Patent Description:
Rope extension systems are known. <CIT>, owned by the same applicant as the current patent application, discloses a method and a device for hoisting an item at sea with a hoisting device comprises moving the item between a plurality of different height levels. In addition, the method comprises alternately supporting the load of the item with a first hoisting rope and a second hoisting rope while moving the item between the plurality of different height levels. Further, the method comprises arranging the first hoisting rope and the second hoisting rope to extend in parallel along at least part of the distance between the item and the hoisting device. Still further, the method comprises releasably connecting the first hoisting rope to the second hoisting rope. Moreover, the method comprises suspending the second hoisting rope from a hanger when the second hoisting rope is supporting the load of the item. The method also comprises connecting the hanger to an arm of the hoisting device. The second hoisting rope comprises a plurality of ball-shaped connectors along the longitudinal extent thereof, wherein the connectors are structured to fit into the hanger.

The applicant further developed the rope extension system and applied for a patent on this improvement. <CIT>, owned by the same applicant, discloses a rope extension system comprising a rope having at least two rope segments. Each rope segment has at least one prepared end comprising a rope eye. The rope extension system further comprises a rope connector, wherein the rope connector connects prepared ends of the at least two rope segments. The rope connector comprises at least two complementary parts, wherein each of said parts is configured with a shaped recess having a shape compliant with the rope eye for receiving at least part of the rope eye of said prepared end of a respective one of said rope segments, and wherein said parts are detachably mountable to each other to establish a firm connection there between that is strong enough to sustain the required tension capacity.

<CIT> further discloses a hoisting system for hoisting a load, the hoisting system comprising the earlier-mentioned rope extension system. An example of such hoisting system further comprises a main hoisting system having a main hoisting rope. The rope extension system is configured for extending the main hoisting rope with the rope. The rope extension system further comprises a releasable lock mounted at the end of the main hoisting rope for gripping a respective connector on the rope for transferring the load to the main hoisting rope by lifting the releasable lock. The rope extension system further comprises a further lock provided on the hoisting system for selectively gripping another respective connector on the rope for transferring the load to the rope by lowering the releasable lock.

The known extension systems and hoisting systems function well but have still limitation as regards to its flexibility as regards extension capacity and reach. There is a need to further improve the system.

The object is achieved through features which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

In a first aspect the invention relates to a hoisting system for hoisting a load. The hoisting system comprises:.

The effects of the features of the hoisting in accordance with the invention are as follows. First of all, a key feature is that the auxiliary winch system now comprises sections that are quickly connectable and disconnectable. Second, the auxiliary rope comprises at least one rope connector of which at least one is a splitable rope connector. The splitable rope connector facilitates the mentioned connection and disconnection of the respective sections. Furthermore, an essential feature is the hang-off point, which is placed and configured for at least temporarily holding a respective one of the at least one rope connector. This temporary hang-off releases the splitable rope connector for handling. A further important feature is that wherein the connector parts are configured for releasably connecting with the end connector. It is this combination of features which renders it possible to effectively add the length of the second section of the auxiliary rope to the length of the main rope, i.e., the ropes are connected in series. Such extension of the reach of the hoisting system has not been reported before. As will be explained in view of embodiments, the invention may be repeated multiple times thereby allowing for an even greater reach of the hoisting system.

In contrast with the invention <CIT> also discloses a hoisting system having two winch systems. However, in that solution the reach of the hoisting is not increased, because the winches remain always connected. The main purpose of the auxiliary winch system in this disclosure is to take over the heave-compensation role, while the main winch system takes the hoisting role. In order to enable this the system requires a sheave at its far end, which renders the system very complex. The hoisting system of the invention on the other hand excels in simplicity and modularity.

In order to facilitate understanding of the invention one or more expressions are further defined hereinafter.

The wording "winch" must be interpreted as a hoisting system that includes both the winch as well as possibly necessary crane booms and sheaves in order to control/manipulate the working point of the winch. A winch must be able to spool its rope in and out while the load is being suspended from an end connector of the rope. This applies both to the main winch and any auxiliary winch in the invention. This is to differentiate from another type of apparatus which may be referred to as "reel", "drum", or "spool", and which is not capable of spooling with a load being suspended therefrom. Additional systems are required to make that possible. Another advantage of the winch is that it may be used for active-heave compensation.

