Hoistline Attached Load Supporting Frame Patents (Class 294/67.1)
  • Patent number: 11939954
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing a tower section to a deck includes a lower support bracket, columns, and a pair of upper upper support brackets, which all have vertical plates with circular apertures. Each circular aperture spans at least two tower flange bolt holes. Attachment yokes are inserted into the circular apertures, and each have at least two bolt apertures, which match the bolt holes size and spacing. The yokes are rotated to align the holes for insertion of bolts. Specific yokes are provided to fit various tower sizes. The brackets can be stacked, and the yoke arrangement substantially reduces bolt torque requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BNSF Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: William Stuart, Peter W. Stuart
  • Patent number: 11891191
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for safely and efficiently transferring cargo and freight packed in ULD containers directly between an airport freight terminal and freight aircraft. An enclosed freightway is designed to provide a direct connection between the freight terminal and aircraft cargo doors. The enclosed freightway is structured and sized to move ULD containers automatically or manually between freight aircraft and freight terminals. Different freightway configurations enable direct connection between the freight terminal and freight aircraft main cargo door when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems or aircraft engines and parked in nose-in orientations and when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems and parked in parallel orientations at the freight terminal. An alternative embodiment provides direct connections between freight aircraft cargo doors and interior loading docks for aircraft driven with electric taxi drive systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Mark Ferrell, William T. Reed, Joseph J. Cox
  • Patent number: 11731136
    Abstract: A nut lifting tool of an inner wear part of a cone crusher. The lifting tool has a frame to be placed around a nut to be lifted. The frame has nut lifting lugs for supporting occurring from at least three sides of the center of gravity of the nut and frame suspension brackets for suspending the frame from the nut before lifting the nut. The frame also has an open side for receiving a nut, lateral limiters, which, together with the lifting lugs and the suspension brackets, form a nut receiving space such that the frame can be slid from the open side to surround the nut, and lifting connection pieces for connecting a crane to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Ville Järvenpää, Hannu Vakkuri
  • Patent number: 11542110
    Abstract: A system for managing shipping containers and twist lock connectors is described. The system includes multiple stations. Each station includes a container platform and a pallet station. The container platform is able to accommodate various container sizes and/or multiple containers at one time. The container platform includes connector changers, handlers, and gantries that are able to automatically engage connectors with a container and disengage connectors from a container. The station includes a shuttle able to transfer connectors between the platform handlers and pallet station handlers and gantries. The pallet station includes a pallet with multiple receptacles for storing connectors. The pallet station and/or the container platform may include one or more magazines and/or one or more conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventors: Steve Foldesi, William Hawke, Kyoung Shik Min
  • Patent number: 11434070
    Abstract: A cargo optimizing device includes a first and a second cargo platform pivotably attached to a center shaft. The first and second cargo platforms have transverse and longitudinal support members. When unfolded into a cargo support configuration, the device forms a planar cargo support. The device has a two-part platform frame in which the members are suspended and can be folded around the central shaft for storage. Support legs are pivotably attached to the frame and retractable rollers extend from the periphery. The device is modular: the transverse members slide to bridge to a second device. The frame and the attached longitudinal members have apertures aligned to accommodate the sliding transverse members. The cargo optimizing device forms a second stacking level in a shipping container which otherwise has an upper level of unused space. The device can be supported by legs or suspended by belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Ingo Scholz
  • Patent number: 11194337
    Abstract: Disclosed are a goods sorting system and method. The system includes a control server, a delivery robot, and a first carrying robot. The control server is configured to determine a delivery port according to a road direction of goods to be delivered, allocate the delivery robot, plan a traveling route for the delivery robot, generate a delivery instruction and send the delivery instruction to the delivery robot. The delivery robot is configured to travel to the delivery port, deliver the goods to be delivered to the delivery port. The control server is further configured to: when the number of goods collected in a target goods collection container below the delivery port is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, allocated the first carrying robot, plan a traveling route for the first carrying robot, generate a carrying instruction and send the carrying instruction to the first carrying robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING GEEKPLUS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kai Liu, Fandi Yu
  • Patent number: 11161720
    Abstract: A lifting device comprises a main body, a clasping assembly, a first shaft and a second shaft. The main body comprises a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole therein. The clasping assembly comprises a closed-loop structure configured to be engaged with the third through hole. The first shaft is adapted to be inserted into the first through hole of the main body, and the second shaft is adapted to be inserted into the second through hole of the main body. The main body comprises positioning slots therein and the first and the second shafts have positioning elements thereon. The positioning slots collaborate with the positioning elements to prevent the first and the second shafts from falling out of the first and the second through holes of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: RUENTEX ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Chen Wang, Shao Kuo Lu, Kuen-Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 10934727
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for making a deck for use in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Odin, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Snell, Matt Hultman
  • Patent number: 10435281
    Abstract: A Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory is disclosed herein which is compact and transportable in various deployments. The Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory is advantageous and useful as it has hingedly connected loading and support arms attached to a main lifter body. The supporting arms are spring loaded allowing the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory to stably engage with irregular shaped objects such as barge lid or a skidsteer loader and allows for flexible engagement and balanced lifting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rockford Rigging, Inc.
