Wrn 2014 10

October 2014www.wireropenews.com

Early Transatlantic Hybrid CableA precursor to modern wire ropestory on page 14

The Awful Rainbow at St. LouisThe future of color strands in wire rope may slowly fadestory on page 8

Wire Rope in Air and on SeaHistoric look 100 years backstory on page 34

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Slingmax® Rigging Solutions is a technology and marketingcompany, associated with the best companies in the riggingbusiness inside and outside the USA.The Slingmax® family of products includes the Twin-Path®brand in synthetic slings and the CornerMax® brands forcut protection for synthetic slings. Our Gator-sling™ brandsare well-known multi-part wire rope slings.Our technology results in a competitively priced productline that is far ahead of any competition. Our built-insling inspection and safety features are not availableanywhere else. And this technology is backed up by themost extensive testing program in the sling industry. Ourpolicy of continuous improvement is well documented.Here are some important features of our products.

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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology October 2014 7

Cover photo:Spider provides unique access solution at Pennsylvania’s largest wind farm. See their press release, page 54.

The Awful Rainbow at Saint Louis .................8The awesome days when wire rope was full of color may soon be a thing of the past.By Don Sayenga.

Early “Hybrid” Wire Rope Cable Crosses the Atlantic and Revolutionizes World Communication .............................................14

A forerunner of todays wire rope was laid across the Atlantic Ocean in a daring attempt to connect the world through instant communication.By Peter Hildebrandt.

On Stage: Rope Terminations Protect the Lives of Daring Performers ...........................28

Wire rope gets all the glory, but it’s the terminations that keep workers, as well as performers, safe.By Michael Waryas.

100 Years Back, Wire Rope was Pivotal in Combat Operations on the Seas ...................34

How wire rope was a crucial tool in the effort to win the first World War.By Henry Vere.

October 23, 2014

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Vol. 36, No. 1

Contents

Features

Advertiser’s Index ..............................................79Steel Industry News ..........................................49The Inventor’s Corner ........................................60New Products ....................................................73People in the News ............................................76Classified ...........................................................80

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Page 79

Wire Rope News & Sling Technology October 20148

The Awful Rainbowat Saint Louis

by Don Sayenga

For Starters: Let’s not forget the original definition of “awful” means “filled with awe”, or, as the kids say today, “awesome”. One of our best science writers is Richard Dawkins. He has established a benchmark for a mixed discussion of sci-ence and philosophy by quoting from a line of English poetry written by John Ke-ats (1795-1821) as the title of his 1998 book Unweaving The Rainbow. Taking this as my cue, I am citing a line from the same source “There was an awful rainbow once...” to characterize an accidental but enduring marketing ploy now on the verge of disappearing forever.

To begin this story, I’ll launch with another quote taken from my favorite of all science writ-

ers, James Burke, who described our modern civilization with these words: “When any good attitude or concept or system worked well, we hung onto it… when the answer to a question -- a solution to a problem -- suits us, we kind of institutionalize it, so that it won’t change even when we do.” That’s a pretty good summary of something that happened in St. Louis a century ago. It is a story which now seems to be nearing its end, but it isn’t finished yet.

Many people don’t have a clear un-derstanding of the basic difference between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright. In the United States, pat-ents and trademarks are controlled via a registration process devised by the Department of Commerce. If you want the official statement about the sub-ject, visit www.uspto.gov. Conversely, copyrights are a function of the Library of Congress; for more information, go to www.loc.gov. Here is a simple distinc-tion: patents have numbers and their purpose is to allow someone to make a profit on an invention for a limited time period. Copyrights don’t have numbers but we use a little symbol © to protect

the creative work of authors, compos-ers, and artists. Trademarks

Trademarks are slightly more com-plicated than either patents or copy-rights. It is possible to register a trade-mark, but for legal purposes it is not mandatory to register. Anybody who wants customers to recognize a specific trademark when they see it can simply mark their product (or their service) with a little symbol ™. That will get the job done. Our federal government does, however, provide a process for the official registration of trademarks. A stronger argument can be presented in courts if the process of registration has been completed, in which case you will be able to use another little symbol ®.

Initially, a federal trademark law was enacted in 1870, but it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1879 for violating the Constitution. Con-gress responded in 1881, placing a fo-cus upon interstate commerce. Mean-while, many states continued to have their own common laws about trade-marks. The best example of trade-mark complexity is illustrated by two kinds of sauce, both of which have been on the market for a very long time. John Lea and William Perrins

were two British drugstore chemists who created a special form of the tra-ditional sauce popular in Worcester-shire UK. They began putting names on their bottles in 1823. Today you can still buy their product. Their names are protected by trademark registra-tion in the USA (Lea & Perrins ®) but anybody can make and sell something called Worcestershire sauce.

The opposite tack was taken in Loui-siana by Edmund McIlhenny and his two sons. They began to make and sell a sauce derived from a variety of hot peppers which were named for the state of Tabasco, Mexico. The Mc-Ilhennys got a patent on their process in 1870. When it expired the family believed their brand of sauce was suf-ficiently well known and they didn’t need a patent. This led the family into a trademark dispute in 1920. They won the lawsuit and decided to register the trade name (Tabasco ®) but they chose not to emphasize their family name which remains obscure for many people who buy their sauce all the time.

Bringing the feds into the picture, however, can create a few complica-tions. The Washington Redskins are learning all about that this year. Here is the official trademark posture of the

Montgomery Ward Barn Paint in 1915.


continued on next page

United States government as of now: The term “trademark” is often used

to refer to both trademarks and service marks. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of oth-ers. A service mark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of a ser-vice rather than goods. Streakers in the Wire Rope Business

The first detection of our awful rain-bow in the wire rope business might be cited as something that happened on Main Street in St. Louis in October 1904 when the Broderick & Bascom Rope Company published Volume 1 Number 1 of its snazzy new advertis-ing flier called “The Yellow Strand”. They handed out the fliers at their ex-hibit inside the Manufactures Build-ing at the 1904 World’s Fair. The back-ground story actually began thirty years prior when the Eads Bridge was being built across the Mississippi. The bridge project required a lot of cordage and wire rope. Two local St Louis rope-makers, William Mentz and Adolph Leschen, got rich competing with each other for the contractors’ rope needs on the bridge which opened in 1874. After the bridge job, four young St. Louis salesmen expanded the efforts of the founders.

The brothers Henry and John Le-schen sold the products made by their father. John Broderick and Joseph Bas-com sold the products made by Mentz. Those two Saint Louis wire rope com-panies expanded rapidly between 1880 and 1900 when the population of Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska increased by two million. During those years, England and Scotland were world lead-ers of wire rope technology. Adolph Leschen and his nephew John Stoep-pelman had been making all their fiber ropes and wire ropes by hand on an out-door ropewalk, but Henry Leschen was the visionary who convinced them to abandon cordage production entirely, and begin making all wire ropes inside a modern factory building at 903 North Main Street, using the latest types of British wire rope machinery.

The Leschen brothers also discov-ered a vastly superior grade of steel rope wire had become available from the UK. They began to import small quantities of this wire. Later, it be-came known by the generic name im-proved plough steel. At first the new British wire was mixed in with con-ventional crucible steel wire but Hen-ry and his brother soon realized the

merit of selling a higher grade prod-uct made of the new wire alone. They called their new stronger product “Hercules”. In 1888 they registered the brand as their trademark. To be certain the “Hercules” brand wire was kept separate from conventional cru-cible steel wire, the Leschens marked the coils with barn paint.

Barn paint was the cheapest paint readily available everywhere in those days. It was a simple mixture of a pig-ment powder called ocher, combined with flaxseed oil or linseed oil. The color of barn paint was inconsistent because ocher was made from pulver-

ized iron ore. If the reddish iron oxide (hematite) was predominant, the ocher paint looked reddish when it dried. If the other common iron oxide (limonite) was predominant, the color looked yel-lowish. It was more or less acciden-tal that red became the most popular American barn color after the Civil War. Farmers in the Midwest seemed to prefer red painted barns, so that ocher with a reddish tint became more popular as a consequence.

The paint on the stronger wire tend-ed to stay with the product creating reddish streaks in the finished ropes.

An original ad for Hercules Red Strand.


continued from previous page

continued on page 12

Henry and John Leschen inaugurated the awful rainbow in 1888 by deliber-ately painting one strand of their Her-cules ropes with barn paint. Perhaps when they began they were thinking they would paint the whole rope from end to end, but it quickly became obvi-ous it was much simpler to paint one of the strands alone, prior to laying the strands together in a closer. In their trademark claim they asserted they did this “so as to make it distinctly unlike the other strands of the rope”. Unfor-tunately, the lawyer who drafted their registration tried to make the claim as broad as possible by using these words: “The essential feature of the trade-mark is the streak of distinctive color produced in or applied to a wire rope…This mark is usually applied by paint-ing one strand of the wire rope a dis-tinctive color, usually red.”The Yellow Peril

In the 1890s, due to the success of easily identifiable and stronger Her-cules Red Strand ropes, there was enormous competitive pressure on John Broderick and Joseph Bascom who were also using the same supe-rior wire from the UK to make their own premium brand which they called “Power”. Two hundred years earlier, Sir Isaac Newton had decreed ordi-nary sunlight can be separated into seven colors which he called red, or-ange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These became known as pri-mary colors. The Leschen trademark registration for Hercules Red Strand depended upon having a distinctive painted streak in the rope, yet it was hazy as to the specific primary color of the barn paint they were using.

B&B deliberately chose to do the

same thing with yellow barn paint for their Power brand. The paint they chose wasn’t as popular as red in the barn painting business, but it was just as cheap and just as visible. In other parts of the nation, other specific pri-mary colors were being adopted to identify special products, such as the Indigo Denim cotton cloth from North Carolina chosen by Levi Strauss for his riveted workpants in 1873, now called “blue jeans” all over the world.

In the Midwest, the wire rope mar-ketplace was fully aware Hercules and Power were competing brands, but the dominant wire ropes of America then were made by manufacturers in the East such as Roebling Sons, Haz-ard, Waterbury, and Williamsport Al-though they sometimes painted their reels, those companies had not used color as a means for identification of their products. Early in the year 1900 B&B began to paint one strand of their Power ropes yellow. When they ap-plied for a trademark in October that year, Leschen decided to haul B&B into court, claiming B&B was attempting to “deceive the public”. The Leschens claimed they had lost sales “exceeding fifty thousand dollars”.

The case went before Judge Elmer Adams of the U.S. Circuit Court for Eastern Missouri who rejected it with some awfully strong words: “…I can-not escape the conviction at the outset that the mark claimed … is obnoxious to the first principles of law govern-ing the acquisition of a valid trade mark…This permissible shifting of the most striking feature of the mark from time to time is in itself fatal to its validity…” Undaunted, the Leschen brothers appealed this ruling in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, but they

A more recent ad for B&B Yellow Strand.

were again rebuffed: “We do not think that a mark which consists simply in a colored strand in a wire rope but is not restricted to any particular color can be sustained as a valid trademark… the defendants do not infringe that trademark because they use a yellow strand….”

We’ll never know how much money the lawyers made during the struggle but the Leschens were induced to con-tinue their appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. B&B anchored their defense solidly upon the original dismissal. Justice Henry Brown de-livered the highest court’s rejection of the case: “Even if it were conceded that a person might claim a wire rope col-ored red or white, or any other color, it would clearly be too broad to embrace all colors…You may register a mark, which is otherwise distinctive, in color, and that gives you the right to use in it any color you like; but you cannot reg-ister a mark of which the only distinc-tion is the use of a color, because practi-cally…that would give you a monopoly of all the colors of the rainbow.” After The Storm

The appearance of a rainbow in the sky is sometimes thought to be sym-bolic of a change for the better. The decision of the U S Supreme Court wasn’t published until March 19, 1905, almost 100 days after the St Louis World’s Fair had closed down. By then B&B had been distributing copies of “The Yellow Strand” newslet-ter throughout the Midwest for sever-al months. It didn’t take long for word to get around in the industry. George Whyte and F.B. Macomber, who were making wire rope in Coal City, Illi-nois, immediately registered a trade-mark (®58983) for a white strand in their product which, of course, they called “Whyte” strand at first.

Here we have a very interesting question. Black and white are not on Newton’s list of seven primary colors. Are they colors? What about silver and gold, copper and bronze? What about tints like pink and brown? The famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgen-stein was fascinated by this concept. He asked “why is it we cannot conceive of something such as reddish green?” His philosophical question remains un-answered but from a practical stand-point there was a much bigger problem. There were perhaps a dozen wire rope makers in the USA and Montgomery Ward’s “Coverall” catalog offered only six colors of barn paint.

Outside of St. Louis there was a

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continued from page 10mixed reaction to the red strand vs. yellow strand feud. At first, Roebling Sons and AS&W in Trenton NJ ig-nored it. Others, such as Waterbury (Green Strand) and Williamsport (Purple Strand) endorsed the rainbow marketing concept after a few years, ultimately causing Roebling Sons at last to begin using blue-dyed fiber cores inside their ropes. Leschen continued to oppose, and as recently as 1930 they convinced an examiner that AS&W should be denied a trademark for Sil-ver Strand. The initial decision by the examiner came in their favor, yet it was overturned by Asst. Commissioner of Patents M.C. Moore who relied upon the earlier ruling: “… whether the con-temporaneous use of the two marks on the same goods would be likely to cause confusion in the mind of the public…” The answer already had been decided by the Supreme Court, he said.Somewhere The Awful Rainbow Is Over

At the time of the Korean War, stud-ies conducted by the Wire Rope Tech-nical Committee showed half of the 24 American wire rope companies were using colored strands in their prod-uct. The other half were not. The USA

was the only nation where the practice had become popular. A list of colored strands included all of the original members of the spectrum plus Sunbury (Orange Strand), Wickwire-Spencer (Gray Strand), and Wire Rope Corp. of America (Brown Strand). Rochester was using three colors in the strands, and J&L was covering the entire rope with a bronze colored lube.

Application of barn paint had long since disappeared, along with trade names like Hercules and Power. Sig-nificant improvements in the petrola-tum and asphaltic types of wire rope lubricants allowed dye mixtures in the lube to create the colors. Numerous ad-vancements in rod rolling, wire draw-ing, and heat treating posed a new problem. The colored strand marking system had been implemented as a way to distinguish improved plow steel from lesser grades of general purpose wire rope. How should the new higher strength wire ropes be identified?

Today, more than 125 years have passed since the first red ocher barn paint was daubed onto a Hercules rope, initiating the awesome rainbow that is still with us. As John Keats once said, it was “‘given in the dull catalogue of common things” so that every person

who entered the American wire rope industry as a beginner needed to learn about the various colored strands and the companies that produced them. All of those companies have changed own-ership several times. Trademark rights usually are transferred in an asset sale, but new owners must make deci-sions about the merit of continuing the use of a mark.

When the first red strand and yellow strand ropes were offered for sale at St. Louis, simple six-by-nineteen fiber core was used for almost any application. Now the applications have become more complicated and the users have become more adept at selecting special constructions. Colored strands are seen less and less in the USA. It is reason-able to predict the awesome rainbow might fade from sight in the future.

Ironically, WireCo World Group, currently in possession of the origi-nal red strand trademarking practice, launched a dramatic change recently when engineers Bamdad Pourladian and Tim Klein obtained U S Patent 8438826 on a special 4-strand wire rope for use in theatrical productions. The rope is deliberately blackened by a special process to prevent the audience from seeing it on stage! WRN

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Early “Hybrid” Wire Rope Cable Crosses the Atlantic

and Revolutionizes World Communicationby Peter Hildebrandt

In 1858, an ambitious project, perhaps the equivalent of the 20th century’s moon landing, began. The USS Niagara went to sea. Below decks, the war ship carried an exceptional cargo – a thousand tons of copper wire wrapped in enormous coils. Also aboard was Cyrus Field, a self-made millionaire at thirty-eight. Field had been taken up with an expansive idea: a cable across the Atlantic. Telegraph wires spread across the American landscape, but the Atlantic Ocean remained the supreme obstacle to instantaneous communication.

Though communication cable is clearly not exactly the same as wire rope, the two are intertwined

in history. Today’s electrical-mechan-ical cable has the strength member built into it. The Roebling Company, whose founder, John Roebling many consider the father of American wire rope and its manufacture, did make electrical mechanical cables. This was

around 1941. These cables were elec-tric for power, some ignition functions, and for use in air planes.

Wire was most likely being made into cables before electrical cables were constructed. It would make sense that those involved with wire rope would be involved or have knowledge of what was being done in electrical or commu-nications cables. At some point there

was something of a split. One of the firms still operating, which was on both sides was the Rochester Corporation, still operating in Culpepper, Virginia. Their wire rope division was purchased by WireCo World Group. However the electrical mechanical division still goes on in Virginia.

Their products find uses in oil wells,

Dealing with a whale which nearly stopped operations.


continued from page 14


umbilicals for the Navy among other uses. In the beginning, though, there was one company and the electrical mechani-cal and purely supporting lifting cables were produced by them. The concept of a cable used for lifting was one pos-sible use. That used for communication, expanded the horizon of possible uses vastly. Despite satellites, cell phones and the internet, undersea communica-tion cables are still laid under the oceans to this day. In the 1850s such a dream remained the stuff of fiction books.

But in 1858, an ambitious project, per-haps the equivalent of the 20th century’s moon landing, began. The USS Niagara went to sea. Below decks, the war ship carried an exceptional cargo – a thou-sand tons of copper wire wrapped in enormous coils. Also aboard was Cyrus Field, a self-made millionaire at thirty-eight. Field had been taken up with an expansive idea: a cable across the Atlan-tic. Telegraph wires spread across the American landscape, but the Atlantic Ocean remained the supreme obstacle to instantaneous communication.

Communication between New York and London still took at least two weeks to cross the sea. If Field could succeed, his Atlantic cable would revo-

lutionize communication and trans-form international business; North America would no longer be separated from the rest of the world.

To use a present-day analogy, tele-graph communication was the internet of its day. Telegraph made a neighbor-hood of the entire globe. But before all of that could happen, questions lin-gered about whether an ocean cable was possible or would work, aside from the cable being a vast gamble. From the perils of sailing ships to the secrets of an unverified technology, Field’s

telegraph across the Atlantic Ocean teetered on the verge of calamity.

The cast of characters assembled to make the cable possible included Charles Tilson Bright, a 24-year-old chief engineer for the project. Five years earlier, Bright had laid a complete tele-graph wire system beneath Manchester UK street – in a single night, bypassing disturbances to traffic. The next year he took out 24 patents for fundamental in-novations, including the porcelain insu-lators still in use well beyond the middle

Cable being unwound below deck for laying on ocean floor.


of the 20th century. Field would find backers for the proj-

ect both in the US and in London. This first effort to lay a cable beneath the North Atlantic involved the production of a lot of cable in a relatively short period of time, drawing and spinning 335,000 miles of iron and copper wire and covering that with 300,000 miles of tarred hemp to form a cable 2500 miles long; the distance from Newfoundland to Ireland is actually 2000 miles. The extra was needed for slack in paying out and have some on hand in case of any lost line.

Cyrus Field’s plan to connect the continents would call on the best sci-entists, the navies of two great powers, and the labor of thousands. A century before the Internet, Cyrus Field would attempt to wire the world. In 1856, Field, had arranged a series of exclu-sive parties for some British investors. Field set up telegraph keys in private mansions around London, and had his guests compose short messages. The notes were sent by overland wires to other gatherings around Europe. After a few minutes, replies came in from as far away as Russia.

“The Czar is most pleased with your inquiry and is in good health,” an-swered one of the notes; the newness of communicating at a distance captivat-ed Field’s guests. In the 1850s, these parlor games were strong evidence that the world was shrinking. In less than a decade, the telegraph had become a big industry in America. Twenty years earlier, working alone in his New York artist’s studio, the painter, Samuel Morse, had experimented with a mech-

anism for sending signals over short electrical wires.

