Abstract: A crane provided with a trolley, a hanging member, a rope member, and a hoisting device. The crane includes a horizontal position displacement detection unit which detects a horizontal positional displacement between at least two corners of the cargo and a landing place of the two corners; and a horizontal position displacement correction unit which corrects a horizontal positional displacement between the at least two corners of the cargo and the landing place of the two corners when the two corners have landed based on a detection signal from the horizontal position displacement detection unit. The horizontal position displacement correction unit corrects the position of a corner of the cargo so that the corner lands at the landing place of the corner, and then corrects the position of another corner so that the corner lands at the landing place of the corner.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a system and a method which surmounts the problems of prior art. According to the inventive system and method for measuring horizontal deviation of a load receiving element in relation to a position of a hoist traveling trolley, the load receiving element is suspendedly arranged on a plurality of supporting cables on said hoist traveling trolley and least two cable length sensors are provided, said sensors being operatively connected to a data processing means, preferably a processor. The cables of the at least two cable length sensors are disposed between the hoist traveling trolley and the load receiving element in such a way that a computer unit which is connected to the data processing means determines the horizontal deviation of the load receiving element in relation to the position of the hoist traveling trolley for the length of the respective cables of the cable length sensors.

Abstract: An improved crane warning system which includes acceleration sensors, motion sensors, hydraulic sensors, remote communications and/or a camera. The crane warning system may include a crane warning device integrated into the ball of the crane.

Abstract: An anti-collision protection system for machines that operate in a raw material stockpile yard is disclosed. The machines are moveable in the yard in defined paths, with each machine including a material delivery and/or material recovery boom that can be rotated about a vertical axis. The system includes: a means for defining an envelope around each boom (5) that moves with the boom, each envelope forming a boundary of an exclusion zone for the boom. The system also includes a means for detecting an intersection of the boundaries of the exclusion zones and a means responsive to a detected boundary intersection to prevent collision of the machines.

Abstract: An improved crane warning system which includes acceleration sensors, motion sensors, hydraulic sensors, remote communications and/or a camera. The crane warning system may include a crane warning device integrated into the ball of the crane.

Abstract: A boom positioning device for high-position working, capable of ensuring a desired positional accuracy even in positioning a work location at the tip end of a boom from a distant place, the device comprising an imaging means (4) having a multi-axis driving unit and provided with a boom tip-end position computing means (2) for computing the position and attitude of the boom tip-end from positions of respective axes of the boom detected by a boom respective-axis-position detecting means (1) and with a distance measuring means (3) for detecting the distance from the boom tip-end position to a work object, a first boom working amount calculating means (11) for calculating, from an output from the distance measuring means (3) and an output from a measuring error judging means (10), a boom working amount up to an approach enabled area where the measuring accuracy of the distance measuring means (3) is guaranteed, and a second boom working amount calculating means (15) for calculating, from a distance from the boom

Abstract: An improved crane warning system which includes acceleration sensors, motion sensors, hydraulic sensors, remote communications and/or a camera. The crane warning system may include a crane warning device integrated into the ball of the crane.

Abstract: A crane monitoring system and method is characterized by a plurality of sensors mounted to a crane which communicate data to an on-board control unit. The control unit is characterized by having “black box” functionality. A tip switch is mounted in parallel relation to the vertical portion of a hoist cable below the boom tip. The control unit processes and stores input data from the sensors which will indicate unsafe crane conditions, defined as alarm events such as dragging and extrication events. Each stored event has a time and date stamp. Upon detection of an alarm event, the control unit logs data from the sensors into a non-volatile memory, along with the data from a period of time prior to the alarm event. Data is stored continuously until the alarm event clears. Additional data is stored for a period of time after the conclusion of the alarm event.

Abstract: In the anti-two block device, a non-contact measuring device detects in one form or another the distance between a boom nose and a load-bearing member supported thereby. If the distance detected is less than a predetermined threshold value, the device triggers a warning or other operation to assist an operator in preventing anti-two blocking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding the boom (3) of a working machine in connection with the handling of a load, in which method the movements of the load are controlled by means of a control signal formed by at least one control means (9), one or several measurement signals are generated to determine information related to at least the load mass and/or the boom movement, and said at least one control signal is filtered.

Abstract: A method for handling an equipment inside a building by a crane installed outside; the method being employed when leading the wire hanging from the boom of a crane installed outside of a building (nuclear reactor containment vessel, into the building through an opening provided on the building, and lifting up or down an equipment inside said building by said wire. The said method includes a process for measuring by a three-dimensional measuring device which is positioned apart from the crane the shift of the boom caused by transfer of dead load of the equipment to the wire, in the course of transferring dead weight of the equipment between the wire and a structure inside the building, and correcting the position of the boom, by moving said boom up or down, back to a direction opposite to the shift so as to lift up the equipment vertically.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided for monitoring positioning and stability of an articulated boom system The articulated boom system includes an articulated boom, having one or more boom sections, extending from a base, along with one or more outriggers extending from the base. The monitoring system includes a load sensor placed on a leading end of the articulated boom, a boom position sensor placed on the leading end, an outrigger sensor placed on the outrigger(s) and a computer. The load sensor delivers a signal to the computer indicative of the load on the leading end The boom position sensor delivers information to the computer indicative of the position of the leading end with respect to the base. The outrigger sensor delivers a signal to the computer indicative of the extension of the outrigger(s) from the base. The computer determines the position of the articulated boom based upon the sensed position of the leading end.

