Traveling Bridge Patents (Class 212/312)
  • Patent number: 11772688
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile crane are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for a mobile crane that is designed to enable easy transportation on a railcar to and from a job site. The mobile crane facilitates quick changing between a transport configuration and a work configuration to enable increased productivity. The mobile crane is configured to be modular and thereby be configured to include various lifting and object manipulating features, as required by a specific application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Bridge and Track Crane LLC
    Inventors: Paul Markelz, William Kenneth Quast
  • Patent number: 11679049
    Abstract: A patient lift system includes a lift housing, a base lift strap having a first end coupled to a lift housing and a second end coupled to a sling bar. The base lift strap is infection controlled. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve covers the base lift strap, wherein the protective sleeve has a first end and a second end. In another embodiment, the base lift strap is chemically treated to provide infection control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Roger Karlsson, Mattias Andersson, Lars Eklof, Laetitia Gazagnes, Josh Shenk
  • Patent number: 10750582
    Abstract: An electrode adjustment device and a vehicle positioning system for positioning the electrode adjustment device adjacent a furnace. The electrode adjustment device is utilized for adjusting the electrode during maintenance of the furnace (e.g., removal of the electrode for replacement or repair, repair of the refractory material, or other like furnace or electrode repair). When the electrode adjustment device is moved to a location adjacent the furnace, it is used to apply force under the bottom electrode to break the connection between the bottom electrode and the furnace. After the connection is broken the bottom electrode is pushed up into the furnace vessel by the electrode adjustment device until the electrode can be removed. After removing the bottom electrode, the electrode adjustment device is covered with debris and can be cleaned adjacent the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NUCOR STEEL GALLATIN, LLC
    Inventors: Damon Trent Ginn, Clarence David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10323877
    Abstract: Handling and storage of beer kegs in walk-in coolers used in the food/beverage industry. The invention utilizes a track system with an electric hoist to lift and stack kegs anywhere within the defined beer cooler. The invention is designed to optimize the keg storage footprint and better organize keg rotation. With the optional digital scale, the end user can take the guess work out of calculating partial kegs for precise inventory control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Half Barrell Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Loren D. Rasmusson, Michael D. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9751730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crane, in particular an overhead crane or gantry crane, having at least two crane girders that extend horizontally in a longitudinal direction. The crane is designed as trussed girders and each girder includes an upper run with a moveable crane trolley and lifting gear. Each crane girders is composed of two upper run profiles that are connected together via a running rail for the crane trolley. By way of such a design, particularly simple assembly of the crane girders or of the crane can be achieved. Therefore, commercially available, conventional structural steel can be used for the upper run, from which the upper run is produced in a simple manner in terms of manufacturing technology by simple connection to a corresponding running rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Terex MHPS GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Paβmann, Richard Kreisner, Thomas Schlierbach-Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9738493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane, having a jib rotatable about an upright axis, at which jib a trolley is movably arranged, from which trolley a hoist rope connected to a load hook runs off, as well as a load hook position determining device for determining the position of the load hook. The load hook position may be determined optically by means of one camera only, which camera is mounted on the trolley of the crane and views from the trolley in a predetermined and thus known viewing direction downwards onto the load hook. In doing so, the position of the load hook in the camera image is determined by an image evaluator. To simplify detection of the load hook in the camera image, the image evaluator may include rope run determining means for determining the rope run of the hoist rope running off from the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Fenker, Michael Palberg
  • Patent number: 9016486
    Abstract: A traveling crane includes a longitudinal beam displaceable on rails. A traveler having a hoisting winch with a cable drum is displaceable in a transverse direction, and is operable to wind a cable reeved through at least one lower block. The hoisting winch is displaceable relative to the traveler in a hoisting winch travel direction such that a cable run out point remains in one location relative to the longitudinal extent of the cable drum. Two winching hoists are provided which are displaceable transversely to the longitudinal beam with respective cable drums thereof being disposed parallel to and spaced from each other. A common cable can be wound up and down by the two cable drums, and the two cable drums include cable grooves running in opposite directions. The two cable drums are operable in the opposite direction of rotation for lifting and lowering a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Terex MHPS GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Noll
  • Patent number: 8985354
    Abstract: A movement system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and a movement device. The movement device includes an attachment portion, a plurality of housings, first and second curved elements, a cable, and a cable angle sensor. The curved elements are pivotally attached to housings and perpendicularly overlap with one another such that a first slot defined in the first curved element is perpendicular to a second slot defined in the second curved element. The first curved element is pivotable about a first axis and the second curved element is configured to pivot about a second axis. The cable extends from the attachment portion and through each of the slots. The cable is pivotable to angularly displace at least one of the curved elements about a respective axis. The cable angle sensor is configured to measure the angular displacement of the at least one of the first and second curved elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Univerersite Laval
    Inventors: Alexandre Lecours, Simon Foucault, Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Dalong Gao, Roland J. Menassa
  • Patent number: 8973768
    Abstract: A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: PaR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Jung, Thomas E. Marrinan, Come Rene-Bazin De Jouy
  • Publication number: 20150036798
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20140346131
