Abstract: A lanyard assembly including a strap having a first end and a second end, an attachment mechanism coupled to the first end and a quick connect attachment mechanism connected to the second end. The quick connect attachment mechanism includes a swivel member and a cinch for securing a tool coupled to the swivel member. The swivel member is configured to allow rotation between the cinch and the strap and the quick connect attachment mechanism can be quickly engaged and disengaged from the strap to allow the quick connection of various tools.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a livestock routing mechanism. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) for data input at the livestock processing station and a sorting application coupled to the PLC via a computer network, the sorting application for analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens.

Abstract: A sling gear (1) for single-arm operation by a remotely controlled gripper may have a closure (4) that can be moved from a closed position (5) into an open position (82), a sling body (2) that is closed in the closed position (5) of the closure (4) and open in the open position (82), and an push-button (18) for opening the closure (4). The push-button (18) may have a gear section (68), which couples the closure (4) with the push-button (18), by transmitting movement. In order to improve the reliability in operation, also under adverse circumstances, for example in a heavily soiled environment on the seabed, the push-button (18) may be equipped with an locking area (56), which, in the closed position (5), is to be found engaged with the closure (4), and locks the closure (4) in the closed position (5).

Abstract: Line capture devices for unmanned aircraft, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a line capture device body having a line slot with an open end and a closed end. A retainer is positioned proximate to the line slot and has a rotor with a plurality of rotor arms positioned to extend at least partially across the line slot as the rotor rotates relative to the body. A joint rotatably couples the rotor to the body, and a ratchet device is operably coupled to the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate in a first direction and at least restrict the rotor arm from rotating in a second direction opposite the first. In other embodiments, the retainer can include other arrangements, for example, one or more wire-shaped elements.

Abstract: Locking line capture devices for unmanned aircraft are disclosed. An example line capture device is configured to be attached to a wing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The example line capture device includes a body having a line capture slot. The line capture slot has an open end and a closed end. The example line capture device further includes a retainer having a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe. The retainer is movable relative to the body between a first position in which the first and third lobes are positioned on opposite sides of the line capture slot and the second lobe is positioned over the line capture slot, and a second position in which the first and second lobes are positioned over the line capture slot and the third lobe is positioned clear of the line capture slot.

Abstract: The fixing buckle includes first and second securing parts provided with coupling elements one of which defines a hook. A closure system is configured to define a first position preventing extraction of the first coupling elements from the second coupling elements and a second position allowing insertion and extraction of the first coupling elements. The closure system includes first and second closure plates each having a first position obstructing the hook and a second position configured to remove the first coupling elements. The first position of the first closure plate is configured to prevent movement of the second closure plate from its first position to its second position. The second closure plate separates the first coupling elements and the first closure plate along an extraction channel defined by the hook.

Abstract: A locking carabiner comprises a body, a gate, and a lock. The body has a side interconnecting a top and a bottom forming an opening. The gate is pivotally connected to the bottom and is releasably connectable to the top, and the gate has closed and open positions. The lock is pivotally connected to the side and has locked and unlocked positions. The lock includes a trigger portion extending outward proximate the body's rear and a locking portion extending outward proximate the body's front. The locking portion prevents the gate from moving from the closed position into the open position when in the locked position, and the locking portion is configured and arranged to allow the gate to move from the closed position into the open position when in the unlocked position.

Abstract: In an arrangement of a power tool and a carrying system, the carrying system has a support strap and a releasable fastening device for attaching the power tool to the support strap. The carrying system has an actuating device that actuates the releasable fastening device from a fastening position into a release position. The fastening device has a pivotable hook that in the fastening position is hooked to an eye and secures the power tool on the carrying system. When the carrying system is arranged on a user and the power tool is secured on the carrying system and the fastening device is actuated from the fastening position into the release position, the hook is pivoted such that the eye slides out of the hook because of the weight of the power tool.

Abstract: A hook shaped body having a neck and fabricated from nonferromagnetic material. The body possesses a first end and a second end. The neck is proximate the first end. The hook also includes a closure that is fabricated from ferromagnetic material and has a first closure end and a second closure end. The closure is pivotally attached to the body and is positioned to span a gap between the second end of the hook and the body. There is at least one magnet fixedly attached to the neck, so the at least one magnet holds the closure in a closed position that spans the gap such that the hook encloses a defined space in the closed position.

