Patent attributes
A line clamp or stopping apparatus includes a housing one part of which serves to clamp or wedge a line subjected to high tension upwards of ten tons. The other part of the housing controls the first part. An eccentric wheel rotates freely within the first part in response to movements of the line and is guided within a space or gap between the wheel and a braking element. The control includes a toggle joint that applies significant forces on the brake when a safety is removed and a control lever is in a neutral or locking position. When the control lever is moved to the open or unlock or release position the toggle joint snaps and released the brake to increase the gap in the line receiving space to allow free movement of the line. A hydraulic brake can be used in place of the mechanical toggle joint.
