Patent Publication Number: US-8991791-B2

Title: Hoist spooling assembly and methods of using same

Description:
FIELD 
     This application relates generally to apparatus and methods for spooling a cable about a drum and, more particularly, to a hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Poor hoist spooling can be characterized by the presence of gaps between cable wraps, multiple cable layers on a drum designed for single-layer cable wrapping, mechanical cable damage, reduced productivity, reduced cable life, and/or operator injury. Mechanical damage to a cable can be caused by “bird-caging” and formation of loops and/or kinks. 
     These problems often arise when a hoist spooling assembly is used to lift or lower a drill string. As a drill string is lowered into a drill hole, its velocity will sometimes decelerate relative to the constant velocity of the cable line of the main line hoist. This deceleration can be attributed to an obstruction or to the viscous effects of drilling mud or water in the drill hole. This change in relative velocities can result in an excess amount of cable, which, in turn, can lead to formation of a loop. If such a loop is pulled through the hoist spooling assembly, a kink can form, thereby damaging the cable such that the cable is unfit for service. Kinks of this kind often form when the hoist operator stops activating the winch and the drill string breaks free of the obstruction, thereby allowing the full weight of the drill string to be applied to the cable with loops present. If the loops are large enough, then they can also get caught on—and irreparably damage—any tensioning mechanisms or encoders of the assembly. Slack in the cable can also arise when there are gaps between cable wraps. When these gaps occur, the length of the cable in a single wrap is longer than the length of the cable in a properly spooled wrap. Thus, when the cable shifts laterally on the drum, the extra length creates slack that can cause damage as described herein. 
     When a hoist is used to lift the drill string, a hoist plug must typically be threaded on the drill rods. Often, the hoist plug is lowered into the drill string with an excessive amount of unwound cable having little or no tension. Subsequent activation of the hoist can cause a sudden application of tension force to the cable, which is typically at a fleet angle of 1 to 2 degrees relative to a center of the drum. This sudden application of force can result in a side load that forces the cable to “jump” towards the center of the drum, thereby creating a gap. Over time, these spooling errors can perpetuate until the rope is damaged or until the operators are required to re-spool the rope, which can result in severe operator injury. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the pertinent art for apparatus and methods for preventing relative motion between a cable and a drum, optimizing the interface between a roller and the cable, and improving the overall functionality and robustness of a hoist spooling assembly in drilling applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is a hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum. The hoist spooling assembly can include a frame having a base portion and first and second spaced support portions. The base portion of the frame has a top surface. The first and second support portions of the frame can extend upwardly from the top surface of the base portion and define respective openings. 
     The hoist spooling assembly also includes a rod having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends. The first end of the rod can be configured for secure coupling to the base portion of the frame. 
     Additionally, the hoist spooling assembly includes first and second bushings configured for receipt within the respective openings of the first and second support portions of the frame. The first and second bushings can define respective openings. 
     The hoist spooling assembly further includes first and second arms having respective proximal and distal portions. The proximal portions of the first and second arms can define respective openings. 
     The hoist spooling assembly also includes an elongate suspension unit defining a central bore and a retainer defining at least one opening configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate suspension unit. The retainer can be configured for adjustable coupling to the second end of the rod. 
     Further, the hoist spooling assembly includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second end portions. The elongate shaft can be configured for receipt within the central bore of the elongate suspension unit such that the first and second end portions of the elongate shaft extend from the central bore of the elongate suspension unit and the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. 
     The hoist spooling assembly can additionally include first and second spacer tubes. The first spacer tube can be configured to receive the first end portion of the elongate shaft, while the second spacer tube can be configured to receive the second end portion of the elongate shaft. 
     The hoist spooling assembly still further includes a roller coupled to and positioned between the distal portions of the first and second arms. The roller can be configured for engagement with the cable. 
     In an operative position of the hoist spooling assembly, the first end portion of the elongate shaft can extend through the first spacer tube and the opening of the first bushing such that at least a portion of the first end portion is positioned within the opening of the proximal portion of the first arm and the second end portion of the elongate shaft extends through the second spacer tube and the opening of the second bushing such that at least a portion of the second end portion is positioned within the opening of the proximal portion of the second arm. In the operative position, the proximal portion of the first arm can be configured for secure coupling to the first end portion of the elongate shaft, and the proximal portion of the second arm can be configured for secure coupling to the second end portion of the elongate shaft. 