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a construction apparatus and method for lifting structure integrally over the obstacles in vertical direction to a position with different horizontal projection. The apparatus comprises two platform beams placed each other in parallel, two lifting beams laterally relative to the platform beams and a lifter equipped with the lifting beams. Push instrument kits are installed on the platform beams and the lifting beams respectively, and a plurality of sets of baffles installed on both sides of the platform beams to provide the push instrument kits with a counter-force when the push instrument kits work. When the structure encounters obstacles during the process of lifting the structure by two lifters, the posture of the structure can be altered by operating the push instrument kits and the lifters, such that the horizontal projection of the structure will be reduced and the structure can therefore be lifted over the obstacle in vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicants: Shanghai YeSheng Mechanical & Electrical Control Technology Co., LTD, Guangzhou Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Long WANG, Wei WEI, Junyue GAO, Jianming WEN, Sui YIN, Yuantao ZHAO, Yanfeng JIA
  • Publication number: 20140332489
    Abstract: A cargo crane (1) for transferring containers (50) to and from a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110) is disclosed. The cargo crane (1) includes: at least one quayside support leg (10) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, at least one landside support leg (20) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, a boom (2) configured to extend over a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110), a trolley (3) displaceably connected to said boom (2), and container lifting means (5) connected to said trolley (3) The invention is novel and inventive in that said at least one quayside support leg (10) in a first height define an outer horizontal width (A) and, in a second height, said at least one quayside support leg (10) define an inner horizontal width (B?) wherein said inner horizontal width (B?) in said second height is greater or less than said outer horizontal width (A) of said quayside support leg (10) in said first height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Volker Grapengiesser
  • Publication number: 20140291269
    Abstract: A crane, in particular an overhead crane or gantry crane, comprising at least one crane girder, which extends horizontally and is designed as a trussed girder having an upper run and a lower run. A crane trolley having a lifting device can be moved on the crane girder. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a crane girder, comprising an assembly step for producing the trussed structure of the crane girder. The crane girder includes an adapter on at least one of the two opposite ends, which adapter can be fastened to the upper run and the lower run in such a way that the adapter can be oriented relative to the upper run and the lower run and then the adapter can be welded onto the upper run and the lower run in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Christoph Passmann, Richard Kreisner, Michael Karden, Thomas Schlierbach-Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20140217050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for at least holding an object with a crane having a bridge spanning between and movable on the spaced apart rails, an upper platform movable longitudinally on the bridge, and a hoist mounted to the platform, the hoist having a rope and a lifting member disposed at a remote end of the rope. The method includes engaging and moving a positioner to a selected location on the bridge using the hoist, the positioner; securing the positioner to the bridge at the selected location; securing the positioner to an object; holding the object with the positioner; releasing the object from the positioner; releasing the positioner from the bridge; and engaging and moving the positioner away from the selected location on the bridge using the hoist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: PAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: PaR Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8678209
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a user installable gantry crane, wherein the gantry runways, supported by columns, utilize a lightweight truss, having a high weight to strength modulus, that permits assembly of the system without the need for rigging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Z. Chernyak
  • Patent number: 8646630
    Abstract: A bridge crane or gantry crane is provided for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers and swap bodies, between roads and railways. The crane includes a crane trolley that can be moved along a crane carrier in the direction of travel of the crane trolley, and on which a rigid mast is guided that extends in a raising and lowering direction. The mast can be moved in the raising and lowering direction using at least one lifting gear and cables, the lifting gear being disposed on the crane trolley. A load accepting means for standard cargo holders is rigidly fastened to the lower end of the mast. At least two cables are provided which are in contact with opposite ends of a double arm that is mounted on the load accepting means about a substantially horizontal swivel pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Mike Hegewald, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20130248477
    Abstract: A movement device is configured for moving a payload. The movement device includes a first support, a second support, and an intermediate support. The intermediate support is operatively disposed between the first support and the second support. The intermediate support is jointed to the first support at two first joints and jointed to the second support at two second joints. The second support is configured for supporting the payload. The intermediate support is jointed to the second support at two second joints. The first joints are pivotable about a respective first axis of rotation such that the intermediate support moves relative to the first support. The second joints are pivotable about a respective first axis of rotation such that the second support moves relative to the intermediate support. Each of the first axes of rotation are in spaced and generally parallel relationship to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Dalong Gao, Robert J. Scheuerman
  • Publication number: 20130145602
    Abstract: A component handling system for use in assembling a vehicle is described herein. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame and at least one component adapted to be coupled to the vehicle frame. The component handling system includes a lifting assembly that is slideably coupled to a support frame. The lifting assembly is configured to receive a component and to support the component from the support frame. A positioning assembly is coupled to the lifting assembly, and is configured to move the lifting assembly along the support frame to bias the component towards the vehicle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grover Parrish
  • Patent number: 8453855
    Abstract: A turning device for a hoist is disclosed, in which a weight thing with a narrow width can be stably turned with a stable support. A rope end unit or an upper sheave unit is easily installed at a hoist frame. A rope end unit or an upper sheave unit is installed in a hoist frame and is freely movable in opposite positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: KG Inc.
