Ship Mounted Or Floating (e.g., A Crane Fixed To A Platform Adapted To Float) Patents (Class 212/307)
  • Patent number: 11377333
    Abstract: An end effector includes an elongated body that is non-circular in cross section. A guide rail is mounted on a top surface of the elongated body. A hook carriage includes a linear motion guide that moves linearly along the guide rail to position a hook member. A locking mechanism locks the hook carriage at a preselected position along a length of the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary C. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 10837427
    Abstract: A device for removal and installation of a pitch bearing on a wind turbine having a plurality of blades is provided, comprising a platform having a frame, wherein the platform includes a first bearing attachment member on a first side of the frame, and having a first pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; a second bearing attachment member on a second side of the frame, and having a second pair of opposing bearing connectors matably engageable to the pitch bearing; and a rigging member attached to the frame, wherein the rigging member includes at least one cable bracket adapted to receive a lifting cable. A method of removal and installing a pitch bearing using the platform is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co.
    Inventors: Kevin Reynolds, John Clark, Stephen Warren, Thomas A. Pepin, III
  • Patent number: 10799079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing of small appliances, and relates to a glass-wiping robot. The glass-wiping robot comprises a robot main body (1), a power cord (4) and a safety buckle (3). The power cord (4) is connected to the robot main body (1), and winds onto the safety buckle (3). The safety buckle (3) is provided thereon with a suction cup (2). The safety buckle (3) sucks on a glass via the suction cup (2). The glass-wiping robot of the present invention provides double protection and improved safety effects when the robot main body inadvertently falls off the window, allows for convenient fixing or moving of the safety buckle, and is convenient to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Ecovacs Robotics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaoming Lv
  • Patent number: 10793399
    Abstract: An installation jib for a girder beam installation and removal system includes a main body having a first end and a second, opposite end, the main body extending along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The installation jib further includes a first sub-frame element coupled to the main body, a first roller coupled to the first sub-frame element, a second sub-frame element coupled to the main body, and a second roller coupled to the second sub-frame element. The first sub-frame element and the second sub-frame element are spaced longitudinally apart from one another, and the first roller and the second roller each are configured to rotate about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steve Lawrence, Cory Wotachek
  • Patent number: 10138614
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sub-aqua foundation including: simultaneously inserting one or more first helical piles and one or more second helical piles into the sub-aqua earth via a common inserting apparatus, wherein a first helical pile has one or more clockwise helices and wherein a second helical pile has one or more counter-clockwise helices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: MMI Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Duncan David Talbert, David John Sanderson, Michael Vincent Hasson
  • Patent number: 10124860
    Abstract: A method of handling a unit arranged in a watertight hoisting chamber opening into a hull of a vessel is provided. The unit is adapted to extend into the water below the vessel when installed at its mounted position. The unit is clamped in its mounted position by clamping means and releasing fixing means fix the unit into its mounted position while holding the unit clamped in position. The hoisting chamber is at least partly flooded, the clamping means are simultaneously released and the unit lifted from its mounted position by applying a lifting force to the unit by lifting devices, and the unit is hoisted away from the hoisting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: WARTSILA NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Aad Van Der Kam
  • Patent number: 10012044
    Abstract: An annular isolation device for managed pressure drilling includes a first housing portion coupled to a second housing portion; a packing element at least partially disposed in the first housing portion; a penetrator coupled to the first housing portion; and a carrier coupled to the second housing portion, wherein the carrier is configured to receive a portion of the penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: John Vinh Leba, Mario M. Reyna, Gordon Thomson, Chau Nguyen, Jerlib J. Leal, Walter Scott Dillard
  • Patent number: 9976393
    Abstract: A subsea mineral extraction system including a subsea riser system comprises a rotary table positioned within a drilling rig, an operational joint configured to connect to and alter flow through the subsea riser system, in which the operational joint passes through the rotary table. An annular blowout preventer joint for the subsea mineral extraction system is passable through the rotary table of the subsea mineral extraction system, and a diverter joint for the subsea mineral extraction system is passable through the rotary table of the subsea mineral extraction system. Further, a connector for receiving flow therethrough includes a body with a seat including a keyed groove, a stab including a key, and a locking member to retain the key within the keyed groove of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: David L. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 9751620
