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.

Abstract: An easily collapsible device for lifting a reel of cable off of a support surface and then supporting the reel in a stable position above the support surface for free rotation to allow removal of the cable, the device including a pair of indentical units one to be disposed on either side of the reel.