    Inventor: Duck-Rae Cho
  • Publication number: 20130112644
    Abstract: A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Universite Laval, GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite Laval
  • Publication number: 20130112645
    Abstract: A movement system includes a rail, a trolley, and a braking system. The trolley is movably attached to the rail and configured to support the payload. The braking system is operatively attached to the rail. The braking system includes a braking module having a base, operatively attached to the trolley, and a wheel assembly, operatively attached to the base. The wheel assembly has a shaft, a clutch, and a braking wheel. The clutch is rigidly attached to the shaft and configured for rotation with the shaft about the rolling axis. The braking wheel axially surrounds the clutch and is in continuous rolling contact with a surface of the rail. The clutch is configured to selectively allow rotation of the braking wheel relative to the shaft in only one direction of rotation to decelerate movement of the trolley along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Universite Laval, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Universite Laval
  • Publication number: 20130112643
    Abstract: A movement system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and a movement device. The movement device includes an attachment portion, a plurality of housings, first and second curved elements, a cable, and a cable angle sensor. The curved elements are pivotally attached to housings and perpendicularly overlap with one another such that a first slot defined in the first curved element is perpendicular to a second slot defined in the second curved element. The first curved element is pivotable about a first axis and the second curved element is configured to pivot about a second axis. The cable extends from the attachment portion and through each of the slots. The cable is pivotable to angularly displace at least one of the curved elements about a respective axis. The cable angle sensor is configured to measure the angular displacement of the at least one of the first and second curved elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Universite Laval, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Universite Laval
  • Patent number: 8360203
    Abstract: A work platform for use in performing maintenance while supported on an overhead crane. The work platform is particularly useful for performing maintenance on overhead cranes located in areas where normal lifting equipment and/or scaffolding cannot easily access the overhead crane. However, the work platform is also useful for performing maintenance on equipment and/or structures in the vicinity of overhead cranes, and on overhead cranes located in areas without accessibility problems. The work platform is hoisted for placement on support structure of the overhead crane by hoist apparatus of the overhead crane. When positioned, the work platform may be fully supported on the support structure of the overhead crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: MHE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve K. Waisanen, Fred J. D'Amico, Neal Charles Eriksson, Henry Jacob Conrady, III
  • Publication number: 20120193315
    Abstract: A traveling crane includes a longitudinal beam displaceable on rails. A traveler having a hoisting winch with a cable drum is displaceable in a transverse direction, and is operable to wind a cable reeved through at least one lower block. The hoisting winch is displaceable relative to the traveler in a hoisting winch travel direction such that a cable run out point remains in one location relative to the longitudinal extent of the cable drum. Two winching hoists are provided which are displaceable transversely to the longitudinal beam with respective cable drums thereof being disposed parallel to and spaced from each other. A common cable can be wound up and down by the two cable drums, and the two cable drums include cable grooves running in opposite directions. The two cable drums are operable in the opposite direction of rotation for lifting and lowering a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Noll
  • Publication number: 20120145664
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of supporting a portion of the weight of a load being transferred by a lifting device in the event of a complete failure of one of the hoisting ropes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure attached atop a beam of the lifting device, and a support bar pivotally attached to the support structure. The support structure includes a stop portion that is in contact with the beam and has an upper surface opposed to an undersurface of the support bar. A hoist system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MI-JACK PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Myron Glickman, Eric Brian Van Gorp, John J. Lanigan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120125876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance system for wind turbine equipment. The maintenance system includes a trolley support unit (130), a trolley (140), a pulley, a winch unit (150) and a door (160). The trolley support unit is provided in the nacelle so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle. The trolley is provided on the trolley support unit so as to be movable in the lateral direction of the nacelle. The pulley is rotatably installed in the trolley. The winch unit is connected to the pulley through a wire. The door is provided in the nacelle so that an element of the nacelle to be repaired is removed from or inserted into the nacelle through the door. Therefore, in the present invention, when maintenance or repair of an element in the nacelle is required, it can be conveniently conducted without using a separate crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Yong Park, Jong Po Park, Jung Hun Park, Jeong Hoon Lee, Jeong Il Kim, Byung Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20120043291