Abstract: An improved crane warning system which includes acceleration sensors, motion sensors, hydraulic sensors, remote communications and/or a camera. The crane warning system may include a crane warning device integrated into the ball of the crane.

Abstract: A traveling rail 8 is provided in a clean room at slightly above head height, and arms 44, 46 placed atop one another and a fork 56 are used to allow a tracking cart to travel along the rail to load a workpiece 20. A fork elevating section 54 is provided at the tip of the lower arm 46 to elevate and lower the fork 56. A loop can be constructed without obstructing personnel in the area and faster loading times can be obtained.

Abstract: Crane swing warning system is disclosed for a crane that has an undercarriage, which is independent from its cab body, connected by a turntable that the upper crane body rotates about on a vertical axis. The crane swing warning system consists of a continuous plastic caution tape extended out and around the upper crane body by supports adjustable in 360 degrees, and in length, fully retractable or completely removed. This crane swing warning system is to warn individuals of the movement of the upper crane body as to prevent the individuals from being struck by or being caught between the rotating upper crane body and the crane undercarriage.

Abstract: The protection system for outriggers of a chassis includes a non-contact distance measuring device, associated with at least one of the outriggers and the chassis, mounted on one of the outriggers and the chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures the distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a warning signal based on the measured distance. A controller stops operation of the outriggers in response to the warning signal.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the position of a movable object along a selected axis. The system includes a target positioned at a location aligned with the selected axis. An optical energy emitter is mounted on the movable object and has a beam dispersion greater than two degrees directed at the target. An optical energy receiver is mounted on the movable object and aligned to receive optical energy reflected by the target. The optical energy detector generates a receive signal indicating reception of the optical energy. A time of flight circuit coupled to the emitter and receiver generates a flight time signal indicating the elapsed time from emission of the optical energy to reception of reflected optical energy. A control circuit monitors the flight time signal and outputs a position signal indicating position of the movable object with respect to the target.

Abstract: A system for detecting cargo movement inside a cargo compartment of a craft, such as a plane or vehicle. The cargo is mounted on pallets that in turn are transported within the cargo compartment on rails end kept in place by latch assemblies. An arm assembly is mounted to a fixed convenient location inside the compartment at its distal end attached to a suitable position on the cargo being monitored. At least two parallel arms are pivotally mounted to the fixed position at the distal end. One of the arms to pivotally mounted indirectly through plate members. The plate member pivotally mounted to the fixed end includes a magnetic element that moves in physical proximity to a magnetic field sensor. If the separation exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the sensor generates an output signal that is transmitted to the pilot or driver for the necessary measures to be taken.

Abstract: A lowering collision avoidance device includes a hoisting accessory swing detector, a rope winding speed detector, an arithmetic unit, a rope winding speed controller, and if desired, a rope length detector. The arithmetic unit computes a command value for the lowering speed based on the results of comparison between the amount of swing of a hoisting accessory detected by the hoisting accessory swing detector and a predetermined threshold level or a plurality of predetermined threshold levels; the direction of changes in the amount of swing computed based on the amount of swing of the hoisting accessory; and the lowering speed detected by the rope winding speed detector. The rope winding speed controller controls the lowering speed based on this command value.

Abstract: The boom length measurement includes a transmitting unit mounted on the fly section of a multi-section telescopic boom, and a receiving unit mounted on the base section of the multi-section telescopic boom. The transmitting unit transmits a first and second signal having first and second transmission speeds, respectively. The second transmission speed is less than the first transmission speed. Based on a difference in transit times of the first and second signals received by the receiving unit, a length determiner determines the length of the multi-section telescopic boom. A display displays the determined length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable range indicating apparatus, for a mobile crane vehicle, which can easily display a movable range of a telescopic boom end and secure safety of a crane operation. To this end, the apparatus comprises a boom length detecting means (1), a boom angle detecting means (2), a turning position detecting means (3), a load detecting means (4), an operating condition inputting means (5), a display section (9) for indicating in rectangular coordinates, and a control section (8) for performing calculation or storage, and indicates by superimposition an image of a rated operating radius (23) and an image of an end position (24) of the telescopic boom on the display section. In addition, a target point (41) of the telescopic boom end can be indicated by superimposition.

