Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody, moveable ground engaging members, a rotating bed, a boom, a mast, and a backhitch. A linear actuation device is pivotally connected to the rotating bed and a moveable counterweight unit is coupled to the linear actuation device. A tension member is coupled to the mast and to one of the linear actuation device and the moveable counterweight unit. The linear actuation device is operable to move the moveable counterweight unit toward and away from the rotating bed during a pick, move, and set operation by extending the linear actuation device. The mobile lift crane is configured such that the moveable counterweight unit is never supported by the ground other than indirectly by the moveable ground engaging members on the carbody throughout all pick, move, and set operations.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody, movable ground engaging members, a rotating bed, and a boom. A first structure is pivotally coupled to the rotating bed. A second structure is pivotally coupled to the first structure at a first end of the second structure. A moveable counterweight unit is coupled to a second end of the second structure. A linear actuation device moves the moveable counterweight unit toward and away from the rotating bed during a pick, move, and set operation by retracting and extending the linear actuation device, respectively. The moveable counterweight unit is never supported by the ground other than indirectly by the moveable ground engaging members. The linear actuation device moves the movable counterweight unit a greater horizontal distance from the rotating bed than a distance of a stroke of the linear actuation device that causes the moveable counterweight unit to move.

Abstract: A telescopic crane jib-slide bearing part comprises a receiver and a filler compound introduced into the receiver. A telescopic crane jib-slide bearing includes one or more such slide bearing parts.

Abstract: The luffing angle measurement system includes a non-contact distance measuring device mounted on the nose section of a first boom. The non-contact distance measuring device measures either a distance to a second boom pivotally connected to the first boom or measures a time delay between the transmission of electromagnetic energy towards the second boom and reception of electromagnetic energy reflected from the second boom. A controller then converts the measured distance or the measured time delay into a luffing angle.

Abstract: The aerial work platform including a pothole and/or obstacle avoidance system according to the present invention includes a non-contact distance measuring device mounted to an end of the aerial work platform chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures a distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a first signal based on the measured distance. In response to the output of the non-contact distance measuring device, a motor controller and/or brake controller of the aerial work platform control operation of a motor and/or brakes, respectively, to assist an operator of the aerial work platform in avoiding potholes and/or obstacles.

Abstract: In the anti-two block device, a non-contact measuring device detects in one form or another the distance between a boom nose and a load-bearing member supported thereby. If the distance detected is less than a predetermined threshold value, the device triggers a warning or other operation to assist an operator in preventing anti-two blocking.

Abstract: An aerial work platform apparatus includes a shiftable counterweight which shifts in response to movement of the boom in order to maintain optimum balance of the apparatus during movement of the boom and platform. The counterweight shifts towards and away from the front of the apparatus, and also in a vertical direction. Several constructions for shifting the counterweight are disclosed.

Abstract: A pump enable system includes a variable-displacement piston pump having a displacement control device. The displacement control device controls displacement of pistons in the pump based on a position thereof, and a position control system in the pump controls a position of the displacement control device based on a load on the pump. An over-ride system selectively over-rides the position control system such that the displacement control device assumes a position which reduces displacement of the pistons in the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorbing assembly including a steering assembly for a vehicle, such as a mobile crane, and consisting of a shock absorbing leg including an outer tube securable to the frame of the vehicle, a wheel carrier telescopically extensible downwards from the outer tube by a piston/cylinder unit, and a steering assembly for the wheel carrier. The steering assembly includes a steering input coupler at the top end of the shock absorbing leg for transmitting steering forces to the wheel carrier through the piston/cylinder unit.

Abstract: A locking assembly for the telescopic jib of a crane, or mobile crane, includes a plurality of telescopic sections wherein locking pins are supported in an inner telescopic section and are biased outwardly by means of a spring for engagement within receiving apertures in an outer telescopic section surrounding the inner telescopic section. A release device is provided for engaging the inner end of a locking pin in order to release the locked position thereof against the spring biased. Preferably two locking pin are provided for each locking unit and are disposed on the inner telescopic section so that they will engage two oppositely located receiving apertures in the vertical side webs of the outer telescopic section.