    Abstract: Provided is a power supply system including a crane and a power supply truck. In the power supply system, a linkage mechanism efficiently transmits a force in a travel direction x to the power supply truck, while not transmitting any force in a transverse direction y or a twisting direction, and has a highly durable configuration. In a power supply system 1 for a crane in which a crane 2 for loading and unloading a container for marine transportation is linked to a power supply truck 3 for supplying power while following the crane 2, with a linkage mechanism 4, the linkage mechanism 4 includes a receiving member 10 disposed on the power supply truck 3, and a pushing member 11 disposed on the crane 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING., LTD.
    Inventor: Kinya Ichimura
  • Publication number: 20110266241
    Abstract: A system for moving crates in a warehouse, in which crates (C) to be moved are organised in supply modules (M), each made up of a predetermined number of rows each having a predetermined number of crates. The system includes a translator device (1) for rows of crates that brings about the movement of at least one row of crates, so as to create at least one aisle (W) for passing between one row and another of the module, in which it is possible to gain access through a crates manipulator (3), which is able to move along the module and through the aisles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: OTO MELARA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Gianluca Biselli
  • Patent number: 8029710
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that are useful for robotic gantry systems that are lightweight while at the same time offering rigidity or stiffness for implementation in Contour Crafting construction and material delivery techniques. The present disclosure is directed to robotic gantry system and material transport apparatus that use of very light structural members that have sufficient compressive strength, but which may otherwise be weak in the presence of bending forces, in conjunction with cables that provide stiffness against bending. Use of such cables provides needed tension while at the same time allowing the robotic gantry system to be very light compared to solid structures, e.g., those with I-beams, etc. Material delivery systems including passive articulated arms are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Behrokh Khoshnevis
  • Publication number: 20110180507
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to an overhead crane with one or more bridge rails, that incorporates a reinforcement truss into its one or more bridge rails so as to reduce the overall mass of the one or more bridge rails. This facilitates movement of a load carried by the bridge by an operator to a destination point, particularly in embodiments wherein the one or more bridge rails do not have any bridge drive motors thereon. Reducing the mass of the bridge can increase the amount of lifted load that can comfortably be maneuvered by an operator, particularly when the bridge is manually moved along the runway. Additionally, reducing the mass of the bridge reduces the momentum associated with the bridge, which can increase the amount of control that the operator has when it is desired to stop the bridge when the load has been maneuvered to its desired destination point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Ray Givens
  • Publication number: 20110162857
    Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Scott Bender
  • Publication number: 20110147328
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a lifting device for replacing dynamic or static components of helicopter-type rotary wing aircraft. The device in one embodiment comprises a lifting means to move components between an installation/removal position and a loading/unloading position located near the aircraft, a supporting structure on which the lifting means is mounted, and support means rigidly attached to the supporting structure. The support means can rest on and be directly secured to the airframe of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Dominik Vogel
  • Publication number: 20110135478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an overhead travelling crane (2) for a nacelle (1) of a wind turbine, said travelling crane comprising at least a first suspension beam (3); a second suspension beam (4), said suspension beams being arranged with a space between them; a cross beam (5), said cross beam being movably connected to said first and second suspension beams so that the cross beam can be moved along the suspension beams; and at least one lifting device (6), said lifting device being movably connected to the cross beam. Said first and second suspension beams are parts of concentric circles, said -concentric circles sharing the same centre and having different radii. The cross beam may be inclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Lars Vinther Kappel, Michael Christensen
  • Publication number: 20110135056
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20110127229
    Abstract: An actuation system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and an end effector and is configured for moving a payload. A first actuator is operatively connected to the bridge crane. The bridge crane is configured for moving along an X axis in response to the first actuator being actuated. The trolley extends from the bridge crane. A second actuator is operatively connected to the trolley. The trolley is configured for moving along a Y axis in response to the second actuator being actuated. The end effector extends from the trolley and is configured for supporting a payload. A third actuator is operatively connected to the end effector. The end effector is configured for rotating about the Z axis in response to the third actuator being actuated to rotate the end effector. Each actuator is disposed in spaced relationship to the bridge crane, the trolley, and the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Simon Foucault, Boris Mayer-St-Onge, Dalong Gao, Robert J. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 7930775
