August 2012
www.wireropenews.com
Building bridges without cranes
The construction over the Catawba River story on page 8
Cover story:
Heavy offshore lifts Big sling technology past and present story on page 14
Advertisers Index Page 75
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Vol. 33, No. 6 August 23, 2012 Publisher & Editorial Director Edward J. Bluvias
Contributing Editor Barbara McGrath Spencer
Contents Features Bridge job minus the cranes: Older structure & creativity conquer lifting obstacles ....................... 8
How a bridge gets built in an area where cranes may not be the best solution.
Heavy offshore lifts . ............................................. 14 An overview of big sling technology past and present.
Circulation Director Patricia Bluvias
Wire rope cable for buildings, stairs, balconies, parking garages & other public facilities ............ 22 New places that wire rope is being used to save time and money without sacrificing safety.
Graphics & Layout Don Tywoniw - 2D Graphics Website: www.wireropenews.com
Loss prevention saves lives and property! .......... 30
Studies show that most accidents are caused by operator error and not defects or flaws in the manufacturers products or design.
Taking on the IRS: How I caught the IRS cheating on my income tax return ...................... 34 The author’s 12-year war with the IRS.
ISSN 0740-1809 Wire Rope News & Sling Technology is published by-monthly by Wire Rope News, LLC, 511 Colonia Blvd., Colonia, New Jersey 07067-2819. (908) 486-3221. Fax No. (732) 396-4215. Address all correspondence concerning advertising, production, editorial, and circulation to Wire Rope News, LLC, P.O. Box 871, Clark, New Jersey 070660871. Subscription rates: $20 per year, domestic: $30 per year foreign: $25 per year, Canadian. Quantity discounts of three or more subscriptions available at $15 each per year, domestic: $25 each per year, foreign: $18 each per year, Canadian. Single copies $4 per issue, domestic: $6 per issue, foreign; $5 per issue, Canadian. Copyright © 2012 by Wire Rope News, LLC, 511 Colonia Blvd., Colonia, New Jersey 07067. All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to reject any material for any reason deemed necessary. Printed in the USA Published bi-monthly; Oct., Dec., Feb., April, June, Aug. Issued 3rd week of month published. Insertion orders, classified, and editorial copy must be received before the 20th of month preceding date of publication (e.g. May 20th for June issue). Email: info@wireropenews.com
Cover photo:
Four Franklin Flemish Lock® slings, manufactured for Subsea are tested by lifting a 5,000 ton vessel.
Departments Advertiser’s Index . .....................................................75 Steel Industry News ...................................................38 The Inventor’s Corner . ...............................................54 New Products .............................................................68 People in the News ....................................................71 Classified ....................................................................76 Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
7
Bridge job minus the cranes:
Older structure & creativity conquer lifting obstacles By Peter Hildebrandt
Cranes and the wire rope they depend on are instrumental on countless construction sites. Lifting of tremendous loads to heights unobtainable in any other way can be done with relatively little effort aside from the forces placed on the crane equipment and wire rope cables designed for such work. But as crane operators will also explain, safe use of equipment, safety for workers on the job and protection of nearby pedestrians, residents or those taking part in area recreational activities is the chief concern before works even starts.
C
onstruction of a new bridge across the Catawba River on U.S. Highway 21 presented challenges which could easily have compromised safety. This route starts at Hunting Island on the Coast of South Carolina and runs north to Wytheville, Virginia. The current bridge, two thirds up the length of this highway has served motorist well over the years since it first opened in the 1940s. But a new bridge being built across the Catawba River involved construction in a different environment than the one found during the building of the first bridge. Canoeists and kayakers now regularly paddle the waters just below the bridge while increasing traffic in the area demands that work proceeds quickly and efficiently as possible. The riverbed is full of loose rocks and a solid rock bottom in some parts. An upstream hydroelectric dam raises and lowers water levels periodically, depending on the needs of the area electric utility company which owns the dam – or demanding river buffs. The standard method REA Constructors, Inc. considered for building the new bridge involved cranes and barges to carry the cranes operating while down in the actual Catawba River, according to Troy Carter, project manager with REA Constructors, Inc. (now also a part of the Lane Construction Company).
Men in the work platform are equipped with radio headsets, which, according to Troy Carter, provides one of the most important tools on the project: communication.
“When you’re in the water with the crane in a barge, the varying depths of the river bottom mean the barge’s bottom will be on the rocky bottom due to water displacement at certain points in the river. Adding the weight of the girder means the barge will go down the exact volume of water that the beam weighs. The drillers of the bridge’s footings knew their exact weight when they
The tower before the work platforms were in place.
8
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
were in the barges. But when cranes have the girder on and start to go, there can be a lot of uncertainty.” Using barges they would have been setting beams down and had situations of uncertainty and constantly trying to catch up. Dry runs were done with large cranes and equipment had to be moved in leap frog fashion with cranes being repositioned multiple times. Places for the beams to be set down had to be worked out. Using barges most likely would have damaged a lot of barges too. “REA Contracting owns about 40 barges,” explains Carter. “But it would have taken about 100 barges to do this job. We would have had to either buy or rent those extra barges and rental companies in this area would charge us to fix them if they get any damage to the bottom of their barges with the rocks puncturing or denting the bottom. They place the barges on a device, rotating them and inspect with a flashlight; it can cost up to $15,000 to fix a barge. We would have had barges all the way continued on page 10
continued from page 8 across the river, basically a ‘barge road’ all the way across.” The Catawba has a maximum depth of only about four feet here. They determined that they had to come up with a method which did not use barges, one which would improve both the safety and the environmental impact of the project, according to Carter. With an operational bridge already in place, they wondered about systems that could use that – and bypass the use of river cranes. The initial impetus for setting up the bridgework construction system in such a manner came from Rick Bonson, with Triplett King. Bonson was one of the project managers Troy Carter had once worked with. Bonson had retired, but Carter recalls a photo he had of a project in D.C. in which a similar setup was used. “It was more of a makeshift thing for a couple of beams which couldn’t be reached,” explains Carter. “It wasn’t as elaborate as what we’ve come up with here, but the concept was there. We looked at how that applied to this project as a possible solution to our issue of how we were going to place the beams. Then we put it forth into design and development and we got a local designer, Triple Key, to do the design for us. The decision to go with the framework system instead of barges on the river was made in October, 2010. “With the framework setup, there is no time when an unsafe situation presents itself. A crane in a barge on the river involves uncertainty. “With one side on the rocks and the other in the water, something could unfurl itself really quickly. In the method we’re using now, we are bringing the beams across on the existing bridge one at a time.” When the girders come in, they come from the Charlotte or north side of the river. The truck pulls up to where the girder is needed, a hand-operated trolley with four sets of workers in each work bucket comes out over the road, workers hook the beam at each end onto the cables and the whole system effortlessly pulls the girder up from the back of the truck. Two 30 ton manual hoists are used during the night work which involves the 11 girders in the span, each weighing 60 tons. The method involves shutting the existing bridge down to any traffic other than the trucks bringing in the girders; one truck with one girder at a time comes onto the old bridge due to weight limits. The process takes a total of three nights, four girders the first night, four the second night and three the third night over a period of weeks. The final two spans of the bridge will be erected with the help of a 100 ton 10
The tower after the work platforms were in place.
Manitowoc 222 and one lifting frame. At this point there is no involvement with barges, as this final stretch is over solid ground. A 100 ton crane is situated at the upper end of the inclined bank going down to the river. “This method is controlled,” says Carter. “When you watch it, it’s almost boring. But it’s safer, less expensive; we’re putting beams in place without any cranes on barges in the water. “On the two cranes we are using, there are monthly inspections. Any time there are any deficiencies in the wire rope, it is replaced according to how many breaks per lay are found in the wire rope cable. Anytime we have a problem with our wire rope we replace it right away. The girders are being launched from the old bridge but the system itself mounts to the caps of the new bridge. This system cantilevers out over the old bridge; they hoist the girder up from the waiting truck and then workers walk the beam into place. This arrangement mounts to the cap and the column - the substructure itself - instead of the conventional erection method using a crane. The new substructure is utilized as its support, eliminating the need for a mobile crane or a crawler crane. The cable-winch system allows things to be pulled ahead in increments. Relatively small winches are used to avoid carrying around big pieces of equipment, according to Emilio Valentin, REA Contracting project superintendent. Valentin set up a PowerPoint presentation clearly illustrating how this particular system that he largely developed himself, based on the initial ideas of Bonson, would be set up. He used a Google program to design exactly how the rigging and framework would look and work. “They needed to be moving around something that’s fairly heavy with a system that doesn’t really take much weight either,” explains Valentin. “So what we came up with involving this one-half section in theory takes 3,000 pounds of pull to move it forward. You don’t need much to pull it. But we always put a little bit more in there just
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
in case, so if one come-along fails while you’re pulling, you’re not stuck. Once that frame gets into position, then there is a piece on the bottom that we’ve got to tie up and secure the lifting equipment to.” The frame is designed for the substructure of the bridge, so a lot of the same anchor points used for form work during the construction phase are used for anchor points on the permanent structure of the bridge. The through-bolts go through the columns, yet a piece remains separate. Tie rods stay above the cap, letting the whole thing move ahead. The actual come-along itself is all chained to the system and they’ve rigged it so that it’s operable with a hand drill, enabling the chains to go up and down and the trollies to be operated too. “Everything is done by hand,” says Carter. “There are no mechanical parts involved in the lifting of these 60ton, 120,000 pound concrete beams.” “For the movement of the chains to lift the beams, I adapted a handheld drill so that with the movement they cause, we essentially automated the manual hoist for the lifting and lowering of the beams,” adds Valentin. “For the two trollies that travel back and forth at the ends of the beams, this is a motion that must stay in sync. If this system gets out of square the forces on the two towers are incredible. For this reason, we are in constant radio contact with the workers involved in the action of moving the girders into place.” Nothing as high-tech as lasers are used to keep the beams and the trolley system square, instead, landmarks - such as the bridge itself, by looking down - are used. The old bridge is exactly parallel to the new bridge. There are also marks on the frame as well as open radio communication from the operators on the one tower to the operators on the other tower. A third person also watches and gives suggestions to each of these two towers they’re getting behind. With an open radio channel and headset system for all involved with the project, everyone is able to hear comments from everyone involved in the work and act accordingly. “Though this system is catering primarily to this job, this system can be used on other jobs as well when there is limited access and you are over a waterway,” says Valentin. “Other setups work things the other way around, launching components such as the concrete beams, from the ends instead of along the side of the structure as is being done here. This is an especially good setup for working along an existing structure from which you can take parts and equipment, in this case, the continued on page 12
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ing in all the material on the banks of the river beside the bridge, doing all the dirt work and closing the whole project in. On each river bank our Triple 2, 100ton cranes perform what work they can accomplish from their positions. These are used to move the frame ahead. The frame comes apart in three pieces.” Oz Lifting Products supplied many of the materials including chain hoists. Distributors of their products are in the area, though the products are available Eleven of these girders, each weighing 60 across the country. They used two 30-ton gear beam trolleys for the 60-ton beams tons, were used for the bridge span. being installed. “In theory all you needed continued from page 10 was one trolley,” adds Valentin. “But beold bridge that’s already in place.” ing that the trolley runs on the frame Cranes could have done the work girder, the weight needed to be dishad the river bottom environment been persed; with all the weight on one trolley more cooperative. “But I like the sys- it would have deformed the equipment.” tem,” adds Valentin. “It’s proven that The hoists are chain hoists driven by we can set a girder as fast if not faster chains moved by hand or with the hand than with just regular cranes.” drills. Everything is chain-driven. The When the beams come on the frame small hand drills used were powered there are no worries, according to Cart- with 110 AC. They were plugged into er. “When it’s hooked off I have not one an onsite generator. It was determined single concern because that chain fall that battery-operated drills would have system has so many protection systems been too much trouble to use. All the built into it that this system will not let drills were doing was spinning the it unravel. There are multiple factors of chains; as the drill spins it brings the safety there with the chain system; when chain up, simply and safely, akin to the the frame has the beam, I’m not con- chain hoists which may be seen in a cerned – that beam’s not coming down. mechanic’s shop. CW_AD111308:Layout 1 11/17/08 3:09 PM Page 1 “We had a pretty stiff challenge fill“If we’d hooked up a chain hoist that
12
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
was too small for the job it never would have been able to pick the beam up in the first place and would have slipped like a clutch,” says Valentin. “The reason I went with off-brand inexpensive wenches was that this allowed us to have four winches instead of two or three. We had over-capacity which both increased the life of the winches and in the case of something breaking down we were covered with backup support. “After we put the first beams in place we worked out the best way to run the system using pulleys run by drills – basically the same concept as the turning of the wheel of a bicycle using a chain. Though a simple, easily-run system these chains, wenches, hooks and hand drills got the job done doing a lot of heavy lifting.” The existing bridge will be dismantled and the remainder of the structure demolished. Care must be taken due to a gas pipeline which runs parallel to the existing bridge and will be kept in place when the new bridge is completed. With all of the high tech construction gadgets on sites nowadays, few motorists would consider that all eleven 60-ton girders now holding their cars above the Catawba River were easily moved into place with hand-powered pulleys moving strands of chain along with some help from a few handheld drills. WRN
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Heavy offshore lifts By M.Sc. Pieter Kampers Wire Rope Consultancy
I am a technical consultant with extensive knowledge of steel wire ropes and cable-laid slings. My experience was gained across the offshore steel wire rope and cable-laid sling construction industry during my employment with United Ropes in the Netherlands. I was representative of the Netherlands for the revision of PM20 in 1987 and member of TC 168 for developing the EN-standards of steel wire ropes and cable-laid slings and grommets. After the liquidation of United Ropes in 1993 I became an independent consultant for steel wire ropes, fibre ropes and heavy lift slings. In this article I will try to give an overview of big sling technology past and present.
H
EAVY OFFSHORE LIFTS Heavy offshore lifts are mostly carried out with cablelaid slings. They have proved to be extremely reliable and have built a reputation for safety that has not been compromised. All the world records in lifting have been done using cable-laid slings. Braided slings are also used for large lifts. In this article we will describe the strengths and weaknesses of these different slings and I will discuss a new, alternative method of sling termination which, in my opinion, can replace the older termination methods. First we must establish what is heavy. In the literature(1) a heavy load is 50 tonnes and higher. But in the Offshore Industry most standards start with diameters of 100 mm (4”) and as the lifts are well designed and with low speeds a design factor of 3 is allowed. So, for Offshore a “heavy load” would be deemed to start at around 200 tonnes. Lifting is (must be) done safely. The design of the lifts themselves is a very wide topic as each lift will be different. So this article will concentrate on one of the most important parameters required by the designers – the ultimate strengths according to the construction of the sling, the methods of termination and the various Standards that apply to them. STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE NOTES Slings used in the European Offshore Lifting Industry are, in general, manufactured in compliance with specific sling Standards or Guidance Notes. Note: Cable-laid slings should comprise six unit ropes laid as outers over one core unit rope which is 12 but not greater than 25% larger than the nominal diameter of the outer unit ropes. This 25% is too much, it will be better to change this range in 10 till max. 15%. These specific Standards and Guid14
ance Notes include: 1. PM 20 U.K. Health and Safety Executive [Plant and Machinery Series 20 (Rev) October 1987]
For cable-laid slings this Guidance Note from the Health and Safety Executive(2) describes the following strength calculation (based on actual breaking loads of the individual ropes) : CSBL = ( 6 x outer + inner ) x 0,85 x 0,75 CSBL = Calculated sling breaking load 0,85 = spinning loss 0,75 = termination efficiency for splicing. (1,0 = termination efficiency for resin socket) 2. EN 13414-3:2003 - Steel wire rope Slings Part 3: Grommets and cable-laid slings(3). This EN Standard was developed from the PM 20 Guidance Note. CSBL = ( 6 x outer ) x 0,90 x 0,80 CSBL = Calculated sling breaking load 0,90 = spinning loss 0,80 = termination efficiency for splicing In general the offshore industry did not adopt or operate in compliance with this Standard. The sling strength calculations as described in PM20 and the EN Standard differ and, in general, the EN Standard has not been accepted by the rest of the world. The lift barges of the European offshore contractors are operating globally and need a single international best practice solution. Importantly, the guidance in the Machine Directive you will find that offshore lifting during the construction of an installation is excluded. So the EN-Standard is not accepted by the Offshore Industry.
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
3. International Marine Contractors Association IMCA M 179: The Use of Cable Laid Slings and Grommets August, 2005 IMCA M 179(4) was issued to replace the old PM 20 Guidance Note. The new guidance note had a number of changes that relate to the unit rope lay types and they did not include guidance on the use and efficiency of a resin socket termination. The industry standard is now based on the IMCA M 179 Guidance Note. CSBL = ( 6 x outer + inner ) x 0,85 x 0,75 CSBL = Calculated sling breaking load 0,85 = spinning loss 0,75 = termination efficiency for splicing. 4. United States of America The Americans have their own standards. For slings they use splicing, mechanical splicing, sockets and braided slings. Heavy lifting slings are braided slings and/or cable-laid slings produced outside the U.S. The Sling standards are included in the “Wire rope sling users manual” published by the Wire Rope Technical Board(5) and the American National Standard ASME B30.9 – 2010(6). HAND SPLICED CABLE-LAID SLINGS Splicing is the oldest and the traditional method for terminating steel wire or fibre rope for use as lifting slings. The hand splice method for terminating cable-laid slings is well known and well accepted in the global Offshore heavy lift industry. Hand splice terminations have several disadvantages which include: 1. Splice Length. continued on page 16
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continued from page 14 The splice length of the sling is proportional to the sling diameter. The amount of extra material is excessive. See next table, lay length cable-laid is 6,5 x d-sling and 6 tucks:
For short lengths of slings, with the minimum of 15d between the 2 splices, the increase in weight is almost double of the weight of the sling body. The distance between the load and the hook of the crane is limited due to the length of the two splices. When the lifting height is restricted there is a requirement for another solution – grommets for example. In addition to the excess of steel wire rope, used in a hand splice sling, the splice efficiency is low. Based on the
16
IMCA M 179 Guidance Note the efficiency is taken as 0,75. However, 20 sling tests with cable-laid slings between 40mm and 126 mm in diameter, carried out in Bochum (Germany) , see (7) , resulted in the conclusion that 0,70 would be a safer figure. It must be remembered that in many standards and investigations there is a diameter influence on the splice efficiency. The bigger rope diameters give lower values. Only for the big sling diameters it is very difficult and expensive to determine what the efficiency factor is. 2. Core Failures Within the guidelines of both PM20 and IMCA M 179 there are 2 splice methods described (Method A and B). Method A is mostly used for vertical splicing and method B for horizontal splicing. Breaking load tests with both splice methods(8) resulted in prematurely breaks of the core. In 5 of the 6 tests it was between 89 and 95% of the actual breaking load. This was the reason for excluding the core rope when determining the CSBL in the standard EN 13414-3. 3. The Last Tuck Both PM 20 and IMCA M 179 advise that the length of tails of outer ropes after the last tuck should be at least three times the cable-laid rope
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
diameter. United Ropes followed this guidance with 14” diameter slings and experienced problems. Three times the cable-laid diameter is too short for the big slings (see photo 1).
Photo 1: 14” slings produced for Saipem
After the first usage of the slings the customer complained about slippage of the splice. Of course it was no slippage but the setting of the splice. The solution to this “problem” is longer tails, at least 6 times! The result of this is in an even longer splice length and the ends are as an open balloon along the body of the sling (see Figure 1.).
Figure 1
CABLE-LAID GROMMETS In the beginning of 1990 United Ropes (NL) and the company Henschel (Germany) started the production of large diameter and long length grommets at Moerdijk (NL). The know-how came from Mr. Otto Henschel. After the liquidation of United Ropes in June 1993 the company at Moerdijk changed name and became U.O.S. Looking back the large grommets were never successful, in spite of a number of advantages, see (7). The main reason for the lack of success was the customers lack of knowledge in handling them. They have a tendency to form into a figure of 8 (or more) which results in the core popping out. See Figure 2. The “popped” core is usually not easily repairable. The people on board of the lifting vessel know they can lift with a figure of 8 or with a popped out core (the core is not taken into account when calculating the CSBL). The main reason of not using the big grommets is that you cannot change the length. In many cases these big slings are held in storage and refurbished for further service life. Due to the fact that a grommet sling cannot be reduced in length it means that sometimes you have a long time to wait be-
Figure 2: Handling of big grommets
fore you can use that grommet again. BRAIDED WIRE ROPE SLINGS Braided slings in various configurations are used in the Offshore Lifting Industry. For example, 9 part braided slings(9). Multipart wire rope slings start with the braiding together of three individual ropes. The 3 unit ropes are made into 3 slings having each end terminated by a machine splice, forming a soft eye. These 3 slings are then braided together to form a single, braided lifting sling. This gives the sling flexibility and non-twisting characteristics. The overall breaking strength has been established at 70% of the aggregate of the individual actual wire rope strengths. Break tests on handmade (by individual producers) sling samples gave a wide range of results and in most cases
When selecting the proper shackle to meet your demanding applications, think OVERALL PERFORMANCE.
Figure 3
Various sling makers recognised this problem and developed new and improved procedures of fabricating 9 part braided slings. These newly developed slings have increased the number of ropes in the eye and have achieved a higher efficiency by parallel positioning of the unit ropes in the sling eye. To maintain the parallel ropes in the sling eye in position various steel bands or compounds such as rubberised lashings are used. This upgrading should result in the continued on next page
Additional Features: • Forged - Quenched and Tempered, with alloy pins or bolts.
At a minimum, the Federal Specification requires that all shackles must have the strength to lift to their rated capacity. But to be a Crosby carbon steel shackle, as well as other forged Crosby products, strength is just one of the performance requirements that must be met before our name goes on the product. Crosby shackles provide the following essential performance characteristics that allow you the peace of mind required when making a critical lift. • • • •
they did not achieve the minimum value of 70%. The main reason for this is that most wire rope slings sold today do not have enough material in the sling eyes, especially on load pins with the same diameter as the body of the sling. Please see example drawing Figure 3 which demonstrates where you can see that all the ropes in the sling eye will not have the equal tension when the sling is subject to load.
Meets the industry standards for Working Load Limit (Strength). If overloaded, deforms to give warning before ultimate failure (Ductility). Resistance to crack initiation and growth at all temperatures (Toughness). Has the ability to withstand repeated applications of the load (Fatigue).
• Can meet DNV impact requirements of 42 joules at - 20C. • Crosby screw pin and bolt type carbon shackles have Type Approval and certification in accordance with ABS 2006 Steel Vessel Rules 1-1-17.7, and ABS Guide for Certification of Cranes. • RFID Equipped - 25 metric tons and larger.