    Inventor: John Morris
  • Patent number: 10358338
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auto-balancing hose system and a method for fluid transfer between an onshore facility and a floating vessel. The system comprises a transfer pipeline extended from the onshore facility to a loading platform, an upward pipe branch fluidly connected to the transfer pipeline, a hose with a first end fluidly connected to the upward pipe branch and a second end fluidly connected with a ship manifold on the floating vessel, a hose saddle or sheave that elevates the hose near the upward pipe branch and divides the hose into a riser at the first end and a U-tube next to the second end. The method includes elevating the hose near the upward pipe branch with a hose saddle and dividing the hose into a riser at the first end and a suspended U-tube at the second end. The hose is kept in tension, and adapted to accommodate vessel motions as well as relative displacements between the transfer pipeline and loading platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Xuejie Liu
  • Patent number: 10040671
    Abstract: A kit for facilitating the removal of an engine block from a vehicle by a single mechanic, including a connection plate, wherein the connection plate further includes at generally flat plate member having a first side and an oppositely disposed, generally parallel second side, a plurality of apertures formed through the generally flat plate member, a swivel connector operationally connected to the first side, and at least one sleeve member for receiving an elongated manipulation member operationally connected to the first side. The kit further includes a plurality of bolts for threadedly engaging bolt holes in an engine block and an elongated manipulation member for engaging the at least one sleeve member. wherein at least some of the apertures are positioned to match preexisting bolt holes in an engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: James Fenner
  • Patent number: 9890545
    Abstract: An erection system for one or more elongated elements, such as structural columns, pre-fabricated reinforcing cages or tower-like structures includes one or more longitudinal lifting bars running parallel with the elongated element's longitudinal direction. The lifting bars are installed within or onto the elongated element through apertures in the element's upper and lower support pieces. A rigging system supports the upper portion of the lifting bar. The lifting bar's lower portion includes external threading to receive an internally threaded load bearing nut. The load bearing nut supports the elongated element's weight onto the lifting bar's lower portion. The upper and lower support pieces stabilize the elongated element with lateral restraint. Removing the load bearing nut and raising the lifting bar up through the support piece's apertures extracts the lifting bar from the elongated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Steven James Bongiorno
  • Patent number: 9724757
    Abstract: In a steel ladle used for handling molten steel, a precast ladle barrel ring forms part of a refractory structure that covers the bottom wall and side wall of the steel ladle. The precast ladle barrel ring is comprised of a monolithic annular ring formed of a high-temperature, cast refractory. The annular ring further includes means for positioning the precast ladle barrel ring in a steel ladle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN REFRACTORIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barrett
  • Patent number: 9663330
    Abstract: A raising device realized to be connected to a tower segment of a wind turbine is provided. The raising device comprises a connection member to a raising machine and a plurality of holding members positioned at predefined distances from each other and orientated to be movable in radial locking directions which locking directions are such that the holding members when moved into a locking position at a predefined engagement position of the tower segment engage with a counter-shape of the tower segment, whereby the holding members are automatically tiltable and/or shiftable into the locking position by a movement mechanism. A method of equipping a tower segment of a wind turbine for transport by means of such raising device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jesper Moeller, Kenneth Helligsoe Svinth, Boris Franke
  • Patent number: 9217606
    Abstract: A hatch and valve arrangement for a charging installation for a shaft furnace, such as a blast furnace, said arrangement comprising a housing (1), inside which is located at least one hatch (21) and/or a valve (31), caused to pivot by an actuator (25, 35) located outside the housing and connected to the hatch or valve by a linking shaft guided in a bearing that is fixed with respect to the housing. The bearing (24, 34) and the actuator (25, 35) are mounted on a detachable door (26, 36) that seals an opening (13, 15) made in the wall of the housing (1) and whose dimensions are determined such that the hatch or the valve can be withdrawn transversely to the axis of the housing through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PAUL WURTH S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Schons, Frederic Parasch, Paul Tockert
  • Patent number: 9149934