With primitive batteries for power, he devised a code of simple dots and dashes to represent the letters of the alphabet. In 1843, the U.S. government paid for wires strung the 35 miles from Wash-ington to Baltimore. Within a few years, this first telegraph line had sprouted a system expanding from Boston west to the Mississippi River. The time of in-stant communication was born.

The telegraph quickly transformed the marketplace in the United States rather quickly. Prices are known in-stantly around the country. The mar-ket is nationalized. Though New York and New Orleans could now commu-nicate, oceans separated the cities of America from the rest of the world.

The telegraph had shrunk the conti-nent, but international news was still carried by wind and sail. Ships would leave New York Harbor with mail and dispatches bound for London — weeks away. The telegraph ended at the docks of lower Manhattan. At an office block facing these docks, Cyrus Field had built a successful, international com-pany by the time he was thirty. The son of a prominent New England clergy-man, Field’s family included important judges and social reformers. But, as a young man, Cyrus Field chose a differ-ent path. While still a boy, he came to New York to seek his fortune. But once he turned around a failing paper com-pany he found himself bored; he was still in his thirties.

Field’s brother, who was an engineer, in turn brought over a man who was in-volved in a scheme to build a telegraph across Newfoundland and then run a cable across the Cabot Strait to Nova Scotia, so ships could stop at St. John’s in Newfoundland, then they could tele-graph the news ahead to New York. News coming from Europe could get to North America two days faster. Field, actually, was not terribly impressed with that idea. But then he happened to look at a globe and he just noticed that Newfoundland is right on the Great Circle Route to England and he just suddenly thought to himself, well, why don’t we lay a cable across the At-lantic and then we wouldn’t save two days, we’d save twelve days and have the news instantly.

William Thomson, though perhaps not the greatest scientist of the nine-teenth century, may have been the


continued on page 20Afraid of possible sabotage, technicians inspect damaged section brought up from the ocean floor.

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continued from page 18most famous man of science in his time, one the public identified with the impressive inventions and technical advances of the era. The people were correct in their assessment. Thomson bridged the gap between the laboratory and the industrial world. For his time, he was something of a fusing of Ein-stein and Edison, of the next century. Thomson concerned himself with what takes place between the time the tele-graph current was first applied and the transition period in which nothing hap-pened; such questions eventually led to the discovery of radio waves some three decades later.

Thomson’s ultimate quest in his in-vestigation of telegraph cables was to figure just how long it takes for a signal to reach the far end of a telegraph cable. It was at length found that seawater’s conducting of current meant a cable may need 20 times as much electricity to charge it up when it was submerged as it required if suspended in air. In the process Thomson came up with his “law of squares,” the speed with which messages can be sent through a given cable decreases with the square of its length or if one multiplies the length of a cable ten times, the rate of signaling

will be reduced a hundredfold. The only way to circumvent it is to increase the size of the conducting core.

Field was ignorant of the ocean and the science of telegraphy. Field began 1854 by writing to a Lieutenant Mat-thew Maury, Director of the Naval Observatory in Washington and the great American oceanographer – the virtual inventor of the science of ocean-ography. Upon being written about the feasibility of laying a line across the Atlantic Ocean, Maury replied that his ship discovered a flat area perfect for laying a cable, that in fact, they’d named “Telegraph Plateau.”

Field began to consider the scale of the project. A rudimentary 27-mile line under the English Channel had just been laid; a cable spanning the Atlantic would need to be a hundred

times longer. He told potential backers of the project that, “the bottom of the sea between Newfoundland and Ire-land is a plateau, which seems to have been placed there especially to hold the wires of a submarine telegraph and to keep them out of harm’s way.”

Field’s first task would be bridging the 60-mile Cabot Strait separating Newfoundland from the rest of Canada. After wrecking a small ship, the new cable company was forced to spend al-most all its original capital just string-ing a wire through the wilderness to Newfoundland’s eastern shore. “Not one of us had ever seen the country,” noted Field. “On a map it was easy to draw a line from one point to the other, ignoring the forests, the mountains, and rivers that lay in our way.”

A rare British-made substance, “gutta-percha” was used to protect the electrical component of the cable which was inside the iron wire rope exterior. Gutta-percha was a foul smelling tropi-cal sap used to protect electrical cable; a London company monopolized most of the gutta-percha trees in the world.

Essential to this project, gutta-per-cha, like rubber, came from a tree. But instead it is a plastic. Place it in hot

Great Eastern laying the cable.

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water and it begins to soften and then you can mold it into whatever shape, cool it down and it keeps that shape.

It can also be used as a coating on copper wire. The nature of gutta-per-cha was that it was a good insulator. So, the cable was a piece of copper wire coated with this gutta-percha and then having an outer covering of iron wire wound round it as a protection.

Insulated cable would weigh one ton per mile, and no single ship was big enough to carry the entire 2500-ton load. Most experts doubted that exist-ing cable would operate over such a dis-tance. But, Edward Orange Wildman Whitehouse a medical doctor Cyrus Field hired as chief electrician, claimed he could make it work. Electricity was still a mystery in the 1850s. Before the light bulb, most people knew electric-ity only from thunderstorms or magic shows. There was great uncertainty whether a current could even flow through a 2,000 mile, undersea cable.

Promoters had left little time for ex-perimentation or testing. Specs had been sent to manufacturers when Thomson arrived on the scene; it was too late to change them. He was also shocked to find out that the quality of

the copper varied so much that some sections conducted twice as well as oth-ers. Nothing could be done about this except to work to keep the consistency in future wires used.

The conductor consisted of seven strands of copper wire insulated by three distinct layers of gutta-percha.

The reason for this being that if there was a hole or imperfection in one layer, the other two still would provide satis-factory protective covering. Only in the highly unlikely event of three flaws in precisely the same place would there be danger of electrical failure.

Workers get ready to attempt retrieval of the lost cable from the Great Eastern’s bow on August 2, 1865.




The insulated core was covered with a hemp layer and that was protected with eighteen strands of twisted iron wire. The subsequent cable was five eights of an inch in thickness and weighed one ton per mile; still 2500 tons was too much for any ship at the time to carry. However, the cable was finished amazingly quickly, in six months, by July, 1857.

Late in 1857, the navy lent the USS Niagara to the Atlantic Telegraph Company. Driven by steam and sail, the Niagara was the largest such ves-sel in the world. After being fitted with new machinery, and with Cyrus Field aboard, the U.S. ship sailed for a meeting point in the middle of the At-lantic Ocean. Here, she met her Brit-ish equivalent, the HMS Agamemnon, each carrying one-half of the cable.

With both ships at the meeting point, riggers joined the cable. Strand by strand the wires were carefully connect-ed and a copper penny was soldered in for luck. On July 29, 1858, a test signal was telegraphed from the Agamemnon to the Niagara. That afternoon the ships sailed off in opposite directions. From this point it seemed easy to lay the ca-ble, but each ship still had 1200 miles of cable to drop to the base of the ocean. Then there was the 20,000 feet of water to go down to reach the bottom and the fact that each ship is moving forward, so those doing the work must make sure the cable isn’t too tight.

Therefore, a too-tight cable will most likely break; a cable too loose snakes its way down to the base of the ocean, coiling on the base. Operators must match the speed of the ship with the required laying speed of the cable and keep going at this sort of speed regard-less of what happens at the top.

Niagara telegraphers sent hourly test signals to the Agamemnon. As long as one ship could hear the other, the cable was working. If the signal should ever stop, their mission would be a failure. For eight days, the Agamemnon and Ni-agara sailed east and west — the first time in history that two ships had main-tained contact beyond the horizon.

The Niagara sent regular weather reports, The Agamemnon replied that whales were following the ship. Then, one morning, there was a situation aboard the Niagara. Officers discov-ered serious navigational errors. The ship had laid out too much cable for the distance covered. At that rate, they would run out of cable before making Newfoundland. It seemed the compass had been affected by the amount of

iron! The cables were sheathed with iron, therefore the compass would devi-ate from its north position.

Without a reliable compass, the navi-gator needed to constantly check his position as he fought to keep the ship on track. Even as cargo, the cable itself, was posing a challenge.

After eight days and nearly 1,000 miles, the Niagara entered Trinity Bay, Newfoundland — the cable had arrived in North America. From a small shed on the beach, Field sent a four-word mes-sage to New York: “The cable is laid.” From the cable office on Wall Street the word spread rapidly as the telegraph carried the news to towns around the United States. Newspapers from New England to the Midwest printed extra editions. While Field prepared to return from Newfoundland to New York, the Agamemnon, reached the coast of Ire-land. As the electrician, Edward White-house looked on, the European end of the cable was drawn ashore.

Queen Victoria wrote a ceremonial telegram to President James Buchan-an. One of Dr. Whitehouse’s first tasks was to telegraph her words across the Atlantic. When the Queen’s message arrived, America began celebrating. Two continents were now joined. The world at that time was used to having the Atlantic Ocean be two weeks, three weeks, six weeks wide and, all of a sud-den it was 10 minutes wide.

From the first test signals, though, something appeared to be wrong. Even the Queen’s brief message took

hours to transmit. As time passed, the signals across the Atlantic became fainter. In Ireland, Dr. Whitehouse’s response was to add more and more batteries to the circuit, cranking up the amount of current passing through the cable. Batteries with 500 volts, and then induction coils, maybe 2,000 volts. The poor cable was not going to be able to withstand that, but nobody knew. In Newfoundland, the signals became sporadic, words were disjointed, whole phrases missed.

“Our cable is not dead but only slum-bers,” said Field. “Someday, she will answer the call.”

But the cable had failed and the scale of the debacle forced the British and American governments to call a Board of Enquiry to find out what had gone wrong. Field was summoned to explain himself.

This is the first time after a technical failure, that a board of inquiry was gath-ered. It was such a good idea that every time since, the first thing they do is sum-mon a board of inquiry, same as was done with the Titanic sinking in 1912 or the Challenger explosion in 1986.

Many things were found to be wrong. The cable was badly designed nor had it been properly tested in real conditions, in water of the right temperature and at the right pressure. Long cables also have problems as do deep cables, not just in laying them but actually getting them to work once they are laid down. The Board’s investigations focused on

In the wake of the failure to raise the broken end, Great Eastern lowers a buoy to mark a spot for a further try to raise it.

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19th century, Isambard Kingdom Bru-nel, told Field, “I have the ship to lay your cable.” In 1858, he launched the Great Eastern, which was not only the largest ship in the world, it was five times the size of any ship in the world.

Brunel’s primary idea was to build a ship large enough to steam from Eng-land to Australia and back without having to re-coal. It turned out that it was a disaster for commercial travel. Nobody especially wanted to go to Aus-tralia, even without having to re-coal, and, on the Atlantic run, it was just too big to make money. Field realized in-stantly that it would be perfect for his purpose because it was the only ship in the world that could carry all the cable in one go.

Field and his London backers were able to purchase the insolvent Great Eastern for only two percent of what it had cost to build. The one ship in the world big enough to alone lay the entire cable was now in Field’s hands. Com-pared to the attempt of 1858, the Great Eastern would be a voyage of luxury. For weeks, at a dock in London, 7,000 tons of continuous cable was spooled into the holds of the great ship. There was no longer any need to trouble themselves about mid-ocean splicing with another boat. It was all on one ship. The Great Eastern was so huge that the cable seemed lost in the hold.

Ten years before, Cyrus Field began with a small assemblage in his own front room, now he was about to set sail in the world’s largest ship with dozens of technicians and the finest equipment 19th century science could provide. The European end of the new cable ran from the same Irish bay as in 1858.

was lost, no matter what disaster befell the cable project, his optimism seemed to be unshakeable, his faith in the ultimate success must have been inspirational to other people and given them confidence to keep investing.

By the time Field had raised new capital in Britain, his own country had exploded.

In April 1861, civil war broke out in America. While it tore the nation apart, the war’s use of battlefield tele-graph equipment also demonstrated the power of good communication. When peace came to America in 1865, Field and his backers resumed the ca-ble project with new vigor.

One of the greatest engineers of the

Telegraph station in Newfoundland, where the cable reaches from UK.

Completed cable being ferried out to the Great Eastern in the Medway River. Vessel doing the work was an old battleship turned barge.



the electrician, Dr. Whitehouse. When he hooked his powerful batteries to the Irish end of the cable, he forced so much power through the line that he blasted a hole through the gutta-percha insu-lation somewhere on the ocean floor. The entire 2,000-mile system had been turned into a soggy clothesline.

The Board, importantly, discovered there was no satisfactory vocabulary in which to discuss technical details of electrical engineering and, within the next few years, a whole raft of words entered the English language; words like Watt and Volt and Ohm and Am-pere – all named for great innovators in the history of electricity.

Field replaced Whitehouse with Pro-fessor William Thomson, a brilliant, Scottish physicist, later known as “Lord Kelvin”. Thomson thought what was needed was an instrument to detect very weak signals. The electricity at the far end of the cable was too faint to produce a conventional click. Thomson struggled for a way to catch the signal. Field found that by focusing a kerosene flame on a mirror, even the slightest movement of the wire could be made visible. The ingenious mirror galvanom-eter could detect signals one thousand times fainter than other receivers. Al-though Dr. Whitehouse had taken the fall for the cable’s failure, the Board also faulted Cyrus Field’s impulsiveness. If Field was to try another cable, it would have to be based on solid physics.

But for Field no matter how bad things were looking, no matter how much money

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forests – tours which take the traveler up into the trees to traverse and sail through the rain forest, suspended on lines quite similar to those used to sus-pend performers in stage shows.

Obviously there is no room for error – safety is a prime consideration. The rope used is heavy duty Vectran, and equally as important are the termina-tions, for if they fail, the rope fails.

Hreniuk has been relying on mechani-cal fittings since his company’s incep-tion. He says, “We use them for our tra-verse lines, which are usually anchored to trees and rock walls. I had anchors made to fit into the rock walls or trees, and the mechanical termination termi-nates the line and fits into the anchor.”


For an audience, it’s just an amazing show. But for the performers, the ropes – as well as their terminations – must never fail.

On Stage:Rope Terminations Protect the

Lives of Daring PerformersArticle submitted by Michael Waryas, Esmet

Shows such as Cirque du Soleil and The Lion King musical, as well as in many of today’s popular mu-

sic concerts, audiences are dazzled by breathtaking performances of actors, singers and dancers that leap and fly to dizzying heights as part of their shows. But much of the time unknown to the audience is the fact that such perform-ers have their lives secured by ropes and terminations – and these cannot fail for any reason. The ropes used are either steel wire or heavy-duty syn-thetic such as Kevlar® or Vectran, and they’re terminated with high-strength mechanical fittings.

In addition to suspending perform-ers, such ropes and terminations are

also used to secure scenery, curtains, lights, and sound equipment often weighing thousands of pounds. Again, there is no room for failure.

Entertainment such as this occurs both indoors and outdoors, and extends to many forms. In fact, it even extends out onto the stage of the jungle, where tourists come to glimpse nature in its unhampered form.

As an example, the Original Canopy Tour is a magnificent opportunity for the average person to see a rain for-est up close and personal. For over ten years, Darren Hreniuk, through his company The Original Canopy Tour, has been overseeing a series of mag-nificent tours of Central American rain

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“All of the traverses I install have to be done on site,” continues Hreniuk. “That usually means I am hanging from a rope on a cliff or on tree. The light weight of these terminations and the ability to cut the rope to the exact length needed and install the fitting on-site without the need of power tools, hydraulics or nasty chemicals like ep-oxies is a dream come true.”

Since its invention in 1831, wire rope (and its later synthetic successors) has been used to assure ultimate safety. It addition to its use in entertainment venues and settings, it is used in ma-rine rigging, cranes, mountain climb-ing, guardrails, elevators, cable rail-ways, antenna guys, and aerial lifts, among many others.

Termination of wire or synthetic rope is as important as the rope it-self, for without a solidly secure and safe method of attaching the rope, the safety is compromised.

A number of safe methods for termi-nation have been evolved and used over the years. Still in use today are poured socket fittings, in which lead, zinc or another material is used to bind the rope to the enclosed fitting, are done as part of the manufacture of the whole

assembly. Another method is swage pressing, in which a metal termination is compressed into the rope, forging a strong connection.

The problem with these and other similar methods is that the termina-tions are attached before the rope is taken to the site where it will be used, and in most circumstances they are not repaired or replaced on-site.

The solution is a mechanical termi-

nation, which can be installed, tested and deployed on-site, such as Electro-line fittings manufactured and distrib-uted by Esmet, Incorporated.

Because of the degree to which they must be relied upon, mechanical ter-minations are milled to a spec of the highest order. Bob Shaw, a mechanical engineer and rope fitting designer, says about Electroline fittings, “These ter-

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continued from page 30minations are manufactured to MIL-S-21433, which is a U.S. military spec. They are 1.3 to 2.0 times the strength of the attached rope, depending on the fitting grade, and are rated to IPS (Im-proved Plow Steel) or to EIPS (Extra Improved Plow Steel) ratings, depend-ing on desired strength.”

Proof-testing is done with a special de-vice which pull-tests the assembly to its required strength. Proof testing not only ensures the strength of the terminations, but the strength of the rope and the at-tachment of the termination as well.

Proof-testing should be done to the requirement of the specific applica-tion for which it will be used. For ex-ample, antenna guys must have a safe working load which is one-third of its breaking strength. For a lifting device such as a crane, the safe working load is one-fifth of the breaking strength. An elevator application carries a safe working load of one-twentieth of the breaking strength.

Another advantage of mechanical terminations is on-site inspection, an advantage if proof-testing cannot be done on-site. With a mechanical termi-nation, the adapter can be disassem-bled from the sleeve and it can be seen

if it’s been assembled correctly, or if the rope is beginning to corrode or slip out. Says Shaw, “There is no way to inspect a poured-socket termination in such a way, and because it can’t be inspected, you never know if the filler has been poured correctly.”

Esmet also provides extra-strength fittings when required. For example, one application required a 70-ton load be pulled using a 50-ton termination, as a 70-ton termination would not fit where needed. Knowing that a 50-ton termination would not pull the load, Esmet heat-treated the 50-ton fitting to make it strong enough for 70 tons. Sim-ilarly, Esmet has run across situations in which high-load cable has been com-pressed to be smaller, but the smaller fittings aren’t rated for the load. Esmet would then special-make small fittings to meet the higher requirements.

Darren Hreniuk of The Original Canopy Tour says, “Everything that I do, I hold very high standards for. One of the criteria that I used when I de-cided to actually get into the business of taking people up into the top of the rain forest was that there would be no skimping on anything. I sought out the best materials that I could find. For fit-tings we needed something that abso-

lutely would not fail. That’s where we got into Electroline fittings.”

It’s clear that for all entertainment settings in which equipment or per-formers must be suspended or secured for any reason, mechanical termina-tions can be relied upon to protect the lives of all concerned. WRN

Electroline fittings are used in stage productions such as Cirque du Soleil.

Arial view of Zip Line over Belize.


lands and peoples sometimes ambiva-lent of what exactly they wanted them-selves. When an earlier assassination attempt on June 28, 1914, one involv-ing a tossed bomb, wounded the arch-duke’s driver, the visiting heir to the throne and his wife decided to take a side trip to the hospital to comfort the man after he was taken to the hospital.

The royal couple’s driver in turn got lost, stuck at the end of a narrow one-way street which he was unable to turn around on, soon actually backing down the crowded road. Teenaged Gavrilo Princip, postman’s son and Bosnian na-tionalist had just stepped out into the

Prior to 1914, the western world would perhaps in many ways seem vastly different to those who

would live through the next four years and beyond. Europe in the early 20th century contained a complicated, fragile – yet largely peaceful - network of alli-ances and balances of power between countries with long convoluted histories as well as equally tortured borders.

