboid-shaped flexible inliner from a plastics film, having an upper filling connector and a lower removal connector, the cuboid-shaped flexible inliner for a pallet container for storing and for transporting liquid or free-flowing filling materials, having a thin-walled rigid internal container from a thermoplastic plastics material, a tubular lattice frame, and a rectangular base pallet on which the plastics-material internal container bears and to which the tubular lattice frame is fixedly connected cuboid-shaped flexible inliner in the a lower removal region has a corresponding wall recess, directed inward and adapted to the protective-housing-shaped molding of the rigid plastics-material container, having a flexible removal connector molded thereon, which is configured so as to bear completely in an exact fit on the internal surface of the molding that protrudes in a protective-housing manner into the interior of the rigid plastics-material container.

Abstract: A light weight load bearing shackle that includes a bow that is made of a synthetic fiber rope (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, Aramid, acrylic, mixtures of several fibers, co-polymer fibers). The fibers making up the rope may be straight, braided and/or twisted. The fiber rope may be contained within a sheathing. The bow includes a hole formed in each leg to receive a connection pin so as to secure the open end of the shackle. The hole may be provided by or reinforced by an eyelet made of a heavy duty material such as steel. The bow may be secured around the eyelet or within the eyelet. As the fiber rope bow is flexible, the bow may include a casing between the legs that the connection pin passes through to maintain the legs a certain distance apart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a member (14, 24, 26) of a patient interface (10) for providing a flow of breath-able gas to a self-ventilating patient (12). The member (14, 24, 26) includes a wear-out indicator (32) for indicating a wear-out of the member (14, 24, 26) to the patient (12). The wear-out indicator (32) includes an elastic structure (34) that appears in a first colour in an unstressed condition and is configured to re-versibly change its apparent colour when being stretched and re-turned to its unstressed condition again. The elastic structure (34) is configured to indicate a wear-out of the member (14, 24, 26) by appearing in a second colour in its unstressed condition when the structure (34) has lost at least a part of its elasticity, wherein the second colour is different from the first colour.

Abstract: A spreader bar apparatus provides a bar member having a bar length and first and second bar end portions. A plurality of transverse bar openings are spaced between the bar and end portions. A first bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. A second bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. Each bar lifting portion or link assembly has a trunnion sleeve fitted with multiple links. One or more lifting lines are each attachable to the lifting portions such as to an upper link or lower link. Each lifting member includes an upper link, a lower link, and a trunnion sleeve, wherein the trunnion sleeve has a bore that is sized and shaped to receive the bar, wherein the upper and lower links are rotatably mounted to the trunnion sleeve. One or more pins enable the trunnion sleeve to be attached to the bar at a selected bar opening.

Abstract: A woven webbing, for use in a tiedown or sling for lifting, restraint or other material handling functions, has a webbing width which extends from a first edge surface of the woven webbing to a second edge surface of the webbing. Visible out of service markers are woven in the woven webbing at designated distances from the edge surfaces. The out of service markers are visually distinct from woven webbing material of the woven webbing. The visible out of service markers serve as a tool for indicating when the amount of damage concentrated along the edge of the webbing has penetrated to a level such that the woven webbing needs to be taken out of service.

Abstract: A guard defines an inner seat comprising an open channel shaped to receive a shackle and extend partially around the shackle. The guard further includes an outer seat positioned opposite the open channel and shaped to support a strap passing through the shackle. A tether is fastened to the guard and defines a fastener for securing to a closure pin passing through the shackle. In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a hole formed in the tether and a barb formed on the tether offset from the hole. In other embodiments, a barb on the tether inserts through a hole in the closure pin or a cup on the tether is positioned over an end of the closure pin. A hooked or straight tether may also be used to implement the fastener.

Abstract: Components and systems for a flexible tensioning member for construction equipment. A tensioning member is comprised of a fiber having a specific tensile strength greater than 1,000 kilonewton meters per kilogram. The tensioning member connects two components and has an attachment allowing the tensioning member to flex relative to a component. The attachment may provide a system for connecting multiple tensioning members.

Abstract: A universal object holder device for securing 3-D objects for printing on the objects includes one or more ball shaped conformable grippers filled with irregular-shaped granular material with the one or more ball shaped conformable grippers each possessing an integrated vacuum gripper extending through an outer surface thereof. The combination of ball and vacuum gripper enables the universal object holder device to pick up a wider range of objects including those whose diameter is larger than the diameter of each gripper ball.

