Tensioning device

A tensioning apparatus, comprising:

• a first elongate C-shaped beam frame spaced apart from a second elongate C-shaped beam frame;
• at least one carriage assembly including a plate member situated adjacent to said first and said second C-shaped beam frames;
• a first pair of guide members mounted on said carriage assembly proximate a first longitudinal edge of said plate member and a second pair of guide members mounted on said carriage assembly proximate an opposite longitudinal edge of said plate member such that said first and said second pairs of guide members are laterally spaced apart;
• a power operated means actuates movement of said carriage assembly along said first and second C-shaped beams, and
• a rope guide sheave supported by said carriage assembly for free rotation.

A dual tensioning apparatus, comprising:

• first and second pairs of beam frames, each of said first and second pairs of beam frames includes a first elongate beam frame spaced apart from a second elongate beam frame;
• first and second pairs of air cylinders, wherein each pair of cylinders comprises a first cylinder suspended from one of said first elongate beam frames and a second cylinder mounted on one of said second elongate beam frames;
• at least four pairs of guide members, wherein each pair of guide members returnably moves along an inner distal edge of one of said beam frames;
• a plate member included on each of at least two carriage assemblies, wherein each plate member supports two pairs of said guide members, wherein each said plate member is situated generally perpendicular and adjacent to one of said first and second pairs of beam frames;
• a power operated means for actuating movement of said carriage assemblies along said first and second pairs of beam frames, and
• rope guide sheaves supported by each of said carriage assemblies for free rotation.