Abstract: A bundle gripping tool employs a support ring concentric to a bundle axis and having a first open sector accessing a central aperture. A closure ring mounted on the support ring is concentric with and rotatable about the bundle axis and has a second open sector wherein rotation of the closure ring to an open position at least partially aligns the first and second open sectors exposing the central aperture. Rotation to a closed position misaligns the second open sector from the first open sector, covering the first open sector gating the central aperture. A plurality of snare cables is engaged between a first set of attachment points on the support ring and a second set of attachment points on the closure ring. The first set of attachment points and second set of attachment points are relatively positioned whereby each of said plurality of snare cables partially encircles the bundle axis in the closed position and exposes the bundle axis in the open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic assembly including a pivot connection defining a pivot axis, a hydraulic element linked to the pivot connection, and a connector for connecting a hydraulic conduit to the hydraulic element. The connector defines a connection axis and the connector is configured such that the connection axis approximately intersects the pivot axis. The hydraulic assembly may be used in various applications, including in forestry equipment, for example, with a rotator link assembly.

Abstract: A robotic gripper. Each of two gripper fingers is attached to a bearing carriage. Each bearing carriage defines a rack gear and is adapted to ride on a bearing rail. A single pinion gear has two gear elements. Each of the two gear elements are meshed with one of the two rack gears so as to drive the two bearing carriages in opposite direction upon rotation of the pinion gear. A worm gear is fixed to the single pinion gear. A worm screw is meshed to the worm gear and adapted to cause rotation of the worm gear and the single pinion gear and a gripping action or a releasing action of the two gripping fingers, depending on the rotation of the worm screw. A motor is adapted to drive the worm screw in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction.

Abstract: A method implemented by a programmable controller in a hauling machine having an engine, moveable ground engaging elements, and a bed actuable by at least one hoist cylinder controlled by an operator hoist control device, determines whether the bed is empty by determining a position of the operator hoist control device, applying a gain dependent upon the position, applying an integrator over time to provide a resultant hoist figure, comparing the resultant hoist figure to a hoist minimum constant, and, if the hoist figure is less than or equal to the hoist maximum constant, concluding that the bed is empty.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a clamping mechanism for clamping a liquid crystal panel of a LCD, the clamping mechanism includes a base, a clamping member mounted on the base, and an elastic member connected to the base and applying a drawing force onto the clamping member to allow the clamping member under balanced outer force. With the clamping mechanism, the vertical position of the clamping mechanism can be adjusted as the height of the liquid crystal panel changes, thus, the clamping member can be kept coplanar with the liquid crystal panel, to avoid the fracture of the liquid crystal panel; meanwhile, with the elastic member, the frequency and the precision of adjusting the clamping mechanism can be decreased to reduce the maintaining cost of the clamping mechanism. The present disclosure further provides a carrying device and a transferring apparatus with the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A method of assembling a hook block for a crane includes: providing a sheave housing containing a plurality of sheaves with a pivotal connection link secured to the top of the sheave housing, the sheave housing including extended portions each with a hole therethrough and a housing frame positioned below the plurality of sheaves, the housing frame having a locking surface; placing a cross beam on its side, the cross beam having stabilizing feet resting on the ground; positioning the extended portions of the sheave housing within a plurality of brackets of the cross beam, each bracket with a hole therethrough; aligning the holes of the extended portions of the sheave housing with the holes of the brackets; inserting a shaft through the aligned holes; securing a cap to an end of the shaft to resist lateral movement relative to the holes; and inserting a locking bar between the locking surface of the housing frame and a surface of a bracket of the cross beam, to resist relative movement between the sheave housin

Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.

Abstract: A gripping assembly with gripping members, as part of a grapple attachment, used to grasp and manipulate elongated objects, for example pipe, is described. Due to the gripping action of the gripping members and tilt control capabilities of the grapple attachment, total positive control of the pipe is maintained, even if the gripping assembly picks up pipe off center. The gripping members are used at least in pairs and are mounted on a common main beam structure so that they are separated from each other. The gripping members are interchangeable with other gripping members to permit the grapple attachment to grasp different sized objects, thereby providing modularity to the grapple attachment. In one embodiment, the gripping members include a support member having a main beam structure opening extending laterally therethrough that is configured to receive a main beam structure of the gripping assembly.