Abstract: A rigging assembly has no loose parts that an up-rigger may drop. The rigging assembly includes a length of steel cable terminating in a loop at each end. One loop extends through an oblong master link, while the other loop extends through a swivel hook. The ground-rigger can attach the hook of a hoist's chain to the master link on the ground. The ground-rigger can then tie the up-rigger's rope onto the master link. The up-rigger then pulls the rigging assembly and the hoist's chain up to the beam, leaving the master link and chain under the beam. Then the up-rigger grabs the hook end of the rigging basket assembly, bends it over the beam, and attaches the swivel hook end to the master link, thus creating a loop around the beam to support the hoist's chain and load, which is known in the industry as creating a basket.

Abstract: A spreader bar includes an elongated shaft. A pair of friction locking cable couplings is mounted to elongated shaft. Each friction locking cable coupling includes a block with a curved engagement surface and a pair of pivots mounted to the block. The curved engagement surface of the block is shaped such that a cable is bent between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block and static friction between the cable and the curved engagement surface of the block holds the cable against the block when the cable is received between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block.

Abstract: A truss setting bracket and a method relating to setting a truss using the truss setting bracket are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the truss setting bracket includes an elongated body member having a first cradle, a second cradle, an elongated catch guide, and a locking arm. In other embodiments, the truss setting bracket includes an elongated body member having a first cradle, a bracket, an elongated catch guide, and a locking arm. In yet other embodiments, the method of setting the truss may include sliding the truss setting bracket over a member of a first truss, lifting the first truss towards a second truss, and removably locking the truss setting bracket to a member of the second truss.

Abstract: A bicycle end cap has a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end for attaching to a bicycle line shape member. The bicycle end cap includes a tubular portion and an attachment structure. The tubular portion defines a first opening that is arranged at the first end and a receiving space that is dimension to axially receive the line shape member from the first opening. The attachment structure is configured to attach a pulling member having a cable portion and a head portion that has larger diameter than the cable portion. The attachment structure is configured to position the head portion relative to the tubular portion as the cable portion is pulled toward the second end.

Abstract: A truss setting bracket and a method relating to setting a truss using the truss setting bracket are disclosed herein. In various embodiments the truss setting bracket includes an elongated body member, a first cradle, a second cradle, an elongated catch guide, and a locking arm. The second cradle may include the elongated catch guide on a first finger and the locking arm on a second finger. In various embodiments, the method of setting the truss may include sliding the truss setting bracket over a desired location next to a first truss, lifting the first truss towards a second truss, and removably locking the truss setting bracket to a desired location next to the second truss.

Abstract: A protection sleeve is provided for a wire rope to prevent the wire rope from contacting other components in an oil and gas operation. The protection sleeve, in some embodiments, has a body that substantially corresponds to the wire portion of the wire rope, and the protection sleeve has specialized flaps at the ends of the body that correspond to thimble eyes of the wire rope. The protection sleeve may have a variety of configurations to accommodate different aspects of a wire rope or any other device that necessitates protection.

Abstract: An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed.

Abstract: A tree stand includes a frame and a strap for attaching the frame to a tree. The strap includes engagement features and a latch is pivotably coupled to the frame for selectively engaging the engagement features. The latch is pivotable between a locked position for engaging the engagement feature of the strap and an unlocked position for being disengaged with the engagement feature of the strap. The latch includes a finger extending from the body receiving the engagement feature when the latch is in the locked position.

