Abstract: A device for winding a flexible tube, the device including two identical blades LA placed opposite ways round one against the other and pivotally secured to each other about their respective axes of axial symmetry, which together constitute a pivot axis PIV. One of the blades presents in its left edge an upwardly open notch EC that is formed by a first circular arc ARC1 having its origin at a connection point PR situated on the right edge of the notch and on the longitudinal axis LG of the blade; a diameter of the first circular arc lying on the longitudinal axis; and the first circular arc presenting a central angle ? of not less than 180°.

Abstract: A control system for a component of a rescue hoist attached to an aircraft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the control system includes a first bus extending between a control module of the rescue hoist and a control input device; a second bus extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device; and a hardwire extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device.

Abstract: A rotatable release mechanism mounted to an output shaft of a servo/mechanical device and connected to a transport device. The mechanism has at least one wheel with at least one opening that is in communication with a slot that extends to an outer perimeter of the wheel. The opening receives and retains a connecting device during transport and releases the connecting device upon rotation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A helicopter load hook has a release mechanism that can be mounted in a fixed position in a housing for controllable identification and release of a swivel movement of a hook. The release mechanism includes a magnetic switch and a drum that can rotate. The release mechanism also includes at least one latching piece, which can be swivelled about a latching piece axis of rotation and at least one force receiver, which can be swivelled about a swivel axis, together with a pin. The pin can be connected with a locking lug on the drum together with a hook follower on the hook, such that an indirect connection between the hook and the drum, or more particularly, the magnetic switch, can be achieved, and any direct contact between the hook and the magnetic switch is eliminated. In the closed position of the hook the pin makes any swivelling movement of the hook impossible.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses for passively releasing a payload of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a housing; (ii) a swing arm coupled to the housing, wherein the swing arm is operable to toggle between an open position and a closed position; (iii) a spring mechanism adapted to exert a force on the swing arm from the open position toward the closed position; (iv) a receiving system of a UAV adapted to receive the housing, wherein the receiving system causes the swing arm to be arranged in the open position; and (v) a spool operable to unwind and wind a tether coupled to the housing, wherein unwinding the tether causes a descent of the housing from the receiving system, and wherein winding the tether causes an ascent of the housing to the receiving system.

Abstract: A clamp assembly provides an attachment point for securely gripping pipe or other tubular goods including, without limitation, a section of coiled tubing. The clamp assembly beneficially includes a pad-eye member for attaching the clamp assembly (and any attached tubing) to a hook of a crane or other lifting mechanism. The clamp assembly also prevents partially unspooled coiled tubing from re-winding through a winding guide of a spool, thereby maintaining a distal outer end of the coiled tubing in an easily accessible location.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for assembling or dismantling a crane 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 (11) furthermore has counterweights (110) for setting a center of gravity of the crane.

Abstract: A saw blade guard quick release structure and a method for locking and unlocking saw blade guard includes a locating member, a connection member, and a retaining unit. The locating member has two retaining notches. The connection member includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The retaining unit is installed on the connection member, including a linking member, a drag member movable along the first guide portion, two retaining members respectively pivotally connected to the drag member and movable along the second guide portion, and a spring member. The method includes mounting the connection member directly on the locating member and selectively engaging the retaining members with the locating notches, thereby locking or unlocking the saw blade guard.

Abstract: A base has at its upper end a crane engagement portion with which a hook of a crane is engaged. Pivotally engaged with a first shaft affixed to the base below the crane engagement portion, is a substantial center of a lever holder. Swingably mounted on a second shaft affixed to the base below the first shaft is a proximal end of a link lever, and this link lever has a distal end releasably engaged with a distal end of the lever holder. One end of a sling including the other end to be hung on the hook of the crane so as to be engageable with a heavy load, is releasably hung on the link lever. Further, a release lowers a proximal end of the lever holder to thereby release the distal end of the link lever from the distal end of the lever holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting two objects comprises: a housing formed as a hollow type, and having one closed end to which a first object is connected and another opened end; a coupling portion mounted in the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction of the housing, and to which a second object is connected; a clamping portion coupled to the housing for clamping the coupling portion; a cylinder disposed in the housing for pressurizing the clamping portion so that a clamped state of the coupling portion by the clamping portion can be maintained; and a gas generator integrally coupled to an outer surface of the housing so as to be in communication with inside of the housing for generating gas of a high pressure thereby releasing a clamped state of the coupling portion and separating the coupling portion from the housing. Two objects are easily connected or disconnected to/from each other by the simple construction.

Abstract: Retrieval equipment for a deployed bungy essentially comprising a retrieval/hauling member and a terminal coupling unit connectable to or integral with the free end of the bungy. The retrieval/hauling member is attached to a retrieval cable and is provided with an aperture for receipt of the bungy. Releasable engagement of the retrieval/hauling member and the terminal coupling unit and subsequent hauling retrieves the deployed bungy back to the jump site.

Abstract: A self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling an object includes a support housing with upper and lower portions and defining an internal recess. The lower portion of the housing includes a bottom opening which communicates with the recess. Preferably, two or three grapple jaws are provided, the first end portions of which are connected to the housing and the second end portions thereof remain free for engaging an object. The grapple jaws are pivotable between open and closed positions. An actuator member is slidably positioned in the recess for opening and closing the jaws, and includes a cam portion in operative engagement with the first end portions of the jaws in a manner to pivot the jaws when the actuator member moves axially relative to the housing. The actuator member includes a rotatable member with at least one contact member.