Abstract: A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.

Abstract: A system for servicing a nuclear reactor module comprises a crane operable to attach to the nuclear reactor module, wherein the crane includes provisions for routing signals from one or more sensors of the nuclear reactor module to one or more sensor receivers.

Abstract: A method for moving a load with a crane in a collision-free manner in a space having at least one obstacle includes providing a position of the obstacle, providing at least one safe state variable of the load, determining from the safe state variable a safety zone surrounding the load, and dynamically monitoring the safety zone in relation to the position of the obstacle.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper traveling body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a hydraulic actuator, an operating apparatus configured to be operated to operate the hydraulic actuator, an object detector configured to detect an object within a predetermined area around the shovel, a gate lock lever configured to switch the operating apparatus between an enabled state and a disabled state, and a control device. The control device is configured to switch the operating apparatus between the enabled state and the disabled state separately from the gate lock lever, and to disable the operating apparatus in response to determining that the object is present within the predetermined area based on the output of the object detector while the operating apparatus is switched to the enabled state by the gate lock lever, during the standby state of the shovel.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating to an operator a forward direction of travel of a machine having a ground-engaging traveling device, a superstructure rotatably mounted to the traveling device and an operator station defining an operator point of view are provided. The system includes a system controller, a rotation-sensing system connected to the system controller for determining a rotational relationship of the superstructure with respect to the traveling device, and a singaler mounted to the operator station and connected to the system controller for indicating to the operator the forward direction of travel of the machine in accordance with the operator point of view. The method includes receiving a rotational relationship of the superstructure with respect to the traveling device, and indicating to the operator the forward travel direction of the machine in accordance with the operator point of view.

Abstract: A control unit of the crane controls drives that move an upper load suspension point and, together therewith, a load suspended via a cable system. As the upper load suspension point is moved, an inner safety zone around the load is repeatedly dynamically determined according to state variables of the crane. The state variables include at least a position and a speed of movement of the upper load suspension point, and an effective pendulum length of the load. The control unit checks, based on further known information whether an object different from the load has entered the inner safety zone, in which case the movement of the upper load suspension point is stopped or a message to stop the movement is outputted to an operator of the crane. Otherwise, the movement is maintained or no message to stop the movement is outputted to the operator.

Abstract: Provided is a lifting arrangement configured to facilitate alignment of a load with a wind turbine assembly. The lifting arrangement includes a crane arrangement for hoisting the load to the wind turbine assembly, a tagline arrangement for stabilizing the load during a lifting manoeuvre, a sensor arrangement configured to detect a motion of the wind turbine assembly relative to the load during the lifting manoeuvre, an actuator arrangement for adjusting the position of the load relative to the wind turbine assembly, and a control arrangement for controlling actuators of the actuator arrangement to reduce the detected relative motion. Also provided is a method of aligning a load with a wind turbine assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a positioning system, a positioning method, a shopping cart and an electronic equipment. The system includes an image acquisition device and a processing device. The image acquisition device is configured to acquire image information about a shopping cart, and the processing device is configured to process the image information so as to acquire identification information of the shopping cart, determine a location area of the shopping cart in an image according to the identification information, and determine location information of the shopping cart according to location information of the image acquisition device and the location area of the shopping cart in the image.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a knuckle-boom crane to a heave-compensating crane includes: removing a knuckle-boom from a main boom; mounting a main boom extension to the main boom for increasing the length of the main boom; and mounting a heave-compensating boom at a far end of the main boom extension such that the heave-compensating boom extends in a downward vertical direction (Z) in operational use of the heave-compensating crane. The heave-compensating boom is configured to be pivotable with respect to the main boom extension in both horizontal directions (X, Y). A heave-compensation system is provided to the knuckle-boom crane, wherein the heave-compensation system compensates for horizontal variations by controlling the orientation of the heave-compensating boom relative to the main boom extension, and compensates for vertical variations by means of a further vertical heave-compensation system, such as a winch-based heave-compensation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating multiple cranes (1, 2), the movements of which are monitored for imminent collisions by anti-collision devices of the cranes, and to cranes comprising at least one movement device for moving a crane element, a control unit (13) for actuating the movement device, and an anti-collision device (17, 18) for monitoring the crane movements of the crane element for possible collisions with another crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a working machine, in particular a crane, which is equipped with two or more individual elements for use when in operation, wherein a working machine monitoring means unambiguously identifies one or more elements equipping the machine and determines their times of operation, and the determined time of operation of at least one of the element is transmitted together with identification information to storage means for establishing an operation log of the element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane, in particular an offshore crane, having a slewing gear and a hydraulic slewing gear drive, wherein the slewing gear is held in its position via a holding torque applied by the hydraulic slewing gear drive, and wherein an overload safety device is provided having at least one detection means for detecting the outreach and/or the position of the crane hook and having at least one pressure relief valve, with the system pressure applied to the hydraulic slewing gear drive via at least one pressure relief valve can be regulated in dependence on the outreach and/or on the position of the crane hook.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining the load capacity of a functional element of a crane, the load capacity of a sub-assembly of a crane or the load capacity of a crane, wherein: a maximum bearing load is calculated for a specifically occurring configuration and/or specifically occurring state parameters and/or specifically occurring operating parameters on the basis of a predetermined formula; and the calculation is verified on the basis of stored bearing load values.

