Patent ID: 9388026
Filing Date: 2016-07-12
CPC Classification: B63C,B66D

Claim Text:
1. A winch for moving a load, comprising a frame and a drum mounted on the frame for rotation thereof, a retrieve cable for fixing to the load and wound in a first direction around a first drum part, a launch cable for fixing to the load and wound in the opposite direction around a second drum part, a winding mechanism for turning the drum in a retrieve rotation to wind the retrieve cable onto the drum and to pay out the launch cable, and for turning the drum in a launch rotation to wind the launch cable onto the drum and to pay out the retrieve cable, a pinion shaft having a pinion gear engaging a drive gear integral with the drum, and a brake mechanism operable to halt launch rotation of the drum in response to a sudden increase in tension in the retrieve cable caused by the weight of the load acting on the retrieve cable, further comprising, the brake mechanism including a pawl mounted on the frame, and a ratchet assembly mounted on the pinion shaft, the ratchet assembly having a released configuration in which a ratchet wheel forming a part thereof is rotatable on the pinion shaft, and a locked configuration in which the ratchet wheel is locked to the pinion shaft.