Abstract:
A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
Abstract:
A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
Abstract:
A system and method for storing energy during an off-peak period and distributing energy during a peak period in a wholesale energy market. The system has a first energy directing device for directing energy produced in the wholesale energy market during the off-peak period into an energy storage device, and a second energy directing device for directing the energy from said energy storage device into the wholesale energy market during the peak period. Also, a method for creating profit in a wholesale energy market.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for controlling a power winch, and a kit and method for retrofitting an existing control block to control a power winch. The apparatus consists of a control yoke control unit having an engine control switch, a winch control switch, and at least one switch support for supporting the engine control and winch control switches. Both switches are incorporated into the control yoke control unit. The control unit may have only a single switch support with both switches therein, or it may have two switch supports each with one switch. The control unit also includes a mechanism for attaching the control unit to a control yoke, and an electrical connection for connecting the winch control switch to a winch and a source of electrical power. The kit has a winch control switch, and a mechanism for attaching the winch control switch to an existing control yoke control unit. The kit also includes an electrical connection for electrically connecting the winch control switch to a source of electrical power and a winch.
Abstract:
A stage installation for vertical movement of multiple stage elements has a computer controlled winch assembly comprising a support member having a channel, a platform adjacent the support member, electrical control and electrical power raceways in the channel, and a multiplicity of winches supported on the platform. The winches include a housing, a bidirectional servomotor, a rotating drum driven by the motor in either direction to haul or pay out cables operatively connected to the stage elements. Connectors are coupled to the electrical power and electrical control raceways, and a remote computer terminal transmits signals to the winches to initiate and terminate operation of the servomotor.
Abstract:
A device for connecting a winch to a box hitch in a variety of orientations. The winch connector is generally comprised of an elongated length of square, cross-sectional tubular material having a winch end and a hitch connecting end. The hitch connecting end includes a hole formed through each of the connectors four walls. The holes formed through opposite walls being axially aligned. By placing the hitch end of the connector into a conventional box hitch, and passing a pin through the holes formed through the hitch and connector, the connector will be securely attached to the hitch. To reorient the connector, it may be removed from the hitch and rotated 90, 180 or 270 degrees about its longitudinal axis and then reinserted into the hitch. This will place the winch in a different orientation with respect to the truck. The connector may be adaptively formed to fit in either a class 2 or class 3 box hitch.
Abstract:
A compact, light weight, back packable winch and power source, including a cable quick release device to facilitate single handed use of the winch. The power train and cable retrieval mechanisms are mounted on one side of a back pack frame or platform, and straps and padding enabling the mechanism to be carried like a back pack are mounted on the other side of the frame together with folding legs that assist in supporting the assembly during operation. A substantial quantity of small diameter cable is wound onto the winch spool by a level wind mechanism. The spool and level wind mechanism are powered, through chain and sprocket assemblies, by a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is powered by a compact gasoline engine that operates a hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, controlled by a flow control valve. The quick release utilizes pincers attached to the cable end and a shroud that holds the pincers closed around a chain link or loop and that may be slipped out of engagement with the pincers to permit them to open and release the load attached to the chain link or loop.
Abstract:
A simplified wheel-lift mechanism is disclosed. The components of the wheel-lift mechanism are all formed of a plastic material that is corrosion resistant. Further, the wheel-lift mechanism includes a one-piece flexible coupling which reduces the complexity of the system over prior art systems. The one-piece flexible coupling includes a plurality of integrally molded discs connected by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced integrally molded posts. This results in a strong coupling which allows relative angular motion between the ends of the coupling. In a further feature of this invention, a locking key is operable to lock the wheel hub at a particular location. The locking key is selectively released to allow the wheel to be lowered. A unique drive mechanism is also included.
Abstract:
An auxiliary winch for mounting on the drive axle of an all terrain vehicle and operating by rotation of the drive axle to remove the all terrain vehicle from a stuck or bogged condition. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary winch is characterized by a split shaft fitting having matching split shaft halves for fixed retrofitting to the drive axle of the all terrain vehicle and a split reel characterized by a pair of matching split reel halves which mount on the split shaft fitting in normally rotatable relationship. A pair of wing nut bolts are used to couple the split shaft fitting to the split reel. One end of a winch line is anchored to the split reel, the winch line is extended through a pulley mounted on the vehicle frame above and in alignment with the split reel and the opposite end of the winch line is secured to a tree, stump or other fixed object when the all terrain vehicle is stuck or bogged. Removal of the all terrain vehicle from the stuck or bogged condition is then effected by placing the all terrain vehicle in gear and allowing the winch line to wind on the split reel.
Abstract:
Receiver apparatus for mounting accessories to the frame of a vehicle, and a method of manufacture of the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bumper/receiver is integrally formed, with the bumper being formed of heavygauge steel and being substantially hollow in the region bounded by its steel walls. Dual, laterally spaced, elogate, square cross-sectional receivers extend from a first outer expanse through the hollow region substantially beyond a second outer expanse of the bumper, forming elongate channels dimensioned to receive correspondingly spaced elongate mounting projections ("stingers") of a vehicular accessory. In the preferred embodiment, a third elongate receiver having a long axis parallel with the long axes of the spaced pair of receivers also is formed in the bumper, its axes being below the plane formed by the axes of the receiver pair. Each receiver is provided with means for lockably securing a stinger therein. In a modification, three laterally spaced receivers are rigidly joined to a crossmember having vehicle frame-mountable support brackets. The preferred method of manufacture of the bumper/receiver apparatus includes the use of a special jig to maintain the parallel alignment of plural receivers/stickers during their welded joinder to the bumper/crossmember. Finally, dual stinger accessories are described that interchangeably may be mounted within the receiver apparatus.