US3570815A

US3570815A - Apparatus for support and drive of rotary appliances

Info

Publication number: US3570815A
Application number: US862578A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur John Nelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-08-18
Filing date: 1969-08-18
Publication date: 1971-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 1988-03-16

Abstract

A power-consuming rotary appliance is supported and driven by elements involved in the speed changes of the power unit. The apparatus is applicable for either horizontal or vertical axis of rotation of the appliance by slight change to sealing details and with further modification is adaptable to immersion in a body of water. The speed changer comprises at least one planetary gear train and particular design assures proper conditioning and circulation of lube oil in contention with environmental conditions. The use of this apparatus to serve as a winch is stressed as one application.

Description

United States Patent Arthur John Nelson San Francisco, Calif. ((3304 Shasta Drive, San Mateo, Calif. 94403) Aug. 18, 1969 Mar. 16, 1971 lnventor App]. No. Filed Patented APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT AND DRIVE OF ROTARY APPLIANCES 15 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl .1. 254/150, 74/801, 310/87, 61/81, 184/6 Int. Cl B6641 3/22 Field of Search 74/801;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,402,756 6/1946 Lawler 1. 74/801 3,319,093 5/1967 Abdul.... 310/87 3,432,704 3/1969 Nelson 310/87 3,438,462 4/1969 Nelson 74/801 Primary Examiner-Harvey C. Hornsby Assistant ExaminerMerle F. Maffei ABSTRACT: A power-consuming rotary appliance is supported and driven by elements involved in the speed changes of the power unit. The apparatus is applicable for either horizontal or vertical axis of rotation of the appliance by slight change to sealing details and with further modification is adaptable to immersion in a body of water. The speed changer comprises at least one planetary gear train and particular design assures proper conditioning and circulation of lube oil in contention with environmental conditions. The use of this apparatus to serve as a winch is stressed as one application.

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ArthurJNelson APPARATUS FOR SUFIORT AND DRIVE OF ROTARY AFFIJIANCIES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a compact power-driven speed changer adaptable to the drive and support of rotary appliances. Its significance is particularly exemplified when employed integrally as a winch and is stressed in this disclosure as such though not intended to be limited in this respect. Its use applies equally with other rotary applicances including grinders, circle saws, sprockets, pulleys and the like.

Therefore, insofar as the winch application is concerned, the prior art relies on a system of sheaves to direct cable wound on the drum of the winch, each such sheave not only adding to the ultimate tensile stress in the cable but also greatly decreases the useable life of the cable.

With respect to compactness in design, this arrangement improves over the prior art in saving space and weight. Furthermore, it eliminates a series of journals which separately must be lubricated and periodically replaced. replaced.

A principal object of the invention is the means to support and transmit torque to appliances utilizing characteristics of a planetary gear train advantageously in this respect.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide the basic concept applicable to variation in position of axis of rotation of an appliance as well as changes in environmental condition by simple modification to minor details.

A still further object pertains to the lubrication system and insurance of its effective function.

A specific object relates to the care of cable associated with the unit when devised as a winch.

A prime object is the integration of auxiliary appurtenance by utilization of elements to contribute multiple functions in the establishment of a compact unit.

The ultimate object is a compact unit: capable of automatic adjustment to environmental changes when submerged in a body o-f water, and protected against detrimental elements to perform durably in transmission of work to rotary appliances dependent upon it.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will become more apparent when viewed in light of the following descriptions and accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention may be summarized as an apparatus imparting torque to rotary appliances in close-coupled relationship with a power source and adaptable to changes in axis of rotation of those appliances. Provisions are included, furthermore, to extend application in a variety of environments whereby the internal mechanisms are protected from harmful elements.

Such variations incorporate in all the characteristic of a simple planetary gear train in which there is a driving element introducing the source of power, a driven element to transmit the torque to the driven appliance and a fixed element associated as the journal support of the driven appliance. Choice of these elements and their function is dependent upon whether the speed changer is to be a reducer or increaser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is an elevational view, partially in section, illustrating one embodiment of the assembly employed in combination with a two train speed-reducing planetary gear system with vertical axis of rotation as applied to a winch.

FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view and partially schematic taken on the plane 2-2 of FIG. ll, detailing only those parts associated with a gear pump and its reversibility of operation.