Abstract: An electronic overload inspection and warning system for a roundsling having a strand positioned within a plurality of core strands and a cover. The system includes a wireless sensor system mountable to the roundsling. The wireless sensor system includes at least one strain gauge electrically connected with a wireless transmitter. The strain gauge measures strain on the strand. The system also includes a wireless base station and a carrier element. The wireless base station includes a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with multiple deployed wireless sensor systems. The carrier element is secured to the strand. The strain gauge is secured to the carrier element.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing hoist apparatus for a lifting system is provided for re-positioning articles which, due to their weight and form, are not readily movable manually. The apparatus includes a support section, a collar section, and a plurality of stabilization members. The support section is adapted for securement to the lifting system, and the collar section is coupled to the support section by the plurality of stabilization members which extend therebetween. The collar section is reconfigurable between open and closed configurations and includes a plurality of arm portions each pivotally coupled to at least one other of the arm portions. At least first and second ones of the arm portions terminate at a free end. The collar section in the closed configuration defines a loop slipped about for capturing the article. In the open configuration, free ends of the arm portions are detached from one another to interrupt the loop.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an end cap are provided for use with a spreader bar system for distributing the lift force of a load across multiple points. The end cap comprises at least one lifting lug with the shackles positioned therethrough, along with at least one visual indicium for keeping a minimum of a 45 degree lift angle. Additionally, the end cap is provided with a pinch bolt system for easy assembly as well as a flat, horizontal foot plate located beneath the end cap for quick alignment. A four-point embodiment duplicates these features and positions two end caps at a 90 degree perpendicular angle atop a support plate. Additionally, a method of use is provided for pre-calculating maximum load so as to reduce the computation to a single chart.

Abstract: Transportation assemblies for rotor blades are provided. A transportation assembly includes a protection cap including a nose portion and a plurality of sidewall portions extending from the nose portion, the protection cap having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The transportation assembly further includes a restraint assembly including a first protrusion and a second protrusion each extending from the protection cap, the first protrusion and the second protrusion spaced apart along a width of the protection cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy-duty chain containing chain-links comprising synthetic polymeric yarns, wherein when said chain is kept at least taut onto an essentially planar surface, each chain-link has an orthographic projection onto said planar surface, said projection having a foot print area (A), wherein the foot print areas denoted as A1 and A2 of every two adjacent links are in a relation 80% A2?A1?100% A2 with A1 being the smallest of said two areas and wherein the projection is done in such a way that the ratio of the foot print areas A2 to A1 is maximized.

Abstract: Roundslings with radio frequency identification pre-failure warning indicators comprise radio frequency identification tags, radio frequency identification tag sensors, and radio frequency signal receivers that inform a user of a pre-failure condition with the roundsling. The radio frequency tags may be affixed to one or more of an indicator yarn, a strand of the roundsling core, a dedicated strand of a pre-failure indicator assembly, or a ring of the pre-failure indicator assembly. The radio frequency tags may be active or passive, and active radio frequency tags may comprise a shield that block a signal transmitted from the tag.

Abstract: A heavy load protective pad for use on industrial slings includes fasteners on a sleeve forming member which are secured together to encircle and secure the protective pad on an industrial sling at a desired location. Pockets formed in the protective pad house a pair of magnets which help the pad stay in place while attached to metal surfaces and a pair of block spacers which, in one configuration, serve to space the protective pad and underlying sling away from the load which is being lifted or pulled.

Abstract: A high strength, high temperature resistant roundsling for use as a restraint safety device. The roundsling uses a blend of fibers having characteristics of high strength, improved heat resistance, low weight, and improved handibility, as compared to roundslings assembled from non-blended fibers. Use of the roundslings of the present invention to secure sections of pipeline systems, will assist to maintain safety and reduce failure conditions in such pipeline systems that are subject to higher pressures and elevated temperatures. An exemplary and preferred range of the fiber blend for the inventive roundsling device are within a range of 30-70% Para-Aramid fibers and 70-30% LCP fibers, respectively. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention that has been tested is a roundsling manufactured to include a blend of fibers within the approximate range of 55-65% Para-Aramid and 45-35% LCP.

Abstract: A tow strap bag, including, an elongated tow strap with a top end and a bottom end for towing objects, two half zippers each having an elongated row of teeth coupled to the tow strap in parallel on a single side along the elongated axis of the tow strap with the teeth of each half zipper located near an edge of the width of the single side of the tow strap and facing opposite edges; wherein the two half zippers are coupled to the entire tow strap length except leaving the top end and the bottom end of the tow strap without the half zippers coupled thereon; and wherein the tow strap is configured to form a bag when zipping up the two half zippers.

Abstract: A soft snatch block is shown and described as having a loop of spliced line or soft shackle attached to a block. The soft shackle can be opened or released such that the line can be captured without having one end of the captured line. The block can retain a line to a fixed object to hold a line near the fixed object. A retainer can be used to hold the soft shackle to the block and an alternative embodiment of the block shows a pin to retain the line to the block when the soft shackle is not fixed. The device can be easily attached and removed from any desired location and has no moving parts that require any difficult maintenance. The block has smooth surfaces such that there is a low coefficient of friction while the line is drawn in or released.