The wording "main winch system" must be interpreted as the main hoisting system, often typically a steel wire rope system, but it may also be a fibre rope system. In the invention the main winch system comprises the winch that is wound out last when hoisting down and first when hoisting up.

The wording "auxiliary winch system" must be interpreted as the auxiliary hoisting system, which extends the reach of the main hoisting system by adding a substantive part of the auxiliary rope, namely the second section, to the length of the main hoisting system. It is also important to note that for the invention the auxiliary winch system must be able to spool the auxiliary rope in and out while the load is being suspended from an end connector of the auxiliary rope. Another advantage of using a winch as auxiliary device is that it may be used for active-heave compensation.

It must be noted that even though the claims and the figures shows the main winch system and the auxiliary winch system as separate systems, they may just as well be mounted on the same crane or different cranes and may be even standing on different vessels. The same inventive thought applies to both situations as the detailed description will further illustrated.

The wording "main rope" refers to the rope on the main winch system. This may be a steel wire rope, but it could also be a fibre rope, or another material.

The wording "auxiliary rope" refers to rope on the auxiliary winch system. This may be a fibre rope, but it could also be a steel wire rope, or another material.

The wording "hang-off" point is to be interpreted broadly, because the number of variations that is possible is very large. The commonality between all these variations is that it concerns a mechanical part, which is either configured to releasably connect to the at least one rope connector (or the connector parts thereof in case it concerns the splitable rope connector) or to receive and hold such rope connector. The detailed description illustrates some advantageous embodiments.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the hang-off point is mounted on a fixed-point external to the winches. This first group of embodiments renders the system simple, because the hang-off point can be virtually mounted everywhere relative to the winches. It may be placed on the platform or vessel where the winches are placed, for example at a moonpool or an edge of the platform of the vessel. It may alterative be placed on one of the cranes. The principle remains the same as long as the hang-off point is not mounted such that it coincides with the working points of the winches.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the hang-off point is embodied in the end connector of the main rope. This embodiment constitutes an embodiment, wherein the hang-off point coincides with the working point of the main winch system. Even though this embodiment renders some aspects of the invention a bit more complicated it still offers some other advantages, namely that the hang-off point automatically becomes movable. This will be explained in further detail in the detailed description of the figures.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the hang-off point is movable between a first position for engagement with the at least one rope connector and a second position not engaging with the at least one rope connector. Whether the hang-off point is placed at the working point of the winches or outside therefore, this embodiment provides for further flexibility during the hoisting, namely that it renders it possible to move the hang-off point towards the auxiliary rope, or alternative away from the auxiliary rope, while it fully bears the load. This feature is particularly interesting when the auxiliary rope comprises multiple rope connectors along its length. The majority of these rope connectors may then pass the hang-off point, and the hang-off point is only moved towards the target rope connector when this one is within reach.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the hang-off point has at least two modes including an engagement mode, wherein the at least one rope connector is blocked from going through, and a releasing mode wherein the at least one rope connector is let through. This feature achieves a similar effect as the previously discussed embodiment and is also particularly interesting when the auxiliary rope comprises multiple rope connectors along its length. The majority of these rope connectors may then pass the hang-off point, and the hang-off point is switched to engagement mode when the target rope connector is within reach. This embodiment is also referred to as the mode-selectable hang-off point.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the second section of the auxiliary rope comprises at least one auxiliary rope connector for being connected to the hang-off point while the connector parts of the splitable rope connector are disconnected or reconnected. The advantage of this embodiment is that the auxiliary rope connector takes over the hang-off role from the splitable rope connector, such that it is released for handling. The detailed description will further illustrate this aspect.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the auxiliary winch system comprises at least two compartments for allowing spooling of the second section onto one of said two compartments while the at least one rope connector and the first section are spooled onto another one of said at least two compartments. Rope connectors tend to render spooling on the winch more challenging, particular in the case of multilayer winches. This embodiment conveniently allows for the rope connector to be spooled in a different compartment of the winch (a spooling guidance system may be required for that), whereas the largest part of the auxiliary rope is spooled onto the other compartment. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the auxiliary rope has only one splitable rope connector or a splitable rope connector supplement with an auxiliary rope connector.