Abstract: A lift detection and alert assembly for detecting lifting of a tow vehicle and for alerting a crane operator includes an alert module and a sensing module, which are mountable to a tow vehicle having a load engaged thereto. The alert module provides notification to an operator of a crane that is engaged to and operable upon the load. The sensing module detects vertical movement of the tow vehicle and signals the alert module thereof. The alert module notifies the operator of the crane in event the tow vehicle is being lifted in conjunction with the load to prevent damage to the tow vehicle and injury to a driver thereof. The present invention is anticipated for use with terminal tractors that are utilized to move shipping containers at cargo yards, warehouse facilities, and intermodal facilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower crane with a load lifting means mounted on a hoisting cable, driving devices for moving several crane elements and traversing the load lifting means, and a control device for controlling the driving devices such that the load lifting means moves along a traversing path between at least two target points. The control device has a traversing path determining module for determining a desired traversing path between the at least two target points and an automatic traversing control module for automatically traversing the load lifting means along the determined traversing path.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a configuration of a crane winch assembly and activating a mode of operation of an aerial device based at least in part on the configuration is shown and described herein. The aerial device may comprise a crane winch assembly with a sensor for detecting that the crane winch assembly is stowed or deployed. When the crane winch assembly is deployed, a crane mode of the aerial device may be active. When the crane winch assembly is stowed, an aerial mode of the aerial device may be active. Further, certain operations of the aerial device may be active and inactive based on an anti-two block system of the aerial device.

Abstract: In order to easily prevent a collision of transport units, which are moved along a conveyor line of a long stator linear motor, it is provided that a minimum distance to be maintained between the two transport units is changed as a function of the position of the two transport units along the conveyor line.

Abstract: A crane risk logic apparatus and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the crane risk logic apparatus, the crane risk logic apparatus is integral with a crane, such as a crawler crane or a tower crane, and located in communication with a load moment indicator. The crane risk logic apparatus receives crane data from the load moment indicator and determines lift cycle data therefrom. The crane risk logic apparatus determines an area of interest based on locationing data received from a global positioning system (GPS) unit incorporated therewith and receives weather data for this area of interest. The crane risk logic apparatus causes an alert notification at the crane to occur in response to presence of weather issues.

Abstract: An arrangement of a control system and a mobile control module, via which the control system can be remote-controlled. The control system can be supplied with sensor data via signal inputs, and a processing unit of the control system can calculate from the sensor data and from stored lifting device-specific data information characteristic for the current lifting load situation the allowability of work processes on the lifting device, and optionally in the given current lifting load situation. The control system can transmit the information characteristic for the current lifting load situation and/or the allowability of work processes on the lifting device to the mobile control module via a transmitting and receiving module, to the mobile control module in a wireless and/or cable-bound manner. From the information, a processing unit of the mobile control module calculates graphic data for a display via a display unit.

Abstract: An LNG fueling station according to the present invention includes: an installation part on which an LNG tank container is installed, and a supply part for supplying liquefied natural gas from the LNG tank container installed on the installation part to an object for supply, wherein the LNG tank container can be transported and installed while storing the liquefied natural gas, and the LNG tank container is transported to the installation part and then installed on the installation part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for central control of one or more cranes including at least one crane and at least one central control station, wherein the crane includes one or multiple image sensors observing a picked-up load, at least part of the crane surroundings and at least part of the crane structure, the crane is connected with the control station for the transmission of the image sensor data via at least one bidirectional communication link, and wherein the control station comprises at least one display element for the visual representation of the received sensor data as well as provides at least one input device for inputting control commands, and the control commands can be transmitted, via the communication link, to one or more crane actuators and/or the crane control for performing crane movements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing equipment in a workspace such as an oil rig are disclosed. Objects are given zones which are physically larger than the objects. A monitoring system is capable of monitoring the objects and the zones for each object. When zones intersect, a collision is possible and the monitoring system can take action to prevent the collision or mitigate damage in the case of a collision. Further, systems and methods for ensuring the moving components are handed-off properly from one support to another are disclosed.