Abstract: A tension absorber produced from a flexible strand which is only loadable under tension and which tension absorber possesses the advantages of a chain formed from strand material but can be easily and cost-effectively produced. The strand is folded into three or more loop sections. Proceeding from the beginning of the strand a succeeding loop section arranged offset in the direction of the end of the strand follows each preceding loop section arranged offset in the direction of the beginning, until the last loop section has been reached. Each loop section has a loop which encloses a loop opening. At least one bow is formed from the strand by guiding a succeeding loop section by its loop through the loop opening of a preceding loop section arranged adjacent to it.

Abstract: In order to increase safety, flexibility and simplicity when handling a wind turbine nacelle compared to known solutions and devices, there is disclosed a wind turbine nacelle including a supporting structure, a nacelle housing and a plurality of handling devices to be used when handling the wind turbine nacelle. The four handling devices are connected to the supporting structure, and each of the handling devices includes an integrated moveable part. The integrated moveable part is moveable between a first position and a second position, and the integrated moveable part is inside or is flush with the nacelle housing in the first position and is extending out of the nacelle housing in the second position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a strap ring (1), made from a material woven with warp threads (3) and at least one weft thread (4) extending between the warp threads (3). The woven material is a tubular fabric (11) whose warp threads (3) extend parallel to the axis of extension of the tubular fabric (11), the strap ring (1) being made from an axial section (16) of the tubular fabric (11) which is axially cut up by cutting the warp threads (3).

Abstract: A selectively bendable remote access gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws or nets movable relative to each other between clamped and opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member that is bendable, and a cord extending through the hollow bendable member that connects the jaw portion and the handle portion.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises three or more links hingedly joined end-to-end such that the lifting device is able to hingedly move in a first direction from a linear arrangement to a bent arrangement but is not able to hingedly move from the linear arrangement to a bent arrangement in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A blade gripping tool of a blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The tool comprises a sling and an automatic sling handover mechanism comprising a sling-conveying element and a sling-receiving element, whereby the sling-conveying element is realized to convey a connection means of the sling along a two-dimensional predefined path of travel around a part of the rotor blade towards the sling-receiving element to connect to a receptor of the sling-receiving element. The invention also concerns a method of gripping a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine by means of a number of blade gripping tools.

Abstract: A safety sling is made from durable materials and is safety tested to withstand weight and securely lift items without risk of spilling or falling to the ground. The safety sling can be sized and shaped to carry various containers, for example, the safety sling can be designed to hold a cylindrical cooler, a 5-gallon pail, or the like. The safety sling can be easily used and lifted to any elevation securely without chance of breaking or becoming unbalanced.

Abstract: A size-adjustable, pivotable triple-connection device is disclosed. The device has a first element with an upper hole and a lower hole and a second element with an upper hole and a lower hole. The second element is pivotable in relation to an axis of alignment of upper holes of the first and second elements, and aligning, when not connected by its lower hole, in relation to a vertical axis of the first element. The device also has a shackle with a pin that traverses the axis defined by the alignment of the upper holes of the first and second elements.

Abstract: A lifting bag having at least one side wall and a closed bottom forming an interior, the bag further having a closable top portion connected to the sidewall and adapted to close the interior of the bag. The opening is a single slit centered on the bag top and closable with a zipper. The lifting bag includes a sling coupled to the bag, generally through a edge strip positioned at ore near the top edge of the bag. The bag can be constructed from a single multilayered sheet. The bag is used in conjunction with a lifting strap system.

Abstract: A lifting bag having at least one side wall and a closed bottom forming an interior, the bag further having a closable top portion connected to the sidewall and adapted to close the interior of the bag. The opening is a single slit centered on the bag top and closable with a zipper. The lifting bag includes a sling coupled to the bag, generally through a edge strip positioned at ore near the top edge of the bag. The bag can be constructed from a single multilayered sheet. The bag is used in conjunction with a lifting strap system.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing substantially all debris that falls into a manhole includes a flexible, substantially circular folded disk that is inserted into the manhole prior to performance of the debris-creating work, and is unfolded by an unfolding mechanism until the rim of the disk rests against the manhole bounding wall. Semi-rigid rods are secured to eyelets adjacent to the perimeter of the disk and terminate above the disk at a common junction, to which a removal and insertion mechanism can be attached. The device may be left inside of the manhole, separated from the insertion and removal mechanism, during performance of the debris creating work, and then folded and removed after the work is completed, thereby trapping and removing the debris. In embodiments, the unfolding mechanism includes supports radiating outward from the center of the disk and attached to the disk along their entire lengths.