    Abstract: The inventive rotating gantry system consists of a welded tubular track tube which establishes a circular overhead track under which the rotating gantry rotates. There is a longitudinal elongated beam or support bar which extends beyond the periphery of the rotating gantry at both ends. The longitudinal elongated beam is rotating beneath the gantry by a four wheel cluster of rollers which surround the circular overhead track and run thereon. The elongated longitudinal beam has a moving trolley running there along and the moving trolley has attached thereto a vertical post which at a bottom thereof has a patient pick-up or transfer device. The rotating gantry can be suspended from a ceiling, be self-supporting or be attached to walls of a room be way of extendable extensions attached to the rotating gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: IL Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Kluckhuhn
  • Publication number: 20110036799
    Abstract: Bridge crane assemblies, trapezoidal strong back beam systems and carriages for bridge crane assemblies are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a bridge crane assembly comprises a trapezoidal beam and a bridge attachable to an underside of the trapezoidal beam. The bridge comprises an attachment means for supporting a lifting device for the crane assembly. At least one guide track is attachable to a support structure and at least one carriage is longitudinally movable along the at least one guide track. Each carriage comprises a pair of spaced apart mounting plates and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted to the mounting plates in a substantially vertical orientation. An axle extends between and is pivotally secured to the mounting plates. A displacement arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the axle and at least one second end for pivotal connection to the bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas McGregor McKay
  • Patent number: 7793794
    Abstract: A hoist for a low space crane is disclosed, which comprises a hoist frame in which a load point transferred to a girder is positioned at a vertical surface of one side of the girder, and a balance of a biased load is maintained for thereby decreasing an entire weight of the system, and an equal distribution unit which installed between the hoist frame and the guide rail for absorbing an impact load transferred to the hoist frame and equally distributing the entire vertical load. A buckling phenomenon does not occur at the girder even when a relatively heavy object is transferred by providing the first and second support wheel parts on the first vertical surface of the girder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: KG Inc.
    Inventor: Duck-Rae Cho
  • Publication number: 20100224584
    Abstract: A power acquisition equipment, including at least: a power supplying portion, including at least: a pair of first posts, multiple second posts, multiple upper brackets, multiple lower brackets, multiple tightening devices, a cathode slide line, and an anode slide line, a power acquisition portion, including at least: a slide plate, a driving device, an adjusting device, a first base, and a linkage mechanism, and a control portion, including at least: a pair of front laser range sensors, a pair of back laser range sensors, multiple photoelectric detecting plates, a PLC controller, and an inverter driving system. The equipment features simple operation and high efficiency, and is retractable, stable, safe, cost-effective, and environmental friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Aiguo XIANG, Haiming XIONG, Pei FAN
  • Publication number: 20100032396
    Abstract: An extendable gantry comprises a base and an extendable transverse bridge mounted on the base. The extendable transverse bridge has an axial length greater than a width of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Pzung-Cheng Liou, Don-Hua Cheng
  • Patent number: 7656459
    Abstract: A crane camera system employs a hook camera transmitter to send wireless signals vertically upward to a trolley receiver, which are then relayed by a trolley transmitter to the operator cabin. This allows line-of-sight wireless transmission of signals from the hook to the cabin to take place reliably without interference from obstructions on the work site. It is especially suitable for a tower-type overhead or boom-type crane. A trolley camera may also be provided for taking look-down images of the hook and transmitting them to the cabin in tandem with the hook camera signals. The hook and trolley camera images allows the operator to see more precisely the positioning of the hook relative to the ground, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of accidents or damaging collisions with persons or objects on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pacific Systems Solution LLC
    Inventor: Chris Catanzaro
  • Patent number: 7597050