    Abstract: An aircraft with a landing gear, a compartment to stow the landing gear and doors for the compartment movable between an open position and a closed position. The movement of the doors is controlled by a maneuvering system having two transmission chains or linkages each connecting one of the doors to an actuation member that includes a rotatable arm and an actuating cylinder. Each transmission chain or linkage has a relay element mounted pivotably on a structural element of the aircraft, a first connection element between the arm and the relay element, and a second connection element between the door and the relay element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Christophe Casse, Didier Reynes
  • Patent number: 9381979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the water-based transfer of heavy loads. The invention is a lightweight apparatus is reconfigurable, and it includes a gantry arrangement mounted on beams or a platform and the apparatus is used to transfer heavy load items. The apparatus reconfigurable and may be used in a water-based loading environments in performing a variety of loading functions in situations involving one or more watercrafts and/or a pier or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert J. Galway
  • Patent number: 9073607
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one motor for driving the ship and at least one crane. To lift the motor at least one crane can be brought into engagement with the at least one motor through at least one closable opening. The invention further concerns a ship drive for driving a ship as well as a method of exchanging ship motors arranged within a ship for driving the ship together with peripheral devices. The invention further concerns the use of a wind power installation generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 8919586
    Abstract: Hoisting crane (20), comprising a substantially hollow jib (24,-124; 324) having a longitudinal axis, and comprising one or more hoisting cable guides (47, 48, 49; 147; 347). The jib comprises at least one jib leg (29; 129; 329) extending between a jib connection member (26) and a jib hoisting end (27; 127; 327), wherein the at least one jib leg comprises one or more hybrid portions (160; 360) comprising two elongated hollow casings (170; 370) substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the jib, and wherein between the two casings a truss (171 371) is provided to rigidly connect the two castings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Hendrikus Jacobus Weterings, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 8882427
    Abstract: A method and a device for hoisting an item at sea with a hoisting device comprises moving the item between a plurality of different height levels. In addition, the method comprises alternately supporting the load of the item with a first hoisting rope and a second hoisting rope while moving the item between the plurality of different height levels. Further, the method comprises arranging the first hoisting rope and the second hoisting rope to extend in parallel along at least part of the distance between the item and the hoisting device. Still further, the method comprises releasably connecting the first hoisting rope to the second hoisting rope. Moreover, the method comprises suspending the second hoisting rope from a hanger when the second hoisting rope is supporting the load of the item. The method also comprises connecting the hanger to an arm of the hoisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Norway AS
    Inventor: Yngvar Borøy
  • Publication number: 20140190920
    Abstract: An ocean freight arrangement handles goods in a number of transport modes, such as containers, with the same transport in a cargo hold of an ocean vessel with cranes. The transport has a platform with a width corresponding to two regular containers to be loaded and unloaded by two parallel cranes enabling transportation of heavy and over wide units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Raimo Nordström, Hannu Nurminen
  • Patent number: 8701904
    Abstract: A crane vessel including a revolving hoist crane and a method of using such a vessel are provided. The hoist crane includes a jib, main hoisting means and auxiliary hoisting means for raising and lowering a load. The main hoisting means include a main hoisting tackle with a main hoist upper block connected to the jib and a main hoist lower block. The main hoist lower block is assembled from a sheave block including the sheaves of the main hoist lower block and a load attachment assembly having the lowering weight and the main load attachment device. The crane vessel is provided with a load attachment assembly storage device for storage of the disassembled load attachment assembly and displacement means capable of engaging with and displacing the load attachment assembly while it is assembled to the sheave block and when the jib is supported by a jib rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Theodorus Cornelis Joanes Maria Stijnman, Hendrikus Jacobus Weterings
  • Publication number: 20130284081