FIG. 3 is a plan view, partially in section, taken on the plane 3-3 of FIG. ll detailing an auxiliary gear pump and its reversibility of operation.

FiG. 4 is a sectional plan view taken on the plane 4-4 of FIG. I detailing provisions for care of a cable wound to a drum.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the portion embodying another assembly of the basic conception with changes and omissions suggestive to adoption for a horizontal axis of rotation of a singie train planetary gear system.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of spooling device for uniform feed of cable to a drum.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the follower for the spooling device.

FIG. 8 is an outline view of a vertical arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of a sealing device as employed with a horizontal axis of rotation of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of a sealing device as employed with a vertical axis of rotation of FIG. I.

FIG. Ill is an enlarged partial view of a part of a check valve device. i 1

FIG. 12 is an elevation view, partially in section, illustrating an embodiment of the assembly as a speed increaser.

FIG. 13 is a portion of an elevational view of a winch showing a singular spooling means for a partitioned drum alternately controlling feed of one of two cables.

References: A. J. Nelson, inventor Ref. A, U.S. Pat, No. 3,432,704 issued 3-1 1-69; Ref. B, U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,462 issued 4-15-69.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now specifically to FIG. I the composite assembly 8 typifies the application used as a close-coupled winch powered through the speed reducer, installed in a vertical axis of rotation with optional refinements when immersed in a body of water. Although not shown, it is understood any suitable means (applicable to the particular installation) supports the winch to a structure related to the remote member interconnected by the extended cable. Mention is made now of Ref. A and Ref. B describing elements included and improved on in this application.

Motor I0 is flange connected to a lower shell I2 and shown partially sectionalized to reveal the dual gear mechanism of the principal planetary train 1 and secondary planetary train in. Train 14 comprises: a driving sun gear 18, a driven internal ring gear 20, and fixed cage assembly 22. Assembly 22 includes at least one planet pinion 24,, free to revolve about its journal 26 mounted between extended cage body 28 and cage cover 29 shown bolted together. Fixed cage assembly 22 is shown clamped between flanges of motor It) and shell l2. Train 16 comprises: a motor shaft mounted driving sun gear 30, a motor mounted fixed internal ring gear 32 and a driven cage assembly 34 transmitting torque to gear 18 to which it is fixed. Assembly 34 includes at least one planet pinion 36 free to revolve about its journal 38 mounted between cage 40 and cover 411. It is pointed out that train l6 may be omitted from the assembly thus providing a single planetary transmission, whereupon sun gear 18 would mount to motor shaft II in place of gear St).

The operation of the unit as developed provides that train it imparts rotation at reduced speed of that of the motor to the train I4. Train lid also effects additional speed reduction with the specific elements utilized to support and power shell 44. Accordingly fixed cage 28 as extended provides the journal support of shell 44, and coupling as having a spline 48 in mesh with the driven internal ring gear 20 is fastened to shell 4 Thus torque to the shell 44 is advantageously applied with maximum lever arm. Drum 50 made integral with shell dd accomrnodates turns of cable 52, one end of which is secured by fastening 54. Thus far in the description it is arbitrary whether drum 543 or any other rotary apparatus (suitabiy applicable) be mounted to shell 44. The adoption of cable to drum likewise is optional since as seen in FlG. 4- the cable may be wrapped with a few turns and have both ends free of the drum effecting acapstan. Or the drum may be partitioned and dual cables mounted to effect pay out of one with haul in of the other.

As mentioned the extension of cage 28 provides the journal support of shell 44 and

thrust bearings

55 and 56 fix the axial movement of shell 44 with respect cage 28 and accommodated by the spline efi'ect of coupling 46. Bearing 56 is positioned by a backup collar 58 and split-retaining ring 60 fitting an accommodating groove in cage 28. A housing 61 bolted to and rotates with shell 44 seals off the end of cage 28 to confine the interior of shell 47 to a single opening protected by a seal 62 establishing a barrier to the entrance of foreign matter to the interior of shell 44. FIG. is an enlarged view of the seal as employed for the vertical axis of rotation. As thus far developed this apparatus may as well be operated about a horizontal axis of rotation with simple modification of the seal 62 to that depicted in FIG. 9, which is also applicable for the vertical axis of rotation. The seal of FIG. 10 is that fully developed in Exh. A and functions as a liquid barrier between two gaseous volumes.