Wire rope was used at that time pri-marily for suspension bridge construc-tion and the pulling of cable cars, el-evators or other equipment. By war’s end much thinner solid wire would be critical in another burgeoning indus-try, brought about largely because of

the global conflict – air combat.We tend to view the assassination

of Franz Ferdinand the Austria-Hun-gary archduke, and his wife Sophie as the simple act of an assassin in an oppressed country. Things were much more complicated than that. The Bal-kans had a long bloody history of con-flict and competing interests, religions, nationalities, and philosophies. Aus-tria-Hungry and the Archduke and his wife were out of their element clearly in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Their now non-existent country had little background, knowledge or prepa-ration for dealing with the ancient con-flicts of an amalgamation of fractured

Releasing a mine from a British mine laying motor launch, during World War I.

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by Henry Vere

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street frustrated that his little group – what today would mostly likely be la-beled a terrorist cell - had been thwart-ed in their first attempt at assassina-tion earlier in the day. Instead, their target was right before Princip’s eyes, on a silver platter. The three shots that would kill the archduke and his wife on June 28th would also at length ignite a war proving extremely bloody as it engulfed Europe in untold destruction from 1914 to 1919.

The loss of life – while at the same

the Armageddon of World War II. Some historians consider WWII simply the second half of the First World War, a mere generation later.

Though the American Civil War is sometimes referred to as the “dress re-hearsal” for WWI that expression does tell the entire story. Events in Kitty Hawk, NC in December 1902 would for-ever change how we viewed what had once be the domain solely of birds, bats, or winged insects. World War I – origi-nally called the Great War - proved the air could also be another battleground, simply above the ground.

But back on the ground, in Trenton, New Jersey is housed the only remain-ing Roebling machine, largest wire-rope closing machine left. The machine was constructed around 1893. Wire rope was used for solid structures and the work done on the construction or repair, on the ground. The Roebling machine was designed by Charles G. Roebling (1849-1918), engineer and president of the Roebling Company from 1876 to 1918. Built in 1893, it was the largest wire-rope closing ma-chine in its time. The machine twisted six strands around a central core rope. These seven in the machine’s forming die to produce a finished rope, a process known as closing.

The machine was built to produce 1.5-inch rope for cable railways—80 tons could be loaded at a single spinning, which provided 30,000 feet of unspliced cable at a batch. The demand for ever longer cable car ropes led to its design. It was a vertical machine, standing 64 feet, requiring the machine and build-ing to be built as a unit. This and an adjacent rope room still exist. This ma-chine was modified in 1968 to produced 5-inch wire rope, the largest at the time, for surface mining. Charles Roebling, who graduated from Rensselaer Poly-technic in 1871 (civil engineering) was the third son of John A. Roebling (1809-1869), celebrated engineer of suspen-sion bridges and founder of the wire and rope works. John Roebling, educated at the Berlin Polytechnic Institute, immi-grated from Germany in 1831.

time little ground was won or lost – staggers the imagi-nation. Fought mostly by soldiers in trenches, World War I saw an estimated 10 million military deaths and another 20 million wounded. Dubbed the “war to end all wars,” the conflagration saw the drawing up of a peace treaty which did quick work of setting the stage for

Unloading unassembled mines “eggs” at the Navy Yard’s Foreign Base at Inverness, Scotland. NHHC Photograph Collection: NR&L Files: 3211.



continued from page 36As an engineer in west-

ern Pennsylvania, he be-gan to replace the hemp ropes used on the inclined railways with hand- twist-ed wire rope. John Roebling established his first wire rope manufacturing plant in the Chambersburg sec-tion of Trenton in 1849. Ini-tially the rope was used in design and construction of suspension bridges by Roebling, includ-ing the Brooklyn Bridge. By the 1880s, wire and wire rope were also produced for shipping and railway use, soon to be followed by recently developed tech-nologies in electrical transmission, tele-graphs, and elevators.

Mining and cable cars also used the wire rope. Soon, the tramways and construction of the Panama Canal employed Roebling wire ropes. By the 1880s, wire and wire rope were also produced for shipping and railway use, soon to be followed by recently developed technologies in electrical transmission, telegraphs, and eleva-tors. Mining and cable cars also used the wire rope. Soon, the tramways and construction of the Panama Canal em-ployed Roebling wire ropes.

After the start of World War I, air-plane rigging and controls called for fine wires. In stark contrast to the monotony, drudgery, filth, sogginess, and unhealthy conditions found in the trenches, the war in the skies just overhead proved invigorating, inspir-

ing, however, quite deadly much of the time. The First World War proved to be a great incentive for the development of scores of different styles of aircraft.

Upon first glance the planes appear fragile and vulnerable. There is no ques-tion that if hit they were fatal to their helpless pilots. But the planes and their pilots often were incredible workhorses in the skies over Europe. They both set the stage for future aerial conflicts as well as created a world of air battle and daring that will never exist again.

The other place where wire rope in-fluenced military operations was in naval mining, something used in con-flicts since the American Revolution when the Americans sent crude mines loaded with gun powder up the Dela-ware River, terrorizing the British fleet anchored there. Then, in conflicts ever since that time, naval mining was part of the arsenal of the conflicts on all sides. The North Sea Mine Barrage, was a large minefield laid easterly from the Orkenys to Norway by the US Navy

North Sea Mine Barrage, 1918. Loading mines into transportation at Mine Force Base, Invergordon, Scotland. NHHC Photograph Collection: NH 61297.

Mine laying in the North Sea, 1918. NHHC Photograph Collection: NH 2743.


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– assisted by the Royal Navy – during the First World War.

This was attempted as a way to stop the U-boats in the shipping lanes. Though the Royal Navy’s Rear Admi-ral Lews Clinton-Baker called this the “biggest mine planting stunt in the world’s history;” bigger fields contain-ing more mines were laid during the Second World War.

The idea of a mine barrage across the North Sea was first proposed in the summer of 1916 by Admiral Regi-nald Bacon and was agreed at the Al-lied Naval Conference on September 5, 1917. A minefield across the North Sea required mining water 900 feet (270 m) deep while no previous minefield had been established in waters more than 300 ft (91 m) deep. A minefield across the North Sea had been estimated to require 400,000 conventional anchored mines. An “antenna” mine developed in July 1917 proved effective at the as-sumed maximum submarine depth of 200 ft (61 m); and some 100,000 of these new Mk 6 mines would be adequate to form the North Sea mine barrage.

The US apparently felt more enthu-siastic about the plan as trans-Atlantic shipping losses were a major domes-tic concern. This was a good fit for us; playing an active part in tackling this problem, using our industrial strength, yet with minimal risk of American ca-sualties. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary to the Navy, even appealed to then President, Woodrow Wilson to get on board with the project by thwarting opposition from Vice Ad-miral William Sims, commander of all US naval forces in Europe.

The U.S. Navy tendered an order for the Mk 6 mines in October 1917 with 80,000,000 ft (24,000,000 meters) of steel wire rope required to moor the mines to the seabed. Project spending

Loading Mines into cars while at Inverness, Scotland. NR&L Files: Mines: 5483.

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of $40 million was shared among 140 manufacturing contractors and over 400 sub-contractors. All mine compo-nents other than wire rope, volatiles, and detonating circuitry were actually manufactured by automakers in De-troit. Eight civilian steamships were converted into mine-layers, while 24 mine-carrying freighters, sailing at a rate of two or three per week, trans-ported manufactured mine components to be assembled in Scotland.

This operation was to prevent U-

boats from prowling the North Atlan-tic as well as thwarting trans-Atlantic shipping. A previous blockage had al-ready been placed across the English Channel with the result that U-boats diverted north around Scotland. The North Sea Mine Barrage had the objec-tive of closing this alternative route as well as making it difficult for U-boats to get supplies.

The Mk 6 mine was a 34 in (86 cm) di-ameter steel sphere containing a buoy-ancy chamber and TNT weighing 300 lb (140kg). Each mine was constructed

of two steel hemispheres welded to-gether. A Toxyl bursting charge was cast into the lower hemisphere. Toxyl was a mixture of 60% trinitroxylene (TNX) with 40% TNT - used because the US Army actually controlled Unit-ed States TNT production and would not release sufficient quantities for the naval mine barrage.

Transport of the mines involved rest-ing the device atop a box-shaped steel anchor approximately 30” (76 cm) square. The anchor box had wheels al-lowing the mine assembly to be moved along a system of rails aboard the mine-layer. The mine was connected to its 800 pounds (360 kg) anchor box by a wire rope mooring cable stored on a reel. Depth of the mine below the water sur-face was controlled by allowing the steel mooring cable to unwind from its reel as the mine was dropped from the mine-layer until a sensor suspended beneath the anchor reached the bottom.

The sensor locked the cable reel so the falling anchor would pull the buoyant mine below the surface; and the float extended the antenna above the mine. Each mine had two hydrostatic safety features intended to render the mine safe if it detached from its mooring ca-ble and floated to the surface. The first was an open switch in the detonation circuit closed by hydrostatic pressure. The second consisted of a spring which pushed the detonator away from the ex-plosive charge into the buoyancy cham-ber unless compressed by hydrostatic pressure. The mines were intended to be safe at depths less than 25 feet.

Mines contained dry cell batter-ies with electrical detonating circuits which could be initiated by any one of five parallel fuses. Four of these were conventional horns in the buoyant up-per hemisphere of the mine. Each horn contained a glass ampule of electrolyte connecting to an open circuit if an am-pule was broken by bending the soft metal horn. The innovative fifth fuse was a copper wire antenna with a float to extend it above the mine.

A ship’s steel hull touching the copper antenna would form a battery and sea-water acted as an electrolyte complet-ing a circuit with an insulated copper plate on the mine surface to actuate a detonating relay within the mine. Each mine had five separate spring-loaded safety switches in the detonating cir-cuit held open by salt pellets which took about 20 minutes to dissolve in sea water after the mine was dropped overboard from the mine-layer. The es-timated battery life for the detonating

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circuit was as at least two years.Laying the minefield involved a belt

230 miles long and 15 miles wide di-vided into area B off the east coast of Orkney, area C near the Norwegian coast. The Royal Navy left a 10 mile channel open for navigation adjacent to Orkney; no mines were laid within Nor-wegian territorial waters. Over a five month period after June, 1918, ships planted 56,571 of the 70,177 mines laid to form the North Sea mine barrage.

The mine barrage consisted of 18 rows of mines laid in an east-west direction. Ten rows of mines were laid at a depth of 80 feet to be detonated by ships travel-ing on the surface. Submerged submarines were targeted by four rows of mines at 160 feet and another four rows at 240 feet. Where possible lon-gitude was determined from a calibrated taut-wire anchored near a landmark and unreeled from a 140 miles spool of piano aboard one of the cruisers act-ing as the mine-laying forma-tion guide.

Latitude was checked from the elevation of the sun when atmospheric conditions per-mitted. The mine barrage required multiple excursion missions, laying parallel rows of mines partway across the North Sea between Norway and Orkney. Mine Squadron One made thirteen two-day mine-laying excursions lay-ing parallel rows of mines while steaming in columns 500 yards apart with the last ship in each column dropping

mines at 100 yards. As soon as a mine-layer exhausted its

supply of mines, another mine-layer in that column would drop back to the last position to continue the minelaying se-quence. The mine-layers were preceded by Royal Navy destroyers sweeping for enemy mines and submarines. A cov-ering force of Royal Navy battle ships and squadrons maneuvered nearby to defend the mine-laying formation, but no German surface warships attempt-ed engagement.

Temporarily dropped buoys marked the end point of a mining excursion to avoid leaving an un-mined gap when the next excursion started. These

buoys were open to possible movement by storms or enemy activity.

Three to five percent of the new mines dropped into the North Sea detonated as soon as the salt pellets dissolved; and un-derwater phone equipment detected pre-mature detonations lasting for a week after mine-laying. These premature detonations were initially attributed to activation of the horn fuse detonation circuits by seawater leaking into the mines; and mine spacing was increased from 250 feet on the first mine-laying excursion to 300 feet on subsequent ex-cursions to minimize leakage caused by detonation of nearby mines.

Some one percent of the mines de-ployed during the first excursion broke free of their mooring cables and washed ashore in Norway within a month. Mines used for the last eleven excursions had springs installed at the mine mooring cable attachment points to buffer wave loading during storms. Premature detonations increased to 14 percent for the fourth mine-laying ex-cursion; because some mines had been assembled with the more sensitive an-tenna fuse relay settings made by the Bureau of Ordnance.

The fifth mine-laying excursion was halted when 19 percent of the mines detonated prematurely. Subsequent investigations revealed copper sulfate deposits caused by antenna corrosion created weak batteries which also in-creased the probability of relay activa-tion by shock wave accelerations when

North Sea Mine Barrage. Diagram shows the action of the mine’s anchor after launching. For a few seconds the mine and anchor box float. Then the anchor box lock is tripped; the box begins to sink, paying out the main mooring cable as it settles. NHHC Photograph Collection: NH 61113.



US Navy sailors handling mine cases. They are hand-trucking mine spheres from the bulk stores to the assembly sheds. NHHC Photograph Collection: NR&L Files, Mines.


other mines close by detonated. Prema-ture detonations dropped to four to six percent when sensitivity was adjusted to 30 to 45 milli-volts for mines deployed by the last five mine-laying excursions.

Just how successful was the barrage? Supply problems and technical difficul-ties caused some delays. Planned addi-tional mine-laying excursions to complete the barrage were canceled when the ap-proaching end of hostilities was recog-nized upon completion of the thirteenth mine-laying excursion on October 26, 1918. The design of the minefield meant there was a theoretical 66% chance of a surfaced U-boat triggering a mine and a 33% chance for a submerged U-boat.

As the final mines were laid only a matter of days before the end of World War I, it is impossible to assess the success of the plan. Some contend the minefield was a major cause of the de-clining morale in the Imperial German Navy in those last months of the war; others contend Germany easily swept safe channels through the large, un-guarded minefield.

The official statistics on lost Ger-man submarines compiled on March 1, 1919 credited the North Sea mine barrage with the certain destruction of

four U-boats, probable destruction of two more, and possible destruction of another two. Between August 19, 1918 and October 18, 1918 eight more boats were known to have been damaged by the mines. Some Admiralty personnel assumed the field might be responsible for five more U-boats which disap-peared without explanation.

The United States participation in the mine-sweeping effort was overseen by Rear Admiral Strauss aboard the repair ship Blackhawk from which he had commanded the mine-laying oper-ation. Sweeping during cleanup opera-tions was accomplished by suspending a serrated wire between two ships on a parallel course.

While held underwater by planing devices called “kites”, the wire would foul the cables suspending the buoy-ant mines above their anchors. If the serrated wire parted the mine moor-ing cable, the mine would bob to the surface to be destroyed by gunfire. The smacks swept and destroyed six mines before winter weather halted further work at sea. The winter was spent testing an electrical protective device to reduce the risk of sweeping the antenna mines with steel-hulled ships. A pair of ships tested the pro-

tective device by sweeping 39 mines in March. Royal Navy minesweeping ef-forts involved 421 vessels manned by 600 officers and 15,000 men from April 1 to November 30, 1919.

Twelve Lapwing class minesweepers and 18 sub chasers were available for the first routine sweep of the United States minesweepers on April 29, 1919. After the first sweep took two days to clear 221 mines, more ships were re-quested in the hope of clearing the mine barrage that summer. Twenty Admi-ralty trawlers with American crews, 16 more Lapwing class minesweepers, and another repair ship were assigned to this duty as well.

Typical troubles with the sweeping procedure involved mine cables becom-ing entangled in the kites attached to the sweeping wires. Sweeping gear was often lost if the mine detonated and cut the sweeping cables. Roughly one third of the ships were damaged by exploding mines. Two men were killed in separate incidents while trying to haul mines aboard to clear fouled sweeping kites.

It had been assumed the Mk 6 mine hydrostatic safety devices would mini-mize the risks of this procedure, but sweeping gear losses increased after



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jor products with significant YTD im-port increases vs. the same period last year include plates in coils (up 85%), wire rods (up 78%), cold rolled sheets (up 73%), cut lengths plates (up 58%), sheets and strip hot dipped galvanized (up 56%), sheets and strip all other metallic coatings (up 52%), heavy structural shapes (up 44%), hot rolled sheets (up 37%), mechanical tubing (up 36%), oil country goods (up 26%), Tin Plate (up 21%) and reinforcing bar (up 14%).

In August, the largest volumes of finished steel imports from offshore were from South Korea (450,000 NT, down 21% vs. July final), China (226,000 NT, down 16%), Turkey (210,000 NT, up 59%), Japan (165,000 NT, down 18%) and Taiwan (130,000 NT, up 23%). For eight months of 2014, the largest offshore suppliers were South Korea (3,626,000 NT, up 49%), China (2,014,000 NT, up 70%), Japan (1,356,000 NT, up 5%), Tur-key (1,306,000 NT, up 47%) and Rus-sia (903,000 NT, up 511%). Below

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Census.

Preliminary steel imports decrease 5% in August Import market share 27% in August

Based on preliminary Census Bu-reau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the U.S. imported a total of 3,667,000 net tons (NT) of steel in August, in-cluding 2,768,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 5.0% and 10.2%, respectively, vs. July final data). Year-to-date (YTD) total and finished steel imports are 28,634,000 and 21,430,000 net tons (NT), respectively, up 36% and 29% respectively, vs. 2013. Annu-alized total and finished steel imports in 2014 would be 43.0 and 32.1 million NT, up 34% and 30% respectively vs. 2013. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 27% in August and is estimated at 27% YTD.

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in August compared to July are reinforcing bars (up 191%) and wire rods (up 22%). Ma-

are charts on estimated steel import market share in recent months and on finished steel imports from offshore by country.

July steel shipments up 2.4 percent from June, up 2.6 percent from prior year

The American Iron and Steel Insti-tute (AISI) reported today that for the month of July 2014, U.S. steel mills shipped 8,492,744 net tons, a 2.4 per-cent increase from the 8,291,823 net tons shipped in the previous month, June 2014, and a 2.6 percent increase from the 8,274,511 net tons shipped in July 2013. Shipments year-to-date in 2014 are 57,269,890 net tons, a 2.9 percent increase vs. 2013 shipments of 55,675,985 net tons for seven months.

A comparison of July shipments to the previous month of June shows the following changes: hot rolled sheet, up 3.0 percent, cold rolled sheet, down 0.2 percent and hot dipped galvanized sheets and strip, down 0.4 percent.

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AISI releases August SIMA Imports Data, import market share 26% in August

Based on the Commerce Depart-ment’s most recent Steel Import Moni-toring and Analysis (SIMA) data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that steel im-port permit applications for the month of August total 3,554,000 net tons (NT)*. This was an 8% decrease from the 3,856,000 permit tons recorded in July and a 7% decrease from the July Preliminary imports total of 3,833,000 NT. Import permit tonnage for fin-ished steel in August was 2,681,000, down 12% from the preliminary im-ports total of 3,058,000 in July. For the first 8 months of 2014 (including August SIMA and July Preliminary), total and finished steel imports were 28,494,000 NT and 21,316,000 NT, re-spectively, up 35% and 29% from the same period in 2013. The estimated finished steel import market share in August was 26% and is 27% year-to-date (YTD).

Finished steel imports with large

increases in August permits vs. the July Preliminary included reinforc-ing bars (up 240%), wire rods (up 37%), standard rails (up 31%) and line pipe (up 11%). Products with sig-nificant year-to-date (YTD) increases vs. the same period in 2013 include plates in coils (up 81%), wire rods (up 80%), cold rolled sheets (up 72%), cut lengths plates (up 56%), sheets and strip hot dipped galvanized (up 54%), sheets and strip all other metallic coatings (up 52%), heavy structural shapes (up 44%), hot rolled sheets (up 37%), mechanical tubing (up 35%), oil country goods (up 25%) and reinforc-ing bar (up 16%).

