Abstract: Disclosed herein is a utility cart specifically designed for the support and transport of large planar items. The cart essentially features a platform with a defined perimeter and top and bottom sides. The platform supports a centrally positioned, vertically adjustable post having a cap attached to the distal end of the post for positioning and supporting the planar items being transported. Cart mobility is provided by a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom side of the platform.

Abstract: A crane to be fitted in a window opening or the like, between two opposing surfaces, has a strut (14) which is first braced between the surfaces (20a, 20b), and a boom (13) which extends away from the strut. A winch (5) on the crane winds up a lifting cafe (12) which runs over a pulley (3) at the outer end of the boom (13). The top and bottom ends of the strut have end plates (15, 7) which are designed to hold the crane rigidly between the two surfaces, but without damaging any surface finish on either surface. The boom (13) can be swung about the axis of the strut (14) to bring the load carried by the crane in towards the position of the operator.

Abstract: A command shaping control system and method for rotary boom cranes provides a way to reduce payload pendulation caused by real-time input signals, from either operator command or automated crane maneuvers. The method can take input commands and can apply a command shaping filter to reduce contributors to payload pendulation due to rotation, elevation, and hoisting movements in order to control crane response and reduce tangential and radial payload pendulation. A filter can be applied to a pendulation excitation frequency to reduce residual radial pendulation and tangential pendulation amplitudes.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus for lifting objects up the side of a building or the like and swinging the objects onto the roof or other surface. The hoist can be erected and operated by one person and can be folded into a compact, easily moved, package. A pair of spaced triangular leg assemblies are typically clamped to the edged of the roof parapet in a spaced relationship. Each triangular assembly when installed for this use is made up of a first leg formed by one beam that is a vertical portion of the clamp and a flexible extension, such as a chain, extending from the lower end of the beam, a second leg secured at one end to the free end of the extension and a third leg pivotally connected between the second ends of the first and second legs, forming a triangle with an acute angle between the second and third legs. A cross beam extends between the second and third leg connections and is adapted to carry a hoist, typically a block and tackle arrangement.

Abstract: A rescue frame to pivot about footings supported adjacent to an upper edge of a vertical incline. The rescue frame comprises a primary tubular member passing through the footings and having attached thereto a number of secondary tubular members so as to form a triangular pyramid having a pulley attached to it's apex such that upon pivoting the frame about the primary member, the pulley will extend out over the edge so that rope and stretcher may clear the incline during a lifting or lowering operation. Upon reaching the top of the incline, frame is pivoted back to laterally transfer the stretcher to another side of the primary member to safety located stretcher above the ground where it may be released from rope.

Abstract: A relocating apparatus having a pivot connector for removably pivotally connecting the apparatus to a mast of a sailing vessel. The relocating apparatus also includes a telescoping sleeve assembly which supports a cable which can be connected to a load such as a dinghy. The cable is retracted about a drum which is rotated by a winch handle inserted in the relocating apparatus causing the dinghy to be raised. The relocating apparatus is swung about the pivot connecter to place the dinghy into position near a deck edge of the vessel. The telescoping sleeve assembly is then retracted or extended as desired by inserting the winch handle in a second socket and rotating the winch handle in the desired direction. After the dinghy has been located above the desired position, the cable is extended by inserting the winch handle in the proper socket and rotating the handle.

Abstract: A portable, backpackable crane lift involving a retractable boom, boom cable, winch and winch cable mounted to a wheeled frame with extendable axles all which fold into a compact unit. A shoulder harness apparatus which attaches to the folded unit for carrying converts to a ballast carrying extension of the frame during operation. Such a lift is readily carried up a ladder for use on flat roofs to raise and place air conditioning heat exchangers and the like.

Abstract: A hoist for controllably lifting, holding or lowering an object from a mobile aerial device having an articulated or extendable boom supporting a man-lifting platform. The hoist has an adjustably positioned housing and positioning plate mounted to a shaft. The shaft is secured to the boom of the mobile aerial device, in proximity to the man-lifting platform. An elongated jib with sheave at one end is supported by the housing and may be linearly positioned in relation to the hoist housing. The housing may be manually positioned in relation to the positioning plate, and the positioning plate may be rotatably positioned in relation to the mobile aerial device boom by fluid control means. A rotary fluid motor is adapted to turn a drum about the hoist shaft and controllably wind or unwind a line about the drum. The line extends from the drum about a sheave rotatably secured to one end of the jib, and is of a length sufficient to extend to the object to be moved by the hoist.

Abstract: A gravity crane which is manually operated by an operator who is harnessed to one end of a cantilevered balance beam. Clockwise moments are furnished by a fixed counterweight and by a adjustable ballast for coarse balancing. Counterclockwise moment is provided by the weight of the operator. By displacing a control weight located close to the operator the net sum of clockwise and counterclockwise moments may be smoothly shifted so that the operator can raise or lower himself with a minimum of effort, thereby simulating weightlessness. The operating control cord is always within reach of the operator and the entire crane may be swiveled on a rotatable base.

Abstract: A boom rack assembly pivotally mounted upon a wall or ceiling, warehouse stacker or the like, either a fixed or movable apparatus, for handling and positioning a cargo net or tie down over palletized cargo. The device includes a pair of vertically disposed, inverted J-shaped tubes complemented with rollers, pulleys or sprockets as an assembly, each having a counterweighted cable or chain extending therethrough with a hook harness hanging outwardly thereof. The tubes may be pivoted outwardly of the wall fixture such that the hooks may be pulled outwardly of the tubes and clasped to the cargo net or related tie down equipment. Upon release of the hooks, the counter-weights then lift the net, while the booms by retracting, vertically convey the net over the carbo, such that the net, when released from the device, may be secured conventionally at its edges to the cargo pallet.