The invention relates to a drive unit for a construction and/or material handling machine or lifting equipment such as a crane, comprising a torque density of more than 20 Nm/l at a predetermined output speed, wherein the drive unit comprises a drive motor and a connected transmission, wherein a fast-running electric motor is provided as the drive motor, wherein the motor speed thereof is at least two times said output speed of the drive unit and is reduced by the transmission by a factor of at least 2 to the output speed of the drive unit.

A hoisting system for hoisting a load includes: i) a main winch system having a main rope with an end connector mounted to an end of the main rope, ii) an auxiliary winch system having an auxiliary rope having at least one rope connector of which at least one is a splitable rope connector, the auxiliary rope comprising a first section and a second section connected to the first section via the splitable rope connector, wherein the splitable rope connector comprises at least two connector parts that are releasably connected with each other for allowing quick disconnection and reconnection between the second section and the first section, wherein the connector parts (are configured for releasably connecting with the end connector of the main rope, and iii) a hang-off point placed and configured for at least temporarily holding a respective rope connector of the auxiliary rope for transferring the load to the hang-off point. The system may include two auxiliary winch systems.

A payload control apparatus includes a spring-line a spring line actuating mechanism, a spring line flying sheave over which a load line can pass, and a spring line, wherein the spring line flying sheave can move into a position either where the flying sheave is spaced from and in non-contact with or contacting but non-path-altering in relation to the load line, further wherein the spring-line flying sheave can be moved into another position such that the flying sheave engages the load-line and alters its path length. Thus, when a marine surface vessel falls in a heave event that would otherwise cause the payload at the end of the load line to fall as well, the flying sheave will move to increase the path length causing a shortening of the path length, thereby preventing the payload from falling.

This invention relates to a winch and to a method of using the winch. The winch is ideally adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle such as a mini-excavator, and is likely to find its greatest utility in relation to the removal of underground pipes, electricity conduits, fibre optic cables and the like, as well as in the bursting of pipes. The invention provides a winch comprising a support column, a base, a magazine, a drive mechanism and a mounting structure. The drive mechanism is connected to the magazine and is adapted to rotate the magazine in use. The support column connects the magazine to the base. The mounting structure is adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle. The winch has a rotatable connection between the base and the mounting structure which is securable in a chosen rotational position, so that the base of the winch can be correctly aligned regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

A winch is disclosed having a motor, a spool rotated by the motor, and a line carried by the spool. Rotating the spool in a first, or winding direction causes the line to wind around the spool, and rotating the spool in a second, or unwinding direction causes the line to unwind from the spool. The winch also includes a tensioning device spaced apart from the spool, which tensioning device comprises a tensioning wheel that engages the line and is configured to apply tension to the line as it is being unwound.

A winch is disclosed having a motor, a spool rotated by the motor, and a line carried by the spool. Rotating the spool in a first, or winding direction causes the line to wind around the spool, and rotating the spool in a second, or unwinding direction causes the line to unwind from the spool. The winch also includes a tensioning device spaced apart from the spool, which tensioning device comprises a tensioning wheel that engages the line and is configured to apply tension to the line as it is being unwound.

A cable drawworks for a drilling rig is provided having a tubular cable reel with an electric motor placed within the cable reel, and a speed reducing unit coupling the motor to the cable reel. The speed reducing unit can include a cycloidal gear mechanism or a ring gear mechanism. The drawworks can include an air pathway passing through the motor and the cable reel for cooling or for heating in cold weather applications.

A cable drawworks for a drilling rig is provided having a tubular cable reel with an electric motor placed within the cable reel, and a speed reducing unit coupling the motor to the cable reel. The speed reducing unit can include a cycloidal gear mechanism or a ring gear mechanism. The drawworks can include an air pathway passing through the motor and the cable reel for cooling or for heating in cold weather applications.

A rotatable chain stopper includes a base, an actuator operatively coupled to the base, and a pair of latches pivotably coupled to the base. The orientation of the base and position of the latches are responsive to extension of the actuator. The rotatable chain stopper may be used as a portion of chain jack assembly, such as on an offshore vessel. The rotatable chain stopper may used in a method of pulling-in, paying-out, and positioning of an anchor chain, such as for mooring an offshore vessel.

An apparatus for controlling tension in a pulling rope that is attached to a flying, unmanned aerial device or drone may utilize a cylinder around which the rope is wound, a shaft that longitudinally passes through the cylinder, a disc brake rotor that is mounted to the shaft, a brake caliper that is mounted circumferentially at a periphery of the disc brake rotor, and a brake lever that tensions a cable that is attached to, and movable to control movement of, the brake caliper, which may be hydraulic, against surfaces the disc brake rotor. The brake lever may be hand actuated and mounted to a handlebar. A frame may be part of the apparatus and support apparatus components and may have a protruding hitch portion that inserts into a vehicle's receiver hitch. An adjustable pulling rope guide support through which the rope is threaded, mounts to the frame.