The present invention provides methods and mechanisms to selectively fix or free a planetary carrier of a epicyclic gearbox, thereby allowing dual modal operation of the gearbox and facilitating selective operation of a device, such as a winch, having capacity to safely and efficiently operate in a high load heavy lifting utility mode and a low load light lifting personnel mode.

The present invention provides methods and mechanisms to selectively fix or free a planetary carrier of a epicyclic gearbox, thereby allowing dual modal operation of the gearbox and facilitating selective operation of a device, such as a winch, having capacity to safely and efficiently operate in a high load heavy lifting utility mode and a low load light lifting personnel mode.

A gypsy is disclosed, adapted for mounting in a windlass for hauling and/or veering anchor rode. A chain-engagement region (12) of the gypsy comprises chain link pockets (18) sized and spaced around the chain-engagement region to engage with chain of the anchor rode. A line-engagement region (24) is provided, with an array of rope grip features (26) spaced around the line-engagement region. The chain-engagement region of the gypsy is formed from a polymeric material and the line-engagement region is formed from a metal material.

A method and a safety brake for a lifting device, wherein a solenoid or another electromechanical actuator is used to actuate a pawl, where the position of the pawl is monitored via at least two switches or sensors, where the lowering motion of the load or the lifting device is monitored and the safety brake is triggered in the event of a fault via a safety-oriented controller and at least one sensor, where the solenoid or the pawl is arranged such that, via spring force and/or gravity, the pawl is brought into engagement when the actuator, for example, the solenoid, is deenergized such that it is possible to exactly define and monitor the limit speed and, by using the two sensors, it is also possible to monitor the function and the motion of the pawl and to detect undesired operating states.

The invention relates to a cable winch, preferably a sprocket-type large cable winch for deep-sea applications, having a cable drum, the end faces of which are enclosed by end discs, and having at least one drive unit for driving the cable drum. The drive unit comprises a motor and a gear mechanism which on the output side drives an output wheel, said wheel being in engagement with a drive wheel, preferably in the form of a sprocket, provided on one of the end discs. According to the invention, the output wheel of the drive unit is arranged between motor and gear mechanism, and the motor and the gear mechanism extend towards different sides of the end disc.

The invention relates to a cable winch, preferably a sprocket-type large cable winch for deep-sea applications, having a cable drum, the end faces of which are enclosed by end discs, and having at least one drive unit for driving the cable drum. The drive unit comprises a motor and a gear mechanism which on the output side drives an output wheel, said wheel being in engagement with a drive wheel, preferably in the form of a sprocket, provided on one of the end discs. According to the invention, the output wheel of the drive unit is arranged between motor and gear mechanism, and the motor and the gear mechanism extend towards different sides of the end disc.

A gypsy is disclosed, adapted for mounting in a windlass for hauling and/or veering anchor rode. A chain-engagement region (12) of the gypsy comprises chain link pockets (18) sized and spaced around the chain-engagement region to engage with chain of the anchor rode. A line-engagement region (24) is provided, with an array of rope grip features (26) spaced around the line-engagement region. The chain-engagement region of the gypsy is formed from a polymeric material and the line-engagement region is formed from a metal material.

Accessory mounting systems, and methods therefor are disclosed. A representative accessory mounting system can include a winch and one or more accessories coupled to the winch. The winch can include a frame mountable to a vehicle, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and one or more mounting elements carried by the frame. The accessories can be removably coupled to the one or more mounting elements.

An overload brake and method for trolley suspended on a flange of a load traveling apparatus girder prevents the displacement movement of a suspended load along a girder by clamping a brake between two symmetrical flange tabs of the girder. The girder is elastically deformed by the load which is applied to the girder by the contact between a surface of the girder and translation wheels that move the load along the girder. Upon sufficient elastic deformation, portions of the girder contact a brake to prevent movement of the load along the girder.

The present invention provides methods and mechanisms to selectively fix or free a planetary carrier of a epicyclic gearbox, thereby allowing dual modal operation of the gearbox and facilitating selective operation of a device, such as a winch, having capacity to safely and efficiently operate in a high load heavy lifting utility mode and a low load light lifting personnel mode.