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P.O. Box 3128, Tulsa, OK 74101 • E-mail: crosbygroup@thecrosbygroup.com • (918) 834-4611, Fax: (918) 832-0940 Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from previous page efficiency being increased to around 80%. These values can be obtained with D/d ratio of 1 (for the sling) and 4 (for the individual ropes). A disadvantage of these slings is their design factor of 5:1 compares unfavourable with the design factor for hand spliced cable-laid slings and grommets of 3:1. Therefore, to achieve the same working load when using braided slings you will need a much larger rated braided sling. ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF TERMINATION CABLE-LAID SLINGS FLEMISH LOCK® Product history and background information: MAKLOK was an invention of a now defunct company “Martin Black”, the patent was published in 1977. It was introduced as the MAKLOK system. At that time the Offshore Industry was not ready to accept changes to, or alternatives to, the tried and tested hand spliced terminations that they were familiar with. Also the main rope manufacturing companies at that time (Bridon, United Ropes and Scanrope) were against it and promoted their own cable-laid slings terminated by the traditional hand splice. Bridon took over the Martin Black Company and closed
down their own sling department so they could concentrate on supplying steel wire ropes to the rigging shops in the UK and European region and were then not seen to be in direct competition with them. Franklin Offshore / Singapore (=FO) technical management team commenced in 2002 its research and development project FLEMISH LOCK®. In late 2002 they engaged the expertise and services of Mr. John Dodd/Millfield Enterprises (WIRELOCK) as a consultant to further develop the termination system. J. Dodd has a wealth of experience in this field and was one of the team of people who developed the original MAKLOK system. FO had the ability to manufacture and carry out cable-laid sling break testing up to 2000 tonnes. At the time PM 20 and IMCA M 179 was issued the break testing of very large cable-laid slings was not possible. Therefore, all ratings were based on calculation. FO driven by investment and commitment has over the years carried out a number of significant upgrades and product enhancements. This includes the development and refinement of the old MAKLOK system and the use of a resin which is more able to cope with
the very high temperatures (up to 150 0C) generated during the exothermic reaction. The resin is called MAKLOCK resin. MAKLOCK resin is only used in these high volume type terminations. It cannot be substituted for Wirelock. Wirelock cannot be used for MAKLOCK resin. Analysing the results obtained over the years it is noted that the sling break always occurred in the main body of the sling – not at the terminations. This gives a terminal efficiency of 100%. This is really very special and identical to the efficiency of a resin socket. It is a big improvement in comparison to the 0,75 (= 0,70 for bigger diameters) of the hand spliced terminations. If we look at the actual breaking loads achieved, results showed that the breaks were all 6 – 8 % lower than the aggregate actual breaking loads of the 7 ropes. The FO test results show that the spinning loss of cable-laid slings, rounded up and safe, is actually 0,9 (= 10% loss)!! The fact is that by having manufactured the cable-laid ropes, carried out the terminations and tested the slings till destruction, all of these procedures witnessed by the classification companies, FO has demonstrated that the continued on page 20
Reliable Connections ESCO rigging products for wire rope application: • Swagers
• Swage dies
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• Swage sockets
• Spelter sockets
• Rigging hardware
©2009 ESCO Corporation.
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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Van Beest B.V. Manufacturer and Supplier of wire rope- and chain fittings. Registered trade marks: Green Pin速 and Excel速.
Van Beest USA, L.L.C. Tel. : + 1 800 489 75 08 Fax : + 1 713 674 82 24 E-mail : sales@vanbeestus.com
Van Beest B.V., The Netherlands Tel. : + 31 184 41 33 00 Fax : + 31 184 41 49 59 E-mail : sales@vanbeest.com
www.vanbeest.com BEES_11196_ADV_GP_EXCEL_7x10 inch.indd 1
09-05-12 10:10
continued from page 18 spinning loss is based on test results rather than by calculations as per the IMCA M 179 Guidance Note. Franklin received TYPE APPROVAL from Lloyd’s in 2005, 2008 and 2011. Franklin has secured Lloyd’s London Product Type approval with 100% efficiency rating and 0,85 ( =15% ) spinning loss. Discussions are going on to raise this to 0,9 ( =10% spinning loss) as this is the determined value in the tests. The termination itself can be called a “Flemish-eye Sleeve secured termination”. The outer ropes of the cable-laid rope shall be divided into two equal groups. The core rope shall be assigned to one of these groups. Both groups of ropes shall than be re-laid together in opposing directions, see Figure 4.
Photo 2 FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® Slings produced for “Subsea 7” for proof loading a 5.000 tonnes Crane Vessel
Figure 4: Forming a Flemish Eye
No individual ropes shall protrude from the cable-laid in the eye. The positioning of the rope ends and the core rope shall be in accordance with the designer’s Flemish eye termination instructions. After producing the Flemish eye the sleeve area must be cleaned thoroughly from any lubrication and item dried. After locating the sleeve in position the special MAKLOCK resin must be poured in and the desired curing time must be strictly adhered to. As you can see in the next two photos, with this termination it is possible to produce a long- or a very short sling. The small one can also replace the small grommet. FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® The technical benefits of the Flemish Lock® sling include: Substantial increased sling lifting capacity Improved rope load distribution due to termination method Reduce length of rope used No awkward rope tails Ease of handling Sling length / Consistency Simplicity in sling length alteration WORKING LOAD LIMIT (WLL) The WLL as described in Standards and Guidance Notes or as advised by Classified Bodies are of course very helpful and a guideline for the user. But it is the user who determines which design factor he will or shall use 20
Photo 3 FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® Slings produced for JRM (South Korea)
and if this factor will be different from the advised one, it is the user who is responsible for this decision. CONCLUSIONS 1. The FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® termination gives 100% termination efficiency. 2. The FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® termination has proved to be a safe termination, even with WLL’s of 3 : 1 3. The FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® termination needs to be incorporated within the IMCA M 179 Guidance note. The Guidance Note (or Standard) should never be a stumbling block for new technology and developments. LITERATURE 1. Denis St Germain : “Is there a perfect sling?” Wire Rope News & Sling Technology, June 1994 2. Guidance Note PM20 from the Health and Safety Executive , “Cable laid slings and Grommets”, October 1987 3. EN 13414 – 3: “Grommets and cable-laid slings”, September 2003, last revision 2008. 4. IMCA M 179 : “Guidance on the use of Cable laid Slings and Grommets”, August 2005 5. Wire Rope Technical Board: “Wire Rope Sling Users Manual”. 6. American National Standard: “ASME B 30.9 – 2010”. 7. Pieter Kampers, “Research on the Scale Enlargement of Heavy Cable-laid Slings”, United Ropes, June 1990 8. Pieter Kampers, “Influence of the method of splicing on the breaking load of spliced cable-laid slings”. Wire Rope News & Sling Technology, June 1994 9. Donald I. Pellow: “Slingmax Gator-Max & Gator-laid Slings”, Wire Rope News & Sling Technology, April 2001. WRN
Photo 4 FRANKLIN Flemish Lock® 4 x Flemish Lock® slings Produced for Subsea 7 ( 5.000 tonnes test lift).
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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Wire rope cable for buildings, stairs, balconies, parking garages & other public facilities By Peter Hildebrandt
Wire rope cable can now be found in a growing number of places where it may not have been before. For example, wire rope railings have long existed in the marine industry. This was a relatively simple way to assemble a railing, and shorten construction time.
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ow wire rope for such railings on balconies, stair rails, parking garages and stadiums is becoming an easy way to achieve a sleek, upscale look without a lot of stainless steel rods or balusters. For drivers entering multi level parking garages their first thought may be whether there will be any spots left to park in before they discover all the levels are full all the way to the top. Concerns about safety while driving on the various parking decks might not come immediately to mind. But parking garages now use extensive wire rope cable for railings. They also have fairly rigorous standards to insure safety should a vehicle’s brakes fail in a parking garage or in the event of any other unsuspected mishap involving our cars. For an industrial guardrail, a 21-inch sphere cannot pass through it in order for it to meet the code regulations. Usually the retaining wire cables on these guard rail barriers go to a height of 48 inches. The typical installation on a parking deck has steel plates on both sides and cable across any opening. The way the code reads is that there has to be a vehicle barrier in between openings in a parking deck. The wire rope cable is bolted into the concrete and then anchored to the concrete itself. The cables used are typically one inch in diameter. They must be able to hold back 6,000 pounds, the weight of an SUV. The wire rope barrier has enough flexibility to deflect a vehicle from jumping ramp or passing between columns. “If cable barriers are not installed properly – especially those in the median of the highways – can actually be more of a hazard than a detriment to crossovers by cars,” says Barry Sutton, owner of First Review, LLC, a Charlotte, NC consulting service for engineers and architects. “A vehicle barrier system is one with the building components near open sides of a garage door, open ramp or building walls that act as a restraint for vehicles. Sutton’s firm consults with professionals regarding code compliance issues prior to permitting. Sutton has done work in Colorado, Tennessee, 22
Virginia, Georgia, Texas and now the Carolinas. He no longer has to travel. His business comes to him electronically. “I saw a need to be addressed in the construction industry as a former code official needing a third set of eyes,” explains Sutton. Vehicle barrier systems for passenger cars need to be designed to resist a single load of 6,000 pounds applied horizontally in any direction and the barrier system shall have anchoring or attachments with cabling capable of transmitting this load to the structure. For the design of one system the load shall be assumed to act at a minimum height of 1.6 feet above the floor or ramp surface on an area not to exceed one square foot and is not required to act in tandem with any existing handrail or guardrail systems. Traffic railings have a higher impact load due to the height of the vehicles than those for ordinary vehicles or pedestrian traffic. “As with highway cable barriers, there is probably a standard that the cables must be manufactured in the U.S., mainly due to the testing required,” adds Sutton. “The ASTM (American Standard Testing Materials) guidelines are followed. 1st Review, reviews code infractions before permitting in all five trades, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire, such as vehicle barriers and other code infractions. As an example, sometimes out-of-state construction companies try to get a set of their plans go through, even though the local code requirements are different. “The companies typically let the local code enforcement officers or officials give them a punch list,” says Sutton. “Architects, however instead of seeing me as a threat, quickly realize that I can help them with their code enforcement issues.” There are a few states that have it as a standard, regarding parking garage guardrails that they all have a standard test for the inspector to take, according to Sutton. All states usually have a standard test for the inspector to take. In some states wire rope cable guardrail specifications are a standard and in others such as South Carolina,
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
North Carolina or Virginia it’s a law. The difference is that state officers in certain state have more powers. In North Carolina building inspectors actually have arresting authority. In North Carolina they can also issue a stop-work order to construction operations and condemn a building as well and that is where the arresting power comes in. “But you still have to get a court order to condemn a building,” add Sutton. “But you don’t have to get a court order to stop the work.” In other applications involving buildings, such as cables on the roof of a structure in the proximity of an air conditioning unit, issues and requirements are involved. When the smaller diameter wire rope cable for a life safety line or tie line actually gets connected to the building it has a tie-off point and there is a certain amount of tension that they are looking for in a line in pounds per square foot tension. This is similar to that involved with window washing scaffolding. In addition another application of wire cable is for post-tension concrete slabs use for flooring systems. It is important that in existing buildings the locations of these post-tension cables are clearly indentified. Usually the post-tension cables are 4 foot on center spans and if cut accidentally could cause serious bodily harm even though they are embedded in concrete. A different application for wire rope cables exists for handrails and guardrails. Guardrails should be no less than continued on page 24
continued from page 22 42 inches in height even when tied with handrails. These must be designed to resist a load of only 50 pounds applied in any direction and transfer this load to the structure. “That means if you push it one way, push it out, push it down and then pull it up, it must resist 50 pounds per lineal foot,” says Sutton. “A concentrated load is 200 pounds per handrail. Components, median rails, intermediate rails and balusters need to be designed to withstand a horizontal applied load of 50 pounds equal to one square foot
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including open-ended space between rails are not required to be under stricter codes.” The wire rope cables used in parking garages are typically a standardized product from the pre-stressed concrete industry. The connecting ends that actually hold the span taut come from the industry involved with reinforced concrete, according to Bruce Hartin, Trinity Sling president. Trinity Sling in Fort Worth, Texas does a broad variety of different types of products all under the same roof with Allpart Supply, a company deal-
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
ing with products unrelated to those Trinity Sling Carries. The wire rope used for structures Trinity Sling is involved in is far different than that used for parking garage barriers. It is much thinner and does not involve the strengths and forces used in those for parking garages. Prior to starting their handrail jobs they will be contacted either by an architectural firm or steel fabrication work firm. All the relevant prints for the building, stadium or whatever the structure is are printed out. Their sales manager, Bobby Allen has a deep background in the concrete industry and is skilled at reading plans. The number of men required for the job, number of adjustment pieces required and the total footage of wire rope needed after going through the entire project. That can take a full day of Allen’s time. “There is quite a bit involved just to give a quote on the project,” adds Hartin. “In the course of estimating we have to come up with the types of ends we’re going to use, types of turnbuckles and how many; all that has to be determined and it all depends on the length of the span. This is on a stainless steel project, typically for high rises, stadiums and related projects.” The parking garage work Trinity Sling does not participate in. That is more of a concrete-type barrier, meaning that this was built right into the actual structure itself, according to Hartin. Typically what is used is prestressed wire, the same kind of product used inside the concrete itself. “That typically is what is used – at least locally – for the fall protection barrier, for the railings,” says Hartin. “It’s really not something we participate in because they have their own sources for that type of strand and their own tools for putting the stress on it. Those who do the construction on the parking garage itself will also do the rails.” Parking garages use heavy galvanized, pre-stressed strand, according to Hartin. “We don’t have the sourcing, products or expertise for that. Typically that would all go through a prestressed concrete supplier. “But if you are going for an aesthetic look, whether in a stadium or high-rise where you are using stainless steel that is typically what we deal with. There you’ll have lots of different choices with terminal connections, takeouts and spans or diameters; there are a lot of things that have to be chosen, including mock-ups so that we can get architectural approval and onsite measuring. A lot goes into one of these projects.” With a stadium and the stainless steel-type barriers, those will typically be sold through people who make the steel frames for the railings. Challengcontinued on page 26
“The wire rope railing systems are a continued from page 24 es come with the height of the railing good product line now that we’ve done and the number of strands that have to them a couple of years and dealt with be installed. The wire rope cables range some of the challenges involved with it,” says Hartin. “I’m not as excited from 3/16 to 5/16 sized diameters. There are also challenges with the with it as I was when we first started terminations, meaning how the wire fits as it is a bit of a headache. Having through the railing, how does it connect Bobby Allen on staff makes this work to it, how will the wire rope be kept taut possible for us; he is the one person caso that it serves its purpose and the ap- pable of reading the plans. He has 20 pearance of the project, including all ap- years experience in working with reinforced steel for concrete.” provals through the architects. Bobby Allen, sales manager with “When we do our bid we’re doing it off the perfect world on paper and we Trinity Sling explains that they have know exactly how long they’re supposed quoted the barrier cables on parking to be,” says Hartin. “But then when you garages in the past. But that often goes go out and get ready to start fabricat- to the post-tension engineering compaing the job, a lot of times you’re going ny or it can go to concrete subcontracto have pretty large discrepancies with tor actually installing the post-tension length. There’s lots of hands-on mea- slabs. If there is post-tension in the suring that has to be done; you have to slabs a lot of times they will pick up the adjust from the drawing. It’s very com- barrier cables down into the columns. “We’ve bid this work but have not plicated and labor-intensive - especially for the salesperson – to get it right and been successful in getting it,” adds Almake sure everything fits before you go len. “Where we have been successful has been in doing the typical stainless out to actually start fabricating.” One of their most challenging jobs steel cable railing which is actually bewas a football stadium in which the rail- coming more and more popular within ings were changed considerably. This parking garage stairwells and any type included the construction of the railing of pedestrian barrier that may be enand the spacing of the connecting points countered on a multilevel facility. Any of the lengths. Trinity Sling workers type of handrail or barrier for pedestrihand-measured the entire stadium at ans within a parking structure we’ve CW_AD_PS_0410_WRN:Layout 4/29/10 done 5:59 Page 1 in AM the past.” the University of North Texas,1Denton, Instead of having the fall protection before they could start fabricating.
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
between the steps or the ramp, Trinity Sling provides the stainless cable and hardware that will run below the handrail to keep people from falling below the handrail and the steps. The term used is cable railing, according to Allen. “Instead of tubing, horizontally or vertically cable railing is used. It’s a little bit cheaper alternative and the owners and architects like the aesthetics of it, more an industrial, cleaner look. Over time with a galvanized railing system they’ll have to go back and touch up that galvanized paint. With a cable system all you have to do is replace it if the cable system fails, rusts or frays. The ongoing maintenance costs are a lot less than a solid steel railing.” Allen’s background is construction. He came out of the construction supply business, involved with rebar, steel and other supplies. Allen had those contacts within the industry in addition to knowing how to read drawings. “It really helps to have the experience of knowing how to read structural drawings. “Though I’ve only been here with Trinity Sling less than two years now, I saw these types of cable rail systems as one avenue with the potential for some opportunity for growth. We jumped in, bid some jobs and were successful. “Our work on the University of North Texas football stadium, several office continued on page 28
Wire Rope Mage 7-12_Layout 1 7/25/2012 1:21 PM Page 1
Designed and construced to meet OSHA ASME B30.20 and BTH‑1 Standards.
All lifting devices are fully traceable and backed by a 1 year warranty.
Adjustable Spreader Beam
Universal Spreader System
Proof‑testing included in the price of all lifting devices. We maintain several E4‑1 certified test beds; including our 450,000 lb. x 40 foot machine.
Welder certification to D14.1 requirements for all utilitized materials. We continue to up‑date welder testing to meet changing standards, including the more detailed 14.1 tests for a wide range of materials.
continued from page 26 buildings in the Dallas Metroplex and some five to eight residential jobs has shown us that these types of railing systems are becoming popular in upscale residential markets. It’s a sleek, clean look for balconies, decks and railings. Stainless steel cable has been used in the marine industry for years; it’s now been adapted over to residential and commercial uses.” Challenges from Allen’s point of view include figuring out what type of hardware’s going to work for the situation. The architect has a vision in their head often not translated to the drawings exactly, according to Allen. A lot of times what is seen are open specs where they may make a suggestion for a type of hardware but a manufacturer of the actual part number may not be specified on the drawing. What Trinity Sling has done in the past is to have a mockup of a small sample of a railing built onto which they place an assortment of hardware before giving it to the steel erector, to show the architect and the owner to give them an idea of what it will look like when it’s installed on the job. “We tell them to pick one and we will go with that. But an end piece can vary in price 40-50% depending on the piece of hardware chosen. You have to know going in whether this is going to be a
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barebones job where they’re just trying to get the look or do they really want something that’s a little more functional, easy to install and looks better before you quote it. You can get upside down pretty quick. “That’s why I’ve found it’s always better to sit down with the installer or the architect and say ‘here are your chooses, tell me which way you want to go and I’ll give you a price. Probably eighty percent of the time they choose the higher end because they like the look better. I try to get all the obstacles out of the way, everything chosen, ordered from the manufacturer so we’re ready to start fabbing the cable and stay ahead of the game a little bit.” Part of the challenge, according to Allen, is that there is always a variance in the measurements off the drawing and what is in fact completed and in concrete on the job. Allen will go out and field measure and make several samples and actually install them before they run a whole job just to make sure they have their measurements right. He feels it’s important to put it up, let them see it and have somebody on the jobsite sign off on it, saying this is what they want and to go ahead and make 800 or them or whatever the amount is. “Once the handrails have been built and installed on the job, then we’ll put several cables on in different places just
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
to let them see and then have someone sign off on it and tell us to go,” explains Allen. “For the stadium job we ended up doing some 2,400 individual cable assemblies for it. But there was a lot of repetition within the shop to get it out.” Allen finds the more difficult jobs are those where something such as stairs are already designed and installed and then they are called in to put the cable in. They then have to work around the parameters on the job. It’s easier to design stairs around a particular piece of hardware that you know you want to use instead of designing the stairs first and finding a piece of hardware that will work on it. Three sixteenths to quarter-inch cable is typical on these projects with a one by nineteen stainless construction. Now they’re moving to a type 316; it used to be all type 304. “The type 316 cable has a little more resistance to chemicals, wind, rain and salt,” adds Allen. “In three or four year galvanized will rust and that rust will run down the railing. It’s better for them in the long term to hear the truth about these things up front; galvanized will cost them more money in the end.” For those interested in the sleek new look stainless steel wire rope cable railing components can add to a project. This is a great time to study the railing instead of the view beyond – at least for the moment. WRN
Loss prevention saves lives and property! Dennis St. Germain Sr.
I have been involved in the rigging industry as a sling fabricator for more than fifty years. My experience with rigging accidents over that period of time gave me a unique insight into the cause of a vast majority of them.