     At least one of the described hoist spooling assemblies can be incorporated into a hoist spooling system including a cable and a drum. Methods of using the described hoist spooling assemblies and systems are also disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary hoist spooling assembly as described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the hoist spooling assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another exemplary hoist spooling assembly as described herein. 
         FIG. 4  is a partially exploded view of the hoist spooling assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary hoist spooling system as described herein. 
         FIG. 6  is close-up view of the drum of the hoist spooling system of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. 
     As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a rod” can include two or more such rods unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. 
     As used herein, the terms “securely coupled” and “secure coupling” can optionally refer to elements that are rigidly coupled to one another or configured for rigid coupling to one another such that there is no relative movement between the elements. 
     Described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  is a hoist spooling assembly  10  for spooling a cable  200  about a drum  300 . In exemplary aspects, the cable  200  can be a hoist cable, such as those used in conventional drilling operations. However, it is contemplated that the disclosed spooling assembly and spooling system can be used to spool any conventional cable and/or rope. In additional aspects, the drum  300  can be substantially cylindrical and can define an outer surface  310 . Optionally, it is contemplated that the outer surface  310  can be a grooved surface. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the outer surface  310  can define a groove  312  that is configured to receive and retain the cable  200 , thereby reducing the occurrence of loops and kinks in the cable. In exemplary aspects, the groove  312  can be defined in a helical pattern on the outer surface  310  of the drum  300  such that the groove is a continuous groove extending from a first end of the hoist drum to a second, opposed end of the hoist drum. In yet another aspect, the groove  312  can have a groove diameter sized to correspond to a diameter of the cable  200 . For example, the groove diameter can be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the cable  200  so that the cable can be positioned in the groove  312 . It is contemplated that the groove  312  can comprise at least one groove sidewall configured to separate one course of the groove from an adjacent course of the groove. 
     In one aspect, the groove  312  and/or the groove sidewall can position the cable  200  around the drum  300  in an orderly and/or repeatable manner. For example, the groove  312  and/or the groove sidewall can position a portion of the cable  200  around the drum  300  in a single layer of cable that is positioned in the groove. It is contemplated that the groove  312  can be further configured to prevent undesired movement of the cable  200  toward a center portion of the outer surface  310  of the drum  300  (as often occurs in known spooling systems). In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that one or more of the disclosed hoist spooling assemblies  10  can be provided in the form of a hoist spooling system  150 , including the cable  200  as well as the drum  300 . 
     In one aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can comprise a frame  20  having a base portion  22  and first and second spaced support portions  26   a ,  26   b . In this aspect, the base portion  22  can have a top surface  23 . In another aspect, the first and second support portions  26   a ,  26   b  can extend upwardly from the top surface  23  of the base portion  22 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the first and second support portions  26   a ,  26   b  can define respective openings  28   a ,  28   b . In exemplary aspects, the base portion  22  of the frame  20  can comprise first and second spaced braces  24   a ,  24   b  extending upwardly from the top surface  23  of the base portion. In these aspects, the first and second spaced braces  24   a ,  24   b  can define respective openings  25   a ,  25   b . It is contemplated that the frame  20  can provide structural rigidity for the mounting of the various components of the assembly  10  described herein. It is further contemplated that the frame  20  can be configured to support roller reaction forces. It is still further contemplated that the frame  20  can be configured to provide a mounting interface with a crown block installation, such as those crown block installations conventionally known in the art. 
     In an additional aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can comprise a rod  30  having a longitudinal axis  32  and opposed first and second ends  34 ,  36 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the first end  34  of the rod  30  can be configured for secure coupling to the base portion  22  of the frame  20 . In exemplary aspects, the first end  34  of the rod  30  can define a transverse opening  35  extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  32  of the rod. In these aspects, the transverse opening  35  of the rod  30  can be configured for alignment with the openings  25   a ,  25   b  of the first and second braces  24   a ,  24   b  of the base portion  22  of the frame  20 . Optionally, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first end  34  of the rod  30  can have a substantially rounded shape. 