Abstract: A control section determines a monitoring region, a region wherein an obstacle is to be monitored, the monitoring region not including the lower travelling body. The control section changes the monitoring region so as not to include the lower travelling body based on a turn angle detected by the turn angle detection section. The control section limits operation of at least one of travelling of the lower travelling body and turning of the upper slewing body when the obstacle detection section detects an obstacle being present in the monitoring region.

Abstract: A system for servicing a nuclear reactor module comprises a crane operable to attach to the nuclear reactor module, wherein the crane includes provisions for routing signals from one or more sensors of the nuclear reactor module to one or more sensor receivers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device, in particular a mobile crane or a cable-operated excavator, having an apparatus for monitoring the raising and lowering procedures of a boom system of the lifting device.

Abstract: To safely avoid a collision of two transport units in the switch area during operation of a conveyor in the form of a long stator linear motor with a switch, a collision zone is provided in the switch area, wherein the collision zone extends from the beginning of the switch in each case a length on the respective conveyor section, and to define the collision zone, the transport units are considered as two-dimensional objects and a position of the first transport unit on the first conveyor section is determined, which the first transport unit is allowed to occupy, so that the second transport unit can be moved as a two-dimensional object along the second conveyor section without collision through the switch and a distance between this first position and the beginning of the switch is determined and at least this distance is used as the first length.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body mounted on the lower traveling body; and a receiver, a direction detecting device, a controller, and a display device mounted on the upper turning body, wherein the receiver is configured to receive an image captured by a camera-mounted autonomous aerial vehicle, the direction detecting device is configured to detect a direction of the shovel, the controller is configured to generate information related to a target rotation angle of the camera-mounted autonomous aerial vehicle based on the direction of the shovel, and the display device is configured to display the captured image in a same direction as a direction of an image that is captured when the camera-mounted autonomous aerial vehicle rotates by the target rotation angle.

Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a frame, a set of ground engaging elements movably supported by the frame and driven to drive movement of the mobile work machine, a movable element movably supported by the frame to move relative to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the movable element to controllably drive movement of the movable element. The mobile work machine also includes a control system that generates an actuator control signal, indicative of a commanded movement of the actuator, and provides the actuator control signal to the actuator to control the actuator to perform the commanded movement. Further, the mobile work machine includes a stability system, coupled to the control system, that determines whether the commanded movement will result in an unstable state of the mobile work machine and, if so, generates a restriction signal, restricting the commanded movement to avoid the unstable state.

Abstract: Provided is a display apparatus fir traveling cranes which is capable of displaying information about another traveling crane. The display apparatus for traveling cranes is equipped with: an imaging unit 20 which is mounted to the vicinity of the tip of a boom; a display unit 30 which displays an image captured by the imaging unit 20; a crane controller 40 which controls the orientation of a traveling crane; a communication unit 53 for mutually transmitting/receiving information to/from the other traveling crane; and an image controller 50 for displaying the information about the other traveling crane, received from the other traveling crane, in such a manner as to superimpose the information upon the image of the display unit.

Abstract: Provided is a crane that can detect obstacles within a sufficient range while traveling and while doing work. A crane that is provided with an obstacle sensor that, during travel, detects the approach of obstacles toward a front side part of a travel body and, during work, detects the approach of obstacles toward a rear side part of a turning body. According to a first embodiment, the obstacle sensor has a detection range that is directed from front to rear. According to a second embodiment, the obstacle sensor has a detection range that is directed from rear to front.

Abstract: Provided is a controller (50) that includes a mechanical state acquisition section (400) that acquires information regarding a posture and an operation of a hydraulic excavator; a blind angle calculation section (500) that calculates a blind angle area from a seat in a cab (1f) of the hydraulic excavator based on the information indicating the posture and the operation of the hydraulic excavator and acquired by the mechanical state acquisition section (400); and a visibility level determination section (300) that determines a visibility level of an obstacle based on the blind angle area calculated by the blind angle calculation section (500) and a positional relationship calculated by a position relation calculation section (200). Further, a warning level determination section (600) of the controller (50) adjusts a warning level in accordance with the visibility level determined by the visibility level determination section (300).