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.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly for hoisting and transporting objects having support receptacles affixed to its outer surface and for moving the objects 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 at least a pair of lifting plates pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. The lifting plates have opposed non-parallel sides that are angled to engage the support receptacles during lifting of the object and during transportation of the object. When the crane moves the object 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.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.

Abstract: A handling system including a tool for lifting the container, wherein the lifting tool includes a lifting carrier to be suspended and a member for gripping the container comprising removable devices for fastening the container onto the gripping member. According to one aspect of the invention, the gripping member is mounted so that it may rotate on the lifting carrier about a substantially horizontal rotation axis when the lifting carrier is suspended.

Abstract: A hook block for a crane includes a sheave housing containing sheaves, extended portions with a hole through each, and a housing frame with a locking surface; a cross beam has multiple brackets each with a hole; a bracket has a plurality of surfaces corresponding to a plurality of angles of relative position between the sheave housing and the first cross beam, wherein the plurality of surfaces correspond to the locking surface and form a gap therebetween at each of the plurality of angles; a shaft rotatably captured within the holes of the extended portions of the housing and of the multiple brackets; and a locking bar sized to be placed in the gap between the locking surface and any of the plurality of surfaces to immobilize movement of the sheave housing relative to the cross beam.

Abstract: A bottom block assembly for an overhead crane includes a main bottom block, an outer frame carried by the main bottom block and rotatable relative to the main bottom block about a vertical axis of rotation, and a pair of paddles carried by the outer frame and downwardly extending from the outer frame on opposed sides of the main bottom block. Upper ends of the paddles are pivotably secured to the outer frame about horizontal axes so that lower ends of the paddles pivot toward and away from each other. The paddles are pivotable between a closed position wherein each of the paddles is substantially vertical and an open position wherein the lower end of each of the paddles is outwardly pivoted away from a vertical central axis. Each of the paddles has a keyhole-shaped closed-section opening near its lower end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulator, preferably for the assembly of rotor blades of a wind power installation, having a receiving unit for the receiving of a rotor blade and having a connection unit via which the manipulator is connected or connectable to the boom of a crane in a torque-rigid manner so that the position and/or alignment of a rotor blade received in the receiving unit relative to the boom can be fixed by the manipulator.

Abstract: Mounting device for mounting or demounting a wind turbine blade (14) to or from a hub which is located on a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower (12). The mounting device comprises a sledge which comprises a support structure and a gripping structure. The support structure is adapted to releasably grip the wind turbine tower and adapted to guide the sledge along an outer surface of the wind turbine tower between a bottom end position and a top end position of the tower. The gripping structure is adapted to provide a releasable fixation of the wind turbine blade in a fixed orientation relative to the gripping structure. The sledge is adapted to be moved along the tower by a combination of the support structure and a cable connection to the top end. A tilt device (17) is arranged between the support structure and the gripping structure to facilitate tilting of the gripping structure relative to the support structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hook-type bottom block for a crane, preferably a mobile crane, comprising a lower part to which the hook is fastened in a rotatable and tiltable manner and an upper part in which rollers are supported via which at least one hoist rope can be sheared in. In accordance with the present disclosure, the rollers are combined in a plurality of roller sets connectable to one another in a modular manner.

Abstract: A drive of mounting a rotating implement to a crane arm or similar, comprises a rotator located between the crane arm and the unit that at one end is pivot-mounted to the implement for rotating the same relative to the crane arm and slewing around a first pivot axis and at the other end is mounted to the crane arm via a hinged link for slewing around a second pivot axis, a swivel coupling arranged on the rotator for supplying the working chambers of a drive for the rotator and any other consumers included in the unit with a hydraulic medium and that to one end of the swivel coupling is arranged connecting unions, to which hydraulic medium lines leading from the crane arm are attached.

