Abstract: A system and method for calculating a crane capacity for a crane having a variable position counterweight at an intermediate position is disclosed. In the method a boom combination is determined and a maximum capacity at a hook position is determined for the boom combination. A target value for an operating condition is established dependent on a balance of the crane between the variable position counterweight and a load on the hook. An indication is received of an intermediate counterweight position, and a load is calculated for the hook at the hook position for the boom combination and the intermediate counterweight position that results in the operating condition having the target value to determine an intermediate capacity. The intermediate capacity is compared with the maximum capacity and the lower of the maximum capacity and the intermediate capacity is output.

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 crane monitoring system is for determining crane service conditions is disclosed. The crane monitoring systems includes a sensor for measuring acceleration, a processing unit operably coupled to the sensor and a data store storing computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions, when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to perform a plurality of functions including determining at least one crane service condition dependent upon a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.

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

Abstract: A pin puller is mounted between first and second connectors, preferably connectors on a lift crane, each of the connectors having a hole there though. The pin puller includes: a) first and second support frame members; b) a first pin with a first end located in the hole of the first connector and a second end inside the first support frame member; c) a second pin with a first end located in the hole of the second connector and a second end inside the second support frame member; d) at least one linear actuator connected to the first and second pins; and e) a length adjustment device between the first and second support frame members, with its length adjusted so as to force the first support frame member into contact with the first connector and the second support frame member into contact with the second connector.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a movable crane counterweight is disclosed. In the method, a boom orientation is determined, a first counterweight position is determined, a first crane capacity at the first counterweight position is determined, a second counterweight position is determined corresponding to a second rearward stability associated with the boom orientation. A second crane capacity at the second counterweight position. A load on the crane is determined and the counterweight is positioned at a third position between the first counterweight position and the second counterweight position dependent on the boom load, and the first crane capacity.

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 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 hydraulic circuit for use on a construction machine includes a first valve, a second valve, and at least a third valve. The second and third valve each includes at least one inlet port connected to a first outlet port of the first valve. The first outlet port of each of the second and third valves are configured to reduce a first pressure to a second pressure and/or a third pressure downstream of the second valve and the third valve, respectively. The second valve and the third valve also include at least a second outlet port connected to a reservoir tank. A hydraulic motor is connected to the first outlet port of the second valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a first direction. The hydraulic motor also is connected to the first outlet port of the third valve, which operates the hydraulic motor in a second direction.

Abstract: A retention assembly to support and couple a conduit to a mounting bracket on a crane includes at least one mounting bracket and at least one conduit with at least one end with a connection fitting. A plug is removably coupled to the connection fitting. The plug includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The plug also includes a stud having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the stud and the second end of the stud. The second end of the stud is configured to extend away from the first end of the plug. A retainer is configured to couple with the stud to retain the conduit proximate the at least one mounting bracket.

Abstract: A transportable machine includes a frame that may be part of a motorized carriage and a machine for transport. The frame has, for example, one or more gaps defining an interface specially designed for engaging the machine. The machine includes elements adapted to fit within or otherwise engage the gaps of the frame. Fasteners join the machine and the frame, thus creating a transportable machine.

Abstract: A mast-raising mechanism for raising a mast of a mobile lift crane to an operating position includes a hydraulic cylinder extendable to raise the mast. The hydraulic cylinder includes a first end pivotally coupled to a rotating bed of the crane and a second end spaced apart from the first end. A first arm includes a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder extends to press the first end against a bearing surface on the mast. The first arm also includes a second end spaced apart from the first end. A second arm includes a first end proximate the second end of the first arm and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The second end of the second arm is pivotably connected to the rotating bed. A biasing mechanism urges the first arm towards the second arm.

Abstract: Components and systems for a flexible tensioning member for construction equipment. A tensioning member is comprised of a fiber having a specific tensile strength greater than 1,000 kilonewton meters per kilogram. The tensioning member connects two components and has an attachment allowing the tensioning member to flex relative to a component. The attachment may provide a system for connecting multiple tensioning members.

Abstract: An outrigger pad monitoring system for determining crane stability includes a plurality of outriggers having sensors for measuring a load placed on the outriggers. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers to determine the stability of the crane. A crane control system utilizes the measured load on the outriggers with positional information for the crane boom to determine if the crane boom is in a side-load condition. The outrigger pad monitoring system may be used during the setup of the crane and to verify the proper operation of a rated capacity limiter.

Abstract: A beam for use in construction equipment is made from tailor welded panels. At least one of the panels is made from at least two pieces of material such as steel welded together with the weld running the length of the beam. The weld between pieces of steel can either be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam, or the pieces can be tapered and the weld will be at an angle diverging from the longitudinal axis of the beam. The two pieces of material have a different compressive strength per unit of length in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam. In some embodiments a top panel is welded to two side panels to form two top corners of the beam and a bottom panel is welded to the two side panels to form two bottom corners of the beam.

Abstract: A beam for use in construction equipment is made from tailor welded panels. At least one of the panels is made from at least two pieces of material such as steel welded together with the weld running the length of the beam. The weld between pieces of steel can either be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam, or the pieces can be tapered and the weld will be at an angle diverging from the longitudinal axis of the beam. The two pieces of material have a different compressive strength per unit of length in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam. In some embodiments a top panel is welded to two side panels to form two top corners of the beam and a bottom panel is welded to the two side panels to form two bottom corners of the beam.

Abstract: A crane column segment connection system includes first and second column segments with a connector on the second end of the first segment mating with a connector on the first end of the second segment. The connectors each include at least one extension having a through-hole. The through-holes have an axis and are positioned in the extensions such that all through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are aligned. In one aspect, the connectors include alignment surfaces cooperating such that when the first and second connectors are being brought together during column assembly, the alignment surfaces guide the column segments in two dimensions within a plane transverse to the axis of the through-holes into a relative position such that the through-holes through the extensions in the connectors are aligned.

Abstract: A method of connecting sections of a crane suspension assembly together includes attaching a frame to a member of a first section; connecting a tension member between the frame and a connector used in the assembly; moving the tension member so that the connector pivots about a pin to a position where a second hole in the connector is in alignment with a hole in a second section member; putting a second pin through the hole in the connector and the hole through the second section member; and disconnecting the tension member from the connector. The method may also include attaching a frame with a winch to a section of the crane suspension assembly; connecting a line from the winch to the connector; activating the winch to move the connector so that it pivots about a pivot axis; and securing the connector in its second position.