    Abstract: A hold crane (6) for elongate elements (4), such as a pipe hold crane for a pipefeeder vessel (1), includes a main frame (7) and support elements (9-12) supporting the main frame above a hold which is carried out for containing the elongate elements. The support elements allow displacement of the main frame in a longitudinal direction of the hold. Hoisting members are provided which are carried by the main frame for lifting an elongate element from the hold vice versa, the hoisting members including at least two hoisting elements spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the hold. The hoisting elements are suspended from the main frame and are provided coupling elements for coupling onto an elongate element. Stabilizing elements, which cooperate with the hoisting elements, prevent movement of the coupling elements in transverse direction with respect to the main frame while allowing vertical movement of the coupling elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: SPLIETHOFF'S BEVRACHTINGSKANTOOR B.V., P. KALKMAN WADDINXVEEN BEHEER B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter KALKMAN, Hans Wouter VALK, Hendrik ALBLAS
  • Publication number: 20130220204
    Abstract: A travelling crane arrangement provided on a floating vessel having a deck and a pair of substantially parallel tracks comprises a pair of uprights configured to move along the respective tracks. In addition, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a transverse beam extending between said uprights across the deck of the vessel in spaced relation thereto. Further, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a trolley configured to move along the beam. The trolley carries at least part of a lifting mechanism configured to lift a load above the deck. Still further, the crane arrangement includes a support selectively positionable in a brace position extending between the deck and the trolley. In the brace position, the support is configured to at least partially support the beam in compression during use of the lifting mechanism to lift or otherwise support the weight of a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Thor Strand
  • Patent number: 8256520
    Abstract: Floating systems for well operations are disclosed with a height-adjustable crown assembly movably connected to a derrick; in one aspect, movable within the derrick by movement apparatus; and, in one aspect, movable with a motion compensator. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Alan Randall Lucas, Marcus Sherwin McCoo
  • Publication number: 20120034061
    Abstract: A method and a device for hoisting an item at sea with a hoisting device comprises moving the item between a plurality of different height levels. In addition, the method comprises alternately supporting the load of the item with a first hoisting rope and a second hoisting rope while moving the item between the plurality of different height levels. Further, the method comprises arranging the first hoisting rope and the second hoisting rope to extend in parallel along at least part of the distance between the item and the hoisting device. Still further, the method comprises releasably connecting the first hoisting rope to the second hoisting rope. Moreover, the method comprises suspending the second hoisting rope from a hanger when the second hoisting rope is supporting the load of the item. The method also comprises connecting the hanger to an arm of the hoisting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco Norway AS
    Inventor: Yngvar Boroy
  • Publication number: 20110155683
    Abstract: A crane spreader for use in lifting a container includes an attachment unit, a head block, a frame unit, a position adjustment unit and a fixation unit. The attachment unit detachably attaches the crane spreader to an upper surface of the container. The head block has a pulley connected to a trolley of a crane through a cable and coupled to the attachment unit to restrict a horizontal movement the attachment unit with respect to the head block. The frame unit is supported by the head block to be horizontally movable with respect to the head block, the frame unit being disposed below the head block with a gap therebetween. The position adjustment unit aligns the frame unit with the container by displacing the frame unit with respect to the attachment unit. The fixation unit engages the container with the frame unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Soo Hyun KIM, Eun Ho Kim, In Gwun Jang, Yunsub Jung, Hanjong Ju, Yoon Keun Kwak, Byung Man Kwak, Kyung Woon Kwak, Doo Yeol Koh, Sang Jun Yoo, Jung Kim, Yun Sic Hong
  • Publication number: 20110150623
    Abstract: The structure (10) for transporting and installing or retrieving underwater equipment comprises a floating hull (11) equipped with legs (20) that can be moved vertically relative to the floating hull (11), a platform (60) carried by shuttles (30) each associated with a leg (20) and able to be moved vertically relative to the hull (11) by said legs (20), means of temporarily anchoring the equipment to the underside of the platform (60) and means (65, 66) of moving said equipment in the water between a first position pressed against the anchoring means and a second position away from said means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Pierre-Armand Thomas, Jean-Marc Cholley
  • Publication number: 20110123274
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting a wind turbine on an offshore site, said method comprises the steps of positioning a first boom of a crane in a substantially horizontal position, arranging a substantially horizontal positioned elongated wind turbine component on said first boom, connecting a distal part of said elongated wind turbine component to a second boom of said crane, said distal part is the upper part of the wind turbine component when the wind turbine is erected, and said second boom is extending at an angle from the longitudinal extension of said first boom, elevating said first boom to a substantially vertical position, modifying the position in the horizontal plane of said elongated wind turbine component, in order to reach a desired erecting position for the component, and disconnecting said distal part of said elongated wind turbine component from said second boom of said crane. The invention also relates to a vessel for erecting a wind turbine on an offshore site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Anders Soe-Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100176079