     In a further aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b . In this aspect, the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can be configured for receipt within the respective openings  28   a ,  28   b  of the first and second support portions  26   a ,  26   b  of the frame  20 . In exemplary aspects, the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can define respective openings  42   a ,  42   b . In these aspects, it is contemplated that the openings  42   a ,  42   b  of the bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can optionally have a substantially rectangular shape. It is further contemplated that the openings  42   a ,  42   b  of the bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can optionally have a substantially square shape. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , in another aspect, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  having respective proximal portions  52   a ,  52   b  and distal portions  56   a ,  56   b . In this aspect, the proximal portions  52   a ,  52   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  can define respective openings  54   a ,  54   b . Optionally, the openings  54   a ,  54   b  of the proximal portions  52   a ,  52   b  can have a shape substantially corresponding to the shapes of the openings  42   a ,  42   b  of the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b . In another aspect, the distal portions  56   a ,  56   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  can define respective openings  58   a ,  58   b . Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  can comprise respective lip portions  59   a ,  59   b  extending at least partially about the openings  58   a ,  58   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b . In these aspects, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the lip portions  59   a ,  59   b  can extend outwardly relative to an outer surface of the arms  50   a ,  50   b.    
     In still another aspect, and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise an elongate suspension unit  60  defining a central bore  62 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the bore  62  can have a substantially rectangular shape. It is further contemplated that the bore  62  can have a substantially square shape. In an exemplary aspect, the elongate suspension unit  60  can comprise an outer element  64  defining a central chamber  65 . In this aspect, the elongate suspension unit  60  can further comprise a at least one support element  66  positioned within the central chamber  65 . It is contemplated that the elongate suspension unit  60  can still further comprise an inner element  68  supported by the at least one support element  66  within the central chamber  65 . It is further contemplated that the inner element  68  can define the central bore  62  of the elongate suspension unit  60 . Optionally, it is contemplated that the at least one support element  66  can comprise a plurality of support elements spaced about the periphery of the inner element  68 . In exemplary aspects, the plurality of support elements  66  can comprise four spaced support elements, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In other exemplary aspects, each support element  66  of the at least one support element can comprise a flexible and/or resilient material such that the support elements function as a spring. In other exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the elongate suspension unit  60  can be a ROSTA rubber suspension unit system (ROSTA AG). However, it is contemplated that any known elongate suspension unit can be employed within the disclosed hoist spooling assembly  10 . 
     In an additional aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise a retainer  70  defining at least one opening  72  configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate suspension unit  60 . In exemplary aspects, the retainer  70  can be configured for adjustable coupling to the second end  36  of the rod  30 . In another aspect, the retainer  70  can comprise a platform  74  defining a slot  76  configured to receive the second end  36  of the rod  30 . In one exemplary aspect, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the retainer can comprise a pair of spaced retention arms  78  defining two respective openings  72 . In this aspect, the platform  74  can be secured to and span between the respective retention arms  78 . However, it is contemplated that the retainer  70  can have any configuration permitting receipt of the second end  36  of the rod  30  by the slot  76  of the platform  74 . 
     In a further aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise an elongate shaft  80  having a longitudinal axis  82  and opposed first and second end portions  84 ,  86 . In this aspect, the elongate shaft  80  can be configured for receipt within the central bore  62  of the elongate suspension unit  60  such that the first and second end portions  84 ,  86  of the elongate shaft extend from the central bore of the elongate suspension unit and the longitudinal axis  82  of the elongate shaft is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  32  of the rod  30 . Thus, it is contemplated that the elongate shaft  80  can have a substantially rectangular or substantially square cross-section. In exemplary aspects, the elongate shaft  80  can define a bore  88  extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  82  of the elongate shaft. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and in still a further aspect, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second spacer tubes  90   a ,  90   b . In this aspect, it is contemplated that an opening  92   a  of the first spacer tube  90   a  can be configured to receive the first end portion  84  of the elongate shaft  80 , and an opening  92   b  of the second spacer tube  90   b  can be configured to receive the second end portion  86  of the elongate shaft. 