Abstract: A lifting hook includes a hook body with a hook stem; a tip; a safety latch with a fastening end and a free latch end, the fastening end being pivotally fastened close to the stem for movement between an open and a closed position, the safety latch being in the open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves the hook jaw open while in a closed position the latch end extends across the hook jaw to the tip of the hook, closing the jaw from the inside; and an actuator of the safety latch arranged between the safety latch and the hook stem, the actuator of the safety latch including delay mechanism configured to return the safety latch from the open position to the closed position in a delayed manner. A safety latch of a lifting hook is also provided.

Abstract: A self-locking clip includes a clip body and a rotating cam gripper, the rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clip further includes a spring arm, the spring arm integrated into the clip body, the spring arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clip body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for assembling or dismantling a crane. The apparatus has a coupling unit (11) for coupling with a tower part (3). The coupling unit (11) can be moved into a latching position or into an unlatching position. The coupling unit furthermore has counterweights for setting a center of gravity of the crane.

Abstract: A cable capture/release (CCR) device defines an open slot and an annular channel. The CCR device is coupled to a housing at a first pivot point wherein the slot is maintained outside of the housing. A sliding coupler engages the annular channel and extends to an attachment point. A tow point on the housing and the attachment point are aligned along a line of force when the housing is towed, while the first pivot point is out of alignment with the line of force. A trigger is coupled to the housing at a second pivot point. A latch, coupled to the housing at a third pivot point, defines first and second latch elements. The first latch element engages a perimeter of the CCR device and the second latch element engages the trigger.

Abstract: A safety snap hook includes a body defining a hook throat opening, a pivotable gate biased to close the hook throat opening, a pivotable trigger extending through an aperture in the gate and biased to press against a locking surface of the gate, and a pivotable locking member biased to a locking position whereat rotation of the gate relative to the body is prevented. When free ends of the trigger and the locking member are rotated toward the body to remove the trigger from the locking surface and rotate the locking member to a release position, the gate can be rotated relative to the body to open the hook throat opening.

Abstract: A locking carabiner having an eccentric pivot that when rotated causes a reciprocating motion that moves the opening end of the gate into or out of locking engagement with the carabiner body. Rotation of the eccentric is controlled by a short lever that can be easily moved by a fingertip, consequently the gate can be conveniently manipulated and locked with the fingers of one hand. The locking mechanism adds negligible weight and bulk to the carabiner. The locking mechanism can be incorporated on bent gate, straight gate and wire gate carabiners.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently lifting heavy trusses used in constructing buildings requiring a pitched roof. The use of this apparatus reduces the manpower requirement for constructing roofs by providing a J-shape cam-hook-lift-apparatus to latch onto a truss and use the power of a lifting mechanism, such as a crane, to raise and place the roof trusses into a predetermined position. Using this apparatus will reduce the amount of time needed to complete a roof assembly and increase safety for workers.

Abstract: An enhanced safety hook includes a hook body, a latch member, an operation handle and a spring member. The hook body includes a hook hole having a hook opening, a hook end formed at a top end thereof, a pin slot at a position below the hook opening, and a guide slot. The latch member includes a main plate and two side plates define an upside-down U-shape frame, a peripheral edge bridged between the two side plates in such a manner that a top end of the latch member constructs a mouth for receiving the hook end, a guide arm connected to the two side frames to couple with the guide slot, and a pin element coupling with the pin slot.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic locking carabiner including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The gate is pivotably coupled to the frame including a closed configuration within which the gate and frame form a continuously enclosed inner region, and an open configuration within which the gate is pivotably rotated within the inner region so as to form an opening. The gate locking system includes an engaged state within which the gate is locked in the closed configuration, and a disengaged state within which the gate is pivotably rotatable with respect to the frame. The gate locking system is biased toward the engaged state when the gate is in the closed configuration. The functionality and operation of the gate locking system is independent of the gate biasing system. The engaged state of the gate locking system includes a releasable magnetic coupling between the gate and the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel hook design which provides additional safety features to reduce the potential for accidents and provides additional protection to the operator. The invention may be applied to overhead hoist hooks, chain hooks, wire line hooks, and many other hooks. The safety design features include a spring activated trigger and latch mechanism, a latch stop, a trigger guard, and a trigger lock mechanism which may or may not utilize a spring to activate it. The safety latching lifting hook provides for ease of connection (hooking) and ease of release (unhooking) with a trigger guard to protect the operator's hand and the trigger latch mechanism.

