4726results about "Winding mechanisms" patented technology

A rope tensioner sets the tension of a rope operated switch assembly actuable to switch between first and second conditions on a change in tension of the rope. The tensioner comprises a body, a rotatable member which engages the rope, a shaft for rotating the member relative to the body to adjust tension in the rope by winding the rope around the member, and a lock to lock the member in position relative to the body. The rope opperated switch assembly is much simpler to install than previous assemblies, as the tensioner may be simply threaded or otherwise installed onto the rope without the rope having to be cut.

An electronic winch monitoring system for a winch having a fixed-ratio gearbox with input and output shafts, a winch drum connected to the output shaft, and an auxiliary brake connected to the output shaft activated by reducing the pressure in a brake release hydraulic circuit. The system comprises an input shaft speed sensor, an output shaft speed sensor, and an electronic control unit having a monitoring section and a brake control section. The monitoring section receives the speed signals, processes them to produce a calculated ratio of actual input to output shaft speeds, and produces a fault indication signal when the value of the difference between the calculated speed ratio and the fixed ratio exceeds a predetermined value. The brake control section, upon receiving the fault signal, reduces the hydraulic pressure in the brake circuit using a nonlinear pressure-time profile to engage the auxiliary brake and stop the winch drum.

A combination descender, pulley, and force limiting rope brake for rope rescue has a supporting plate having a one-way pulley sheave rotatably mounted thereto for free-wheeling rotation of the sheave in only a first rotational direction. A fixed brake member is mounted rigidly to the supporting plate. A movable brake member is pivotally mounted to the supporting plate. A pinching opening is defined by the gap. The rope passes in a first direction through the gap when the sheave is free-wheeling in the first rotational direction. The movable brake member translates relative to the fixed brake member in cooperation with rotation of the sheave. Rotation-under-load of the sheave in an opposite rotational direction urges translation of the movable brake member towards the fixed brake member from an open position, wherein the pinching opening is open sufficiently to allow the rope to freely pass therethrough, to a closed position wherein the movable brake member closes the pinching opening so as to frictionally pinch the rope at a preset minimum opening of the pinching opening.

A walk assist device including a mechanism for mechanically providing a lifting force to lift a patient from a seated position and provide a weight support force to a patient at an individually adjusted height level along the length of an exercise run.

The present invention provides a wind-turbine rotor-blade hoisting apparatus that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades without using a plurality of heavy machines and that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades on a site having a complex land shape with little flat land, a method for attaching a wind-turbine rotor blade, and a method for constructing a wind power generator. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a sheave (14) that guides a hoisting wire (17) from a rotor head (4), to which a wind-turbine rotor blade (6) is to be attached, toward the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) and that is arranged so as to be movable in a direction along the rotation axis of the rotor head (4); a retaining portion (15) that retains an attaching end of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) such that a line connecting the center of gravity of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) and a connecting portion, to which the hoisting wire (17) is connected, crosses the longitudinal axis of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6); and a winch (12) that is disposed on the ground and that draws the hoisting wire (17) to wind up or let out the retaining portion (15).

A mobile land rig for use in wellbore operations. The mobile land rig, in certain aspects, has a vehicle; an erectable mast; winch apparatus (e.g., one or two winches); and electric motor apparatus for powering the winch apparatus. In one aspect there are two winches and one electric motor powers both winches. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.

A winch drum drive system for controlling a kite. The winch drum drive system includes spools for winding an unwinding kite control lines and a set of planetary gears rotatably attached to one end of each of the spools. A ring gear wraps around each set of planetary gears so that the internal perimeter of the ring gear is meshed with each of the planetary gears in the set. The ring gear includes a set of external teeth so that it may be meshed with a second ring gear corresponding to a different spool. A ring drive gear is meshed with one of the ring gears, so that when power is sent to the ring drive gear the ring gears rotate in different directions. A sun gear is positioned between and meshed with each set of planetary gears. A sun drive gear is placed between and meshed with the sun gears so that when power is sent to the sun drive gear, the sun gears rotate in the same direction. Using the proposed configuration, powering the ring drive gear causes the spools to rotate in opposite directions and powering the sun drive gear causes the spools to rotate in the same direction.

A wind turbine has a nacelle frame and a first hoist substantially permanently mounted on the frame. The method comprises the processes of hoisting a second, more powerful hoist and crane on the frame with the first hoist; removably mounting the second hoist and the crane on the nacelle frame; hoisting a winch using the second hoist and the crane on the frame, and removably mounting the winch on said frame; performing operations involving handling heavy parts employing said winch; and removing and lowering said winch, crane, and second hoist from the frame.

A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

An application includes a plurality of features. A transaction is engaged with a retailer to obtain a product license corresponding to the application. The product license defines at least one feature of the application that may be employed. A base copy of the application is obtained from a distributor and is actuated. A use license corresponding to the product license is acquired from a licensor by way of the actuated application sending the product license to the licensor along with an identification of at least one of a user, the computing device, and a trusted component operating on the computing device, where the use license includes feature policy granting rights to employ each feature defined in the product license.