Abstract: A safety light device is supported on a mobile mining equipment device using an auxiliary battery which is independent of the main battery of the vehicle. The device includes a primary strobe light and a controller which activates the strobe light for the prescribed activation period determined by a timer upon receipt of an activation signal from a motion sensor of the device. A transceiver may optionally be provided to generate the activation signal when detecting wi-fi signals emitted from other work vehicles. The device may include other lights of different color from the primary strobe light for illumination instead of the primary strobe light if certain conditions are met to communicate additional information to persons in proximity to the work vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for working-place backflow of robots, comprising: acquiring current coordinates of robots currently in an idle state in a working place; acquiring all destination coordinates where the robots are going to return; calculating, according to distances and time from the current coordinates to all destination coordinates, target destination coordinates nearest to the current coordinates; controlling the robots to move out of the working place according to backflow paths corresponding to the target destination coordinates, ensuring order departure of the robots; performing, when paths intersect, queuing management on the robots, to determine a crowding point zone; setting, according to pass requests sent by robots in the crowding point zone, scheduling commands respectively for the robots in the crowding point zone; and sending the commands respectively to the robots in the crowding point zone, to make the robots having received the commands pass through the crowding point zone based thereon.

Abstract: There is provided improved accuracy in cargo handling by a spreader (306) including a distance sensor (308a, 308b) transmitting optical signals. The handled cargo (312) includes a plurality of interconnected sides (312a, 312b). The transmission directions of the optical signals are selected and distances are measured by reflected optical signals transmitted in the selected directions. The measured distances are used to determine a reference line that matches a shape of at least one of the interconnected sides (312a, 312b) of the cargo (312).

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system for a work machine includes a detecting part to detect a monitoring target around the work machine and a control part to switch the state of the work machine between first and second states based on the detection result. The first state includes a state where a restriction on the operation of the work machine is canceled or a state where an alarm is stopped. The second state includes a state where the operation is restricted or stopped or a state where the alarm is output. The control part returns the state of the work machine to the first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied after switching the state to the second state. The predetermined condition includes that no monitoring target is detected around the work machine and that it is ensured that the work machine is prevented from starting to operate.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a driver for driving one or a plurality of LEDs (D1, D2), comprising at least one driving unit (201, 202) adapted to be supplied with a differential voltage, between one first bias voltage (VB1) and one second bias voltage (VB2), the differential voltage being adapted to be equal or larger than the largest expected variations (?VF) of the forward voltage of said one or a plurality of LEDs (D1, D2). Another aspect of the invention relates to an integrated package comprising at least an LED and associated driving unit (201, 202). Another aspect of the invention relates to a light module comprising a plurality of LEDs (D1, D2) and associated driving units (201, 202).

Abstract: The present application relates to a mobile crane comprising a telescopic boom which has a hinged section and at least one telescopic section which can be telescoped out of it, or to a crawler-mounted crane. In accordance with one embodiment, as a position detection device, it has at least one transducer in the form of an inductively operating transponder, a receiver unit for the sensing of the position of the transducer, a control device for control in dependence on a signal of the receiver unit, as well as a signal transmission device in the form of a databus for the transmission of the signal data from the receiver unit to the control device.

Abstract: An overhead crane (21, 22) for hoisting and moving containers (2) includes a rail track (23, 24) which rests on the ground via columns (25), and a frame (31, 32) which is displaceable along the rail track (23, 24) and is provided with elements for picking up and hoisting containers (2). In particular, the frame (31, 32) is suitable to accommodate at least one container (2) completely. In an assembly (20) of at least two overhead cranes (21, 22), the rail tracks (23, 24) of the overhead cranes (21, 22) extend at different levels with respect to the ground, substantially parallel with respect to each other, and rest on the ground via common columns (25). One of the advantages of this arrangement is the fact that the overhead cranes (21, 22) can pass each other.

Abstract: A highly efficient Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) that allows an overhead hoist transport vehicle to load and unload Work-In-Process (WIP) parts directly to/from one or more WIP storage units included in the system. The overhead hoist transport subsystem includes an overhead hoist transport vehicle traveling along a suspended track defining a predetermined route.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boom of a crane in proximity of obstacles at a worksite by defining a forbidden volume is disclosed. In the method a distance from the boom to an outer surface of the forbidden volume is determined and a computing device limits movement of the boom based on the distance from the boom to the outer surface of the forbidden volume to avoid entering the forbidden volume with the boom while the crane is in operation.