T
he main reason for rigging accidents is the inappropriate use of slings and fittings by the workers charged with rigging lifts. Very few accidents occur because the slings and fittings are defective as manufactured. In 1993 I presented much of this information at a convention of the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators in San Diego, CA. During ensuing years I have written articles for Wire Rope News and other industry magazines covering many of the same points. Today, accidents are still occurring at an unacceptable rate with bodily injuries, death, and property damage at an all time high. As a member of the SIGNAL Insurance claims committee I have the opportunity to review claims presented by plaintiffs’ attorneys. Lawsuits for product liability revolve around failure to warn, failure to train and defective products. In reality the cause is nearly always faulty and inept rigging practices. The key to loss prevention is a focused program from the rigging gear fabricator to the end user that includes warnings and training programs. It should be the responsibility of the employer to be certain their riggers are properly trained, and that training may be provided from multiple sources. It is the responsibility of the employer to be certain the gear provided is suitable for the task at hand. A key ingredient is focused loss prevention which provides an in-depth review of all product liability loss exposure and couples that review with a detailed report including specific loss control recommendations. Everyone from manufacturer to distributor to the end user should have a focused loss control program. There is a very high correlation between product loss control and the reduction in severity and frequency of accidents. In particular the cost of attaching warning tags to products and providing instruction sheets is often significantly less expensive than the accidents such efforts will prevent or 30
reduce in terms of severity. Therefore, effective loss control will ultimately have a further impact on total products liability costs, because as losses are reduced so are insurance premiums. As children we received verbal warnings: Don’t play in the street; look both ways before crossing; don’t stay out late; don’t go with strangers. As we grew older we received written warnings; STOP! DO NOT PASS! NO TRESPASSING! Today warnings are required, specific and necessary and must conform to standards. They must be clear, concise and consistent. Verbal warnings are not enough although part of every presentation. In today’s litigious society the warning must be attached to every sling product you sell. A good warning tag will aid in accident prevention and help provide a defense if an incident occurs. Warnings must be included in catalogs, advertising and all oral and written information presented by your sales force. The end user is charged with maintaining warning and capacity tags attached to sling products and it is their responsibility to take the slings out of service if the tags are missing or illegible. Distributors in the chain of commerce are charged with passing along any warning and instruction sheets provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer should be sure this happens and obtain documentation acknowledging the warning and instruction sheet were received by the distributer and passed on to the customer. Product tags must be permanent in nature and not easily removed or oblit-
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
erated. A warning is a message that explains that improper care, use, inspection or lack of training will result in injury or death. The largest area of product liability litigation today focuses on lack of warning or lack of training and it must be emphasized how important training is for ultimate job site safety. Look for professional rigging training programs on the web. There is zero excuse for riggers to be working in the field without benefit of training. Any material prepared for the purpose of informing the customer concerning product features is filled with possible risks in terms of liability exposures that should be avoided. Often, the first contact with a customer is through a web site, printed flyer or catalog. All of this information should be carefully examined to make sure it has not created an expectation for the consumer beyond what is intended. Moreover it must not suggest the product’s use is totally free of hazard. When a web site or more than one type of literature like a catalog description, a packed instruction sheet, a product tag or warning is involved all must be compared to be sure they do not contradict in any way. The product tag may be abbreviated but will repeat essential information and not contradict nor create confusion in comparison to other literature or web site information. If a nylon sling is tagged with a temperature limit of 180 degrees F. then it is unacceptable to show a temperature limit of 194 degrees F. in other company brochures even though 180 degrees F. is lower. Besides eliminating inconsistencies, review for the use of the word “safety” as in safety latch and other applications. To use “completely safe” is worse yet but either expression invites a challenge when injury has resulted from the product’s use. Overhead lifting is an act which requires conscious effort and careful attention and is not as “safe” as sitting on a sofa. Avoid the use continued on page 32
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continued from page 30 of broad forms of comparative or superlative adjectives and adverbs in a sense that does not permit comparison. When referring to the maximum rated capacity or working load, avoid the expression “safe working load.” Use design factor rather than safety factor. If literature discusses a design factor of five be sure to include a statement that specifies the values are for new products and that dynamic loading and prolonged use will reduce the design factor. Do not assume the end user is aware of this. Sales personnel should be completely familiar with the product literature and should not exaggerate product capability in their verbal presentations. Unorthodox or unsafe use of the products must be discouraged and use of the proper tool for the job stressed. All of these efforts are most important in avoiding liability for violation of warranty, expressed or implied, regarding product use and suitability. Any advertisement should be clear and accurately describe the product. If photographs or drawings are employed to show product being used, only approved procedures should be depicted. People improperly positioned in a lift-
ing scene or personnel on construction sites without hardhats, eye protection or life belts are examples of evidence that could be used to support a plaintiff’s case. Evaluate advertising copy to see if it could mislead a customer to expecting more from the product than it can deliver. Be very sure that values, ratings and standards quoted are accurate and applications appropriate. A simple, clear illustration is the one that will survive scrutiny, unwarranted criticism and better advertise your product. An unambiguous photograph or illustration is less likely to provide evidence of legal negligence. When products are fabricated or assembled in one company and sold to distributors who resell to the ultimate user, liability is incurred at every level. The first company may contract with another to provide certain products for resale and introduce one more level in the chain of distribution. In such cases, a new concern develops. Make sure each company in the supply chain has the same regard for product safety management as the original manufacturer. If you are a distributor you must be certain the source fabricator complies with all the standards and accepted
manufacturing processes common to the industry. It is suggested that visits be conducted to observe product being fabricated and tested before you market them to end users. Make sure there is a quality program and manufacturing procedures in place. If a visit to the manufacturer identifies issues that could lead to a defective product then have the process refined or refuse to resell the products. Once you ship a product to a distributor, loss of control may result since you do not meet the end user who is most apt to be the plaintiff if a product-related injury occurs. Product could mean the sling sold as well as any product literature, tags or accessory parts. Does the whole package reach the consumer? Your method of packaging and your written understanding with the distributor should specify how the product is to be sold and essential tags, warnings, and instruction sheets must be kept intact and passed on to the end user. Distributors must be trained to understand the product, its use and foreseeable misuse. Make sure the end users have received professional rigging training and have knowledge of correct practices. It is especially important that riggers
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in the field are trained to inspect rigging gear and remove from service anything that does not meet the specified criteria for continued use. Tags are used by sling manufacturers for identification purposes and contain pictographs of various sling hitches and rated capacities. Tags may also describe the type of material and any chemical or temperature restrictions. A safety sign or warning is used whenever it is necessary to clearly advise persons of hazards that may not be obvious but could cause harm to the product user. Both are brief in message content. Tags provide minimum essential information while safety signs invoke actions to be taken or something to be avoided. There are two main considerations regarding the design of a tag: (1) it must provide room for all required information, (2) it must be of durable construction. All slings must have the manufacturer’s identification on the tag itself or stamped onto a sleeve, thimble or hardware. It is suggested the type of hitch be depicted by graphic symbols next to the rated capacity for that type of hitch. If the tag is removed or illegible the sling must be taken out of service. It is the sole responsibility of
the sling user to maintain the legibility of the tag. ANSI (American National Standard Institute) Standard Z535.3-6 covering product safety signs and labels deals with the wording, graphics, colors required, and terminology for the degree of hazard. It describes how product safety signs and labels should be formatted and has evolved over a number of years using the combined efforts of government and industry experts from many different disciplines. Whenever it is considered necessary to place a safety sign on a product it is strongly recommended the design be coordinated with other materials used to describe the product or instruct the user. If a safety sign is attached to a single leg wire rope sling with hand tucked splices which advises it can be unlaid if allowed to rotate, then product literature should say the same thing. An instruction sheet should also be packed with the sling outlining the consequences of improper use. The warning attached to the sling will be an abbreviated version of the instruction sheet but will not contradict the detailed information used elsewhere. If a DANGER signal word is used, it cannot be referred to as a WARNING or
CAUTION in other literature dealing with the same product. To protect your organization from uninsured and underinsured suppliers and subcontractors, certificates of insurance should be obtained. The supplier or subcontractor should agree to maintain product liability insurance with limits at least equal to yours, and provide you with certificates of insurance. You should be named as an additional insured on the suppliers or subcontractors general and/or liability policy. Signal Insurance offers a great many free resources for sling fabricators on their website www.signalins.net. Included are instruction sheets for eight sling products and warning tags with the backing of a Human Factors Expert. Also, the Signal Safety Manual representing the most complete guide book of its type for the industry. When you become a Signal policy holder you will also have an audit of your fabricating practices enhancing your quality program. Loss prevention starts with the rigging manufacturer and continues through good lift planning and trained riggers using the correct products for the job at hand. Let’s all work together to make sure accidents STOP! WRN
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33
Taking on the IRS
How I caught the IRS cheating on my income tax return By Michael J. Major
Here’s the story of the author’s 12-year war with the IRS. Who do you think will win?
Y
ou may have read recent reports that the IRS has taken on a kinder, more reasonable stance. In fact, I’ve written one of those reports. Bureaucracy with a human face? Was it true? Well, my article was based on interviews with tax experts who receive their information both from feedback with clients and working directly with IRS personnel on behalf of their clients. So, of course, their responses were true. As far as they went. But then again the question was not raised as to what might happen to these experts and their clients if they indicated that their might be not only a few remaining “bad apples,” but that the entire barrel was rotten to the core. In any event, this is a different kind of story, my personal odyssey through the IRS labyrinth. As background, my conflict with the IRS has grown out of a deeper battle with government, which I need to briefly describe here, very briefly. I’ve adopted six multiracial children. My ex-spouse declared domestic violence. It never happened. The divorce courts are the only ones in which a man is considered guilty until proven innocent, and never gets a chance to prove his innocence. The first judge issues a de facto conviction on the woman’s perjury, which then is upheld by every succeeding judge, which, in my case, has included dozens through every conceivable special interest, city, state, and federal courts, their respective appeals and supreme courts, and countless socalled oversight bodies and other government officials. Why? Upstanding fathers who happen to be divorced is where the money’s at. So-called “child support” is a multibillion dollar racket which makes Enron look like Monopoly and the Mafia men of honor. Enter the IRS in the form of an IRS auditor phoning me regarding my 1999 tax return. When I asked him why I was so chosen, my heart was sinking for I was afraid he would say something along the lines of “random audit.” But, no, he said I had wrongfully declared 34
my oldest son as an exemption. It so happened that when my ex kidnapped the kids in 1995, this son, the oldest, at 14, was old enough to see through her and walk away. He lived with me through 1999, in January of which he turned 18. I still was his main support, but he worked a few odd jobs, and filed his own tax return, declaring himself. I did not claim him. My ex claimed him. And not only had he never lived with her, he had not even spent a night at her place since the 1995 split. So, there you have it, folks. An 18year old who files his own return and claims himself. A father who provides most of his son’s support, but didn’t claim him. And the mother who provided not a penny of his support, who wrongfully claimed him and was never audited, while the father, yours truly, has been targeted for IRS persecution to this day. Why? You’ve heard of Nixon trying to destroy his opponents by sicing the IRS on them. That was mere politics. This is about something really important, at least to the government, and that’s money. Not that I’ve ever had more than enough to barely get by. But rather what I represent, the model middle-class citizen who happens to be a divorced father. The government not only covered up but also was actively complicit in her fraud for it represented big money for state agencies such as Division of Child Support (DCS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) misnomers if there ever was one. It was this crime of the IRS cheating on my income tax which was the legal foundation of all of that followed, the corruption of countless judges, lawyers, government agencies and personnel. To return to the chronology and some specifics, what actually happened was far worse than what I indicated in the single incident I gave above to demonstrate the unassailable clarity of the auditor cheating on my tax return. For, in our initial conversation, he not only stated I had claimed my oldest son, when I had not, but I had also claimed
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
two of my other sons, which I had, though lawfully, for they lived with me the entire year. The auditor never acknowledge this fact. Instead, I was to later learn from his notes, he wrote that I claimed my other children who lived with their mother, whom I had not claimed. (As a result of the divorce, there was considerable movement of some of the kids, for various reasons, from one household to another.) In his original communication, he had asked me to send him my justification for my business expense^. I promptly wrote him stating I had moved, lost the records, but would reconstruct them, started the process, asked how he wanted me to proceed, and stated “I will fully cooperate with your audit.” I later found out that when he asked for those justifications, he had already completed his audit, and that he destroyed that letter, plus any of my other communications that got in the way of his a priori case. (An IRS agent destroying records is completely against the law). His notes would later reveal that I was “totally uncooperative” with the audit, again, already completed before he contacted me. At the time I was relieved not to get a response, for it saved me what would have been an onerous task of reconstruction, and, by that time, I was sufficiently convinced of his bad faith to apply for the IRS Offer-in-Compromise (QIC) program. This allows the IRS to collect at least something from a taxpayer it has deemed “un-collectable” and helps the citizen get back on his feet so he can start paying taxes again. I had always paid my taxes until 1999 when the auditor raised these bogus issues. The day the auditor received, registered mail, my QIC papers, he phoned, furious, accusing me of trying to sabotage his audit. I asked him, “Isn’t it true that the auditor should be free to conduct any and all the audits he wants, without interference and they
should then go to the QIC specialist for sum due for 1999 by six. Thus this woman, who had no authorization to consideration?” conduct an audit had, through, their He agreed, but reluctantly Meanwhile, I had been told that since tete-a-tete (via phone and written exmy record was clean I should have no changes as revealed in the IRS notes) trouble having my QIC offer accepted. completed six audits through a simple The QIC specialist, in fact, then ap- act of multiplication. The woman set up a collection proved of my offer of $1000, having determined the “reasonable collection schedule to collect this amount over potential” was $900. However, I no- 48 months, taking half of her estimaticed she had changed the dates on my tion of my gross income, which, with application from 1995 (the first year the addition of the second audit (for of the state’s incursion into my life) to 2000) which came shortly, meant that only two years, thus meaning my QIC the children living with me and myself offer would have done me no good for would be driven into penury, homelessI was applying for the 1999 audit. She ness, starvation and death. Institutionprofessed surprise that there had been al murder. This IRS has never denied an audit, though she found it instan- this collection schedule (sent to me) or taneously on her computer - the audit implied it meant anything other than I having been completed 10 months be- have just written. I took the case to the IRS appeals fore. She asked me to send my 2000 return (which she already had) and said court, a joke, as was the office of the taxpayer advocate, a division of the she had to talk to the auditor. She then came back accusing me of IRS, but supposedly independent. About two years after the first audit, fraud because I “refused to document” my business expenses. She then, in less when I took the case to U.S. Tax Court, than two weeks, skyrocketed my “col- the IRS lawyer apparently felt it was http://designm.ag/resources/adobe-illustrator-brushes/ lection potential” from $900 to about untenable to try to maintain that I had $102,000. She did this by multiplying claimed the extra exemptions when my the six years of audits she threatened return showed I so clearly had not. So to achieve this sum of $102,000 - ar- he came up with a story. He acknowlrived at by multiplying the auditor’s edged that I had not claimed the extra
exemptions, but said the IRS had inadvertently granted them to me in good faith, and the auditor “On audit” had discovered the discrepancy and then just did his job and made the necessary adjustments, also in good faith. One of the many problems with this story is that now clearly stated in the auditor’s own notes (which he had not been bright enough to destroy), he stated he had reviewed BEFORE this audit the returns of my ex-spouse, myself, and my oldest son, stating that all three of us had claimed the son. I wrote the IRS Disclosure Office asking, pursuant the Freedom Of Information Act, if the auditor had audited my ex-spouse. The answer was “negative.” In other words, here was still additional proof that the legal ground for the IRS’s entire case has been the condoning of one citizen cheating on her income tax in order to persecute an innocent citizen who did not so cheat. The trial court proceedings were, not surprisingly, rampant with illegality. I will here highlight just one high point in low comedy. The IRS lawyer was so easily intimidated that, through his own stupidity, he put himself in a trap of his own making. On my 1999 form, continued on next page
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35
continued from previous page under marital status I put an X in the box naming head of household, and, under exemptions below, an X for myself. Under dependents, I listed all six of my kids, for they all were my dependents and dependent upon me financially in one way or another. HOWEVER, under the exemptions on the right hand of the page, I listed only two of them plus myself, for a total of three. The deductions were based on that number. The lawyer, in an illustration of why the first word most people think of when they hear the word lawyer is “joke,” placed an X on the left hand side of all the kids, an X very similar I had made above in claiming myself. Thus, it would appear to the observer that I had claimed an exemption for all of the kids. I maneuvered, or, more accurately, the lawyer maneuvered himself into the position that this forgery became evident, and I reported it to the judge. The lawyer’s response, as revealed in the transcript: “There are markings on Exhibit 2-J that Petitioner contends he did not make on these returns, which, you know, I BELIEVE RESPONDENT MADE DURING THE EXAMINATION OF PETITIONER’S RETURN.” (emphasis added).
Thus the lawyer fobbed off his forgery on the auditor, which the stamping of the documents shows that only the lawyer could have made, and so confessed to an IRS felony in open court to demonstrate IRS “good faith.” This, as well as many similar crimes, was covered up by this judge, several subsequent judges, including those of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court, plus countless oversight bodies and government officials. For instance, the Washington State Bar Association covered up the misconduct of the IRS lawyer, and when I, subsequently, filed one grievance after another against all of the bar’s lawyers covering them up, the bar took the matter to the Washington State Supreme Court, who overturned their own rules and forbad me to file any more grievances against the bar lawyers, giving them carte blanche to cover up what they had always done, against the crimes of the several Spokane lawyers whom I filed grievances, as well as sued in multiple state and federal courts. As for the IRS, what did they get? As they say, or, at least, as I say, living poor is the best revenge. I’ve somehow managed, despite my full time
job as a pro se lawyer, for which, I, of course, don’t get paid, to eke out a living, enough to take care of my family and enjoy modest comforts. What I don’t have, they can’t take away. I can honestly say that, had the federal and state governments left me alone, they would have gotten much more money from me allowing me to pay what would have been my normal taxes, as I have always done. I’ve narrowly avoided jail many times, but only because I am quicker to intimidate my enemies through their own crimes before they manage to put me away on some bogus charge. They are running scared. In terms of the IRS, that doesn’t mean they have gotten any common sense and turned their energies toward doing what they are mandated to do, collect taxes (especially from the rich) that are legitimately owed. Instead, their harassments continue. To name a few: Once they claimed I didn’t register an income from a magazine I wrote for once. I provided the form that showed I had. They made a big ongoing issue that I had wrongfully claimed one of my sons when he was 16. I eventually flooded the IRS with letters from school principals, teachers, coaches, neigh-
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bors, etc. which showed he had lived with me every year, except one, when he was about five, before I was able to rescue him from a demented and violent mother. Most recently, my youngest son, who lived with me all last year, and whom I claimed, the IRS demanded I pay about $250 writing that I had made a computation error and not presented the proper form to claim him. I showed that the math error was the IRS’s and turned in the required form. A few weeks later I received another notice stating that since I had not responded I was owed the same amount, plus interest. I sent the material still again. A few days later I received another notice (each of these three from IRS offices in different parts of the country) stating it had received my first response and was still investigating it. A few days later I received still another notice demanding payment on my 1999 and 2000 returns, threatening fines, levies, and seizures, despite the fact that the 10-year statute of limitations has passed. So it goes. Pathetic. The only way to defeat a bureaucratic monstrosity such as the IRS is to wear it down. Which is not as easy as it might sound. The IRS may go down with not a bang, but a whimper. But I’m determined to do better than that. Now that the litigation has about played itself out, I’m finally ready to move from the defense to the offense. So that, looking at the larger picture, of which the IRA saga is but an episode, I am writing a book titled “THE LEGALIZED EVIL OF JUDGES AND LAWYERS, one father’s fight to protect his children from government violence.” As an exercise in full disclosure, I’ve sent out proposals of variations of this book to literally hundreds of book publishers and agents - all rejected. Why? The reason is that, though when a case is in the public spotlight, the courts may work, though certainly not perfectly, more or less as expected, when an individual citizen is up against abusive authority, whether corporate or governmental, the situation is entirely different. Here the citizen faces an unimpregnable monolith. If he gets a lawyer that lawyer will team up with the opposing lawyer and, in collusion with the judge, deny the citizen all access to his rights under the law. My book proposals have been rejected because the topic is toxic While everyone is willing to admit occasional misconduct of judges and lawyers, and, in rare cases, they may be even disciplined, this represents something else
entirely. A threat to our nation more serious than outside terrorist groups who, however appalling their acts, are able to attack only the surface of our nation. But this conspiracy erodes the legal foundation of what our country is all about. No one wants to admit that the judiciary, in this essential far-reaching aspect, with the collusion of the other two branches of government, is utterly corrupt. That’s why I am self-publishing this book, in what will be multiple volumes. As I’ve continually told my enemies,
once this issue reaches the point of critical mass it will conflagrate in the media and spread throughout the nation like wildfire to become the scandal of the century. How realistic is this goal? All I will say here is that when I’ve informed my enemies of this, time and time again they’ve panicked and entangled themselves in contradictions that result in self-incriminations. So they believe I mean what I say and have the resolve to bring it about. This gives me some satisfaction, and energizes me to continue to fight the good fight. WRN
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Finished steel imports decline in June, but up 22 percent in first half 2012
Import market share in 2012 at 24 percent Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the U.S. imported a total of 2,593,000 net tons (NT) of steel in June, including 2,098,000 NT of finished steel (down 15 and 13% each, respectively, from May final data). Year-to-date (YTD) finished imports are up 22% vs. the same period in 2011. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2012 would be 34.8 and 27.0 million NT, respectively, up 22 and 24%, each, respectively vs. 2011. Finished steel import market share in June was 23% and is 24% YTD. A key finished steel product with a significant import increase in June 2012 compared to May is tin plate (up 20%). Major products with significant YTD import increases vs. the same period last year include reinforcing bar (up 55%), plates – cut lengths (up 51%), oil country goods (up 40%), sheets and strip – all other metallic coatings (up 38%) and sheets and strip galvanized hot dipped (up 38%). In June, the largest volumes of finished steel imports from offshore were from South Korea (293,000 NT, down 14%), China (174,000 NT, up 1%), Japan (131,000 NT, down 30%), Germany (121,000 NT, no change) and Turkey (88,000 NT, down 33%). For the first 6 months of 2012, the largest offshore suppliers were South Korea (1,866,000 NT, up 24%), Japan (982,000 NT, up 30%), Turkey (905,000 NT, up 100%), China (785,000 NT, up 40%) and Germany (635,000 NT, up 31%).
AISI welcomes invitation to Canada to join trans-pacific partnership talks
AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson issued the following statement regarding the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) announcement that Canada has been invited to join the TPP negotiations. “Today’s (May 29) announcement that Canada has been invited to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations is the perfect follow-up to yesterday’s invitation to Mexico to join the TPP talks,” AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson said. “As we noted yesterday, North American steel producers have many shared concerns 38
with respect to trade issues in the AsiaPacific region, including in particular the trade-distorting behavior of Asian state-owned and state-supported enterprises. AISI has actively supported the requests of both Canada and Mexico to join the TPP negotiations. Having all three NAFTA countries participating in these talks should enhance the international competitiveness of NAFTA steel producers and North America’s manufacturing supply chain.”
Doe awards $7.1 million to American Iron and Steel Institute for research on breakthrough technologies
An American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) project proposal to be conducted in collaboration with the University of Utah has been selected by the Department of Energy’s Innovative Manufacturing Initiative for a $7.1 million award, Thomas J. Gibson, AISI president and CEO, announced. “Our collaborative research with the
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Department of Energy (DOE) goes back more than 20 years and is an important factor in why the steel industry in the United States has the lowest energy intensity in the world,” Gibson said. “We thank DOE for this award and look forward to working with our partners at DOE, the University of Utah, Berry Metal Company and our member companies to keep U.S. manufacturers at the forefront of advances in steelmaking technology.” The project seeks to develop a new ironmaking process based on the direct gaseous reduction of fine iron concentrates, iron being a primary ingredient in making steel. The new process aims to reduce the energy needed to make iron while reducing environmental emissions, especially carbon dioxide, by up to 50%. The total project budget is $8.9M over three years from the date of the award, with 80% cost sharing to be provided by DOE and the balance ($1.8M) by AISI members.
“This research builds on three years of lab testing at the University of Utah and takes advantage of our country’s abundant natural gas reserves. The ability to use natural gas now and hydrogen in the future in this process offers great potential,” Gibson said. The project was one of 13 selected out of more than 1400 letters of intent, 1200 concept papers, and over 250 full applications that DOE evaluated as part of this funding opportunity. DOE described the projects selected as vehicles “to advance transformational technologies and materials that can help American manufacturers dramatically increase the energy efficiency of their operations and reduce costs.” AISI has a long history of investing in the development of advanced technologies by focusing on process modeling and control and new process development all toward improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and heightening the domestic steel industry’s competitiveness. Together, the steel industry and DOE have invested over $70 million dollars of industry and government funds on collaborative research programs. “While our industry’s energy and CO2 reduction achievements (27% and 33% respectively) since 1990 are significant, we must continue to invest in high-risk, high reward research to meet the challenges posed by our international competition and by competing materials,” Gibson said.
AISI welcomes invitation to Mexico to join trans-pacific partnership talks
Urges for Canada to be included in negotiations AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson issued the following statement regarding the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) announcement to extend an invitation to Mexico to join the TPP negotiations. “AISI welcomes the announcement today (June 18) that Mexico has been invited to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations,” AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson said. “North American steel producers share a number of common external trade interests -- especially our shared concerns about trade-distorting behavior by state-owned enterprises in Asia. These are critical issues in the TPP negotiations that will affect the competitiveness of our sector for decades to come. Accordingly, AISI has actively supported the requests from the governments of both Mexico and Canada
to join the TPP negotiations. We are pleased that Mexico has been given the green light and we hope that Canada will also be invited to join the negotiations very soon. Having both countries’ participation in these important trade negotiations will strengthen the already close relationship we have with our neighbors and will enhance the North American steel industry’s international competitiveness.”
American Iron and Steel Institute releases 2011 annual statistical report
Trends show US and NAFTA steel industry recovery underway but imports pose a threat The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the primary source of statistical information on the North American steel industry, announced the release of its 2011 Annual Statistical Report (ASR). The 2011 ASR shows that the U.S. and NAFTA steel markets continued a slow and modest recovery in 2011 versus 2010. It also reveals that, while U.S. and NAFTA steel production and shipments both increased in 2011, they remained below pre-recession levels and import gains exceeded those of U.S. and NAFTA producers. The most comprehensive reference of its kind for the American steel industry, the AISI report provides statistical data for the United States steel industry plus a variety of selected statistical data on the Canadian, Mexican and world steel industries. The ASR is preceded by an executive summary that highlights recent and historical trends in the North American Steel Industry. The summary is comprised of 10 pages of charts and graphs on steel production, shipments, imports, demand and operating efficiency. Recent steel market trends in the U.S. and NAFTA region are illustrated. The ASR has proven to be an indispensable reference tool for the industry, media, academia, steel analysts and others who are interested in tracking steel industry trends. The most popular charts, in terms of inquiries received by the Institute, include Selected Statistical Highlights on shipments, apparent supply, imports, employment and raw steel data over a 10-year period; Selected Financial Highlights on income and cash flow data; shipments by products and markets over a 10-year period; raw steel production (state distribution and capability utilization); and imports and exports data. AISI’s 2011 Annual Statistical Report is available by e-mail or hard copy.