Abstract: A spool handling device (10) for engaging and disengaging a spool (5) having, a base (14), a spindle (15) supported by the base and adapted to receive the spool, a latch assembly (74) pivotally mounted relative to the base and including a latch (76) for releasably securing the spool on the spindle, and an ejection arm (77) for assisting in removal of the spool from the spindle.

Abstract: A wood handling clam having a pair of hollow curved jaws constructed of side walls and inside and outside covers welded thereto. A hollow carrier housing on which the jaws are pivoted at their upper ends has a downwardly extending center portion received into a slot formed into the upper end of each jaw. A tubular pivot pin extends through each upper end of each of the jaws and a pair of carrier housing side plates, as well as the through the down central portion of the carrier housing. Tubular cross shafts in the jaws and housing anchor devises for mounting each end of a power cylinder for each jaw extending into the slot in the upper end of each jaw.

Abstract: A winding roll lifting device is provided in which the base end side of a supporting arm (5), having a tip side installed rotatably on a hook part (34) of the lifting device (1), is installed on the upper side of a main body (2), and a base end (8b) of a chuck part (8a) to be inserted into a winding roll (30) is installed rotatably on the lower side of the main body (2). The supporting arm (5) is rotated about the upper side of the main body (2) in the direction approaching the chuck part (8a) in synchronization with the rotation of the chuck part (8a) about the lower side of the main body (2) by a drive mechanism of the main body (2) from vertical to horizontal state so as to raise the winding roll (30) from the vertical to horizontal state.

Abstract: A frame apparatus that fits on the loader arms of a skid steer front loader. This frame apparatus serves as a platform upon which a plurality of hydraulically driven tools can be employed to grasp, lift, rotate, and transport heavy objects such as oil drums and telephone poles. The hydraulically driven tools are designed in a manner that allows them to be easily installed on, and removed from, the frame apparatus by one person. This is accomplished by having a frame member as part of the tool that slides over the end of the attached frame apparatus and is held in place by passing a pin through both of the attached frame members.

Abstract: The pole handler attachment includes a base frame that is pivotally attached to an arm of an earth moving machine for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. A trunnion is fixed to the base frame. A sleeve is journaled on the trunnion for pivotal movement about a trunnion axis that is normal to the transverse horizontal axis. A fixed clamp assembly is fixed to the sleeve. A movable clamp assembly is pivotally attached to the sleeve. A clamp cylinder pivots the movable clamp assembly to hold a pole against first and second clamp surfaces on the fixed clamp assembly. The first clamp surface is perpendicular to the second clamp surface. A tilt linear actuator pivots the sleeve on the trunnion.

Abstract: A grapple for releasable attachment to a manipulator arm of a vehicle. The grapple unit comprises a central framework to which are pivotally mounted a pair of spaced, opposed gripping fingers to define a grasping region between the fingers. The fingers are movable to open and close the grasping region in order to grasp an object within the region. There is a joint assembly adapted to rotatably mount the central framework to the manipulator arm that includes a first planar bearing surface releasably connectable to the manipulator arm and a second planar bearing surface formed on the central framework and extending parallel to the first planar bearing surface. A sheet of low friction material is inserted between the parallel bearing surfaces to engage both surfaces. A shaft intersects the bearing surfaces to define an axis for rotation of the central framework with respect to the first planar bearing surface.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and rotating an object having a center of gravity is provided. The tool includes a first rail, which is adapted to be coupled to a first end of the object, and a second rail, which is adapted to be coupled to a second end of the object. Inversion linkage is coupled to the first rail and to the second rail. The inversion linkage includes a pivot pin that automatically moves into coincidence with the center of gravity of the object when the first rail is coupled to the first end of the object and the second rail is coupled to the second end of the object.

Abstract: A device for gathering of logging waste in particular, by whose means logging waste is gathered from the ground by means of a dragging movement. The device that is substituted for a device that gathers waste by means of a grasping movement includes an arm (2) that has been connected with the arm of a crane (1) by the intermediate of an articulated joint (3), which arm (2) is pivoted by means of a power unit (4) around the articulated joint (3) against a backup plate (5) so as to incline the grab into a dragging position. The arms (6b) of the grab may also be provided with an arm (7), which, when it has been pivoted to the side (7a), prevents penetration of the grab arms (6b) below the ground surface and which, when they have been pivoted downwards (7b), permit compacting by means of the grab by means of a grab opening movement.