In August, the largest finished steel import permit applications for off-shore countries were for South Korea (438,000 NT, down 22% from July Pre-liminary), China (245,000 NT down 9%), Turkey (219,000 NT, up 66%), Ja-pan (209,000 NT, up 5%) and Taiwan (128,000 NT, up 21%). Through the first eight months of 2014, the largest offshore suppliers were South Korea (3,608,000 NT, up 49% from the same period in 2013), China (2,033,000 NT, up 72%) and Japan (1,398,000, up 9%).

Lift-All® celebrates 50th Anniversary

Lift-All is celebrating 50 years of quality manufacturing in the sling and load securement industry. Beginning in 1964, Lift-All has been a leader in Lifting and Rigging products through a commitment to their distributor partners and skilled workforce. The founding principles of Service, Safety, Quality and Integrity are still core to their mission in being the trusted name for rigging products. “We believe that staying true to our core principles offers the ability to build beneficial partnerships with our external and internal customers” stated Chris Bert-rando, Vice President of Sales.

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slings and Load Hugger® tiedowns that are sold through leading Industrial Dis-tributors and Contractor Supply houses.

Their salesmen and rep agencies provide sling inspections in accor-dance with OSHA regulations as well as give safety seminars through their distributor partners. The Lift-All web site and literature are useful tools for information on basic rigging issues and their Technical/R & D department can help provide solutions to specific lifts when the need arises.

Lift-All will be celebrating with their employees at all their locations and will be offering special promotions for their customers to mark the occa-sion. Please visit www.Lift-All.com for the latest news and information.

For more information, contact: Jef-frey R. Kauffman, Marketing Manag-er, at [email protected] or 800-277-3702 x1162.

SC&R Foundation expands grant program by $25,000

The SC&R Foundation has greatly expanded its grant program for in-dividuals wishing to further careers

related to the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry through continuing education cours-es or a vocational/technical program. Throughout the remainder of 2014, the Foundation intends to award up to an additional $25,000 in grants on a rolling basis.

Going forward, grants will be re-viewed 6 times per year. Applications are being accepted now for the next grants, which will be announced in September.

In a departure from previous policy, these grants are also open to the public rather than limited to employees or rel-atives of SC&RA member companies. This strategic change is among a num-ber of steps the Foundation is taking to help member companies fill the in-dustry’s labor shortage. As always, re-cipients must use the grants to take a continuing education course or attend vocational/technical programs and en-roll in courses such as welding or diesel mechanics, which are vital to compa-nies in the industry. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

Previously this year, the Founda-tion awarded grants totaling $5,000

to three employees of Specialized Car-riers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) member companies. These awards were announced during the SC&RA Annual Conference, April 22-16, in Boca Raton, FL. The Foundation also plans to continue awarding annual scholarships to students working to-ward an undergraduate or graduate degree in preparation for careers re-lated to crane, rigging and special-ized transportation. The next round of scholarships will open in September.

To learn more about the SC&R Foundation and apply for the grant, visit www.scr-foundation.org. Infor-mation is also available by calling (703) 698-0291.

The SC&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation with the mission to pro-mote and benefit the industry world-wide, through grants, scholarships, research and educational initiatives. Since 1986, the SC&R Foundation has awarded over $380,000 in scholar-ships and grants.

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members from 43 nations. Members are involved in specialized trans-portation, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting and crane and rigging operations.

Harrington Hoists, Inc. helps Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The popular movie Dolphin Tale was filmed at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater Florida in late 2011. The movie was based on a true story about Winter, a bottlenose dolphin that was rescued in Florida and taken to the aquarium for help. Winter had lost her tail after becom-ing entangled with rope on a crab trap and was fitted with a prosthetic tail at this animal rescue facility. A Har-rington electric chain hoist was used to lift Winter in and out of the tank and the hoist was captured in one of the scenes of the film.

Since the Clearwater Marine Aquarium had been the subject of a major Hollywood film it was getting a great deal of local, national and world

tourism generated by the film the city of Clearwater started construction on a new expansion project at the facility to include a new pool and marine res-cue and research center.

Harrington Sales Representative Ted Rust and Jonathan Correa of Florida Handling Systems visited the aquarium shortly after the movie was released to evaluate the hoist used at the dolphin tank and determined that it was very old and would need significant repair. As a rescue facility, the aquarium operates solely on dona-tions so the purchase of new equip-ment was not an option. Management at Harrington Hoists, Inc. and Florida Handling Systems decided to partner together and in 2013 we completed an eight month project to help with some needed upgrades. Harrington donated three electric chain hoists and Florida Handling Systems donated engineer-ing and installation costs plus pro-vided them with a three-year mainte-nance contract. Winter is now enjoying her new space and the aquarium has new hoist equipment to comfortably move her when necessary.

On September 10, 2014 members of Harrington Hoists, Inc. and Florida Handling Systems attended the ex-clusive Blue Carpet screening of the sequel Dolphin Tale 2 which was re-leased in theaters on Friday, Septem-ber 12, 2014.

Back row: Todd Wall (President Florida Handling Systems), Stephanie Wall (Wife of Todd Wall), Marena Lonardi (Daughter of Harrington Hoists, Inc. COO Carlo Lonardi), Ted Rust (Harrington Hoists, Inc. Sales Representative,) Kim Muller (Clearwater Marine Aquarium Representative).Front row: Lilly Wall (Daughter of Todd Wall), Peyton Rust (Granddaughter of Ted Rust).


platform supports nearly every CAD system in the world. Create a free ac-count and start downloading!

LGH launches new troubleshooting video

Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) recently launched a new product demonstra-tion video. The video is now available on the LGH YouTube page, www.you-tube.com/liftinggearhire. This video focuses on troubleshooting electric chain hoists.

The troubleshooting video contains pertinent information regarding find-ing solutions to common problems with electric chain hoists. When us-ing an electric chain hoist it is criti-cal to make sure you have the cor-

LGH plans a new warehouse in Carlstadt, NJ

Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) is pleased to announce that we have opened a new warehouse in Carlstadt, NJ.

This new warehouse is located at 350 Gotham Parkway, Carlstadt, NJ 07072. With more than 20,000 square feet this warehouse will have an ex-pansive selection of equipment clean and ready for rental. This new ware-house will provide faster equipment rental turn-around times for our cus-tomers in and around the New York & New Jersey areas.

CAD Drawings of Green Pin® Sockets

We are pleased to announce that we have made CAD drawings of Green Pin® Sockets available through our website: www.vanbeest.com/products/cad-drawings.

Our Green Pin® products are used in a wide variety of applications; from a simple lift to move an item from A to B in a workplace, to very complex lifting systems for offshore applica-tions. In the latter case, engineers use a number of different CAD programs

to develop a 2D or 3D specification of the entire system.

Currently we have drawings avail-able for Green Pin® Shackles (Stan-dard, Polar, Super, ROV, Sling and Heavy Duty), for Green Pin® Turn-buckles and now also for Green Pin® Sockets:

• G-6411 Green Pin® Closed Spel-ter sockets.

• G-6412 Green Pin® Open Spelter sockets.

• G-6422 Green Pin® Open Spelter sockets with safety bolt.

• G-6413 Green Pin® Open Wedge sockets.

• G-6423 Green Pin® Open Wedge sockets with safety bolt.

For the distribution of our CAD drawings, Van Beest joined Tra-ceParts. The TraceParts 3D catalog continued on next page



managed while the platform traveled in both directions.

Additionally, Spider designed and installed a fall protection system that allowed for self-rescue from a height of up to 450-ft above the ground. Hoists that allowed for primary and secondary wire ropes enabled the workers to tie-off to an engineered anchor point on the overhead rig-ging beam, successfully meeting the strict fall protection and self-rescue requirements.

Finally, Spider provided user train-ing and onsite supervision to ensure this five day project was completed successfully, on time, within budget, and without incident.

“Spider’s execution on this project was exceptional,” commented DJ

rect electrical requirements. If the power supply is not the problem this video shows how to remedy some other common problems, as well. To view the video and learn more about troubleshooting electric chain hoists please visit www.youtube.com/lift-inggearhire.

Founded in 1990, Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) is the United States’ largest single organization devoted exclusive-ly to the provision of lifting and mov-ing equipment for rent and sale. LGH provides hoisting, pulling, jacking, rigging, material handling and safety equipment available for immediate and safe use. LGH’s mission is to of-fer expertise in the rental of the safest and most reliable hoisting and rigging equipment to build and support a bet-ter America.LGH – Puts Safety First. www.lgh-usa.com.

Spider provides unique access solution at Pennsylvania’s largest wind farm

Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, provided a complete suspend-ed access solution for the installa-tion of spacers along conductor lines

at Mehoopany Wind in Noxen, Penn-sylvania.

American Energy Inc. (AEI), general contractor, required an access solu-tion to add spacers to prevent three 2,000-ft conductor lines that spanned the wind farm’s valley from coming in contact with one another and with surrounding vegetation. Typically ac-

cessed by helicopter, ob-structions in the environ-ment prevented aerial access and demanded a unique access alterna-tive. Enter Spider.

Spider supplied a full design/build solution that fully met the require-ments of the customer and site owner. A 30-ft swingstage equipped with custom rollers en-abled the platform to travel along the conduc-tor. The SC1000 trac-tion hoists were removed from the platform and instead installed at the base of the tower to re-duce the platform’s total live load. Multi-tier sus-pended scaffold ladders were added to both ends of the platforms and sus-pended from the rigging trolleys to enable work-ers to climb to access the two outer conductors. Four sets of 1,500-ft wire rope were successfully

All photographs on this page supplied by Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC.



Frame, Project Manager with AEI. “They responded to each and every unique challenge with expertise and timeliness, often working after hours to ensure all engineering re-quirements were met safely and on time. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Gladding Braid expands product range with acquisition of Belgium’s Eaton Filtration braiding assets

Gladding Braided Products, a New York State wire braid manufac-turer and braided shielding provid-er, reports that it has acquired the braiding equipment assets of Eaton Filtration LLC’s Belgium braiding operations.

This acquisition expands Glad-ding’s capabilities for shielding wire over larger cables. Gladding’s expanding technology is now used on cables servicing the oil, natural gas, electric utility, and submers-ible oceanic installations. Besides its own products, the Belgium equip-ment will expand Gladding’s capac-ity for overbraid shielding (of wire and textile fibers) via its sub-contact braided shielding operations, doing the work for other cable companies. As more companies choose to “out-source” their braided shielding (cop-per, steel, bronze) to Gladding’s New York State factory, Gladding’s added capacity will assure faster turn-around times and added capacity.

“With this acquisition,” explained Gladding’s president, DH Sparky Christakos, “Gladding is prepared to further sub-contract for others in the cable industry. Cable manufacturers are recognizing that outsourcing their braid work to Gladding saves labor, time, space, and man-power. Turn-around time is critical”, explained Christakos, “and this additional equipment from Belgium gives us ca-pacity to offer a one week turnaround, if needed.”

The Eaton machinery has been in-stalled in Gladding’s main plant, a 100,000 square foot braiding facility in Chenango County, near Syracuse, New York.

To learn more about this and other opportunities at Gladding visit their website, www.gladdingbraid.com or call 315-653-7211.

Dyneema® successful trademark action leaves no room for confusion

The Netherlands, 11 September 2014 - DSM Dyneema, owner of the Dyneema® brand, succeeded in its ac-tion against a third party application for a Chyneema trademark. Following two years of procedures, the official trademark authorities in South Ko-rea, Canada, EU and the USA have all accepted DSM Dyneema’s opposition and rejected the application.

Opposition against the trademark application was formally filed by DSM Dyneema in 2012 in the various juris-dictions. In rejecting the application, the trademark authorities upheld DSM Dyneema’s argument that the

Chyneema name is too similar to the Dyneema® brand. DSM Dyneema ar-gued that the Chyneema name could create confusion with end-users buy-ing sub-quality products and not re-ceiving the quality and performance they have been led to expect. This could result in (serious) accidents or damage. Moreover, such confusion could negatively impact the reputa-tion of the Dyneema® brand.

DSM Dyneema has a policy to vig-orously defend its IP position. By do-ing so, the company protects its port-folio of proprietary high performance products, brings added value to its customers and partners, and ensures that end users can rely on high quality

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continued from previous pageand performance of their applications made with Dyneema®.

According to Nathali Donatz, Direc-tor Branding & Communications at DSM Dyneema, the company takes its brands seriously and will act to re-press any attempt to take advantage of its reputation: “DSM Dyneema of-fers a unique product with a brand that is well covered by intellectual as-set protection, including trademarks, patents, know-how, service and inno-vation. We have an extremely strong commitment to our customers and licensees, as well as to the end users in the various market segments we serve. As a consequence, we are de-termined to act to prevent producers from entering the market with prod-ucts that create the erroneous im-pression that they are related to the Dyneema® brand.”

Ms. Donatz added: “We have worked hard and made significant invest-ments to achieve our strong position and reputation. Potential infringers should note that DSM Dyneema takes protection of its Dyneema® brand se-riously and misuse or attempts to con-fuse will be addressed.”

Konecranes MTS: hand scraping specialists

Konecranes Machine Tool Service (MTS) has an experienced team of hand scraping specialists, a “best-kept secret” in machine tool industry.

Though the art of machine tool scraping has been lost in many ar-eas of today’s machine tool culture, at

Konecranes MTS it is alive and well. The company has a team of experi-enced machine tool scraping special-ists, or “scraper hands,” on staff, with an average of 20 years of experience in the industry. These specialists are equipped to provide alignment opti-mization for both plain bearings (box ways) and linear guides.

Due to the increasing pressure for higher feeds and speeds, many OEMs are utilizing linear guides with great-er and greater frequency. However, most companies will have a mixture of machines with plain bearings (box ways) and linear guide ways. Plain bearing slides may not allow for the increased feeds and speeds that linear guide ways do, but they still offer the significant advantage of higher dy-namic stiffness.

In addition to performing the “art” of hand scraping work, the highly skilled team at Konecranes MTS also special-izes in precision levelling and geomet-rical optimization of simple to complex multi-axis machines. They are often contracted to improve on OEM speci-fications and align machines to a cus-tomer’s more stringent tolerance re-quirements. Taking into account tool deflection, cutting forces, and work-holding, Konecranes MTS produces results that allow the customer to achieve a much closer tolerance with less scrap. As a result of this methodi-cal alignment process, the machine maintains geometrical compliance over a longer period of time.

The lost art of precision hand scrap-ing is a skill that Konecranes MTS continues to promote and pass on to younger service specialists.

LGH releases video for builders hoist

Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) recently launched a new product demonstra-tion video. The video is now available on the LGH YouTube page, www.you-tube.com/liftinggearhire. This video focuses on the set-up and use of a builders hoist.

The builders hoist is simple to erect and easily portable. It is used for mov-ing material vertically. If you have a job site with scaffolding, this will be a very useful product. Builders hoists are also available in an i-beam trolley mount. To view the video and learn more about builders hoists please visit www.youtube.com/liftinggearhire.

Konecranes Machine Tool Service: hand scraping specialists

Pewag stainless steel lifting chain and accessories increase the range of applications.

They can be used in different corrosive environments and at higher temperatures compared to Grade 80, Grade 100 andGrade 120 lifting chain and accessories.

1.800.526.3924www.pewag.com

stainless steel



100 YEARS BACKcontinued from page 48unreliability of these safety devices was recognized. Counter-mining sequences initiated by destruction of a swept mine causing detonation of an undetected mine closer to one of the minesweepers were another source of damage.

Some of this counter-mining was at-tributed to acceleration of the antenna fuse relay armature or seawater leak-ing into damaged mines rather than sympathetic detonation of explosives. The minesweepers were sometimes able to continue sweeping, but the trawlers were less durable.

Seven men drowned when the Rich-ard Bulkeley was sunk by a mine deto-nation on July 12. Strauss discontinued use of the trawlers for minesweep-ing, but retained six for transporting replacement sweeping gear to mine-sweepers when wires were destroyed by exploding mines. The remaining 13 trawlers were returned to the Admiral-ty. Most damaged ships were repaired, but SC-38 was declared a total loss.

Three more men of the mine-sweep-ing force were killed in individual ac-cidents involving sweeping gear before Strauss declared the barrage cleared on September 30, 1919. The mine-sweepers found only about 25 to 30 per-cent of the mines laid a year earlier. It was assumed the others had either bro-ken free, sunk to the bottom, or been destroyed by premature explosions. Doubts about effectiveness of the mine-sweeping effort persist to this day.

As 1919 drew to a close, the onset of winter forced the suspension of sweeping for moored buoyant mines, but the Royal Navy resumed mine-sweeping operations the following spring, continuing to clear sunken mines from fishing grounds, and maintaining a destroyer patrol to track down mines that had broken free of their moorings and gone adrift.

Losses of civilian ships to North Sea mines continued; the origin of the mine in these cases was often difficult to deter-mine. In 1919, twenty crewmen drowned when the Swedish steamship Hollander sank, minutes after striking a mine in October. The steamer Kerwood struck a mine and sank on December 1, 1919.

Another barrage, the Northern Bar-rage, also took place in this area of the world in the early 1940s. Perhaps this second effort was not as famous or there were so many other events and new technologies involved with the Second World War that the second bar-rage was not as well known.

On July 2, 1945, an article in New


York’s “Daily Times” mentions other wartime uses for wire rope in addition to the North Sea mine barrage. These include barrage balloons using wire rope mooring lines, dangling preformed wire ropes to entangle enemy planes and use by the US Merchant Marines – one of the largest consumers of wire rope. In a single voyage in convoy, each Liberty and Victory Ship used almost a mile of wire rope, while the entire fleet of 4,000 ships is estimated to consume approximately 10,000 miles of wire rope in a year – over 50 million feet.

“Wire rope on tanks, trucks, gun-carriers, half tracks is standard equip-ment for towing lines and winch lines to pull equipment from mud holes, negotiate steep banks,” explains the article. Though the article was writ-ten in the closing weeks of the Second World War, it also harkens back to the great barrage in the First World War by mentioning that this operation and that in the Adriatic were the greatest consumers of wire rope in World War I.

“The North sea mine barrage required 84,000,000 – nearly 16,000 miles – of wire rope and caught 17 German subs

in the first week. The Adriatic barrage required 12,000,000 feet of wire rope, but the Armistice was signed before it was laid. The North Sea mine barrage was dismantled without mishap and today the tangled miles of wire rope just sit on the bottom of the North Sea.”

“The laying of mines at sea was a long and dangerous process,” adds Rob-ert Hanshew, curator at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. “In addition to the mines put in place at that time in the North Sea, mines were also laid in the Adriatic Sea - the sister ship of the Titanic, the Britannic in 1916 had the misfortune of striking a mine off a Greek Isle and sinking.

“It was also quite involved disman-tling all the remaining North Sea mines after the war. But in war, the focus is always on the action, never the aftermath and the results of laying all those mines.” WRN


EARLY HYBIRD WIRE ROPEcontinued from page 26

Dumb lighter loaded with assembled mines while at Naval Base, Inverness, Scotland. NHHC Photograph Collection: NR&L 4136.

With Field on deck, the Great Eastern steamed toward Newfoundland, 2,000 miles over the horizon.

Of the hundreds of men on the Great Eastern, Field was the sole American on the expedition.

Field recorded his feelings in his day-to-day journal. “There is a wonderful sense of power in the great ship. We are trailing a slender conduit through which lightning will flash with the news and passions of two mighty nations.”

The asset of the Great Eastern, in car-

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had pierced the gutta-percha covering. Some onboard feared sabotage, but the problem proved to be a defect in manufacturing. Miles of bad line were cut out of the circuit and a flash from the galvanometer told them that the contact with Ireland had been reestab-lished. Field’s cable was rescued.