To purchase it online ($500 for a hard copy or $450 for an electronic version) visit www.steelfacts.org. To order it over the phone, call 412-860-5342.
AISI issues statement regarding U.S. Treasury’s decision to delay naming China a currency manipulator
AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s announcement that it would not label China as a currency manipulator. “AISI is disappointed that U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner has once again side-stepped his obligation to address China’s currency manipulation,” AISI president and CEO Thomas J. Gibson stated. “While we are encouraged that the Administration recognized that China greatly undervalues its currency, it has again missed an opportunity to use all of the tools available to it to address the massive damage that China’s severely undervalued currency is causing to our nation’s manufacturing sector. Given the priority of job creation and our still fragile recovery, our government must take all necessary steps to ensure that American companies and workers are competing on a level playing field.”
New International Trade Crossing is product of innovative joint agreement between The United States and Canada
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) lauded an innovative agreement made between the United States and Canada to build a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor, called the New International Trade Crossing, a development that the North American steel industry and its major customers groups, including automakers, have aggressively advocated for over the past five years. The new bridge will provide an alternate route for an intensely busy commercial transportation corridor, which carries one-fourth of the goods traded between the U.S. and Canada each year. “This is a tremendously positive development and a breakthrough to develop significant new infrastructure to support essential cross-border trade,” AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson, said. “This historic agreement will streamline and improve automotive and other cross-border supply chains in each country, which require a seamless flow of goods in order to meet just-in-time delivery schedules. It will continued on page 42
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continued from page 39 alleviate congestion at the US/Canada border, and ensure that supplies reach American manufacturers in a timely and efficient manner.” “With this agreement we are embarking on an important new level of joint cooperation between the U.S. and Canada. We commend Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Prime Minister Stephen Harper for establishing this productive new partnership,” Gibson said “Our North American steel industry, as well as the two governments, auto makers and other industries, have insisted for years that another crossing is required at Windsor-Detroit to eliminate long lineups of trucks leading up to the bridge and causing costly delays. We are particularly pleased that the project will require that all steel and other construction materials must be of either U.S. or Canadian origin, a provision that will ensure the bridge is constructed from quality materials while supporting highvalue U.S. and Canadian jobs. The New International Trade Crossing will greatly enhance industry competitiveness and facilitate intra-NAFTA trade.”
Van Beest invests in the future and drives first pile for new building
Van Beest is pleased to announce that the company has achieved a significant milestone in its expansion with the first pile of the new production hall being driven into the ground on Thursday afternoon, 28 June, in the presence of Van Beest staff and guests. The steady growth of the international position of Van Beest, which currently has subsidiaries in four countries, gave cause to adapt the housing of our
headquarters and production facility in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands. Van Beest has ambitious plans for the future. Quality and reliability are key values in the Van Beest organization. In order to provide customers with the best service and delivery reliability it is necessary to expand our facilities. We will realize this by: • expansion with a new production hall of 2.500 m2 • expansion of the distribution centre with 2.500 m2 • renovation and expansion of the office with a second floor of 500 m2 (see attached artist impression)
The entire project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2013. Van Beest manufacturers high quality lifting products such as shackles and hooks, under the registered trade names GREEN PIN® and EXCEL®. Van Beest currently has branches in The Netherlands, Germany, France and USA, and stock holding distributors in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Konecranes acquires Ameratronic Industries, Inc.
Konecranes, a global leader in the manufacturing and servicing of over42
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
head cranes and lifting equipment, announces the acquisition of Ameratronic Industries, Inc., of Portage, Indiana, effective June 21, 2012. In June 2012, Konecranes acquired the assets of Ameratronic Industries, a Northwest Indiana firm that has been providing crane and hoist service to process duty customers in the area for 17 years. The owners will be retiring. The business operations and five skilled employees will be incorporated into Konecranes’ nearby existing branch, located at 1255 Erie Court #B, Crown Point, IN, 46307. “We’re very excited about this acquisition,” said Bernie D’Ambrosi, vice president and director, Region Americas Service, “and we look forward to continuing the high standard of service that Ameratronic Industries has established.” For more information regarding the crane and hoist services that Konecranes provides, please visit www. konecranesamericas.com/service/.
Yale Cordage helps make history at Niagara Falls
Custom rope manufacturer plays a part in renowned high wire artist Nik Wallenda’s historic attempt Yale Cordage, a Saco-based custom and specialty rope manufacturer that designs application-specific ropes, announced that its Ultrex rope was used in setting up high wire world-record holder Nik Wallenda’s historic attempt to be the first person in the world to walk directly over the Niagara Falls. ABC televised the attempt on Friday, June 15, during a live 3-hour special. Yale Cordage’s Ultrex rope was purchased as a component of the hoisting and securing process for a special 2-inch cable weighing nearly 7 tons –– across which Nik Wallenda succeeded walking a total of 1800 feet, starting from Goat Island in the United States and finishing in Queen Victoria Park, Canada. Hanes Supply, Inc., a contractor and industrial supplier, purchased the rope on behalf of O’Connell Electric, a full service electrical contractor, who installed the special cable. Once the cable was safely in place, the Ultrex rope was removed and the Yale Cordage team was able to observe the spectacle. Ultrex was selected due to its weightto-strength ratio, being light enough to fly across the gorge with a helicopter, while still carrying the 75,000-pound break strength needed to hoist Mr. Wallenda’s special cable. “Steel prod-
ucts with comparable strength to Ultrex would be far too heavy to transport via helicopter,” said William Putnam, vice president, Yale Cordage. About Yale Cordage Saco, Maine-based Yale Cordage is a custom and specialty rope manufacturer that designs application-specific ropes: winchlines, stringing lines and blocklines for utilities; fiber optic pulling lines for telephone construction; bull ropes and climbing lines for arborists; safety lanyards and lifting slings for industrial applications; ropes for marine applications — from hawsers for mooring commercial tankers to halyards for sailing dinghies. Yale also designs and manufactures custom and specialty rope for specialty applications such as oceanographic arrays and faired electromechanical cables. For more information, please visit www.yalecordage.com.
I&I Sling, Inc. and Slingmax® Rigging Solutions ownership change
The Board of Directors of I&I Sling, Inc. and Slingmax® Rigging Solutions announce a change of ownership and management responsibility. Scott St. Germain assumed the position of CEO and Dennis A. St. Germain becomes COO of both corporations. The two executives have purchased the stock of the former CEO, G.F. Dennis St. Germain who becomes Chairman Emeritus. Rob Capone remains as the CFO of both corporations and Jeff Susman maintains his position as the President of Slingmax® Rigging Solutions. I&I Sling Inc. has been in business since 1963 with plants in six states and Slingmax® Rigging Solutions since 1986 with 36 dealers worldwide. The companies pioneered the development of high performance Gator-Laid® wire rope and Twin-Path® synthetic slings for use in heavy lifts.
New workshop advances knowledge in design for manufacturing and design for assembly
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) will offer a new two-day instructor-led workshop on Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly. The course will provide fundamental knowledge and hands-on practice that can be tailored to fit the special needs of new product and process development, or to focus on applications for existing designs and manufacturing environment.
The course will be held October 4-5 at the Embassy Suites, Glendale, CA. Virtual attendance will be available via live web-streaming. “The Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly Workshop is one of SME’s most popular courses,” says Steve Sternicki, manager of instructor-led training for SME. “This is the first time SME is offering a virtual attendance option, and we’re excited to make this training available to manufacturers across North America via live web streaming. SME continues to explore new ways to bring affordable and efficient instructor-led training solutions to the manufacturing industry.” The course will be led by Dan Bauer, an American Society of Mechanical Engineers certified senior GD&T professional with a Master of Science in Industrial Operations. His expertise stems from supporting more than 80 different product design and manufacturing launch programs in the past 18 years in North America, Europe and Asia. He currently serves as president and principal with Integrated Training Resources. The program is intended for all levels of design, including program managers, quality managers, design-responsible engineers, and other design and manufacturing engineering personnel. Design for metal forming and design for surface treatment are two of the six modules offered on day one of the workshop. Day two promises four additional modules, with units such as design for machining and tolerance design for Six Sigma. Each module ends with an interactive exercise for attendees to implement their knowledge and understanding of the course’s components. The cost for SME members is $1,075 and for nonmembers is $1,275. Registrants will have access to the recorded program for 60 days after the course ends to review topics or train other personnel in their organization. For more information on the workshop, visit sme.org/dfmworkshop or call 800-733-4763.
WS&TDA Elects New Board
The Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WS&TDA) proudly introduces its newly elected president and board of directors for 2012-2013. Tom Wynn, of Peerless Chain Company, was elected to serve as President of the Association. Wynn’s term as president comes on the heels of a successful Annual Meeting with record attendance in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. Inter-
Past-President, Michael Gelskey (right) congratulates incoming president, Tom Wynn.
est in WS&TDA membership remains strong, with 115 member companies. Supporting Wynn is a strong cabinet of officers including Immediate Past President, Michael Gelskey, Sr., Lift-It Mfg. Co.; Vice President, Ralph Abato, Kinedyne Corp.; and Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Iden, Cargo Equipment Corp. Jim Bailey, Filtec Precise; Scott Fleming, Unirope; Karl Heinz Keisewitt, Doleco; Greg Pilgrim, Murdock Webbing; Steve Schroeder, WearFlex Slings; and Loren Stolin, Security Chain, Co. are also serving on the 2012-2013 Board. WS&TDA will hold its fall meeting at The Marquette Hotel, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 16-18, 2012. WS&TDA includes manufacturers and suppliers of synthetic web slings and tie downs, polyester round slings, synthetic webbing, fibers, thread and related companies.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers announces student challenge winners
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announces the winners of the “Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge” at the Mfg4 – Manufacturing 4 the Future event. The Mfg4 student challenge is a middle and high school manufacturing competition. Teams comprised of three to six students and a teacher work with local manufacturers and become familiar with the products made and processes used. Student teams could select from two competition areas: “Lean and Green” in which student groups analyzed a process or manufacturing work cell and presented process improvements or “Reverse Engineering” in which the student groups were responsible for design and re-imagining an existing product. The challenge, held during the recent Mfg4 event in Hartford, CT, was sponcontinued on next page
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continued from previous page sored by industry leader Sandvik Coromant, USA, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation (SME-EF), and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT). The competition drew entries from several states including Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. River Valley Technical Center, from Springfield, VT, was the first place winner of a $1,000 award for the reverse engineering and refurbishment of an 1860 Pratt and Whitney engine lathe. The project included the complete disassembly and re-manufacture of more than 100 parts. The fully restored lathe will become part of the 150th anniversary Civil War exhibit at the American Precision Museum in Windsor, VT starting in July, 2012. Second place, with a prize of $750, went to New Vision-Cecor at OrangeUlster BOCES technical school from Ulster Country, NY for their work on facility design. This project involved a plant layout to make material flow in the least wasteful way regarding product and employee travel distances. Third place, with a prize of $500, went to Windham Regional Career Center in Hinsdale, NH for their work in rationalizing flow across a production floor. Sandvik Coromant’s John Jacobsen, Kevin Mayer and JoAnn Mitchell joined judges from the SME membership and local industry to examine the entries.
Annual meeting between the WRTB and the EWRIS
The annual meeting between the Wire Rope Technical Board (WRTB) and the European Federation of Steel Wire Rope Industries (EWRIS) was held in Hamburg, Germany on April 24th and 25th. The delegations meet yearly to discuss national and international standards, the harmonization of these standards, and the effect of existing and in-process standards on the wire rope producers and the industry in general. The group also provides wire rope information and guidance to United States and European representatives on various national and ISO committees. Representing the United States and the Wire Rope Technical Board were Kim Konyar - Chairman - Wirerope Works, Inc.; Dennis Fetter - WireCo WorldGroup; and Dave Sleightholm Bridon American Corporation. Representing EWRIS were Pierre-Francois 44
Left to right: Steve Cawthorn, Robert Traxl, Kim Konyar, Pierre-Francois Baron, Dr. Anne Jourdain, Michael Gehring, Dave Sleightholm, Dennis Fetter.
Baron - Trefileurope - France; Robert Traxl - Teufelberger - Austria; and meeting host Michael Gehring - Diepa - Germany. Also present were Dr. Anne Jourdain - Secretary General - EWRIS and special guest Steve Cawthorn Bridon UK.
Alps Wire Rope Corporation moves corporate headquarters
Alps Wire Rope Corporation is proud to announce the grand opening of our new corporate headquarters location in Saint Charles, Illinois. The Mayor of Saint Charles will administer the official ribbon cutting celebration on July 27, 2012. The new IL location began operations on June 4th. Months of planning,
of inventory equaling over 1,055 tons of wire rope. This amazing undertaking was planned and organized by our Alps very own Claude Willis. Alps Wire Rope Corporation continues to maintain all of its four warehouses, strategically located throughout the United States (Ohio, California, Florida, and IL). In addition, we maintain other distribution locations, dedicated to specific product support functions, which are located in CT, MD, TN, OK, TX, CA, and CO. These 12 locations offer support to our distributors, and the Elevator, Oil & Gas, Construction, and Equipment Manufacturers who purchase our rope throughout the country. The additional office and warehouse space of over 40,000 square feet, in the new IL facility, allows for greater efficiency and logistical support for
and one brutal weekend of moving prior to the 4th , resulted in the move of 14 machines, including the Greenerd 1500 ton capacity press, one of 8 swaging presses, which swages up to three inch, or 76mm wire ropes. In addition, Alps moved over 30 truckloads
our entire distribution network, while allowing for continued future growth. We are very excited about our new facility, our existing facilities, our good quality products, and our excellent people. The reason for it all is to better serve our customers.
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Van Beest is now full LEEA member
Van Beest has recently been audited by LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) and has been granted full membership. LEEA is the leading representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide. They are a respected and authoritative representative body for their members, who work in every aspect of the industry; design, manufacture, refurbishment and repair, and also the hire, maintenance and use of lifting equipment. LEEA has over 520 members worldwide. In addition to providing members with training and expert technical advice, the association works closely with organizations such as the Health and Safety Executive in the preparation of regulations and British, European and International standards. Van Beest is not only a member of LEEA, but also of several other organizations which promote the common interests in our industry. These organizations spread (technical) information via publications, internet and meetings. They also represent their members in various international standard committees.
Students earn manufacturing scholarships
Ten students seeking careers in manufacturing each earned $1,500 toward their trade school or community college education from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA). FMA’s Outside Processors Council (OPC) will sponsor a $2,000 scholarship for one universitybound student. This year Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) and OPC awarded manufacturing scholarships totaling $17,000. The 2012 winners are: • Jay Brinegar, Bloomfield, IN. • Hunter Curfman, Toppenish, WA. • Pace Funsch, Fallon, NV. • Saul Garcia, Long Beach, CA. • Trevor Graff, Boardman, OR. • Justin Keith, Poplar Bluff, MO. • Andrew Klos, Jr., Allenton, MI. • Colton Laughlin, Ferndale, WA. • Nicholas Maben, Grayland, WA. • Tyler McClish, Kokomo, IN. • Colt Petersen, Hinckley, UT “We are pleased to award scholarships to these 11 deserving young people and are happy to assist them in reaching their academic goals,” said Edward Youdell, president of Nuts,
Bolts & Thingamajigs. “These students recognize that skilled manufacturing careers can be rewarding financially and fulfilling personally and will help them be more competitive in the current job market.” “The most difficult U.S. jobs to fill today are those in the skilled trades and engineering,” added Youdell. “With majors in machine tool and CNC technology, structural and pipe welding, sheet metal fabrication, engineering, and precision manufacturing technology, these students will be prepared for the skilled labor openings that American manufacturers must fill.” To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants were required to be full-time students meeting a specified minimum GPA, and enrolled in an engineering or manufacturing-related course of study, or a trade or technical program leading to a career in manufacturing. Students were responsible for submitting academic records and an engineering or manufacturing-related program description with each application. In addition to the scholarship, each winner also received from NBT’s industry partner SolidWorks Corporation a copy of its Student Design Kit CAD continued on next page
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continued from previous page software package. The Student Design Kit is an easy-to-learn, Windows-based 3D CAD application that gives students the ability to create “real-life” 3D designs they can easily manipulate. Since 1990, FMA’s Foundation has awarded scholarships annually to students in courses of study that will lead to careers in manufacturing. For more information visit www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/Scholarships.About SolidWorks Corporation. SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000. About FMA Based in Rockford, Ill., FMA is a professional organization with nearly 2,500 members working together to improve the metal processing, forming, and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH® tradeshow. FMA also has two technology affiliates, the Tube & Pipe Association, Intl. (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating; and Green Manufacturer Network, a professional organization of individual members dedicated to working toward environmentally-friendly manufacturing.
Bridon factory to produce world’s largest and most complex offshore, mining and crane ropes
Bridon International has invested £30m in a factory that will produce multi-strand ropes in gross package weights of up to 650 tons - making them by far the largest and most complex in the world, according to a company release. The facility will produce ropes of unmatched strength, safety and durability, and present a unique offer to customers looking to operate more challenging environments. The Bridon Neptune Quay site, 46
which is located on Newcastle’s Tyneside, will be fully operational by the end of 2012. Bridon has already received production inquiries from a number of major multinational operators, and is planning a production schedule that will cater to the highest possible levels of demand. Key to the site’s unrivalled capacity is its unique closer machine, which is used to draw together thousands of wire strands into a single rope. Bridon’s closer is the first of its kind capable of making a 600 ton rope in a single pass, enabling the production of longer and higher capacity ropes in a single piece and avoiding the need for multiple passes. Bridon Neptune Quay’s closer also boasts 24 bobbins (15 and 38 ton capacity), giving it the ability to make far more complex ropes than had ever previously been possible with such weights. Up until now, closers capable of producing very large ropes have typically had no more than eight bobbins. Bridon Neptune Quay’s offer is not limited to the scale and complexity of the ropes it will produce. The site’s deep-water portside location will allow Bridon to use innovative loading solutions to reduce delivery timescales and order lead times for customers. Jon Templeman, CEO of the Bridon Group, commented: “The ropes produced at this state of the art facility will expand the boundaries of the possibility for customers across the sector. Bridon Neptune Quay has been built to help us solve our customers’ most significant technological challenges. “This factory, which is the most advanced of its kind ever built, is a crucial part of Bridon’s work to become the global technology leader in wire and rope solutions for offshore, mining and crane applications” Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who on a recent visit to the site confirmed a grant from the government’s Regional Growth Fund for the project, said: “Bridon is a global technology leader in the manufacturing of steel and wire rope, and this state-of-the-art facility can be a valuable asset in strengthening the local and regional economy. We’ll be proud to see the facility furthering the region’s reputation as a global manufacturing base.” For additional information please contact Daniel Dolan at the Bridon Press Office on 0207-249-7769 0777137-4925 or on daniel.dolan@withpr. co.uk.
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
WireCo WorldGroup completes Royal Lankhorst Euronete acquisition
WireCo WorldGroup Inc. (WireCo), global leader in producing and marketing of wire rope, electromechanical cable and a major producer of wire products announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Koninklijke (Royal) Lankhorst Euronete Group B.V. (“Lankhorst/Euronete”). Lankhorst/Euronete holds a leading position in international markets for synthetic ropes, industrial yarns, netting, yachting products and recycled plastic products. In particular, its market position supporting the maritime, fishing and offshore markets provides a strategic fit with existing WireCo product lines. Following the purchase of Phillystran in 2009 and Oliveira in 2010, this acquisition completes the execution of WireCo’s strategy to establish itself as a major market presence in the global synthetics marketplace. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Lankhorst/Euronete employs over 1,300 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in Portugal, Brazil and the Netherlands. Under the leadership of Jose Gramaxo, Lankhorst/Euronete has focused on building key businesses through innovation and targeted marketing efforts. As a combined organization, WireCo will now have industry leading capabilities in the engineering, design, and production of steel wire ropes and synthetic ropes. More information on Lankhorst/ Euronete can be found at www.lankhorsteuronete.com. WireCo CEO Ira Glazer commented, “We invested in this acquisition for two key reasons: it places WireCo as a market leader in synthetic ropes matching our position in value-added steel wire ropes and it provides WireCo with the most advanced products and technical expertise globally in synthetics. In addition, this acquisition continues to diversify our business mix by product, geography and end market. We are excited about the possibilities this combination of talent and products can deliver to the market.” Glazer also announced that Gramaxo will join the executive team of WireCo WorldGroup as Senior Vice President of Global Synthetics with responsibility for marketing and operations of WireCo’s global synthetics businesses including Phillystran and Oliveira. Gramaxo stated, “By joining forces with WireCo, we have formed a dynam-
ic combination of products and technical expertise that will provide market synergies for all the premium brands offered by the company. We are excited to join a world class organization like WireCo at this time and believe that we can create many opportunities by working together.” Other recent WireCo acquisitions include Drumet in 2011, CASAR in 2007 and Aceros Camesa in 2005. Glazer believes all WireCo employees will benefit from the acquisition, adding “We have a track record of investing in what we buy. We will incorporate Lankhorst/Euronete into our global operations, which will create opportunities for all our employees to grow, including our new Lankhorst/Euronete colleagues.” WireCo is owned by investment funds managed by Paine and Partners, LLC, a private equity firm with offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
Bishop Lifting Products acquired
July 18, 2012—AEA Investors, one of the oldest private equity groups in the U.S., has formed SB Holdings to combine Singer Equities with the acquisition of Bishop Lifting Products. Both
groups provide high value added products used in the industrial distribution market sector. Bishop Lifting Products, operating through eight locations, is engaged in the business of fabricating and distributing wire rope and synthetic slings, wire rope, rigging hardware and other lifting products and providing engineering, consulting, maintenance, repair, inspection, testing, certification, tracking, and steel fabrication services to the industrial marketplace, focusing on the energy sector. Singer Equities, an AEA portfolio company, and its subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of distributing industrial rubber products including industrial, metal, and hydraulic hose and fittings, conveyor belting, gaskets, and other industrial products. Through its twenty two locations they also offer a full array of value added services which include fabrication, conveyor belt installation, gasket cutting, kitting, testing, tracking, and certification. “Bringing these two groups together under one umbrella made sense when considering common customer types, economies of scale, and cross selling opportunities. Jeff Bishop will continue
as president of Bishop Lifting Products and Don Fritzinger remains president of Singer Equities, with both groups continuing as independent entities executing on their respective strategies in their industries and taking advantage of the consolidation opportunities that are so prevalent in both spaces”, said Otis Dufrene, CEO of SB Holdings and a forty plus year veteran of the industry. For more information, please contact Jeff Bishop at 713-674-2266, Don Fritzinger at 717-808-9425, or Otis Dufrene at 443-831-6357.