Abstract: A karabiner is provided having a hoop and a closing part mounted pivotally via a pivoting axle to the hoop at the insertion opening of the hoop. At least one blocking element is pivotally mounted to the closing part via a blocking element—pivot axle, with the blocking element, at least in a closed position of the closing part, blocking the closing part in its closed position from pivoting towards its opened position and in at least one released position allows the closing part to pivot towards its opened position. The blocking element is pivoted around the blocking element—pivot axle for pivoting it from the blocking position towards the released position in the same rotary direction around the blocking element—pivot axle as the closing part for pivoting the closing part out of the closed position towards its opened position around the closing part—pivot axle.

Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook body comprising a recess at back of an intermediate portion, a locking dog at one end, a ring at the other end, and a front opening; a spring depressible latch member having a U section and comprising a plate interconnecting two side walls, the latch member being pivotably disposed on the back of the intermediate portion of the hook body with the plate being seated upon a flat portion of the recess; and a spring depressible lock member having a U section and comprising two side walls and a through hole on a groove portion. The lock member is pivotably disposed on a front side of the hook body with the side walls thereof partially straddled the hook body to be seated upon a portion of the plate. The locking dog is inserted into the through hole when the safety hook is locked.

Abstract: A self-locking lifting hook is disclosed, of the kind having and arcuate hook body and an upper, pivotable lever with one arm forming a suspension and a second arm forming a closure for the hook opening. A finger element is pivotably mounted at the upper part of the hook so as to close the hook opening, under the influence of a spring, irrespective of the pivotal position of the lever, so that the hook opening is always kept closed, unless the closure arm is swung into its fully open position and, thereafter, the finger element is operated so as to be retracted into its opening position.

Abstract: A quick release fitting including a housing assembly having a main portion and a housing arm extending from the main portion, a locking arm and a locking mechanism. The locking arm has a first locking arm end and a second locking arm end, the first locking arm is rotatably attached to the housing arm. The locking mechanism is disposed within the housing assembly, and communicates with the second locking arm end such the locking arm can be locked or unlocked to the housing assembly. When locked the locking arm is secured to the housing assembly and the housing arm, the locking arm and the housing assembly form a slot, when unlocked the locking arm is not secured to the housing assembly.

Abstract: A snap hook that includes gate that includes and aperture that accepts a male portion that protrudes from the nose portion of the hook is disclosed. The coupling of the nose portion and the gate prevents the unwanted opening of the gate while the hook is under extreme loads. Still further, the use of a slide bar that is moved through translation and rotation when opening the gate of the hook is also disclosed. The translation and rotation motion provides improved cooperation of the components and improves the resistance of undesired movement of the slide bar by forces against a protrusion on the slide bar, and thus provides greater resistance to unwanted opening of the gate.

Abstract: A load hook arrangement includes a carrying element for the load, which is pivotable between a dosed position and an open position, a first blocking element, which is pivotable between a blocking position for blocking the carrying element in its dosed position and a releasing position for allowing the carrying element to pivot into its open position, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the carrying element into its open position, wherein the load hook arrangement further includes a second blocking element, for blocking the carrying element in its closed position. This second blocking element can be in particular a magnet brake acting on the pivoting mechanism. Furthermore, the load hook arrangement can include a third blocking element for blocking the movement of the first blocking element. This third blocking element can be in particular an eccentric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel hook design which provides additional safety features to reduce the potential for accidents and provides additional protection to the operator. The invention may be applied to overhead hoist hooks, chain hooks, wire line hooks, and many other hooks. The safety design features include a spring activated trigger and latch mechanism, a latch stop, a trigger guard, and a trigger lock mechanism which may or may not utilize a spring to activate it. The safety latching lifting hook provides for ease of connection (hooking) and ease of release (unhooking) with a trigger guard to protect the operator's hand and the trigger latch mechanism.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners include two gates. The carabiners include a C-shaped body having a nose region and an end region. An inner gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, wherein the inner gate pivots toward the spine of the C-shaped body. An outer gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, extending away from the C-shaped body. The inner and the outer gate may each comprise wire gates, alternatively one gate may comprise a generally cylindrical gate and the other gate may comprise a wire gate. Methods include preventing a carabiner from opening.