    Abstract: The connector includes a base and at least two pot engaging parts extending from the base. Each of the engaging parts has a surface adapted to face the wall of a pot, a first engaging member extending in a plane substantially parallel to, but spaced from, the engaging part surface, and two second engaging members extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the first part. The second engaging members are spaced from the first engaging member such that the wall of a pot may be situated between the first engaging member, on the one hand, and the two second engaging members, on the other hand. The second engaging members each have a pot wall contact portion. The contact portion of each of the second engaging members is inclined toward the first engaging member and away from the engaging part surface to accommodate the curvature of a pot wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: AFTEX INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Steven Kunreuther, Andrew Franzone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9016741
    Abstract: A system for lifting a vehicle via multiple slings comprises a vehicle not engineered with structural facility to withstand lifting forces, including a frame which unmodified will deform in response to vertically imposed lifting forces, frame reinforcing elements affixed to the frame at selected locations which are subject to lifting deformation, at least two lifting members at spaced-apart forward frame locations, at least two lifting members at spaced-apart rearward frame locations, and a plurality of elongate slings extending respectively between each lifting member and a common lifting vertex. Each lifting member has an enlarged lower base portion rigidly affixed to the frame and an upper lifting portion. The frame reinforcing elements resist deformation of the frame in response to vertically imposed lifting forces. The enlarged base portions of the lifting members apply forces over a correspondingly enlarged area of the frame and the reinforcing elements without deforming the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hendrick Motorsports Performance Group, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allen Thoreson, Ryan Lee Hensley
  • Patent number: 8979148
    Abstract: A fly jib for a crane having a load block includes a variable length beam to which a load can be connected. A rotation mechanism is connected to the variable length beam, and is connectable to the load block so that said rotational mechanism can selectively rotate the variable length beam with respect to the load block. A balance mechanism is connected to the variable length beam, the balance mechanism automatically keeps the variable length beam in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Michael Hatton, II
  • Publication number: 20150052726
    Abstract: A safety appliance for a downhaul weight. The safety appliance includes a cradle that is configured and arranged to receive support a downhaul weight in its normal working orientation. The safety appliance is capable of receiving and supporting downhaul weights having different sizes and dimensions. When a downhaul weight is seated in the cradle, the safety appliance may provide a working space therebelow. The cradle of the safety appliance may include friction reducing material that allows a downhaul weight to be manipulated while it is seated in the cradle. The safety appliance and a downhaul weight may be conveyed from one location to another location as a single unit. The safety appliance may include one or more box-beams that facilitate lifting the safety appliance from below and/or one or more lifting lugs that facilitate lifting the safety appliance from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: MACHINING & WELDING BY OLSEN, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Camp, Chris R. Johnson, Darin L. Young
  • Publication number: 20150016942
    Abstract: A system includes a lift member configured to removably couple with a lifting device and a support member coupled to the lift member. The support member includes a first arm having a first end portion configured to removably engage a first section of an electronics panel, and a second arm having a second end portion offset by an arm distance from the first end portion. The second end portion is configured to selectively move to adjust the arm distance to removably engage a second section of the electronics panel opposite to the first section. The first and second end portions are configured to engage the electronics panel in a first orientation, to support the electronics panel during a transition to a second orientation, and to disengage the electronics panel in the second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Daniel Bahlatzis, David Christopher Burbank, Tony Allen Harrington
  • Publication number: 20150003954
    Abstract: In a method for handling tower sections for a tower, in particular a wind power plant, wherein the finished tower sections are at least stored, transported and sequentially set up at least partially one on top of another, the tower sections are each already equipped on their ends with a handling device during or after their completion. Then the finished tower sections are coupled to the load-bearing equipment of transport means using the handling devices with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section and then the tower sections are brought in the horizontal position to the location of their erection; the tower sections transported to the erection location are then brought to a vertical position by means of the handling devices with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section by means of at least one lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Willy Bernhard Koerner, Marcus Paul Wuebbelmann
  • Publication number: 20140346792
    Abstract: A system for distributing the weight of a column section during lifting by a crane is provided. The system can include a roundness ring disposed about an outer circumference of the column section, the roundness ring configured to provide support to the column section such that the column section maintains a substantially cylindrical shape during movement of the column section; a plurality of shims configured to be wedged between the roundness ring and the outer circumference of the column section to improve the fit between the roundness ring and the column section; and a plurality of lifting lugs, wherein the lifting lug is configured to receive a lifting force from the crane and transfer this lifting force to the roundness ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Claude GRANGER, Jean Roy
