With Center Of Gravity Adjustment Patents (Class 294/81.3)
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Patent number: 11654989Abstract: A load-leveling hanging apparatus and a system for suspended lifting of objects are disclosed. The load-leveling hanging apparatus includes a carriage suspended from a line; a hanging beam adapted for attachment of multiple objects at points along the beam; a mechanism for moving the hanging beam relative to the carriage to thereby achieve a level condition; and a level indicator. The mechanism is a rotatable screw. The system includes the load-leveling hanging apparatus and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a drum for winding and unwinding a line; a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto; a guide to direct the line onto the drum; and a controller. The lifting device raises and lowers the suspended hanging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R. Hall, Jerome Miles, Casey Webb, Corey Webb, Matt Van Dyke
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Patent number: 11453579Abstract: A management system for a closed environmental facility includes one or more motorized tubular hoist mechanisms operable to adjust the height of environmental modules above one or more groups of plants. A central controller provides signals over a wireless communication network to command the hoist mechanisms to move the environmental modules to a desired position. In further embodiments, environmental sensors provide data to the central controller and the controller automatically calculates desired positions of the environmental modules based on the data and commands the hoist mechanisms to achieve the desired positioning.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Wideband Labs, LLCInventors: Ryan Edward Chacon, Jason Turner, Joshua Amos Carrier, Jared Lynn Wilkinson
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Patent number: 11407620Abstract: A lifting beam and a lifting device are provided according to the embodiments of the present application. The lifting beam includes a beam body, a lifting lug adjusting member and lifting lugs, wherein the beam body extends in a first direction; the lifting lug adjusting member includes a lifting member and an adjusting member connected with each other, the lifting member is movably fitted over the beam body, and a position of the lifting member with respect to the beam body in the first direction can be adjusted by the adjusting member; and the lifting lugs are arranged on the lifting member and are located above the beam body. The lifting device includes the lifting beam. In the embodiments of the present application, the position of the lifting lugs can be adjusted according to the lifting requirements at any time, to ensure the stability of the lifting process.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: JIANGSU GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhongyuan Ge, Jing Fang
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Patent number: 11130657Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting an orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus includes a frame suspended from a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly has a first pivot axis enabling up and down pitching movement of the frame relative to the suspension assembly and a second pivot axis enabling up and down rolling movement of the frame relative to the suspending assembly. A first actuator extends between the suspension assembly and the frame. When the first actuator expands, a first end goes down and a second end goes up. When the first actuator contracts, the first end goes up and the second end goes down. A second actuator extends between the suspension and the frame. When the second actuator expands, a first side goes down and a second side goes up. When the second actuator contracts, the first side goes up and the second side goes down.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: Joel Formosa
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Patent number: 11001480Abstract: A trench roller lifting adapter is for inserting/removing a trench roller into/from a trench absent intervention with the trench roller within the trench by a worker and saves time required for compacting dirt in the trench. The adapter has an upper portion configured for interaction with a hook attached to a cable dangling from a crane, excavator, tractor, or other type of construction equipment used to insert/remove the trench roller into/from a trench. The upper portion has a front portion and an opposed back portion with a pin and gap extending therebetween. Each of the front and back portions include respective guide members adapted for guiding the hook toward and into engagement with the pin. The adapter also has a lower portion depending from the upper portion that is configured for secure coupling to the trench roller to be moved into or out of the trench.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Inventor: Ames Barnett
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Patent number: 10407280Abstract: A wire rope device having adjustable length between a first end and a second end thereof. The wire rope device comprises a first wire rope extending from the first end and a second wire rope extending from the second end. A length adjusting structure is disposed between the first end and the second end. The length adjusting structure has the first wire rope and the second wire rope connected thereto. A support structure is disposed between the first end and the second end. The support structure has the length adjusting structure rotatable movable mounted thereto. A first guiding structure and a second guiding structure are disposed in the support structure for guiding the first wire rope and the second wire rope, respectively, such that when in operation a portion of the first wire rope extending from the first guiding element and a portion of the second wire rope extending from the second guiding element are disposed substantially along a same straight line.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Inventor: Brad Hillgardner
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Patent number: 10077168Abstract: An automatic leveling device includes a motor mounted onto a frame, a linear actuator coupled to the motor, and a slideable bail assembly coupled to the linear actuator. The bail assembly is attached to the frame. The frame is configured to attach to a lifting beam, which is attached to a load surface. A controller assembly has a sensor configured to determine an orientation of the load surface when the load is suspended. The controller assembly is configured to automatically control the motor in order to position the slideable bail assembly such that the load is suspended in a predetermined orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: The Caldwell Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Eicher, Skyler D. Halcom, David L. Ewald