Winch Features Spooling device 64 (see also FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) is timed to properly guide cable 52 on to drum 50. it comprises a pair of similarly threaded

shafts

66, 68 rotated in opposite directions by meshing

gears

70, 72 and driven by gear 74 turna ing with drum 50 through intermediate gear 76. Bracket 78 supports the lower end of

shafts

66, 68 and a guide rod 80 and centers all gears 70, 72, 74, 76. Gear cover 82 matches with and bolts to bracket 78. Bracket 84 supports the upper ends of

shafts

66, 68 and rod 30. A pivotal follower 86 mounted on guide rod 86 is in matching engagement with either one or the other threaded

shaft

66, 68 and is retained to that engagement by insert 88 hearing on bar 91). A pair of rollers 92 are revolvably mounted to follower 86 in parallel alignment and spaced apart in excess of the diameter of cable 52 which they straddle.

Rotation of the drum activates the

shafts

66, 68 to force follower 86 linearly along rod 80 to produce an advance equal to the pitch of cable on the drum per turn of the drum. Accordingly, the rollers 92 guide cable 52 on to drum 50 irrespective of the fleet angle of approach of the cable to the drum. A cam lug 94 secured to shaft 66 and a cam lug 96 secured to shaft 68 alternately forces the follower 86 at the end of travel corresponding with full feed of cable on the drum to the opposite shaft since the length of bar 913 conforms to effect release of insert 88 thus permitting pivotal swing of follower 86. Thereupon, the follower 86 reversible travels for uninterrupted feed of the cable, insert 38 being relocated to the opposite side of bar 26.

The previous disclosure with mention of alternate transmissions and positioning of axis of rotation is depicted in FIG. 5 so that it seems necessary only to point out certain features to cover description of this arrangement. Like parts bear like numerals with subscript a.

The principal change has to do with the horizontal axis of rotation. (Incidentally, drum 50 is modified to be a belt pulley 56a.) An angular gear reducer 34a replaces planetary train 16 of FIG. 1. A seal 62a of the type of FIG. 9 is employed to replace seal 62. Improvement to FIG. 5 assembly would be additional members to be covered in subsequent discussion relating particularly to the immersion in a body of water.

Immersion in a body of water of assembly 8 (FIG. 1) as thus far disclosed requires for optimum performance the addition of further refinements, since what has been covered related to apparatus applicable to an unspecified environment. A cup 98 joined to shell 12 by bolting flange 100 completes the shroud of assembly 8. A volume of water 102 is contained in the lower portion of cup 98 communicating through drain post 104 with within shell 44. Spring-loaded solenoid-actuated valve 118 admits gas to volume 112 when water volume 102 exceeds an established level controlled by float mechanism 120 exceeds an established level controlled by float mechanism 120 in communication with water volume 102. Mechanism 120 includes a magnetic switch activated with abnormal water rise to complete an electrical circuitry to power the solenoid of valve 118. A back pressure valve 122 bleeds off gas volume 112 upon buildup of excess pressure. Check valve 123 prevents return of gas from volume 112 that may sometimes become contaminated. A buffer liquid volume 124 floats upon water volume 102 and serves the purpose to avoid presence of water moisture in the gas volume 112 and contains lubricating characteristics so as to serve as a recirculated supply to spooling device 64 to be subsequently described.

Lubrication Oil contained within shell 44, coupling 46 and protected by seal 62 is established at a level to submerge gear elements of train 14 and includes the volume of space 126 as defined within drum 50. Train 16 is lubricated by a pressurized system comprising gear elements of train 14. A gear pump housing 128 partially shrouds sun gear 18 and planet pinion 24 as shown in FIG. 2, so that with engagement of teeth as meshing gears, the displaced oil is directed through axial hole 130 communicating with a chamber 132. A chain of oil passage ports 133 (through hub extension of gear 18 and motor shaft 11) communicates chamber 132 with upper shrouded reservoir 134 whereupon oil is gravity fed through drain holes to respective parts requiring lubrication. I-loles 13llaare alternate to 130. Since the winch is operable in both directions of rotation, the gear pump housing 128 is fitted with a ball 136 for each

hole

130, 130a which are ineffective in discharge of oil from holes 130 but check against flow into holes 130a thus preventing recirculation of oil around the mesh of gears. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of chamber 132 showing a ball cage 138 which confines ball 136 to its intended location on

hole

130, 130a. For reverse rotation designation of holes is reversed.

