We generally describe a winch (100) comprising: a plurality of ropes (130, 140) coupleable to a first load (200) or to different respective second loads (200, 210); a support frame (110); and a first roller (150) moveably coupled to the support frame (110), wherein a first rope (150) of the plurality of ropes (130, 140) is moveable over the first roller (150); wherein a movement of the first roller (150) is configured to shorten and/or lengthen a usable length of the first rope (140) of the plurality of ropes (130, 140), and wherein the shortening and/or lengthening of the usable length of the first rope (140) is configured to raise and/or lower the first load (200) or one of the second loads (200, 210) to which the first roller (150) is coupleable via the first rope (140).

The present application relates to a stopping method and apparatus for a device with a hoisting mechanism and a crane. The method includes: generating a displacement change rate according to position offset information of a hoisting handle of the device when the position offset information meets a triggering condition; comparing the displacement change rate with a preset threshold to generate a stopping control instruction; and controlling an overhead system of the device to perform deceleration stopping according to the stopping control instruction. The stopping method and apparatus for the device with the hoisting mechanism, the crane, the electronic device and the computer readable medium involved in the present application may achieve the purpose of rapid stopping control only through the hoisting handle of the device, and reduce the requirement for the driver's reaction time and increase the safety of the device when emergency stopping is required.

An electric winch control module of this disclosure provides improved means for detecting changes in a current carried by an electric winch motor power lead. The module's housing includes a magnetic flux shield contained within an exposed channel of the housing and located at or toward a vertical centerline of the channel and opposite a magnetic flux sensor of the control module. The magnetic flux shield is made of a ferromagnetic material and includes a bottom wall spanning the width of the open bottom of the channel, an open top arranged opposite the top wall of the channel, and opposing sidewalls opposite a respective sidewall of the channel. The shield surrounds the side and lower portions of the lead below the sensor when in the channel, shielding the wire and sensor from outside interference while at the same time exposing an upper portion of the lead to the sensor.

A tension monitoring apparatus is used for installing an underground utility by retraction that is applied to the utility. The tension monitoring apparatus includes a sensor for inground sensing of the tension force that is applied to the utility to produce a sensor signal. A processor monitors the tension force in a series of measurement intervals such that a plurality of tension force readings is generated for each of the measurement intervals. The processor stores a data set including a maximum tension force selected from the plurality of tension force readings for each one of the measurement intervals and copies the data set to a different location to create a copied data set after installation of the utility for subsequent selection and presentation of an overall maximum tension force.

A tension monitoring apparatus is used for installing an underground utility by retraction that is applied to the utility. The tension monitoring apparatus includes a sensor for inground sensing of the tension force that is applied to the utility to produce a sensor signal. A processor monitors the tension force in a series of measurement intervals such that a plurality of tension force readings is generated for each of the measurement intervals. The processor stores a data set including a maximum tension force selected from the plurality of tension force readings for each one of the measurement intervals and copies the data set to a different location to create a copied data set after installation of the utility for subsequent selection and presentation of an overall maximum tension force.

A system includes two or more lifting devices attached to a structure each lifting device having a drum rotated by a motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, each of the lifting devices are quickly and easily detachable from the structure by way of a flange and mounting bracket. The flange and mounting bracket have holes which are coaxially aligned. A pin or other fastener is used to join the flange and mounting bracket together. Two or more lifting devices may be connected to and moved along a mounting bracket.

A crane 1, the hook (main hook 24) of which is stored on the lower end of a boom 7, and the winch (main winch 9) of which can be moved by a hydraulic motor 37, said crane being provided with a pressure sensor 55 capable of detecting the pressure of hydraulic fluid being delivered to the hydraulic motor 37, and a controller 61 capable of recognizing changes in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor 55, and also being provided with an anomaly warning means Mi capable of providing warning of anomalies pertaining to the storage of at least the hook (24), the controller 61 activating the anomaly warning means Mi when it is determined that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid when the hook has been stored is below a minimum value.

A crane 1, the hook (main hook 24) of which is stored on the lower end of a boom 7, and the winch (main winch 9) of which can be moved by a hydraulic motor 37, said crane being provided with a pressure sensor 55 capable of detecting the pressure of hydraulic fluid being delivered to the hydraulic motor 37, and a controller 61 capable of recognizing changes in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor 55, and also being provided with an anomaly warning means Mi capable of providing warning of anomalies pertaining to the storage of at least the hook (24), the controller 61 activating the anomaly warning means Mi when it is determined that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid when the hook has been stored is below a minimum value.

A sleeve block includes a frame that is connectable to an object, such as a truss, that is to be moved relative to a stationary support. An axle defining a longitudinal axis and a motor are to the frame. The sleeve block includes a line that has a first end connected to the motor. The line extends downward from the motor around at least a portion of the axle and then extends outwardly of the frame so that at least a portion of the line is operatively connected to the stationary support. The portion of the line between the axle and the stationary support creates a line axis, and the motor is spaced apart from the line axis. Activation of the rotatable output of said motor causes the frame and the object to move relative to the stationary support by retracting or extending the line from the motor.

A sleeve block includes a frame that is connectable to an object, such as a truss, that is to be moved relative to a stationary support. An axle defining a longitudinal axis and a motor are to the frame. The sleeve block includes a line that has a first end connected to the motor. The line extends downward from the motor around at least a portion of the axle and then extends outwardly of the frame so that at least a portion of the line is operatively connected to the stationary support. The portion of the line between the axle and the stationary support creates a line axis, and the motor is spaced apart from the line axis. Activation of the rotatable output of said motor causes the frame and the object to move relative to the stationary support by retracting or extending the line from the motor.