“It has been a long, hard struggle, nearly 13 years of ceaseless toil,” added Field. “Often my heart has been ready to sink. Alone, far from home, I have accused myself of madness to sacri-fice the peace of my family. But, all the hopes have led me on and I have prayed that I might not taste of death till this work was accomplished.”

At dawn, on the fourteenth day, the Great Eastern entered the rugged New-foundland Bay. The cable was brought ashore at the village of Heart’s Content and wired into the North American grid. Cyrus Field sent a short message simultaneously to backers in New York and London. “Arrived Newfoundland nine this morning. All well. Thank God, the cable is laid.” A few hours later he sent a personal message to his wife at their home in Gramercy Park. “The cable has been hauled ashore and is in perfect working order. Now we shall be a united family again.”

Direct communication between Brit-ain and America has never been bro-ken since that morning in 1866.

News could eventually go from Lon-don to New York or other parts of the world. This is something we take for granted now and, again, it’s hard to imagine how amazing that seemed back then: The idea of wiring the world, creating a neighborhood of the whole world. The cable anticipates a sense of connectedness, everything be-ing connected, which is so common in everyday life today.

The cable was the great event of Cyrus Field’s life. He was a wealthy man in his 30s, in his 50s, and after the ocean crossing was finished he was an even richer man, worth some six mil-lion dollars by 1880. He subsequently lost his fortune on Wall Street but was still world renowned and esteemed wherever he went.

Cyrus Field’s 1866 cable carried 1,000 messages per month, at up to ten dollars a word. At the time of Field’s death in 1892, there were twelve tele-graph cables across the Atlantic. Even today, most communication between America and Europe is still carried by transatlantic cable – even if much of it also now involves fiber optics. WRN

rying all the cable, is that you start in Ireland and you head for Newfoundland – but you’re hooked up. This 2,000 miles of cable has a receiver and transmitter on ship and then the same on shore. So, all the time, they were in contact with each other as they were sailing away.

Every mile they went they had a new record for the length of functioning sub-marine cable. They knew what was going on in Ireland, and Ireland knew what was going on in the ship at every moment.

But at 1:00 A.M. on the sixth night of the voyage, the telegrapher in Ireland failed to receive the Great Eastern’s hourly signal. Minutes later, a thou-sand miles in mid-ocean, Field was called to the ship’s telegraph shed. The signals from Ireland had vanished. The circuit had broken. Desperate to save the project, the captain of the Great Eastern attempted an amazing piece of seamanship. The huge, 700-foot ship reversed course on the high seas and backtracked 40 miles. A grappling hook was dropped over the side. After several passes, the cable was snared from the ocean floor. The crew attached the wire to a massive winch and slowly raised it three miles to the surface.

Field watched as the cable was in-spected foot by foot. Small metal spikes


Thank you, our reader’s, for once again allowing us to share with you, some of the latest advances in our industry. We will only be led out of these difficult economic times, by our industry and our nation once again building, constructing, and putting people to work creating the things necessary to facilitate the lives of our fellow citizens. With that in mind, hopefully the inventions and breakthroughs that we are privaledged to bring you, will help lead the way.

warning fiber having an end that is visible to operators/rig-gers works in conjunction with the sacrificial strand and the ring. The ring is designed to fail when the sling is subjected to a specifically chosen condition (e.g., excessive weight). The failure of the ring causes the warning fiber to withdraw from the rigger’s view thereby warning the rigger that the sling was subjected to the specifically chosen condition and may be damaged.

Turning to the illustrations, figure 1 illustrates a perspec-tive view of a roundsling in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1 specifically shows a single-path round-sling, but the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other slings including multiple-path slings. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the roundsling shown in figure 1 taken along line 2-2, and illustrates the primary interior components of a typical roundsling.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, the roundsling 10 comprises

Sling with pre-failure warning indicator Pat. 7,661,737 U.S. class 294/74 Int. class B66C 1/12Inventor: Dennis St. Germain, Aston, PA.Assignee: Slingmax Inc., Aston, PA.

A pre-failure warning indicator is provided for use with a sling. The pre-failure warning indicator triggers at a point that is predictable within a relatively narrow range, thereby increasing the possibility that a damaged sling is removed from use. The pre-failure warning indicator includes a dedi-cated strand of material that is placed in close proximity to the load-bearing core yarns of the sling but remains sepa-rate and independent from the core yarns; the ends of the dedicated strand are connected via a sacrificial “ring.” A

Inventor’sCorner

By William Fischer

Figure 1: Perspective view of a single-path roundsling which incorporates a predictable pre-failure warning indicator.

Figure 2: Enlarged cross-sectional view of the roundsling illustrated in figure 1 taken along line 2-2.


an inner core 12 encased within an outer protective cover 25. The outer cover 25 shown in figure 2 is meant to convey that the cover 25 is larger than the load-bearing core 12 and moves relatively freely with respect to the load-bearing core 12 and not necessarily that the cover 25 has a cross-section-al shape of an oval. The core 12 is designed to bear the entire weight of the load to be lifted. The primary purpose of the outer cover 25 is to prevent physical damage to the core from abrasion, sharp edges on the load, etc.; the cover 25 will also help to reduce damage to the sling when it is used in an envi-

ronment that will subject it to harsh elements such as heat, ultraviolet light, corrosive chemicals, gaseous materials, or other environmental pollutants. As will be explained herein-after, the cover 25 can also be designed to notify a user when physical damage has occurred to the cover.

The lifting core 12 is preferably made of a single or mul-tiple strands 17 configured in a plurality of endless parallel loops of strands to form a single core or multiple cores, all of which are contained inside the protective cover material 25. The use of a single strand or multiple strands in this con-figuration is typical in the construction of roundslings. The lifting core 12 of such roundslings may be derived from one or more natural or synthetic materials, such as polyester, polyethylene, nylon, K-Spec.RTM. (a proprietary blend of fi-bers), HMPE, LCP, para-aramid or other types of synthetics. The material chosen for the core primarily depends on the maximum weight the sling is designed to lift and environ-ment in which the sling 10 will be used. Such sling construc-tions have a high lifting and break strength, lighter weight, high temperature resistance and high durability, compared to wire rope or metal chain slings.

Referring now to figure 3, the pre-failure warning in-dicator 11 in accordance with the present invention is il-lustrated in side view and is shown without the cover and without core. In a preferred embodiment, the sling 10 may be manufactured with only a pre-failure warning indica-tor 11, or with both a pre-failure warning indicator 11 and a tamper-evident means 35. A separate (preferably single) strand 20 of yarn is dedicated to the pre-failure warning indicator 11. The dedicated warning strand 20 is located within cover 25; it is preferably placed proximate the core 12 and may either be twisted around the load-bearing strands of the core 12 or it may just lay next to the core 12, as illustrated in figure 2.

In a different embodiment, it may be desired to perma-nently affix the dedicated strand 20 to the inside of the cover 25. When a sling is used over a period of time, the cover will develop wear points at specific locations, for example, where the sling hangs from a crane’s hook. Accordingly, it

is usually advisable to rotate the cover with respect to the load-bearing core 12. By securing the dedicated strand 20 to the inner cover, movement of the cover (either intentionally or non-intentionally) will not affect the operation of the pre-failure warning indicator 11.

First end 22 and second end 24 of the dedicated strand 20 are terminated in eyes 32, 34, respectively. The dedi-cated strand 20 and eyes 32, 34 are preferably made of the same material as the core strands 17. The eyes 32, 34 are connected by a ring 26, thereby forming an end-less loop with the dedicated strand 20. The shape of the separate dedicated strand 20 generally matches the shape of the endless parallel loops formed by the core strand 17 (i.e., generally circular or oval). Although the term “ring” implies a circularly-shaped object, as used herein “ring” is defined as any closed link or band that will connect the ends of a dedicated strand.

In one preferred embodiment, the ring 26 is chosen to have a lower tensile strength than the core 12. The sling man-ufacturer may choose to do this any number of ways, e.g., by making the ring 26 out of a different material than the dedicated strand 20, cutting a notch or notches in the ring to physically weaken it, or by making the ring 26 out of the same material as, but of a smaller diameter than, the core strands 17. When ring 26 is chosen to have a lower tensile strength, the pre-failure warning indicator 11 is designed to trigger and thereby notify the rigger or other users of the sling that the sling 10 has been subjected to an overload con-dition (i.e., the sling was subjected to a force that was pre-determined to compromise the integrity of the sling, and is

sometimes determined to be about four times greater than the sling’s rated capacity).

Attached to first termination eye 32 is a warning indi-cator fiber 29. Warning indicator fiber 29 is an elongated strand that is placed substantially parallel to the ring, is threaded through the second termination eye 34, is then double-backed along the ring 26 towards the first eye 32, and directed out an opening in the sling cover 25. (The ex-ternal end 40 of the warning indicator fiber 29 that extends through the sling cover 25 is sometimes referred to as a “whip.”) Although the sling cover 25 is not shown in figure 3, the preferred orientation of the warning indicator fiber 29 is illustrated, i.e., it forms a substantially “J” shape within the sling cover 25.

Referring again to figure 1, the whip 40 of the warning indicator 29 extends freely through cover 25. Although not necessary, cover patch 30 may be attached (preferably by sewing), to the cover to protect the opening through which the whip end 40 of the warning indicator 29 extends. The


Figure 3: Side view of a pre-failure warning indicator.

Figure 4: Side view of another embodiment of a pre-failure warning indicator, utilizing multiple rings linked together.


dedicated strand 20 is preferably made of similar material as the strands 17 of the load-bearing core 12; this promotes the relatively equal stretching of all components of the sling 10. In a preferred embodiment, the ring 26 has a pre-select-ed lower tensile strength than the material used to make the core strands; in this embodiment, the ring 26 will fail before the lifting core 12 is stretched or fatigued. Alterna-tively–or in addition–the ring 26 may be designed to have a lower resistance to abrasion, heat, cold, and/or chemical exposure. By carefully choosing the properties of ring 26, a sling manufacturer can control the condition(s) under which the subject pre-failure warning indicator 11 will trigger.

Referring now to figure 4, another preferred embodiment is disclosed. In this embodiment, pre-failure warning indica-tor Ha incorporates a plurality of rings 26a, 26b, 26c, etc. connected together (i.e., as links in a chain) between ter-mination eye 32 and termination eye 34. In this manner, a sling 10a can be designed to indicate whether it has been subjected to multiple excessive conditions–any one of which could cause the controlled destruction of one of the linked rings 26a, 26b, 26c, etc. and which would then trigger the warning indicator 11a in a similar manner as when there is only one ring 26. (Although this example uses three rings 26a, 26b, and 26c, two rings, four rings or more rings may be used depending on the number of failure conditions the sling manufacturer wishes to incorporate into the sling.)

The warning indicator fiber 29 has a secured end and a whip end. The secured end is attached to one termination eye 32; the remainder of the indicator fiber 29 is placed along all of the rings 26a, 26b, 26c; the indicator fiber is then thread-ed through the other termination eye 34, is double-backed along all the rings, and is finally directed through the slit in the cover 25 where the whip is visible to an operator.

For example, as shown in figure 4, ring 26a could be de-signed to fail when the sling is subjected to an overload (excessive weight) condition, ring 26b could be designed to fail under an excessive heat condition, and ring 26c could be designed to fail when exposed to a specific concentration of a particular chemical. Therefore, if the sling is subjected to any of the pre-determined failure conditions, one of the rings 26a, 26b, 26c will fail, causing the termination eyes 32, 34 to pull away from one another, thereby causing the whip portion 40 of the warning indicator whip 29 to com-pletely retract inside the cover 25. In this manner, a single predictable pre-failure warning indicator 11c can be used to signal one of a multiple possible failure conditions. By mark-ing the individual rings before assembly of the sling, one can determine the exact condition which the sling was subjected to that caused the pre-failure warning indicator to trigger. So, for example, if ring 26b failed (and ring 26a and ring 26c remained intact), the sling manufacturer would know that the sling was subjected to a high temperature for an extended period of time.

Hook for detection of chain sling failurePat. 8,028,436 U.S. class 33/760 Int. class G01B 3/10 Inventor: David Camp, Cokato, MN., Darin Young, Cokato, MN.Assignee: Machining and Welding by Olsen, Inc., Minneapo-lis, MN.

This patent presents an apparatus for evaluating the con-dition of a lift sling. The apparatus includes a body with an

upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a cradle member with a load bearing surface that engages an inner surface of a connecting link at one end of a sling. The apparatus includes an engagement section that receives and positions the end of a measuring device so that it is in tangential alignment with the load bearing surface of the cradle member. In use, one end of a sling is positioned on the load bearing surface of the cradle member and one end of a


Figure 5: Elevational representation of an embodiment of an apparatus used to evaluate the condition of a lift sling.

Figure 6: Isolated, elevational view of the apparatus of figure 5 showing the body of the apparatus and a bracket attached thereto.

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measuring device is positioned on the engagement section of the apparatus. The apparatus is then raised so that the sling and the measuring device are hanging freely. The reach of the sling is then measured using the measuring device.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 as it is being used to evaluate a flexible lifting member is illustrated in figure 5. The apparatus 10 is suspended by a vertical sup-port, preferably an adjustable hoist “H” that is equipped with a suitable lifting hook. The apparatus 10 comprises an

elongated body 12 and a bracket 14 that is attached to the elongated body 12. A measuring device 16 is received and retained by the bracket 14. The measuring device 16 is of the type that includes an end that is able to be engaged by the bracket. Preferably, the measuring device 16 includes an end with a tang or catch 18 that has an extension that is perpendicular to the plane of the measuring device. More preferably, the measuring device 16 is a flexible, metallic rule that is received within a protective housing 20 when not in use.

An elongated flexible member 22 that is to be evaluated is connected to the elongated body 12 of the apparatus 10. The elongated flexible member 22 includes a first end 24 that is connected to a master link 25 and a second end 26 that is connected to a fixture 27. The reach 28 of the flexible mem-

ber is the length measured from the load bearing point on the master link to the load bearing point at the fixture 27. Note that the load bearing surfaces of the elongated body 12 and the elongated flexible member 22 are in alignment with the vertical line of force 48. As will be appreciated, the weight of the elongated flexible member that is being evalu-ated will be sufficiently great enough to counteract the force exerted by measuring device 16 and the bracket 14 and thus maintain the vertical alignment of the hoist H, the body 12 and the elongated flexible member 22.

With regard to figure 6, the elongated body 12 of the ap-continued on next page

Figure 7: Side elevational view of the bracket of figure 5.

Figure 8: Top plan view of the bracket of figure 7.


temporarily connect the measuring device 16 to an object to be measured. Preferably, the width of the slot 68 is less than the width of the tang 18 so as to prevent the measuring de-vice 16 from being accidentally dislodged or jarred from the bracket 14 and falling through the slot 68.

The first and second arms 60, 62 also include first and second fingers 76, 78, respectively, that extend upwardly above the engagement surfaces 70, 72 of the respective arms 60, 62. The first and second fingers 76, 78 include stop surfaces 80, 82 that are generally perpendicular to the engagement surfaces, but which can be angled or curved with respect to the engagement surfaces. Preferably, the stop surfaces are of sufficient height so that they prevent a tang 18 of a measuring device 16 from sliding off the end of an engagement surface of an arm of the bracket 14. The stop surfaces 80, 82, along with the end wall 69 define the working length 74 of the slot 68, which is from approxi-mately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to approximately 2.0 inches (5.10 cm). By having a working length that is greater than the width of the measuring device 16 it is possible to posi-tion the measuring device along the bracket 14 so as to be able to accommodate differently sized elongated flexible members. In addition, the working length 74 allows a user to readjust the position of a measuring device 16 while it is still connected to the apparatus 10 and the apparatus is

in an elevated position. Preferably, the stop surfaces 80, 82 of the fingers have a generally vertical length of about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), which is sufficient to prevent acciden-tal dislodgement of a measuring device, but which is low enough so that the measuring device can be removed from the bracket 14 by lifting the measuring device 16 up so that the working end (generally the tang 18) is higher than the stop surfaces 80, 82 and then moving the measuring device 16 laterally out of the slot 68.

The attachment section 52 is configured and arranged to

paratus 10 includes a main section 30, an upper section 32 with an end 33 and a lower section 34 with a tip 40. The upper section 32 includes a support or load bearing surface 36 that engages the fixture of the hoist H of figure 5. The upper section 32 is formed by bending the upper end of the elongated body into a generally circular shape, so that the end 33 confronts the main section 30 of the body and forms an eye. Note that the end 33 may be connected to the main section 30 of the body by welding or the like so as to form a closed loop. The lower section 34 includes cradle member 38 that is generally u-shaped and terminates in an upwardly extending tip 40. The cradle member 38 includes an opening 42 that is sized to accept the master link 25 of the elongated flexible member 22. The generally u-shaped cradle member

38 is provided with a support zone 40 that includes a sup-port or load bearing surface having a load bearing point or pick point 46 that is in alignment with the center of gravity or line of vertical force 48 of the apparatus.

Turning to figures 7-11, the bracket 14 includes an en-gagement section 50, an attachment section 52 and a middle section 54 and has a length 56 of approximately 4.0 inches (10.0 cm), a width 58 of approximately 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), and arm and leg heights of approximately 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) and 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), respectively. The engagement section 50 is configured and arranged to receive and sup-port the measuring device 16. The engagement section 50 includes a first arm 60 and a second arm 62 that are gener-ally parallel to each other.

The first and second arms 60, 62 include inner surfaces 64, 66, respectively, that define a slot 68 between them. The slot 68 has a width of approximately 0.0615 inch to approxi-mately 0.5 inch (0.16 cm to 1.27 cm) and terminates at an end wall 69 at one end of a web 88 in the middle section 54. The first and second arms 60, 62 include engagement surfaces 70, 72, respectively, which are configured and ar-ranged to engage a working end of the measuring device 16 (see, in particular, figures 10 and 11) so that it is tangen-tially aligned with the support or load bearing surface 46 of the cradle member 38. Preferably, the working end of the measuring device includes a tang or catch 18 that is used to


Figure 9: Partial, cross-sectional elevational view of an attachment end of the bracket, the body of the apparatus, and a lift sling end.

Figure 10: Cross-sectional, elevational view of a measurement device engagement section of the bracket of figure 7.

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other elongated bodies.The middle section 54 connects the engagement section 50

to the attachment section 52. The middle section 54 com-prises a web 88 whose length is defined by end walls 69, 99. The web 88 includes an inclined or ramped transition that extends between the engagement surfaces 70, 72 of first and second arms 60, 62 and the engagement surfaces 100, 102 of legs 90, 92, which have heights of approximately 0.75 inches (1.91 cm) and 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), respectively.

The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is construct-ed from metal, preferably steel, and has a weight that is preferably greater than 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) and more prefera-bly approximately 1.5 lbs (0.84 kg) so that it is light enough to be easily moved from location to location and is robust enough to be able to used to evaluate heavy duty, multi-leg chain slings, which can weigh in excess of 400 lbs (181 kg). Preferably, the elongated body 12 is formed from 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) steel stock and has a reach of approximately 9.0 inches (22.86 cm).

Cable slider with symmetric piecesPat. 8,801,324 U.S. class 403/340 Int. class F16D 1/00Inventor: James Kempf, Wallkill, N.Y.Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C New Windsor, NY

A device which can slide up and down on a chain or cable, which can be loosened to attach to the chain or cable, but does not have any parts that come free when the part is loos-ened. This invention can be used for concert tours, industrial shows, and Broadway shows. It has become common to fes-toon electrical cables vertically up tensioned, moving hoist chains and for which wire ropes can be utilized.

Figure 12 shows a first embodiment which is a basic em-bodiment for sliding on a cable. A first device 99 is used in the first embodiment. The device can be formed of a shackle, dogclip and/or carabineer 100, as a first locking device at a first end of the device 99. The first locking device 100 has an inner surface 101 that holds a wire rope or chain that sup-ports the device.

