Synthetic rope for powered blocks and methods for production

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for producing a high strength synthetic strength member ( 7 ) containing rope ( 1 ) capable of being used with powered blocks where such rope has lighter weight and similar or greater strength than steel wire strength member containing ropes used with powered blocks. Disclosed also is the product resulting from such method. The product includes a synthetic strength member, a first synthetic portion ( 9 ) and a second synthetic portion. The first synthetic pillion is enclosed within the strength member and the second synthetic portion is situated external the strength member. At least a portion of the second synthetic portion also is situated internal a sheath ( 8 ) formed about the strength member. The second synthetic portion has a minimal of 8% at a temperature of between negative 20 and negative 15° C.

1 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A process for forming a mainly synthetic rope ( 1 ) formed of at least a strength member ( 7 ), the process including steps of forming the strength member ( 7 ) with a braided construction and from filaments including filaments that are able to be creeped, the process comprising steps of:
 a) first, applying tension to at least the strength member ( 7 );   b) second, after applying tension to at least the strength member, maintaining tension on at least the strength member;   c) subsequently, while maintaining tension on at least the strength member, applying a heat to at least the strength member;   d) selecting a combination of the tension and the heat for step (c) so as to cause creep of those filaments of the strength member that are the filaments that are able to be creeped,   e) detecting a desired amount of elongation of at least the strength member; and   f) while maintaining tension on at least the strength member, cooling the strength member.   
     
     
         52 . The process of  claim 51  further comprising steps of cooling the strength member while selecting a sufficient tension for the step of maintaining a tension on the strength member during the cooling process so as to result in permanent elongation of the strength member. 
     
     
         53 . The process of  claim 52  wherein the process further comprises selecting for the desired amount of elongation of the strength member an amount of elongation that results in the strength member having a lesser diameter than it had prior to the strength member being permanently elongated. 
     
     
         54 . The process of  claim 53  wherein the process further comprises selecting for the desired amount of elongation of the strength member an amount of elongation that results in the strength member having a greater compactness than it had prior to the strength member being permanently elongated. 
     
     
         55 . The process of  claim 52  further comprising steps of cooling the strength member while selecting a sufficient tension for the step of maintaining a sufficient tension on the strength member during the cooling process so as to result in permanent elongation of filaments forming the strength member. 
     
     
         56 . The process of  claim 53  further comprising steps of cooling the strength member while selecting a sufficient tension for the step of maintaining a sufficient tension on the strength member during the cooling process so as to result in permanent elongation of filaments forming the strength member. 
     
     
         57 . The process of  claim 54  further comprising steps of cooling the strength member while selecting a sufficient tension for the step of maintaining a sufficient tension on the strength member during the cooling process so as to result in permanent elongation of filaments forming the strength member. 
     
     
         58 . The process of  claim 51  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         59 . The process of  claim 52  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         60 . The process of  claim 53  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         61 . The process of  claim 54  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         62 . The process of  claim 55  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         63 . The process of  claim 56  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         64 . The process of  claim 57  wherein the process further comprises using capstans turning at varying speeds to apply tension to the strength member. 
     
     
         65 . The process of  claim 51  wherein the tension of steps (a) to (c) is lesser than 50 percent of the ropes breaking strength measured at room temperature. 
     
     
         66 . The process of  claim 52  wherein the tension of steps (a) to (c) is lesser than 50 percent of the ropes breaking strength measured at room temperature. 
     
     
         67 . The process of  claim 53  wherein the tension of steps (a) to (c) is lesser than 50 percent of the ropes breaking strength measured at room temperature. 
     
     
         68 . The process of  claim 52  further characterized by forming a braided sheath ( 8 ) about the strength member. 
     
     
         69 . The process of  claim 68  further characterized by forming the braided sheath ( 8 ) with a braid angle that is more acute than a braid angle forming the strength member ( 7 ). 
     
     
         70 . The process of  claim 53  further characterized by forming a braided sheath ( 8 ) about the strength member and by forming the braided sheath ( 8 ) with a braid angle that is more acute than a braid angle forming the strength member ( 7 ).