Abstract: The invention provides a crane assembly for lifting a load comprising: a pair of guides (2) positioned parallel to one another; a carriage (4,40) associated with each guide (2) and movable along each guide (2); a bridge (1) having an attachment point (8) for attaching the load, the bridge (1) being attached between the carriages (4,40) through connector arms (3), each connector arm (3) being attached through a lower end (31) to the bridge (1) and pivotable (5) at least about an axis perpendicular to the bridge, each connector arm (3) being attached at an upper end (32) to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a multi-axis joint (33,35); wherein each multiaxis joint (33,35) is connected to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a low friction thrust bearing (6) configured to rotate with initial movement of the corresponding carriage (4,40).

Abstract: In one example implementation, a sensor apparatus includes a bracket, a first polar plate, a first contact portion, a first leading wire, a rotating shaft, a support frame, a second polar plate, a second contact portion, and a second leading wire. The bracket is of a cylindrical structure with two open ends. The first leading wire is disposed on the first polar plate and an external side of the bracket, one end of the first leading wire is connected to the first contact portion, and the other end of the first leading wire is connected to the first polar plate. The second contact portion is disposed at a first end of the support frame. The second leading wire is disposed on the support frame and the second polar plate.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated liftable and lowerable hook of a crane has a hydraulic system comprises at least one working machine with a hydraulic motor driving a winch. At least one drive machine comprising a pump is connected directly or indirectly to at least one of the working machines by means of two connections via corresponding working lines, which serve as a feed or return depending on the operating state of the working machine. A lowering brake valve is provided in one working line and is connected to the other working line via a control line such that the lowering brake valve is displaceable against a restoring force by pressure, which prevails in the other working line and is forwarded via the control line, from the blocking position of said valve into a through-flow position for lowering the hook by means of a primary winch.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a front cabin coupled to a front end of the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the front end of the chassis, a rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, and a ladder assembly having a proximal end coupled to the chassis. The body assembly includes one or more angled portions. The one or more angled portions at least partially facilitate the ladder assembly in traveling through at least one of a sweep angle range or a depression angle range.

Abstract: A recovery system for recovering wrecked vehicles in difficult-to-access locations generally includes a frame, a front plate, a rear plate with a mounting system for mounting the recovery system to an operating vehicle, a guide shaft and guide wheel, a boom assembly, a horse head assembly mounted in a cable sleeve in a pivot end of the boom assembly, a winch, and a cable running from the winch over and along the boom and through the horse head assembly. The horse head assembly generally includes a clevis, a clevis pin, a sheave wheel, and a cable guide. The clevis preferably rotates within the cable sleeve with respect to the boom assembly, the cable guide preferably pivots on top of the boom assembly, and the sheave wheel and cable guide preferably freely rotate on the clevis pin and preferably translate along the clevis pin.

Abstract: A crane control system for controlling a plurality of cranes is provided. The crane control system in some embodiments includes a master controller unit, at least one computer readable memory for storing a plurality of tokens, each token from the plurality of tokens associated with a respective crane from the plurality of cranes, and a processing unit responsive to commands inputtable by an operator of the master controller unit to send the commands to individual cranes from the plurality of cranes, wherein the processing unit associates the commands with respective tokens to control the cranes associated with those tokens. The crane control system in some embodiments also includes a processing unit that is responsive to a signal indicative of a synchronization loss to issue a command to bring the plurality of cranes into a safe condition, such as an emergency stop, or a corrective action.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for monitoring a state of a moving object and a system for fast inspecting a vehicle. The method and a device for monitoring a state of a moving object positions and measures speed of the moving object by using a laser scanner. The device includes: a laser scanner configured to monitor at least one moving object entering a monitoring region, by emitting a plurality of laser beams of different angles to the at least one moving object with a preset scanning frequency; and a processing unit configured to, for each moving object, determine and output a relative position of the moving object with respect to the laser scanner at each time instance. It can significantly improve the accuracy of measuring a low speed of the moving object, and the laser scanner is easy to install and has a low cost.

