A magnetic detector includes permanent magnets that magnetize a wire rope W in the longitudinal direction, and a search coil that detects a change in the cross sectional area of the wire rope W magnetized by the permanent magnets. The magnetic detector is provided so as to surround a part of the wire rope W. Prior to inspection, the magnetic detector is moved back and forth at least three times across an inspection range of the wire rope W. After the magnetic detector is moved back and forth, the change in the cross sectional area, that is, damage to the wire rope W is inspected by using signals outputted from the search coil.

There is described a hoisting system and method of lifting that make use of a particular fibre rope. The fibre rope includes a plurality of magnets that are embedded within the fibre rope and spaced apart along the rope with a known axial distance between the magnets. The system may include a fibre rope hoisting speed sensor, and a magnetic field sensor that can sense the presence of the magnetic field of the embedded magnets. Using the sensors, the hoisting speed of the rope may be determined by: measuring the time between the passing of consecutive magnets by using the magnetic field sensor; calculating the distance between consecutive magnets using the hoisting speed sensor and the measured time between the passing of the consecutive magnets; and comparing the calculated distance between the magnets with an original, predefined distance between the magnets.

A belt containing steel cords, the steel cords containing strands made of steel filaments wherein the largest diameter filaments are at least intermittently positioned at the radially outer side of the steel cord. Such a configuration can be obtained by using steel cord constructions wherein the thickest filaments are positioned outside of the steel cord which is contrary to the current practice. In a further embodiment the largest diameter filaments fill up some or all of the valleys of the strands at their radially outer side. These monofilaments thus have the same lay length and direction as the strands in the steel cord. The advantage of putting the largest filaments at the outside is that they will break first and thus will be readily detectable by electrical, magnetic or visual means. In this way a belt is provided that can be monitored easier and more conveniently than prior art belts.

A magnetic detector includes permanent magnets that magnetize a wire rope W in the longitudinal direction, and a search coil that detects a change in the cross sectional area of the wire rope W magnetized by the permanent magnets. The magnetic detector is provided so as to surround a part of the wire rope W. Prior to inspection, the magnetic detector is moved back and forth at least three times across an inspection range of the wire rope W. After the magnetic detector is moved back and forth, the change in the cross sectional area, that is, damage to the wire rope W is inspected by using signals outputted from the search coil.

A longitudinal element produced with a core made of high-strength fibers and at least one metal casing, preferably steel, surrounding this core. In this way, there is the significant advantage that these high-strength fibers, which are very lightweight in relation to their strength, are protected in a number of ways, namely against humidity, moisture, UV light and other environmental influences. In addition, the metal casing provides the fibers with protection against transverse loads. In this way, all the high-strength properties of the traction or suspension means are maintained over a sustained period.

A steel cord for the reinforcement of elastomer products such as elevator belts, conveyor belts, synchronous or timing belts or hoses or tyres is presented. The steel cord comprises strands and monofilaments made of steel filaments. The strands themselves are also made of steel filaments twisted together. The strands form the outer layer of the steel cord. The monofilaments are twisted into the cord with the same lay length and direction as the strands and are positioned in the valleys between the strands on the radial outer side of the steel cord. The steel cord has the advantage that it has a better fill factor and a rounder aspect. Furthermore the monofilaments may act as an early wear indicator of the elastomer product.

There is described a hoisting system and method of lifting that make use of a particular fibre rope. The fibre rope includes a plurality of magnets that are embedded within the fibre rope and spaced apart along the rope with a known axial distance between the magnets. The system may include a fibre rope hoisting speed sensor, and a magnetic field sensor that can sense the presence of the magnetic field of the embedded magnets. Using the sensors, the hoisting speed of the rope may be determined by: measuring the time between the passing of consecutive magnets by using the magnetic field sensor; calculating the distance between consecutive magnets using the hoisting speed sensor and the measured time between the passing of the consecutive magnets; and comparing the calculated distance between the magnets with an original, predefined distance between the magnets.

A magnetic detector includes permanent magnets that magnetize a wire rope W in the longitudinal direction, and a search coil that detects a change in the cross sectional area of the wire rope W magnetized by the permanent magnets. The magnetic detector is provided so as to surround a part of the wire rope W. Prior to inspection, the magnetic detector is moved back and forth at least three times across an inspection range of the wire rope W. After the magnetic detector is moved back and forth, the change in the cross sectional area, that is, damage to the wire rope W is inspected by using signals outputted from the search coil.

The invention is directed to a synthetic hoisting rope comprising a solid core surrounded by a first braided layer of a first set of strands that is surrounded by a second braided layer of a second set of strands.

A belt containing steel cords, the steel cords containing strands made of steel filaments wherein the largest diameter filaments are at least intermittently positioned at the radially outer side of the steel cord. Such a configuration can be obtained by using steel cord constructions wherein the thickest filaments are positioned outside of the steel cord which is contrary to the current practice. In a further embodiment the largest diameter filaments fill up some or all of the valleys of the strands at their radially outer side. These monofilaments thus have the same lay length and direction as the strands in the steel cord. The advantage of putting the largest filaments at the outside is that they will break first and thus will be readily detectable by electrical, magnetic or visual means. In this way a belt is provided that can be monitored easier and more conveniently than prior art belts.