Abstract: A lifting hook is arranged to grab an object to be lifted by a cylindrical lifting surface formed thereto, the lifting hook having a hook shank, a hook part joining the hook shank and a locking device arranged to lock the lifting hook to the object to be lifted. To allow the lifting hook to be reliably attached to the piece to be lifted, a mechanical control device is mounted above the hook part to co-operate with the upper surface of the lifting surface for guiding the hook part to a lifting position onto the lower surface of the lifting surface.

Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook body, a pivotable safety retainer biased to a locking position, and a pivotable latch member biased to abut against a distal end of a hook portion of the hook body to thereby close a hook mouth defined by the hook body. The safety retainer includes a stop portion and an abutment face unit. When the safety retainer is disposed in the locking position, the stop portion abuts against the latch member, and the abutment face unit is adjacent to and spaced apart from a stop block of the hook body. In the locking position, if an external force is applied to pivot the latch member away from the distal end of the hook portion, the abutment face unit will come into contact with the stop block to prevent further pivoting movement of the latch member.

Abstract: A lifting hook that can be used to lift loads using lifting gear includes a hook-shaped part which hooks onto the load to be lifted and a chain length reducer secured to the hook. The reducer includes an orifice whose dimensions allow the links of the chain to pass through and then allow one of the links to be locked in position when the chain is taut, and elements for partially closing off the orifice which are hinged so that they can be released manually simply by pressing them so as to allow the length of the chain to be adjusted. The reducer includes a closure finger that closes off the hook-shaped part and the closing-off elements include self-locking members which hold the closure finger in the locked position on the part of the hook as long as the closing-off elements are disengaged from the orifice.

Abstract: A crane hook assembly and methods of use for safely lifting large conduits, such as wind generator tower sections. The hook assembly includes a steel frame member and a support member forwardly extending from the front surface of the frame member. The support member cooperates with the frame member to engage and retain an annular flange of the tower section. The hook assembly is secured onto the tower section with a securing mechanism, preferably using a rack and pinion gear assembly to actuate a locking pin. The sliding, retractable, locking pin may be actuated such that it is movable between an unlocked position and a locking position, such that the locking pin is positioned horizontally over the tower section when in the locked position and the locking pin is fully retracted from the front surface when the locking pin is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A load hook arrangement includes a carrying element for the load, which is pivotable between a dosed position and an open position, a first blocking element, which is pivotable between a blocking position for blocking the carrying element in its closed position and a releasing position for allowing the carrying element to pivot into its open position, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the carrying element into its open position, wherein the load hook arrangement further includes a second blocking element, for blocking the carrying element in its closed position. This second blocking element can be in particular a magnet brake acting on the pivoting mechanism. Furthermore, the load hook arrangement can include a third blocking element for blocking the movement of the first blocking element. This third blocking element can be in particular an eccentric.

Abstract: Winch for a vehicle and method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from a positionally fixed anchor part The invention relates to a winch for a vehicle, in particular for a piste maintenance vehicle, with an elongate flexible traction means which is assigned to a drive device which is configured for the introduction of tractive forces to the traction means, and with a guide device which is provided for feeding the traction means to the drive device, and also with an anchoring device which is mounted on a free end region, facing away from the drive device, of the traction means and is configured so as to be adjustable between an opening position and a locking position, in order to allow a positive anchoring of the traction means on a positionally fixed anchor part, and also to a method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from the fixed anchor part.

Abstract: A safety hook includes: a hook body having a base segment, a hook segment, and an arm segment extending between the base segment and the hook segment; a latch unit pivoted to the base segment so as to be rotatable between closed and opened positions, the latch unit being formed with a guiding groove that has an end section defined by an abutting wall; and a latch-locking unit pivoted to the arm segment as to be rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. The latch-locking unit includes an operating lever pivoted to the arm segment, and a limiting rod extending through the guiding groove, co-rotatable with the operating lever, and abutting slidingly against the arm segment, and received in the end section of the guiding groove when the latch-locking unit is disposed at the locked position.

Abstract: A system and method involving a line capture device (10) and a flotation apparatus (49), the line capture device (100) having a body (14), at least one line retainer, each line retainer having a line retainer portion (16) and a latching portion (28), for retaining a portion of a captured line (12), and a capturing line (20) extending from the body (14) for pulling the device (10), the captured line (12), and a secondary object, e.g., a victim (40), back to a rescuer, the flotation apparatus (49) having a safety flotation vest (50) housing a deployable flotation device (42) and a deployable line (12) to be captured.