    Abstract: Floating systems for well operations are disclosed with a height-adjustable crown assembly movably connected to a derrick; in one aspect, movable within the derrick by movement apparatus; and, in one aspect, movable with a motion compensator. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Alan Randall Lucas, Marcus Sherwin McCoo
  • Publication number: 20100102017
    Abstract: A hoisting crane with a substantially hollow vertical column with a foot which is or can be fixed to a support, and with a top, an annular bearing structure, which extends around the vertical column and guides and carries a jib connection member, so that the jib connection member can rotate around the column, a jib connected to the jib connection member, the jib connection member forming a substantially horizontal pivot axis so that the jib can be pivoted up and down, a column top cable guide having a topping cable and hoisting cable pulley assembly, a topping winch and an associated topping cable for pivoting the jib up and down, a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting cable for hoisting a load; wherein the column top cable guide is mounted via an associated rotary bearing structure at the top of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Terence Willem August Vehmeijer, Robert Frodo Van Kuilenburg
  • Patent number: 7571824
    Abstract: A method of converting off-shore installed pedestal crane from a mechanical to a hydraulic operation includes the steps of determining a load limit capable of being lifted by the hooks of the existing crane, ascertaining structural condition of the existing crane, determining operating performance parameters for and selecting various members of a hydraulic system, defining configuration and position of mounting members to mount each selected hydraulically operated member, removing existing mechanically operated components, rigidly securing the mounting members to the existing winch frame, affixing hydraulically operated members to respective mounting member and interconnecting them therebetween with hoses, and testing and certifying performance of the hydraulically operated system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Solution Crane Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V
    Inventor: Glen Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080128375
    Abstract: A device for handling a load hoisted between two locations offset both vertically and horizontally is described. In particular the device is useful for transferring an outboard motor between an operating location on a dinghy and a storage location on a larger boat. The device makes use of existing lifting devices such as sail halyards and winches and provides both guidance and stabilization of the motor during the transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Owen James Thistle
  • Patent number: 7182212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floating lifting device, using two movable lifting structures (13, 14) which can be alternatively engaged with broaden support members (5, 6, 7) of a cable (4). The cable (4) is stored substantially without tension in the vessel (1), for instance on a drum or in a hawse-hole (10) in a looped configuration. Large loads (9) can be lowered and raised from the seabed at large water depths such as at 3000 m. Preferably, the cable is formed by neutral buoyancy material, such as synthetic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: IHC Gusto Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan Frumau, Wilhelmus Coenradus Johannes Joephus Woldring, Johan Albert Commandeur
  • Patent number: 6932326
    Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load by using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting fly-jibs on the heavy lift crane to increase reach and height of the heavy lift crane; picking up a load from a first location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Richard L. Krabbendam
  • Patent number: 6607331
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting a lift crane, and in particular to a lift crane jack-up structures, including rigs, platforms, barges, boats or the like, wherein the lift crane is positioned about a leg of the jack-up structure atop the jack-house. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for elevating a lift crane above the deck and about the leg of the jack-up structure, without relying upon the leg for structural support. A structurally reinforced jack-house having jacking units interfacing with the leg is provided at the deck of the vessel the jack-house configured to engage and support a crane tube column upon the roof of the jack house, which crane tube column in turn has situated thereupon the lift crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sanders, Paul Butler
  • Patent number: 6537009
    Abstract: A container ship includes a hull, propulsion device, support, guide disposed on the support that is extendible beyond the hull, and handler movable along the guide. Thus, the container ship enables containers to be unloaded near a variety of points of use, i.e., not only in ports that are not equipped with port handling facilities, but also onto unequipped beaches, banks, or landing slips. The container ship also unloads containers in such a manner that it has practically no effect on the equilibrium of the ship, whatever its size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Etat Francais Represente Delegation Generale pour l'Armement - DCN
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Le Lan, Olivier De Smirnoff, Daniel Person, Gilles Christian Fournier
  • Publication number: 20020079278
