Abstract: An automatic leveling device includes a motor mounted onto a frame, a linear actuator coupled to the motor, and a slideable bail assembly coupled to the linear actuator. The bail assembly is attached to the frame. The frame is configured to attach to a lifting beam, which is attached to a load surface. A controller assembly has a sensor configured to determine an orientation of the load surface when the load is suspended. The controller assembly is configured to automatically control the motor in order to position the slideable bail assembly such that the load is suspended in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A composite lifting beam and methods are provided. Such a lifting beam includes at least one beam element. A plurality of plate elements are mounted to the at least one beam element and are spaced apart along a length of the at least one beam element. The plurality of plate elements provide a first connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a lifting apparatus, and a second connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a load.

Abstract: A composite lifting beam and methods are provided. Such a lifting beam includes at least one beam element. A plurality of plate elements are mounted to the at least one beam element and are spaced apart along a length of the at least one beam element. The plurality of plate elements provide a first connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a lifting apparatus, and a second connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a load.

Abstract: An automatic leveling device includes a motor mounted onto a frame, a linear actuator coupled to the motor, and a slideable bail assembly coupled to the linear actuator. The bail assembly is attached to the frame. The frame is configured to attach to a lifting beam, which is attached to a load surface. A controller assembly has a sensor configured to determine an orientation of the load surface when the load is suspended. The controller assembly is configured to automatically control the motor in order to position the slideable bail assembly such that the load is suspended in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A composite lifting beam and methods are provided. Such a lifting beam includes at least one beam element. A plurality of plate elements are mounted to the at least one beam element and are spaced apart along a length of the at least one beam element. The plurality of plate elements provide a first connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a lifting apparatus, and a second connection arrangement for connecting the beam to a load.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load. The automatic lockout arrangement precludes electrical power from being applied to open the system when the lifting force being applied to the automatic lockout arrangement has reached a predetermined lockout value.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for vacuum-assisted lifting of a work piece or other object, through use of a lifting apparatus having a cylinder housing adapted at an upper end thereof for supporting a load, a piston rod moveable within the cylinder housing and having a lower exposed end thereof adapted for attachment to a suction cup device, in combination with a non-load bearing piston valve attached to the housing and operatively connected to be moved between an open and a closed position thereof by movement of the piston rod with respect to the housing. The piston valve is attached at an upper end of the housing, and adapted for movement between the open and closed position when contacted by an upper end of the piston rod, on successive strokes of the piston rod. The control valve is removable without disassembly of the remainder of the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suspend a load on an arcuate shaped lift arm, which is attached to a body of a lifting apparatus in such a manner that the lift arm is movable with respect to the body of the apparatus along an arc, for selectively engaging and disengaging the load. The lift arm is locked against movement while the lift arm is supporting the load, and a remote release apparatus is provided for moving the lift arm along the arc. A second locking apparatus selectively locks the lift arm in place along the arc at an open position of the apparatus. The lifting apparatus may also include one or more remote release apparatuses, in combination with other elements such as a spreader bar, slings, and control elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suspend a load on an arcuate shaped lift arm, which is attached to a body of a lifting apparatus in such a manner that the lift arm is movable with respect to the body of the apparatus along an arc, for selectively engaging and disengaging the load. The lift arm is locked against movement while the lift arm is supporting the load, and a remote release apparatus is provided for moving the lift arm along the arc. A second locking apparatus selectively locks the lift arm in place along the arc at an open position of the apparatus. The lifting apparatus may also include one or more remote release apparatuses, in combination with other elements such as a spreader bar, slings, and control elements.