Abstract: A retractable and fast-deploying grappling hook has a plurality of tines foldable around a central shaft that can quickly be individually set into a deployed position or a retracted position with no more than two turns of a capping head. The speed and ease of operation of the deploying and locking mechanism are due in part to the concavely machined undersurface of the head which mirrors the path end of the tines hinged to the side of the shaft. The same locking maneuver and adjustment of the head apply coincidentally to the deployed and retracted tines. A belt-attachable caddy houses a slotted receptacle for a removable plate mounting a take-up reel around which a cable secured to an eyelet at the proximal end of the shaft can be wound.

Abstract: A shackle bow comprises a generally U-shaped body having a first end, a second end and aligned openings defined in the first and second ends. The body has a load bearing portion positioned between the first and second ends. The load bearing portion has a cross section comprising a bearing surface that curves through more than 180 degrees and an intersecting channel-shaped supporting surface. The channel-shaped supporting surface comprises opposing channel side portions extending from opposite sides of a channel base surface and a series of spaced apart ribs connecting the opposing channel side portions to each other.

Abstract: The applicant describes grab hooks typically used with chains or other securements like cables, ropes, straps, and wires, etc. The grab hook includes a magnetic portion near the distal end of the hook that is positioned to magnetically engage a ferromagnetic portion of the securement while the securement is positioned in the throat of the hook. The magnetic connection between the grab hook and the securement prevents the securement from falling out of the throat while the securement is slack. The magnetic connection thus permits the user of the securement to position the other end of the slack securement and apply tension to the securement to, for example, secure, tow, or lift a load. The grab hook described has no latches or other moving parts in the throat and is therefore simpler to operate than conventional grab hooks with latches that close the throat.

Abstract: A method of lifting an aircraft at a lifting location, the method comprising: securing a fitting (10) to the aircraft when the aircraft is at the lifting location; engaging the fitting with a crane hook (100); transmitting lifting load from the crane hook to the aircraft via the fitting; and removing the fitting from the aircraft. A fitting (10) for transmitting lifting loads from a crane hook (100) to an item, the fitting comprising: an attachment member (11) configured to be secured to the item; and a lifting member (12) which is pivotally coupled to the attachment member and configured to be engaged by the crane hook (100) so as to transmit lifting loads from the crane hook to the item. A crane hook (100) with a ball-and-socket connection is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a tow device for small aircraft and the like. The tow device includes a hook or hook-like mechanism that is removably secured to the nose fork of the front wheel of an aircraft. The hook or hook-like mechanism is constructed and arranged to be easily secured to and removed from a nose fork of the front wheel of an aircraft by an individual. No tools or special equipment is required to secure the present invention to the nose fork. The hook or hook-like mechanism is designed such that by securing a rope or other towing device to one point on the hook, the wheel of the aircraft can be moved and steered in any direction. The hook or hook-like mechanism can also be coated with a material which will prevent it from slipping on the nose fork when it is pulled or moved in different directions.

Abstract: In a component for shortening a chain (12), said component being provided with a connector bow (2) that can be hung into a connector body (6) and with a shortening organ (7), a safety bolt, which is simultaneously formed as a retainer pin (3) for the end link (11) of the chain (12) to be shortened, serves to secure the position of the connector bow (2) in the connector body (6).

Abstract: A C-hook for lifting heavy coils, such as coils of steel, includes a lifting frame which has an upper arm that is formed with a lifting point in the form of integrally formed lug for receiving a lifting hook of a crane. A counterweight is fixed at a forward end of the upper arm. The lower end of the frame is formed with a slide that receives a slideable load support member in the form of foot. The foot has a forward front foot end for penetration of the lumen of a coil to be lifted. The opposite, rearward end of the foot is mechanically interlinked by a mechanical linkage to a coil backstop member. The mechanical linkage includes a lever arm, which pivots about a fixed pivot point that is fast with the frame. The foot and backstop member facilitate the balanced transportation of steel coils of varying widths.

Abstract: A grommet shackle having a pair of opposed parallel legs. Each of the legs includes an opening therethrough to receive a pin or bolt. A central bow extends between the pair of legs to form a jaw to receive a rope or cable. The central bow has a cylindrical cross-section including an inner cylindrical load surface toward the eye to receive the rope or cable thereon. An outer cylindrical surface of the central bow forms a hollow recess. A central brace or rib extends across the hollow recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a cargo hook apparatus for securing cargo external to an aircraft for transportation, the apparatus comprising, pendent sling means, an attachment for securing the pendent sling means to the aircraft, and a cargo hook assembly, where the cargo hook assembly comprises a high-strength, lightweight alloy, and where the cargo hook assembly weighs less than about 55 pounds.