Berard Transportation and Emmert International Win SC&RA Hauling Job of the Year Awards
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) has announced the three winners of the Hauling Job of the Year Awards. The awards went to Berard Transportation, Inc., Loreauville, LA, and Emmert International, Clackamas, OR, in both the Hauling over 160,000 Pounds (net) category and the Hauling under 160,000 Pounds (net) category. Moving continued on next page
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continued from previous page jobs feature specialized equipment such as self-propelled transported dollies and crawler assemblies. Hauling jobs involve regular licensed tractors and trailers, moving predominantly via public roadways. Moving Job: Berard Moves World Largest Flood Sector Gates Berard Transportation provided transportation and rigging services to move the world’s largest flood sector gates from the fabricator’s yard in Houston to the final operating position in waters south of New Orleans, LA. Each of the two 690-ton floodgates measured 130 feet long by 120 feet wide by 32 feet high. They were a major feature of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers $1 billion project to provide protection from a 100-year storm. Ultimately, the various components would need to tie into the world’s largest pumping station and to connect with 25 miles of levees and sea walls – before the start of the next hurricane season. The project had been in the works since August 2009, but Berard became involved about a year before scheduled completion. After agreeing to complete the project to meet the strict construction deadlines, Berard’s team devoted 510 hours of engineering time over the course of eight months under strict monitoring by the Army Corps of Engineers, which continued to scrutinize the entire project through completion. The scope of the project included loading out at the fabricator’s plant,
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designing the barge transport plan, receiving the floodgates from cranes and installing the floodgates to span 225 feet across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Because of the complexity of the move, the Berard team became involved at the construction phase. The floodgates were designed so that the location of components, their orientation, and support points were adaptable to the transporter. The detailed transport plan called for a combination of transport equipment arrayed strategically in a skewed configuration on the barge deck. Grillage locations required minimal support points and properly supported cargo. The weight distribution on the barge deck had to take into consideration the center of gravity, combined with the use of minimal support. The abnormal size of the floodgates necessitated overhangs of 13 feet and 45 feet on each side of the transport barge. At the fabrication plant, four forklifts maneuvered the steel plates used to prevent sinking on the soft ground. At one point, a 180-degree turn of the floodgates was required. A ramp onto the barge rose 7 feet above the grade during loading. Throughout the load-out phase, which took about 1-1/2 hours for the first floodgate, the barge never touched the bottom of the channel, and the mooring systems held it perfectly in place. Accompanied by three tugboats, the barge departed the Houston ship channel and began its 48-hour cruise. High winds buffeted the cargo, but it
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
held tight throughout the volatile Gulf of Mexico transit. During installation on March 8, 2011, which was Mardi Gras, the floodgates were lifted with derrick barges as Berard crews awaited 16 feet below sea level at a jobsite accessible only by boat and barge. After the floodgates were received by Goldhofer transporters, the rigging and cranes were removed. Permanently securing the floodgates required a 4-foot diameter hinge pin with a mere 5/8-inch difference between the pin and the hole. The transporters accurately positioned the hinge pin on the center of the hole through electronic steering, and then lowered the pin four inches into the hole. Making this task easier was the fact that the transporter had undertaken the job at a lowered height of 39 inches. The installation phase also incorporated eight 200-ton climbing jacks designed and built by Berard. Cramped working conditions at the worksite under a 690-ton suspended load contributed mightily to an ever-present element of danger. Proper communications, knowledgeable personnel, and inspection of high-quality equipment—along with an unyielding commitment to safety— proved to be a winning combination as two-inch stroke jacks with 3/8-inch increments between strokes enabled the final tight fit of the hinge pin. The Berard team left the scene with a high degree of satisfaction, knowing it had completed this complex challenge without any accidents or damage to the cargo while leaving their neighbors much safer from hurricanes than ever before. Over 160,000 Pounds: Emmert International Overcomes Terrain, Controversy Emmert International transported for ConocoPhillips four mammoth reddish, barrel-shaped coke drum sections from the Port of Longview Washington to a refinery in Billing, MT. Two weighed 410,150 pounds and measured 47 feet, 9 inches long by 25 feet, 1 inch in diameter, and two weighed 350,600 pounds and measured 50 feet, 4 inches long by 25, feet 1 inch in diameter. The two transport trailers were named “Lewis” and “Clark” in honor of the two explorers who followed the same route—now U.S. Highway 12 along the Lochsa River in northern Idaho—on their Corps of Discovery Expedition in the early 1800s. The 224-foot long trailers, built around the drums, moved on 32 axles and 128 tires. Like their namesakes, they encountered
snow and ice along with subzero temperatures and spring floods. In addition to inclement weather, the hauls had to overcome flurries of legal procedures between the owner of the drums and a group wishing to block the job. The opponents claimed that the four drum shipments would represent the first of hundreds of oversized loads that could transform a scenic byway into a busy transportation corridor for oversized trucks, creating a public safety risk. The two-lane highway winds through a federally protected corridor and parallels the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers, prized by anglers and rafters. Attorneys for both sides made their case in town hall meetings along the corridor and eventually in Boise, Idaho before an administrative hearing officer appointed by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Besides scheduling the hearing after issuing the transportation permits, ITD barred Emmert’s trucks from moving until an independent judge could determine if opponents had a right to intervene and make a case against the loads. Emmert supported its client by providing technical support and drafting multiple revisions to a transportation plan exceeding 500 pages that had been three years in the making. The permits specified night travel and required drivers to pull over in turnouts every 15 minutes to allow traffic to pass. Emmert’s plan also enabled ambulances, police and firefighters to respond quickly to calls on either side of the transport. The first megaload finally pulled out of Lewiston late on February 1 and started its three-week trek to Billings. The official convoy including police cars, pilot cars, an ambulance, a pull truck, and a push truck stretched several miles long. The curious, as well as the doubters, tagged along in their own rigs. The first load, carrying the bottom half of one drum, took four nights to reach Montana at Lolo Pass, with additional stopovers at Kooskia, Idaho, and an isolated turnout on the Lochsa River between Powell and Lowell. As a condition of Emmert’s permit, the second load—the first drum’s top half— left the parking area in north Lewiston the following Monday night to join the first one on the pass. They traveled through Montana in tandem, starting on February 10. The historic route, chosen primarily because the megaloads were too tall to fit beneath overpasses, included such obstacles as narrow passages with rock
faces on one side and steep drop-offs to the river’s edge on the other. The tight clearances and sharp corners demanded extreme driver concentration. Making the drive even more challenging were ITD permit requirements for moving the two shipments east along the Lochsa River and ascending nearly 4,000 feet to Lolo Pass at the Idaho-Montana border. The Idaho permit, as well as the company’s permit from the Montana DOT required Emmert to move the shipments from midnight to 6 a.m. Each night the crew had to make it to one of four designated daytime parking stops along the entire passage through Idaho while adhering to speed limits of 5 mph. Along the way, they had to stop every 15 minutes to allow traffic to pass.
Because of permit restrictions and weather conditions, the first two coke drum shipments included 31 days of actual driving and took more than 60 days to complete. The second pair of coke drums was delayed because of weather and spring runoff and arrived in Billings in June. Under 160,000 Pounds: Emmert Hauls Seven Massive Compressor Skids over 2,180 Miles From April to July, Emmert International moved seven compressor skids from the manufacturer’s plant in Midland, Texas, to the project site in Tupman, CA. Each compressor weighed 140,000 pounds and measured 44 feet 7 inches long by 19 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet 10 inches tall. Emmert’s continued on next page
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continued from previous page logistics team and engineers developed a transport plan and specially designed vehicle for crossing 2,180 miles over four states. Running simultaneously because of a tight delivery schedule, the two transport vehicles consisted of a specially designed dolly frame with six dollies per frame and a gas powered hydraulic power unit, used for controlling the steering and leveling of the transport vehicles. Four of the six dollies would be Emmert steerable-type and the other two would be caster-type dollies. Emmert assembled the frames and dollies, using forklifts to unload them from the trucks that had brought them in and staged at a height that allowed the dollies to be easily installed by hand. With all the dollies in place, the crew made the necessary hydraulic and air connections, completed final adjustments and safety checks, and then proceeded to load each dolly frame with a compressor skid. After lashing down the compressor skids to the frames, Emmert gathered the transport team for a review of the transport plan and the first of many safety talks that would be conducted throughout the transport. In addition to Emmert personnel, that team included police escorts, private escorts, pole cars for checking overhead obstacles and bucket trucks. After a final safety check of the transport equipment and placement of the team, the compressor skids departed. Because of the extreme Texas heat, the first leg of the journey required move-
ment at night. Also, that timing minimized the impact on school traffic and the general public. During this threenight portion of the transport, special precautions had to be taken to entirely avoid damage to any wires, traffic lights, other overhead obstructions, the compressors or the transport equipment due to impaired visibility, even with additional lighting, and the shadows cast from the lights of the vehicles. The second leg took the compressors through New Mexico, down to the U.S. and Mexico border. New Mexico State Police joined the transport to escort the compressor skids through the state and safely into Arizona. Once the compressors had reached Arizona, a Level II inspection was conducted on the transport equipment and special arrangements were made with the Arizona State Police for four troopers to escort the vehicles. The four-day Arizona leg crossed into Tombstone, Tucson and other historic towns before arrival at the California state line. Before advancing to Tupman, CA, all transport equipment passed a full Level I inspection. In gaining the California permit, Emmert arranged for four California Highway Patrol officers to escort the compressor skids to the final destination. Like the Texas portion of the journey, this final leg would require movement by night—with extra lighting and special precautions in place. After three nights in the state, the equipment arrived safely at the plant in Tupman, where the Emmert International team began removing all the additional
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lighting and the lashing from the compressor skids in preparation for the offloading of the compressor skids using cranes. Once the compressor skids were removed from the transport vehicles, the Emmert team began disassembly and demobing of the frames and dollies for transport back to Abilene, Texas to repeat the process for the five remaining compressor skids. The entire project finished ahead of schedule in July without injury to any personnel or damage to property. “This was accomplished with team work and the mindset of Emmert International, that safety comes first, for all personnel and equipment involved in any evolution,” said Terry Emmert. “Emmert International strives to be a leader in the industry, achieving this through the highest quality in safety, engineering, logistics and craftsmanship.” The Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA) is an international trade association of more than 1,300 members from 46 nations. Members are involved in specialized transportation, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting and crane and rigging operations, manufacturing and rental. SC&RA helps members run more efficient and safer businesses by monitoring and affecting pending legislation and regulatory policies at the state and national levels; researching and reporting on safety concerns and best business practices; and providing five yearly forums where these and other relevant member issues can be advanced.
Q3 Economic Outlook Report: slowing equipment investment expected to stabilize or improve in second half of 2012
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) released a new quarterly update to its 2012 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook on July 10. The report, which is focused on the $628 billion equipment leasing and finance industry, forecasts equipment investment and capital spending in the United States and evaluates the effects of various related and exogenous factors in play currently and into the foreseeable future. According to the Q3 Outlook, the projected growth in equipment and software investment for 2012 has slowed to 6.4 percent, down from the previous projection of 6.9 percent. The recent slowdown in economic
activity indicates that equipment investment continued to lose momentum in Q2, but forward-looking indicators suggest growth will stabilize and potentially improve in the second half of the year. “The steady overall growth projected for 2012 in the Q3 Outlook aligns with the steady year-over-year growth in new business volume seen in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index. The Outlook report and the Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index both indicate that concerns over the European debt crisis, U.S. unemployment and regulatory and political uncertainty continue to hamper growth. However, we are cautiously optimistic that growth will pick up in the second half of 2012 and into 2013 due to improvements in the manufacturing and housing sectors and lower oil prices,” said William G. Sutton, CAE, President of the Foundation and President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Key findings include: • Expectations for 2012 are that investment will grow, but at a slower rate than previous quarters. The European crisis, the slowdown in emerging markets and regulatory and political uncertainty remain significant headwinds for 2012. • Looking to the second half of 2012, notwithstanding an external shock, the U.S. is poised for growth driven by an improving housing market, a growing manufacturing sector and pent-up demand in the consumer and business sectors. Lower oil prices should also help support growth during the second half of the year. The initial projection for 2013 growth in equipment and software investment is 8 percent. • Trends in equipment investment include: • Agriculture equipment investment is likely to decelerate in the next three to six months. • Computers and Software equipment investment should remain healthy, but is likely to slow down somewhat. • Construction equipment investment is projected to continue to grow at a strong pace as the housing market rebounds. • Industrial equipment investment likely grew at a below-average pace in Q2 2012, but could pick up by late 2012 or early 2013. • Medical equipment is likely to be relatively flat on a year-year basis. • Transportation equipment investment should remain solidly positive,
but is unlikely to maintain the rapid growth rates of 2011 • Credit market conditions have stabilized in the past several weeks after fears of Greece exiting the EU caused tensions to spike. The subsequent flight to safety by investors pushed long-term U.S. Treasury rates to all-time lows. As economic conditions slowly improve, demand for business loans will continue to grow, and supply constraints for large businesses should ease further. However, small businesses are reportedly having some difficulties in accessing capital. Conditions remain favorable for purchasing versus leasing, as the cost of borrowing is near record lows. • The U.S. economy slowed in the first quarter of 2012 to an annualized growth rate of 1.9 percent, down from 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. Overall, the macro outlook for 2012 has not changed materially. Real GDP growth is forecast at 2.2 percent, down from the previous forecast of 2.3 percent, and inflation expectations dropped from 2.4 percent to 2.3 percent. The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economics and public policy consulting
firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides a three-tosix-month outlook for industry investment with data, including a summary of investment trends in key equipment markets, credit market conditions, the U.S. macroeconomic outlook and key economic indicators. The report will continue to be updated quarterly throughout 2012. The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides vision for the equipment leasing and finance industry through future-focused information and research. Funded through charitable individual and corporate donations, the Foundation is the only organization dedicated to future-oriented, in-depth, independent research for the leasing industry.
Groundbreaking event demonstrates the strength of U.S. manufacturing
The latest event produced by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) provides evidence that U.S. manufacturing is strong, especially in continued on next page
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from previous page the growth areas of aerospace, defense (including arms), medical and energy manufacturing. Mfg4 – Manufacturing 4 the Future – attracted registrants from 42 states and more than a dozen countries seeking to share integrated solutions to common manufacturing challenges. “The majority of attendees came from New England, home to many of these diverse industries. They told us they found the collaboration Mfg4 provided extremely valuable,” said Debbie Holton, SME director of events and industry strategy. Mfg4 2012 took place in Hartford, May 8-10, a convenient commuting location for many of the four industries showcased at the exposition and conference. Attendees were exposed to technologies and applications from nearly 300 exhibitors, including more than 180 new products. Exhibited technologies included lean manufacturing, CNC controls, automated manufacturing and assembly, 3D imaging, cutting tools, micromanufacturing and nanotechnology. “It gave me an opportunity to see new manufacturing technology and meet local suppliers. I actually solved two nagging design issues on my current project while I was at the show,” said Brian Cigal, design engineer, Pratt and Whitney. SME convened professionals from leading manufacturers in aerospace, defense, medical and energy to produce Mfg4 as a forum for cross-industry collaboration. Advisors included professionals from Accellent, Inc.; American Wind Energy Association (AWEA); Biomedical Engineering Alliance and Consortium (BEACON); Boeing Company; Bombardier Aerospace; Connecticut Center
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for Advanced Technology (CCAT); CONNSTEP; General Electric Energy; Micro Engineering; Pratt & Whitney; Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems; Remmele Medical, and Sikorsky Aircraft. More than 800 attendees attended the conference, keynote and Learning Lounge sessions, which provided opportunities for attendees to meet face-to-face with suppliers for demonstrations and presentations. Keynote speakers included Neal Orringer, director of manufacturing, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy; Jim Adams, deputy chief technologist, NASA; Frank Wolak, vice president, FuelCell Energy, Inc.; Gary S. Falwell, technical business development leader, Accellent; and Michael Molnar, chief manufacturing officer, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “The sessions aren’t sales pitches, they are presentations by people who go into detail with human interest. The group presentations are small and you can approach people afterward to get into more detail and to meet people with similar interests. That’s what I like most about it – developing relationships,” said Mark Manzoni, project engineer/technical sales, Harbec Plastics Inc. Mfg4 returns to the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford May 6-8, 2014. For more information about attending, exhibiting, or presenting at Mfg4, or to see video highlights from 2012, visit mfg4event.com or call 800.733.3976. For the most up-to-date details, follow us on Twitter @mfg4event. Mfg4 will alternate years with EASTEC, which has been at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, since 1988, and returns there May 14-16, 2013. SME produces EASTEC and Mfg4 to inform east coast manufacturers on technologies, management strategies and new applications necessary to maintain their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop set for September 19-21 in Louisville
More than 450 attendees from around the world are expected at the Crane & Rigging Workshop to be held by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), September 19-21, at the Marriott Louisville Downtown, Louisville, KY. This year, SC&RA will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Workshops, which are the association’s most important crane and rigging event of the year. Opening session speaker Jim Maddux, Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction, will discuss his agency’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard, as well as numerous pending rulings and their direct, long-range impact on the crane and rigging industry. As always, workshop sessions will feature some of the industry’s top professionals, including, in order of appearance: • The Evolution of Safety in the Crane and Rigging Industry — Daniel Erwin, Corporate Safety Director, Turner Bros. Crane & Rigging, will examine factors to consider in determining overall company safety, the role played by ever-changing government and industry regulations in the safe performance of jobs, and the necessity of specific qualifications and knowledge for today’s safety professionals. • Make Transportation Your Business — Janet Kavinoky, Executive Director, Transportation & Infrastruc-
ture, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Vice President, Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition, will describe the changing political and federal budgetary environment and what it means for maintaining, modernizing and expanding infrastructure. She also will address current efforts to pass long-term surface transportation reauthorization legislation. • Are You Ready for 11/10/14? What Simply Reading OSHA’s Personnel Qualification Requirements May NOT Tell You — Graham Brent, Executive Director, National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, will cover federal requirements for the qualification of crane operators, signalers, and riggers in light of OSHA’s recently published interpretations. Options for the qualification of other personnel such as inspectors and lift directors will also be reviewed. • The Four Commitments of a Winning Team — Mark Eaton, a former NBA All Star Center for the Utah Jazz, will deliver a keynote address that demonstrates how safety in the workplace is a lot like playing basketball, with each player having a specific role that is critical to the success of the team. This session will show attendees how to turn their employees into winners by applying the concepts that create sports superstars in any business. • Air Caster Technology Makes Loads as Light as Air — Terry Pitsch, Engineering Manager, AeroGo, will explain how air caster systems, which harness the power of compressed air, can be faster and easier than conventional methods when moving oversize, awkward, uneven or heavy loads up to 5,000 tons through tight spaces by eliminating the need to disassemble the load prior to movement. • Social Media-It’s Changing the Industry — Jacob Voncannon, Business Development Associate, WHECO Corporation, will demonstrate how a company in the crane or heavy haul industry can use social media to attract the right customers. Additionally, he will explain the value of search engine optimization (SEO) and show how SEO can help potential customers find any company more quickly. • Understanding the Importance of Proper Equipment Inspections — Jeffrey Hammons, Vice President, Risk Management, AmQuip Crane Rental, will discuss how the promulgation of
the federal OSHA Cranes and Derricks Standard in 2010 has made it even more important to properly inspect and maintain equipment to comply with regulations and increase durability. • The Future of Energy and Its Effects on Construction — Steve Greene, Vice President, National Center for Construction Education and Research, will address energy factors and trends influencing the current U.S. economy and its impact on the construction industry, as well as tactics and strategies that companies can implement to combat economic hardships. • The Top 10 Crane & Rigging Losses and How to Avoid Them — A panel from NBIS that includes Michelle Lorenz, Claims & Litigation Manager; Clifton Shepherd, Senior Claims Manager; and Bill Smith, Executive Vice President, Claims & Risk Management, will cover essential elements of a safety program, the CSA crane load securement program, assembly and disassembly of cranes, OSHA standards and inspections; and an update on B30 standards. • 2012 Rigging Jobs of the Year — Representatives from Barnhart, Atlas Industrial Contractors and George Young Company will present details of this year’s winners, which include the replacement of large components at a Wisconsin nuclear plant, the rebuilding of a damaged 835-megawatt generator, and the relocation of a historic 103,000 pound monument. This year’s Crane & Rigging Workshop concludes on Friday, September 21, with a very special plant tour of the Link-Belt Cranes plant in Lexington, KY. Travel by chartered bus and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Additionally, Workshop registration will include meetings of the SC&RA Crane & Rigging Group’s Safety Education & Training Committee, Labor Committee, and Governing Committee; an Exhibit Center that features products and services from 77 companies, a complimentary hot buffet lunch, and a Grand Prize Drawing; and receptions, continental breakfasts, and refreshment breaks. Visit www.scranet.org/events and click on the “Crane & Rigging Workshop” link to review the program, learn more about the hotel, access the link to make a room reservation, and register as an attendee or exhibitor. Or call SC&RA at (703) 698-0291 for additional information. Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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Inventor’s Corner By William Fischer
Cable assembly with anchor Pat. 8,181,437 U.S. class 57/22 Int. class D01H 15/00 Inventor: David Malcolm Glennie, Singapore, SG., Lew Kah Hoo, Singapore, SG. Assignee: Franklin Offshore International Pte. Ltd., Singapore, SG. A cable assembly comprises a cable having a main body, strands, a tail and a first cable end, an anchor, and a sleeve having a bore, a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned generally adjacent to the anchor, the second end is positioned remote from the anchor, and the cable end is positioned in the bore. A cured adhesive is positioned in the bore, binding the sleeve to the cable, along
with a rope insert which is positioned at least partially in the bore, wherein the cured adhesive holds at least one rope insert in a fixed position with respect to the sleeve. Turning now to the drawings, figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the cable assembly 10. The cable assembly 10 includes a cable 12 having a main body 14. Preferably the cable 12 comprises a core rope
Figure 2: Longitudinal cross section view taken through the sleeve showing rope inserts and a positioning ring.
Figure 1: Side view of a cable assembly with a flemish eye.
54
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
and outer ropes 19. Each rope preferably comprises a series of strands 16. The construction of the core rope and the outer ropes 19 is preferably in accordance with the standards specified in ISO 10425:2003 API-9A. Each of the strands 16 can comprise steel or another suitable high strength material. Preferably the cable assembly 10 has an anchor 25. The anchor 25 can be formed as a flemish eye 24. Rope 19 of the cable is split into portions at a tail 20 and wrapped over an opposite portion of the rope. The portions are recombined with the main body 14 at a cable end 22 at a sleeve 30. Optionally an end cap 70 may be provided which is useful as an anti-fouling member during use. In a similar manner, the anchor can also comprise
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a second anchor 125 formed as a second flemish eye 124 12
at a second tail 120 and may be closed off at a second end 122 of the cable 12 using a second sleeve 130 and an optional second end cap 170. Figure 2 is a cross section view of an end of flemish eye 24 at the sleeve 30 of figure 1 where the strands are recombined with the main body 14. As noted above the flemish eye 24 is formed by dividing strands of the cable at the tail 20, and wrapping or laying the strands over each other. A first end 22 of the cable is secured around
Figure 3: Cross section view of the sleeve taken through line 3-3 in figure 2.
the main body of Rope the cable inside a bore 32 ofAugust the sleeve Wire News & Sling Technology 2006 30. Preferably the sleeve 30 circumferentially surrounds a portion of the main body 14 of the cable 12 and a portion of the tail 20. The sleeve 30 has a first end 34 generally adjacent to the anchor 25 and a second end 36 positioned more remote from the anchor 25. The tail 20 is preferably distributed or wrapped evenly around the main body 14 of the cable to ensure a uniform load distribution. The sleeve 30 and adhesive 40 cooperate to lock the strands 16 of the cable 12 in place. A positioning ring 60 may be provided which is preferably positioned in the bore 32. The ring 60 may extend circumferentially around the cable 12. The ring 60 acts as an alignment agent, centering the cable within the bore 32. The ring 60 also allows the tail and main body 14 to set in the adhesive in a controlled manner during assembly. Preferably the ring is positioned near a second end 36 of the sleeve 30. Both the sleeve and the positioning ring may be made of steel or other suitable high strength material. The adhesive 40 which is used to help hold the flemish eye 24 in place is preferably a composite resin or a thermosetting resin. A suitable example of an acceptable resin is sold under the name Maklock. During assembly, the adhesive is introduced into the sleeve after the flemish eye is formed and the sleeve is fitted around the cable. The second end 36 of the sleeve is preferably sealed using plasticine or a similar material to prevent leakage. As a further advantageous step, a quantity of the resin, such as between 5 and 10% of the total volume, is preferably mixed and poured into the sleeve after the sleeve is sealed. The adhesive is preferably allowed to harden becontinued on next page Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from previous page fore a main pour is made to complete and strengthen the seal ensuring that there will be no leakage of the main pour. Once the resin is mixed to a preferred consistency, the resin should be poured immediately into the sleeve to ensure good penetration into interstices (gaps) of the cable. Immediate pouring will ensure that the gelling stage occurs in the sleeve and not in the mixing container. Preferably, the adhesive is poured down the side of the sleeve to allow air to escape.