Abstract: This is a relatively simple load-lifting apparatus, tongs-like in appearance with a larger lower portion for grabbing loads of various sizes. It has two embracing halves, pivoted at a selected distance from the apparatus' top. It is designed to safely and reliably hold a person between its lower portions, without injuring one who may be disabled. Sensors have been added to enable it to sense the distance of the apparatus' lower portions from the object to be scooped up. When in range of the object its lower portions automatically separate, in order not to make contact with it, while being lowered. In its descent the apparatus could sway under the influence of wind gusts, thus not being able to precisely straddle the object to be retrieved. A technique using air bursts from solenoid-operated valves, mounted selectively on the apparatus to reduce the effect of wind-gusts, is provided. Compressed-air tanks are provided to supply the air to the valves.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling hollow core rolls of different core diameters, by picking up a roll disposed with its axis vertical, relating the same to a horizontal position, and sliding it onto a horizontally extending spindle. A stepped diameter holder having sets of gripper elements is supported on an angled arm driven by a rotary actuator. After insertion of the stepped diameter into a roll core and outward movement of the gripper elements, the core can be moved to a horizontal orientation by oscillation of the actuator. The stepped diameter holder has a ball locking assembly which is inserted into a receptacle attached to the projecting end of the spindle. After full insertion sensed by blockage of air flow out of a hole in the end of an actuator rod caused by contact with a compressible insert, the actuator rod is moved axially to dock the spindle to the stepped holder by operation of the ball locking assembly and the gripper elements are released, allowing powered push off of the roll onto the spindle.

Abstract: Lifting tools for safe, 105 degree, off-center rotation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. A lifting tool includes a bar that can be positioned generally parallel to a centerline of the object, and first and second clamps that are rotatably or slidably coupled to first and second ends of the bar, respectively. The clamps are adapted to secure the tool to edges of the object. The tool also includes a pivot arm that is rotatably coupled to the bar, which allows the object to be lifted, rotated up to 90 degrees, moved, and then set down. The pivot arm includes first and second chain sprockets disposed along a length thereof. A second pair of chain sprockets is coupled to the second chain sprocket via a common shaft. A pair of chain segments are attached to the pivot arm, and engage each of the second pair of chain sprockets.

Abstract: A grapple positioning device is described for attachment to a grapple and boom, wherein the grapple is pivotably mounted to an end of the boom. The device includes an extensible ram mountable to the boom and extending to a pusher plate. A follower is mountable to the grapple, and the ram is operable to extend and move the pusher plate against the follower and thereby pivot the grapple away from the boom. The ram is also operable to retract to move the pusher plate in a direction toward the boom and away from the follower.

Abstract: A material-handling device is disclosed, particularly for use as grappling apparatus for the loading and unloading of balled trees and shrubs in the nursery industry. By providing hydraulically powered rotational mechanism in the vertical plane coupled to and in front of hydraulically powered rotational mechanism in the horizontal plane, an arrangement is provided which is capable of rotating a load by a full 190° about a vertical axis and tilting the load vertically in a range of about 100°, while developing greater lifting power and economic advantages over similar apparatus employing pivot rotary actuators.

Abstract: Lifting tools for safe, 90 degree rotation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. A lifting tool includes a bar that can be positioned generally parallel to a centerline of the object, and first and second clamps that are rotatably or slidably coupled to first and second ends of the bar, respectively. The clamps are adapted to secure the tool to edges of the object. The tool also includes a pivot arm that is rotatably coupled to the bar, which allows the object to be lifted, rotated up to 90 degrees, moved, and then set down. The pivot arm includes a pair of idler pulleys disposed along a length thereof. A first end of the pivot arm can be coupled to a hoist hook, for example, via a cable that wraps partially around the pulleys and is coupled to the bar at a point between the clamps.