Abstract: A load acceptance hook for suspending a load provides for the movement of loads by simple means and despite a high load-bearing capacity has a reduced weight in relation to known hooks. This is achieved by the fact that it is formed at least in sections by a latticed framework, the braces of which are arranged and dimensioned depending on the stresses taking effect locally with the load suspended in the load acceptance hook.

Abstract: A support member or becket for supporting an item during wellbore operations including a body with a support area, and a wear insert removable emplaced over the support area.

Abstract: A substrate support apparatus which can support a substrate having a center hole, comprises a support portion which can support the substrate. The support portion includes a support groove with a cross-sectional shape in which a groove width gradually increases in a counter-gravitational direction, and a width of the support groove between two end portions is larger than a width of the support groove at the center thereof.

Abstract: Device and method for handling containers and container comprising said device which comprises a hook (1), fitted on means of elevation, configured to hinge around a hinging shaft (2) between a folded position, where a space below said hinging shaft (2) is free, and a deployed position, where the hook (1) is below said hinging shaft (2), with the container comprising a plurality of side panels (15) and a lower panel (16), and at least one support handle (5) configured for stable lifting at a single point of the container.

Abstract: A grappling hook is disclosed which is designed to be used by a person having lost the dexterity in a hand or fingers. The grappling hook is formed AS a strap of flexible material. The strap is formed into a loop at one end which loop is to be placed around the wrist of a wearer. The other end of the strap is formed into a straight section which has an opening in its end. A grommet is placed into the opening. A circular eyelet made of metal is placed into the grommet. The circular eyelet continues in a straight section and a U-shaped hook appears at that end. The U-shaped hook is used to be attached to any item the person wants to manipulate.

Abstract: A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A towing accessory for use in connection with a chain having a plurality of links includes an elongate body having a J-hook at one end and a T-hook at the other end. The J-hook has a hook portion that extends away from one side of the elongate body, and the T-hook has a T-cross that extends away from the opposite side of the elongate body. The elongate body also includes a central hole that is configured and sized so that adjacent links of the chain may pass therethrough, a first slot that extends from the central hole towards one end, and a second slot that extends from the central hole towards the other end. Both the first slot and the second slot are configured and sized so that a chain may be locked therein.

Abstract: An omni-positional hoist ring assembly including a bushing element that includes a sleeve with an axial length, and proximal and distal ends. A load bearing flange is radially disposed about the proximal end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal thread extending at least part way of the axial length of the sleeve. A mounting screw element has a major axis, a head, and a shank disposed generally co-axially around the major axis. The shank includes a threaded shank portion and a bearing portion. The bearing portion is a generally cylindrical axially extending portion of the shank that has a diameter approximately equal to the minor diameter of the thread in the threaded shank portion. A thrust washer element is provided between the head and the distal end of the sleeve. A body element receives the in-turned opposed ends of the legs of a lifting loop element in sockets. The lifting loop is free to pivot.

Abstract: An anchor hook supporting device is for use with an anchor hook having a hook end for engaging a first surface of a support member and a shank end which includes an eyelet opening for receiving a rope or cable. The supporting device includes an attachment assembly for being secured to the shank end of the anchor hook and an engagement assembly for engaging one of a second surface of the support member and another surface which is fixed with respect to the support member. A biasing member having a first end secured to the attachment assembly and a second end secured to the engagement assembly biases the engagement assembly toward the attachment assembly to bias the shank end of the anchor hook and the engagement assembly toward each other for holding the hook end of the anchor hook on the first surface of the support member and the engagement assembly on the second surface of the support member or the other surface.

Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved shackle having particular utility in underwater salvage operations. The present invention discloses a shackle that has a generally U shaped body that is comprised of a bow portion and first and second spaced apart arms. Each arm has an end portion with an opening for receiving a shackle pin. The shackle pin is sized and shaped to simultaneously fit through the shackle pin openings, and end portion of the pin having external pin threads. A nut provides an internally threaded opening for engaging external threads of a shackle pin. The nut is rotatably mounted to a second end portion of the shackle body. The external pin threads of the shackle pin and the internal threads of the nut are engaged when the pin is connected to the nut by rotating the nut. The pin does not rotate relative to the shackle body, due to an elongated groove in the pin that travels on a key portion of the shackle body that is in one of the openings.