A hoisting device can be small-sized and energy can be saved. A hoisting device 10 according to the present invention has a hoist 30 and a control unit 32. The hoist 30 rotates a drum 12 having a wire 14 wound thereon by an oil pressure motor 42 rotatable in normal and reverse directions. To the oil pressure motor 42, operating oil is supplied from an oil pressure pump 44. The oil pressure pump 44 is a two-way discharge fixed capacity type, and rotated by a servomotor 46. An acceleration/displacement transducer 34 in the control unit 32 finds a moving direction and a moving speed of a wire hanging point in the vertical direction from an output signal of an acceleration sensor 24. The control unit 32 outputs a drive control signal of the servomotor 46 according to a paying-out speed or a rolling-up speed of the wire 14 offsetting the vertical motion of the wire hanging point caused by the heaving of a hull based on a speed instruction Vi of the paying-out or rolling-up speed of the wire, a detected signal of the acceleration sensor 24 and a detected signal of a wire speed sensor 26.

An electrically-powered service rig utilizes an engine-driven generator to power a propulsion system, a drawworks system and a sandline system, all mounted on a single mobile platform. The rig utilizes lightweight permanent magnet motors to enable integration of the systems onto a single mobile platform which meets transport regulations. The rig's power plant is capable of powering other on-site equipment such as mud pump motors through use of umbilicals connected to the engine-driven generator.

Provided are a novel transition metal complex where a monocyclopentadienyl ligand to which an amido group is introduced is coordinated, a catalyst composition including the same, and an olefin polymer using the catalyst composition.

The transition metal complex has a pentagon ring structure having an amido group connected by a phenylene bridge in which a stable bond is formed in the vicinity of a metal site, and thus, a sterically hindered monomer can easily approach the transition metal complex. By using a catalyst composition including the transition metal complex, a linear low density polyolefin copolymer having a high molecular weight and a very low density polyolefin copolymer having a density of 0.910 g/cc or less can be produced in a polymerization of monomers having large steric hindrance. Further, the reactivity for the olefin monomer having large steric hindrance is excellent.

A solid state controller is provided for a winch and includes fault detection for several parameters and overload interrupt controlled by the controller. The system uses a single controller that can be programmed for several different products and utilizes MOSFET switches for alternating the direction of current

A hand trolley includes a chassis formed from side frames comprising parallel frame members, wheels and a base platform provided with a load lifting carriage having a lifting surface. The carriage can be raised from a low position on the base platform to an elevated position by operating a hand cranked winch with a crank handle rotatable about an axle located proximate to a hand grip on the chassis rails and parallel to the axis of the wheels. The positioning and orientation of the crank handle allows correct ergonomic use by an operator who can grip the trolley chassis with one hand while controlling and operating the crank handle in an ergonomically sound position.

Provided herein are wind turbine tower assembly and maintenance systems and schemes. In particular, wind tower maintenance platforms are provided in order to allow service personnel to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on wind turbine towers. Some platforms disclosed herein adjust to the outer diameter of the tower, which varies tuned to the general conical shape of the tower. Other platforms provide a platform shape that allows the platform to encircle both the tower and wholly or partially encircle the turbine blade to allow personnel easy access to the blade. Other variations disclosed herein provide powerful climbing mechanisms to allow the turbine service platform to externally climb the tower carrying service personnel, parts, or even turbine blades. Gripping or braking mechanisms are provided to secure the service platform to the tower. A system is provided for lowering or raising turbine blades to and from the hub without requiring a crane.

An overhead storage system for efficiently and conveniently stowing items such as bicycles at ceiling level. The overhead storage system includes a motor connected to a spool unit, a frame supporting the motor and attachable to a ceiling, an extended member extending from the frame, a pulley attached to a distal portion of the extended member, a first cable and a second cable attached to the spool unit with the second cable extending through the pulley, and a support member attached to the distal portions of the first cable and the second cable. The support member is comprised of an elongated structure capable of supporting one or more items such as but not limited to bicycles. A control unit controls the operation of the motor and is in communication with a controller operated by a user for raising and lowering the support member.

Portable power driven rope climbing apparatus having a motor driving a gear reduction mechanism which drives a pulley wheel securing a rope extending thereabouts. A rope output guide member is provided for maintaining the rope in engagement with the pulley wheel an attachment mechanism for attaching an external load. The attachment mechanism comprises a rope entry guide member for supporting a rope as it enters the apparatus, so as to provide a fulcrum point about which the mass of the apparatus exerts a first moment. The attachment mechanism further comprises a seat member for supporting the load. The seat member is held remote from the main body such that the load, when mounted thereon exerts a second, opposed moment about the fulcrum.