Abstract: In a movement control apparatus manipulation can be carried out while watching the movement of the moving body, without needing to watch one's hands, so even a novice operator can perform the manipulation easily, safely, reliably, and quickly. The apparatus can include a signal transmission cable, a casing of a manipulation remote controller disposed at one end of the cable, a rotary encoder that produces a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing, and a motor drive control circuit that is disposed on the other side of the cable and controls the movement of a moving body on the basis of a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing. The signal corresponding to the direction of the casing can be supplied from the rotary encoder, through the cable, to the motor drive control circuit.

Abstract: A removable hoist assembly for lifting a load up and into a confined space in the form of a kit has a support structure releasably coupled to overhead structural beams in the confined space, a motor releasably coupled to the support structure above the support structure between the overhead structural beams, a hoist arm releasably coupled to the support structure to be rotatable and extendable with respect to the support structure, and a cable supported by the hoist arm. The cable has a free end positioned proximate a distal end of the hoist arm and configured to couple to the load and a terminal end coupled to the motor such that the cable extends and retracts with respect to the motor. The hoist arm support structure spreads the weight of the motor, hoist arm and the load across a plurality of the overhead structural beams.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a timer measuring a time; a receiver receiving data from a remote control device; a storage storing a unique value of a vehicle, a timer count value of the vehicle, and a timer difference value between the remote control device and the vehicle; and a controller increasing the timer count value of the vehicle after lapse of a predetermined time. In particular, the controller compares a unique value of the remote control device contained in the data with the unique value of the vehicle stored in the storage, and determines whether a user command contained in the data is approved based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the hand-guided movement of loads by means of a retaining or gripping element (11) as a lifting aid, which retaining or gripping element is attached to a load-bearing rope (2), comprising a load-bearing apparatus (1), which is provided with at least one vertical cantilever (3), over which the load-bearing rope (2) is guided from sides of a rope-winding apparatus (4) on the load-bearing apparatus (1) by means of an adjustable rope articulation point (5), wherein a sensor (6) for measuring a rope angle of the load-bearing rope (2) in relation to the vertical is provided and a controller coupled to the sensor (6) is provided, which controller is designed to simultaneously control an adjustment of the rope articulation point (5) and a rope length of the load-bearing rope (2) on the basis of a measured rope angle.

Abstract: A carriage for a limb support includes a space for receiving a longitudinal member of a patient support apparatus, a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and a locking mechanism. The plurality of rollers is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage during movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member. The carriage also includes an elastomeric member that resists rotation to prevent unwanted motion of the carriage. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member at any of an infinite number of positions along the length of the longitudinal member, the locking mechanism being lockable with a single action.

Abstract: A grabber for a load handling apparatus having an optical distance measuring device and a fastening mechanism that fastens the optical distance measuring device in a flexible manner to the grabber. The grabber may be provided in a crane, such as a boom crane, a bridge crane, a container crane or a gantry crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement comprising a hoist controller (12) of a hoist (10), a control pendant (12) having an emergency stop switch (2), and a control line (3) which electrically connects the hoist controller (12) to the control pendant (12) and has a control voltage applied thereto. In order to provide a circuit arrangement for monitoring an emergency stop switch of a hoist having a pendant switch, which circuit arrangement can be used to reliably detect a short circuit, it is proposed to assign a controller (1) to the emergency stop switch (2), which controller superimposes a cyclical pulse on the control voltage, and to design the hoist controller (12) in such a manner that said hoist controller monitors the cyclical pulse and switches the hoist (10) to a safe state in the absence of the cyclical pulse.

Abstract: A stabilizer cable has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a crane load. The stabilizer cable loops around a boom pulley that is attached to a crane boom, then runs through a traveler pulley, then loops around a floating pulley, then loops around a deflector pulley. The deflector pulley and the second end of the stabilizer cable are positioned such that an increase in tension of the stabilizer cable urges the suspended load toward the traveler pulley. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A flash device includes a light emitting element configured to emit light and light controlling elements. The light controlling elements include a light receiving surface and a light exiting surface that is non-parallel to the light exiting surface of an adjacent light controlling element. The light controlling elements are individually adjustable to vary a difference between an amount of light received at the light receiving surface and an amount of light exited from the light exiting surface such that amounts of light exiting respective non-parallel light exiting surfaces vary to control direction of light emitted by the flash device.