The nonstructural and of locking device 100 forms two spaced apart arms 105, 106 with a central shaft 107 through

which a screw 161 is loosened and tightened in a way that locks the arms 105, 106 and attaches the arms to the main structural cable piece 110. The other end of the cable piece 110 is also attached to a second carabiner 120. According to an embodiment, the cable piece 110 has a portion of the car-abiner fed through openings 115 in the cable piece, so that the carabiner 120 cannot be separated from the cable piece 110 using a screw. In addition, the carabiner 120 can freely pivot in multiple different directions of freedom relative to

receive and engage the cradle member 38 of the lower sec-tion 34 of the elongated body 12. The attachment section 52 includes a first leg 90 and a second leg 92 that are gener-ally parallel to each other. The first and second legs 90, 92 include inner surfaces 94, 96, respectively, that define a slot 98. The slot 98 terminates at an end wall 99 at another end of a web 88 in the middle section 54. The first and second legs 90, 92 include engagement surfaces 100, 102, respec-

tively, which are configured and arranged to engage the cra-dle member 38 of the lower section 34 of the elongated body 12. Preferably, the width of the slot 98 approximates the diameter of the body 12, which in the preferred embodiment is approximately 0.5 inch (1.27 cm). As best shown in figure 9, the cradle member 38 is positioned so that approximately one-half of it is positioned between the inner walls 94, 96 of legs 90, 92, and approximately one-half of the cradle member 38 extends above the engagement surfaces 94, 96 of legs 90, 92. Although not shown, the cradle member 38 is attached to the legs of the bracket, preferably by weld material. It will be appreciated that the connection of the bracket to the body need not be confined to welds and that the bracket may be removably attached to the body so that it may be used with


Figure 12: Plan view of the cable slider.

Figure 11: Perspective view of the bracket of figure 7 with a measuring device secured thereto.


including the first locking device 101, and the second carabi-ner 120 at the other end. The body/cable piece 110 is in the center. Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the first portion 111 of the cable piece, that couples with another portion 112 of the cable piece. The two portions together form a through hole 130 which allows cable to pass through that hole. The two parts may be exactly the same part and connect togeth-er. Each end includes a tip. The first tip 300 includes the through hole 107 therein which receives the screw from the first locking device. The second end 305 also includes a cor-responding hole portion 309 which forms the hole 115 shown in figure 12. The holes in the two tips may be at symmetrical locations, that is the distance 306 between one end of the hole and the tip may be the same as the distance 307 be-tween one end of the hole 107 and the tip 300.

In addition, this “piece” forming the central portion has a connection area 310 that extends between the first tip and 300 and the second tip and 305. This connection piece is a structural piece that forms the structural connection between the first and second ends. As shown in figure 13, this piece juts upward at the central area 311. By jutting upward, it also forms an internal cavity 312. There is also

a portion referred to herein as the jutting end 315 that juts down from the first tip end, towards the second tip end but does not reach to the second tip end. This jutting down por-tion has inner surfaces, the first part of the inner surface forming the cavity portions 312. The tip end of the jutting portion 316 is symmetrical to the shape of the cavity 312, so that if a second portion like the first portion is attached to the first portion, the tip end 316 of the second portion ex-tends into and fits into the cavity 312.

In addition, the portion has convex and concave curved surfaces. For example, there is a convex surface 320 and a concave curved surface 325. Figure 12 shows how when two of these portions are connected together, the tip end 316 of one of these portions fits into the cavity 312 of the other of

the cable piece 110 and its outer surfaces 121, 122 can move within the inner surface 115 of the cable piece 110.

The cable piece 110 has a body which is formed of two attached and symmetrical parts 111, 112. Both of the symmetrical parts have a section of a hole therein, so that

when the two symmetrical parts are brought together, it forms a through hole 130 through which a cable can slide, but within which the cable is held captive. In different embodiments, the through hole can be different sizes, for example the through hole can be sized for a 1/8 inch or 1/16 inch cable.

Figure 13 shows a side view showing the different parts


Figure 14: Part making up one of the single sides of two sandwich parts of the slider.

Figure 15: Plan view for a second embodiment in which the central portion sized for a chain but allowing the chain to rotate.

Figure 13: Front view of the device, showing the central portion and the two ends.

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the portions. In addition, the convex portion 320 fits into a corresponding concave portion 325 of the other piece and vice versa. In this way, the two pieces are held together, but form the through hole 130. Because of the structural support in the center when the two pieces are coupled together, one embodiment requires only a structural support between the holes at one end. Figure 12 shows that there is a bolt holding the portions at 107, but no bolt holding the other portions at the other end 115.

In operation therefore, the two parts 111, 112 can be eas-ily separated by opening the screw 161. This screw 161 may

be of a type that does not require any tools for tightening and loosening. The screw is loosened, but remains captive in its location so that no parts can fall. Moreover, loosening the screw preferably only removes the screw from a portion of the opening so that the end 100 remains attached to the body 110, but allows the two parts 111, 112 to separate from

one another. In this configuration, the parts can be sepa-rated, and the cable can be placed through the through hole 130. The parts can then be reconnected, and the screw re-tightened. No tools are necessary for this operation, and no parts can come loose from this operation. Accordingly, for

example the carabiner 120 can be attached onto a support during the operation, so that no parts can fall while the de-vice 99 is being attached onto the cable.

A second embodiment, shown in figures 15-17 shows a chain slider that allows movement along a chain rather than along the cable as in the embodiment of figures 12-14. In this embodiment, the cable piece 400 includes a circular center hole 420, large enough to hold a chain, shown in cross-sec-tion as a plus shape 410. In this embodiment, the device may be controlling for example a chain motor with a lift chain. The chain motor has an electrical connection with an electri-


Figure 16: front view for the second embodiment of figure 15.

Figure 17: Single piece for a second embodiment of figure 15.


cal cable. The slider 420 passively slides up and down the chain 410 due to tension/slack on the electrical cable as the chain motor moves.

As in the first embodiment, the chain portion 400 forms a central body which is connected at one end to a fixed portion 401 that connects together with the screw, and is connected at the other end to a freely pivotable portion 402 formed of a carabiner. The part 401 does not pivot, so loads attached at the part 401 cannot cause the part 401 to pivot. Loads attached at the 402 end however, do cause that end to pivot. Figure 16 shows a front view of the device, showing the cen-ter portion 400, the hole 405 through which the first end 401 is attached and the hole 406 through which the second end is attached. As in the first embodiment, figure 17 shows how the center portion in the second embodiment is formed from two symmetrical pieces.

Marine ropewayPat. 8,801,327 U.S. class 405/63 Int. class E02B 15/06Inventor: Eric G. Johnson, Danvers, MA.Assignee: Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc., Andover, MA.

An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or sub-merged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, ex-tending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is at-tached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.

Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed appa-ratus that uses an underwater transport cable 21 extending from a first point 21a to a second point 21b for defining a path of motion of a floating or submerged marine structure 20. A riser cable 22 has a first end 22a fixed to a riser attach-ment point 23 of the transport cable 21, and a second end 22b fixedly attached to marine structure 20, thereby linking marine structure 20 to the transport cable 21, and enabling the marine structure 20 to be moved along a path defined by the transport cable 21. In certain embodiments, marine structure 20 is linked to transport cable 21 by a plurality of riser cables 22. The transport cable subsystem uses wire ropes for drive cable 25 and transport cable 21 of a design to accommodate the loads and subsurface environment in

which the apparatus operates, and to be capable of winding onto winch drums, take up reels, or sheaves.

The transport cable 21 is an endless loop supported by a pair of sheaves 31 rotatably mounted at the first and second points 21a, 21b, on stanchions 30, as shown in fig-ure 18. The marine structure 20 is moved by powering the transport cable 21 in either direction between points 21a and 21b via a drive unit. In the embodiment of figure 18,

the drive unit comprises an onshore or pier mounted con-ventional winch 24, and a drive cable 25 system under the waterline 26 that drives sheave 31 at point 21a. The sys-tem is therefore a fully connected cable system from winch 24 to transport cable 21 to riser system 22 to the marine structure 20 being moved.

In an alternative embodiment, transport cable 21 is a cable connected to a pair of conventional winches (not shown) for winding onto a first one of the winches for moving the riser attachment point 23 from the first point 21a to the second point 21b, and for winding onto a second one of the winches 24 for moving the riser attachment point 23 from the second point 21b to the first point 21a.

Figure 19 illustrates a further embodiment of the present disclosure that includes a track fixedly mounted under the surface of the water. The embodiment of figure 19 includes a track, such as a track cable 28, extending underwater from a first point 28a to a second point 28b, for defining a path of motion of a floating or submerged marine structure 220. The track cable 28 is fixed at a depth adequate for vessel passage over it, and tensioned at one end using a tensioning system 229. Stanchions 30 may be used to adapt to various seafloor depths. Riser cables 222 are provided

having a first end 222a movably attached to the track cable 28 between the first and second points 28a, 28b, and a sec-ond end 222b fixedly attached to the marine structure 222. A trolley 27 is attached to the first end 222a of each of the riser cables 222 between their first end 222a and the track cable 28. Each trolley 27 has at least one roller 27a for engaging track cable 28, and rolls freely along the track


Figure 20: Embodiment of the disclosed apparatus that includes a track fixedly mounted under the surface of the water and a tow cable under the water.

Figure 18: Embodiment of the disclosed apparatus that uses an underwater transport cable.

Figure 19: Embodiment of the disclosed apparatus that includes a track fixedly mounted under the surface of the water and a tow cable at the waterline.


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and be distinctly separate from the surface towing sys-tem. It transfers broadside wind, current and wave loads to the track system, reducing the loads managed by the towing equipment. This is a simple configuration of low to moderate cost.

Tow Cable Configuration In a further embodiment of the present disclosure illus-

trated in figure 20, a track such as a track cable 328 is fixedly mounted under the surface 26 of a body of water, the track cable 328 extending from a first point 328a to a second point 328b for defining a path of motion of a floating

or submerged marine structure 320. The track cable 328 is fixed at a depth adequate for vessel passage over it, and tensioned at one end using a tensioning system 329. Stan-chions 330 may be used to adapt to various seafloor depths. Riser cables 322 are provided having a first end 322a mov-ably attached to the track cable 328 between the first and second points 328a, 328b, and a second end 322b fixedly

cable 28 to distribute environmental forces of the marine structure 220 to the track cable 28.

The apparatus further includes a drive unit attached to the marine structure 220 for moving the marine structure 220 such that the riser cables 222 move between the first and second points 28a, 28b and the marine structure 220

moves along the path defined by the track cable 28. In one embodiment, the drive unit comprises a tow cable 20b with a first end attached to the marine structure 220, and a winch 24 operating at or above the waterline 26 attached to a sec-ond end of the tow cable 20b; the tow cable 20b is windable onto the winch 24 for moving the marine structure 220. The drive unit can also include thrusters or tugs 20a.

In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive unit is connected directly to the marine structure 220. The underwater track system (including track cable 28) is designed to withstand wind, wave and current loads continued on next page

Figure 22: Second embodiment of the disclosed apparatus of figure 21.

Figure 21: One embodiment of the disclosed apparatus that includes a track fixedly mounted under the surface of the water and two tow cables pulling in opposite directions along the axis of the track to compensate for tidal variation.


attached to the marine structure 320. A mooring trolley 31 is attached to the first end 322a of each of the riser cables 322 between their first end 322a and the track cable 328. Each trolley 31 has at least one roller 31a for engaging track cable 328, and rolls freely along the track cable 328 to distribute environmental forces of the marine structure 320 to the track cable 328.

The apparatus further includes a drive unit attached to the trolleys 31 for moving the trolleys 31 such that the riser cables 322 move between the first and second points 328a, 328b and the marine structure 320 moves along the path defined by the track cable 328. The trolleys 31 that roll along the track cable 328 are moved by a tow cable 332, linking the trolleys 31 to a winch 24 that powers a drive cable 325 that moves the assembly along the track cable 328 with motion and force applied by the tow cable 332. In the embodiment shown in figure 20, the tow cable 332 is an endless loop, and a pair of sheaves 333 are rotatably mounted at the first and second points 328a, 328b for mov-ably supporting the tow cable 332. The drive unit is for rotating one of the sheaves 333 for moving the tow cable 328, and comprises a winch 24 fixedly mounted above the surface 26 of the body of water, and a drive cable 325 be-tween the winch 24 and the one of the sheaves 333 for mov-ing the tow cable 328.

In other embodiments, the tow cable 332 is attached to a pair of winches 24, and operate in either direction as the tow cable 332 is wound onto a first one of the winches 24 for mov-ing the trolleys 31 from the first point 328a to the second

point 328b, and is wound onto a second one of the winches 24 for moving the trolleys 31 from the second point 328b to the first point 328a. Thus, this configuration is driven using a combination of winches 24 working as power and take up reels. Alternative embodiments include a winch 24 on one end of the tow cable 332 opposing a tug or thruster mounted at the waterline 26 on the marine structure 320. The system “stiffness” can be managed by these opposing tensions.

The track cable or cables used in the embodiments of fig-ures 19 and 20 can be a fixed wire rope system connected only at each end, in a true catenary-style cable (see track cables 28, 328 in figures 19 and 20). Very high loads can occur in the tensioning of such a system, and are required to keep the slack to a minimum amount. Therefore, in the embodiments of figures 19 and 20, one end of the track cable 28, 328 is fixed, and the opposite end has a conventional tensioning device 229, 329. The track cable or cables 28, 328 are designed to carry the rolling load of the trolleys 27, 31 in a marine underwater environment.

Dual Tow Cable Configuration A dual tow cable embodiment of the disclosed apparatus,

as shown in figures 21 and 22, comprises two sets of riser ca-bles and two tow cables pulling in opposite directions along the axis of a track system to compensate for tidal variation. In this embodiment, a track, such as a track cable 428, is fixedly mounted under the surface 26 of a body of water, the track cable 428 extending from a first point 428a to a second point 428b for defining a path of motion of a floating or sub-merged marine structure 420. The track cable 428 is fixed at a depth adequate for vessel passage over it, and tensioned at


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one end using a tensioning system 429. A first set of riser cables 34 each have a bottom end mov-

ably attached to the track cable 428 between the first and second points 428a, 428b, and a top end fixedly attached to the marine structure 420. A first trolley 431a is attached to the bottom end of each of the first riser cables 34 between the bottom end and the track cable 428, and has a roller 431a for engaging the track cable 428 for distributing en-vironmental forces of the marine structure 420 to the track cable 428. A first drive unit 424a, such as a winch, is at-tached to the first trolleys 431a via a first tow cable 33 for moving the first trolleys 431a in a first direction along the track cable 428.

A second set of riser cables 36 has a bottom end mov-ably attached to the track cable 428 between the first and second points 428a, 428b, and a top end fixedly attached to the marine structure 420. A second trolley 431b is at-tached to the bottom end of each of the second riser cables 36 between the bottom end and the track cable 428, and has a roller 431ba for engaging the track cable 428 for dis-tributing environmental forces of the marine structure 420 to the track cable 428. A second drive unit 424b, such as a winch, is attached to the second trolleys 431b via a sec-ond tow cable 35 for moving the second trolleys 431b in a second direction opposite the first direction along the track cable 428. Hence, the two tow cables 33, are arranged such that tow cable 33 is attached to a towing winch 424a and the first set of risers 34 and trolleys 431a, and tow cable 35 is attached to a braking winch 424b and its second set of risers 36 and trolleys 431b.

Inclined drum arrangement for winch apparatusPat. 8,814,143 U.S. class 254/294 Int. class B66D 1/14Inventor: Andrew Lawson, Hamilton, GB., Cambell McFall, Hamilton, GB., Denis O’hara, Hamilton, GB.Assignee: Parkburn Precision Handling Systems Limited, GB.

A winch apparatus comprises first and second drum as-semblies each defining a discontinuous drum contact surface for engaging a common spoolable medium, wherein the first and second drum assemblies are configured to rotate about respective first and second axes of rotation which are inclined relative to each other. In one disclosed embodiment the drum assemblies are intermeshed in a general axial direction.

A perspective view of a winch apparatus, generally iden-tified by reference numeral 10, in accordance with an em-bodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 23. The winch apparatus 10 is configured as a capstan type winch for use in operation with a spoolable medium, such as a metal or synthetic wire, rope, cable or the like.

The winch apparatus 10 comprises first and second drum assemblies 12, 14 mounted on a common support shaft 16 which is secured to a frame 18. The first drum assembly 12 comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged support elements 20 each having discrete contact surfaces which collectively define a drum contact surface of the first drum assembly 12. The support elements 20 are arranged with gaps defined therebetween, such that a discontinuous drum support surface is established. Similarly, the second drum assembly 14 also comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged support elements 22 having individual discrete contact surfaces which collectively define a drum contact



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surface of the second drum assembly 14. The support ele-ments 22 are also arranged with gaps therebetween, such that a discontinuous drum contact surface is established. As illustrated, the drum assemblies 12, 14 are arranged such that the respective support elements 20, 22 are inter-

meshed. That is, the support elements 20 of the first drum assembly 12 are arranged in the gaps defined between the support elements 22 of the second drum assembly 14, and vice versa. Accordingly, the first and second drum assem-blies 12, 14 may be arranged to overlap in both axial and radial directions.

Reference is additionally made to figure 24, which provides a simplified and diagrammatic illustration of the first and second drum assemblies 12, 14, shown separated for clarity. Each drum assembly 12, 14 is provided generally in the form of a cylindrical cage, with the respective support elements 20, 22 arranged circumferentially around respective first and second axes of rotation 24, 26. Each support element 20, 22 is arranged parallel with a respective axis of rotation 24, 26 such that the defined discontinuous drum contact surface of each drum assembly 12, 14 is also arranged parallel with a respective rotation axis 24, 26.

Each support element 22, 24 is generally elongate with opposite ends of each support element 22, 24 secured via mechanical fasteners 27 to the outer periphery of respective inner support members 28, 30 and respective outer support members 32, 34. The outer members 28, 30 are mounted on respective winch flanges 36, 38. Further, each drum assem-bly 12, 14 comprises a slewing gear ring 40, 42 configured to be engaged by a drive arrangement comprising multiple individual drive assemblies 44 (see figure 23). In the other embodiment a single drive assembly may be provided. The

drive arrangement is configured to rotate each drum assem-bly 12, 14 about the respective rotation axes 24, 26 in a syn-chronous manner. The drive arrangement may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, engine or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

Figure 25 shows the simplified drum assemblies 12, 14 of figure 24 intermeshed to define the complete winch ap-paratus 10. As illustrated, the drum assemblies 12, 14 are arranged such that the first and second axes of rotation 24, 26 are inclined relative to each other, which results in the discontinuous contact surfaces of each drum assembly 12, 14 also being inclined relative to each other. It should be under-stood that the angle of inclination has been exaggerated for purposes of the present description. This inclined arrange-ment of the first and second drum assemblies 12, 14 estab-lishes a preferential path of an associated spoolable medium wrapped around the winch apparatus 10. WRN


Figure 24: Simplified illustration of two separate drum assemblies of the winch apparatus of figure 23, wherein the drum assemblies are shown separated.

Figure 25: Simplified illustration of the two separate drum assemblies, wherein the drum assemblies are shown in an intermeshed configuration.

Figure 23: Perspective view of a winch apparatus.

In 1924, Germany’s ‘Adolf Bleichert & Co.’ celebrated its 50th Anniversary. By the time of this occasion, the company had designed and built the world’s record holding wire ropeways: Longest and highest elevation (Argentina); Length of system over water (New Caledonia); Steepest (Tanzania); Highest capacity (France); Northernmost (Norway); and, Southernmost (Chile).

Written by the great-great grandson of the company’s founder, this book includes over 100 pictures and detailed engineering drawings that

explore the legendary company’s history, and several of its record-holding systems.

