Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The hydraulic crane-mounted remotely-controlled lifting device (10) includes a housing (26) having hydraulically-operated, grasping members (16), (44, 46) that will permit the removal of limbs from the trunk of the tree without having a climber to move out on each limb to secure the lifting device (10). The device (10) can be easily attached and detached from the end of the crane's cable (12) and requires no other physical connection to the crane other than the cable. The device (10) is self-contained in that all hydraulic mechanisms (30, 32), including an electric power source (34) for operating the hydraulic mechanisms, are enclosed in the housing (26). A wireless control device (22) permits the crane operator to position the pair of grasping members around the designated tree limb from a remote position.

Abstract: An automatic detaching structure for a hook device includes a hook, a power unit, a tongue plate and an off-hook member. The power unit comprises a motor which is remote-controlled. The motor has a shaft. A first transmission transforming mechanism and a first gear are provided on the shaft. The first transmission transforming mechanism and the first gear mesh with a second transmission transforming mechanism and a second gear, respectively, to link a rotating lever and a transmission lever. The rotating lever links the tongue plate in an open status, while transmission wheels on the transmission lever pull the off-hook member to detach a rope of a cargo from the hook.

Abstract: A hollow crane spreader beam incorporates at least one radio-controlled load-release assemblies. Each assembly includes a slidable bolt that is coupled to the plunger of an electric-motor-driven, radio-controlled door lock unit that is installed within the beam. When in a first position, taken in response to application of first polarity voltage to the door lock motor, the bolt traps a free end of a load-supporting chain or cable between a pair of eye blocks, each having an aperture through which the bolt slides. When in a second position, taken in response to application of a second polarity voltage, the bolt releases the free end. The spreader beam also incorporates a radio receiver/controller unit and a battery that is coupled to both the radio receiver/controller unit and the multiple door lock units.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a log comprises a cable having at one end a knob to be hitched into a hitching body. The hitching body which is provided for this purpose with a longitudinal opening is pivoted to a swivel head between a closed position in the swivel head and a release position swiveled out of the swivel head. The swivel head has a sliding eye through which the cable is slidingly guided. With a locking device the hitching body is locked in the closed position. For actuating the locking device, an actuator is provided which is driven with a remote control. The longitudinal opening of the hitching body has an enlargement at its end facing away from the swivel pin for hitching and unhitching the cable end with the knob in the closed position. Below the enlargement a support for the hitched knob is provided. The locking device has a locking bolt which engages a notch in the hitching body .

Abstract: A remote controlled pick-up device adapted for use by individuals from elevated positions, examples of which include, e.g., a hunter position in a tree stand, a worker on a scaffold or roof, or a police officer or fireman retrieving an object from a storm drain. The device is operated remotely from any desired elevation, enabling the operator to grip or otherwise manipulate objects or articles that are located at a different (e.g., lower) position in order to retrieve or otherwise reposition them as so desired.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for latching and unlatching a load from a sling comprises a housing attachable to a load lift line extending from a crane or other similar equipment. Contained at least partially within the housing is a load engaging assembly including a latch, such as a conventional sling hook used to attach a load containing sling. The load engaging assembly further includes a latch attachment assembly and an unlatching trigger assembly. The apparatus further includes a load activated lock operatively attached to the latch attaching assembly to latch and unlatch the load engaging assembly. The load activated lock includes a support structure affixed to the housing, a latch activating member slidably mounted on the support structure and a movable locking structure positioned within the housing and operatively adjacent the latch activating member to engage and prevent latch activating member from sliding movement when a load is applied to the latch.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spreader system without electric cables for lifting goods containers. The spreader system comprises a spreader and two pulley sets. Each pulley of the pulley sets is fitted with a geared ring, and gears are fixed on the headblock of the spreader. A tapered coupling is fixed on a gear shaft and is connected to planetary speeder, which is, in turn, connected to a bi-directional plunger pump. Through a hydraulic circuit, the bi-directional plunger pump is connected to a hydraulic accumulating power station which comprises a hydraulic accumulator, a nitrogen bottle connected to the hydraulic accumulator through a pipeline, an oil tank, an electric generator, a battery, and an oil motor connected to the electric generator and controlled by a magnetic valve. On the spreader, there is a remote control transmitter in order to transmit signals to the remote control receiver in the cab of a container crane.