Abstract: A rig interconnection support and method for providing relatively precise and constant positioning between a rig carrier drilling mast assembly and a skid such as a skid mounted pipe arm for manufacturing the same. Rig interconnection supports, in one embodiment, utilize a pair of interconnectors positioned on opposite sides of well that align a rig carrier with the skid mounted pipe arm or other skid at a lower end.

Abstract: A carriage for a limb support includes a space for receiving a longitudinal member of a patient support apparatus, a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and a locking mechanism. The plurality of rollers is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage during movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member. The carriage also includes an elastomeric member that resists rotation to prevent unwanted motion of the carriage. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member at any of an infinite number of positions along the length of the longitudinal member, the locking mechanism being lockable with a single action.

Abstract: A grapple carriage for logging having at least two articulated arms, each arm comprising a vertical movement actuator to control vertical movement of the arm, and a horizontal movement actuator to control horizontal movement of the arm.

Abstract: A method and control assembly are provided for operating at least two lifting devices, such as cranes, in group and normal operation modes. Each lifting device has a control system connected to a control switch, and the lifting devices are controlled through a common bus. In group operation, the lifting devices are jointly controlled through the bus by one switch. To operate at least two lifting devices in parallel, one of the switches is active in the group operation and the remaining switch or switches are passive. To prepare for group operation, normal operation is deselected by all but one of the control switches to release a remaining switch for log-in to the active state for group operation. To prepare for normal operation, group operation is deselected and normal operation is selected at the active switch before the other switch or switches are released for logging into normal operation.

Abstract: A dual crane apparatus and a method of use are disclosed herein. The disclosed dual crane apparatus generally comprises a support frame and two rotating crane members mounted to the support frame, wherein the crane members can each independently move up and down in a vertical direction, extend and retract in a horizontal direction, and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. The disclosed dual crane apparatus can be utilized for servicing mobile irrigation systems.

Abstract: A hoisting device or crane can be operated with at least two different maximum loads. The maximum load that can be hoisted in each case is correlated with the hoisting speed in order to prevent the dynamically developed peak load from exceeding the predetermined allowed load limiting values of the components of the crane or the hoisting device.

Abstract: A crane, in particular a lattice mast crane, having a bottom hook block with a load suspension means, in particular a load hook, wherein the bottom hook block has at least one winch whose outgoing control rope is connected or connectable to the crane boom for securing and/or aligning the load position or bottom hook block position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio remote control unit for an operating device, comprising a radio transmitter for transmitting control command signals for the operating device and a radio reception unit assigned to the operating device for receiving control command signals of the radio transmitter and for converting the control command signals into control signals for controlling the operating functions of the operating device, characterized in that the radio transmitter has a sensor unit for detecting at least one irregular force induction state and/or an irregular movement state and/or at least one irregular positional state of the radio transmitter and is equipped to change its radio transmission performance in a specific manner on detection of the irregular state, and the radio reception unit is equipped to trigger an emergency control signal on detecting the specific change in the radio transmission performance of the radio transmitter to influence the operating functions of the operating device in a pred

Abstract: A trolley control system for a gantry crane having a multiple trolley arrangement such as a first and second trolley. The control system including a trolley beam connected to the gantry crane with a first and second drive device connected to the trolley beam. The first drive device is powered by a first drive system while the second drive device can be powered by either the first drive system or the second drive system. A first trolley is connected to the first drive device while a second trolley is connected to the second drive device.

Abstract: A sports training system includes a supporting structure, a first moving element supported by the supporting structure so as to be moveable relative to the supporting structure along a first path, a second moving element supported by the first moving element so as to be moveable relative to the first moving element along a second path different from the first path, and a punching bag suspended below the first moving element by the second moving element. The punching bag is moveable to any point within an area defined by the first and second paths when a trainee strikes the punching bag, thereby mimicking movements of an opponent. One or more elastic elements can be attached between the punching bag and the supporting structure for returning the punching bag to a desired region within the area.