An auxiliary gear pump 140 is provided to continuously bleed oil from within shell 44 and space 126 for reconditioning through any filter and cooler if necessary and then reintroduce the oil to the transmission as at connection 142. Pump 140 comprises the adaption of housing 61 to accommodate gear 144 fixed securely to the extension of stationary cage 26 and gear 146 pivotally mounted to journal 148 secured fixedly to housing 61. Again a reversal of rotation of the gear pump is treated similarly to that for gear housing 128. See FIG. 3. Oilcirculating holes 150 and balls 152 provide for the discharge of oil with engagement of gear teeth and avoid recirculation of oil around gears. Discharge to connection 142 is through a conduit extending from hole 154 provided in stud 156 communicating with holes 150. Stud 156 is center supported by cage 28. In operation housing 61 bolted to revolving shell 47 causes gear 146 to rotate about journal 148, the latter made to revolve about stud 156 the center of revolution of housing 61. Housing 61 is further utilized by providing an extension 153 to provide the fixed mounting of gear 74.

A secondary gear pump 160 is employed to provide a pressurized lubricating system for spooling device 64. Pump 1611 utilized elements already provided as previously disclosed but with modifications to be adaptable for reversal of rotation. Thus gears 74 and 76 confined in bracket 78 and cover 82 provide the essential elements of the gear pump and with modifications as developed in principle covered in FIG. 3 with regard oil passage holes and ball check valves now designated as 162.

Inlet conduit 164 for pump 161) receives the supply of lubricate approximately midway the body of buffer liquid 124 with the suspended conduit 164 dependent for support by float mechanism 196. Discharge connection 166 of pump 166 is to a manifold from which flexible conduit branch to the respective parts of spooling device 6 21 requiring lubrication.

Buffer volume i2 is sustained by the eventual return of the reusable lubricant as a percolating fluid upward through the more dense water volume W2.

Provisions to accommodate passage of cable 52 through cup 9% include an aperture 168 shown in elevation view FIG. 1 as having a rectangular configuration with upper edge approximately coincident with surface of water volume W2 and somewhat above upper flange of drum St). In FIG. 41 the width of aperture 168 permits disposition of the cable over the range of angular departure with respect drum 5b. Aperture 168 is sealed off with a door 170 having a universally mounted port 172 through which cable 2 makes passage through door 170. A stiff leg 17%, see FIG. 8, in vertical alignment with and secured to door l7 has a weighted lower end l76 establishing a force couple in opposition to tendency of door 17b to operate contrary to parallelism with the frame 1755 provide as a receptacle for door 176. A buoy 180 secured to the upper extension of leg l74 provides a support of all masses that would contribute gravitational force acting through port 172 on to cable 52. The passage of water from body we to volume W2 through port 172 is rejected through drain port MM, together with accumulation of debris that may have fallen off cable 52 and settled to the low point of cup 98 the position of drain port 104. Frame 178 is fitted with a perifial seal 182 permitting door 176 to alter position in response with range of cable deviations for full spooling on drum 5i).

Foreign material that may adhere to cable 52 would be detrimental to the operation of the winch. Therefore, a spray nozzle 18% is mounted to a bracket 1% integral with door 176. Prior to contact with port l72 the cable surface is jetted clean of harmful particles. Spray nozzle we annularly jets with acute angular direction in opposition to feed of cable towards .port 172. Pressurized water from a remote source is directed to a volute casing H38 to convert energy to velocity of the jet.

As seen in H0. 4, and previously discussed, dual cable may be employed on a partitioned drum. For such a condition, the additional cable would be similarly treated with regard spooling and jet care. It is contemplated for dual cables to use a rearrangement of spooling device 64a to permit mounting of two pairs of rolls 92 and 92a to the one follower 86a, see FIG. l3, and utilize one manifold water supply source for two jets, depending on an electric system to activate valves with rotational change of drum 5@ so only that jet is energized having cable feed to it.

