Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.

Abstract: A method for controlling a crane component of a tower crane in proximity of obstacles at a worksite by defining a forbidden volume is disclosed. In the method a distance from the crane component to an outer surface of the forbidden volume is determined and a computing device limits movement of the crane component based on the distance from the crane component to the outer surface of the forbidden volume to avoid entering the forbidden volume with the crane component while the crane is in operation. The crane component is one or more of a boom and a hook block.

Abstract: An outrigger pad assembly includes a base having a bottom surface for engaging an underlying support surface and a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, a force sensor mounted to the base, and an interface body. The interface body includes a lower cavity at least partially defined by a first inner sidewall, an upper cavity at least partially defined by a second inner sidewall, and a coupling body having a latch configured for selective with an outrigger jack. The force sensor is disposed in the lower cavity in sliding contact with the first inner sidewall such that the interface body is movable relative to the force sensor. The outrigger pad assembly may be part of an outrigger assembly of a lifting vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for retaining a linear actuator on a crane component such as a mast is disclosed. In the system a retaining mechanism is mounted on either a body of the linear actuator or the crane component and a catch is mounted to the other of the body or the crane component. Retraction of a rod of the linear actuator causes a cap on the rod to contact the retaining mechanism, which causes the retaining mechanism to move into a latched configuration securing the linear actuator.

Abstract: A construction vehicle includes a telescoping boom assembly that includes a first section and at least a second section configured to nest within and to extend from the first section. At least one wear pad is positioned between the first section and the second section. The wear pad includes a length, a first surface, and a second surface spaced apart a height from the first surface. A first portion of the wear pad includes a first bending stiffness. The wear pad also includes a second portion having a second bending stiffness, wherein the second bending stiffness is different than the first bending stiffness. Optionally, the height of the wear pad between the first surface and the second surface is substantially the same in the first portion and the second portion. Optionally, the construction vehicle is a crane.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier and a superstructure. A hoist is coupled to the superstructure and includes a hoist drum and a rope. The crane further includes an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture assembly having an image capture device configured to capture an image of the hoist, and an optical control system configured to detect an object in the captured image, the object selected from: the rope, the hoist drum, a wrap of rope on the hoist drum and a marker on the hoist. The optical control system is configured to analyze the detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis. A method of determining a condition of a crane component includes capturing an image, detecting the objects in the image, analyzing the detected objects and determining a condition of the crane component based on the analysis.

Abstract: An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

Abstract: A method for calculating a crane capacity for a crane having a variable position counterweight at a locked position includes determining a boom combination and determining a maximum capacity at a hook position for the boom combination. A maximum target value for an operating condition dependent on a balance of the crane is determined. An indication of the locked counterweight position is received. At least one new target value for the operating condition dependent on the balance of the crane between the variable position counterweight at the locked counterweight position is established. A new capacity of the crane is calculated by decrementing the maximum capacity of the crane proportionally to a difference in the maximum target value and the at least one new target value. Cranes and crane control systems may employ this method.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boom of a crane includes saving, in a memory, data representing a maximum horizontal working distance for a load on a hook of a boom, saving, in the memory, boom data representing the position of the boom, calculating a minimum vector between the position of the hook and the maximum horizontal working distance, and controlling, by the computing device, movement of the boom to prevent the vector from reaching a zero magnitude.

Abstract: A system and method for retaining a linear actuator on a crane component such as a mast is disclosed. In the system a retaining mechanism is mounted on either a body of the linear actuator or the crane component and a catch is mounted to the other of the body or the crane component. Retraction of a rod of the linear actuator causes a cap on the rod to contact the retaining mechanism, which causes the retaining mechanism to move into a latched configuration securing the linear actuator.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.

Abstract: A compressible stop for use in a crane has a housing, a rod slidably mounted within the housing, a floating piston, and a valve assembly. The floating piston divides the housing into a gas portion biasing the floating piston towards an end of the housing and a liquid portion containing a hydraulic fluid. The valve assembly divides the liquid portion into a support portion and a reserve portion. The valve assembly includes a check valve allowing a liquid to flow from the reserve portion into the support portion, a pressure sensitive valve inhibiting the liquid from flowing from the support portion into the reserve portion unless the pressure is above a threshold pressure, and a frangible divider configured to rupture when the liquid pressure exceeds a rupture pressure.

Abstract: A jib coupling system a stowage coupling assembly having a locking member movable between a retracted position and an extended position, an extension pivot coupling system having a coupling member movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a cable having a first end operably connected to the locking member and a second end having a locking pin. Movement of the locking member from the extended position to the retracted position causes the locking pin to engage the coupling member, and movement of the locking member from the retracted position to the extended position causes the locking pin to disengage the coupling member. The jib coupling system may be implemented as a part of a boom assembly and on a boom assembly of a mobile crane.

Abstract: An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

Abstract: A variable span A-frame outrigger includes a support having a first pivoting mount and a second pivoting mount. The first pivoting mount is pivotably connected to an outrigger leg having an upper segment and a lower segment that extends from the upper segment. The lower segment has a first plurality of connection points for connection to an intermediate member. The second pivoting mount is pivotably connected to the intermediate member having a second plurality of connection points. A connector connects a connection point of the first plurality of connection points to a connection point of the second plurality of connection points.

Abstract: A system and method for visually monitoring an outrigger includes a camera assembly configured to monitor an outrigger and a control system operably and communicably connected to the camera assembly. The control system executes instructions to determine a presence, length, and/or position of the outrigger based by an image captured by the camera assembly. The outrigger may include a target to be detected by the camera assembly for monitoring of the outrigger. The target may be the outrigger itself, detected by the control system using edge detection, or a marker disposed on the outrigger. The system may be implemented with a crane having a carrier unit and a superstructure. The system may include a plurality of camera assemblies and a plurality of outriggers.

Abstract: A compressible stop for use in a crane has a housing, a rod slidably mounted within the housing, a floating piston, and a valve assembly. The floating piston divides the housing into a gas portion biasing the floating piston towards an end of the housing and a liquid portion containing a hydraulic fluid. The valve assembly divides the liquid portion into a support portion and a reserve portion. The valve assembly includes a check valve allowing a liquid to flow from the reserve portion into the support portion, a pressure sensitive valve inhibiting the liquid from flowing from the support portion into the reserve portion unless the pressure is above a threshold pressure, and a frangible divider configured to rupture when the liquid pressure exceeds a rupture pressure.

Abstract: An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

Abstract: A telescoping crane boom having a rotary locking mechanism. A motor drives a rotating element about an axis parallel to the axis of the crane boom. The rotation of the rotating member causes a pin to selectively lock and unlock sections of the telescoping crane boom.

Abstract: A crane control system and method which automatically de-rates the maximum capacity of the crane when the boom is located in a first zone located on one side of the truck or in a second zone located on the opposite side of the truck. The control system de-rates the crane without input from the crane operator. The control system may use an inductive proximity sensor located on the base of the boom to locate stationary steel targets located around the base of the boom. The targets approximate the outer ranges of the first and second zones.