In an embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention the second section of the auxiliary rope comprises a plurality of rope connectors along its length. The applicant developed systems having auxiliary winch systems having an auxiliary rope having multiple rope segments having ends (such as spliced ends) that are connected in series by means of specially designed rope connectors. It must be stressed that even such auxiliary ropes can be used, but that these will require some more intelligence in the hang-off point as some of the other embodiments already presented, i.e., having movability and/or mode-selectability.

An embodiment of the hoisting system in accordance with the invention further comprises a further auxiliary winch system having a further auxiliary rope having a further end connector mounted to an end of the further auxiliary rope and at least one further rope connector of which at least one is a further splitable rope connector. The further auxiliary rope comprises a further first section and a further second section connected to the further first section via the further splitable rope connector. The further second section is spooled out first when the further auxiliary winch system is spooled out. The further splitable rope connector comprises at least two further connector parts that are releasably connected with each other for allowing quick disconnection and reconnection between the further second section and the further first section. The further auxiliary winch system is capable of both spooling the further auxiliary rope in and spooling the further auxiliary rope out.

This embodiment embodies the idea of repeating the same inventive thought in order to further extend the reach of the hoisting system. Instead of one auxiliary hoisting winch, two auxiliary hoisting winches are used. The further auxiliary winch system combines the end connector feature of the main winch system with the splitable rope connector feature of the auxiliary winch system.

The wording "further auxiliary winch system" must be interpreted as a further hoisting system, which extends the reach of the main hoisting system further by further adding a substantive part of the further auxiliary rope, namely the further second section, to the length of the main hoisting system and the auxiliary hoisting system.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a method for hoisting a load using a hoisting system in accordance with the invention. The number of variations of hoisting system of the invention is very large. Therefore, the methods as carried out by the various hoisting systems of the invention are presented below in order to illustrate the essence of the invention.

In an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the method comprises steps of:.

These method steps constitute the core of the method of hoisting a load in accordance with the invention. The first feature concerns the splitting of the rope connector of the auxiliary rope and the second feature concerns the suspending of the auxiliary rope from the hang-off point for releasing the splitable rope connector for handling. The third feature concerns the connecting of the end connector to the respective connector part of the second section.

This embodiment of the method constitutes the hoisting up of the load using a main winch system and one auxiliary winch system.

This embodiment of the method constitutes the hoisting down of the load using a main winch system and two auxiliary winch systems.

This embodiment of the method constitutes the hoisting up of the load using a main winch system and two auxiliary winch systems.

In the following is described examples of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:.

Traditional hoisting systems are using steel wire ropes as a load carrier. These systems have several challenges, such as weight of the rope, corrosion, and fatigues during active heave compensation (AHC). The main advantages of such systems are robustness, well-known technology, and decades of experience. The inventors have seen an increasing demand within subsea mining, geophysical surveys, and salvage operations to reach water depths of <NUM> or more. Future hoisting systems are more and more going in the direction of fiber ropes, replacing the traditional steel wire ropes. These ropes may be based on different materials or combination of these. Main advantages are light-weight (almost neutral in water), not needing grease (which can be washed out in deep waters), no corrosion, possible to transfer data signals through integrated cables, more accurate condition monitoring, possibilities to replace damaged part of the rope by splicing. Disadvantages are rope size, high cost, temperature sensitivity, more fragile ropes, less experience from subsea load handling systems and need for larger bending radiuses hence larger sheaves and drums.

Various illustrative embodiments of the present subject matter are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present subject matter will now be described with reference to the attached figures. Various systems, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the figures for purposes of explanation only and to not obscure the present disclosure with details that are well known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attached figures are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the present disclosure. The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

The invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures. The figures will be mainly discussed in as far as they differ from previous figures.