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Patent number: 9475677Abstract: A method for handling a wind turbine blade and mounting said blade on a wind turbine hub located at a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower is described. The wind turbine blade is lifted with a lifting system for handling wind turbine blades, in doing so said wind turbine blade is oriented in a substantially horizontal position. The wind turbine blade is fixed in the substantially horizontal position to the wind turbine hub. The lifting device is released from the blade using a remote control unit. The lifting device is further on removed from the blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Henrik Lynderup Hansen, Jesper Moeller
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Patent number: 9377067Abstract: A method and a device for fitting and removal of brake calipers (2), the device having a frame portion (38) connected to a fastening portion (40) for fastening the device (36) on the brake caliper (2). The frame portion (38) is provided with a lifting device (42), (44). The fastening portion (40) has connecting portions (18) engaged with at least one fastening point (20) for a component. A brake caliper bracket (16) which cooperates with the brake caliper (2). The connecting portions (18) of the fastening portion (40) are of substantially the same geometrical shape as the brake caliper bracket's connecting portions (18) which connect with the brake caliper (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventor: Lars Mellberg
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Patent number: 9027975Abstract: A method of replacing a generator of a wind power installation. The generator is provided in the interior of a pylon of a wind power installation and the pylon has a door opening. An exchanging cross beam is fixed by way of a first fastening point to a crane hook of a mobile crane. A first end of the cross beam is introduced with a second fastening point through the door opening into the pylon. The transformer to be replaced is fixed to the second fastening point of the first end. A compensating weight is fixed at the second fastening point to the second end of the cross beam. The second end of the cross beam is tilted or inclined until the transformer is at the height of the door opening and the crane hook is moved until the transformer to be replaced is outside the door opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Ewald Meyer, Arnim Gerbers
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Patent number: 8840158Abstract: A lifting beam for lifting a load. The lifting beam comprises: an elongated beam; a load balancing mechanism movably associated with the elongated beam and having a horizontal arm and a counterweight attachment element, from which a counterweight can be hung; a lifting ring connected to the elongated beam from which the lifting beam can be hung; and a load attachment mechanism whereby the load is attachable to the lifting beam, wherein the load balancing mechanism further comprises a counterweight movement apparatus adapted to move the counterweight along the elongated beam in order to help balance the load, and the elongated beam has a series of micro-switches along a bottom surface thereof the micro-switches arranged whereby an end of the horizontal arm will contact one of the switches in the case of undue tilting of the lifting beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Eitan Leibovitz
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Patent number: 8789866Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8678455Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Mikkel Verner Krogh
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Patent number: 8424938Abstract: A hoist device with leveling and disengagement mechanism mainly comprises a stand under traditional hoist, a plural number of branches on the stand extending radially outward, a plural number of driving modules on each branch of the stand and being able to connect to a hung object, a plural number of sensing modules on each driving module to sense the operation status for each driving module and continue to output corresponding sensing signal, a control circuit that can output control signals to control each driving module while each sensing module can sense the status of each driving module and feedback to the control circuit to correct the output control signals, allowing each driving module on the stand to level and disengage the hung object, and enabling the hoist to lift the hung object.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Lun-Hui Li, Pei-Hsiang Huang, Jhih-Jhong Huang
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Patent number: 8418979Abstract: A rigging device includes a fixture having opposed first and second ends, opposed upper and lower faces, and a bracket extending away from the upper face of the fixture between the opposed first and second ends of the fixture to engage a hoist line of a crane. A support is mounted to the fixture proximate each of the opposed first and second ends on either side of the bracket extending away from the lower face of the fixture terminating with an engaging element movable between a disengaging position and an engaging position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: John R. Swisher
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Patent number: 8388033Abstract: A modular lifting beam comprises two, substantially vertical plates held in parallel, spaced-apart relation by one or more spacers. The modular lifting beam is equipped with a set of staggered mounting lugs at each end of the beam. The mounting lugs have holes passing from the upper surface to the lower surface and are configured such that two or more modular beams may be joined together in end-to-end fashion by inserting pins through their vertically-aligned lugs.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Alltec Lifting Systems LLCInventor: James R. Plair
