An indicator for use with a winch is disclosed. It includes; a sensor for determining the load on a winch, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a load indicator comprising multiple lights in an array. Each of the lights in the array can be changed by the controller from one appearance to another. The controller is configured to change the appearance of each of the lights in the array, with the number of lights with a changed appearance being proportional to the load sensed by the sensor. Preferably, the indicator is incorporated into a fairlead for use with a winch.

The present application relates generally to systems and methods for controlling operation of a winch system. As one example, lighting control system of the winch system may include a plurality of lights coupled to the winch, a plurality of sensors coupled to the winch, and a controller including memory with instructions for: adjusting an output of the plurality of lights in response to signals received from the plurality of sensors to indicate an operational status of the winch. In this way, the plurality of lights and plurality of sensors may work together in a synergistic manner to create alerts for an operator of the winch system.

Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

A device for supporting a cable of a capstan of a crane includes a main supporting structure; a pulley rotatably supported by the main supporting structure, adapted to guide the cable of the capstan; and a sensor for measuring the angular position of the pulley. The pulley includes an auxiliary crown having a plurality of projecting elements disposed along the circumference thereof, and the sensor includes a stationary body integral with the main supporting structure and a wheel rotatable with respect to the stationary body, including a deformable crown meshing with the auxiliary crown of the pulley and made of a material such to deform due to the engagement of the projecting elements, wherein the sensor further includes means for detecting the angular position of the wheel with respect to the stationary body of the sensor.

A device for supporting a cable of a capstan of a crane includes a main supporting structure; a pulley rotatably supported by the main supporting structure, adapted to guide the cable of the capstan; and a sensor for measuring the angular position of the pulley. The pulley includes an auxiliary crown having a plurality of projecting elements disposed along the circumference thereof, and the sensor includes a stationary body integral with the main supporting structure and a wheel rotatable with respect to the stationary body, including a deformable crown meshing with the auxiliary crown of the pulley and made of a material such to deform due to the engagement of the projecting elements, wherein the sensor further includes means for detecting the angular position of the wheel with respect to the stationary body of the sensor.

A hoist system may include an airframe, a cable disposed between the hoist assembly and a hook assembly, and a cable angle exceedance detection arrangement. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a housing comprising a first end and a second end, a payout disposed within the housing and comprising an aperture within an interior surface and disposed a first end and a second end of the payout, a detection member coupled to the housing, and a wiring assembly coupled to and disposed between the detection member and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled with a display assembly via a communication assembly.

A hoist system may include an airframe, a cable disposed between the hoist assembly and a hook assembly, and a cable angle exceedance detection arrangement. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a housing comprising a first end and a second end, a payout disposed within the housing and comprising an aperture within an interior surface and disposed a first end and a second end of the payout, a detection member coupled to the housing, and a wiring assembly coupled to and disposed between the detection member and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled with a display assembly via a communication assembly.

A method for monitoring operation of a winch having a motor driving a drum on which a cable is wound, the cable being able to be wound on several winding layers whose number varies depending on the winding and unwinding of the cable, the method implementing continuous monitoring of the number of winding layers of the cable on the drum while ensuring in real time at least the following steps: measuring a first parameter (P1) representative of a linear travel speed of the cable leaving the drum; measuring a second parameter (P2; P2) representative of a rotation speed of the drum; and determining the number of winding layers of the cable depending on the first parameter and the second parameter. This method may find an advantageous application in the monitoring of winches of lifting device, and in particular cranes.

An arrangement for detecting the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope when used on such hoists, with a device for determining at least one rope parameter and an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter, and providing a discard signal depending upon the evaluation of the rope parameter. The determination device comprises bending stiffness determination means for determining the bending stiffness of the rope, whereby the evaluation unit provides the discard signal depending on the determined bending stiffness of the rope.