A tool for tightening or loosening a load retaining chain, includes a tie rod having a central axis and oppositely threaded opposing ends; chain hooks each having a threaded pin engaging the threaded tie rod ends; and a lever arm having a ratcheting mechanism to rotate the tie rod and a far end configured to engage a chain link. The lever arm may pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the tie rod central axis.

What is described is a portable multifunctional tool having a handle portion and a tool accommodating portion having a tool function element arranged thereon configured to actuate a quick release chain fastener having two chain link plates and two chain link plate connection members. The tool function element has a first force exertion unit configured to exert a force on the first chain link plate connection member of the quick release chain fastener, and a second force exertion unit configured to exert a force on the second chain link plate connection member of the quick release chain fastener. The first force exertion unit and the second force exertion unit are translationally movable in relation to each other so as to actuate the quick release chain fastener by means of said translational movement. Moreover, the tool function element has a linear guide having a stationary first linear guide element and a second linear guide element movably arranged within the former, only one of the two force exertion units being arranged on the second linear guide element.

In accordance with one aspect, an applicator is provided for applying staple fasteners to an end of a conveyor belt. The applicator provides advancing, clenching, staple driving, and final set operations that are coordinated by a drive of the applicator. In one form, the drive includes a cam plate and the applicator includes a handle that may be pivoted to turn the cam plate through a range of motion. Turning of the cam plate causes cam followers received in cam paths of the cam plate to shift and operate the mechanisms of the applicator. A method of using an applicator to apply conveyor belt fasteners is also provided.

A hand operated tool for binding a load. The tool including a hollow tube with interior left hand and right hand threads at opposing ends. Opposing rods with exterior threads on one end and a releasable connection device on the other end that is screwed into each end of the tube. A gear rigidly mounted and encircling the tube allowing a pivotly attached ratcheting U-pawl to engage the gear teeth, the U-pawl attached to and carried by a handle assembly mounted on each side of the gear, the handle protruding perpendicular from the tube. The handle turning the tube in a first rotational direction drawing the rods closer together tightening the bind, the handle turning the tube in a second rotational direction moving the rods farther apart loosening the bind, the rods remaining stationary in rotation during rotation of the tube. A blocking device may be installed to prevent the U-pawl from pivoting into a position to turn the tube in the second rotational direction, that would loosen the bind on the load, the blocking device allowing normal ratcheting and turning of the tube in the first rotational direction tightening the bind on the load. A recessed-pawl partially pivoting independently of the U-pawl and engaging with the gear to prevent the tube from turning in the second-rotational-direction that would loosen the bind on the load when the U-pawl is in a neutral position whereby the U-pawl is not engaged with the gear. In addition, a tension-detecting-device suitable to detect or measure the tension on the ratchet load binder rods and also monitor and communicate the tension to the operator is also provided.

A belt splicer for splicing butt ends of thermoplastic belts together. The splicer uses a plurality of cranks in conjunction with heavy springs to close and rapidly open jaws holding butt ends of a belt in place against a heating wand for melting and against each other for welding the melted ends together. The rapid opening of the jaw also lowers the wand, which is locked in place by a wand lock during the melting of the butt ends.

A tensioning device uses two perpendicular gears so that common hand tool such as wrenches or socket wrenches can be used to drive the gears to rotate a barrel having two oppositely threaded apertures. Shafts having complementary threads inserted into the threaded apertures and means for connecting chain, wire rope, cable, or straps will be extended or retracted when tools rotate the driving gear. End effectors on the shafts include hooks or clevises for securing cargo, pads for use as a jack, and ball ends for use as an adjustable mechanical linkage such as the top link of a three-point agricultural hitch. Load locks can secure the threaded shafts from unwanted rotation while in transit or in other service.

A belt splicer includes a pair of decks, each configured to hold a belt end. At least one of the decks is movable along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the belt ends to impart a shearing force at the at least partially molten interface between the belt ends. The movement of at least one of the at least partially molten mating edges generally parallel to the interface facilitates formation of an improved joint between the belt ends.

A tensioning device uses two perpendicular gears so that common hand tool such as wrenches or socket wrenches can be used to drive the gears to rotate a barrel having two oppositely threaded apertures. Shafts having complementary threads inserted into the threaded apertures and means for connecting chain, wire rope, cable, or straps will be extended or retracted when tools rotate the driving gear. End effectors on the shafts include hooks or clevises for securing cargo, pads for use as a jack, and ball ends for use as an adjustable mechanical linkage such as the top link of a three-point agricultural hitch. Load locks can secure the threaded shafts from unwanted rotation while in transit or in other service.

A tensioning device comprised of; a gear box containing a bevel gear assembly inside the gear box with one gear attached directly to a barrel which passes through the gear box and threaded shafts at either end of the barrel. Inside the gear box is a guide which is placed such that a drive gear and the barrel gear are engaged when assembled and a socket wrench receptacle is part of the drive gear. The threaded shafts move in and out of the barrel based on the rotation of the gear. The tensioning device uses direct gearing of the rotational motion of the drive gear to rotate the barrel causing the shafts to be linearly displaced tightening or loosening a chain, cable or strap.

A belt splicer for splicing butt ends of thermoplastic belts together. The splicer uses a plurality of cranks in conjunction with heavy springs to close and rapidly open jaws holding butt ends of a belt in place against a heating wand for melting and against each other for welding the melted ends together. The rapid opening of the jaw also lowers the wand, which is locked in place by a wand lock during the melting of the butt ends.