The cap 70 may preferably be attached to the second end 36 of the sleeve 30 remote from the flemish eye in any of a number of ways, for example, welded together, with the cable 12 extending through the cap bore 72. The cap may comprise steel or other suitable high strength material. As shown in figure 2, the shape of the cap 70 is preferably conical. That is, the first end 74 of the cap has a cross section width 78 greater than a cross section width 79 of the second end 76 of the cap 70. The purpose of the cap is two fold: to provide some extra support for the sleeve to restrict relative movement, and to act as an antifouling member when in use. That is, the cap helps guide external elements away from the sleeve, preventing them from catching on the sleeve. This helps to ensure smooth maneuvering of the cable assembly when in use. In accordance with a highly advantageous feature, rope inserts 50 are positioned within the bore 32 of the sleeve 30. The rope inserts 50 preferably comprise a short length of a cable similar to the material used for cable 12. However, the rope inserts 50 may use strands smaller in diameter than the strands 16 of cable 12. The rope inserts are shown in figure 2 as positioned within the bore circumferentially around the cable 12 and can preferably have a stem 52 and broom 54. Most preferably, at least one rope insert extends partially out of the adhesive and even out of the bore of the sleeve. That is, the broom 54 is exposed by a small amount (for example 1 to 2 mm) above the adhesive. The broom 54 can comprise part of the rope insert which is separated or unwound to increase surface area for the adhesive 40 to bind to. Preferably, the broom 54 is closer to the first end 34 of the sleeve 30 than the stem 52. The broom can comprise part of the rope insert which is
Figure 4: Cross section view of the sleeve taken through line 4-4 in figure 2.
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Figure 5: Cross section view of the sleeve taken through line 5-5 in figure 2.
separated or unwound to increase surface area for the adhesive 40 to bind to. This increased surface area is highly advantageous, especially with large cable assemblies in that the adhesive has more material to bind to, increasing strength of the cable assembly and helping to reduce surface cracking of the adhesive. Figures 3-5 show cross section views of the cable in the sleeve 30, taken through figure 2. Figure 3 is taken through the broom 54 of the rope insert 50, figure 4 is taken through the stem 52 of the rope insert, and figure 5 is taken where the rope insert is not present. In figures 3 and 4, the rope inserts 50 are shown positioned spaced evenly and circumferentially around both the main body 14 of the cable 12 and part of the tail 20, in the adhesive 40. Figure 4 also shows an option where the tail 20 is partially unwound. Figure 5 shows the main body 14 having a cable diameter 13 which is used to calculate a preferred length 38 of the sleeve 30, as noted above. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the cable 12 comprises a core rope 17 having the outer ropes 19 wrapped around the core. Various numbers of outer ropes may be used, depending upon the intended application. Clamp, self-advancing climbing device, and method of coupling same to a tubular Pat. 8,201,787 U.S. class 248/218.4 Int. class F16L 3/08 Inventor: James Ingram, Aberdeen, GB., Stewart Kenyon Willis, Glasgow, GB. Assignee: ITI Scotland Limited, Glasgow, GB. This patent discloses a self-advancing climbing device including two such clamps, and a method of coupling such a clamp to a tubular. In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a clamp for a tubular, in particular a thin-walled tubular such as the tower of a wind-turbine. The clamp comprises at least one clamp member in the form of a friction pad adapted to grip the tower, and at least one flexible elongate energising element in the form of a tendon adapted to exert a force on the friction pad to urge the pad to grip the tower, whereby the pad and the tendon are adapted to exert a substantially uniform radial clamp load on the tower. Referring to figure 6, there is shown a clamp/apparatus 1 for a tubular, which in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of a thin-walled, tapered wind-turbine tower 3. The clamp 1 comprises at least one clamp member or friccontinued on next page Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
57
continued from previous page tion pad 9 which is adapted to grip the tower 3, and which is shown in more detail in the enlarged view of figure 7. The clamp 1 also comprises at least one flexible elongate energizing element in the form of a tendon 16, which is shown in more detail in the view of figure 8. The tendon 16 is adapted to exert a force on the friction pad 9 to urge the pad 9 to grip the tower 3, such that the friction pad 3 and the tendon 16 exert a substantially uniform radial clamp load on the tubular. The friction pad 9 thereby restrains the clamp 1 against movement relative to the tower 3 in a direction along a length thereof, enabling an external load to be supported from the tower 3 using the clamp 1. Using the clamp 1 to exert a substantially uniform radial clamp load on the tower 3 facilitates generation of a substantially uniform hoop stress in the tower. This overcomes problems associated with prior clamps and other mechanisms by avoiding or at least minimizing variations in the loading around the circumference of the tubular, thereby avoiding or reducing the likelihood of varied point-loads leading to local buckling. It will also be understood that the method herein described dramatically improves the performance of a clamp by applying the
Figure 7: Enlarged view of a clamp member and a section of a support structure, forming part of the clamp of figure 6.
Figure 6: Perspective view of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp illustrated following coupling to a tubular in the form of a wind-turbine tower.
maximum possible radial loads to friction pads through the application of uniform radial load, so that circularity of a thin-walled tubular structure is retained. These loads are far beyond the capability of discrete loaded pads, as currently used. In more detail, the clamp/apparatus 1 comprises a support structure 22 having a substantially rectangular lower ring beam 2, which is assembled round the base of the tower 3, a plurality of vertical columns, uprights or corner posts 4 and a substantially rectangular upper ring beam 5. Typically the upper ring beam 5 is attached to the top of the vertical columns 4 at each corner so as to provide a rigid cuboid framework 6 that encompasses the tower 3. Each of the vertical columns 4 is connected at its top end to a first support member or rigid load arm 7, which is moved by a hydraulic cylinder 8 connected between the vertical column 4 and the arm 7, as shown in figure 7. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the clamp 1 includes four friction pads 9 which are 58
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
located spaced equidistantly around a circumference of the tower 3. The friction pads 9 are made of a compliant natural or elastomeric friction material, such as neoprene rubber or polyurethane, bonded to a stiff but flexible sheet of metallic or composite material to which load may be applied, such as a sheet of steel, and have vertical rigid spines 10 at their center. The spines 10 are each pivotably connected at their upper ends to the lower end of a respective arm 7, via a pin joint or ball-joint 24. A ball-joint is preferred over a pin-joint, as the ball joint facilitates transmission of a load on the clamp members in a direction parallel to a main axis of the tubular, but substantially prevents transmission of radial loads to the clamp members due to the external load. The arms 7 are in-turn pivotably attached to the vertical columns 4, in a manner that allows them to pivot with respect to the tower 3. By this arrangement, the load
Figure 8: Enlarged view of the clamp member and a energising element, forming part of the clamp of figure 6.
lap or cross at the spine 10 of the pad 9 attached to the respective load arm 7, so that the tendon 16 is in contact with the tower 3 or pad 9 as it passes around the full circumference of the tower 3. The tendons are typically manufactured of low friction, high performance wire rope. Sheaves 17 are provided to turn the tendon 16 from its circumferential passage to the anchor point and winch 15.
Figure 9: Further enlarged view of the clamp member and energising element shown in figure 8, with certain parts shown in outline.
arms 7 are coupled relative to the friction pads 9 so as to facilitate application of a positioning force on the pads 9, whereby movement of the load arm 7 brings the respective friction pad 9 adjacent to and/or into contact with the surface of the tower 3. This allows the pads 9 to contact the surface of the tower 3 and to take up the taper angle, or to be vertically oriented, as appropriate. The support structure 22 also includes a second support member or alignment arm 11 associated with each friction pad 9, each alignment arm 11 being pivotably connected to the respective vertical column 4 through a link 13, via a pivot pin 26. The arm 11 is also pivotably coupled to the pad 9 at the lower end of the spine 10 (i.e. at the end of the spine 10 opposite to the end that the load arm 7 is connected to). A second hydraulic cylinder 12 is connected between the vertical column 4 and the pivot pin 26 and thus acts to move the link 13. Accordingly, by extending or retracting the link cylinder 12, the angle between the vertical column 4 and the pad 9 can be changed to suit differing tower taper angles. The position of the pads 9 relative to the tower 3 can therefore be adjusted using a combination of the load arm 7 and the alignment arm 11, so that the clamp 1 can be adjusted to accommodate variations in the circumference/diameter and taper angle of the tower 3. This therefore facilitates use of the clamp 1 with towers of different diameters, and indeed with towers that taper along their length. As shown in figure 8, the clamp includes a plurality of tendons, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes eight tendons 16, two tendons 16 associated with each load arm 7 of the clamp 1. The tendons 16 are each tensioned by a respective winch 15, and two such winches 15 are mounted on each load arm 7. This arrangement allows the tendons 16 to compensate for the change in circumference of the tower 3. Each tendon 16 is passed from an anchor point on the load arm 7 or winch 15, and extends through ports 14 in the spine 10 of each pad 9 and back to the winch 15 on the same load arm 7. Accordingly, two tendons 16 originate and end at each load arm 7. The tendons 16 each encircle the circumference of the tower 3 and cross over and thus overlap in a direction along a length of the tower 3, at an overlap location 38. As shown in more detail in the further enlarged view of figure 9, the pads 9 are each located between the surface of the tower 3 and the tendons 16, and the tendons over-
Grommet shackle Pat. 8,205,922 U.S. class 294/82.11 Int. class B66C 1/34 Inventor: Roger Arthur Ohman, Jr., Parrish, FL. Assignee: The Crosby Group LLC., Tulsa, OK. This patent presents a grommet shackle having a pair of opposed parallel legs. Each of the legs includes an opening to receive a pin or bolt. A central bow extends between the pair of legs to form a jaw to receive a rope or cable. The central bow has a cylindrical cross-section including an inner cylindrical load surface toward the eye to receive the rope or cable thereon. An outer cylindrical surface of the central bow forms a hollow recess. A central brace or rib extends across the hollow recess. Referring to the drawings in detail, figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a grommet shackle 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention in use with and suspended from a wire rope sling 12 having a swage sleeve 18. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the grommet shackle 10 in use with and suspended from a wire rope or cable grommet 14 having a sleeve connector 16. Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the grommet shackle 10 in use with and suspended from a braided grommet 6 with a sleeve connector 8. The wire rope sling 12, the wire rope or cable grommet 14 are used in various types of known lifting applications (not shown). Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the grommet shackle 10 shown in figure 10 cut away with the cable grommet 14 also cut away to illustrate the interface between the continued on next page
Figure 10: Perspective view of a grommet shackle in use with a wire rope sling.
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continued from previous page
Figure 13: Perspective view of the grommet shackle shown in figure 10 cut away with the wire rope grommet also cut away.
Figure 11: Perspective view of the grommet shackle shown in figure 10 in use with a wire rope or cable grommet.
Automated flexible tarping system Pat. 8,205,927 U.S. class 296/98 Int. class B60J 7/04 Inventor: Ronald L. Eggers, Fremont, NE. Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc., Indianapolis, IN. An automated tarping system for open-topped containers includes a winding mechanism and an extension mechanism. The winding mechanism is attached to the container and to a cover and exerts a winding force to retain the cover so that the top of the container remains open. The extension mechanism utilizes a drive mechanism which exerts an extension force on a cable to pivot an arm to which a cover is attached. The arm is pivotally attached to a side of the container and is connected to the cable. When the drive mechanism exerts the extension force on the cable, the arm, which is connected, pivots with respect to the container. The cover, which is connected to the arm, is then drawn across the open-top of the container to close the top of the container as the extension force exerted by the drive mechanism overcomes the winding force generated by the winding mechanism. Referring now to figures 14-16, the tarping system, generally designated 50, is shown installed upon an opentopped container, receptacle, or the like 54. The container 54 is representative of any type of open-topped container 54 that may be attached to or towed by a truck or other vehicle. For illustrative purposes, the container 54 is a pivotal open-topped container of a dump truck, shown re-
Figure 12: Perspective view of the grommet shackle shown in figure 10 in use with a braided grommet.
grommet shackle 10 and the cable grommet 14. As readily seen in figure 13, the circumferential inner cylindrical load surface 42 has a diameter D illustrated by arrow 50. Likewise, the cable grommet 14 has a diameter d of the individual ropes represented by arrows 52. The cable grommet 14 bends around and mates with the cylindrical load surface 42 of the central bow 40. 60
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Figure 14: Perspective view of a container utilizing an embodiment of the tarping system, with the tarping system in the extended configuration.
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moved from the dump truck body. The container 54 indetermine how to spread the load to the Replaces Feedwater Heaters in system to spread the load. Movement cludes an open top, a first However, sidewall 58, Coal-fired a second sidewall inside the building was facilitated Power Plant launch pad foundation. 62, a rear wall, a front wall 66, and a bottom wall 70 that Barnhart was called upon to extract through the use of air-casters and a NASA was uncertain about the amount together an interior volume utilized a load.heaters and replace light-slide system. Barnhart President two to oldhold feedwater of load thedefine foundation could withstand. Optionally, the container 54 may include rails, which are power plant in Alan Barnhart characterized the plan Still another challenge was deciding them at a coal-fired supported on the of thestructure sidewalls 58, 62. City, Iowa. Weighing approxi- as less expensive but more tedious than Sioux how to erect thetop lifting The tarping system 50 is configured to extend andeach, re- the new feedwater alternative plans. Through its innova80 tons beneath the launch structure, which mately tract a flexible cover, or tarpaulin (“tarp”) 110, across the also can rotate around the launch pad. heaters were 40 feet long and 6 feet in tive strategy, Barnhart completed the openwould top ofmean the container 54. The tarp diameter. 110 can be of old anyheaters that needed sc ope of its wor k in thr ee d ay s, The This that the lifting towers knownrequire construction including, one but at not limited to, canvas, to be extracted from the building were reducing the originally planned plant would two elevations, polyester coated latex, polyethylene. The and shorter. The evacuation time by 75 percent. heavier 124 feet and one atwith 103 feet – aor 21woven foot slightly tarp 110 is between connectedjacking at one end to a winding heatersmechanism were originally placed in the difference points. Under $150,000: PSC Crane and 72 carriedused by a Modular bail arm 74 at an opposite to one buildingend during its construction, when Rigging’s Move and Installation of Barnhart Liftand Towers end hydraulic of the container shown 14.was Alternathe roof off; however, for several a Diesel Generator Package and jacks to54, lift as and securein figure tively, the tarp 110 is connected at one end to a winding roof could not be opened up the structure while innovatively taking reasons, the Last winter, PSC Crane & Rigging advantage of the launch pad’s rota- for the replacement. Figure 16: Perspective successfully very complex view of a completed container autilizing a further system, withbegan the tarping system in the T h e c u s t o m e r ’ s embodiment o r i g i n a l pofl athe tional ability for positioning purposes. rigging job that with off-loading n tarping extended configuration. Already concerned about the maze of required a high-capacity crane that and transferring an 8 megawatt duct work, piping and steel, Barnhart would have driven up the cost of the Wartsila generator from a rail car onto 72 supported on Goldhofer the container andPSC at then an opcrews also had to worry about high job. Barnhart proposedmechanism a nine-line trailer. a less expensive posite end to a bail arm 74, as depicted in figure 16. winds and lightning prevalent in the alternative that used its 800 ton hauled the 332,000 pound generator – Aslattice illustrated figuresmeasured 14 and 15, the long, winding mechaspring. On several occasions, the job capacity Demag TC 3000 44 feet 10 feet 10 boom in which 72 may be located within the horizontal portion 94– of was shut down at the first sight of truck crane. Both the nism inches wide and 14 feet 2 inches high extraction of the the bail arm winding mechanism a mile to thethe Indian Power Plant near72 of 74. the Alternatively, lightning because nobody involved old heaters and the installation and drum may be mounted to the front wall 66 of the conwanted to take chances with such an new ones required movement along a Rensselaer, Ohio. tainer 54, preferably under a shroud 114,inasthe illustrated The existing opening buildthe building to expensive, highly technical apparatus. circuitous path through in figure 16.wall In oneing’s embodiment the winding mechanism brick façade, which measured a exterior After successfully completing the and from a hole in an generates a retraction force winds thehad tarp 110 little more thanthat 10 feet wide, to be grade. project, Barnhart and NASA concluded more than 100 feet72above upon drum. Thus, the winding 72 may enlarged beforemechanism the generator couldinas 2ainches. the launch structure weighed about 5 Clearances were as tight clude a drive motor or athrough. torsion PSC spring operable to J&R rotate used a 500 ton To adjust to inconsistencies in pass million pounds, of which Barnhart the drum as the tarping systemgantry 50 retracts theequipped tarp 110. Figure about 15: Perspective viewpounds. of a container utilizing the embodiment of Lift-NLock system flooring throughout the building, lifted 2.5 million the$150,000-$750,000: tarping system illustrated in figure 14, with Barnhar the tarpingtsystem tarping system 50aincludes U-shaped armto74, 400 ton aJ&R Power bail Rotator en ginineer s The developed a with Barnhart continued on next page the retracted configuration. Wire Rope News & Sling Technology
August 2006
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from previous page which pivots between an extended and a retracted position. The U-shaped bail arm 74 includes side arms 78, 82, and a horizontal portion 94 that spans the width of the container 54 and is connected to the tarp 110. The base of each arm 78, 82 includes a pivot mount 86, 90 for pivotably mounting the bail arm to the vehicle or container. In certain embodiments, the pivot mount may be a corresponding retraction mechanism which pivotally secures the side arms 78, 82 to either the sidewalls 58, 62 or to the bottom wall 70 of the container 54. The retraction mechanisms at the pivot mounts 86, 90 may include one or more coil or torsion springs operable to pivot the bail arm 74 toward one end or the other of the container 54 to retract or extend the tarp 110. The retraction mechanisms may be used in lieu of or in addition to a winding mechanism 72 powered as described above. In the embodiments
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Figure 17: Elevational view of an exemplary idler pulley member.
disclosed herein, a single bail arm 74 is provided to extend and retract the cover or tarp. Alternatively, multiple U-shaped bail arms may be provided to support the tarp 110 at intermediate positions along the length of the tarp, with the multiple bail arms configured to work in cooperation to extend and retract the tarp. The side arms 78, 82 include brackets 98, 102, which connect the U-shaped bail arm 74 to a tarp extension mechanism 106. The extension mechanism 106 includes a drive mechanism which may be in the form of an engine, a motor, a spring, a hand crank or any other device that generates motion. In the one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a motor 118 and an optional gearbox 120 to gear down the rotational speed of the motor. Both the motor 118 and the gearbox 120 may be supported on a wall of the container 54 such as the bottom wall 70. The extension mechanism 106 may further include a shaft 122, two shaft mounts 126, 130, two cable spools 134, 138, and two biasing mechanisms 142, 146. The gearbox 120 transfers the rotational output of the motor 118 to the shaft 122. The shaft 122 has a length approximately equal to the width of the container 54, and may be rotatably supported beneath the container 54 by shaft mounts 126, 130. The shaft mounts 126, 130 may each include a bearing to rotatably support the shaft 122. In the illustrated embodiment, a single motor 118 and shaft 122 is provided. Alternatively, each side of the container may be provided with its own motor and half-shaft, provided that the action of the motors is coordinated for efficient operation of the extension mechanism 106. The cable spools 134, 138 are mounted to the ends of the shaft 122 to rotate with the shaft 122. The spools 134,
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138 may be formed from rigid materials that resist wear rear portion of the biasing member 158 is connected to including, but not limited to, steel, iron, or aluminum. The the pivot plate 150. The biasing members 158, 162 are spools 134, 138 can be configured in a conventional man- configured to bias the pulley wheels 166, 170 away from ner to retain a wire rope cable 174, 178 wound thereon. the cable (which is toward the rear of the container 54 in For example, each spool 134, 138 may include opposite figure 14), thereby drawing slack from the cables 174, 178 flanges extending perpendicularly from the winding sur- while the tarp 110 is furling and unfurling. Furthermore, Sinthe glecable s •174, Do178 Do ubwound les •thereon, Tripletosprotect • Regthe ulaidler r an apulley nd He Hmembers eavy Wo W oo deare n configured Blocks to pivot Bl 142, 146 face to retain the wound cable 174, 178 from the elements, and to pre- about the connection point 172 of the pivot plate 150, 154 vent fouling of the cable 174, 178. It can be appreciated in response to the position of the bail arm 74. that the motor, gearbox and diameter of the spools may be calibrated to provide a predetermined winding rate for the Underwater foundation leveling device Pat. 8,215,026 U.S. class 33/366.11 Int. class E02D 15/10 cables onto the spools. A coupling member, such as a pin, may be provided to Inventor: Kiyoshi Saito, Hokkaido, JP. removably mount each spool 134, 138 to the shaft 122. Assignee: Kiyoshi Saito, Hokkaido, JP. An underwater foundation leveling device is capable of Alternatively, the spools may be mounted to permit freewheel rotation in one direction and driven rotation in the preventing a slack wire connected to a support element opposite direction. Thus, the spools may be engaged for ro- with a plumb weight from colliding with reflectors. The tation with the shaft to wind the cable onto the spool, but reflectors are provided for measurement of a position of then disengaged for free-wheel rotation when the cable is a leveling area, around an upper portion of the support to be payed out from the spool. Alternatively, the gearbox element supporting the plumb weight for leveling riprap 120 may be provided with a clutch operable to permit free- surface of underwater foundation. The support element wheel rotation of the shaft, and therefore the spools, in is hoisted with the wire and then made fall by its own weight for leveling for the foundation surface. The reflecone direction. All Material Factory Certified The biasing mechanisms 142, 146 may be in the form of tors reflect light toward a light receiving unit for a posiWooden Shell 3� to 16� tion detection for the leveling area. The device comprises, idler pulley members that include a pivot plate 150, 154, Blocks a biasing member 158, 162, and a pulley wheel 166, 170. a protective element preventing the slack wire from hitFor more Wire Rope & Rigging, Waterman Supply Inc. the reflectors, and a light passageCo., located in a posiAs illustrated byAssociated the exemplary idler pulley member 142 ting Inc. information, 8125 Saran Drive, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 910 Mahar Ave., Wilmington, CAfrom 90748 the of figure 17, the pivot plate 150 is pivotally mounted to tion allowing an optical path of the light reflected contact: Ph: as 1-800-901-1135 310-448-5446 1-800-322-3131 310-522-1043 travel toward the lightFax: receiving unit. the container, such to the containerFax: sidewall 58 at a reflectors to Ph: Figure 18 Email: illustrates a first embodiment according to awrrinc@earthlink.net waterman@bigplanet.com connection pointEmail: 172. The pulley wheel 166 is rotatably secured to a front portion of the biasing member 158. The continued on next page Wire Rope News & Sling Technology
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continued from previous page the present invention, in which a protective element 8 is mounted above reflectors 5 which are mounted around a support element 2 having a plumb weight 1 attached to it. The protective element 8 is formed of a metal-made circular-plate-shaped member, and securely welded to the support element 2. The circular-plate-shaped member forming the protective element 8 has a diameter larger than the diameter D of a circle formed by a plurality of reflectors 5 which are placed continuously adjacent to each other, in order to protect the reflectors 5 from collision
Figure 20: Front view of essential components of the leveling device according to a third embodiment.
