Methods and systems are provided for an externally actuatable pulling tool assembly. An example system may include a drum enclosing an externally actuatable input drive shaft, an output driven shaft, and a torque-limiting device positioned in-between the externally actuatable input drive shaft and the output driven shaft. The output driven shaft may be coupled to a transmission with a ring gear, the ring gear meshing with a plurality of teeth on an output end of the drum.

Methods and systems are provided for an externally actuatable pulling tool assembly. An example system may include a drum enclosing an externally actuatable input drive shaft, an output driven shaft, and a torque-limiting device positioned in-between the externally actuatable input drive shaft and the output driven shaft. The output driven shaft may be coupled to a transmission with a ring gear, the ring gear meshing with a plurality of teeth on an output end of the drum.

Described is a tugboat 1 for assisting a marine vessel 2 to manoeuvre. The tugboat 1 comprises a hull 11 having a perimeter P. The tugboat 1 also comprises a line handling system 10 comprising a line guide mechanism 100. The line guide mechanism 100 protrudes, or is positionable to protrude, away from the hull 11 for guiding a line 20 of the marine vessel 2 towards a predetermined region R of the perimeter P.

The invention provides a linear winch assembly (10), gripper assembly (14, 16) and a method of use. The linear winch assembly comprises a first gripper assembly comprising a first gripper block (28b) operable to grip a cable and a second gripper assembly comprising a second gripper block operable to grip a cable (17). The winch assembly comprises a first mechanism (30, 31, 32) operable to move at least part of the first gripper block out of the pathway of a cable connector to allow the connector (19) to pass through the first gripper assembly. The winch assembly also comprises a second mechanism operable to move at least part of the second gripper block out of the pathway of a cable connector to allow the connector to pass through the second gripper assembly. It also comprises a pivotable lid (28a).

A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

Apparatus for covering product containers loaded in a cargo container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automated cord reel including a spool and a motor configured to drive the spool. The spool when activated reels in a cord attached to a cargo blanket to spread the cargo blanket over product containers in the cargo container in a smooth motion and/or relatively constant speed to prevent snagging on the product containers. The automated cord reel may be configured as a mobile unit with wheels. A brake system may be provided to prevent movement of the automated cord reel during operation. The automated cord reel may have a battery to provide electric power to the motor. A magnetic floor brake may be configured to hold a cart body in a selected position.

Apparatus for covering product containers loaded in a cargo container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automated cord reel including a spool and a motor configured to drive the spool. The spool when activated reels in a cord attached to a cargo blanket to spread the cargo blanket over product containers in the cargo container in a smooth motion and/or relatively constant speed to prevent snagging on the product containers. The automated cord reel may be configured as a mobile unit with wheels. A brake system may be provided to prevent movement of the automated cord reel during operation. The automated cord reel may have a battery to provide electric power to the motor. A magnetic floor brake may be configured to hold a cart body in a selected position.

A wire pulling windier apparatus attachable to a tractor, loader or other mobile transport device capable of receiving attachments has a pass through frame attachable to the mobile device, a vertical support member on the frame for supporting a first winch with cable for attaching and pulling a fence wire to be tensioned, a second winch for raising and lowering a slide block assembly through which the first winch cable is guided to allow pulling the first winch cable at different vertical heights, and has winch tension limiting apparatus.

A portable pulling device and method therefore, the portable pulling device including a chassis frame, a power source, anchoring elements, a spool, a rope or cable attached thereon, and a centrifugal clutch with a chain or belt drive system allowing the ability to pull out the rope when the power source is at idle. The device further contains frame propulsion components such as wheels, skis, or tracks to facilitate movement of the pulling device into and through a confined area such as a forest or a barren area.

A method for creating a composite cable having at least one high-performance termination on at least one end. A high-performance termination is added to an end of a short synthetic tensile strength member. The strength of the tensile strength member and termination is then tested. Once tested satisfactorily, the short cable is spiced onto a long cable of the same type using prior art splicing techniques. The union of the short cable and the long cable creates a composite cable having a high-performance termination on at least one end. In most applications it is preferable to set the length of the short cable so that the interwoven splice will exist at a desired location.