  • Patent number: 8870253
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load. The automatic lockout arrangement precludes electrical power from being applied to open the system when the lifting force being applied to the automatic lockout arrangement has reached a predetermined lockout value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Caldwell Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Eugene Mongan, Skyler D. Halcom
  • Publication number: 20140300112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an offshore wind power generator, a lifting jig for transferring the offshore wind power generator, and a method for installing the offshore wind power generator using the lifting jig. The offshore wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a blade, a nacelle including a power generator for generating power by the rotation of the blade, and a tower supporting the nacelle and installed on a support structure installed offshore. Also, the offshore wind power generator includes a tower support structure installed on the tower so that the tower is lifted using a predetermined transfer unit in a state where the blade, the nacelle, and the tower are integrally assembled. The tower support structure is disposed above a center of gravity of the wind power generator at which the blade, nacelle, and the tower are integrally assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD. a corporation
    Inventors: Byung Kyu Lee, Dong Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8820807
    Abstract: A carrier for hoisting a load from a first height to a second height. The carrier comprises a substantially bucket-shaped frame configured to support a load while the load is being hoisted from the first height to the second height and a bail for affixing a hoisting mechanism in order to enable the hoisting. The frame includes a base, an upper portion, and a plurality of vertical supports that extend between the base and the upper potion. The base comprises at least one lower support that defines a support surface for supporting the load, which may include a standard five gallon bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Lee Allen
  • Patent number: 8807611
    Abstract: There is provided a lifting unit for lifting a rotor of a wind power installation. The lifting unit has at least one first sling for looping around a region of a rotor blade on a rotor of the wind power installation, which region is near the rotor blade root, at least one transverse strut, at least one first and second strut or sling portion, and at least one first and second hinge unit. The at least one first and second struts or sling portions extend between the at least one first and second hinge units and the transverse strut. The lifting unit further has at least one second sling having first and second sling portions and a strut. The first ends of the first and second sling portions are fixed to the first and second hinge units. The second sling is adapted to be arranged around a rotor blade stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Lülker
  • Patent number: 8789866
    Abstract: A system for supporting a shaft inside a turbine includes a support member having load and counterweight portions. A fulcrum is between the load and counterweight portions, and the load portion is configured to fit inside the turbine. Nests are connected to the support member between the load and counterweight portions, and the nests are configured to rigidly connect the shaft to the support member. A counterweight is connected to move along the support member only on the counterweight portion of the support member. A method for supporting a shaft inside a turbine includes inserting a support member inside the turbine and connecting the shaft to the support member. The method further includes connecting a crane to a fulcrum on the support member, lifting the support member and shaft with the crane, and moving a counterweight on the support member to change a horizontal angle of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold
  • Publication number: 20140182059
    Abstract: A hoist apparatus for use with a hoist for lifting a load is described. The hoist apparatus includes an elongate load bearing member having a longitudinal axis and at least two support points spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. An intermediate support member includes a hoist connection element for connecting the intermediate support member to a hoist, and at least first and second support point connection elements each connecting the intermediate support member to a respective support point of the elongate load bearing member. The first support point connection element is spaced a first distance from the hoist connection element, and the second support point connection element is spaced a second distance from the hoist connection element. Adjustment means adjusts at least one of the first and second distances so as to adjust the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the elongate load bearing member relative to the horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Arjo Hospital Equipment
    Inventor: Jorgen Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8662550
