According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction

A man over board rescue system 100 may comprise a main body 200 with the main body quickly and easily being attached and detached to a ship's bitt. Thus, the system may be quickly set up prior to departing and quickly put away at the end of a voyage. The system allows for the fast and efficient rescue of a person overboard without need for a rescuer to enter the water or to risk bodily injury in retrieving a person in the water. The system provides secure mechanical means allowing for a winch to be used in the support of a person which is a significant departure from the prior art.

An elevator with a brake device may be configured to provide a variable brake force, from a minimum brake force up to a maximum brake force (Vmax). The brake device may include a first energy store that provides the maximum brake force and a second energy store that provides an adjustable counterforce. The adjustable counterforce may be directed in an opposed manner with respect to the maximum brake force provided from the first energy store. Further, the variable brake force may amount to a difference between the maximum brake force and the adjustable counterforce. In some cases, the first energy store may comprise a compression spring for providing the maximum brake force.

An elevator with a brake device may be configured to provide a variable brake force, from a minimum brake force up to a maximum brake force (Vmax). The brake device may include a first energy store that provides the maximum brake force and a second energy store that provides an adjustable counterforce. The adjustable counterforce may be directed in an opposed manner with respect to the maximum brake force provided from the first energy store. Further, the variable brake force may amount to a difference between the maximum brake force and the adjustable counterforce. In some cases, the first energy store may comprise a compression spring for providing the maximum brake force.

A strap winch apparatus includes a frame with a drum gear connected to a drum. The drum is configured to receive an end of a strap whereby the strap is wound around or unwound from the drum when the gear is rotated. The frame also includes a braking member to arrest inadvertent reverse rotation of the drum to maintain strap tension. A handle configured to engage with the drum includes a pivotable pawl. One end of the pawl is configured to engage the gear teeth of the drum gear and index the drum gear in order to tension the strap about the drum. An opposite end of the pawl is configured to displace the braking member whereby the gear and drum are permitted to rotate in a direction loosening the strap tension. Typically, the braking member has a gear tooth engaging portion and a striking portion that may be in intermittent contact with the pawl for controlled loosening of the strap tension.

Disclosed is a brake winch with reverse release and self-locking functions. The brake winch has a housing with first and second side walls, an accommodating space, and an auxiliary bracket part. A rotating disk is screwed in the accommodating space. A main shaft is screwed on one side of the rotating disk in an interlocking manner. A screw adapter is screwed on the second side wall, and includes an inner connection end that is assembled with the main shaft, and its external end has a threaded groove. The axial displacement of a driving screw, which is screwed on the auxiliary bracket, is matched with the difference of forward and reverse rotation to form a screwing transmission or release mode between the stud section and the thread groove. A friction driving mechanism must prompt the drive screw, the clamping plate and the screw adapter to be in a tightly synchronized state.

Disclosed is a brake winch with reverse release and self-locking functions. The brake winch has a housing with first and second side walls, an accommodating space, and an auxiliary bracket part. A rotating disk is screwed in the accommodating space. A main shaft is screwed on one side of the rotating disk in an interlocking manner. A screw adapter is screwed on the second side wall, and includes an inner connection end that is assembled with the main shaft, and its external end has a threaded groove. The axial displacement of a driving screw, which is screwed on the auxiliary bracket, is matched with the difference of forward and reverse rotation to form a screwing transmission or release mode between the stud section and the thread groove. A friction driving mechanism must prompt the drive screw, the clamping plate and the screw adapter to be in a tightly synchronized state.

A small, portable, powered winch that may employ a power drill or socket wrench.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a driveshaft driving the load chain wheel are mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake brings about an emergency braking in the event of excessive rotational speed of the driveshaft. The safety brake has a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in relation to one another in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swivelling manner and has a latch contour and a sensing contour. The sensing contour rests on the control. In response to exceeding a defined rotational speed, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour rotates towards the locking disc and engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a drive shaft driving the load chain wheel via a transmission are rotatably mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake implements emergency braking in response to excessive rotational speed of the drive shaft. The safety brake includes a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swivelling manner and has a latch contour at a front end and a sensing contour at a rear end. The sensing contour rests on the control disc. When a defined rotational speed is exceeded, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.