Refer again briefly to FIG. 5, phantom lines indicated provision to adapt the assembly for immersion in a body of water 1106. Bell Mb shrouds the apparatus to provide a gas-filled chamber lll 2a containing shell d442, coupling ida and seal 62a above a water level lllba. A float control lllda regulates admission of gas to retain volume lllZa. The seal 62a is operating externally in a gas environment.

FIG. i2 is a vertical arrangement of a speed-increasing unit devised to avoid contamination of a gaseous interior another embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the gas supply contributed by Ref. A.

A planetary gear increaser we comprises: a motor driving planetary cage assembly l92, a driven sun gear 194 arbitrarily shown integral with the driven shaft 1% and an internal ring gear W8 shown fixed to housing Elli) that in turn is bolted to motor illlb. Cage assembly 192 includes at least one planet pinion gear 202 free to revolve about its journal 2% mounted between cage 2% bolted to cover 2% mounted on shaft lib. l-lousing 2% for assembly reasons is shown including a cover 2st. The lower extension of housing 200 accommodates a journal 2110 to support driven shaft E96 adjacent application of radial load imposed by appliance 212 being operated. A cup 2114 fastened to the extended driven shaft res shrouds housing 20b to terminate at its upper end by a seal 2%. Thrust bearings mid-220 and gear housing 12812 maintain an axial alignment of members with housing 2%.

Gear pump assembly 222 corresponds with that shown in FlG. l, HG. 2 and FIG. ll, so the description of the parts and function is omitted as redundant. Corresponding numerals with suffix b assists in recognition of parts. Extension of motor shaft llb penetrates driven shaft 1% to serve as a steady rest for the upper end of driven shaft l% by virtue of journal 224. Planet cage assembly 7192 is radially supported by journal 226 mounted on cover 2% of housing Ztlil to establish a lower support of motor shaft 1 lb extended to journal 224.

A bell 22h shrouds cup 2% and seal 216 to define a gaseous volume 228 when the apparatus is submerged in a body of water 1%. Control of the gaseous volume 228 is similar to that shown in FIG. I and corresponding parts bear like numerals with suffix b. The effect is to establish again a gaseous environment on each side of seal 216 previously identified as a liquid seal covered in Ref. B,

Lubrication of mechanism of FIG. 12 is dependent upon an oil supply 23% contained in housing Zlltl and cup 214, noting no escape of oil along shaft 1% because of gasket 232. With rotation of appliance 212, oil 230 will be circulated byvortex action up the side of cup 214 to be intercepted by wiper 23d, whereupon the oil is deflected and returned to flow over train 11%. Gear pump 222 will pressurize oil as previously discussed to discharge to upper reservoir l34b duplicating performance intended in FIG. 1.

Conclusion From the foregoing description it is believed apparent that the present invention enables the accomplishment of the object initially set forth herein. It is understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific details of the exemplary embodiment herein described.

l claim:

l. A close-coupled power-driven speed-reducing unit integral with a winch utilizing rotarypower, the improvement comprising:

a. a planetary gear transmission having at least one train with each train defined as having elements in combination (of a sun gear, planet pinion cage assembly and an internal ring gear) contributing a speed change as a factor of that speed established by said reducer;

b. a concentric shroud enclosing at least a portion of said transmission and contributing an extension to the inner chamber of said unit to define an interior oil'reservoir accommodates an externally mounted drum;

c. said one train having the sun gear as the driving element, the driven element comprising the internal ring gear and said shroud intercoupled, and the cage fixedly secured to said unit to support at least one planet pinion rotatable about its static center;

d. a cantilever beam extension of said cage provides the journal support of said shroud;

e. a lubricating oil system in part activated by a gear pump comprising elements of said one train and operable in either direction of rotation of said unit;

f. said inner chamber having a sole means of entry of detrimental matter (defined by an area established between said fixed cage and said driven element) is isolated from external environment by a sealing means (establishing a barrier) across said area against said matter;

g. said unit is adapted to immersion in a body of water having said isolated interior filled with a pressurized gas above said reservoir in communication with a supply of gas monitored in balance with environmental conditions external of said seal;

h. A spooling means for controlled feed of cable to the drum of said winch; and g i. A liquid spray cleaning means disposed annularly around said cable and positioned to effect cable cleaning just prior to cable winding on said drum.

2. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim K, said gear pump comprises a gear housing for a portion of said sun gear and for a portion of at least one said planet pinion gear with a checlt valve means on each side of the mesh of said housed gears to direct pressurized oil from said gear housing.

3. in a power-driven driven winch unit according to claim 1, the improvement further comprises an auxiliary gear pump to continuously bleed off oil from said reservoir for reconditioning prior to return to said transmission.

4. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 1, a cup is fixedly secured to said unit to establish a compartment external to said shroud to provide:

a. an upper gaseous volume surrounding at least the externally exposed said seal and regulated with said supply;

b. a lower liquid volume in communication with the said body of water through a regulated port controlled by a liquid level monitoring means; and

c. an intermediate liquid piston disposed between said volumes as a baffle against contamination of said gas volume by said liquid volume.

5. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 3, said auxiliary gear pump comprises:

a. a rotating gear housing secured to said shroud to accommodate a pair of meshing gears;

b. first gear of said pair of gears nonrotatably secured to said cage extension in communication with said reservoir;

c. second gear of said pair of gears rotatably mounted to said rotating gear housing to revolve around said first gear; and

d. a check valve means disposed on each side of the mesh of said housed gears to direct pressurized oil from said housing.

6. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 1, said concentric shroud and transmission is disposed to rotate about an axis in angular arrangement with the axis of rotation of means developing said power, the improvement comprising:

a. a supplementary angular gear unit in engagement between said power means and said transmission; and

b. said engagement is confined in a secondary housing providing a communicating chamber with said oil reservoir and retaining said isolation from external environment.

7. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 4, said spooling means comprises:

a. a rotary guide in engagement with the cable establishes a constant feed and controlled row layering of cable to the drum; and

b. a separate lubricating system for said spooling means including a supply of oil, filter and secondary gear pump.

8. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 7, said secondary gear pump comprises gear elements associated with drive means coordinating said spooling means with said drum, said secondary pump positively operable with either direction of drum rotation.

99. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 7, said drum is isolated within said chamber, the improvement further comprising:

a. an aperture in said cup provides clearance to limiting positions assumed by the cable upon spooling on said drum to avoid contact between said cable and said cup;

b. a door adapted to close off said aperture operable over said limiting position and having a universally mounted port for passage of cable through said door; and

c. a support means accommodating gravitational effects of masses associated with said port to establish freedom of movement of said door responsive with said cable.

10. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 9, said cable is wound to said drum with one end anchored to said drum and the other end extended in reach responsive with turn of said drum.

ll. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 9, said drum is partitioned to accommodate two separate cables, having one end of each cable anchored to said partitioned drum and the other end of each cable oppositely extended in reach responsive with turn of said drum to effect payout of one and haul in of the other distinguished by said partition.

12. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 11, said spooling means is singularly adapted to provide control of feed alternately of both cables to said partitioned drum.

13. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 6, a

cable is wrapped to said shroud with both ends of the cable extended so that with haul in of one end the other end of the cable is further extended.

M. In a powei -driven winch unit according to claim 6, said unit is adapted for immersion in a body of water, the improvement comprises: I

a. a bell is mounted to establish a gaseous volume encompassing the exterior of said seal;

b. a liquid level control in communication with a supply of gas monitored to balance environmental conditions re gulates the volume of water depressed in said bell to retain said gaseous volume;

c. said isolated interior chamber is gaseous pressurized by said supply; and

d. a check valve restrains flow of gas from said gas volume through the conduit establishing communication with said supply.

15. in a power-driven winch unit according to claim 11, said cleaning means having:

a. a nozzle developing angular impingement of a fluid jet to said cable and directed counter to feed of cable to said drum;

b. a supply of pressurized fluid from a remote source introduced to volute casing for uniform conversion of energy to said annular jet; and

c. support means permitting freedom of movement of said cleaning means consistent with the natural disposition of the cable as tensioned.