A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

The invention discloses a scheme of a flying lifesaving system fixedly or movably arranged on the bridge or deck, characterized in that: a large-diameter main ducted coaxial reversible dual-rotor body is used for bearing main lift; small-diameter ducted rotor bodies are symmetrically arranged around the large-diameter main ducted coaxial reversible dual-rotor body in the same plane, connecting arms can freely move in the forms of stretching, twisting, shaking and swinging, thus the effects of bearing assistant lift, mainly controlling the direction and resisting vortex ring are achieved; and a variable inertia system and an energy delivery dragging cable system are arranged in the main rotor. The device can resist turbulent flow sudden shearing transition winds and has anti-adverse wind long-endurance submersible capability, can fly within the length of the dragging cable or the distance of wireless remote like helicopter rescue principles under sea conditions in bad weather and directly fly beyond the persons in water to hover to conduct marine salvage; and can land on the water surface to float to release rescue devices to let the persons in water enter, and swan the rescue devices by using the motive force of the rotors and the pulling force of the energy delivery dragging cable to the lifeboats to save people, thus the rescue scheme and equipment of the rescue devices under sea conditions in bad weather are achieved.

A cable winder guide is disclosed comprising a cylindrical drum having a cylindrical surface with a shaft rotatably mounting the cylindrical drum. A drive is provided for rotating the cylindrical drum about the shaft. A helical groove is defined in the cylindrical surface of the drum for retrieving and releasing the cable upon rotation of the cylindrical drum. A cable retainer is disclosed for resiliently engaging the cable when the cable is located within the helical groove for maintaining the cable within the helical groove.

A tree stand hoist includes a holder frame with stop bars and harnesses for fastening to a tree, a bracket provided at the back side of the holder frame to support a cable wheel, a cable pulley assembly provided with a rope for fastening to the tree at a high place, a steel cable, which has one end fastened to the cable wheel and the other end inserted through the cable pulley assembly and terminating in a hook for hooking a tree stand, and a crank handle for rotating the cable wheel through a gear transmission mechanism to roll up the steel cable so as to lift the tree stand for setting up on the tree.

A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener

A manual marine barge winch includes a housing, a winch-line holding drum mounted for rotation on the housing, a winch-line coupled to the drum and adapted to be wound onto and off of the holding drum to tension and pay out the winch, a drum drive for rotating the drum to tension and to pay out the winch line, and at least one winch-line engaging roller adapted to engage the winch line at least during tensioning of the winch. Preferably at least one of the winch line engaging rollers is a powered or driven roller for driving the winch line.

A system for raising and lowering a wide range of objects on an elongated tubular structure includes a carriage subsystem with a tubular body having an interior central channel an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the elongated tubular structure. Rollers facilitate linear translation of the tubular body along the elongated tubular structure. At least one hook is pivotally mounted on the tubular body and configured to controllably engage a means for locking the carriage in a raised position. The carriage subsystem also includes a flange for attaching an object to the carriage subsystem. A winch and cable control motion of the carriage system between a lowered position adjacent to the base and a raised position adjacent to the top of the tubular structure. A collar attached to the top of the tubular structure includes a tubular body with an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the tubular body of the carriage subsystem. At least one slot is formed in the tubular body of the collar and configured for controllable engagement by the hook pivotally mounted on the tubular body in the interior central channel of the carriage subsystem. At least one pulley is rotatably mounted to the tubular body of the collar and configured for guiding a lanyard attached to the carriage subsystem at one end of the lanyard. An irrigation subsystem may be provided to irrigate supported planters. An electrical subsystem comprising aligned electrode assemblies may also be provided to supply electric power to an electrical load supported by the carriage when the carriage is locked in the raised position.

A method for removing a rotor blade from a wind turbine may generally include installing a blade sock around an outer perimeter of the rotor blade, coupling a support cable to the blade root, lowering the rotor blade relative to the hub using the support cable, coupling at least one pulley cable between the rotor blade and a winch using at least one pulley, moving the pulley cable relative to the pulley to lower the rotor blade relative to the hub, applying a force through the blade sock as the pulley cable is moved relative to the pulley in order to control an orientation of the rotor blade and further lowering the rotor blade to a location on or adjacent to the support surface.

The invention is a hoisting device for a vessel a base structure provided with fixed cable blocks with pulleys; a trolley connected to a cable pulley block and a mechanism for gripping a load; a compensator a hoisting mechanism with a hoisting cable and a winch, wherein the hoisting cable is guided over the cable pulleys connected to the base structure and is adapted to move the trolley relative to the base structure with the aid of the winch; a secondary compensator with fixed cable blocks and pulleys connected to the base; a cable pulley set connected to the compensator end; a connection cable connected to a stationary section and a movable cable block with pulleys; a hoist connected to the vessel; a connecting cable guided over pulleys; and movable cable block and is adapted to move the compensator second end with the aid of the secondary hoisting mechanism.

A tethered unmanned aerial system (UAS) is described, wherein the flight of one or more UASs may be used in connection with a water and light display.

An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided that tracks the groove and extends into the groove. The roller pushes the line into the groove. In certain embodiments, the roller pushes the line to a bottom of the groove to ensure that the line is properly seated therein.