     In another aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise a roller  100  securely coupled to and positioned between the distal portions  56   a ,  56   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the roller  100  can be configured for engagement with the cable  200 . Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the roller  100  can be a one-piece roller. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the one-piece roller can eliminate the problem of the cable  200  getting caught in gaps defined by the roller, as commonly occurred within two- or three-piece rollers known in the art. In exemplary aspects, the roller  100  can comprise a material having a relatively high stiffness, such as, for example and without limitation, Nylatron® GSM nylon (Professional Plastics, Inc.). In an additional aspect, the roller  100  can define a bore  101  configured to receive a roller shaft  102 . In this aspect, the roller shaft  102  can have first and second end portions  104   a ,  104   b . It is contemplated that, upon positioning of the roller shaft  102  within the bore  101 , the first and second end portions  104   a ,  104   b  of the shaft can be configured to extend from the roller  100 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . It is further contemplated that the first and second end portions  104   a ,  104   b  can have a reduced outer diameter relative to the remaining portions of the shaft  102 . 
     It is contemplated that various known fasteners and coupling mechanisms can be used to adjustably secure the components of the hoist spooling assembly  10  in an operative position. For example, a known fastener and/or coupling mechanism can be used to operatively couple: (a) the elongate shaft  80  to the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b ; (b) the shaft  102  of the roller  100  to the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b ; (c) the base portion  22  of the frame  20  to the rod  30 ; and (d) the rod  30  to the retainer  70 . 
     In one exemplary aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the hoist spooling assembly  10  can comprise a torque nut  120  configured to adjustably couple the second end  36  of the rod  30  to the retainer  70 . In exemplary aspects, after the second end  36  of the rod  30  is passed through the slot  76  defined by the platform  74  of the retainer  70 , the torque nut  120  can be configured for threaded engagement with the second end of the rod and further configured for advancement toward the platform of the retainer. In additional exemplary aspects, the torque nut  120  can be a ⅝″-11 UNC 3B nyloc lock nut. Optionally, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise a washer  122  configured for positioning on the rod  30  such that the washer is positioned between the torque nut  120  and the platform  74  of the retainer. It is contemplated that the washer  122  can have an outer diameter that is greater than a width of the slot  76  of the platform  74 . In exemplary aspects, the washer  122  can be a ⅝ GR 8 flat washer. It is further contemplated that washer  122  can be configured to cover the slot  76  of the retainer  70  and provide a flat mating surface for the torque nut  120 . In use, it is contemplated that the torque nut  120  can be configured to adjustably apply a torsional force to the suspension unit  60  and/or the elongate shaft  80  through the retainer  70 . More specifically, it is contemplated that the torque nut  120  can be configured to selectively apply torque to the support elements  66  of the suspension unit  60 , thereby adjusting the flexion of the support elements of the suspension unit. 
     In another exemplary aspect, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise a pin  110  configured to securely couple the first end  34  of the rod  30  to the frame  20 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that, in the operative position, the first end  34  of the rod  30  can be positioned between the first and second braces  24   a ,  24   b , and the transverse opening  35  of the rod and the openings  25   a ,  25   b  of the first and second braces can be configured to receive the pin  110 . In exemplary aspects, the pin  110  can be a shoulder bolt, such as, for example and without limitation, a ⅝-13 UNC shoulder bolt having a length of about 0.5 inches. Optionally, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise a washer  112  and a nut  114  positioned thereon a portion of the pin  110  extending from the opening  25   b  of the second brace  24   b . It is contemplated that the washer  112  can be positioned on the pin  110  in between the nut  114  and the second brace  24   b , with the nut being configured for threaded engagement with the exposed end portion of the pin. In exemplary aspects, the washer  112  can be a ½″ GR 8 flat washer, and the nut  114  can be a ½″-13 UNC 3B hex nut. 