Available atAmazon.com for

your Kindle or other device

‘Like’ it on Facebook for relevant

information and news


LKA 28 PS – A fully automatic cutting machine with high performance

The LKA 28 PS is a fully automatic cutting machine for wire ropes with a diameter between 3/16” - 1 1/8” (5-28 mm). Hydraulic shears perform the cut-ting operation and the tube and feeding units are operated pneumatically. The feeding unit is also equipped with slow start and soft retardation of the feeding speed before cutting. Furthermore, the LKA 28 PS has a built in calibration cycle as well as an independent mea-suring system to ensure high precision and accuracy of the cut lengths.

The control system is easy to use and is based on a PLC with a 7” touch screen with many set-up possibilities. According to a company release, the


of the continental US (CA, IA, TX, GA) they are able to cover most every need a customer might have. AMH is able to convert from order placement to front door delivery within 2-days. Providing not only quality to their customers, but an important time saving advantage!

As time is of the essence, so is the continuous development of the product and its accessories. AMH sees the trend of increasing demand for self-locking hooks in wire-rope and chain-sling applications. All Material Handling therefore presents its new Self-Locking Hook for MA-(Hand Chain) and LA (Lever Chain)-Series hoist. Self-lock-

shears are designed for wire ropes with grade 1960. If higher grade wire rope is cut, the lifetime of the shears will be reduced. The cutting shears are easy to change. The fixed shear is equipped with eight cutting edges and the mov-able shear has four cutting edges.

The LKA 28 PS operates with a low noise level and is environmentally friendly.

The following options are also available:• Marking of the wire rope • Sections of 3 m tube can be added

as an option (3 m tube is included as standard)

• AVL 5000B uncoiling unit can be connected to the machine (max 5000 kg)

North American customers are wel-come to contact Chant Engineering Co. Inc. for more information and pricing: www.chantengineering.com

Customers outside North America are welcome to contact Talurit AB for more information and pricing: www.talurit.com

Talurit AB welcomes you to visit us at the OSEA Exhibition in Singapore December 2-5, 2014. Meet them at Stand No: 1L2-01.

OSEA is the Asian Oil & Gas event where industry professionals gather once every two years. The 20th edition of this event will take place in downtown Singapore at The Marina Bay Sands.

Self Locking Hooks from All Material Handling

All Material Handling (AMH) is an American based one-stop-shop company for your hoist, rigging hardware, and synthetic sling needs. With hoist capaci-ties ranging from ¼-ton to 30-ton, and warehouse locations in all four corners

Talurit AB Frilagd LKA 28 PS

877-LIFT AMHallmaterialhandling.com

HOISTSONE STOP SHOP

RIGGING HARDWARE

SLINGS

CARTEC


portability package for easy relocation of the lift is available.

Other features include: Pushbut-ton control with keyed lockout; fully adjustable downspeed; velocity fuse protection; lubricated for life pins,

rollers and bushings. Southworth Surface Mount Dock Lifts come with 2-years parts and labor warranty and a 10-years structural warranty.

ing hooks are designed to close by the load being lifted, and opened by a hid-den trigger that is protected from snag-ging by being flush to the surface of the hook, according to a company release. They are easily assembled into stan-dard bolted hook blocks, allowing com-plete hook inspection as per ASME B30 safety code. One of the best features of a self-locking hook is that its latch can-not go missing.

With improvements such as the fea-tured Self-Locking Hook and their oth-er options, which include ‘USA made Load Chain’ (U-option), and shipyard hooks (S-option), AMH not only guar-antees superior variety, but also qual-ity by re-testing all altered hoists in their US service center locations with a re-certification documentation (by seri-al number). To show the support of US-Made product, all hoists with the “U-option” will also display “USA LOAD CHAIN” and “USA ASSEMBLED & TESTED” stickers.

Excellent service, excellent product, and a continuous drive for self-im-provement is what All Material Han-dling stands for. AMH is a company you will want to have in your corner for your hoist, rigging hardware and syn-thetic sling needs, or in this case in all 4 corners of the US.

Surface mount dock lift requires no pit

New Surface Mount Dock Lifts from Southworth provides users all the con-venience and versatility of a permanent scissor dock lift without the expense or hassle of digging a pit, making them ideal for leased or temporary buildings. With a lowered height of just 5” and fully raised height of 58” the Surface Mount Dock Lift can access loads on truck beds of any height and transfer them to a fixed height loading dock or to grade level, according to a company release. A built in 30” ramp creates a gentle 9° slope, providing easy pallet jack accessibility. Diamond tread on the deck, bridge plate, and access ramp also promote excellent traction.

Designated the SMDDL, lifts fea-tures an extra wide base and plate roll-ers for increased stability throughout the travel range. Models are available in 4000, 5000, and 6000 lb. weight ca-pacities with platform sizes of 6’ x 6’ or 6’ x 8’. Heavy tubular legs and cross members minimize deflection and pro-vide level handling of off-center loads. The unit’s hydraulic system uses bio-degradable fluid to eliminate potential environmental hazards. An optional


Surface Mount Dock Lifts from Southworth

working file 2/2/06 8:59 PM Page 14


To give an overview: Green Pin® Standard and Green Pin® Polar shack-les now carry two DNV type approval certificates that show compliance with:

• DNV 2.7-1 Offshore Containers• EN 12079-2 Offshore containers and associated lifting sets• EN 13889 Forged steel shackles for general lifting purposes• IMO/MSC Circular 860• US Federal Specification RR-C-271• DNV Standard for Certification No. 2.7-3 Portable Offshore Units• DNV Standard for Certification No. 2.22 Lifting AppliancesFor more information please contact

us: [email protected].

Standard and Green Pin® Polar shack-les are now DNV Type Approved to standard for certification 2.22 Lifting Appliances.

This Standard for Certification pro-vides criteria and guidance for certi-fication and verification of the design, materials, fabrication, installation, testing and commissioning of lifting appliances, mainly intended for cranes and other lifting appliances onboard ships and offshore installations.

The certificate S-7925 confirms com-pliance of the above mentioned types of shackles with this DNV standard. The approval of design, material and pro-duction process make individual test-ing unnecessary, so it saves you a lot of time and money.

With this latest certificate, the recog-nition of these high quality products is confirmed once more.

All Southworth dock lifts meet or ex-ceed ANSI Standard MH29.1, Safety Re-quirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts.

For more information, contact Brian E. McNamara, President, Southworth Products Corp, P.O. Box 1380, Port-land, ME 04104-1380, TEL: (207) 878-0700, FAX: (207) 797-4734, e-mail: [email protected], www.SouthworthProducts.com.

Tuff Rug resilient in high-traffic areas

The new Oil Eater Tuff Rug from Kafko International provides the long-wearing durability needed for high traffic areas, including forklift aisles and walkways in manufacturing plants and warehouses.

The absorbent pad has the strength and absorbency to quickly absorb oil leaks, dirt and grime.

Made of 100 percent recycled ma-terials, Tuff Rug is underside fused

through a heat and pressure process to produce a high level of absorbency while also retaining the tear resistance required.

The product is available in 36-inch by 150-ft. rolls.

A sample is available upon request.For information, visit www.oileater.

com or call 800-528-0334.

DNV Type Approval Certificate No. S-7925For Green Pin Standard and Polar Shackles to DNV Standard for certification No. 2.22 Lifting appliances

Recently Van Beest was audited by DNV (Det Norske Veritas). We achieved a positive result; Green Pin®


Slingmax® Rigging Solutions expands Engineering Department

Slingmax, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of an exceptional individ-ual to their team. Gregory D’Elia has joined the Slingmax Rigging Solutions family as their new Engineering Man-ager. Greg holds a degree in mechani-cal engineering from Penn State Uni-versity and has nine years of cordage industry experience, frequently work-ing with high strength aramid and HMPE fibers. Recently, Greg designed the high performance fiber “guys” used to hold the spire in place at the One World Trade Center building.

Scott St. Germain, CEO of Slingmax stated, “We were searching for an expe-rienced engineer to enhance our indus-try leading innovations. Greg will use his proven skills and experience to im-prove our product designs, develop new product applications and also provide support for our dealers.” Scott further added, “It has been an exciting year of growth for our three companies: Sling-max, I&I Sling and Rigging institute. We have successfully moved into our new 50,000 square foot headquarters and currently have several patents pending. Now, with the addition of a seasoned fiber engineer we look for-

ward to accelerated growth.” Slingmax® Rigging Solutions began

in 1986 and currently has 45 fabrica-tion locations in 12 countries. Please visit www.slingmax.com for further information.

YOKE confirms the appointment of Richard Oldknow as Vice President – Sales, EMEA Region

YOKE Industrial Corporation of Taiwan, a world-class manufacturer

of Lifting Accessories and Fall Protec-tion Equipment, has announced the appointment of Richard Oldknow as Vice President – Sales for the EMEA Region. Richard will report directly to the Board at YOKE’s Taichung City HQ, Taiwan.

Richard’s career of over 26 years in the industrial lifting components mar-ket has focused on roles strengthen-ing the distribution channels of engi-neered lifting products. In his last role, he was Sales and Marketing Director for Europe, for a well-known supplier of lifting and material handling prod-ucts, which will bring much strength to his new position with YOKE. Richard will work with the YOKE sales team to continue to strengthen the relation-ships with their channel partners in the EMEA region, and further develop their product and training offering.

Richard was also involved in working with major OEM’s to drive specification through to the distribution channel, and further will work with the YOKE NPD (New Products Development) team to develop new products to en-hance safety of all end users.

The team at YOKE welcomes Rich-ard to their family, and trust this ap-pointment will help with their vision to continue to build a world-class com-pany in the manufacturing of quality products, since their original founding in July 1985.

SafeWorks hires Edwin Holtkamp as Director of Sales, SafeWorks International

SafeWorks, LLC has recently wel-comed Edwin Holtkamp as Interna-tional Director of Sales, responsible for the Power Climber Wind, Power Climber and Spider brands. Edwin will be based out of SafeWorks’ internation-al office in Belgium and will report di-rectly to SafeWorks’ CEO Scott Farrell.

In an effort to continuously grow SafeWorks’ global presence, Edwin will be responsible for all direct sales, dealers, channel partners, and sales agents outside of the Americas, in-cluding the leadership of the Interna-tional direct sales force, channel part-ners and dealers.

Edwin comes to SafeWorks from General Electric, where he held vari-ous sales management roles, including his most recent as Sales Director for In-telligent Platforms. In this role he was responsible for the business develop-ment team tasked with selling remote

Gregory D’Elia and Scott St. Germain

Richard Oldknow

877-LIFT AMHallmaterialhandling.com

Now available with USA made chain, assembled

and tested in USA.

HOISTSOne STOp SHOp

RIGGInG HARDWARe

SLInGS


the Chant team. Eric comes to Chant with several years of purchasing/buying experience.

Prior to joining Chant, Eric served in the Army’s Airborne Infantry, and worked several years in the purchas-ing department of another firm. Eric enjoys basketball in his spare time, and he will be a valuable asset to the Chant Team.

Chant Engineering Co. is a global diversified engineering company that designs, manufactures, services and calibrates testing machines, systems and related accessories for worldwide industrial and military customers. Chant is the Authorized North Ameri-can distributor for TALURIT AB prod-ucts and Friedrich Höppe. For more in-formation on Chant Engineering, visit www.chantengineering.com.

Bridon Americas promotes Tom Moore to Vice President

Tom Moore succeeds Bob Madden as Vice President of Sales, BAC, ef-fective September 1. In this role, Tom will be responsible for continuing the profitable growth of BAC, including customer engagement, management

of the sales force customer service, and driving collaboration with other Bridon elements for new product development, strategy, and pricing.

Bob Madden will assume the du-ties of Senior Business Development Director.

Chris Dugan, President of Bridon Americas, said “This move is part of a gradual transition plan developed with Bob’s support. By transitioning key elements of Bob’s job to Tom while

monitoring systems used in the wind energy and oil/gas industries. Prior to GE, Edwin was responsible for sales of software solutions for Rockwell Au-tomation. Edwin is fluent in English, German, Dutch, and French and holds a German Engineering Degree (Diplom Ingenieur) in Computer Science from Cologne University, Germany.

“We expect Edwin’s experience in dealing with multi-national companies and developing new channels to mar-ket products and services to be an ad-vantage for our international business growth,” said Scott Farrell, CEO. “His valued combination of sales and tech-nical expertise will bring fresh ideas for developing innovative product solu-tions and market expansion that will enable us to provide greater value to existing customers while attracting new customers and business partners.”

Chant welcomes Eric ZaneChant Engineering Co., Inc. is pleased

to announce the addition of Eric Zane to


Tom Moore

Eric Zane

Edwin Holtkamp

Email: [email protected] • P.O. Box 871, Clark, NJ 07066

Have you promoted someonein your company?

All it will cost you is the time it takes to write it up and send it to us.You might be surprised what a little publicity can do for your business.

It’s free!

Do you have news TOTELL THE WORLD?

P.O. Box 871Clark, NJ 07066

Fax: 732-396-4215 • Email: [email protected]

Have you promoted someone in your company?Made a major acquisition?

Received an award for some type of achievement?Do you have a product or service you would like to

introduce to our industry?If you tell us about it, we’d be very happy to

consider it for publication.

All it will cost you is the time it takes to write it up and send it to us. Become visible to our readers. You might be surprised what a little

publicity can do for your business.

Send your news to:

It’s free!

Send your news to:

If you tell us about it, we’d be very happy to consider it for publication.

Made a major acquisition?

Received an award for an achievement?

Do you have a product or service you would like to introduce to our industry? ?


that momentum going while continu-ing to provide the excellent technical service we are famed for.”

Before joining Petersen, Aries served as Commercial Manager at Holmatro Marine Equipment. Previously he held positions at Lewmar Mid-Europe and Mennnens working in sales manage-ment, product management, and proj-ect management in the Netherlands, Europe and the Middle East.

Petersen Stainless Rigging is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality-assured stainless steel rigging and lifting equipment for the petro-chemical, lifting, architectural, yacht-ing and aerospace industries.

For more information visit www.lift-ingshackles.com

Spider Hires George Martin as District Sales Representative - Portland

Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, announces George Martin has joined its Portland operation center as Dis-trict Sales Representative. In this role, George is responsible for solving the suspended scaffolding and fall protec-tion challenges of contractors and facility owners throughout Oregon, Idaho, Mon-tana, and southwestern Washington.

George brings over fifteen years of experience in Portland’s construction and scaffold industries, holding various sales and project management posi-tions with companies including Brand

Bob is still working at Bridon, we can be sure that we provide a seamless transition to our customers. I want to congratulate Bob for his 27 year legacy of success at Bridon, built on a passion for customer care. I look for-ward to continuing to work with him as he helps Tom satisfy our customers and grow our mutual businesses. And I want to congratulate Tom, who has earned the trust of our customers and the Bridon team with his keen insight and hard work.”

Petersen welcomes Aries Dijkhuizenas Business Development Manager

Petersen Stainless Rigging Ltd (Pe-tersen) announced that Aries Dijkhui-zen has joined the company as Business Development Manager. Mr Dijkhuizen will be involved in all aspects of busi-ness management at Petersen in-

cluding business development, client services and planning with special re-sponsibility for product development.

Aries brings to Petersen more than two decades of experience in product and sales management in the marine and commercial rigging industries.

“We are very pleased to welcome Ar-ies,” commented Kevin Bell, CEO of Petersen Stainless Rigging Ltd “The breadth and depth of Aries’ experi-ence will be an invaluable asset to the company as we continue to expand and develop our product range and distri-bution network to meet global needs. The past twelve months has seen very good growth in our business and this appointment will ensure we can keep


Aries Dijkhuizen

George Martin

Construction, Waco Scaffold, and Sun-belt Rentals. He is also skilled in lead-ing scaffold training courses.

“George has been implementing Spider swing stages and accessories throughout his project management career, which translates into a solid foundation for his transition to Spider’s newest sales representative,” comments John Sotiroff, Vice President Spider Sales and Distribution. “His equipment expertise, familiarity with the Portland suspended scaffold market, and dedi-cation to jobsite safety are key compo-nents to successfully providing new and established customers in his territory with the market-leading solutions and service for which Spider is known.”


Please turn to the pages indicated belowfor a detailed view of advertisers’ products or services.

Accutech .......................................................69

All Material Handling .................................74, 77

Allied Power Products ....................................30

Associated Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc. ... 19, 51, 58

Belt-Tech ........................................................47

Bleichert’s Wire Ropeways .............................73

Buffalo Lifting and Testing ..............................66

C. Sherman Johnson Co., Inc. ........................44

Caldwell Company, Inc. ......................12, 39, 84

Chant Engineering and Talurit ..........................21

Chicago Hardware ..........................................16

Cleveland City Forge .......................................31

The Crosby Group ......................................2, 55

Distributor Computer Systems ........................59

Downs Crane & Hoist Co., Inc. .......................71

Elite ...............................................................45

Engineered Lifting Tech ..................................67

Esmet ............................................................33

Gaylin International Co. Pte. Ltd. .....................83

Ken Forging, Inc. ............................................20

KWS, Inc. .......................................................59

Landmann ........................................................6

Lift-All ............................................................50

Loos & Co. ....................................................27

Morse-Starrett Products Co. ...........................40

Muncy Industries .....................................35, 48

Peerless Chain ...............................................15

Pewag ...........................................................57

Premier Wire Rope ...........................................3

Promec ..........................................................40

Ronstan .........................................................41

Sea Catch ......................................................81

Scotload UK Ltd. ............................................67

Skookum .......................................................53

Slingmax Rigging Products ...............................4

Slinguard Protectors .......................................52

Southern Wire ................................................22

SPS ...............................................................23

Strider~Resource ..........................................13

Suncor Stainless, Inc. .............................. 42-43

Taylor Chain Company ...................................75

Terrier Lifting Clamps .....................................29

Van Beest BV .................................................11

Vanguard .......................................................37

Victory Ground Support Equip. .......................57

Weisner .........................................................36

Wichard, Inc. .................................................63

Windy Ridge Corp. .........................................71

Wirop Industrial Co., Ltd. ................................17

Yale Cordage, Inc. ..........................................38

Yoke Industrial Corp. ..................................5, 25

Advertisers Index


POSITION AVAILABLEIf you are an outgoing, positive and motivated

individual, then come work for a growing com-pany. ALP INDUSTRIES, INC. has been in busi-ness for over 30 years and is one of the largest distributors of wire rope, chain, and nylon sling products in the U.S. Our nationwide company has sales offices located in the Eastern and West-ern United States. Due to recent expansion and growth we are looking for Outside Sales Repre-sentatives, Sales Managers and Branch Manag-ers with experience in the wire rope, chain and rigging industry.

Candidates must be highly motivated self-starters with a strong work ethic and high level of integrity. Excellent written and verbal com-munication skills. Familiarity with MS Word and Excel. College degree preferred.

Our compensation package includes a competi-tive salary with commission, paid vacation, medi-cal, vision, life insurance and 401(k) plan.

Please send your resume to [email protected].

All Material Handling Inc. (AMH), Chi-cago IL is a leading wholesale company of rig-ging products in the North-American market. (Hoists, Rigging Hardware, and Slings)

Seeking: National Sales Manager - based in our Chicago, IL location.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Increase sales, acquisition of new distributors.• Contribute to management and strategic

planning of product life cycle. • Determine product requirement by conduct-

ing market research. • Develop and implement a go-to market plan. • Manage Sale Agents and Distributor rela-

tionships. • Train Sales Reps. • Prepare and update sales literature.REQUIREMENTS:• Minimum of 10 years of experience with rig-

ging products and the sales of rigging products.• Knowledgeable in technologies used in pro-

duction of rigging products.• Engineering degree or extensive work expe-

rience in the Rigging/Lifting products industry.• Advanced computer and MS office soft-

ware skills.• Travel to customer and non-customer sites

primarily in North America. AMH offers a comprehensive health & benefits

package plus a matching 401K plan. Please send your resume and salary requirements to [email protected].