Abstract: A lifting lug apparatus comprises a mounting plate adapted for attachment to an upper portion of an object to be lifted. A lifting lug defines a hook aperture and is pivotally attached to the mounting plate such that the hook aperture is movable from a lateral position, wherein the hook aperture is oriented in a lateral plane extending outward from the mounting plate and outward from an attached object to be lifted, to an upright position, wherein the hook aperture is oriented in an upright plane extending upward from the mounting plate. The lifting lug is biased toward the lateral position so that a lifting hook can conveniently be engaged in the hook aperture and when the object is lifted the lifting lug pivots upward to reduce stress on the connection between the lifting lug and the object.

Abstract: A mechanically releasable shackle pin arrangement that is readily operated by an ROV and is not affected by the hydrostatic pressures encountered at depth. A shackle body having two ends has a shackle pin received through bores at one end of the shackle body. A shackle nut threaded on the shackle pin secures the shackle pin in an installed position through the bores in the shackle body. An anti-rotation link plate is attached to the shackle body. The anti-rotation link plate extends to one end of the side plate. The shackle pin extends through bores at one end of the shackle body and the anti-rotation link plate and is secured in its installed position by a shackle nut threaded on the shackle pin. Means for preventing rotation of the shackle nut and loss of the shackle nut is provided on the anti-rotation link plate such that the shackle pin can be removed by a remotely operated tool on an ROV at depth to release a load without the need for hydraulics on the shackle assembly.

Abstract: An automatic detaching structure for a hook device includes a hook, a power unit, a tongue plate and an off-hook member. The power unit comprises a motor which is remote-controlled. The motor has a shaft. A first transmission transforming mechanism and a first gear are provided on the shaft. The first transmission transforming mechanism and the first gear mesh with a second transmission transforming mechanism and a second gear, respectively, to link a rotating lever and a transmission lever. The rotating lever links the tongue plate in an open status, while transmission wheels on the transmission lever pull the off-hook member to detach a rope of a cargo from the hook.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.

Abstract: The invention concerns a load hook with a hook fastened to a hook tackle that can be safely handled. A cover region is arranged at least partially between the hook tackle and the hook, such that the hook is covered starting at the outer contour of the hook tackle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improved hanging transportation of an article having an uneven weight distribution that permits the article to hang in a balanced manner. The apparatus is attached to an overhead trolley and includes attachment plates rotatably secured to the overhead trolley and a plurality of chain assemblies. Each of the attachment plates define several chain mounting holes, with each of the chain mounting holes being formed at a predefined, individual radial spacing from a center mounting hole. By attaching the chain assembly to selected ones of the plurality of chain mounting holes, an effective chain length can be varied. The chain assemblies support the article, and adjusting the effective chain lengths permit the article to hang in a balanced manner.

Abstract: A connector for a surgical retractor is shown. The connector includes a body member having an opening for receiving a nipple of a retractor blade. The connector also includes a retainer pivotally attached to the body member between an open position and a closed position. A lock mechanism locks the retainer in the closed position so that the nipple of the retractor blade is locked in the connector.

Abstract: A pallet pulling device includes a puller bar and a crossbar secured in a T-configuration. The crossbar plane is below the puller bar plane so the crossbar serves as a hook to exert pulling force on a plank of a pallet. The crossbar extends under the edge of a stringer of the pallet to prevent disengagement of the pulling device from the pallet when pulling force is applied. A hole is located on the flat puller bar; an outside weld opposes an inside weld, whereas both welds are adjacent to a top weld that is in opposition to the location of the hole.

Abstract: A pulling chain storage device for a scrolling door machine is provided to tie the chain that can be pulled manually when the scrolling door machine is malfunctioned. The storage device includes a vertical fixing section at an end and a horizontal tying end at the other end, and the tying section includes at least one opening section, and the opening section includes an external end and an internal end, and the width of the opening section is tapered from the external end to the internal end, such that a pairs of suspending arms are formed between the internal end of the opening section and the hollow hole, so as to tie a chain to a flexible suspending arm and prevent the chain from being jammed in the storage device. The chain can be easily released even if the chain is jammed.

Abstract: A pallet pulling device includes a puller bar and a crossbar secured in a T-configuration. The crossbar plane is below the puller bar plane so the crossbar serves as a hook to exert pulling force on a plank of a pallet. The crossbar extends under the edge of a stringer of the pallet to prevent disengagement of the pulling device from the pallet when pulling force is applied. A hole is located on the flat puller bar; an outside weld opposes an inside weld, whereas both welds are adjacent to a top weld that is in opposition to the location of the hole.