Abstract: A multi-position boom nose includes a support structure disposed at one end of a boom. The support structure supports at least a first sheave set, and the first sheave set includes at least one sheave. A pivot arm has a first end pivotally connected to the support structure. A second end of the pivot arm supports a second sheave set, and the second sheave set includes at least one sheave. The pivot arm has a first working position, a second working position and a stowed position. The pivot arm extends towards the boom in the stowed position. Specifically, the pivot arm extends into the boom in the stowed position. In the first working position, the pivot arm extends perpendicular to the boom. In the second working position, the pivot arm extends away from the boom, and the first sheave set supports a first load bearing member, while the second sheave set supports a second load bearing member.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing the angular position of two telescopic parts relative to each other, comprising a stopper arranged on the first telescopic part and an adjuster provided with a shiftable element arranged on the second telescopic part. The adjuster comprises a piston/cylinder unit arranged on the inner telescopic part, which may be actuated by fluid supply and discharge, as well as an arrangement and method for fixing two telescopic parts of a crane jib.

Abstract: A work transfer lock system and method includes a first work device, a second work device, a first platform, and a second platform. The system includes a locking device which locks the first platform relative to the second platform. The locking device further includes work transferring mechanisms which transfer work from the first work device to the second work device when the first platform is locked relative to the second platform.

Abstract: The telescoping system includes a first and second fluid motor. The first fluid motor includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder nested in the first cylinder. The second fluid motor includes the second cylinder and a piston disposed in the second cylinder. The second cylinder has a double barrel outer wall forming a hydraulic fluid passageway. A hydraulic control system in the telescoping system includes a single control valve, solenoid valves, and holding valves, and controls extension and retraction of the telescoping system.

Abstract: A jib bearing assembly for at least two relatively movable telescopic parts of a jib for a crane includes embossments formed on at least one of the telescopic parts and cooperating bearing surfaces on the other part. The bearing assemblies are disposed in high stress and load regions of the cross-sectional configuration of concentric telescoping sections of the jib.

Abstract: The protection system for outriggers of a chassis includes a non-contact distance measuring device, associated with at least one of the outriggers and the chassis, mounted on one of the outriggers and the chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures the distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a warning signal based on the measured distance. A controller stops operation of the outriggers in response to the warning signal.

Abstract: The device and method for arresting movement of sections in a telescopic jib, which includes at least a first section and a second section and a telescopic cylinder telescoping the second section along a longitudinal axis of the telescopic jib relative to the first section, telescopes the second section using the telescopic cylinder to a desired working position. Then, movement of the second section is arrested using at least one sliding element connected and moveable with respect to the second section. The sliding element is disposed between the first and second sections, and arrests movement of the second section with respect to the first section when in an arresting position.

Abstract: The automatic leveling and synchronization system for raising and lowering a counterweight includes at least a primary and secondary cylinder connected in series hydraulic communication. The primary cylinder includes a first rod connected to a first piston, and the first rod is attached to one end of a counterweight. The secondary cylinder includes a second rod connected to a second piston, and the second rod is attached to another end of the counterweight. A surface area of a bottom of the second piston is set equal to a surface area of a top of the first piston.

Abstract: The braking system includes a housing, and a friction brake disposed in the housing and operationally connected to a member-to-be-braked. A biasing piston, for engaging the friction brake, is disposed in the housing, and a control piston is also disposed in the housing. The control piston and the housing define a pressure chamber for receiving a pressure medium which biases the control piston away from the friction brake. A first resilient member is disposed between the control piston and the housing to bias the control piston towards the friction brake. A second resilient member is disposed between the control piston and the biasing piston for transferring force applied to the control piston by the first resilient member to the biasing piston so as to bias the biasing piston towards the friction brake. The fiction brake includes brake lamellae operationally and longitudinally displaceably connected to the housing.

Abstract: The telescoping system includes a first fluid motor and a second fluid motor. The first fluid motor includes a first extension chamber and a first retraction chamber, and the second fluid motor includes a second extension chamber and a second retraction chamber. A hydraulic control system in the telescoping system controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to the first fluid motor and between the first fluid motor and the second fluid motor such that the first and second fluid motors operate independently.