Abstract: The present disclosure relates to laminated hook including a fastening system. The hook is formed by a plurality of plates laminated together with a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system utilized to laminate the plates together to form the laminated hook includes a bolt and a nut. According to certain aspects of the present teaching, the nut is a barrel nut. According to further aspects of the present teaching, the hook is a laminated ladle hook. A process for forming a laminated hook is also provided.

Abstract: A draft survey apparatus for gauging a barge by determining a weight of bulk materials loaded and discharged from the barge in water wherein the water level is provided. The draft survey apparatus includes a light source for emitting photons radially outward from the light source, a receiver for receiving the photons reflected off of the barge and surface, the receiver operable to sense a return angle of the photons, and a processor operable to determine a position of the objects and surfaces in three dimensional space based on the return angle of the photons and a time delay of photons between emission and receipt. The processor is operable to determine the weight of the bulk materials on the barge based on a height of barge above the water level.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and manipulating a heavy load by way of at least one pair of tongs and at least one hydraulic cylinder is disclosed. The load lifting apparatus may be configured such that it includes a first linkage, consisting of two pivotal linkage members, and a second linkage, having two pivotal linkage members. The load lifting apparatus may further have a set of tongs which includes two tong arms, and a hydraulic cylinder capable of actuating about one of the pivot points of the linkages. This configuration allows for the distance between the two tong arms to be adjusted according to the relative size of the load being engaged by the load lifting apparatus. A controller may actuate the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the distance between the tong arms.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for preparing wire rope having a stand; a first cross-member; a second cross-member; a first clamp arm; a second clamp arm; a first clamp; a second clamp; an adjustment wheel; an adjustment screw; and an adjustment gear; wherein the second cross-member is at least partially contained within the first cross-member; wherein the first clamp is disposed at the distal end of the first clamp arm, the second clamp is disposed at the distal end of the second clamp arm, and wherein the first and second clamp arm are spaced from each other; and wherein the distance between the first and second clamp arm is adjustable. Also provided is a method of use for the same.

Abstract: Provided is a safety lighting system for an overhead crane comprising a laser generator capable of generating a laser signal; and a crane control system having a programmable logic circuit; wherein the laser generator is integrated with the crane control system; and wherein the laser generator is operable to project a laser signal onto a surface corresponding to the position of the crane or crane components and a method of using the safety lighting system to determine when an object has crossed into a designated safety zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a lifting assembly to lift an object using a lifting device are provided. The lifting assembly comprises of an upper lifting bracket and a lower lifting bracket which are used to lift the object. The lifting brackets are adjustable such that they can be adapted to lift a number of different objects having different assemblies with different bolt patterns. The adjustability feature is provided by incorporating at least one cam into the lifting brackets.

Abstract: A lifting bracket for a lifting assembly to lift a cylindrical object having an annular flange with a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed therein using a lifting device is provided. The bracket includes a flange attachment piece having at least one adjustable hole assembly for aligning with at least one hole of said plurality of spaced-apart holes on the flange such that the bracket may be used to lift objects having spaced-apart holes of varying distances. The bracket also includes a hoist ring for receiving a wire rope and a swivel device having a hoist ring connection loop. The swivel device freely rotates about a pin and the hoist ring freely pivots when the object is being lifted from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for securing an implement to a rigid longitudinally extended lifting member. A representative embodiment comprises a clamp that can be mounted to a forklift implement and/or socket for receiving a lifting member. A working surface engages the lifting surface of the lifting member. A cam is pivotably mounted on an axis transverse to and displaced from the working surface. The cam has an outwardly radiating spiraled engagement lobe that presses against the under-surface of the lifting member so as to press the lifting member between the working surface and the cam. Thus, the cam allows the clamp to be moved rearwardly but not forwardly on the lifting member. The cam, which is biased, can be characterized by having a fixed axis, being self-locking, and/or having a constant contact angle with the underside of the lifting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a manbasket to the tines of a lifting fork of a forklift. A preferred embodiment comprises a tine clamp mounted to a tine socket on the manbasket. The clamp automatically applies a self-adjusting gripping force to the underside of the tine whenever the fork has elevated the manbasket and automatically releases the tine when the manbasket is resting upright on a reference surface. The tine clamp comprises a lever pivotably mounted at mid-length to the tine socket, at least one gripping cam rotatably mounted to one end of the lever, and a cam release member pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the lever. The lever is biased to keep the gripping edge surface of the cam in contact with the underside of the tine whenever the tine is in the socket and the manbasket is elevated. The cam has an outwardly spiraled profile to enable it to apply a gripping force to the tine that increases as the tine is urged more strongly out of the socket.

Abstract: A manbasket testing apparatus for use in the trial lift and proof testing of personnel work platforms known as manbaskets is disclosed. The testing device provides a manbasket supported by a floor attached sling and providing a removable test weight attached through and underneath the floor of the manbasket by the use of eyebolts attached to the test weight and extending through the floor with attachment rods slid transversely through the eyebolts. A method of testing using the manbasket testing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for lifting tanks where several hydraulic jack assemblies are positioned adjacent to the external peripheral wall of the tank and, if the tank has large dimensions, additional hydraulic jack assemblies are positioned inside the tank. After the jack assemblies are secured to the tank structure, the lifting operation is begun. The jack assemblies provide the necessary lifting force from a substantial hydraulic pressure and relatively small displacement. The jack assemblies are inverted so that the housing is lifted while the rod stays stationary. After complete distension, log members are inserted below the lowermost end of the jack housing and the rod retracted. Then, an additional log member is inserted below the retracted rod and the lifting operation renewed.