Load Handling Device and Method for Using the Same

A load handling device for lifting and lowering a load, the load handling device comprising:

• an elongated member adapted to be connected to a load;
• a capstan, including one or more sheaves, through which the elongated member is running, the capstan defining a low tension side and high tension side of the elongated member;
• a load sensing device provided at the high tension side of the capstan;
• a tension regulating member;
• and
• a control unit adapted to regulate the tension regulating member based on sensed loads from the load sensing device, wherein the tension regulating member is adapted to regulate the tension on the low tension side of the capstan in response to the tension measured by the load sensing device on the high tension side of capstan so as to maintain a predetermined force distribution in the elongated member within the capstan.

A vessel comprising a load handling device for lifting and lowering a load, the load handling device comprising:

• an elongated member adapted to be connected to a load;
• a capstan, including one or more sheaves, through which the elongated member is running, the capstan defining a low tension side and high tension side of the elongated member;
• a load sensing device provided at the high tension side of the capstan;
• a tension regulating member;
• and
• a control unit adapted to regulate the tension regulating member based on sensed loads from the load sensing device, wherein the tension regulating member is adapted to regulate the tension on the low tension side of the capstan in response to the tension measured by the load sensing device on the high tension side of capstan so as to maintain a predetermined force distribution in the elongated member within the capstan.

A method for lowering and lifting a load via a load handling device for lifting and lowering a load, the load handling device comprising:

• an elongated member adapted to be connected to a load;
• a capstan, including one or more sheaves, through which the elongated member is running, the capstan defining a low tension side and high tension side of the elongated member;
• a load sensing device provided at the high tension side of the capstan;
• a tension regulating member;
• and
• a control unit adapted to regulate the tension regulating member based on sensed loads from the load sensing device, wherein the tension regulating member is adapted to regulate the tension on the low tension side of the capstan in response to the tension measured by the load sensing device on the high tension side of capstan so as to maintain a predetermined force distribution in the elongated member within the capstan;
• the method comprising:
• measuring the tension on the high tension side of the capstan via the load sensing device;
• and
• regulating, via the tension regulating member, the tension on the low tension side of the capstan in response to the tension measured by the load sensing device on the high tension side of capstan so as to maintain a predetermined force distribution in the elongated member within the capstan.