     In a further exemplary aspect, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second bolts  130   a ,  130   b  configured for insertion within the bore  88  of the elongate shaft  80 . In this aspect, the first bolt  130   a  can be configured for insertion within the first end portion  84  of the shaft  80 , and the second bolt  130   b  can be configured for insertion within the second end portion  86  of the shaft. In exemplary aspects, the first and second bolts  130   a ,  130   b  can be hex head cap screws, such as, for example and without limitation, ¾-10 UNC GR8 hex head cap screws with a length of about 1.5 inches. Optionally, it is contemplated that the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second washers  132   a ,  132   b  that are configured for positioning between the first and second bolts  130   a ,  130   b  and the proximal portions  52   a ,  52   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b . In exemplary aspects, the first and second washers  132   a ,  132   b  can be ¾″ fender washers. 
     In still another exemplary aspect, the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second nuts  140   a ,  140   b  configured for engagement with the first and second end portions  104   a ,  104   b  of the shaft  102  of the roller  100 . In this aspect, as shown in  FIG. 2 , it is contemplated that the first and second end portions  104   a ,  104   b  of the shaft  102  can be configured to extend through the openings  58   a ,  58   b  of the distal portions  56   a ,  56   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b . In exemplary aspects, the first and second nuts  140   a ,  140   b  can be nyloc nuts. Optionally, it is further contemplated that the hoist spooling assembly  10  can further comprise first and second washers  142   a ,  142   b  that are configured for positioning between the first and second nuts  140   a ,  140   b  and the distal portions  56   a ,  56   b  of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b.    
     In the operative position of the hoist spooling assembly  10 , it is contemplated that the first end portion  84  of the elongate shaft  80  can extend through the opening  92   a  of the first spacer tube  90   a  and the opening  42   a  of the first bushing  40   a  such that at least a portion of the first end portion is positioned within the opening  54   a  of the proximal portion  52   a  of the first arm  50   a , and the second end portion  86  of the elongate shaft can extend through the opening  92   b  of the second spacer tube  90   b  and the opening  42   b  of the second bushing  40   b  such that at least a portion of the second end portion is positioned within the opening  54   b  of the proximal portion  52   b  of the second arm  50   b . In the operative position, it is further contemplated that the proximal portion  52   a  of the first arm  50   a  can be configured for secure coupling to the first end portion  84  of the elongate shaft, and the proximal portion  52   b  of the second arm  50   b  can be configured for secure coupling to the second end portion  86  of the elongate shaft  80 . In the operative position, it is still further contemplated that the proximal portion  52   a  of the first arm  50   a  can be rigidly secured to the first end portion  84  of the elongate shaft  80 , and the proximal portion  52   b  of the second arm  50   b  can be rigidly secured to the second end portion  86  of the elongate shaft. It is contemplated that the rigid engagement between the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  and the elongate shaft  80  can overcome the inherent compliance of the suspension unit  60  to provide for improved delivery of force throughout the assembly (and to a cable). In the operative position, it is still further contemplated that the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can be positioned within the first and second openings  28   a ,  28   b  of the first and second support portions  26   a ,  26   b  of the frame  20 . 
     In operation, it is contemplated that the retainer  70  can be configured to transform axial clamping forces of the torque nut  120  into a moment that is applied to the suspension unit  60 . It is contemplated that the suspension unit  60  can undergo an angular deflection in response to the torque transferred by the retainer  70 . It is further contemplated that the retainer  70  can be configured to retain a desired torsion force on the suspension unit  60  by preventing movement of the suspension unit such that the suspension unit maintains a deflected position. It is still further contemplated that the reaction forces within the suspension unit  60  can be configured to transmit torque to the elongate shaft  80 . The elongate shaft  80 , in turn, can be configured to transmit the torque from the suspension unit  80  to the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  and, ultimately, to the cable  200 . 
