Patents Examined by Nathaniel L Adams
  • Patent number: 11970377
    Abstract: A brake device and a winch having the same are provided. The brake device includes a brake sleeve, a torsion spring, a sealing member and a braking assembly. The torsion spring is fitted over the braking assembly, and the brake sleeve is fitted over the torsion spring. The braking assembly is configured to drive the torsion spring to move between an expanded position and a retracted position, so as to lock and release the brake sleeve. The sealing member is arranged between the brake sleeve and the braking assembly, so that a sealing cavity is defined between the brake sleeve and the braking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: T-MAX (HANGZHOU) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hangfei Yu, Shipei Yao, Senbiao Ge, Haojia Chen, Haibin Chen, Xuebo Hu
  • Patent number: 11964852
    Abstract: An electrically propelled towing apparatus includes a housing, in the housing being provided a reel, a stator, and a rotor configured to drive the reel; a mounting cavity is defined in the housing; and the stator is exposed and fixed in the mounting cavity. With elimination of the conventional housing of drive motor, the invention improves heat-dissipation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG NOWVOW MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Litian Zhang, Chunxiang Zhang, Jun Zhou, Renyi Zhang
  • Patent number: 11945668
    Abstract: This invention is for safely speeding up the rewinding of a strap used to secure cargo on a truck or trailer. The Tool consists of a shaft which in use extends into the inside of a conventional strap winch drum. At the end of the shaft is a cylindrical elastomeric plug which is a tight fit into the inside of the winding drum. The shaft is then connected to a rotary drive apparatus comprising a hand crank or is power driven. Because the tool can be simply pushed into the drum and operated without the requirement of alignment of the shaft, for a mechanical connection between the shaft and winch drum, the operator's hands need not be on the tool other than on the handle which is not above the drum. This is typically quicker and safer than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Stuart Adrian Jones
  • Patent number: 11939193
    Abstract: Providing energy to an energy consuming piece of equipment and/or tool during offshore operations. Use is made of a crane including a substructure, a boom mounted on the substructure, one or more hoist winches and cables, as well as an object suspension device suspended from the boom by the cables. A piece of equipment or tool is suspended from the object suspension device. An energy storage unit is provided on the object suspension device and has an input connector. The boom may be provided with an output connector of an energy charging unit and in a lower supply position of the object suspension device it is disconnected from the input connector of the energy storage unit. The piece of equipment or tool is then run on energy supplied by the energy storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Hugo Hooftman, Terence Willem August Vehmeijer, Cornelis Martinus Van Veluw
  • Patent number: 11939195
    Abstract: An overhead-line using system includes: a plurality of supports; a main rope supported by the supports and configured such that both ends of the main rope are fixed; a work rope movably supported by the main rope; a winding device configured to wind up the work rope; a moving device movably supported by the main rope and connected to the work rope, the moving device being movable in the air when the work rope is wound up by the winding device; and a power generator configured to move along with movement of the work rope. The power generator generates electric power by moving relative to the main rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazumasa Nakamura, Katsuji Harajiri, Kazuo Suyama
  • Patent number: 11932520
    Abstract: The crane is hoisted from the ground to the nacelle by operating a cable winch at ground whereby a cable extends from the crane to a roller at the nacelle and to the cable winch. A hoist block with the roller is arranged on a jib at a first hoist block position above a second hinge part of a crane base and extended in horizontal direction from the nacelle. When a first hinge part of the crane is positioned at a corresponding second hinge part of the crane base, the cable extends in a downward direction directly from the roller of the hoist block and through a central opening in a pedestal. After mutual connection of the first and second hinge parts, the hoist block is removed from its first hoist block position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Liftra IP APS
    Inventor: Per Eske Fenger
  • Patent number: 11926512
    Abstract: This work machine comprises: a telescoping actuator that moves a first boom with respect to a second boom; an electrical drive source that is disposed in a movable portion of the telescoping actuator; a first biasing mechanism that maintains the connection state between the telescoping actuator and the first boom; a first connection mechanism that switches the connection state between the telescoping actuator and the first boom on the basis of the power of the electrical drive source; a second biasing mechanism that maintains the connection state between the first boom and the second boom; a second connection mechanism that switches the connection state between the first boom and the second boom on the basis of the power of the electrical drive source; and a clutch that discretionally intermittently transmits the power of the electrical drive source to the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Manato Shirai, Kazu Nagahama, Masahide Zushi
  • Patent number: 11926990
    Abstract: A heavy equipment recovery winch system includes a winch assembly mountable to a drive end of a heavy equipment vehicle, a hydraulic assembly and a fairlead assembly. The hydraulic assembly is mounted to a portion of the heavy equipment vehicle and the hydraulic assembly is operatively connected to the winch assembly. The fairlead assembly is mountable to the drive end of the heavy equipment vehicle to assist with guiding a cable from the winch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Midwestern Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Garner, James Randall Hegwood
  • Patent number: 11926418
    Abstract: The present specification provides a device and method for controlling a winch parcel delivery system through an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone. The example apparatus contemplates the use of a winch that will attach to a hook with active and passive release mechanisms through a winch line. The apparatus is enabled to attach to a parachute recovery system. The apparatus can detect when the ground has been reached to enable safe delivery of parcels. The apparatus can removably attach to various types of drones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: FLYBY ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Huishen Lu, Xuan-Truc Nguyen, Gursimran Bains, Ryan Des Cotes, Joseph Luc Boucher, Max Green
  • Patent number: 11919753
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ARCOSA MARINE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Clint Bryan, Arnold Peek
  • Patent number: 11897738