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting a lift crane, and in particular to a lift crane jack-up structures, including rigs, platforms, barges, boats or the like, wherein the lift crane is positioned about a leg of the jack-up structure atop the jack-house. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for elevating a lift crane above the deck and about the leg of the jack-up structure, without relying upon the leg for structural support. A structurally reinforced jack-house having jacking units interfacing with the leg is provided at the deck of the vessel the jack-house configured to engage and support a crane tube column upon the roof of the jack house, which crane tube column in turn has situated thereupon the lift crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sanders, Paul Butler
  • Patent number: 6405114
    Abstract: An aerial work platform supported by a riser boom, a telescoping main boom, and a jib boom. Boom movement may be controlled by a platform control module or a ground control module connected to a controller by a controller area network (CAN). Movement of the platform and the jib boom are limited to a predefined envelope. If an operator attempts to move the platform outside the envelope, the controller automatically retracts the telescoping boom section or automatically levels the jib boom section in order to maintain the platform within the acceptable envelope. Boom section select switches permit the operator to select and move sequentially or simultaneously in different directions. Timers which are part of the system include various interlocks to accomplish safety and power saver features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Snorkel International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Priestley, Paul E. Young, Brad Busch
  • Patent number: 5965994
    Abstract: Disclosed are automatic vertical moving systems and control methods therefor for regularly lowering an object with predetermined depth and time intervals to a desired maximum depth in water and then raising it to the surface of water to analyze vertical changes of water quality in lakes and reservoirs continuously, comprising a barge for floating on the surface of the water so as to be retained at a desired position thereon, a winch mounted on the barge, rotatable in opposite directions to lower and raise the object and provided with a wire rope wound and rewound around the winch according to the rotational directions, the wire rope being connected at its free end to the object, an electric motor connected to the winch for rotating in opposite directions, and a motor controller for controlling the motor to be regularly activated and deactivated and to be changed in rotational directions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Dong Il Seo
  • Patent number: 5951227
    Abstract: A deep water lowering apparatus that utilizes dual davit structures mounted on a barge. Each davit structure has a pulling wire rope line spooled on a storage winch. Each pulling line is reeved onto a traction winch and through upper and lower sheaves on the davit structure. Corresponding ends of each pulling line are connected together on an equalizer beam. An adaptor box is suspended from a spreader bar provided with a dog leg center portion for effecting the load transfer from the crane. The lowering tool that supports the load is directly received in the adaptor box and transfers the load to the lowering apparatus without the need for rigging work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: J. Ray McDermott, S.A.
    Inventors: Dennis Earl Calkins, Afif Michel Labaki, James Joseph Toups, Kevin Patrick Zaeringer
  • Patent number: 5580189
    Abstract: A boat lifting crane includes an annular ring beam mounted on the barge deck of a jack-up rig about one of the vertical openings of the rig that receives one of the legs and its elevating units. The ring provides spacing away from the leg, its opening and its elevating unit so that the ring derives all of its structural integrity from the barge or hull of the jack-up unit. The ring provides upper and lower bearing surface portions. A crane gantry extends about a selected one of the legs and its adjacent elevating units of the jack-up rig, the gantry having front and rear portions. A boom pivotally mounts to the front portion of the gantry. Roller bearings and/or other friction reduction devices on the front portion of the gantry transfer load to the ring upper surface. Hook rollers and/or other friction reduction devices on the rear portion of the gantry transfer uplift load to the ring at the ring lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Searex, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sanders, George Delamatyr, Avis Bourg
  • Patent number: 5567112
    Abstract: An improved method for unloading break bulk goods from a ship and a cargo transfer carrier for use in the unloading of break bulk goods. The cargo carrier is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal frame members connected by a plurality of cross members with decking affixed thereto to form a horizontal carrier bed. The bed is of sufficient size to accommodate the placement of at least ten, but preferably 14 sling loads of break bulk goods thereon with the allowance for a perimeter work area. A gooseneck portion with tractor attachment means is supported by a first end of the bed and a plurality of wheel assemblies are mounted at the opposite end of the bed. The method comprises positioning the cargo carrier in the debarkation area beneath an unloading position of the ship's crane. At least ten sling loads of break bulk goods are transferred from the ship to the cargo carrier in a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: South Jersey Port Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Balzano