<FIG> shows a boat or vessel <NUM> comprising the hoisting system <NUM> of the invention. The hoisting system <NUM> is placed on a deck <NUM> of the boat <NUM> floating in the sea <NUM> or other water. Even though the hoisting system <NUM> in the current example is placed on the deck <NUM> of a boat <NUM>, the invention may just as well be applied on a platform or any other floating vessel offshore, above the deck, on the deck or below the deck. In principle, the invention may be also applied onshore, where its advantages are equally valid. The hoisting system <NUM> comprises a main winch system <NUM> and an auxiliary winch system <NUM> as illustrated. As mentioned in the introduction, the winch systems may each be placed on a separate crane or on the same crane. Further details are discussed in view of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows different stages of a method of hoisting a load <NUM> using an embodiment of the hoisting system <NUM> in accordance with the invention. Throughout the drawings the main winch system <NUM> is illustrated schematically by mainly showing a main winch <NUM> and a top sheave <NUM> guiding a main rope <NUM> as illustrated. Likewise, the auxiliary winch <NUM> is illustrated schematically by mainly showing an auxiliary winch <NUM>, a top sheave <NUM> and an auxiliary rope <NUM> as illustrated. The main winch system <NUM> comprises an end connector <NUM> connected to an end 115e of the main rope <NUM> as illustrated. A very important feature of the hoisting system <NUM> is the hang-off point <NUM>, which in this embodiment is integrated in the deck <NUM> of the vessel <NUM>.

In the stage of <FIG> the load <NUM> is suspended from an end connector <NUM> of the auxiliary winch system <NUM> as illustrated. The auxiliary winch system <NUM> has some special features. A first important feature is that the auxiliary rope <NUM> comprises a splitable rope connector <NUM>. A second, yet optional feature) that the auxiliary rope <NUM> comprises an auxiliary rope connector 123a, which does not need to be splitable. However, it will work with a splitable auxiliary rope connector 123a also.

In the stage of <FIG> the load <NUM> is hoisted down by the auxiliary winch system <NUM> to such an extend that the rope connectors 123a, <NUM> have been spooled off and are now in the auxiliary rope <NUM> as illustrated. The splitable rope connector <NUM> is the essential rope connector and effectively divides the auxiliary rope <NUM> in two sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated. During the hoisting, the second section <NUM>-<NUM> (which is the outer section on the auxiliary winch that is spooled off first) is guided through the hang-off point <NUM> in this embodiment, i.e., the hang-off point <NUM> is designed such that the auxiliary rope <NUM> is let through.

In the stage of <FIG> the load <NUM> is further hoisted down by the auxiliary winch system <NUM> to such an extent that the auxiliary rope connector 123a is received in the hang-off point <NUM>. The figure now more clearly illustrated with what is meant with the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and the second section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM>. In <FIG> the hang-off point <NUM> is passive and fixed in position. In case the hang-off point <NUM> would not be a passive device that is fixed in location, but a movable device, then it would not be necessary to guide auxiliary rope through the hang-off point <NUM>. Instead, the hang-off point <NUM> could then be moved towards the rope connector 123a, <NUM> for engagement therewith.

As an alternative solution the hang-off point <NUM> may be designed such that it has at least two modes, one for engaging with the rope connectors and one for letting them through. Both this embodiment as well as the previous movable embodiment have not been illustrated in detail, because the person skilled in the art will be able to come up with numerous possible implementations for these functions.

As soon as the auxiliary rope connector 123a lands in (or is suspended from) the hang-off point <NUM> the tension in the first section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> is reduced and the splitable rope connector <NUM> is released for handling by an operator. The auxiliary winch system <NUM> may be used to further lower the splitable rope connector <NUM> to the deck before the respective connector parts 123s1, 123s2 are disconnected.

In the stage of <FIG> the respective connector parts 123s1, 123s2 are disconnected by an operator, that is an operator may come to disconnect the respective connector parts 123s1, 123s2 from each other. The auxiliary winch system <NUM> is moved away from the hang-off point <NUM>.

In case the auxiliary rope connector 123a is left out it is the splitable rope connector <NUM> that would have landed in (be suspended from) the hang-off point <NUM>. An operator may still disconnect the respective connector parts 123s1, 123s2, but this may be a bit less easy to do as the splitable rope connector <NUM> may not be so easily reachable. In addition, this concerns slightly higher risk for the operator as well.