     In operation, the first and second spacer tubes  90   a ,  90   b  can be configured to restrict lateral movement of the suspension unit  60  while also retaining the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b  in engagement with (or proximate thereto) the first and second support portions  26   a ,  26   b  of the frame  20 . It is contemplated that the first and second bushings  40   a ,  40   b  can provide support for the elongate shaft  80  while also permitting adjustable articulation of the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b . It is further contemplated that the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  can be configured to transmit the torque from the elongate shaft  80  to the shaft  102  of the roller  100 , and the shaft  102  can be configured to transmit the torque to the roller itself. It is still further contemplated that the washers  132   a ,  132   b  can be configured to ensure that the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  remain in substantially constant contact with the elongate shaft  80  at all times by preventing the elongate shaft from shifting out of position. It is still further contemplated that the washers  132   a ,  132   b  can be configured to cover at least a portion of openings  54   a ,  54   b , thereby providing a flat surface for fastening first and second bolts  130   a ,  130   b . The first and second bolts  130   a ,  130   b  can be configured to provide a clamping force sufficient to retain the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  in engagement with the frame  20  while locking the elongate shaft  80  in a desired position. 
     In operation, the first end  34  of the rod  30  can be configured for pivotal rotation about the pin  110  as the suspension unit  60  is deflected. It is contemplated that the pin  110  can be configured to act such that the longitudinal axis  32  of the rod  30  remains substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the platform  74  of the retainer  70  throughout its range of pivotal motion. It is further contemplated that the nut  114  can be configured to retain the pin  110  in engagement with a portion of the frame  20 , such as, for example and without limitation, braces  24   a ,  24   b.    
     In operation, the torque nut  120  can be configured to permit an operator to adjustably apply a selected level of torsion force to the suspension unit  60  while also ensuring that the energy stored in the suspension unit is not released. It is further contemplated that the torque nut  120  can permit ergonomic adjustment of the level of torque applied to the suspension unit  60 . 
     In operation, the roller  100  can be configured to transmit the radial force to the cable  200  that is spooled on the drum  300 . It is contemplated that the roller can be configured to reduce the wear and frictional forces applied to the cable  200 , thereby allowing the cable to be unwound from the drum with minimal kink and/or loop formation. It is further contemplated that the shaft  102  of the roller  100  can act as an axle upon which the roller rotates. It is still further contemplated that the shaft  102  can effectively join the first and second arms  50   a ,  50   b  together such that the force is evenly applied to the cable  200 . 
     In exemplary aspects, the hoist spooling system  150  can comprise conventional processing means  400  for effecting selective positioning of the at least one hoist spooling assembly  10  relative to the outer surface  310  of the drum  300 . In these aspects, it is contemplated that the processing means  400  can comprise, for example and without limitation, a processor in communication with a memory and a user interface. It is further contemplated that the processing means  400  can be in operative communication with each hoist spooling assembly  10  of the hoist spooling system  150 . 
     In exemplary aspects, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the at least one hoist spooling assembly  10  of the hoist spooling system  150  can comprise a plurality of hoist spooling assemblies. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the plurality of hoist spooling assemblies can comprise three hoist spooling assemblies. It is further contemplated that the plurality of hoist spooling assemblies can be substantially equally spaced about the outer surface  310  of the drum  300 . In various aspects, it is contemplated that a first spooling assembly of the plurality of spooling assemblies  10  can be positioned proximate a location where the cable  200  makes initial contact with the outer surface  310  of the drum  300 . In these aspects, it is contemplated that the placement of the first spooling assembly in this location can ensure that slack within the cable  200  is present in the relatively straight portion of the cable (before the cable contacts the drum) rather than in the curved portion of the cable (around the drum). In additional aspects, the roller  100  of each hoist spooling assembly  10  of the system  150  can be configured to press the cable  200  against the outer surface  310  of the drum  300 , thereby increasing frictional engagement between the cable and the outer surface of the drum and limiting undesired movement of the cable. 
     In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the hoist spooling assembly  10  and/or the hoist spooling system  150  can be configured for operation with a hoist limiting system, such as the hoist limiting system described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/718,026, filed on Dec. 18, 2012 and entitled “Hoist Limiting Systems and Methods,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In use, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , the disclosed assemblies  10  and systems  150  can be employed in a method of spooling the cable about the drum. In one aspect, the method can comprise positioning the cable in engagement with the outer surface of the drum. In another aspect, the method can comprise operatively positioning at least one spooling assembly relative to the cable and the drum. 
     Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.