Abstract: In the case of a tower crane with folding mast and folding jib, the unfolding and folding movements being motorized by actuators such as rams, the invention allows automatic movement from a folded transport position to an unfolded work position or vice versa. When an unfolding or folding procedure has been selected by means of a switch and a command manipulator, the rams are actuated in turn, in a preestablished automatic sequence which corresponds to the selected procedure. The running of the sequence is controlled by means of a set of sensors which detect the arrival of mast and/or jib elements of the crane in intermediate positions and in the final position.

Abstract: A device for working a surface, especially a lifting platform, includes boom or a platform, a working means, which can be placed against the surface to be worked, and a means which is arranged between the boom or the platform and the working means and which provides an application force that acts on the working means. The working means is suspended on a suspension such that it can move freely around two axes, which preferably form a right angle. The means which provides the application force engages with the suspension.

Abstract: The method is intended for setting the force limiters of a lifting appliance equipped with a winch-type lifting mechanism (8), the electric motor of which is controlled by a variable-speed drive unit ensuring regulation of the drive torque. This method involves: mounting a direct-reading or remote-reading balance (23) between the lifting hook (5) and a fixed point (27), placing the lifting mechanism in a “setting” mode, displaying desired values for the limitation of the nominal drive torque, commanding the lifting function in the raising direction by means of the control of the said electric motor and reading the tensile force values (F) supplied by the balance (23). The invention applies more particularly to the setting of the force limiters on tower cranes.

Abstract: The crane comprises a mast (6), mounted on a chassis (1, 3), and a distributor jib (7) composed of successive elements (14, 15, 16) articulated on one another about horizontal axes (24, 29), the first jib element (14) being articulated about a horizontal axis (18) on the top of the mast (6). The first jib element (14) and, if appropriate, the following element (15) can be brought into a substantially vertical position in alignment with the erected mast (6), so as to increase the height of the mast. All the jib elements (14, 15, 16) comprise a rolling track (17) for a carriage (32), and these elements can be used in various positions (B, F). A crane with modifiable configuration is thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the mounting of the revolving part of a tower crane, at the top of the mast. A first assembly, formed by the counterjib (8), its tie rod (19) and a rear part (22) of the jib bearer (5), made in two separable parts, is pre-built on the ground, then lifted up and assembled by pinning (at 18) on the revolving pivot or the mast-cab (10) and is held temporarily in place by retaining link rods (48). Another assembly, formed by the jib (6), its tie rods (13, 14) and the front part (21) of the jib bearer, is also pre-built on the ground, then lifted up and assembled by pinning (at 77) on the revolving pivot or the mast-cab (10). The respective tops (28, 47) of the front part (21) and of the rear part (22) of the jib bearer (5) are then joined together by temporary pinning along an axis (78), followed by definitive pinning along an axis (79).

Abstract: The invention makes secure the processing of a signal (Se) delivered by a sensor (2) of resistive analog type, in a safety device, the signal (Se) being converted into a digital signal (n) in an analog/digital converter (4) of resolution (R). A digital signal (n1) is acquired and stored, then the supply voltages (Va, Vb) of the sensor (2) are inverted (at 8) and a new digital signal (n2) is acquired. The two signals (n1, n2) are summed, and their sum (S) is compared with the resolution (R) of the converter (4). Depending on whether the sum (S) is or is not equal to the resolution (R), the control (Cm) of an actuator (6), corresponding to a pre-set (Sc), is enabled or otherwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to cranes with folding delivery jibs, made up of two or more successive elements articulated together. A rear delivery cable has a first end fixed to one side of the drum of the delivery winch and a second end fixed to the jib crab, this cable passing over a tensioning device carried by the jib root and comprising an articulated arm with a pulley urged by a gas spring. A front delivery cable has a first end fixed to the other side of the drum of the delivery winch and a second end fixed to a drum situated on the crab, this cable passing over a length compensating system consisting of a set of pulleys situated at the level of the articulation between the jib root and the jib tip.

Abstract: The method is intended for setting the force limiters of a lifting appliance equipped with a winch-type lifting mechanism (8), the electric motor of which is controlled by a variable-speed drive unit ensuring regulation of the drive torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control monitoring device for tower cranes, in particular for small cranes, with integration of functions, and adapted for radio control.

Abstract: The device provides dismantlable assembly between the top of the upper element of the mast of a tower crane and the fixed pivot which serves to support and to orientate the rotating upper part of the crane comprising the jib. Fishplates are fixed at the four corners of the pivot, of square horizontal section, in the direction of the diagonal, the fishplates lying within the permissible size for transporting this pivot. Other fishplates are fixed to the four corners of the top of the mast element, on the inside of the uprights of this element. The fishplates have holes which come into alignment, and through which removable connecting pins are fitted.

