Abstract: A spreader bar assembly includes a rigid elongated support bar to which a pair of end caps are removably connected for use during a lifting operation. The end caps have sockets that fit over the ends of the bar. Each of the end caps includes three pins mounted on a pair of longitudinally extending plates on the extreme end of each of the end caps. A first pin extends between the plates and a pin is mounted externally on each of the plates. The user can attach slings directly to these pins thus eliminating the need for shackles.

Abstract: A multiple boom lifting arrangement includes a plurality of preferably four carriages, each carriage having a boom with its lower end portion pinned to the carriage. Two of the carriages are placed on a common travel path with the upper end portion of their respective booms being pinned. This provides two spaced apart pairs of carriages and booms for lifting. A horizontal beam extends between the first pair of booms and the second pair of booms being attached to the pinned connection of each pair of booms with a sling. A powered motor-driven winch is used to power a cable that is wound between sheaves on the lower end portions of a pair of booms that are connected together. During use, the winches are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously operated to elevate the first pair of the booms and the second pair of booms at about the same time so that the horizontal beam that spans in between the pinned connections of the first and second pairs of booms is elevated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and deck package. Slings are suspended from a compression frame portion at the boom end portions of the truss assembly. The slings form attachments between the compression frame and the deck package at the upper elevational positions on the deck package. Tensile connections form attachments between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. End caps are removably connected to each of a two diagonally extending, longitudinal members of a boom portion of the truss assembly. Upper and lower connections form attachments between the end caps and the deck package at the upper elevational positions on the deck package. Tensile connections form attachments between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Upper and lower connections form attachments between the truss members and the deck package at upper and lower elevational positions on the deck package. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Upper and lower connections form attachments between the truss members and the deck package at upper and lower elevational positions on the deck package. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: A tension load cell apparatus includes a structural member of metallic construction having a pair of large diameter end portions and a smaller diameter center portion. String gauges are carried on the center portion for generating a tension load value responsive to an elongation of the structural member when loaded. Each of the larger diameter portions has a transverse opening that is receptive of a lifting pin such as of a shackle. A casing covers the center portion but is attached only to the upper end portion so that load is not transferred to the casing during use. An indicator groove is provided on the bottom cylindrical portion of the structural member for indicating with a color for example when the load indicator structural member has stretched beyond its permissible limits. A method of the present invention involves the construction of a tension load cell having a pair of spaced apart lifting shackles and transverse shackle pins.

Abstract: A tension load cell apparatus includes a structural member of metallic construction having a pair of large diameter end portions and a smaller diameter center portion. Strain gauges are carried on the center portion for generating a tension load value responsive to an elongation of the structural member when loaded. Each of the larger diameter portions has a transverse opening that is receptive of a lifting pin such as of a shackle. A casing covers the center portion but is attached only to the upper end portion so that load is not transferred to the casing during use. An indicator groove is provided on the bottom cylindrical portion of the structural member for indicating with a color for example when the load indicator structural member has stretched beyond its permissible limits. A method of the present invention involves the construction of a tension load cell having a pair of spaced apart lifting shackles and transverse shackle pins.

Abstract: A testing device for testing lifting equipment and accessories such as slings, shackles and the like has a longitudinally extending frame with left and right sides, each parallel to the other and to rails positioned between the frame sides. Moving carriages travel the rails to a desired position apart, such as for testing a sling of a certain length. The carriages have retractable bearing members that can engage the frame, enabling each carriage to anchor its position for testing. Sets of powered rams move the carriages apart when an accessory to be tested is attached at its ends to the two carriages. The rams are sized so that the first set has greater travel for initial stretching while the second set has higher loading capability for high end loading after stretching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Upper and lower connections form attachments between the truss members and the deck package at upper and lower elevational positions on the deck package. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch. Alternate embodiments include the use of a hydraulic cylinder as an example.

Abstract: A composite spreader frame assembly provides a primary load line having a bridle attached to the load line and four radially and branching lines connected at one respective end to the bridle. A pair of separate elongated support bars are each supported independently by the alternate radially branching lines. A plurality of lifting eyes are removably connected at each respective end of the elongated support bars. Four secondary depending load lines which are generally vertical during lifting are attached at the upper end to the lifting eyes and at the lower end to a load to be lifted.

Abstract: A spreader bar assembly provides a rigid elongated support of uniform cross-section (for example, a section of pipe). A pair of lifting eye assemblies are connected during the lifting operation at each respective end portion of the bar, each forming a connection with an above supporting bridle line and a depending lift line, each of the lifting eye assemblies comprising in part a socket of uniform cross-section receptive of one end of said bar thereinto and having a corresponding internal cross-section equal to or slightly larger than the external cross-section of the support bar. A stop is provided within the socket for limiting the penetration of the bar into the socket.