Abstract: A control system comprising a force measuring means (3) for measuring the magnitude of the force acting on a lower part of the rope suspending a load, which force is caused by a force imposed on the load by an operator, the mass of the load, and an acceleration of the load; a first control means (4) having a first computing unit, the first computing unit computing a rotational direction and a velocity of a servomotor to be driven, based on the measured result from the force measuring means, and outputting a signal that corresponds to the measured result to the servomotor, a length measuring means for measuring the length of a rope (2) wound down from a hoist drum; a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the load suspended from the rope; an angle measuring means for measuring the angle of the rope relative to a vertical plane when the operator laterally pushes the load; and a second control means having a second computing unit, the second computing unit computing the operation conditions for the c

Abstract: A servo motor driven hoist includes a float mode in which a load is raised lowered in response to manually applied forces on the load exerted by an operator in which forces applied to the load as a result of accelerations of the load generated by hoist movement of said load are compensated for by sensing the accelerations and computing the forces resulting therefrom, and subtracting those forces from the sensed total magnitude of forces acting on the load to eliminate the effects of dynamically generated forces when in the float mode.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for controlling a load-moving device by at least two persons, with the following steps: controlling the movement of the load-moving device by a first person; handing over control over the movement of the load-moving device to a second person; controlling the load-moving device by the second person. The present invention furthermore comprises a corresponding controller of a load-moving device with a first, in particular permanently installed operating unit and a mobile operating unit for controlling the movement of the load-moving device for the safe and efficient performance of the method.

Abstract: A crane-bearing assembly (6) is formed by a crane (7) mounted on a bearing (8), wherein the crane-bearing assembly (6) is capable of displacement along the mast (1) using a lifting element (1-149 and an element for blocking the crane-bearing assembly (6) at the top of the mast (1). The crane-bearing assembly (6) is capable of sliding along guiding rails rigidly mounted on one side of the mast. The lifting element (11-14) is at least partially integrated into the mast and include a hoist (11) provided at the foot of the mast (1) and having a cable (12) passing through a first return pulley (13) rigidly connected to the top thereof.

Abstract: A movable acoustic shell assembly comprises a ground-supported crane and an acoustic shell mounted on the ground-supported crane. The crane is configured to move in a self-propelled and self-directed manner between a storage position and an in-use position within a performing arts venue. When the crane is in the in-use position, the sound shell substantially encloses a rear portion of a stage within the performing arts venue.

Abstract: An improved electric lift actuator for use on a variety of lift systems, includes various improvements that enable a universal design with interchangeable parts across several load ranges. The universal design further enables additional features and functionality (e.g., improved load cell location, improved operator sensing and electrical signal/air channel in operator pendant, improved reliability and reduced cost for operator force sensing, etc.) In addition the universal design is incorporated with a rotational drive assembly wherein the load sensing and wire rope slack sensing, as well as cable limits may be achieved using improved components and techniques—such as non-contact sensors, etc. Many of the improvements described are believed to reduce cost and improve the performance and expand the capacity and reliability of the actuator in addition to making the actuator a common design across several applications and load ranges.

Abstract: A wireless and wired control mechanism is provided for an aerial lift or crane wherein a control box is located within the work platform of the aerial lift. The control box is hard wired to a radio receiver in the control mechanism of the aerial lift or crane. The control box is also wireless connected to the control mechanism which permits a radio transmitter in the control box to transmit signals to the control mechanism when the hard wired connection between the control box and the control mechanism is disconnected. The control box is conveniently movable within the work platform and may be completely removed therefrom so that an operator may control the functions of the aerial lift or crane from the ground by way of the wireless connection.

Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.

Abstract: Typically, in supply-chain management systems, loading and unloading operations into and out of trailers are performed via forklifts, ramps, and elevating platforms. According to the current invention, cranes are designed in a particular way to be embeddable within trailers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio remote control unit for an operating device, comprising a radio transmitter for transmitting control command signals for the operating device and a radio reception unit assigned to the operating device for receiving control command signals of the radio transmitter and for converting the control command signals into control signals for controlling the operating functions of the operating device, characterized in that the radio transmitter has a sensor unit for detecting at least one irregular force induction state and/or an irregular movement state and/or at least one irregular positional state of the radio transmitter and is equipped to change its radio transmission performance in a specific manner on detection of the irregular state, and the radio reception unit is equipped to trigger an emergency control signal on detecting the specific change in the radio transmission performance of the radio transmitter to influence the operating functions of the operating device in a pred

Abstract: A system and associated methods and software for loading a stock roll onto a center-driven winder/unwind device, or other devices, is described. The system may comprise a bridge crane coupled to two J-hooks operative to hold a stock roll; a chucking system, which engages a stock roll while the stock roll is held by the J-hooks, the chucking system being part of a center-driven winder/unwind device; and, an operating program, running on a computer, providing signals that direct the bridge crane to move the stock roll to a position within the manufacturing environment.