Abstract: This device for independently controlled motorized unfolding/folding, is applicable to a crane jib, two consecutive elements of which are articulated to one another about a horizontal axle located approximately mid-way up the jib, and which have respective cross sections which allow them to nest, in the folded position. The motorization system comprises a double-acting ram and a set of link rods. The ram is articulated to the rear jib element in the region of the upper members and to two link rods, one straight and the other cranked, which form the link rod system. One link rod is articulated to the rear part of the front jib element and the other link rod is articulated to the front part of the rear jib element in the region of the lower parts of these elements.

Abstract: The device applies to a tower crane jib comprising a succession of elements articulated one to the next, comprising at least two relatively long main elements, and two relatively short tip elements. Connecting members, particularly in the form of a link-rod system, connect the front part of the last main jib element, the intermediate jib tip element and the end jib tip element in such a way that the two tip elements can be unfolded or folded simultaneously, in a vertical plane, relative to the remaining part of the jib. This device is actuated using the crane's lifting cable. In the folded position, at least one of the tip elements runs in a direction approximately perpendicular to the main elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of robot manipulators comprised of a macro-manipulator combined with a micro-manipulator with a load grasping device. The control is accomplished from set-point values of force (F.sup.d) and set-point values of position (.chi..sup.d), which are compared to real values (F.sup.m, .chi..sup.m) in order to produce increments of displacement (.DELTA.x, .DELTA.y, .DELTA.z, .DELTA..theta.x, .DELTA..theta.y, .DELTA..theta.z) intended for the load grasping device. Added to values (.chi..sup.m) representing the actual position, these increments yield new set-point values of position (.chi.'.sup.d) of the load grasping device. These set-point values are distributed (at 29) between the macro-manipulator and the micro-manipulator, taking into account the deformation (.DELTA.X ) and the mobility that are acceptable for the macro-manipulator. Specific application: robot manipulator of large size and high capacity for outdoor use, especially on construction sites.

Abstract: A manipulator designed to handle loads on construction or public works si is shown and described. A motorized carrier (1) has an orientable pole (9) and an arm that can be folded and unfolded (16) hinged to the top of the pole and made of several elements (17, 18, 19) hinged together. The end of arm (16) is connected by a motorized link (29) to a telescopic and orientable motorized compensator arm (2) having at least one degree of redundant clearance and endowed with a stress-detecting active-compliance gripper carrier (36) supporting a gripper (3). Adjustment and control mechanisms are provided for the motorization of carrier (1), compensator arm (2) and link (29), while other means supply energy to and adjust and control gripper (3).

Abstract: The device comprises a gripper (15) whose arms (16, 17) hold at their free end an on-loading mechanism (18, 19) designed to engage a load (13) by gripping accessories (14). Two connecting rods (21, 22) constitute a deformable diamond with the upper part of the gripper (15). The lower ends of connecting rods (21, 22) are hinged to a shoulder (27) of a guide column (28) on which moves a slide (29) forming the head of the gripper (15). Two jacks (45, 46) control the opening and closing of the gripper (15). A connector arm (30) links the shoulder of column (28) to a turning grappling rope (10) and allows the center of gravity to be corrected by a jack (52). This gripping device is intended for use with raising devices such as turret slewing cranes.

Abstract: The device comprises a pulley block body (11) having several lines (25, 26, 27, 28) and several pulleys (12, 13) over which passes a lifting cable (4) forming a block and tackle (15), a grappling element (15) mounted to turn around a vertical shaft (14) and accommodating a hook (9), and electric motorization (16) to drive grappling element (15) in rotation. Pulley (13), over which the cable in the block and tackle passes, serves to drive an electric generator (35) which charges accumulators (36), the latter supplying the electricity needed for motorization (16). The device is applicable to turret slewing cranes and other cable lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: The machine comprises, above a rotating frame, a mast which is foldable into two elements, a jib pivoted at the top of mast and a jib head member for the placing of loads, pivoted at the end of the jib. Straightening and holding in working position is assured by a unit comprising at least one counterbrace, a tie connected to a foot of the jib head member, a set of posts, a back holding cable, and a first double-acting jack associated with a system of connecting rods pivoted on the mast elements. Another double-acting jack connects the jib to the foot of the jib head member to make the machine work at different radii. The machine can be used for holding, lifting and placing loads on small-building construction sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis to which are coupled main wheels and relief wheels mounted on retractable supports and adapted either to increase the gauge of the main wheels of the vehicle, or to be retracted inside the width gauge of the chassis resting only on its main wheels. The main wheels are connected to the chassis by way of a soft suspension, whereas the left and right relief wheels are connected to their respective support by rigid elements only.