Variable cable hoisting system having quick disconnect deadline load indicating apparatus

In deadline cable anchor apparatus having a base structure mounting a rotatable cable snubbing drum, and a weight sensor responsive to relative movement between the base and drum, when a tension force is applied to a deadline cable extending around a portion of the drum, the improvement comprising:

• a plurality of selectable means for anchoring a deadline cable to the snubbing drum;
• one of said anchoring means being operable to releasably grip a deadline cable supplied from a storage means;
• and
• the other of said anchoring means being operable to anchoring and non-anchoring positions, and in the anchoring position being operative to restrain an end terminus of a deadline cable against lateral movement and against axial movement under the applied tension force, and in its non-anchoring position enabling detachment of the deadline cable from the snubbing drum.

A deadline cable anchor, comprising:

• a base structure;
• a rotatably mounted snubbing drum on said base;
• weight sensing means responsive to relative movements between said base and drum, when a tension force is applied to a deadline cable extending around a portion of said drum;
• means for releasably securing an end terminus of the deadline cable to the snubbing drum, comprising:
• a first abutment fixedly secured to an end terminus of the deadline cable;
• and
• a quick release means carried by the snubbing drum for attaching the end terminus of the deadline cable to said snubbing drum including a second abutment for engaging and opposing axial movement of the first abutment and the associated cable end terminus by the applied tension force.