In the stage of <FIG> the main winch system <NUM> is activated and the main rope <NUM> is hoisted down such that the end connector <NUM> has reached the second connector part 123s2 and has been connected to it as illustrated (may also be done by the same operator).

In the stage of <FIG> the main winch system <NUM> is activated and the main rope <NUM> is hoisted up such that the load is transfer to the main winch system <NUM> and tension is built up in the main rope <NUM>. Subsequently the main winch system <NUM> lifts the auxiliary rope connector 123a out of the hang-off point <NUM> and then moves the working line to a place outside the working line of the hang-off point <NUM> as illustrated. Subsequently the load (not visible) is lowered. These movements are illustrated with the bend arrow M1, which may also be referred to as the freeing movement of the rope assembly.

In the stage of <FIG> the main winch system <NUM> is further activated and the main rope <NUM> is hoisted down further as illustrated by a further arrow M2 the downward movement.

In the stage of <FIG> the main winch system <NUM> has lowered the load even further as illustrated by the further arrow M2. It can be observed from the sequence of steps in <FIG> that the invention conveniently adds the length of the second section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> of the auxiliary winch system <NUM> to the length of the main rope <NUM> of the main winch system.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the auxiliary winch <NUM> in accordance with the invention, when fully spooled in. The auxiliary winch <NUM> comprises a winch drum 122d with the auxiliary wire <NUM> spooled on it and a spooling device <NUM> to facilitate the spooling as illustrated. The earlier mentioned rope connectors 123a, <NUM> disturb the regularity in the spooling and therefore the auxiliary winch <NUM> may be advantageously provided with a first compartment C1 for storing a major part of the second section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> and a second compartment C2 for storing the first section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> and the respective rope connectors 123a, <NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> is typically the longest. The benefit of multi-compartment winch drums is most significant for multilayer winches.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the auxiliary winch <NUM> in accordance with the invention, when almost fully spooled out. The first compartment C1 is now empty and the spooling device <NUM> has now moved to the second compartment C2 to facilitate spooling of the first section of the auxiliary rope <NUM>. The compartments C1, C2 are separated by a wall having an opening as illustrated in order to enable the auxiliary rope <NUM> to run between said compartments C1, C2 smoothly.

<FIG> shows a further embodiment of a splitable rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the invention. The two drawings on the left side are orthogonal cross-sectional views. The two drawings on the right side are orthogonal side views. Both figures illustrated the respective sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM>. The respective sections are terminated as spliced ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated. The connector parts 123s1, 123s2 are shaped so as to receive these spliced ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Whereas in the previously illustrated embodiments the connector parts 123s1, 123s2 were releasably connected in a fixed manner, the current embodiment provides for a pivoting rotation degree-of-freedom between said parts 123s1, 123s2. This is achieved by implementing a hinge 123sh as illustrated. The hinge 123sh comprises two ring extensions 123sr and a pin 123sp which pivotably connects these ring extensions 123sr together. The pin 123sp may be held in place with a locking member 123sl as illustrated.

<FIG> shows the splitable rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> after having been spooled onto the auxiliary winch <NUM>. The figure schematically but clearly illustrates how the pivoting feature of the rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> facilitates spooling around the auxiliary winch <NUM>, particularly when the rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> is relatively large compared to the winch <NUM>. Disconnecting the connector parts 123s1, 123s2 in this embodiment requires the removal of the respective pin 123sp.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a splitable rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the invention. This embodiment will be mainly discussed in as far as it differs from the embodiment in <FIG>. A first difference is that the rope connector now comprises an intermediate connecting part 123s3 that is pivotably connected with both connecting parts 123s1, <NUM> in a similar way as in <FIG>. A further difference is that each connector part is provided with a double ring extension 123sr with the intermediate connector part 123s3 in between them. The intermediate connector part 123s3 has corresponding holes (not shown) through which respective pins 123sp1, 123sp2 extend. Similar to <FIG> there are provided locking members 123sl1, 123sl2 to keep said pins 123sp1, 123sp1 in place.