Abstract: An apparatus that remotely actuates a hydraulic motor of a hydraulic device including a mounting device supported by the hydraulic device; a hydraulic pump located on the mounting device for supplying pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor; a driving device located on the mounting device for the hydraulic pump; and a control device located on the mounting device, the control device including a receiver for receiving a control signal to operate the driving device. The hydraulic motor of the hydraulic device may be remotely controlled by the control signal from a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A high-load capability non-explosive cable release mechanism for retaining the adjacent ends of two cables and releasing them upon receiving a signal from a remote source. The cable release mechanism has a casing for housing two non-explosive actuators (NEAs), which also has a center bore for housing a jaw and ramp assembly. Each NEA is connected to the jaw and ramp assembly for independently operating the jaw and ramp assembly to retain or release the proximal ends of the two cables. Upon receiving the signal by any one or both of the NEAs, the jaw and ramp assembly will release the adjacent ends of the two cables from the casing.

Abstract: An electromechanical, remotely operated Auxiliary Hoist Control and Precision Load Positioner system and device is disclosed utilizing a Radio Frequency Hand Controller transceiver Unit distal to a Radio Frequency Hoist Controller Transceiver Unit for raising and lowering a large, heavy, bulky, fragile, or expensive piece of equipment by very gradual means to avoid hang ups that might otherwise destroy or seriously damage the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a release mechanism (1) for use in supporting a load (6) from a crane. The release mechanism (1) comprises a remotely operable release hook (2) for supporting by a cable (4) a load (6). The hook (2) is provided with an ejector lever (8) for releasing the cable from the hook (6) upon actuation of the ejection lever (8). Connected above the hook (2) by a cable link (10) is a control unit (12) arranged for controlling the ejector lever (8) on the hook (2). The control unit (12) and the ejector lever (8) are connected together by a communication cable (14) carrying pressurised hydraulic fluid. The control unit and the hook are substantially spaced apart.

Abstract: Prior lifting probes automatically release from the core of the paper roll as soon as the roll is placed on a surface and the lifting pressure from the cable is released. In some situations that can be undesirable, since some adjustment or juggling of the paper rolls may be required by the crane operator after the roll has first been placed on a surface. It is preferable that the release of the probe can be made remotely at the discretion of the operator to avoid the danger of a worker in close proximity to the cable, lifting probe and paper roll. The present invention provides a power-actuated cylinder to remotely release the lifting probe from the paper roll.

Abstract: A stable positioning system for a suspended payload. A stabilizer, control unit and positioner are located above a suspended payload. The stabilizer includes a plurality of flywheels within a casing. The axis of rotation of each flywheel is aligned with one of three orthogonal axes. A central bevel gear translates the output of a high r.p.m. motor to the various flywheels. Four flywheels are arranged into two counterrotating pairs along one horizontal axis. Two flywheels counterrotate about the other axis and a single flywheel rotates about the vertical axis. The mass and arrangement of flywheels provides gyroscopic stability while neutralizing potential precessional moments.

Abstract: A remote-controlled latch assembly having a latch plate assembly with a latch plate attached to a shank of a hoist hook. A latch is attached to the latch plate and is disposed across a throat of the hook. A latch operating assembly is also attached to the latch plate assembly and includes a drive motor for causing the latch to rotate to an open position. An electronics package, including a radio receiver, is disposed adjacent the drive motor and in electronic communication therewith. The operating assembly further includes an electrical power source for supplying electrical power to the electronics package and the drive motor.

Abstract: A device for remotely opening the safety latch of a hook characterized by an actuating link attached to the safety latch that is selectively movable between a first position, opening the safety latch, and a second position, closing the safety latch. The device further includes actuator, a transmitter and a receiver. The actuator engages the actuating link and selectively moves the actuating link between the first position and the second position. The transmitter transmits operating commands, inputted by the user, to the receiver. The receiver controls the actuator and causes the actuator to selectively move the actuating link between the first position and the second position in response to operating commands from the transmitter.