Abstract: A load acceptance hook for suspending a load provides for the movement of loads by simple means and despite a high load-bearing capacity has a reduced weight in relation to known hooks. This is achieved by the fact that it is formed at least in sections by a latticed framework, the braces of which are arranged and dimensioned depending on the stresses taking effect locally with the load suspended in the load acceptance hook.

Abstract: An automatic release hook comprises at least some of a body, a hook, and a counter-weighted locking arm. During operation of an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the automatic release hook does not need to be manually manipulated to release a suspended, attached, or coupled item. When a load is suspended or hung from the hook, the counter-weighted locking arm maintains the release hook in a locked or secured position because of the weight of the load. When the load is placed on a surface and the weight of the load is no longer carried by the automatic release hook, the counter-weighted locking arm pivots and releases the release hook, which, in turn, releases the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved shackle having particular utility in underwater salvage operations. The present invention discloses a shackle that has a generally U shaped body that is comprised of a bow portion and first and second spaced apart arms. Each arm has an end portion with an opening for receiving a shackle pin. The shackle pin is sized and shaped to simultaneously fit through the shackle pin openings, and end portion of the pin having external pin threads. A nut provides an internally threaded opening for engaging external threads of a shackle pin. The nut is rotatably mounted to a second end portion of the shackle body. The external pin threads of the shackle pin and the internal threads of the nut are engaged when the pin is connected to the nut by rotating the nut. The pin does not rotate relative to the shackle body, due to an elongated groove in the pin that travels on a key portion of the shackle body that is in one of the openings.

Abstract: A lifting lug apparatus comprises a mounting plate adapted for attachment to an upper portion of an object to be lifted. A lifting lug defines a hook aperture and is pivotally attached to the mounting plate such that the hook aperture is movable from a lateral position, wherein the hook aperture is oriented in a lateral plane extending outward from the mounting plate and outward from an attached object to be lifted, to an upright position, wherein the hook aperture is oriented in an upright plane extending upward from the mounting plate. The lifting lug is biased toward the lateral position so that a lifting hook can conveniently be engaged in the hook aperture and when the object is lifted the lifting lug pivots upward to reduce stress on the connection between the lifting lug and the object.

Abstract: A fitting for a wire rope with a diameter, the fitting including a stiff support and being adapted to hold and to attach the wire rope to the stiff support, the fitting further comprising an elongated flexible enclosure adapted to surround the wire rope, the flexible enclosure having a length more than 2 times longer than the diameter.

Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.

Abstract: A chain shortening device is described. The device has the general shape of the letter “C”. A single slot (20) extends longitudinally along the elongated body (10) of the device. The single slot has a central widened portion defining a lead-through opening (20E) through which a loop of an associated chain can be inserted, whereby the device can be handled as a separate unit and be attached sideways to an associated chain.

Abstract: A grappling hook blank for forming a grappling hook having a shaft, a plurality of arms and a connecting member. The grappling hook blank includes a piece of material having a shaft portion, a plurality of arm portions, and a connecting member portion. The shaft portion forms the shaft of the grappling hook. The plurality of arm portions forms each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook. Each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook is formed by moving each of the plurality of arm portions outwardly from the grappling hook blank. The connecting member portion connects the shaft portion and the plurality of arm portions wherein the connecting member portion forms a connecting member of the grappling hook such that the connecting member of the grappling hook connects the shaft and the plurality of arms of the grappling hook.

Abstract: A device for lifting and rotating objects is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of hooking protrusions that are in angled relation with each other and contain compound bends to permit engagement with the support structure of the object to be lifted.

Abstract: A grappling hook comprising a shaft, a head member, a plurality of blades, and a locking ring. The head member is secured to the first end of the shaft. Each of the blades has a distal end with a substantially v-shaped notch forming a pair of projections and at least one gripping tooth for gripping onto a desired structure. Each of the blades is pivotally connected to the head member such that each blade is movable between an operational position and a collapsed position wherein the blades are spread away from the head member and positioned to grip the supporting structure in the operational position, and wherein the blades are positioned adjacent to the shaft in the collapsed position. The locking ring is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the operational position when the locking ring is positioned in the open position, and wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the collapsed position when the locking ring is in the closed position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for implementing a software agent control architecture. The method includes the step of generating a plurality of agents, wherein the agents are respectively configured to implement a rule-based behaviour. Respective rule sets for each of the agents are accessed, wherein the rule sets are configured for processing using respective rule engines of each of the agents. Respective incoming messages are received and delivered to the agents. The rule-based behaviour for each of the agents is implemented by processing the incoming messages using the rule engines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a suspension for load hooks, especially for lower blocks of cable controls, with a shaft mounted in a recess of a carrier body and able to turn about a vertical axis, which is mounted in a continuous bore of a support element and thrusts against the carrier body by means of at least one axial bearing. In order to create a short and simple construction of a suspension for a load hook, the invention proposes that the shaft of the load hook is mounted in the carrier body by a bearing arrangement consisting of the support element, at least one axial bearing, and the retaining ring surrounding the shaft, and the bearing arrangement is secured by a fastening element, especially a snap-ring, in the carrier body.