<FIG> shows the splitable rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> after having been spooled onto the auxiliary winch <NUM>. The figure schematically but clearly illustrates how the pivoting feature of the rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> facilitates spooling around the auxiliary winch <NUM>, particularly when the rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> is relatively large compared to the winch <NUM>. In fact, this rope connector <NUM>-<NUM> provides for a better spooling. In addition, the more symmetric design is advantageous for hoisting as it tolerates heavier loads. Disconnecting the connector parts 123s1, 123s2 in this embodiment requires the removal of at least one of the respective pins 123sp1, 123sp2.

<FIG> illustrate the interaction between the auxiliary rope connector 123a and the hang-off point <NUM> as well as how the connector parts 123s1, 123s2 of the splitable rope connector <NUM> can be disconnected and subsequently connected with a first type of end connector <NUM>. The figures each show both front view as well as top view.

In the stage of <FIG> the rope assembly is moved towards the hang-off point <NUM> as illustrated by the arrows.

In the stage of <FIG> the rope assembly is lowered from a position above the hang-off point <NUM>, wherein the auxiliary rope connector 123a approaches the hang-off point <NUM>.

In the stage of <FIG> the auxiliary rope connector 123a has landed in the hang-off point <NUM>.

In the stage of <FIG> the first connector part 123s1 is disconnected from the second connector part 123s2 and the first section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> is pulled up and away.

In the stage of <FIG> a further second section <NUM>-<NUM> of a further auxiliary rope <NUM> (<FIG>) is lowered having a further end connector <NUM> mounted at its end. The further end connector <NUM> is subsequently connected to the second connector part 123s2.

In the stage of <FIG> the rope assembly is lifted up freeing the auxiliary rope connector 123a from the hang-off point <NUM>.

In the stage of <FIG> the rope assembly is moved away from the hang-off point <NUM>.

As an alternative to using a further auxiliary winch system with a further auxiliary rope <NUM> (as will be explained with reference to <FIG>) it is also possible to modify the main winch system of <FIG> by replacing the end connector <NUM> with the end connector as presented in <FIG>. The advantage of this type of end connector is that it renders it easier to connect multiple auxiliary winches in series as will be discussed with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate the interaction between the auxiliary rope connector 123a and the hang-off point <NUM> as well as how the connector parts 123s1, 123s2 of the splitable rope connector <NUM> can be disconnected and subsequently connected with a second type of end connector <NUM> similar to <FIG>. The figures each show both front view as well as top view. This other type of end connector <NUM> comprises a receiving space <NUM> which is configured and shaped for receiving the second connector part 123s2. In <FIG> the end connector <NUM> is moved towards the second connector part 123s2. In <FIG> the second connector part 123s2 is suspended from the end connector <NUM>. In <FIG> the rope assembly is lifted such that the auxiliary rope connector 123a is freed from the hang-off point <NUM>. In <FIG> the rope assembly is moved away from the hang-off point <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a method of hoisting a load <NUM> using another embodiment of the hoisting system <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the invention. This embodiment will be mainly discussed in as far as it difference from the previously discussed embodiments. In this embodiment the same "trick" is in fact repeated. The figure complies with the stage of <FIG>. Instead of connecting the main winch system <NUM> to the second connector part 123s2 a further auxiliary winch system <NUM> is provided. This system has been drawn larger than the other auxiliary winch system <NUM>, however that is purely for facilitating the drawing. The further auxiliary winch system <NUM> may be similar to the auxiliary winch system <NUM>. It may comprise a further auxiliary rope <NUM> similar to the earlier-discussed auxiliary rope <NUM>. It also may comprise a further auxiliary rope connector 133a similar to the earlier-discussed auxiliary rope connector 123a and a further splitable rope connector <NUM> similar to the earlier-discussed splitable rope connector <NUM>, wherein the further splitable rope connector <NUM> comprises respective further connector parts 133s1, 133s2 similar to the earlier-discussed connector parts 123s1, 123s2. After connecting the further end connector <NUM> to the second connector part 135s2 the same steps are to be done as for the first auxiliary winch system. Finally, the main winch system <NUM> can be connected as previously discussed.