    Abstract: A crane return system is used for returning a crane component to a home position when there is a loss of power. A crane includes a bridge with a plurality of main wheels adapted to travel along at least one rail. The crane return system includes a plurality of auxiliary drive wheels supported by the bridge, the auxiliary drive wheels movable between a first position, in which the auxiliary drive wheels are recessed from the rail, and a second position, in which the auxiliary drive wheels are in contact with the rail. When power is supplied to the crane return system the auxiliary drive wheels are in the first position. A hydraulic fluid pressure vessel stores hydraulic fluid, wherein a substantially fixed mass of hydraulic fluid is contained within the crane return system, and a hydraulic cylinder is interconnected with the auxiliary drive wheels and selectively fluidly communicates with the hydraulic fluid pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: MHE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Waisanen
  • Patent number: 7584926
    Abstract: A method of transporting and stowing an object within an aircraft comprises inserting the object into a transport unit; activating a first transfer drive system attached to said transport unit; drawing the object into said transport unit via a first motor and a first wheel of said first transfer drive system; conveying said transport unit to a stowage unit; releasing the object from the transport unit; and inserting the object into said stowage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anthony A. Harrington, Gary L. Bazzell
  • Patent number: 7578241
    Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ergolet A/S
    Inventor: Mogens Hjort
  • Patent number: 7523836
    Abstract: A dual trolley, single boom crane system for loading and unloading containers from ships moored at a dock that effectively doubles the rate of container loading and unloading of conventional prior art single boom crane systems. The present invention also concerns a novel method for retrofitting conventional prior art single boom crane systems to convert them to dual trolley systems, while at the same time retaining the basic geometry of the prior art system so that the same number of multiple cranes may be positioned over the dock side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Stuart Larsen
  • Publication number: 20090084749
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling parts of any kind, in particular for the linear loading and unloading of machines, comprising a drive unit (1) for the linear displacement of a beam (2), boom or the like, wherein the beam (2) comprises a guide (3) for a carriage (4), is characterized in that the beam (2) and the carriage (4) can be displaced in the same direction and work in the same direction, and in that the drive unit comprises a stationary drive element (5) and a drive element (6) which is permanently assigned to the beam (2) and which can move with this beam (2), wherein the drive elements (5, 6) act directly or indirectly on one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: FIBRO GMBH
    Inventor: Joachim Massmann
  • Patent number: 7506589
    Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ergolet A/S
    Inventor: Mogens Hjort
  • Patent number: 7503460
    Abstract: A gantry crane has a rigid open three-dimensional truss cross-beam. A lower I-beam and parallel upper X-beams are interconnected with angular gussets and angle irons forming a triangular open beam bounded by three trusses. Angular gussets on the sides are as parallel members to provide maximum strength. One end support is rigid, with upper ends of legs having plates bolted to one end plate extending between the X-beams. Outrigger legs have an upper plate bolted to a sloped plate at an extended end of the I-beam. Vertical support legs at the other end have a strengthening cross-member and upper vertical plates which are bolted to the end plate on the X-beams. The unusual cross-beam structure and the unusual rigid leg structure and rigid interconnection provide rigidity of the entire crane. The vertical support legs accommodate variations in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Davor Petricio Yaksic
  • Patent number: 7494091
    Abstract: An object transport and stowage system for an aircraft (10) includes a transport unit (32) for the transport of an object (20) within the aircraft (10). A first transfer drive system (62) is attached to the transport unit (32) and includes object engagement devices (92) that are engagable with the object (20). A motor (120) is mechanically coupled to and rotates one or more of the object engagement devices (92). A controller (66) is electrically coupled to the motor (120) and translates the object (20) relative to the transport unit (32). Another object transport and stowage system for an aircraft (10) includes a housing (150) for the stowage of an object (20) on the aircraft (10). A transfer drive system (64?) is attached to the housing (150) and includes object engagement devices (168, 176), which are engagable with the object (20). A motor (162) is mechanically coupled to and rotates one or more of the object engagement devices (168, 176).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anthony A. Harrington, Gary L. Bazzell
  • Patent number: 7493864
    Abstract: A carriage is intended to be disposed transversely between essentially-parallel lateral girders. The carriage comprises stirrups that are disposed at the lateral ends and which each cooperate with a lateral girder in order to enable the movement of the carriage along the longitudinal axis (x) of the lateral girders; a central girder which is placed between the stirrups; first connectors which are provided between a first lateral end of the central girder and the first stirrup, and second connectors which are provided between a second lateral end of the central girder and the second stirrup. The aforementioned first and second connectors are arranged such as to enable the movement of one stirrup in relation to the other with six degrees of freedom and a limited amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cinetic Linking
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Corpelet