    Abstract: A cradle for safely supporting an electrical insulator which comprises a string of aligned individual insulators, each individual insulator having at least a larger diameter skirt and a concentric smaller diameter shank extending upwardly therefrom, during transport between work sites on and during helicopter transport to and from an electrical conductor supporting tower. The cradle is a partially peripherally enclosed, open-topped structure having a floor, an upstanding rear wall, peripheral walls sloping downwardly from the rear wall to a front wall, an opening in the front wall, an elongate slot in the floor extending rearwardly from the opening, the slot having a width greater than the diameter of an insulator shank but less than the diameter of an insulator skirt, the dimensions of the floor allowing an insulator skirt to lie flat thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Haverfield International Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Graham
  • Publication number: 20140044516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for individually supporting components (20), comprising at least one component (20) each comprising a front face (21) and a back face (22) opposite the front face (21), and a supporting device comprising a member (40) supporting said components (20), characterized in that the supporting member (40) is provided with cells (2) each one being delimited by a wall, with at least a part of the cells (41) each receiving a component (20) by the front face (21) thereof, with the cells (41) including a zone supporting a contact zone of the component (20), with the supporting zone and the contact zone being so configured that the surface of the front face (21) of the component (20) is not in contact with the wall of the cell (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Loic SANCHEZ, Laurent Bally, Brigitte Montmayeul
  • Publication number: 20140008926
    Abstract: A carrier for hoisting a load from a first height to a second height. The carrier comprises a substantially bucket-shaped frame configured to support a load while the load is being hoisted from the first height to the second height and a bail for affixing a hoisting mechanism in order to enable the hoisting. The frame includes a base, an upper portion, and a plurality of vertical supports that extend between the base and the upper potion. The base comprises at least one lower support that defines a support surface for supporting the load, which may include a standard five gallon bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Lee Allen
  • Publication number: 20140008509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform (10) for use in a logistic system in order to be placed onto the loading surface of a vehicle in a conveying direction A and/or to be taken from the loading surface of a vehicle in a conveying direction A. The platform (10) has dimensions that are substantially adapted to the loading surface of the vehicle. The platform (10) has at least one first platform element (10a) and one second platform element (10b), which can be locked to each other and released from each other. The first platform element (10a) has a locking element (13a) and the second platform element (10b) has a locking receptacle (13b) provided facing the locking element (13a) in such a way that the locking receptacle (13b) of the second platform element (10b) can engage with the locking element (13a) of the first platform element (10a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Heinz Buse
  • Patent number: 8622448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connection fixture capable of attaching without the use of bolts to an upper portion of a structure to be lifted to facilitate the lifting thereof. In one embodiment, the connection fixture includes an outer angle iron and an inner angle iron attached in a vertically slideable relationship with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the connection fixture can be positioned to engage a plurality of holes in an upper horizontal lip of the structure to be lifted. In the closed position, the upper lip is securely captured between the outer angle iron and the inner angle iron. A shackle can be secured through holes in the connection fixture. In another embodiment, the connection fixture includes first and second planar elements between which can be captured an upper portion of the structure to be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Eugene Butterfield, IV
  • Publication number: 20130336756
    Abstract: There is provided an assembly for hoisting and transporting objects having support receptacles affixed to its outer surface and for moving a tank section into a desired close alignment in a predetermined location. The assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to mechanically engage with a lifting end of a crane and a lifting plate pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. The lifting plate can have opposed non-parallel sides that are angled to engage the support receptacle during lifting of the tank section and during transportation of the tank section. When the crane moves the tank section to its desired location, the crane operator may pivot the assembly to facilitate aligning the object. Upon completion of alignment, the object is put down, and the lifting plates disengage from the support receptacles by sliding out of the slots of the support receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew HANNA
  • Patent number: 8595931
    Abstract: A lift system and a method for constructing a wind turbine are disclosed. The lift system includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The lift system further includes a lift device including a sling and a quick release device. The sling is coupled to the rotor blade and includes a first end and a second end spaced apart by an intermediate portion. The second end is releasably joined to the first end by the quick release device. The quick release device is operable to release the second end from the first end to uncouple the sling from the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Gabell Riddell, Qi Zhu, Matthew Nathan Crawfoot