Abstract: A safety system for preventing crane operator injury. Two ergonomic tracks are attached on either side of the working crane. A fall transmitter is used whenever a crane operator is not on the floor. The fall transmitter has speed and travel distance governors that limit the speed and travel of certain aspects of the crane. In a further embodiment, a second fall transmitter is utilized by the second crane operator to assure that both operators are aware of and agree to any crane movement prior to commencing such movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading an object into a vehicle, the vehicle having a trunk lid, the apparatus comprising: a line; an actuator adapted for applying a tensile force to the line in response to an actuator command, and disposed and adapted for transmitting at least a portion of the tensile force to the trunk lid; an end-effector mechanically coupled to the line and adapted for transmitting the tensile force and an operator force to the object and for generating an operator force measurement; and a controller adapted for generating the actuator command from the operator force measurement.

Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, for moving a load, especially a container, includes a first stored-programmable control unit which, if required, receives signals resulting in a safety-related control command to one or several electric or electro-mechanical operational elements, and a second stored-programmable control unit which is configured in such a way that it can at least partially monitor the control operation of the first control unit on the basis of safety-related signals transmitted to the second control unit. If the safety-related control command of the first control unit is improper, the second control unit is able to issue its own control command to an operating element.

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

Abstract: A control device for overhead conveyors equipped with at least two actuators (6, 7), specifically crane and crane trolley drive units, with transmission of control signals and transmission of safety signals from control unit (10) to actuators (6, 7) via a signal connection, with a control unit (10) exhibiting a safety switch unit emitting at least one safety signal, which can be triggered manually in order to shut down at least one actuator (6, 7).

Abstract: This crane control system with swing control and variable impedance is intended for use with overhead cranes where a line suspended from a moveable hoist suspends a load. It is responsive to operator force applied to the load and uses a control strategy based on estimating the force applied by the operator to the load and, subject to a variable desired load impedance, reacting in response to this estimate. The human pushing force on the load is not measured directly, but is estimated from measurement of the angle of deflection of the line suspending the load and measurement of hoist position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control monitoring device for tower cranes, in particular for small cranes, with integration of functions, and adapted for radio control. The device comprises, in respect of all the movements of the crane, such as hoisting, rotation, distribution and translation, a monitoring/control electronic unit (2) receiving at its inputs and processing the control signal (4) originating from the radio control box (3), and also receiving signals (5, 8, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21) originating from sensors (6, 8, 11, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24) and from switches (14, 16). The electronic unit (2) delivers start and stop commands (27, 30, 31, 33, 34) at its outputs, while monitoring the action of the speed regulators (28) or other control members (35, 36) assigned to the movements, as well as the action of the crane's safety devices (32).

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

Abstract: A device for manually maneuvering a handling unit, includes a mounting structure for attachment to a handling unit which is operated through actuation of a control mechanism connected to the mounting structure. A handle frame is connectable to the mounting structure and includes a cross member and a pair of elongate grip elements detachably coupled to the axial ends of the cross member which is releasably attached to the mounting structure. The cross member and the grip elements can be selected from a plurality of cross members and grip elements of varying lengths to thereby establish a construction kit that allows construction of handle frames of varying configuration.

Abstract: This pendant responsive crane control system has a sensor pendulum arranged above a hoist for the crane and a load sensor for determining the load lifted by the hoist. The sensor pendulum serves as a swinging link between the hoist and a crane drive for moving the hoist. Lateral movement sensors generate signals in response to lateral movement of the sensor pendulum. A crane control means directs lateral movement of the crane drive in response to the signals generated by these sensors. The load sensor used is preferably a load cell or strain gauge incorporated into the sensor pendulum.

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: A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.

Abstract: An electromechanical, remotely operated Auxiliary Hoist Control and Precision Load Positioner system and device is disclosed utilizing a Radio Frequency Hand Controller transceiver Unit distal to a Radio Frequency Hoist Controller Transceiver Unit for raising and lowering a large, heavy, bulky, fragile, or expensive piece of equipment by very gradual means to avoid hang ups that might otherwise destroy or seriously damage the equipment.