An apparatus for applying force to a workpiece, the apparatus having a frame with spaced first and second side members and a top frame assembly. An anchor is spaced downwardly from the top frame assembly. There is a force generator connected to the frame assembly. The force generator is operative to apply a force to a workpiece connected between and to the force generator and anchor.

A method for mounting a rotor to a drive shaft of a wind turbine, the method comprising placing a hub on a surface, attaching a first, a second, and a third rotor blade to the hub to thereby make a rotor in situ. To protect the blades and to avoid fixed lifting lugs on the rotor, the method includes the step of wrapping a sling about each of the blades, attaching each sling to a fitting, lifting each fitting to thereby raise the rotor from the surface, and attaching the rotor to the drive shaft while the position and orientation of the rotor is controlled by the slings.

A method for mounting a rotor to a drive shaft of a wind turbine, the method comprising placing a hub on a surface, attaching a first, a second, and a third rotor blade to the hub to thereby make a rotor in situ. To protect the blades and to avoid fixed lifting lugs on the rotor, the method includes the step of wrapping a sling about each of the blades, attaching each sling to a fitting, lifting each fitting to thereby raise the rotor from the surface, and attaching the rotor to the drive shaft while the position and orientation of the rotor is controlled by the slings.

A woven webbing for use in a tiedown or sling for lifting, restraint or other material handling functions. The woven webbing includes a central portion and tubular edges. The central portion has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. The top surface and bottom surface may be woven in a first pattern for strength and abrasion resistance while remaining flexible. The tubular edges extend from either side of the central portion. The tubular edges may be woven in a second pattern to improve the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges have interior cavities which may include twisted floating yarn extending therethrough to enhance the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges may include a high modulus yarn material which changes the orientation of the yarn material away from the axial direction of tension when a load is applied to the webbing.

A woven webbing for use in a tiedown or sling for lifting, restraint or other material handling functions. The woven webbing includes a central portion and tubular edges. The central portion has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. The top surface and bottom surface may be woven in a first pattern for strength and abrasion resistance while remaining flexible. The tubular edges extend from either side of the central portion. The tubular edges may be woven in a second pattern to improve the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges have interior cavities which may include twisted floating yarn extending therethrough to enhance the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges may include a high modulus yarn material which changes the orientation of the yarn material away from the axial direction of tension when a load is applied to the webbing.

The invention relates to a safety link for use in lifting, winching, towing or securing apparatus or similar. The safety link including, a first connection point, a second connection point, and an indicator means positioned substantially between and associated with the first connection point and the second connection point. If an overload force is applied, the forces between the first connection point and the second connection point cause a change in the indicator means, whereby the change indicates the overload to the user so safety checks may be conducted. The invention also relates to a method of use.

The invention relates to a safety link for use in lifting, winching, towing or securing apparatus or similar. The safety link including, a first connection point, a second connection point, and an indicator means positioned substantially between and associated with the first connection point and the second connection point. If an overload force is applied, the forces between the first connection point and the second connection point cause a change in the indicator means, whereby the change indicates the overload to the user so safety checks may be conducted. The invention also relates to a method of use.

A load sensor is designed to be mounted on a continuous force-applying medium such as a cable so as to deform according to the force transmitted through the medium. The sensor includes a body having a longitudinal through-passage for the medium and is mechanically secured to the medium only at the opposite ends of the body. A lateral hole provides a strain concentration area with zones that are instrumented with strain gages. The sensor body can be enclosed to provide support for a wrap-around lead carrier.

A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.

A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.