  • Patent number: 8567833
    Abstract: A system for lifting a blade of a wind turbine is proposed. The system includes a yoke device lifted by a crane, an upper bracket device and a lower bracket device that are mounted to the yoke device for holding the blade. The upper bracket device engages a first section of the blade and the lower bracket device engages a second section of the blade. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is insertable into the system in an open position of the lower bracket device. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is spatially fixed by both the upper bracket device and the lower bracket device in a closed position of the lower bracket device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Aage Maj, Bjarne Soerensen
  • Publication number: 20130269188
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device for holding a hub to be installed at a nacelle. The holding device includes a carrier element with a first connection interface configured to connect the holding device to a lifting system, and a second connection interface configured to connect the device to a blade pitch bearing of the hub. Further disclosed is a pitch operating device for operating a blade pitch angle adjustment device of a hub to be mounted to a nacelle. The pitch operating device includes an actuating unit and a power interface for connecting the pitch operating device to the blade pitch angle adjustment device. Further disclosed is a hub installation system including such a holding device and such a pitch operating device. Further, a method for installing a hub at a nacelle and a method for dismounting a hub from a nacelle are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Loevenskjold Falkenberg
  • Publication number: 20130270847
    Abstract: A transport device for securing elongated items during transport and storage has the new feature that the set of profiled beams includes at least three profiled beams, namely a first, a second and a third profiled beam, the profiled beams being built upon each other layer by layer and connected to each other in respective layers. Each layer of pipes or items is surrounded by two profiled beams which are fixed to each other by a joining arrangement. Thus, each layer is individually fixed, and only the uppermost layer in a packet of longitudinal items is loose during packing and unpacking. Advantageously, the profiled beams are removed one by one from the top of a packet with the longitudinal items, and the weight of the single parts handled never becomes greater than the weight of one profiled beam with joining arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBAL GRAVITY APS
    Inventor: Kenneth Sandal Hagelskjaer
  • Patent number: 8550522
    Abstract: A tool to enable removal of a wind turbine blade, wherein the weight of the blade itself secures the blade without need for additional fixation. The tool includes an articulated structure, composed of an upper part and a lower part articulated to each other; a cradle-shaped support attached to the lower part of the structure and configured to house a blade, the cradle-shaped support having two portions being moveable to each other; a hooking element which allows the tool to be suspended from a first crane; and springs fixed to the structure for exerting an aperture force on the structure, which allows automatic aperture of the structure in the absence of blades in the interior of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Román Echarri Latasa, Sayoa Clavería Ibarrola, Eduardo Arraiza Arbeloa, Javier Fernández De Manzanos Domínguez, JoséMiguel García Sayés, Miguel Núñez Polo
  • Publication number: 20130236274
    Abstract: A method, device, and apparatus is provided for detecting moisture and/or electrically conductive remains on a wafer after the wafer is removed from a drying chamber of a processing tool that includes wet clean processing. Embodiments include fixing a wafer to an endeffector between a processing chamber and a FOUP, moving the wafer from the processing chamber toward the FOUP, detecting moisture and/or electrically conductive remains on the wafer, and delivering the wafer to the FOUP, if no moisture and/or electrically conductive remains are detected, or delivering the wafer to a buffer station, if moisture and/or electrically conductive remains are detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas PAPPRITZ, Lutz Claussen
  • Publication number: 20130228396
    Abstract: A panel carrier assembly (30) for use with an aerial lift (10) and comprising a pair of spaced apart planar lattice frames (31,32), preferably rectangular, secured together in alignment one with the other by spacers (34) arranged around sides of the frame leaving one side free of obstructions to facilitate the insertion of sheets or panels P of material between the two frames (31,32), one of said frames (31) having bracket assemblies (48,49) thereon for securing to a lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Cummings
  • Publication number: 20130099515
    Abstract: A lifting device for safely gripping and moving compressed gas cylinders is provided. The lifting device comprises a first and a second gripping element that slide over the top of the compressed gas cylinder and a plurality of gasket elements that engage the cylinder by friction as the lifting device scissors together permitting a user to safely move the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Fred Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20130088027