Abstract: A crane/load safety shackle that includes a yoke having a slot that opens along one side edge of the yoke, and a buckle opening for securing the yoke to a crane load line such that the slot opens downwardly. A pin moveably slidably extends laterally across the slot for closing the slot and supporting a load carried by the shackle. A linear actuator and remote control electronics are mounted on the yoke and coupled to the pin for selectively extending the pin across the slot to support the load carried by the shackle, and retracting the pin from the slot so as to release the load. In the event that the load is supported by the pin and thus exerts lateral forces on the pin, the actuator has insufficient power to withdraw the pin from the slot against such lateral forces applied by the load, so that the load will not be inadvertently released.

Abstract: A single-line clamshell bucket is provided comprising an upper sheave housing and an upper sheave assembly connected to the upper sheave housing. The bucket also comprises a lower sheave assembly vertically aligned beneath the upper sheave assembly in a manner such that a cable reeved between the lower sheave assembly and the upper sheave assembly will draw the upper sheave assembly and the lower sheave assembly together when the cable is pulled upward. The bucket further has a plurality of bucket segments and a plurality of arms, each of the arms having an end pivotally connected to the upper sheave housing and another end pivotally connected to one of the bucket segments. A lower block assembly is pivotally linked with the bucket segments in a manner such that vertical movement of the lower block assembly in relation to the upper sheave housing opens and closes the bucket segments.

Abstract: Releasable spider-type clamping apparatus for clamping to the end of a pipe comprises a system including a normal industrial line connection between a supply and control unit and the spider and a controllable operating device on the spider itself for operating and adjusting the clamp members, at least for the purpose of releasing them in the event the normal industrial line connection fails, the operating device comprising a pressure medium system with at least one pressure medium storage device and a wireless remote control and/or manual system.

Abstract: In logging and other handling operations a cable is looped about an elongated object and cinched tight through a choker hook assembly in order to transport the objects. A remotely controlled hook assembly has a body and a releasable latch arm through which the cable passes and which grasps the end of the cable. A recessed knob socket is located on the outside of the hook body for acceptance of the knob mounted at the cable end. Within the body a slidable pin functions to hold and then release the latch arm upon remote command. The slidable pin can be reset by using the pivotal latch arm in combination with the cable and knob as leverage.

Abstract: This invention is for a remotely controlled release hook. The operator of the release hook is at a safe distance away from the release hook and therefore away from a dangerous and hazardous area. The operator need not travel, in hazardous conditions, to the release hook to operate the release hook. Also, the operator need not be near the release hook to release the hook and therefore is away from a dangerous area or position. The release hook is radio controlled and comprises a transmitter and a receiver.

Abstract: A remote operable coupler for rapidly connecting the loading hook of a crane, or the like, to a load to be hoisted comprises a load collar that is attached to the load and an upper unit support on the crane hook. The load collar has a funnel shaped aperture vertically aligned therethrough and the upper unit has a depending lifting tube that is lowered into and through the funnel in the collar. Steel balls are located in radial holes near the bottom of the lifting tube and normally are recessed into an annular groove near the bottom end of a cam rod in the bore of the lifting tube.

Abstract: An improvement in a remotely controlled hook assembly that has a body with an eye and a releasable latch arm together with a slidable pin for locking the latch arm includes a cam surface mounted on the latch arm. The cam is in line and engagable with the bottom end of the slidable pin such that when the pin is to be moved to its uppermost position and locked, the operator merely rotates the latch arm using it as a lever arm to move the pin upwardly until it is locked in place.

Abstract: A self-contained system eliminates need for hydraulic or other lines from a crane to a grapple or clamshell bucket on the end of the crane hoist line. A wireless (radio or sonic) portable remote-control unit sends signals to a hydraulic power system carried above the grapple or clamshell bucket, either as an integral part of the bucket or spaced a distance up the line from the bucket suitable for avoiding damage when the grapple or clamshell bucket is used in dredging or is otherwise submerged.