Abstract: A suspendable apparatus for the lifting, rotating and transferring of essentially smooth-walled cylindrical objects, where such apparatus is preferably an air cylinder. The apparatus comprises a vertically oriented lifting mechanism consisting of a lifting chamber fixed at its upper end and movable at its lower end, with power to the air cylinder in the chamber. Additionally, there is a rotating mechanism for gripping and rotating the cylindrical object, such as a drum or paper roll. The rotating mechanism is mounted on a fixed arm secured to the lower end for movement therewith. The rotating mechanism further includes a housing having a fixed end secured to the fixed arm and a second end remote therefrom. The second end includes a pair of movable gripping arms mounted for rotational movement about the second end, where the arms include at least two arcuate shaped cups positioned to apply a vacuum against the wall of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A crane safety apparatus for displaying a schematic diagram of a part of a crane mechanism on a two-dimensional screen dynamically as the crane mechanism is operated, and displaying on the same screen a predetermined operation zone as a visually discriminative zone pattern. The operation zone pattern is displayed on the screen in response to the key command by an operator during a selected crane operation mode, while referring to the schematic crane mechanism diagram currently displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A swing angle measuring apparatus generates feedback signals for closed loop regulation of a load swinging motion in operation of a crane. The swing angle measuring apparatus measures two-dimensional swing angles, and includes a rope fixed to a hoisting device, two laser displacement sensors, laser reflecting plates, and a rectangular box attached to a hoisting device. Two steel reflecting plates are installed on the periphery of the fixed rope. Two laser displacement sensors are installed in a rectangular box such that the heading of the sensors are configured to perpendicularly intersect the faces of the laser reflecting plates. The configuration of the displacement sensors and the reflecting plates can be reversed. The rectangular box is attached to the hoisting device, and the laser reflecting plates are placed at an offset distance away from the face of the laser displacement sensors, at which a sensor signal of 0 volts is obtained.

Abstract: An adjustable system for lifting and transferring load containers which comprises a frame, a container lifting device, and a cable attached to the frame and lifting device. A first actuator is provided for raising and lowering the lifting device, which lifting device has a plurality of remotely controllable latches for engaging and disengaging latchable portions of the containers, to permit grasping and lifting of containers by the lifting device. New features of adjustability are provided, to permit the system to lift containers of varying sizes. Also, the lifting device preferably carries an electrically operated location sensing device for sensing and signalling to the operator a proper location of the latches relative to the latchable portions, to permit such latching.

Abstract: To prevent a collision between first and second mobiles, such as travelling cranes, on a common movement path, a method implemented in the first mobile entails measuring a first distance between the first mobile and an origin in a fixed system of axes and a second distance between the first and second mobiles. The method comprises the steps of determining a first speed of the first mobile in the system of axes and a second speed of the first mobile relative to the second mobile in order to deduce a third speed of the second mobile in the system of axes, then of estimating a safety margin between the first and second mobiles, then of comparing the safety margin with a threshold to generate a collision risk factor, and finally of deciding on an action at drive motors of the first mobile as a function of the sign of the first, second and third speeds and the collision risk factor.

Abstract: An improved method and system for a liftcrane in which a load is lifted through the combined action of first and second hoist drums. The method and system use a first rope wound on one hoist drum and a second rope wound on the second hoist drum. The ends of the ropes opposite the hoist drums are linked together to transmit tension between them. The load is coupled to the ropes. If the take up speed of one of the ropes exceeds the take up speed of the other, the linked ends of the ropes will shift. This condition is detected and the operation of at least one of the first and second hoist drums is modified to bring the take up rates into balance. This system is advantageously used with a hoist block sheave arrangement. This system can also be used with a single rope in which each of the ends of the single rope are wound on a separate one of the hoist drums and the load is coupled to the middle of the rope.

Abstract: A gantry truck assembly for rolling on a rail (16) where the rail has a top rail surface (42) and a side rail surface (48). The truck has a wheel (38) for rolling on the top rail surface. A flange (44) extends radially from the wheel and can contact the side rail surface (42). A side roller (56) is rotatably mounted to a lever arm (54) and is biased by a spring (62) to a position closer to the side rail surface than is the wheel flange. When a force greater than a pre-set limit is placed on the roller by the rail, the lever arm can pivot to allow the wheel flange to contact the side rail surface.

Abstract: To be able to acquire pendulum oscillations in the case of cranes with a high degree of accuracy, a marking having a reflecting surface is disposed in the area of the load. Mounted on the crane are both lighting equipment directed at the marking as well as a line-scanning camera that is likewise directed at the marking and that has an image-sensor linear array. The image-sensor linear array is aligned longitudinally to the direction of swing (x). Its signal is evaluated in an evaluation device to determine the instantaneous position of the marking.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for use on a hoisting crane used to hoist cargo from cargo transport trucks that detects hoisting such trucks and renders the hoisting mechanism inoperative. The safety apparatus includes sensors responsive to an unsafe condition in such trucks to generate a safety signal. A transmitter responsive to the safety signal transmits an operational signal to the hoisting crane that upon receiving and recognizing the operational signal renders the hoisting mechanism inoperative and alerts the crane operator of the unsafe condition.