Established and growing company in the lift-ing product industry located in Southern Califor-nia is seeking an inside sales representative to play a key role in growing our new product line that has positioned us for tremendous growth op-portunities. Industry experience preferred. Call 714-545-7444.

Regional Area Sales Manager seeking admin-istrative assistant to work 30-35 hours per week. Casual, relaxed work environment. Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated. Ide-al candidate has excellent organizational skills and proficient in MS Office products Word/Excel/PowerPoint). Experience with Quicken a plus but not a must.

Bridon’s mission is to be the Global Technol-ogy Leader in the manufacture of demanding rope applications and the customer’s first choice solutions provider. As a result of our continued effort to remain the industry leader, we are seek-ing qualified candidates to join our team. Bridon offers a comprehensive compensation and ben-efits package. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and salary requirements to [email protected].

Position: District Sales Manager in the Gulf

Coast RegionThis position is responsible for promoting, sell-

ing, and securing orders from existing and pro-spective Oil & Gas and Crane customers through a relationship and technical knowledge based ap-proach. Bridon is known worldwide for superior quality and excellent product service. The suc-cessful candidate will articulate these strengths to extract maximum value for premium Bridon brand wire rope. The candidate will develop strong relationships with existing customers and active account prospecting where market share opportunities exist; generate new business at both existing and new accounts by leveraging our product capabilities and technical expertise.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the Oil & Gas production and servicing busi-ness with at least 3 years’ experience in sales roles with a demonstrated track record of posi-tive results. In addition, the candidate shall have experience working with distribution, strong me-chanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, as well as excellent communication skills – both oral and written. A technical degree is preferred.

Travel will be required 50% -70% of the time. International travel may also be required. Ideal candidate would be centrally located within the region or willing to relocate.

KULKONI, Inc, a Houston based wholesaler of wire rope & rigging/lifting products, is looking for a dynamic outside sales representative. Success-ful candidates will have industry experience & be self-motivated to grow & excel with us in today’s competitive market. Extensive travel will be re-quired. You will be tasked to service and main-tain existing relationships, as well as develop new prospects into accounts. Excellent verbal, written communication, & presentation skills are required. Kulkoni offers a comprehensive health & benefits package plus a matching 401k plan. Please send your resume to [email protected]. Kulkoni, Inc. is an EOE.

Marine industrial rigging shop looking for CDL driver and rigger experienced only must be willing to work in labor intense environment. Mechani-cally inclined. Contact John at 508-993-0070.

Southern Weaving is recruiting for an ex-perienced sales professional to serve our sling web market. The Sales Manager position will be based at our location in Greenville, SC; however, up to 70% travel is anticipated. Ideal candidate will have a college degree and at least seven years relevant industry experience.

To learn more about our company, please visit www.southernweaving.com. Interested candi-dates should email resume and salary require-ments to [email protected]. Please in-clude SALES in the subject line.

Southern Weaving provides equal employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans, dis-abled individuals, as well as other protected groups.

Company: Southern Wire, a leading whole-saler/distributor of wire rope, slings, chain, and fittings is expanding its sales force.

We are seeking Inside Sales Representatives for the Memphis, TN area. We offer a competitive base salary and commission program. Our excel-lent benefits package includes medical, dental, life, disability, paid vacation, and 401K. Please visit company website: www.houwire.com.

College degree preferred - Industry knowledge a must. Send resume in confidence to: [email protected] or Fax# 662-893-4732. *No calls please*

Muncy Industries, LLC, has been providing quality wire rope fittings, lifting hardware, and machines for over 60 years. Originally based out of Pennsylvania, we have recently opened a sec-ond location in Lafayette, Louisiana. Muncy In-dustries is seeking an individual with experience

in the wire rope industry to help lead the sales team in our Louisiana location.

Requirements include:• Knowledge of the wire rope industry or re-

lated industry in the gulf area is a must.• Excellent written and verbal communication

skills.• Team player, good with people.• Must be able to set and attain goals in a

timely manner.• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and

Quick-Books.We offer competitive wages alongside an excel-

lent benefits package including 100% medical, life, disability, and 401K. Contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or fax: 570-649-5850.

Outside sales representative needed for a well established distributor of wire rope, rigging hardware, chain and related industry products, located in Central Arkansas. The qualified indi-vidual will possess industry knowledge and the ability to develop new accounts and grow exist-ing accounts. Our company offers a competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits package. If you are qualified please e-mail your resume with salary history to: Reference Box12-01 on subject line, and reply to [email protected].

Wire Rope Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of premium ropes with more than 125 years of experience, is opening a re-gional sales rep position to support the growing business in South/Central USA. We are looking for a dynamic candidate with experience in the lifting industry and a proven ability to excel in competitive environments. Strong personality, focus, drive, and the ability to develop accounts in a fast and sustainable way are required. We offer competitive compensation, industry-leading training, and opportunities for growth. If you are interested in joining the leading innovators in the premium market, please e-mail your resume to [email protected].

Company: Nelson Wire Rope CorporationDescription: Established in 1979 in Hatfield,

Pa, Nelson Wire Rope Corporation is a leader in wire rope fabrication and product distribution. We offer a wide array of products for the lifting, towing, construction, traffic control and other in-dustries.

Location: Hatfield, PAEmployee Type: FulltimeIndustry: Manufacturing, Wire Rope and Sling

IndustryJob Title: Outside-Inside SalesRequired Education: Industry experience, de-

gree preferred Required Travel: Frequent Day TripsOther: Local Candidates OnlyInterested candidates should e-mail resume to:

[email protected]. Job Duties and Responsibilities:• Aggressively identifies and contacts prospec-

tive customers by phone and on-site visits. Abil-ity to conduct sales presentations of company products or services while on site. Plans effective strategies to capture new business. Proven abil-ity to generate new sales.

• Provide inside customer service and sales. Skills and Qualifications:• Excellent customer service skills; strong

written and verbal communication skills, outgo-ing personality, team player.

• Effective time management, organization and multi-tasking skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.Education and Experience: • Minimum of three (3) years experience in an

Outside sales role, and five (5) years experience in Inside Sales/Customer Service experience.

• Knowledge of wire rope, crane cable, rigging, construction or related industry.

continued


Looking for sales professional. Comprehensive understanding of wire rope, chain, nylon, and fall protection preferred. Sales experience required. Competitive salary plus commission. Benefit package included. E-mail resumes to [email protected].

Leading manufacturer of below the hook lift-ing devices seeks a mechanical engineer who has experience with designing below the hook lifters. Experience with motorized control systems is a plus. Excellent working environment, compen-sation and schedule all in a fantastic, southern coastal area! Please send resume to Tandemloc, 824 Highway 101, Havelock, NC 28532, [email protected] or call 252-463-8113.

Established wire rope distributor in North America is expanding into crane/container rope and fabrication. We are looking for an experi-enced individual that can assist in formulating a marketing and business plan. This position will eventually evolve to a sales manager or general manager. Fax your resume in strict confidence to 330-452-2331 attention Kris Lee or e-mail to [email protected].

continued

Inside wire rope sales representative:90+ year family owned business is looking for

an experienced inside Wire Rope representative, to replace retiring veteran salesman. Candidates must be reliable, honest, strong work ethic, and demonstrate good communication skills. Our company provides excellent compensation and benefits to our team members, including Paid va-cation, holiday, and sick leave, 401K Retirement plan with matching, excellent insurance benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, RX, Short Term Dis-ability, Life Insurance. M-F. office hours. Drug free workplace.

Please reply to: Attention: Cherise, Rasmussen Wire Rope and Rigging Co. Inc. 415 south Clover-dale Street, P.O. Box 81206 Seattle, WA 98108, Phone: 206-762-3700, Fax: 206-762-5003, e-mail: [email protected].

Certified Slings & Supply, Florida’s largest family owned rigging, contractor and industrial supply company is seeking experienced sales rep-resentatives for our Florida territories.

The suitable candidate will be aggressive and detail-oriented with experience in selling over-head lifting, load securement and fall protection equipment along with other contractor supplies and have a proven successful sales history.

Our 53-year family-owned company provides excellent benefits to our team members including medical insurance, holiday and vacation pay and 401(k) with company match.

If you share our core values and the experi-ence we are looking for we look forward to hear-ing from you. E-mail your resume and salary re-quirements to Attention Team Member Relations at [email protected] or fax to 407-260-9196.

Our Purpose: To grow through challenge and opportunity ‘with passion’ while benefiting team members, customers and vendors. Our Core Val-ues: Service, Quality, Team, Commitment, Com-munication, Integrity, Respect. Our Mission: We will be the most trusted and respected company in rigging, overhead lifting, load securement and con-tractor supplies in the world. Please visit our web-site at www.certifiedslings.com. EOE/AA/MFDV. Drug Free Workplace – Drug testing required. Florida Locations include: Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa and Ocala.

Fabrication manager/customer service. Work in a family oriented business with an opportunity to earn part ownership. Need someone 35-55+ years old who started at the bottom and looking to fin-ish at the top. Need hands on splicing experience, lifting rigging experience, test bed knowledge, able to direct small growing crew. Basic computer knowledge. Willing to train and mentor young employees. Top wages and benefits for the right individual. Problem solver that our customers can depend on. Honesty and integrity a must. Call Chuck Farmer, President, Rouster Wire Rope and Rigging, Inc., 304-228-3722, in confidence.

Philadelphia, PA Wire Rope & Fabrication shop has inside customer sales/service position. Experience in rigging or crane industries a plus. Contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or fax: 610-687-0912.

Web and Round Sling Dept. Manager; Arctic Wire Rope and Supply in Anchorage

Alaska is looking for an experienced person to run a small but active sewing and round sling department.

Must be accomplished at sewing and teaching others how to fabricate multiple ply and width web slings, working with a round sling machine and adapting to ours. Must be comfortable with non-standard / custom orders.

Pay is $18-22/hr DOE, major medical, 401k with 8% company match. Winters can be cold and long, should enjoy playing in the snow if possible, no city or state tax and you get a yearly perma-nent dividend from the State after one year of residency. E-mail resume to [email protected].

Texas Wire Rope Company expanding inside sales department. Individuals must have a strong technical, mechanical and basic mathematical aptitude, including basic computer knowledge. Selected candidates must be quality conscious and able to handle multiple tasks. Previous ex-perience in the industrial supply market is neces-sary. We offer a drug-free, results-oriented work environment with excellent wages and advance-ment opportunities. Resumes received confiden-tially at [email protected].

Fax: (1-732) 396-4215


HELP WANTEDFast growing Billings Montana industrial sup-

ply and rigging shop seeks experienced rigger and wire rope assembler. Must be familiar with all aspects of rigging shop operations. E-mail re-sume to [email protected].

POSITION WANTEDOur client requires a part-time Bookkeeper

(1-2 days/week) to assist them with an ongo-ing temporary assignment. This position could become permanent for the right candidate. You will be responsible for Bookkeeping, Accounts Payable entering, setting up inventory, filing, organizing and some administrative duties. You must be able to thrive in a team environment and also work well alone.

The successful candidate for this role will have excellent knowledge of Simply Account-ing. Strong written and oral communication is a must. To be considered for this great opportu-nity please e-mail us at [email protected].

Outside sales professional with 20+ years ex-perience seeking full time position. Willing to re-locate. Reply to [email protected].

Experienced Wire Rope Sling (Flemish) fabri-cator needed. CWR Hawaii is seeking a worker with knowledge and hands-on ability to fabricate wire rope and chain assemblies. Full-time, 401k, vacation, insurance, and other benefits. Reloca-tiong cost can be negotiated.

If you are interested in working for our com-pany, please e-mail me at [email protected] or call me at 808-843-2020.

Loos & Co., Inc. manufactures stainless and nickel alloy wire and cable products. We are seek-ing an Engineer with experience in metallurgy, preferably with a wire drawing background. Must have a BS in metallurgy, or substantial industry experience in wire or specialty metals industries. Medical grade alloys knowledge is a definite plus. We offer competitive wages with a comprehensive benefit program. An EEO/AA Company.

Visit our website at www.loosco.com. Forward resumes to [email protected].

Former Division-Product Manager, Regional Outside Sales Manager desires southeast terri-tory to manage and solicit accounts in the wire rope, chain, fittings, and related industries. Over 25 years experience including District Manager, Bethlehem Wire Rope, Regional Manager, Wire Rope Ind Product Manager, Rud Chain, Inc. Interested parties reply to M.E. (Mike) Givens [email protected], ph 256-476-7700.

West Coast Wire Rope and Rigging is looking to hire experienced riggers. Please send your resume to: 7777 7th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98108, attention manager.

SEEKING MERGERRigging products company seeks merger: A

nationally-prominent rigging equipment manu-facturer seeks to grow through merger with similar company. Strong brand recognition and extensive cargo control, wire rope, chain and synthetic sling production capabilities have fu-eled our growth. We now seek a merger partner so that we may take advantage of economies of scale and get to the “next level”. The business is not for sale; merger inquiries only. Principals only please, no brokers. Respond in confidence to [email protected].

Well established and growing manufacturer and distributor of overhead lifting and mate-rial handling products is seeking acquisitions to continue to power our growth. We are looking for rigging shops and hoists and crane distributors in the upper Midwest. Principles only please re-ply to [email protected].

REPS WANTEDSouthern Weaving is seeking Independent

Sales Representatives. We prefer a sales profes-sional who currently calls on sling makers and rigging companies and is familiar with the in-dustry. Check us out at www.southernweaving.com. For more information, contact Tommy Lee, Sales Director, at 864-240-9372 or [email protected].

Sunwood Inc., manufacturer of nets, slings, etc. since 1986, (formerly known as Fl. nets & slings supply) is expanding nationwide & looking for ambitious independent reps in US and Can-ada. Check our webiste: www.netsandslings.com before contacting us. We offer several protected territories without any restriction of house ac-counts. Generous commission paid when order is shipped (not when $ collected). Call 954-788-7144 or e-mail: [email protected].

Sales rep wanted for an established manufac-turer of labels and sling tags. We are looking for a sales rep that currently calls on sling makers and rigging companies and is familiar with the business. Etiflex is a registered trademark and manufactures custom sling tags for synthetic and wire rope slings and has an excellent repu-tation in the field. We advertise in trade journals and exhibit at industry shows to generate brand awareness. Please contact us at [email protected] or call 866-ETIFLEX for information.

Manufacturer Represtentatives for Lifting Equipment & Accessories wanted by ALL MA-TERIAL HANDLING, Inc. Territories are now available and supported by our 4 USA Ware-houses where our highly competitive and top quality products are stocked to the roof. Partner with us as we continue to grow market share. Check us out at www.allmaterialhandling.com and reach us at 877 543-8264, or e-mail [email protected].

Well established manufacturer of wire rope assemblies seeks manufacturer representatives for most major U.S. and Canadian markets. Visit our web site at www.thecableconnection.com. Please contact [email protected] or call Ray at (800) 851-2961

PRODUCT LINES WANTEDMerit Sales, Inc. (Manufacturer Represen-

tatives) is looking for rigging related lines to compliment the manufacturers we currently represent. If you need sales people in any of our states (AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA) please contact. We also have 2 re-gional warehouses available in the Atlanta area & Houston. e-mail: [email protected] or call Johnny at 713-664-7723.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESDragline range & depth extended using grav-

ity return. Contact Nielsen by fax for details (fax) 904-342-0547

EQUIPMENT WANTEDWanted: Used test stand for manual hoists

static testing, up to 10-tons. Contact John Gideon at [email protected] or Phone 770-266-5700.

Wanted 600t wire rope swaging press com-plete with dies in good order, please contact [email protected], or Tele 0064 3 366 1528.

Wanted: used wire rope cable, sizes 1-1/8”, 1”, and 7/8”. Please call for pricing. (740) 452-5770.

PROPERTY FOR SALEIndustrial Warehouse Opportunity: Atlanta

area. 20,000 sq.ft. with 2 dock height bay. First floor 1600 sq.ft.; Offices, 2nd floor, 3 bedroom/1 bath apt. or office, 1600 sq.ft. Central AC/heat. Total land: 2.24 acres near I-85, sale/lease/op-tion. Only $255,000 cash. E-mail: [email protected], tel. 706-599-3270.

FOR SALENew wire rope: 400 ft. 2-1/4” Wireco (St. Jo-

seph, MO. / USA) 7-Flex bright IWRC $4.95/ft. = $1980.00. F.O.B. Longview, WA. Please contact L.G. Isaacson Co. - Charlie Isaacson - ph.(360) 754-6020.

“Nets & slings” equipment (used) are offered at bargain prices (best offer will take it): Singer- 6 Sewing machines H.D. w/benches. Kiwi- Web printing machine, complete set-up. Tinius Olsen- Testing machine 60K. Call us at 954-788-7144 or e-mail: [email protected].

3/16" Campbell Chain L3x51 Links- Zinc; 3200 pieces 48" with 5/16" S Hook; 1100 pieces 15" with 5/16"x2.5" O ring; In NC. Best Offer [email protected], 800-342-9130 x 124, Andy.

New wire rope 1-1/8” drill line 5000 ft. 6x195 BR RR IFWV $30,000 Aud & freight. Reply to Brayd Gross, Alpha Rigging SErvice, 11-13 Ger-berte Court, Wurruk, Victoria, Australia, 3850. Phone 0011+61351461088. E-mail: [email protected].

Crosby 7/8” G213 LPA shackles. NEW! 205 pieces available. Contact Gary Lee @ 1-800-844-3517. Fax 251-456-8860.

Impacto Cable cutters and parts available from Windy Ridge Corp. Tamworth, NH, USA. 800-639-2021. Fax 603-323-2322.

New Wireco: 6 X 26 construction, 7/8” X 5,700’ - 1” X 1,000’ ¾” X 3,500 – 5/8” X 3,000’ – 1-3/8” X 1,350’ – 1-3/8” X 1,500” – 7/16” X 5,000’ – 1” X 300. All New.

Also available: new assorted Esco shackles. Call Tom at 541-378-7006 for pricing and details.

HARDWARE FOR SALE12 new galvanized open spelter sockets for

sale $125 each. Sockets are for 1” wire rope, have 2” pin and are marked “108 YX9826 CE”. Con-tact Jim at [email protected].

Overstocked inventory for sale, 1-3/8” Shackle, WLL 13½ ton, galvanized, round pin, import. Super savings. Sold in minimum lots of 50 at $9 each. Eric Parkerson, Certified Slings, 407-331-6677.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALEReel-o-matic cable reel model RS/2M11. Ca-

pactiy 2500 lbs., 1.5 HP drive, 220V 3PH ma-chine $1500 - Call Shlomo 973-523-7760.

National swage 1000 ton press. Excellent condition, including most dies up to two inch, $110,000. Barry, Bilco Wire Rope & Supply Corp., 908-351-7800 or [email protected].

1-800 ton Esco, 1-500 ton National, 1-500 ton Esco, 1-350 Esco. 713-641-1552.

150 ton, Wirop C-type hydraulic swaging ma-chine for sale. Brand new, with 4 sets of dies. $19,500 or B/O. Call Oscar at 909-548-2884.

Wire Rope Grips for proof test machines. Sizes: 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/2”. Load cells & digital read-outs also available. Call Joe Roberts (912) 964-9465.

Prooftesters for sale. Capacities from 20,000 lbs. to 3,000,000 lbs. Call Joe Roberts (912) 964-9465.

CLASSIFIEDcontinued from previous page

Caldwell quality. Guaranteed.Our expanded INSTOCK* program has many items available for same dayshipment. Call us at 800-628-4263 to place your order now. Orders placedafter 12:00 PM (CST) ship the next business day. *Not all sizes are available for same day shipment.


SHIPS THE SAME DAYDesigned and manufactured to ASME B30.20 and BTH-1.

ORDER BY NOONNEW

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