<FIG> show different stages of yet another embodiment of a method of hoisting a load <NUM> using yet another embodiment of the hoisting system <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the invention. This embodiment will be mainly discussed in as far as it difference from the previously discussed embodiments. The stage of this method complies with the stage in <FIG>. The main difference between this embodiment and that of <FIG> is that the hang-off point <NUM> is now integrated into the end connector <NUM> of the main winch. Further, the auxiliary rope connector is left out because it is no longer needed.

In the stage of <FIG> second section <NUM>-<NUM> of the auxiliary rope <NUM> is guided through the end connector <NUM> with hang-off functionality, while the load <NUM> is lowered. In an alternative embodiment using a <NUM>-pod connector made of spliced ropes, one may also connect the main winch system <NUM> and the auxiliary winch system <NUM> to the same load and disconnect the auxiliary winch system <NUM> when the load is transferred to the main winch system <NUM>. This can also be a safe operation on deck.

In the stage of <FIG> the load <NUM> is lowered so much that the splitable rope connector <NUM> has landed in the hang-off point <NUM> in the end connector <NUM>. At this stage, the two connector parts 123s1, 123s2 can be disconnected and the auxiliary winch <NUM> can be moved away.

In the stage of <FIG> the load <NUM> is further lowered using the main winch system <NUM> and the main rope <NUM>, as illustrated.

<FIG> show different stages of yet another embodiment of a method of hoisting a load <NUM> using yet another embodiment of the hoisting system <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the invention. This embodiment will be mainly discussed in as far as it difference from the previously discussed embodiments. The main difference resides in a modified main winch system <NUM>-<NUM>, which has a modified end connector <NUM>-<NUM> similar to the end connector <NUM> of the further auxiliary winch system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A further difference is that the auxiliary winch system <NUM>-<NUM> is also modified by removing the auxiliary rope connector.

The stage of <FIG> complies with the stage of <FIG> but then without the auxiliary rope connector 123a. The splitable rope connector <NUM> has landed in the hang-off point <NUM>.

In the stage of <FIG> the modified end connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the modified main winch system <NUM>-<NUM> is lowered towards the second connector part 123s2 such that it can be connected. The method can be subsequently continued similar to what is shown in <FIG>.

For all winch systems the following practical characteristics apply:.

As an alternative to the connectors and connector parts shown in this description the invention may be also using shackles, hooks, and tripods. This works equally well.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. The invention may be applied in various hoisting applications, particularly but not limited to subsea hoisting application, for example onshore mining operations.

The invention covers all these variants as long as they are covered by the independent claims. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claim 1:
Hoisting system (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) for hoisting a load (<NUM>), the hoisting system (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) comprising:
- a main winch system (<NUM>) having a main rope (<NUM>) with an end connector (<NUM>) mounted to an end (115e) of the main rope (<NUM>), wherein the main winch system (<NUM>) is capable of both spooling the main rope (<NUM>) in and spooling the main rope (<NUM>) out;
characterized in that the hoisting system further comprises:
- an auxiliary winch system (<NUM>) having an auxiliary rope (<NUM>) having at least one rope connector (123a, <NUM>) of which at least one is a splitable rope connector (<NUM>), the auxiliary rope (<NUM>) comprising a first section (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) connected to the first section (<NUM>-<NUM>) via the splitable rope connector (<NUM>), wherein the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) is spooled out first when the auxiliary winch system (<NUM>) is spooled out, wherein the splitable rope connector (<NUM>) comprises at least two connector parts (123s1, 123s2) that are releasably connected with each other for allowing quick disconnection and reconnection between the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the first section (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the connector parts (123s1, 123s2) are configured for releasably connecting with the end connector (<NUM>) of the main rope (<NUM>), wherein the auxiliary winch system (<NUM>) is capable of both spooling the auxiliary rope (<NUM>) in and spooling the auxiliary rope (<NUM>) out while the load (<NUM>) is being suspended from an end connector (<NUM>) of the auxiliary rope (<NUM>), and
- a hang-off point (<NUM>) placed and configured for at least temporarily holding a respective rope connector (123a, <NUM>) of the auxiliary rope (<NUM>) for transferring the load (<NUM>) to the hang-off point (<NUM>).