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Publication number: 20130028699Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8317244Abstract: An offset hoisting apparatus comprises a rigid boom having a hook at a distal end thereof. The offset hoisting apparatus further includes a front mount having a front boom aperture and a rear mount having a rear boom aperture, each being adapted for confining the boom to slidably move therethrough. The invention has a slip collar having a slip collar boom aperture therein for receiving the boom therethrough and an offset hoisting apparatus attachment having a flexible linkage fixed at a distal end thereof with the slip collar. The boom is selectively slid between a retracted and an extended position and the load is secured to the hook. The crane apparatus then lifts and positions the load to a building.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Jay Wesley Schuyleman
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Patent number: 8313392Abstract: A customizable sports implement system includes a sports implement having an elongate primary shaft and an elongate grip shaft, and a customizing mechanism including length setting and weight components having a plurality of different assembly combinations, each of which may be installed within a cavity formed in one of the primary shaft and the grip shaft to set a playing length and playing weight of the sports implement. The sports implement system is adjustable among a plurality of different customized configurations by swapping different assembly combinations of the length setting and weight components into the cavity. A method of customizing a sports implement system includes adjusting the sports implement system among different customized configurations by swapping combinations of the length setting and weight components for one another within the cavity, and adjusting a length setting state of the length setting component.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Mark White
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Patent number: 8296049Abstract: In a vehicle control device capable of sufficiently exhibiting the effect of vehicle control, a selection section selects a value greater than an intermediate value of a vehicle weight in a range restricted by a range restriction unit as the value of the vehicle weight and selects a value greater than an intermediate value of the height of the center of gravity in the range as the value of the height of the center of gravity. For stability, the greater the height of the center of gravity of the vehicle is, the stricter the conditions that are imposed. For fuel consumption, the greater the vehicle weight is, the stricter the conditions that are imposed. The selection section selects the values which become conditions stricter than at least an intermediate value in the range restricted by the range restriction section, and the range restriction section restricts the range.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yutaka Obuchi
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Patent number: 8162364Abstract: A hooking device for moving systems of rolling cylinders includes a load-bearing lifting structure of a cylinder provided with a gripping structure and an upper hooking structure suitable for keeping the device in a raised position. The device also includes a non- load bearing tilt compensation structure. The tilt compensation structure includes a series of guides, where each guide is provided with at least one mass element. The at least one mass element is moveable along the guide.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tenova S.p.A.Inventors: Giovanni Boselli, Marco Cozzi, Erasmo Trenti, Riccardo Geroli
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Patent number: 7931320Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Innovation Egineering, Inc.Inventors: Vern J. Alway, Michael L. Timmer
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Patent number: 7891718Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Heinaman Contract Glazing, Inc.Inventor: Mark Heinaman
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Publication number: 20110036043Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: Mark Heinaman
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Patent number: 7886948Abstract: A hitch carrier device for transporting cargo and particularly, but not exclusively, large game carcasses on a hitch of a road vehicle is described. The carrier device comprises a support structure having a vertical support frame. A hitch connection is provided at a lower end of the vertical support frame. A horizontal harness support frame is secured to an upper end portion of the vertical support frame. A harness of flexible material is detachably secured to the horizontal harness support frame for supporting a cargo to be transported at an elevated position above the hitch behind the road vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Ronald Kerr
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Publication number: 20100308000Abstract: A device for moving construction tables from under poured concrete is disclosed. A spreader bar is suspended from a crane and it incorporates two cables used to connect to the table to be moved at points between the center of the gravity of the table and it's captive end. A hoist is suspended from the spreader bar and it includes two additional cables or chains also used to connect to the table between the center of gravity and the free end of the table. The two sets of cables or cables and chains are kept separate from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Jeff York
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Patent number: 7708325Abstract: Systems and methods for rotating objects that shift the center of gravity of an object, such as a wing assembly, from a position outside the rotation axis area of the object to a position within the rotation axis area of the object. In one example, a material handling system that employs rotatable slings may be used to rotate an object by shifting the suspended center of gravity from a position outside the rotation axis area (i.e., outside the rotatable slings in at least one position of rotation) to a position within the rotation axis area (i.e., between the slings at all positions of rotation). The suspended center of gravity may be shifted using at least one ballast component (or other suitable force-applying device) that exerts a force on the object in a direction and magnitude sufficient to so shift the suspended center of gravity of the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems L.P.Inventor: Chad W. Grant