Abstract: A chain hook with no moving parts that is capable of passively capturing and supporting both sides of a given chain link. The hook is provided with dual support surfaces that support the link and prevent disengagement of the hook while under load. A horn between the support surfaces protrudes through the hooked link and contacts the adjacent link on the lighter loaded side of the hook. This prevents running of the chain that could result from differential loading on either side of the hooked chain link. The hook surfaces are designed to inhibit disengagement under low load conditions and to facilitate unassisted disengagement of the hook under no-load conditions.

Abstract: A hoist ring assembly includes an annular body, a first axial bore generally concentric with a longitudinal axis and including diametrically opposed first and second sockets. A mounting assembly is provided for facilitating the mounting of the annular body onto an object. A U-shaped hoist ring member is provided and has remote ends formed into integral stub shaft members, the stub shaft members extending generally coaxially with and spaced from one another to define a co-axis therebetween. The stub shaft members are relatively rotatably received in the sockets. The peripheral surface of the stub shaft members each has an annular groove therein located within the socket. A radially inwardly extending member in each socket is received in each of the grooves to prevent the legs of the hoist ring member from spreading apart as well as removal of the stub shaft members from the sockets while maintaining the ability of the hoist ring to pivot about the aforesaid co-axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates towards an erection lift anchor with welding plate assembly for embedment in a concrete member, such as a precast or tilt-up wall. The erection anchor of the present invention allows for concrete members, such as walls, to be positioned by the use of standard lifting equipment (cranes with cable attachments, etc.) by connecting lifting attachments to the erection lift anchor which is embedded in a concrete member. The present invention also allows for concrete members to be connected together via the erection lift anchor whereby the welding plate of one erection lift anchor embedded in a first concrete member is welded to the welding plate of another erection lift member embedded in a second concrete member.

Abstract: A grappling hook blank for forming a grappling hook having a shaft, a plurality of arms and a connecting member. The grappling hook blank includes a piece of material having a shaft portion, a plurality of arm portions, and a connecting member portion. The shaft portion forms the shaft of the grappling hook. The plurality of arm portions forms each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook. Each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook is formed by moving each of the plurality of arm portions outwardly from the grappling hook blank. The connecting member portion connects the shaft portion and the plurality of arm portions wherein the connecting member portion forms a connecting member of the grappling hook such that the connecting member of the grappling hook connects the shaft and the plurality of arms of the grappling hook.

Abstract: A chain keeper for retaining a chain operatively connected to a driving mechanism of a chain hoist system. The chain keeper has a support bracket and a pair of plates. The support bracket is mountable onto a fixed structure, and has a substantially vertical longitudinal axis, and opposite top and bottom sections. Each plate has top and bottom portions. The plates project from the support bracket and are slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. The plates converge towards one another towards the bottom section of the support bracket, a slot being defined between peripheral edges of the plates at the bottom section of the support bracket. The slot is shaped and sized to slidably and removably receive therein a segment of the chain for retaining the same from substantial vertical movement along the longitudinal axis of the support bracket.

Abstract: A multi faceted retrieval tool for use by an individual positioned above the ground in retrieving items beneath the location of the individual, comprising a series of hooks extensible beyond the periphery of the tool for engaging, securing and retrieving items which are susceptible to being engaged by a hook, and being nestable in the tool when not in use, and, further, having a magnet for the retrieval of items engageable by a magnet, and a line which is selectively extensible to engage the items to be retrieved and retractable once the item is secured to bring the item to the individual user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cable block, especially a lower block for cable controls, with at least one cable roller enclosed by a shrouding cover with entry and exit openings for a carrying cable, wherein a cover element is inserted in the entry and exit opening, having an opening for the carrying cable. The opening in the cover element is smaller than the entry and exit opening in the shrouding cover. In order to create a cable block, especially for a cable actuator, with improved protection against accidents, it is proposed that the entry and exit opening be slot-like and the cover element can be shifted in the entry and exit opening.