Abstract: The present invention is a hoisting winch that uses two motors, one a low-speed, high-torque hoisting motor and the other a high-speed, low-torque compensation motor. The motor shafts are connected to a cable drum by an epicycloidal gear trains. Uni-directional free-wheel assemblies are operatively connected to the motor shafts between the motors and an associated gear train. A first free wheel assembly includes a first driving element which is connected to the hoisting motor shaft and which drives a first driven element only in the drum unwinding direction. A second free wheel assembly includes a second driving element which is connected to the compensation motor shaft and which drives a second driven element driven only in the drum winding direction. Selectively appliable and releasable brakes resist rotation of the driven elements. An electrohydraulic control system controls the motors and brakes to allow the hoisting winch to be used in loading and unloading cargo from a ship.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes two lifting hoists which are respectively associated with two cables. These cables are lowered in parallel with one another, and are connected to a fixed part of a rotating apparatus. The rotating part of this apparatus moves along longitudinal rails of a secondary frame which is attached to the carrier of the container. The lifting operation may be performed as the container's gravity center reaches the perpendicular axis of the center of a quadilateral defined by four points established by an electronic device which detects the various loads within the lifting cables and is adapted to actuate appropriate hydraulic means to maintain a load differential between the cables below a predetermined value. In this respect, the apparatus balances the containers to be lifted before lifting them.

Abstract: The bucket lift of a distribution crane is controlled by a device which includes a single drum hoist. A second single drum hoist is used to shut the bucket by means of two cables routed on the two pulleys located on the tip of the boom. The movement of the distribution carrier along the boom of the crane is controlled by a distribution hoist which includes two drums that are bound in rotation with the two drums of the lifting and shutting, through an epicyclic gear set. As the dsitribution hoist is activated, the bucket moves horizontally, thus reducing the amount of strain put on the distribution hoist, as well as the cable wear.

Abstract: An improvement to large container handlers having a transportable platform. A powered positionable support arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the platform for vertical rotation. A L-shaped arm is pivotally mounted from the other end of the support arm to be vertically rotatable. A container gripping device is suspended from the L-shaped arm. In one embodiment, the support arm is mounted to move the L-shaped arm vertically as the support arm is rotated so as to, thereby, raise and lower a container without sidewards movement.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device suitable for controlling the flow of fluid between two chambers of a jack comprises a valve between each of the two chambers being controlled and a common chamber. The valves are controlled by pilot operated stops which, when retracted permit the valves to close fully but which, when extended hold the valves partially open. A source of make-up fluid can be connected to the common chamber, and the feed to the pilot valves can be tapped off the common chamber by way of a restriction. Alternatively, the pilot valves can be isolated from the common chamber and a separate source of pilot fluid provided. In this case, the common chamber can be permanently connected to a source of fluid under pressure which can be a fluid pressure accumulator.

Abstract: The invention is an improved control mechanism for winches as used on cranes and similar devices having a single motor driving the shaft of a winch drum through a pair of eddy current clutches. Gear trains attached to the two clutches are operative to drive the drum's shaft in opposite directions. An electronic control generates an output signal indicative of a commanded speed and direction of drum rotation while a tachometer generates a signal indicative of the actual speed and direction of drum rotation. The electronic control system compares the commanded and actual speed as well as the direction of rotation and generates signals energizing the two clutches. The combined action of the two clutches stabilizes the rotational speed of the drum and its direction of rotation in accordance with the commanded input.

Abstract: Stabilization apparatus for a tower crane or other mobile equipment includes several telescopic structures.Each structure includes an inner telescopic part and an outer telescopic part and an actuator for moving the parts to a fully extended position. The inner telescopic part carries a plate which is applied in use to the ground and is controlled by a secondary telescopic structure.When the main telescopic structure is extended there is some sag so that a detector intended to indicate achievement of the extended position is not actuated. When the secondary telescopic structure is actuated and the plate is in firm contact with the ground the sag is corrected and the detector is actuated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-propelling construction machine comprising a frame provided with at least two groups of ground engaging members disposed and spaced longitudinally on said frame, either the front or rear end of the frame being provided with means for coupling to a tractor or articulated vehicle. The group of ground engaging members disposed near the end with the coupling means comprises a device for adjusting their height with respect to the frame, enabling them to retract away from the ground when said machine is coupled to the tractor, whereas the ground engaging members other than those disposed near the end with the coupling means are constituted by a wheel assembly which is irremovable whilst the machine is functioning. One application of the present invention is the production of a travelling crane.

Abstract: A safety device for a crane compares two signals, one of which represents the actual load in any configuration of the crane and the other of which represents the permitted or critical load in that configuration, and produces a third signal when the first signal exceeds the second signal. This third signal is used to actuate an alarm device or to prevent a dangerous maneuver from being continued by the crane.