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Publication number: 20090115212Abstract: A hoist frame (150) for engaging a pair of spreaders in an expanded position and a single spreader in a retracted position comprising, a first and second head frame (65a, b), each for engaging a lifting device; a rigid first frame (160a) fixed to the first head frame and a rigid second frame (160b) fixed to the second head frame; a plurality of assemblies (155a,b) pivotably mounted to each fixed frame so as to be intermediate the head frames, wherein, each assembly comprises an upper horizontal member (175), a first inclined outer member (165) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a first end of the upper horizontal member, a second inclined outer member (185) pivotally mounted to the second fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a second end of the upper horizontal member, a first inclined inner member (170a) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a mid-point of the upper horizontal member so as to be parallel to the first outer inclined member in a fiType: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: NSL ENGINEERING PTE LTD.Inventors: Ghee Hua Ng, Zhan Min Tong, Jin Bei Tang, Robert Arthur Mills
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Patent number: 7478852Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes an I-beam having a lower flange and an upper flange; a plurality of hoist connectors positioned on the I-beam extending upwardly from the upper flange; a center load connector positioned on the I-beam extending downwardly from approximately a midpoint along the lower flange; and at least two movable load connectors positioned on the I-beam extending downwardly from the lower flange, each movable load connector engaged with the I-beam by a plurality of support members having one or more wheels positioned to roll along upper surfaces of the lower flange, the center load connector being positioned between the at least two movable load connectors. An associated method includes providing the lifting apparatus; connecting a lifting machine to at least one of the hoist connectors; connecting a load to at least one of the load connectors; and lifting the load by using the lifting machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: P. Trentis Durden
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Publication number: 20090001040Abstract: A hoisting frame or head block (1) for a container crane (17), comprises a frame structure (8) provided with two pairs of cable sheaves (5) which pairs are at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the frame structure (8), connecting means (9) for connecting a secondary hoisting frame or spreader (2, 3) to the frame structure (8), a drive mechanism (12) for displacing the cable sheaves (5) of each pair with respect to each other in the transverse direction of the frame structure (8) between a small mutual rest position distance respectively a large mutual rest position distance, as well as rest position stabilisation means for stabilising the rest positions of the sheaves of each pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: KALMAR INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventors: Rene Johannes Gerardus Kleiss, Riemer De Jong
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Patent number: 7455338Abstract: A leveling device for a lifting apparatus having a load-carrying member includes a level arm-carrying member and a pair of leveling arms having a first end pivotally connected thereto that are independently moveable between extended and retracted positions. The leveling device also includes a level sensor carried by the load-carrying member, and a controller in communication with the level sensor. The controller moves the leveling arms between the extended and retracted positions responsive to the level sensor sensing the load-carrying member being out of level.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventor: Alfred P. Jenney
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Patent number: 7017963Abstract: A counterbalanced lifting beam designed to lift and permit balancing of heavy loads. The lifting beam includes an internal counterweight that is adapted to be hydraulically adjusted by use of a manually operated control mechanism. The lifting beam also includes a rigid elongated lifting tower to add stability to the lifting beam and includes a centralized storage cabinet, which stores control mechanism and increases the weight concentration and the overall stability of the beam. Storage batteries and hydraulic control equipment are fully encased in the storage cabinet. As the lifting beam is held by the crane cable and a swivel, the beam can be moved in three dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Selby Arm, Inc.Inventors: William Setzke, Cloyd R. Selby
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Patent number: 6716018Abstract: A mechanism for transporting a hub is provided. Particularly, a transport mechanism for a pelletizer knife hub is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a clamp for selectively engaging and releasing the shaft of the pelletizer knife hub. The clamp is connected to a support bar. The support bar, in turn, has a hoisting connector for being raised, lowered, and maneuvered by a hoisting system. According to the mechanisms of the present invention, the clamp is rotatable relative to the hoisting system. In one embodiment, a counter-balance to the hub is provided. In another arrangement, the hoisting system supports the hub above the hub for balancing the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.Inventors: Oscar Mario Abrego, Matthew Craig Elliott, Rafael Errisuriz, James Mark McAlpin, Blake Ramsey, Tracie Wheeler, Bervick Simon, Sr., Jack Wishlinski
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Patent number: 6412649Abstract: A spreader bar includes an elongated bar member having end portions that support a flexible lifting member that is supported below the bar. The flexible lifting member is preferably comprised of a plurality of link sections that are pinned together, load carrying links depending from the flexible member, preferably at pinned connections that join the additional links.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventor: Jon E. Khachaturian
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Patent number: 6357810Abstract: A hoist assembly 10 for lifting an object 12 includes a support fixture 14 having three elongated support rails or members 16, 18, and 20, a movable lever assembly 24, which is mounted upon a spanning member 22, and three interconnecting chains, members or assemblies 26, 28, and 30 which are coupled to fixture 14 and to object 12. Movable lever assembly 24 moves from a first position to a second position when object 12 is lifted, thereby shifting the center of gravity 142 of the fixture 14 and allowing fixture 14 and object 12 to remain in a level or horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kyle E. Schwulst