A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve and a driven member. The housing includes a first attachment feature. The driven member includes a second attachment feature. The inner sleeve is disposed at least partially in the housing and is rotatably coupled with the housing. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing and is operably coupled with the inner sleeve such that rotation of the drive member facilitates rotation of the inner sleeve. The driven member is movable with respect to the guide member between a retracted position and an extended position along a centerline.

A modular attachment device for insertion into a plurality of strands of a braided rope, comprising: at least one braiding segment that is braidable into the plurality of strands; at least one first lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a first lateral attachment interface; and at least one second lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a second lateral attachment interface, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral fixation segments comprises at least one anchor point for attachment of an external component, and wherein the first and second lateral fixation segments are mountable to the at least one braiding segment for securing the plurality of strands on the at least one braiding segment.

A modular attachment device for insertion into a plurality of strands of a braided rope, comprising: at least one braiding segment that is braidable into the plurality of strands; at least one first lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a first lateral attachment interface; and at least one second lateral fixation segment that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a second lateral attachment interface, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral fixation segments comprises at least one anchor point for attachment of an external component, and wherein the first and second lateral fixation segments are mountable to the at least one braiding segment for securing the plurality of strands on the at least one braiding segment.

In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.

A swaged fitting can be fixed to a wire rope while simultaneously providing a desired shape and size, thereby avoiding the need for subsequent material removal. In one application, the swaged fitting is fixed to the wire rope by a forging operation such that the fitting is securely fixed provides a straight-sided construct once fixed to the wire rope. After the forging operation and without further material removal, the straight sides of the finished fitting are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wire rope, while the end surfaces of the fitting are generally perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. This arrangement provides a strong and effective force-transfer interface for, e.g., end-effectors in medical devices.

A swaged fitting can be fixed to a wire rope while simultaneously providing a desired shape and size, thereby avoiding the need for subsequent material removal. In one application, the swaged fitting is fixed to the wire rope by a forging operation such that the fitting is securely fixed provides a straight-sided construct once fixed to the wire rope. After the forging operation and without further material removal, the straight sides of the finished fitting are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wire rope, while the end surfaces of the fitting are generally perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. This arrangement provides a strong and effective force-transfer interface for, e.g., end-effectors in medical devices.

A torque load binder for changing tension in a chain or strap securing a load to a vehicle or support surface. The load binder includes a housing with an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism operatively engaged with the gear mechanism and extending outwardly from the housing. A high speed first driveshaft and a lower speed second driveshaft on the load binder are selectively individually actuated to effect movement between first and second end linkages of the connector mechanism. The first driveshaft effects movement between the first and second end linkages at a first speed and the second driveshaft effects movement between the end linkages at a lower second speed. Rotation of either of the first or second driveshafts actuates the connector mechanism, changing the distance between the first and second end linkages, and thereby changing the tension in the tie-down.

A torque load binder for changing tension in a chain or strap securing a load to a vehicle or support surface. The load binder includes a housing with an internal gear mechanism and a connector mechanism operatively engaged with the gear mechanism and extending outwardly from the housing. A high speed first driveshaft and a lower speed second driveshaft on the load binder are selectively individually actuated to effect movement between first and second end linkages of the connector mechanism. The first driveshaft effects movement between the first and second end linkages at a first speed and the second driveshaft effects movement between the end linkages at a lower second speed. Rotation of either of the first or second driveshafts actuates the connector mechanism, changing the distance between the first and second end linkages, and thereby changing the tension in the tie-down.

A tensioning device could be used in many different applications such as but not limited to a combination safety harness and tensioning device. The tensioning device could be a positioning device and a strap tensioner for the safety harness. The combination safety harness and tensioning device could be used with any suitable tensioning device.

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.