Abstract: An information processing method and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: acquiring a first parameter related to a first behavior of a user of an electronic device, in a case that a current position of the electronic device is a first position, where the first behavior is a behavior which does not cause the electronic device to move; determining whether the first parameter meets a preset condition to obtain a first determination result; and adjusting the current position from the first position to a second position, in a case that it is determined that the first parameter meets the preset condition.

Abstract: A crane including support means arranged to support a load and to move the load along a path, and a scanner including a radiation source and radiation detection means arranged to scan a scanning volume. The path is arranged to pass through the scanning volume so that the scanner can scan the load as it moves along the path.

Abstract: A highly efficient Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) that allows an overhead hoist transport vehicle to load and unload Work-In-Process (WIP) parts directly to/from one or more WIP storage units included in the system. The AMHS includes an overhead hoist transport subsystem and at least one vertical carousel stocker having a plurality of storage bins. The overhead hoist transport subsystem includes an overhead hoist transport vehicle traveling along a suspended track defining a predetermined route, which runs adjacent to the carousel stocker, thereby allowing the overhead hoist transport vehicle to access a WIP part directly from one of the storage bins. At least one of the storage bins includes a movable shelf operative to move laterally from a first position along the carousel path to a second position near the overhead hoist transport vehicle.

Abstract: Short range transmissions are used to identify potential interactions between warehouse workers and warehouse robots in automated warehouses. The robot can be equipped with one or more short range transmission tags, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, while the warehouse worker can be equipped with a short range transmission reader, such as an RFID reader. The robot can detect a warehouse worker that is within range when the RFID tags on the robot are written to by the RFID reader. The warehouse robots and warehouse workers can also be equipped with one or more cameras to identify fiducials in the automated warehouse and to report their positions. A central control or interaction server can ensure that warehouse robots and warehouse workers are routed appropriately to avoid incidents.

Abstract: A boom protection system prevents damage to an insulated boom section. The boom protection system has a static strain-detection assembly, a pressure-detection assembly, and an alarm. The static strain-detection assembly is configured to determine a load disposed from an implement at a distal end of said insulated boom section. The static strain-detection assembly includes a subject plate presenting a void therein, a traversing member spanning the void, and a strain gauge disposed adjacent to the traversing member. The pressure-detection assembly is configured to detect pressure within a hydraulic cylinder that is associated with the insulated boom section. The pressure detection assembly comprises a first pressure gauge at a distal end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second pressure gauge at a proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder. The alarm is configured to alert a user of potential structural damage to the insulated boom section.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured with a set of operating instructions and a sensor for monitoring an environment of the apparatus. The environment of the apparatus is monitored for compliance with the set of operating instructions.

Abstract: Provided is a work plan verification device capable of improving work efficiency of movement work of a suspension load. The work plan verification device determines whether an operator indicates a movement position of the suspension load on an image (A) displayed on a monitor (30). When a determination is made that the movement position is indicated, a mark is displayed on the movement position (B). Subsequently, a determination is made that the suspension load is suspended on a boom. When the determination is made that the suspension load is suspended, a load factor (C1) which is moving determination information allowing an operator to determine whether the suspension load can be moved to the movement position (B) is calculated, and the calculated load factor is displayed on the image (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the crane safety of a crane with a variable support base and with a monitoring unit, wherein several safety criteria are monitored during crane operation, in that, for each criterion which is dependent on at least one parameter relating to the crane configuration and/or crane movement during crane operation, an admissible specific limit value is calculated during crane operation, and monitored for compliance. In addition, the invention relates to a method for operating a crane with a monitoring unit which calculates an admissible bearing load dependent on one or more modifiable parameters, during the operation of the crane, and a sensor system which detects the current modifiable parameters during crane operation, and makes them available to the monitoring unit, wherein one or more sensor values are modified before the calculation of the admissible bearing load, in order to determine the admissible bearing load for one or more future parameters.

Abstract: A work machine management device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from a work machine, sensor data indicating states of various sections of the work machine, and alarm data indicating that the work machine has determined that an abnormality has occurred in the work machine; and an operating level classifying unit that, based on the sensor data received by the receiving unit, classifies an operating state of the work machine as being any one of a plurality of predetermined operating levels.

Abstract: A method of lifting device collision avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a collision avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a first lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the collision avoidance sensor unit, generating a geofence for the first lifting device based at least in part on the collision avoidance sensor unit position, monitoring for a collision related hazard indicated by encroachment between the first geofence and a second geofence associated with a second lifting device and initiating at least one collision hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the collision related hazard.