Patent ID: 6168062
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B66C,B66D

Abstract:
A slack puller for taking up slack in a line, the slack puller comprising: a) a first sheave rotatable about a first sheave axis of rotation, the first sheave movably coupled to a frame by a first sheave linkage such that the first sheave axis of rotation is movable in a first arcuate path between first and second positions of the first sheave; b) a second sheave coupled to the frame and rotatable about a second sheave axis of rotation; c) an actuator coupled between the frame and the first sheave to move the first sheave between its first and second positions; and, d) a motor for turning the first sheave about the first sheave axis of rotation; wherein: when the first sheave is in its first position, a line extending between the first and second sheaves is compressed between the first and second sheaves; when the first sheave is in its first position and the motor is operated to turn the first sheave about the first sheave axis of rotation, the line is pulled between the first and second sheaves, and tension in the line together with friction between the line and the first sheave tend to pull the first sheave along the arcuate path in a direction which moves the first sheave axis of rotation closer to the second sheave axis of rotation; and, when the first sheave is in its second position, the line is free to slip longitudinally between the first and second sheaves.