Abstract: A counterbalanced lifting beam designed to lift and permit balancing of heavy loads. The lifting beam includes an internal counterweight that is adapted to be hydraulically adjusted by use of a manually operated control mechanism. The lifting beam also includes a rigid elongated lifting tower to add stability to the lifting beam and includes a centralized storage cabinet, which stores control mechanism and increases the weight concentration and the overall stability of the beam. Storage batteries and hydraulic control equipment are fully encased in the storage cabinet. As the lifting beam is held by the crane cable and a swivel, the beam can be moved in three dimensions.

Abstract: A self-leveling lifting beam adapted to be connected to the boom of crane to assist in the transport of a load to a high-rise building construction. The apparatus itself, which is fabricated of heavy gage steel and fully encased so there are no exposed working parts susceptible to damage or to injury to employees, is designed for the abusive and demanding construction industry. The lifting beam works on the principle of an internal counterweight that is adapted to be hydraulically adjusted, and the use of electric limit switches to automatically maintain horizontal equilibrium even if an unforeseen load shift occurs in mid-air. Through the use of storage batteries fully encased in the apparatus, there is no need for an attached electrical source. As the lifting beam is held by the crane cable and a swivel, the beam can be moved in all three dimensions.