In one embodiment, a method for transporting a modular bi-level storage and transport assembly (MTA) includes the steps of activating a location transponder, receiving, by a first transport mechanism, location information from the location transponder, determining that the location transponder is broadcasting a pickup request signal, transmitting a location and orientation of the MTA to the first transport mechanism, causing the first transport mechanism to travel to the location of the MTA, securely connecting the MTA to the first transport mechanism, and transporting the MTA to a specified destination using the first transport mechanism.

A method for creating a composite cable having at least one high-performance termination on at least one end. A high-performance termination is added to an end of a short synthetic tensile strength member. The strength of the tensile strength member and termination is then tested. Once tested satisfactorily, the short cable is spiced onto a long cable of the same type using prior art splicing techniques. The union of the short cable and the long cable creates a composite cable having a high-performance termination on at least one end. In most applications preferable to set the length of the short cable so that the interwoven splice will exist at a desired location.

Provided herein is a electronically-controlled wheelchair securement system with a winch apparatus that is adapted for pulling and steering a mobility device (e.g., wheelchair, scooter, stretcher, etc.) up and down the ramp of a rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle and for providing securement for the mobility device during transport. The system includes two motorized front tie-down units adapted to be positioned in the vehicle at the front of the wheelchair securement area. The front tie-down units have extendable/retractable restraints adapted to connect to the front corners of the mobility device frame. By varying the motor speed between the two front tie-down units, the mobility device can be steered up the ramp. For example, when pulling the mobility device up the ramp, the mobility device can be directed to the left by increasing the speed of the right tie-down unit, slowing the speed of the left tie-down unit, or both. Similarly, the mobility device can be directed to the right by increasing the speed of the left tie-down unit, slowing the speed of the right tie-down unit, or both. Similar adjustments can be made to the speeds of the motors when the mobility device is being directed down the ramp.

A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having one or more processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18. A horizontally-oriented winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 in communication with the driven rollers 32 and the winch drum 38 transfers rotational energy about the vertical axis from the processor driving rollers 14 to rotational energy about the axis of rotation of the winch drum 38. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system.

A shake-proof hook is provided, which includes a hook end that defines a receptacle. The hook end includes a lead-in portion and a channel spaced apart from the lead-in portion. The shake-proof hook includes a coupling end coupled to the hook end. The coupling end includes a retaining portion and at least one coupling ring. The retaining portion extends along a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shake-proof hook and the at least one coupling ring extends along a second axis. The second axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second axis is different than the first axis.

Systems configured to enable independent and simultaneous operation of winching and propulsion systems via a single traction motor are provided. The system may comprise a propulsion system configured to propel a vehicle, a winching system comprising a winch coupled to the vehicle, a battery, an output gear train, and an electric traction motor configured to direct power flow from the battery to the propulsion system and the winching system via the output gear train.

A method for creating a composite cable having at least one high-performance termination on at least one end. A high-performance termination is added to an end of a short synthetic tensile strength member. The strength of the tensile strength member and termination is then tested. Once tested satisfactorily, the short cable is spiced onto a long cable of the same type using prior art splicing techniques. The union of the short cable and the long cable creates a composite cable having a high-performance termination on at least one end. In most applications it is preferable to set the length of the short cable so that the interwoven splice will exist at a desired location.

A winch system includes a truck that has a bed and the bed has a pair of spaced lateral walls. A winching unit is coupled to the truck. The winching unit includes a bar that has a telescopically adjustable length and the bar extends between the spaced lateral walls. The winching unit may be coupled to an object. Thus, the winching unit may urge the object into the bed thereby facilitating the truck to transport the object.

A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

The invention provides a linear winch assembly (10), gripper assembly (14, 16) and a method of use. The linear winch assembly comprises a first gripper assembly comprising a first gripper block (28b) operable to grip a cable and a second gripper assembly comprising a second gripper block operable to grip a cable (17). The winch assembly comprises a first mechanism (30, 31, 32) operable to move at least part of the first gripper block out of the pathway of a cable connector to allow the connector (19) to pass through the first gripper assembly. The winch assembly also comprises a second mechanism operable to move at least part of the second gripper block out of the pathway of a cable connector to allow the connector to pass through the second gripper assembly. It also comprises a pivotable lid (28a).