Abstract: A drag harness (20) is provided and includes two arm loops (40), each of which is adapted to receive a separate arm (42) of a wearer (24), and an elongate handle (44) having a length (L) extending from a first end (46) to a second end (48) spaced from the first end (46) by the length (L). One of the arm loops (42) extends from the first end (46), and the other of the arm loops (42) extends from the second end (48). The handle (44) is a separate component that is attached to the arm loops (42) whereby a rescuer (26) grasping the handle (44) can drag the wearer (24) with the wearer (24) in a supine position.

Abstract: A sling system comprises a plurality of sling units each including a synthetic fibrous sling and a roller unit which has one or more spool-shaped rollers. The system provides for lifting a load in equilibrium and maintaining the load in that position or be rotated or tilted between horizontal and vertical positions. The system provides for a plurality of attachment points of the sling units to the load, and the sling units may be set up as a single array or a multiple array depending on the type of load being lifted, transported and positioned. Endless and continuous loop synthetic slings and multiple roller units are used in sling units and provide for uniform and equal distribution of the load throughout the sling system. The spool-shaped rollers may be molded of a rigid plastics material with each roller having end flanges to confine the synthetic sling.

Abstract: A system for applying a tensile load, the system having: a length of continuous synthetic rope having first and second bitter ends; the continuous synthetic rope being woven with itself to create a sling; the first and second bitter ends of the rope being capable of moving relative to each other and the sling. The system may be configured such that movement of the bitter ends relative to the sling or each other is observable or measurable. Systems may be slings that provide a plurality of wraps of a continuous synthetic rope having loops at opposing ends; the plurality of wraps of continuous synthetic rope having at least three parts and being woven such that the resulting woven sling has at least three picks.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting unit for lifting a rotor of a wind power installation. The lifting unit has at least one first sling for looping around a region of a rotor blade on a rotor of the wind power installation, which region is near the rotor blade root, at least one transverse strut, at least one first and second strut or sling portion, and at least one first and second hinge unit. The at least one first and second struts or sling portions extend between the at least one first and second hinge units and the transverse strut. The lifting unit further has at least one second sling having first and second sling portions and a strut. The first ends of the first and second sling portions are fixed to the first and second hinge units. The second sling is adapted to be arranged around a rotor blade stub.

Abstract: A safety clamping device for clamping onto a first rope portion and retaining a second rope portion. The clamping device comprises a clamping portion and a retaining portion. The clamping portion clamps onto the first rope portion, and comprises first and second clamping members in use hingedly coupled to one another such that the clamping portion is movable between an open configuration suitable for receiving the first rope portion and a clamping configuration suitable for clamping onto the first rope portion. The retaining portion retains the second rope portion relative to the position of the first rope portion, and is coupled to the clamping portion.

Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a wheel of large mass from a storage position to enable its mounting onto the hub of a vehicle, wherein the method includes placing a tire in a handling device having two ends which are of substantially equal length, the length being longer than the perimeter of the wheel, between two ends of the handling device, bringing together the ends of the handling device so as to imprison the wheel within the handling device, and hooking the ends of the handling device into a handling and lifting device.

Abstract: A roundsling for lifting loads includes an inner non-interwoven structure and a covering which receives the inner non-interwoven structure, the covering taking the form of a hollow braided structure and its end portions being inserted in one another and being connected together to overlap one another in a connection zone. In a roundsling of this kind, there is formed, in that end portion which is on the outside in the connection zone, at least one lateral opening which leads to the circumferential surface of the end portion, and that there is held, in that end portion which is on the inside in the connection zone, a securing member which is passed through the opening in that end portion which is on the outside.

Abstract: A heavy load protective pad for use on industrial slings includes fasteners on a sleeve forming member which are secured together to encircle and secure the protective pad on an industrial sling at a desired location. Pockets formed in the protective pad house a pair of block spacers which, in one configuration, serve to space the protective pad and underlying sling away from the load which is being lifted or pulled.