Figure 18: Front view of essential components of the leveling device according to a first embodiment.
with a slack wire 4 as shown in figure 18 even when the slack wire 4 collides with the outer edge of the protective element 8. Specifically, the protective element 8 has an outer edge extending outward beyond the circle formed by the continuous arrangement of the plurality of reflectors 5. The outer edge of the protective element 8 is maintained in a relational position where, when the slack wire collides with the outer edge, the wire does not collide with the reflector 5. For this reason, in the process of leveling the bottom of a body of water by use of the plumb weight 1, even if slack occurs in the wire 4, the slack wire 4 does not collide with the reflector 5, thereby damaging the reflector 5 or making the surface of the reflector 5 dirty. In addition, the protective element 8 is provided above the reflectors 5,
Figure 19: Front view of essential components of the leveling device according to a second embodiment.
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
so that an area immediately below the protective element is fully bare without any coverage to form a light passage of the present invention. Thus, the protective element 8 does not block an optical path of the light reflected from the reflectors 5 in the position measuring process. As a result, in the underwater foundation leveling device according to the first embodiment, a position measurement can be correctly carried out at any times, because the reflectors 5 are not damaged and not made dirty by a slack wire 4. As in the case of the protective element 8, if a protective element is formed of a plate-shaped mem-
Figure 21: Front view of essential components of the leveling device according to a fourt embodiment.
ber, the structure of the protective element can be advantageously simplified and also a light passage can be easily provided in a size sufficient to pass light. The protective element 8 is formed of a circular-plate-shaped member in the first embodiment, but the protective element is not limited to a circular plate shape. As long as a protective element has an outer edge extending outward beyond the circumference of the circle created by the continuous arrangement of the plurality of the reflectors 5, the protective element can be formed in any shape, and, for example, it may have a polygonal outer edge. When a slack wire 4 hits the outer edge of the protective element 8, a relational position where the slack wire 4 does not collide with the reflectors 5 is varied depending on the amount of slack occurring in the wire 4, a vertical position of the protective element 8, a protruding position of the outer edge of the protective element 8, that is, the diameter of the protective element 8, and the like. Hence,
portion of the wire 4 collides with an inclined portion of the protective element 9, resulting in a reduction in the force of the wire 4 acting in the direction toward the reflectors 5. For this reason, even if a large amount of slack beyond expectation occurs in the wire 4 and the slack wire 4 collides with the reflectors 5 under the protective element 9, the impact force can be reduced to protect the reflectors 5 from fracture. Figure 20 illustrates a third embodiment, in which a pair of plate-shaped protective members 10a, 10b are disposed respectively on the upper side and the lower side of the plurality of reflectors 5 and form a protective element 10. Except for the structure of the protective element 10, the underwater foundation leveling device in the third embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. In the protective element 10, a light passage is formed between the protective members 10a, 10b. The outer edges of the respective protective members 10a, 10b extend outward beyond the circle which is formed by continuous arrangement of the reflectors 5. Since the protective element 10 is structured as described above, when the slack wire 4 hangs down, the wire 4 collides with the outer edges of the respective protective members 10a, 10b, thus inhibiting the wire 4 from coming into collision with the reflectors 5. In particular, when a large amount of slack occurs in the wire 4, the slack wire 4 collides with the protective member 10b which is disposed continued on next page
Figure 22: Front view of essential components of the leveling device according to a fifth embodiment.
the relational position can be achieved by adjusting other elements based on a predicted amount of slack occurring in the wire 4 during the leveling work performed by use of the underwater foundation leveling device. Figure 19 illustrates a second embodiment, in which the underwater foundation leveling device comprises a dome-shaped protective element 9. The second embodiment is different in this respect from the first embodiment, but the structure of other components is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a dome-shaped protective element 9 is fixedly mounted on a portion of the outer periphery of the support element 2 above the reflectors 5. The outer edge of the protective element 9 extends outward beyond the circle formed by continuous arrangement of the reflectors 5. The bottom side of the protective element 9, a part of which forms the outer edge of the same, is situated above the reflectors 5, so that a light passage is formed under the protective element 9. With a structure as described, the protective element 9 does not block the optical path of reflected light when the position of the leveling area is measured. As illustrated in figure 19, even if the slack wire 4 hangs down and collides with the protective element 9, the wire 4 does not collide with the reflectors 5. As a result, the reflectors 5 are neither damaged nor made dirty by impact of the collision of the wire 4. In addition, the dome-shaped protective element 9 increases impact resistance, thus preventing the protective element 9 from being deformed or broken by impact of the collision of the wire 4. In the dome-shaped protective element 9, the hanging-down Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from previous page on the lower side of the reflective element 5, whereby the wire 4 is inhibited from breaking or making the reflectors 5 dirty. As a result, in the underwater foundation leveling device according to the third embodiment, the reflector 5 may not possibly be damaged. It follows that an accurate position measurement can be achieved. The third embodiment employs the pair of plateshaped protective members 10a, 10b, but the protective members 10a, 10b are not limited to a plate shape. For example, the protective members 10a, 10b may be formed in a dome shape. In particular, if the upper protective member 10a is formed in a dome shape, the impact of the wire 4 can be reduced on the inclined surface of the dome and also the impact resistance of the protective member 10a can be increased, as is the case with the second embodiment. Figure 21 illustrates a fourth embodiment, in which a metal-made protective element 11 of a cage form is mounted on the support element 2 to entirely cover a plurality of reflectors 5. The structure of the other components in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The protective element 11 according to the fourth embodiment comprises a ring member 11a which is secured to a portion of the outer periphery of the support element 2 above the reflectors 5, a ring member 11b which is horizontally placed below the ring member 11a and has a larger diameter than that of the ring member 11a, and a plurality of linear members 11c which vertically extend between the lower and upper ring members 11a, 11b such that the ring members 11a, 11b are coupled to each other through the linear members 11c. In addition, additional ring members 11d, 11e are placed between the ring members 11a, 11b and secured to the linear members 11c to form a cage-shaped protective element 11. The reflectors 5 are assigned to regions between the ring members 11d, 11e and the linear members 11c such that the regions serve as light passages 12. Hence, the protective element 11 does not block the optical path of the light reflected from the reflectors 5. The diameter of the ring members 11d, 11e is set to be greater than the diameter of the circle formed by the continuous arrangement of the plurality of the reflectors 5 such that both the ring members 11d, 11e are situated outside of this circle. For this reason, in the fourth embodiment, the slack wire 4 collides with the protective element 11 as shown in figure 21, but does not collide with the reflectors 5. It follows that the wire 4 does not become a cause of either fracture nor dirtying of the reflectors 5. A fifth embodiment illustrated in figure 22 describes the case of the plumb weight 1, supported by a support element 13 of a frame form. The plurality of reflectors 5 is mounted on the outer periphery above the support element 13, and then a protective element 9 as is the case with the second embodiment shown in figure 19 is provided above the reflectors 5. Quick folding structure for a post unit of a tent frame Pat. 8,205,627 U.S. class 135/114 Int. class E04H 15/60 Inventor: Nanqing Zhou, Fujian, CN. Assignee: Qyield (Xiamen) Camping Products Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian, CN. A quick folding structure for a post unit of a tent frame includes upper, middle and lower posts, an upper connector, and a lower connector. The upper connector is disposed between the upper and middle posts and includes a 66
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Figure 23: Exploded view of the quick folding structure.
first upper connecting portion and a second upper connecting portion. The lower connector is disposed between the middle and lower posts and includes a first lower connecting portion and a second lower connecting portion. A wire rope has a first end secured to the first upper connecting portion and a second end connected to a pin. A spring and the pin are disposed in a ladder-shaped trough of the first lower connecting portion. Two ends of the spring engage with the ladder-shaped trough and a first end of the pin, respectively. A second end of the pin faces an engaging notch of the second lower connecting portion. As shown in figures 23-26, a tent frame is composed of a number of post units. Each of the post units comprises three (upper, middle, lower) posts 1, an upper connector 2, a lower connector 3, a wire rope 4, a spring 5, and a pin 6. The upper connector 2 is disposed between the upper and middle posts 1, and comprises a first upper connecting portion 21 and a second upper connecting portion 22 to engage with each other. The lower connector 3 is disposed between the middle and lower posts 1, and comprises a first lower connecting portion 31 and a second lower connecting portion 32 to engage with each other. The first lower connecting portion 31 is formed with a trough 33. The second lower connecting portion 32 is formed with an engaging notch 34 at an end opposite to the first connecting portion 31. The wire rope 4 has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the first upper connecting portion
Figure 26: Enlarged view taken from circle B of figure 24.
Figure 24: Schematic view of the quick folding structure in an extended state.
21 and located at an outer side of the upper connector 2. The second end is connected to the pin 6. The spring 5 and the pin 6 are disposed in the trough 33 of the first lower connecting portion 31. Two ends of the spring 5 engage with the stairs of the trough 33 and one end of the pin 6, respectively. The other end of the pin 6 faces the engaging notch 34 of the second lower connecting portion 32. Referring to figures 24-26, when the present invention is extended, the pin 6 will be urged by the spring 5 to engage with the engaging notch 34 of the second lower connecting portion 32, preventing the two connecting portions of the lower connector 3 from rotating with each other, while the pin 6 will pull the wire rope 4 downward such that the upper end of the wire rope 4 tightens the first upper connecting portion 21, preventing the two connecting
portions of the upper connector 2 from rotating with each other. Thus, the extended frame is able to support the tent steadily, as shown in figure 27. When the tent is folded, a connecting member 7 provided on the top of the tent will be pulled downward to bring the first upper connecting portion 21 to turn downward and drive the wire rope 4 such that the pin 6 connected with the lower end of the wire rope 4 compresses the spring 5 and disengages from the engaging notch 34 of the second lower connecting portion 32. The aforesaid operation is achieved by pulling downward the tope of tent to drive the
Figure 27: Schematic view showing the quick folding structure in use.
Figure 25: Enlarged view taken from circle A of figure 24.
wire ropes 4 of all the post units so that each post unit is in a disengaged state. After that, the lower post 1 is folded upward and inward. This is a convenient and quick way to fold the tent. When the tent is extended, the top of the tent will be pushed upward to extend all the posts of each post units. The pin 6 of each post unit is urged by the spring 5 to engage with the engaging notch 34 of the second lower connecting portion 32, while the wire rope 4 tightens the first upper connecting portion 21 to extend the tent securely, as shown in figure 24. The connecting member 7 is connected with the top of each post unit to support the whole tent. WRN Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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The Crosby Group is pleased to introduce the new HR-1000CT “COLD TUFF” hoist rings.
Like our standard heavy lift hoist rings, the HR-1000CT provides greater durability in potentially abusive environments and is suitable for use to -50°F (-45°C). The HR-1000CT features components that are produced with a maximum hardness of 34 HRc and are zinc coated utilizing a thermal diffusion galvanizing process for improved corrosion resistance, according to a company release. Additional features include
all load bearing components are heat treated, Quenched and Tempered® alloy steel, individually Magnetic Particle inspected with certification, individually Proof Tested to 2 times the Working Load Limit, and Frame 2 and larger are RFID Equipped. To find out more about the new HR1000CT hoist rings, contact The Crosby Group at (800) 797-4611 or visit www. thecrosbygroup.com.
Talurit AB presents: LK 40 - A cutting machine with high performance
The LK 40 hydraulic shear cutting machine is ideal for cutting wire rope in a safe and effortless way. The machine is designed for efficiency and is very price worthy. According to a company release, the LK 40 has a capacity to cut up to Ø 40 mm of the ordinary single layer round strand ropes, grade 1 960. The key components are made from high quality steel, which means durability and reliability. Some of the features include: • An easy and accessible design, which allows quick and easy insertion of wire rope. This means user friendly 68
and efficient operation. • An automatic switch, stopping the motor after each cutting operation. • To start a new cutting operation, simply press down the foot pedal. Safety for the operator has been an important factor when designing this machine. Each side is equipped with protective rubber flaps, while still maintaining easy insertion of the wire rope. Furthermore, the foot pedal, which controls the hydraulic unit, allows the operator the use of both hands during the entire cutting operation. The most common model is mounted vertically on a stand. The following options are also available: • LK 40 placed on a wagon for easy cutting close to the floor. • LK 40 mounted on a bench, giving the machine a stable base while operating. To read more about LK 40, open a web browser to: www.talurit.com/ webbplats/af/files/tlk40.pdf.
American Halo releases its new hydraulic wire rope swager
American Halo, a domestic manufacturer of hydraulic wire rope swager machines, announced today its new swager. Founded in 2004, American Halo sees swagers as its new way to bring value to the wire rope and cable industry. A “swager” is a machine, as termed in the wire rope industry, that affixes end fittings onto wire rope and cable. The fittings can be swage sockets, flemish eye sleeves, threaded studs, oval sleeves, pin eyes, ball shanks, double balls, button stops or ferrules, and choker ferrules, to name a few. Swagers apply
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
forces to cold form end fittings between a set of dies, in order to “swage” or compress the fittings onto the wire rope or cable to form a permanent termination on the wire rope or cables. Capable of swaging fittings onto cables or wire rope, American Halo swagers are made in USA and built for fast and safe swaging. American Halo introduced to the market its 30 ton swager. “We feel our swaging tools will bring added safety and efficiency to the wire rope and cable industry,” commented Justin Fetter, Vice President of Operations and founder of American Halo. “Our next swagers being developed will be for larger diameter rope and geared toward the heavy lifting industry,” Fetter continued. For more information about American Halo swagers, please visit www. American-Halo.com.
Van Beest offers a complete program of wire rope and chain fittings.
The Excel® range of chain accessories is very complete; you will find everything you need to make a chain assembly in the program, according to a company release. Not only in grade 8 and 10, but also in AISI 316 stainless steel.
Van Beest has recently taken stock of all sizes of the Stainless steel weld-on transport rings PASI:
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Green Pin® Thrust bearing swivels from Van Beest.
Van Beest has recently taken stock of the most popular sizes of the Green Pin® Thrust bearing swivel: WLL 3 up to and including 15 t. Green Pin® Thrust bearing swivels are designed to rotate under load, according to a company release. They are fitted with grease nippels to ensure long life and ease of operation. For more information please contact us: sales@ vanbeest.com.
MSI launches new handheld, remote display
The MSI-8000 remotely controls MSI’s Dyna-Link 2 at distances up to 100 feet. Fans of MSI’s Dyna-Link 2 Series Tension Dynamometers enthusiastically welcome the MSI-8000, a fullfeatured remote control and display for operating the dynamometer at safe and
convenient distances. According to MSI sales representative, Kyle McKinney, “In uses like rigging a mobile construction crane, the Dyna-Link would likely be out of view or inaccessible. Our MSI-8000 allows users to see that weight data and control the scale wirelessly, where they haven’t been able to in the past.” Through MSI-8000’s ergonomic keypad and bold 5-digit LCD display, users have complete control over dynamometer function, programmability and operation. A rechargeable battery allows up to 24 hours of continuous, proven RF communication at distances up to 100 feet. The MSI-8000 currently syncs wirelessly with the latest generation of Dyna-Link 2, the MSI-7300, with future connectivity plans for other MSI crane scale products, including
the MSI-3460 and MSI-4260 models. Users in the petro-chemical, energy, marine, aerospace, and test and measurement industries will appreciate MSI-8000’s heavy-duty, IP65 shock-re-
sistant housing, as well as a standard RS-232 port that allows for advanced traceability and reporting. For additional information on the new MSI-8000 RF Remote Display and other MSI products, visit www.msiscales.com, email info@msiscales.com, or call 206-433-0199, toll free at 1-800874-4320 (U.S. and Canada only). Measurement Systems International (MSI) is a division of Rice Lake Weighing Systems, a family-owned, ISO 9001 certified corporation based in the United States. Headquarters, metrology laboratory and main manufacturing plant are located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin with support facilities throughout the world including North America, South America, India and the Netherlands. continued on next page
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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minor adjustments but fast enough to quickly reposition the platform over its eight foot travel distance. The hoist is operated with a hand held push buttom controller with an automatic brake locking the platform when the buttons are released. The hoist’s compact size keeps it out of the way, while its mounting location at the base of the frame al-
continued from previous page
Adjustable height photographic platform
Classic Construction Models, Inc. (CCM), a manufacturer of brass and diecast construction scale models located in Beaverton, OR, has long recognized high quality photographs as a key part of their sales and marketing program. But when it comes to photographing models with sizes varying from three inches to over five feet tall, getting the right angle with a shooting platform fixed at three and a half feet ranges from difficult to impossible. After working around this problem for many years, CCM turned to Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) for help in finding a workable solution for their situation. After reviewing CCM’s wish list for an adjustable height platform, APPI developed a concept that incorporated vertical rails with a cantilevered platform that utilized one of their Columbia HC1100 Strap Hoists to handle the lifting. CCM developed a detailed plan for the fabricated portions of the system and had those components built and installed to their specifications. The strap from the Columbia DC powered hoist is bridled to two wire rope assemblies which go over pulleys
that lead to two lifting points on the platform to move it up and down. In addition, the platform is hinged to allow it to rotate up and out of the way for shooting extraordinarily tall or heavy items. Once at the desired working height, the platform’s position is mechanically secured by locking pins in the frame rails. The Columbia HC1100 DC Strap Hoist, rated to lift up to 1,100 pounds, moves the platform at 15 feet per minute, which is slow enough to allow for
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lows for a greater range of motion than an overhead hoist would offer. Having the hoist mounted at floor level also makes it easy to access the unit. Wes Boyd, the 6 foot 5 inch tall lead photographer at Classic Construction Models, says the system has made his job much easier and more time efficient. “Rather than having to bend myself and the camera around a model, I can push a button and move it to its best shooting position… it’s so easy to adjust the platform that I wonder how we got by without it.” APPI has provided winches, hoists, and positioning systems to industrial, commercial, and military customers for more than 25 years. Complete information on other APPI products can be found online at www.alliedpower.com.
Oil Eater introduces drum top pad
The new Oil Eater drum top pad is specially designed to catch and absorb oil, coolants, solvents and more. The pad fits a 55-gallon drum top perfectly with pre-cut circles for fill and
Available From:
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
breather holes. It is made of natural plant by-products that feature woven construction. Sample available upon request. For information, visit www.oileater. com or call 800-528-0334.
New role for Chris Mihalik at Columbus McKinnon
Columbus McKinnon Corporation is proud to announce that Chris Mihalik has recently been named North Ameri-
Chris Mihalik
can Business Development Manager Rigging Products. Chris has been with Columbus McKinnon for over 20 years bringing many years of experience and knowledge to his new position. Chris has held other managerial positions, most recently Eastern Regional Sales Director and National Sales Manager for rigging products. Chris has been a member and regular attendee at AWRF functions since 2001, and will continue to be the main liaison between Columbus McKinnon and AWRF. In his new role, Chris will oversee all rigging and manual hoist sales and initiatives throughout the United States and Canada.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers bestows highest honor to pioneer of General Design Theory
For more than 50 years, Hiroyuki Yoshikawa’s vision and commitment to manufacturing has led to tremendous advancement in the field for which he received the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) highest recognition: Honorary Membership. Yoshikawa, the director general of the Centre for Research and Development Strategy at the Science and Technology Agency of Japan, was honored for his many contributions in the international academic, industrial
and government manufacturing engineering communities. He received the Honorary Membership at SME’s International Awards Gala during the Society’s 2012 Annual Conference on June 4, 2012 in Cleveland. “Dr. Yoshikawa’s pioneering developments have achieved international recognition and implementation throughout the manufacturing community,” said LaRoux Gillespie, SME 2012 president. “SME was pleased to recognize him for the outstanding contribution he has made to our industry.” An SME Honorary Membership is conferred upon an individual of recognized ability and stature who has, by voluntary action, contributed their substantial skills and talent to accomplish the goals of the Society. This award is one of the most prestigious honors presented by the Society and is reserved for those exhibiting professional eminence among manufacturing engineers. Most notable was Yoshikawa’s pioneering role in general design theory, which is common through different engineering disciplines and is the most crucial to develop logical planning of manufacturing. Many international experts in design engineering have been using his theory to develop new applications. Through his commitment to leadership, Yoshikawa proposed a unique collaborative program called “Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS).” This program became a model for international cooperation on subjects of importance to manufacturing development for the next generation of products. With Yoshikawa’s guidance, the program was implemented worldwide by academic institutions, corporations and government agencies. As president of the International Institution of Production Research (CIRP), Yoshikawa led the society to develop manufacturing science research related to the environment and global warming, from the view point of production and usage of artificial products. Yoshikawa received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1956 and his Doctor of Engineering in 1964 from the University of Tokyo. He is a fellow of several academic engineering academies including fellow of Engineering Academy of the Czech Republic and fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering of the United Kingdom. His past positions include President
of University of Tokyo (1993), President of the International Council of Science (1999), and President of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (2001). To learn more about SME Honorary Membership, visit www.sme.org/honorarymembers.
New sales reps at Lift-It
Lift-It® Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of quality rigging is pleased to announce that Christopher Shultz and Cody Nuss have joined the sales team as operations are expanded. Mr. Nuss is a graduate of Monrovia High School and attended Pasadena City College, pursuing his business degree. His training for sales and purchasing began months ago and he currently provides exemplary customer continued on next page
Christopher Shultz
Cody Nuss
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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continued from strategy, previous page (E&E). DSM’s named Vision service. M.J. Gelskey, Sr., CEO, Lift2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses It “ We continually receive oncomments, accelerating profitable and innovavery nice compliments on hisspecialties customer tive growth of the company’s service as I visit our dealers and those portfolio. Market-driven growth, compliments mean much topresence us.” innovation and increased in Mr. Shultz is a graduate of Bozeemerging economies are key drivers of man School and will enroll in on this High strategy. The group has annual line pursuing degree in saleseducation of over EUR 8 billionhis and employs business, withpeople an option in marketsome 22,000 worldwide. DSM ing. Christopher is being trained by his ranks among the global leaders in mentor, Gelskey, Jr.,company Vice Presimany ofMike its fields. The is dent and GeneralinManager. Mr. Gelsheadquartered the Netherlands, key provide Asia, growth and withcomments, locations “To in Europe, Africa as our succession planning we andpart the of Americas. have begun process with our third About W.L.the Gore & Associates, Inc. generation, not & only in the office, buta W. L. Gore Associates, Inc., also in our manufacturing operations. technology solutions provider with Talent andbillion customer service are somenearly $2 in sales and more than thing 7 , 0 0 0we a scultivate s o c i a t e sin , sour p e cpeople, i a l i z e sthe in Lift-It f l u o r oway.” polymer innovations that “I am very with the “young liimprove the pleased quality of life. Over its 47ons” has hired. You would never yearJunior history, Gore has applied its know w o r l dthese - r e ngentlemen o w n e d e xare p e ras t iyoung s e w i as th they are given theirand remarkable mamembranes, fibers laminates to turity and of outstanding ethic. It thousands products inwork performanceis also very gratifying to have Christopher, my grandson being squired as Junior’s wing man. The future is very bright for our customers and for these young men”, Mike Gelskey, Sr., Chief Executive Officer commented.