Abstract: A safety hook that includes a body having a hook portion and a shank portion, a gate that is pivotally mounted from a gate pivot point on the shank portion, and a locking element that is pivotally supported from the shank. The safety hook also includes a peninsular portion that extends between the locking element and the and the heel portion of the gate, and a spring, the spring being mounted between and against the locking element and the locking element, so that to release the gate the user simply rotates the locking element away from the peninsular portion and then rotates the closure portion in, towards the mouth of the hook.

Abstract: A hook device has a main body having a pair of arm portions, a connection portion and a hook portion, a block mount disposed on the main body, a fastener seat disposed on the block mount, and a torsion spring. The block mount has a generally U-shaped middle portion, a pair of side collars connected to the generally U-shaped middle portion, and a positioning through hole. The fastener seat has a pivot pin support portion, a through aperture, a proximal end, and a distal end. Each side collar surrounds one of the arm portions of the main body. The torsion spring is disposed in the fastener seat. The pivot pin support portion of the fastener seat is inserted in the generally U-shaped middle portion of the block mount. A pivot pin fastens the block mount, the fastener seat, and the torsion spring together.

Abstract: A snap-hook device comprises a hook closed by a latch held against a stop by a spring. The latch consists of two parts, a lever and a bridge-piece hinged in relation to one another on an axis. Another stop prevents them from pivoting in relation to one another and a spring exerts torque between these two parts of the latch. The snap-hook is opened for hooking-on by the rotation of the latch towards the inside of the hook, against the force of the spring, and opened for release by the rotation of the lever of the latch towards the exterior of the hook, against the force of the spring.

Abstract: The facile tractor hook-up of the present invention includes a frame adapted to be received on a vertically moveable three point harness of a tractor. A hitching hook having a body, a loop engaging portion, and a spring tensioned keeper pivotally secured at one end to the body, is carried by the frame. The loop engaging portion has a hook shaped tip defining a loop receiving slot. The keeper has an open position allowing access to the loop receiving slot and a closed position extending to the hook shaped tip to close the loop receiving slot. A keeper actuator for remotely actuating the spring tensioned keeper between the closed and open positions is provided. A tongue adaptor, securable to towable apparatus, is further provided and includes an elongated tongue blade having a looped end portion for receipt by the loop engaging portion of the hitching hook and capture therein by the spring tensioned pivoting keeper.

Abstract: A safety hook in accordance with the invention comprises a body closed by a pivoting finger which can be prevented from rotating by a transverse locking lever. The locking lever is articulated on a lever pivot on the pivoting finger and has a notch engaging over a front lug of the body in the locked position, into which it is biased by a spring. This assures reliable locking by means of a locking lever that is easy to manipulate.

Abstract: A safety hook in accordance with the invention comprises a body closed by a pivoting finger which can be prevented from rotating by a transverse locking lever. The locking lever is articulated on a lever pivot on the pivoting finger and has a notch engaging over a front lug of the body in the locked position, into which it is biased by a spring. A mobile abutment can be selectively positioned on the locking lever to prevent it pivoting in the unlocking direction. This assures reliable locking by means of a Locking lever that is easy to manipulate and immobilize.

Abstract: A hook and unhooking coupling device for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object. The inventive device includes a pole member, and an engaging member having an opening and a tongue member secured to the distal end of the pole. The engaging member comprises a first member secured to a second member having an open V-shaped cross sectional area. A first edge is secured to the first member and a second edge is secured to the second member while leaving the opening unobstructed. The engaging member is removably positionable about the eyelet member of a latch hook for opening the spring latch while simultaneously retaining the latch hook firmly thereby allowing the user to manipulate the pole member so that the latch hook is positioned about a desired hook.

Abstract: A clasp mechanism having a main body, a keeper arm and a spring, where the keeper arm extends through the main body in an arm cavity. The keeper arm is pivotally attached to said main body to operate in a scissor-like manner. The keeper arm has a mating end which abuts a hook end on the main body to form a closed interior space and an actuating shoulder extending from the main body. The spring maintains the mating end in the closed position abutting the hook end until the actuating shoulder is pressed into the main body by the user.