Claims

1. A close-coupled power-driven speed-reducing unit integral with a winch utilizing rotary power, the improvement comprising: a. a planetary gear transmission having at least one train with each train defined as having elements in combination (of a sun gear, planet pinion cage assembly and an internal ring gear) contributing a speed change as a factor of that speed established by said reducer; b. a concentric shroud enclosing at least a portion of said transmission and contributing an extension to the inner chamber of said unit to define an interior oil reservoir accommodates an externally mounted drum; c. said one train having the sun gear as the driving element, the driven element comprising the intErnal ring gear and said shroud intercoupled, and the cage fixedly secured to said unit to support at least one planet pinion rotatable about its static center; d. a cantilever beam extension of said cage provides the journal support of said shroud; e. a lubricating oil system in part activated by a gear pump comprising elements of said one train and operable in either direction of rotation of said unit; f. said inner chamber having a sole means of entry of detrimental matter (defined by an area established between said fixed cage and said driven element) is isolated from external environment by a sealing means (establishing a barrier) across said area against said matter; g. said unit is adapted to immersion in a body of water having said isolated interior filled with a pressurized gas above said reservoir in communication with a supply of gas monitored in balance with environmental conditions external of said seal; h. A spooling means for controlled feed of cable to the drum of said winch; and i. A liquid spray cleaning means disposed annularly around said cable and positioned to effect cable cleaning just prior to cable winding on said drum.

2. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 1, said gear pump comprises a gear housing for a portion of said sun gear and for a portion of at least one said planet pinion gear with a check valve means on each side of the mesh of said housed gears to direct pressurized oil from said gear housing.

4. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 1, a cup is fixedly secured to said unit to establish a compartment external to said shroud to provide: a. an upper gaseous volume surrounding at least the externally exposed said seal and regulated with said supply; b. a lower liquid volume in communication with the said body of water through a regulated port controlled by a liquid level monitoring means; and c. an intermediate liquid piston disposed between said volumes as a baffle against contamination of said gas volume by said liquid volume.

5. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 3, said auxiliary gear pump comprises: a. a rotating gear housing secured to said shroud to accommodate a pair of meshing gears; b. first gear of said pair of gears nonrotatably secured to said cage extension in communication with said reservoir; c. second gear of said pair of gears rotatably mounted to said rotating gear housing to revolve around said first gear; and d. a check valve means disposed on each side of the mesh of said housed gears to direct pressurized oil from said housing.

6. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 1, said concentric shroud and transmission is disposed to rotate about an axis in angular arrangement with the axis of rotation of means developing said power, the improvement comprising: a. a supplementary angular gear unit in engagement between said power means and said transmission; and b. said engagement is confined in a secondary housing providing a communicating chamber with said oil reservoir and retaining said isolation from external environment.

7. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 4, said spooling means comprises: a. a rotary guide in engagement with the cable establishes a constant feed and controlled row layering of cable to the drum; and b. a separate lubricating system for said spooling means including a supply of oil, filter and secondary gear pump.

9. In a power-driven winch unit accordiNg to claim 7, said drum is isolated within said chamber, the improvement further comprising: a. an aperture in said cup provides clearance to limiting positions assumed by the cable upon spooling on said drum to avoid contact between said cable and said cup; b. a door adapted to close off said aperture operable over said limiting position and having a universally mounted port for passage of cable through said door; and c. a support means accommodating gravitational effects of masses associated with said port to establish freedom of movement of said door responsive with said cable.

11. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 9, said drum is partitioned to accommodate two separate cables, having one end of each cable anchored to said partitioned drum and the other end of each cable oppositely extended in reach responsive with turn of said drum to effect payout of one and haul in of the other distinguished by said partition.

13. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 6, a cable is wrapped to said shroud with both ends of the cable extended so that with haul in of one end the other end of the cable is further extended.

14. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 6, said unit is adapted for immersion in a body of water, the improvement comprises: a. a bell is mounted to establish a gaseous volume encompassing the exterior of said seal; b. a liquid level control in communication with a supply of gas monitored to balance environmental conditions regulates the volume of water depressed in said bell to retain said gaseous volume; c. said isolated interior chamber is gaseous pressurized by said supply; and d. a check valve restrains flow of gas from said gas volume through the conduit establishing communication with said supply.

15. In a power-driven winch unit according to claim 11, said cleaning means having: a. a nozzle developing angular impingement of a fluid jet to said cable and directed counter to feed of cable to said drum; b. a supply of pressurized fluid from a remote source introduced to volute casing for uniform conversion of energy to said annular jet; and c. support means permitting freedom of movement of said cleaning means consistent with the natural disposition of the cable as tensioned.