Spider hires Brock Parslow as district sales representative – Vancouver, B.C.
Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, welcomes Brock Parslow as District Sales Representative of its Vancouver, British Columbia operation center. In this role, Parslow is responsible for solving the suspended access and safety challenges of contractors and facility owners in Western Canada. Most recently, Parslow served as Outside Sales Representative for Treen Safety Equipment, increasing the sales of first aid and fall protection products in his B.C. and Alberta territories by over 150% during his 4 year tenure. He has a track record of increasing his customer base through exceptional focus 72 54
viously worked as territory manager and sales manager before accepting his new position. Ken will be responsible for operations in Denver as well as the continued financial growth of the company. “I enjoy our industry and the friendships that have developed through the years. I look forward to new challenges and new relationships with manufacturers and co-workers,” said Ken Gubanich. Ken graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While attending college, Ken and wife, Robin, were re-acquainted and married after graduation. Ken and Robin enjoy playing trainer and cheering for their twin son and daughter’s competitive baseball, softball, and socBrock Parslow cer games. Ken’s other hobbies include big City, game hunting, water skiing and on customer work processes and safety Wooden bridge at River Camp by St. Joe in Panama Florida using stainless steel cable. goals. Parslow holds a Bachelor of Arts boating. degree in Business Okanagan driven markets, suchfrom as automotive, Bridges of Tallahassee, Florida are the ® to Ultra-tec obituary University College. energy, electronics and industrial Correction recipients of the Cable “Brock is a welcomed addition to filtration. The company operates in printed Railing Design Award, according in the June issueto our Vancouver team, ledwith by morestrong than 45 facilities worldwide Raymond Kechely, president of In our last issue, wevice printed the (parOperations Manager Jim Wason, a 20- tial) headquarters in Newark, Delaware, The obituary Cable Connection manufacof Williamthe Hagenbuch. ® year veteran,” comments John USA.Spider For more information, visit We t ure r o unarare f U l t r a of -t eac software ca b l e problem r a i l i ng were Sotiroff, vice president Spider Sales www.gore.com/omnibend. products. that omitted the first part of the obitu® andDyneema Distribution. “Brock’s impressive award was given for the design is a registered trademark aryThe until the issue was circulated. We sales record and dedication to cus- apologize and fabrication a wooden bridgethe at of Royal DSM N.V. for the of error and present tomer River Camp by St. Joe in Panama City, A l l osatisfaction t h e r t r a d ewill m a rundoubtedly k s a r e t h e missing information here. benefit contractors and facility owners Florida. The bridge was built in 2005 property of their respective owners. as we work to deliver the most trusted using stainless steel cable as the William Harbine Hagenbuch Cable Railing Design and reliable suspended access solurailingAge in-fill. 93 of Beavercreek, died tions on theannounced market.” Award According May to Kechely, award is Thursday, 24, 2012the at home. Goddard Specialty Construction of given for the design of the railing in Denver and Supply PeachtreeWire City,Rope Florida and Nature relation to its setting for the Bill Hagenbuch was bornand October 19, announces new president appearance andIndiana. quality At of six fabrication 1918 in Muncie he was Denver Wire Rope and Supply is bedridden of the railing. The Cable Connection for months with osteomyeliproud to announce the promotion of tis. supplied the tensioners and He occupied his mind tomounting compenKen Gubanich to president. Ken pre- sate, devices for thechess cable. Nature Bridges learning and playing with built thetoys. bridge. Goddard building Perhaps then Specialty he develConstruction installed cables. oped his social skills,the ability to del“Thin, yet strong stainless steel cable egate, positive attitude and eagerness was the perfect choice for this project,” to explore. explained Brian Fischer of Goddard After a mid-year promotion in high Specialty “You to hardly school, BillConstruction. was transferred the see the cable, so for theBoys view unimBlue Ridge School in is Henderpaired.” Brian's Goddard, sonville, North partner, Carolina,Don graduating added, “The aCable had all at 16. After year Connection at Miami Univerthe right stainless steel “too tensioners and sity, which he enjoyed thoroughfittings that enabled us to install the ly” he transferred to M.I.T. and made cable quickly and a veryhereasonable the Dean’s list. Atat M.I.T. earned a cost.in We are and proud of this project B.S. 1940 a Masters in 1941and in thrilled toengineering. receive the design award. chemical He was active in student government, ROTC and Sigma Nu.calls for Vietnam NEMA He first worked at Hercules Powder admission into the WTO in Delaware, earning his pilot’s license ashis soon possible on lunchas hours. In WWII he took NEMA, theatNational Electrical radar training Harvard and M.I.T., Manufacturers Association, had a stint at flight traininghas andhailed then the recent conclusion of negotiations Ken Gubanich
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology
August 2006
worked in radar countermeasures at Wright Field, near the family farm in Beavercreek. Bill’s rare mix of technical smarts and diplomacy played out across his lifetime. In 1944 he was sent to England with the U.S. 8th Army Air Corps where he witnessed the London bombing and
liberation of Paris. While there he met American Wellesley student Grace Horner working in a civilian radar lab. After the war they married, moved to the family farm and Bill joined the family ropemaking business in Xenia. Over 40 years he rose to chief engineer and CEO of the Hooven & Allison Company, where he modernized operations
to make synthetic rope. The Cordage Institute twice honored him as an industry pioneer. The Hagenbuchs adopted daughters Susan, Bonnie, Christine and Kate. Bill and Grace also hosted ten exchange students and developed farreaching friendships. People in the News continued on next page
OBITUARY Edgar Danciger, founder of Florida Wire and Cable, dies at age 94 Edgar Danciger, a longtime resident of Jacksonville, died on Sunday, April 15th, ending 94 years of a remarkable life. Reared in Riga, Latvia, Ed was a U.S. military veteran, a lifelong sailor, and a renowned industrialist. Ed cherished the United States of America because, as he said, “it provided me a home, opportunity, and freedom.” His story is unique. Ed learned to sail on the Baltic Sea as a young man, and following his mandatory service in the Latvian army, he left his native land for work in international merchant shipping. In search of freedom and unable to speak English, Ed “jumped ship” in Boston harbor in 1939 with neither money nor luggage. He initially found work as a lumberman and a dishwasher. Dissatisfied with life underground and aiming to contact his family, Ed returned to sea for the attractive compensation offered seamen willing to serve in the Atlantic Ocean war zone. He became a chief gunner in the British merchant fleet, once evacuating British troops in the Battle of Dunkirk, as he fought off Nazi Stuka dive-bombers. Separated from his family by the Soviet occupation of Latvia in WWII, Ed made his second voyage to the United States in 1941. His dream of citizenship now became true, as he immigrated via Cuba with the support of many kind strangers. Settling in New York City, his elation was tempered by the reality he was truly alone, as his family had been deported to Siberia. An accomplished ship rigger full of ambition and wit, Ed had no difficulty finding employment in the shipping industry on City Island, New York. He also pursued a formal engineering education at Pratt Institute of Technology in Brooklyn, NY, before enlisting in the US Army in 1944. Trained locally at Camp Blanding, Ed served both overseas and in the Pentagon as a Master Sergeant
and intelligence specialist, utilizing his German and Russian language skills. In 1947, Ed returned to civilian life in the northeast to begin his long and notable career in the rigging, splicing and manufacturing of wire rope. By day, he worked full-time as a plant manager for Sunbury Wire Rope and later for Paulsen Wire Rope. By night he attended more engineering classes, both at Bucknell and the Polytechnic Insti-
Edgar Danciger
tute of New York University. Ed also started a family, he raced sailboats on weekends, and he sought the American dream of owning his own business. Convinced of the profit opportunity for a new building material, PreStressed Concrete Strand, Ed founded the Florida Wire and Cable Company (“FWC”) in 1958, relocating to Jacksonville with his young family to start a business in a city he believed had many strategic advantages. Ed designed and built the plant’s original manufacturing equipment himself. FWC was the nation’s leading manufacturer of PC Strand for more than 20 years, and Ed retired from the business in 1988 as one of the industry’s true visionaries. Ed and his wife, Agnes, enjoyed world travel, particularly long winter stints at Man-O-War Cay in the Abaco Baha-
mas— a favorite sailing and fishing destination. Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed competitive offshore ocean sailing, skippering races in countless regattas throughout the east coast and across the Gulf of Mexico. Ed was a longtime member of the Florida Yacht Club, the New York Yacht Club, the Storm Trysail Club, and the Cruising Club of America. He served the local community in many capacities including board work for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Junior Achievement, Salvation Army, and Bartram School. In 2005, the Wire Association International honored Ed with the Mordica Award in recognition of his contributions to the knowledge base of the wire and cable industry. In 1987 Ed established The Edgar Danciger Endowed Scholarship fund at the University of North Florida to benefit students majoring in mechanical engineering. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife, Evelyn, Ed is survived by his wife of 21 years, Agnes Ellis Danciger; son, Gary W. Danciger (Molly Mitchell Danciger) and their three daughters, Anna, Audrey and Kate; son, Daniel F. Danciger (Wendy) and their daughter, Taylor Danciger, and son Brendan Fusco. Ed is also survived by his stepchildren Margaret G. Barton (Thomas Kimbrough); Quinn R. Barton, III (Elizabeth) and their two daughters, Lily and Ella; Ellis C. Barton (Stacey) and their two children, Emily and Chase Evans; and David A. Barton (Susanna) and their two children, Ben and Marley; and goddaughter Eva Dahlstrom. A service to celebrate Ed’s life was held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18th, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested be made to The Edgar Danciger Endowed Scholarship, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 33224.
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Bridon boosts leadership team with three key board-level hires
International ropemaker appoints new CFO, MD Asia, and MD North America International ropemaker Bridon has announced the appointment of three new Directors to its Executive Board, installing heavyweight newcomers in the CFO, MD, Asia, and MD, North America roles. The move is set to strengthen the company’s senior team as it seeks to establish a technology leadership position across its global markets. Entering the company as Managing Director of Bridon American Corporation (BAC) is former Navy Seal Chris Dugan, who has served for the last 5 years as General Manager of Cooper Interconnect, a supplier of electrical products to the industrial, mining, and oil and gas sectors. While at Cooper, Dugan managed a global sales force and engineering team and oversaw six factories in the USA and Mexico. Dugan was handpicked by Bridon for his experience growing a company with a global footprint, which will be relevant as Bridon expands in South America, as well as his experience in building the technological capacity of a major manufacturing business. The company’s new Managing Director for Asia is Ivan Ng, who joins Bridon from Sundyne Asia, a manufacturer of pumps and compressors for the fluid and process industries (including oil & gas, water treatment, and construction). Sundyne Asia is a United Technologies company where he served as General
Chris Dugan
Graham Hardcastle
Manager. Ng has held several senior regional management positions in Asia, including BD Director at Reynolds Metals Inc. and General Manager in Schott Asia. He brings a range of experience to the role, having managed factory operations and sales and marketing for the last 20 years and across a number of industrial businesses. Bridon’s new Chief Financial Officer Graham Hardcastle comes to the company after an 18 year career with Smiths Group PLC, which was followed by four years as Smith and Nephew’s CFO of Global Operations. Hardcastle has extensive experience of senior finance roles, having spent 5 years as the Finance Director of Smiths’ Specialty Engineering Division and 2 years as the Finance Director of its Medical Division. He trained as an accountant at Arthur Young. The new appointments will strengthen Bridon’s hand as it seeks to solidify its global technology leadership posi-
Ivan Ng
tion. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Jon Templeman, the company is on schedule to open a state of the art factory in Newcastle, UK, that will produce the largest and most complex ropes in the world; a move that has already caught the attention of global operators across Bridon’s key markets. It also plans to open a Technology Centre in Doncaster later this year that will significantly enhance its testing and New Product Development capabilities. Bridon International Chief Executive Jon Templeman said: “With the imminent launch of the Bridon Neptune Quay facility, which will produce the largest and most complex ropes in the world, our new Directors join Bridon at a crucial time for the company. The expertise, experience and leadership that Chris, Ivan and Graham will bring to our senior team will be instrumental in realizing Bridon’s vision of global technology leadership across our key markets”.
•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:
P.O. Box 871 • Clark, NJ 07066 Fax: 732-396-4215 Email: info@wireropenews.com
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Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Advertisers Index Please turn to the pages indicated below for a detailed view of advertisers’ products or services. Accutech ........................................................69
My-te . ............................................................52
All Material Handling .................................61, 69
New England Ropes ........................................62
Allied Power Products .....................................33
C.S. Osborne & Co. . .......................................63
American Halo ................................................50
Peerless . ........................................................27
Associated Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc. ...11, 35, 48
Premier Wire Rope ............................................5
Buffalo Lifting and Testing ...............................65
Quality Marine . ...............................................16
Cableway Technical Services ..........................77
Reel-O-Matic ..................................................32
Caldwell Company, Inc. .......................12, 26, 80
Rud Chain, Inc. ...............................................47
Chant Engineering Co., Inc. .......................31, 53
Sea Catch .......................................................72
Chicago Hardware ..........................................28
Slingmax Rigging Products ...............................3
The Crosby Group . ...............................2, 17, 49
Slinguard Protectors . ......................................70
Distributor Computer Systems . .......................61
Southern Weaving Company ...........................13
Downs Crane & Hoist Co., Inc. ........................63
Southern Wire .................................................45
Elite Sales .......................................................21
Strider~Resource . ...........................................6
Engineered Lifting Tech ...................................56
Suncor Stainless, Inc. ............................... 40-41
Esco Corporation ............................................18
Talurit .............................................................15
Esmet .............................................................24
Taylor Chain Company ....................................74
Gaylin International Co. Pte. Ltd. . ....................79
Terrier Lifting Clamps ......................................23
Hirtzer ............................................................56
Van Beest BV ..................................................19
Ken Forging, Inc. .............................................36
Vanguard Steel, Ltd. ........................................25
KWS, Inc. .......................................................55
Wichard, Inc. ..................................................57
Landmann ........................................................4
Windy Ridge Corporation ................................55
Lincoln Hoist . .................................................37
Wirop Industrial Co., Ltd. . ...............................29
Morse-Starrett Products Co. . ..........................51
Yoke Industrial Corp. .........................................9
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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HELP WANTED Fast growing Billings Montana industrial supply and rigging shop seeks experienced rigger and wire rope assembler. Must be familiar with all aspects of rigging shop operations. Email resume to bjones@gotbolts.com. POSITION AVAILABLE 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 permanent dividend from the State after one year of residency. Email resume to accounting@arcticwirerope.com. Company: Southern Wire, a leading wholesaler/distributor of wire rope, slings, chain, and fittings is expanding sales force in other parts of the US. We are seeking Outside Sales Territory Managers for the Northeastern and South Central areas of the US. We offer a competitive base salary and commission program. Our excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, life, disability, paid vacation, vehicle, and 401K. Please visit company website: www.houwire.com. College degree preferred - Industry knowledge a must. Send resume in confidence to: marketing@southernwire.com or Fax# 662893-4732. *No calls please* Wire Rope Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of premium ropes with more than 125 years of experience, is opening a regional 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 email your resume to careers.industrial@ gmail.com. Philadelphia, PA Wire Rope & Fabrication shop has inside customer sales/service position. Experience in rigging or crane industries a plus. Contact us via email: hjs_ ess@hotmail.com or fax: 610-687-0912. 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 vacation,
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holiday, and sick leave, 401K Retirement plan with matching, excellent insurance benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, RX, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance. M-F. office hours. Drug free workplace. Please reply to: Attention: Cherise, Rasmussen Wire Rope and Rigging Co. Inc. 415 south Cloverdale Street, P.O. Box 81206 Seattle, WA 98108, Phone: 206-762-3700, Fax: 206-762-5003, email: Cherise m@rasmussenco.com. Company: Nelson Wire Rope Corporation Description: 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 industries. Location: Hatfield, PA Employee Type: Fulltime Industry: Manufacturing, Wire Rope and Sling Industry Job Title: Outside-Inside Sales Required Education: Industry experience, degree preferred Required Travel: Frequent Day Trips Other: Local Candidates Only Interested candidates should Email resume to: nwrjobs@gmail.com. Job Duties and Responsibilities: • Aggressively identifies and contacts prospective customers by phone and on-site visits. Ability to conduct sales presentations of company products or services while on site. Plans effective strategies to capture new business. Proven ability to generate new sales. • Provide inside customer service and sales. Skills and Qualifications: • Excellent customer service skills; strong written and verbal communication skills, outgoing 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. Certified Slings & Supply, Florida’s largest family owned rigging, contractor and industrial supply company is seeking experienced sales representatives for our Florida territories. The suitable candidate will be aggressive and detail-oriented with experience in selling overhead 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 experience we are looking for we look forward to hearing from you. Email your resume and salary requirements to Attention Team Member Relations at csi@certifiedslings. com or fax to 407-260-9196.
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
Our Purpose: To grow through challenge and opportunity ‘with passion’ while benefiting team members, customers and vendors. Our Core Values: Service, Quality, Team, Commitment, Communication, Integrity, Respect. Our Mission: We will be the most trusted and respected company in rigging, overhead lifting, load securement and contractor supplies in the world. Please visit our website 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 Experienced Regional Sales Manager wanted for KWS Inc., member of the THIELE GmbH & Co. KG.-group. KWS Inc. is expanding in the USA and Canada markets. Candidate must have a strong understanding of overhead lifting equipment, chains, slings, hooks and accessories. A strong sales experience is a must. Candidate must also have basic computer skills that include Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint. KWS Inc. offers a competitive salary, profit sharing and many other benefits. Please email resume to THIELE Germany, Mr. Enrique Bermejo, Sales Director Lifting Department, Germany; Email: e.bermejo@ thiele.de. Leading manufacturer of below the hook lifting 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, compensation and schedule all in a fantastic, southern coastal area! Please send resume to Tandemloc, 824 Highway 101, Havelock, NC 28532, sandy@ tandemloc.com or call 252-463-8113. Sales manager needed for Chicago market. Must have strong understanding of wire rope, chain, hardware. Must be able to establish goals and achieve desired results. Computer literate, minimal travel. Salesforce knowledge a plus. Competitive salary and benefits. Reply to box 11-4, care of Wire Rope News, 511 Colonia Blvd., Colonia, NJ 07067. 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 finish 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. Outside Sales Representative needed for well established family owned business in Nashville, TN. Contractors & Industrial Supply Co., Inc. founded in 1970 is a distributor of wire rope, rigging hardware, chain and related industry products is expanding our sales team. The qualified individual will possess industry knowledge and the ability continued
to develop new accounts and maintain existing. We offer a competitive base salary plus commission and an outstanding benefits package. If qualified, please email your resume with salary history to kreff@cisrigging.com. Established wire rope distributor in North America is expanding into crane/container rope and fabrication. We are looking for an experienced 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 330-4522331 attention Kris Lee or email to klee@ afdindustries.com. 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 experience in the industrial supply market is necessary. We offer a drug-free, results-oriented work environment with excellent wages and advancement opportunities. Resumes received confidentially at wremployment@gmail.com. POSITION WANTED 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. Experienced Wire Rope Sling (Flemish) fabricator 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. Relocationg cost can be negotiated. If you are interested in working for our company, please email me at allen@cwrhawaii.com or call me at 808-843-2020. Former Division-Product Manager, Regional Outside Sales Manager desires southeast territory 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 mike90309@aol.com, ph 256-476-7700. REPS WANTED 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 Canada. Check our webiste: www.netsandslings. com before contacting us. We offer several protected territories without any restriction of house accounts. Generous commission paid when order is shipped (not when $ collected). Call 954-7887144 or e-mail: sunwoodfl@aol.com. Sales rep wanted for an established manufacturer 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 regis-
CABLEWAY TECHNICAL SERVICES GRAVITY RETURN Call Nielsen
Ocala, FL 24 Hour Fax (904) 342-0547 tered trademark and manufactures custom sling tags for synthetic and wire rope slings and has an excellent reputation in the field. We advertise in trade journals and exhibit at industry shows to generate brand awareness. Please contact us at info@etiflex.com or call 866-ETIFLEX for information. Manufacturer Represtentatives for Lifting Equipment & Accessories wanted by ALL MATERIAL HANDLING, Inc. Territories are now available and supported by our 4 USA Warehouses 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 peter@ allmaterialhandling.com. 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 ray@thecableconnection.com or call Ray at (800) 851-2961 continued
Fax: (1-732) 396-4215 Only $1 per line. Ads answered through private box numbers, $3 extra. Place stamp on envelope, cut along perforation, fold, tape where indicated and drop in the nearest mail box. If you prefer, send no money now, we’ll bill you later. (Please type or print clearly)
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Please limit each line to 40 characters AND spaces. Payment enclosed. Please bill us. Check here and add $3 if you wish to have your ad answered through a private box number. Published bi-monthly: Dec., Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. Material must be received by the 20th of month preceding date of publication (e.g. May 20th for the June issue). Publisher assumes no liability for errors, or, in assigning or forwarding mail for classified advertisers using publication box numbers.
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continued from previous page PRODUCT LINES WANTED Merit Sales, Inc. (Manufacturer Representatives) 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 regional warehouses available in the Atlanta area & Houston. e-mail: johng@meritsalesinc. com or call Johnny at 713-664-7723. EQUIPMENT WANTED Wanted: Used test stand for manual hoists static testing, up to 10-tons. Contact John Gideon at jwg@meritsalesinc.com or Phone 770-266-5700. Wanted 600t wire rope swaging press complete with dies in good order, please contact Tony@cman.co.nz, 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. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Dragline range & depth extended using gravity return. Contact Nielsen by fax for details (fax) 904-342-0547 FOR SALE “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, com-
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plete set-up. Tinius Olsen- Testing machine 60K. Call us at 954-788-7144 or e-mail: sunwoodfl@aol.com. 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 abarker@rmcord.com, 800-3429130 x 124, Andy. New wire rope with galvanized finish, 8 x19, Seale, fiber core, traction grade (1180/1770 N/mm²), right regular lay: 1/2” diameter, 14,900 lbs breaking load, .36 lbs/ foot net weight, 25,000 feet; 5/8” diameter, 23,700 lbs breaking load, .58 lbs/foot, 16,489 feet. Contact Draka Elevator Products at 1-877-372-5237 for pricing. 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 Gerberte Court, Wurruk, Victoria, Australia, 3850. Phone 0011+61351461088. Email: bgalpha@bigpond.net.au. 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. WIRE ROPE FOR SALE New Wireco: 6 X 26 construction, 7/8” X
Wire Rope News & Sling Technology August 2012
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 shaclkes. Call Tom at 541-378-7006 for pricing and details. HARDWARE FOR SALE 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 SALE 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 blemberg@ bilcogroup.com. 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 machine for sale. Brand new, with 4 sets of dies. $19,500 or B/O. Call Oscar at 909-5482884. 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.
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