    Abstract: A vertical bore coil lifter for lifting coils of steel with reduced risk of the coil telescoping includes a pair of inside legs dimensioned to fit inside the bore of the coil with remote legs to support inner wraps of the bottom of the coil. Opposed outer legs traverse the outside of the coil and terminate in outer legs that oppose the inner legs. The outer legs supporting outer wraps of the coil and prevent telescoping of the coil while it is being lifted. The lifter may be selectively brought from an open configuration, in which the feet are drawn apart to release or receive a coil to a closed configuration in which the opposed feet are drawn together to cooperate in supporting the underside of the coil. In one embodiment an automatic latching and unlatching mechanism is provided to alternate between the release and closed configurations without need for operator intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan F. Eastall
  • Publication number: 20130088028
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for removing horizontally oriented substrates from a cassette. A substrate lifter has an engagement end for engaging a substrate and an adjustment end for engaging an adjustment assembly. The engagement end includes a recess having first and second arcuate sidewalls configured to engage an OD of the substrate, and a circular protrusion positioned between the first and second arcuate sidewalls. The circular protrusion allows lateral movement of the substrate up to a predetermined amount and prevents lateral movement of the substrate in excess of the predetermined amount. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: John Robert Fairhurst, Jeffrey E. Krampert, Richard J. Hertel, Richard Muka
  • Publication number: 20130025113
    Abstract: A blade hoisting element is an intermediate piece placed between the root of the blade and the mobile track of the blade bearing. This piece comprises at least an insert and joins, by a rigid rod or strut with another intermediate piece opposing diametrically. The piece has a hole for connecting to the hoisting point and another hole for connecting to the hub, this latter fastening to the hole of the insert by a long bolt. Two hoisting points are established on the blade, at its root and at the tip; the hoisting point at the root is handled from a single lift point on the hub and the hoisting point at the tip is handled from two lift points: one from the hub and the other from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ion Arocena De La Rua, Eneko Sanz Pascual
  • Publication number: 20120242100
    Abstract: A disclosed lift device serves as a work piece handling tool for performing service operations on a mechanical component, such as a power cylinder head of a gas engine compressor. The lift device may be attached to the cylinder head and used to securely and efficiently remove (and install) the cylinder head from the gas engine compressor. The lift device may also provide a free-standing base for holding the cylinder head securely in a manner that provides access for servicing operations. The advantages of the lift device include a single mounting and unmounting operation for the entire duration of the servicing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SPECTRA ENERGY CORP
    Inventor: Christopher M. Upshaw
  • Publication number: 20120112481
    Abstract: A handling assembly for a wind turbine blade is provided, comprising a frame adapted to at least partially surround a section of the wind turbine blade, and an expandable cushion adapted to fill at least part of the space between the section of the wind turbine blade and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Rolf Reinfried ten Thoren, Martin Goettsch
  • Publication number: 20120107084
    Abstract: A lifting fitting for lifting a series of elements of different sizes in a wind turbine is proposed. The lifting fitting has a base plate having at least one central slotted hole shaped to accommodate a fastener for fastening the lifting fitting to an element to be lifted, at least two outer slotted holes each shaped to accommodate a further fastener for fastening the lifting fitting to an element to be lifted. The outer slotted holes are arranged transverse to the central slotted hole. The lifting fitting is connected to a lifting apparatus for lifting the element. A method of assembling the series of elements is proposed. The elements are successively lifted into place. The lifting fitting can be used in the assembly of a wind turbine tower having individually liftable tower sections for lifting the tower sections into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Mikkel Verner Krogh
  • Publication number: 20120098283
    Abstract: A system for lifting a blade of a wind turbine is proposed. The system includes a yoke device lifted by a crane, an upper bracket device and a lower bracket device that are mounted to the yoke device for holding the blade. The upper bracket device engages a first section of the blade and the lower bracket device engages a second section of the blade. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is insertable into the system in an open position of the lower bracket device. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is spatially fixed by both the upper bracket device and the lower bracket device in a closed position of the lower bracket device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Aage Maj, Bjarne Soerensen
  • Publication number: 20110241364
    Abstract: A frame for the support of a bladed array, such as a compressor rotor stage or turbine rotor stage for turbo machinery, comprises a collar configured to fit around a radially outer periphery of the array. The collar is provided with a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is configured to, in use, close the collar around the bladed array such that at least part of at least some of the blades are engaged with and/or captured by the radially inner surface of the collar. The collar and bladed array are held in a fixed relationship relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Hannah E. LATHAM, Stefano VIANELLO, Pavel BELIAEV, Christopher R. PAYNE