    Abstract: A hoisting system of this disclosure includes a drawworks, a crown block or a compensator, a traveling block and at least one sheave assembly connected to the crown block or compensator in “Low Load/High Speed” mode and connected to the traveling block in “High Load/Low Speed” mode. A method to lift a load using a hoisting system of this disclosure uses a drawworks, a crown block or a compensator, a traveling block and at least one sheave assembly connected to the crown block or compensator in “Low Load/High Speed” mode and connected to the traveling block in “High Load/Low Speed” mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rolf Gullaksen, Erling Tambs
  • Patent number: 11884522
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody, movable ground engaging members, a rotating bed, and a boom. A first structure is pivotally coupled to the rotating bed. A second structure is pivotally coupled to the first structure at a first end of the second structure. A moveable counterweight unit is coupled to a second end of the second structure. A linear actuation device moves the moveable counterweight unit toward and away from the rotating bed during a pick, move, and set operation by retracting and extending the linear actuation device, respectively. The moveable counterweight unit is never supported by the ground other than indirectly by the moveable ground engaging members. The linear actuation device moves the movable counterweight unit a greater horizontal distance from the rotating bed than a distance of a stroke of the linear actuation device that causes the moveable counterweight unit to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: GROVE U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
  • Patent number: 11873197
    Abstract: This invention relates to a large crane with an at least two-part main boom, wherein a lower and an upper part of the main boom are pivotally coupled to each other an articulation point. The invention furthermore is directed to a method for erecting or depositing a corresponding large crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Frommelt
  • Patent number: 11866289
    Abstract: A handheld hose guide which accommodates hoses of varying diameters and protects a user from debris on the hose when reeling the hose onto a hose reel, including a housing having a pair of housing parts for enclosing the hose, wherein the pair of housing parts when in a closed position form an interior, cylindrically-shaped longitudinal channel, which longitudinal channel generally conforms to a shape of the hose, a hinge attached to each of the pair of housing parts for providing angular movement of each housing relative to the other housing, a locking device attached to the pair of housing parts for securing the hose within the housing during operation of the hose guide, and rollers which are attached to springs that are biased inwardly, in order to accommodate hoses of various diameters and to provide constant compression on the hose during operation of the hose guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Nicholas Romano
  • Patent number: 11840430
    Abstract: A cable break-away device for a rescue hoist connects a cable to a cable drum of the rescue hoist. The cable break-away device provides overload protection to the rescue hoist by disconnecting the cable from the cable drum when the loads transmitted through cable become excessive. The cable break-away device is configured to fracture, releasing the cable from the cable drum, when the loads experienced by the cable break-away device exceed a predetermined failure set point. As such, the cable break-away device forms a mechanical fuse connecting the cable to the cable drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bejan Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Pete J. Tucker, Marc A. Gonfiotti
  • Patent number: 11834307
    Abstract: An overhead line system includes a plurality of support posts, an overhead line supported by the support posts, a lifting device with which the overhead line is liftable, a suspension device that is connected to the overhead line and is movable in the air as the lifting device winds the overhead line, and a control device. The control device controls the lifting device so as to reduce tension when a predetermined condition relating to a tension abnormality of the overhead line is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuo Suyama, Katsuji Harajiri
  • Patent number: 11814271
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the storage and traction of a cable, in particular a synthetic cable fitted to an offshore crane. The storage/traction system includes a frame that carries in particular a storage device including a support carrying a storage reel through an assembly defining an axis of rotation. Between the storage reel and the support, the assembly includes of a single slewing ring including two rings that are free to rotate with respect to each other: —a fixed ring that is fastened to the support; and —a moving ring that is, on the one hand, fastened to the storage reel and, on the other hand, rotated by a motorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: REEL
    Inventors: Karamoko Konate, Mickael Valet
  • Patent number: 11802448
    Abstract: A method of manipulating a drum of a drawworks assembly includes removing a first plurality of fasteners releasably coupling a drum with a coupling assembly, removing a second plurality of fasteners releasably coupling the drum with a cradle assembly, and lifting the drum vertically from the drawworks assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mike Netecke, Roy Cabrera
  • Patent number: 11795038
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a crane (200) for erecting a tower including a plurality of tower segments (171, 72, 173, 174, 175), the crane (200) comprising: a telescopic mast (210), and a jib (230) rotatably mounted with respect to the telescopic mast (210) and comprising lifting equipment (240). The telescopic mast (210) comprises a lower mast segment (211) having one or more lower clamp assemblies (202, 204) for selectively gripping portions of the tower and a roller assembly (300) for rolling along the tower, and comprising one or more further mast segments (212, 213, 214, 215, 216) having an upper clamp assembly (206) for selectively gripping portions of the tower, the further mast segments (212, 213, 214, 215, 216) being slidable with respect to the lower mast segment (211). The disclosure also relates to methods for climbing a tower with a crane (200) and methods for mounting a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L.
    Inventor: Daniel Gomez Mora
  • Patent number: 11795040
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a ballast device for fastening to a crane having first and second ballast elements. The first ballast element has first connection means for a releasable fastening to the crane, while both ballast elements are releasably connected to one another via second connection means. According to the disclosure, the first ballast element comprises an assembly device having abutment elements to which an abutment means can be attached to raise the ballast device. The abutment elements are arranged or are positionable such that the abutment means can be selectively attached to the assembly device for raising only the first ballast element above its center of gravity or for commonly raising both ballast elements above their total center of gravity. The disclosure further relates to a mobile crane having at least one such ballast device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Eberhardt