Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.

Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.

Abstract: A cable routing device for segregating and environmentally protecting electrical power cables and control/communication wires.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of supporting a portion of the weight of a load being transferred by a lifting device in the event of a complete failure of one of the hoisting ropes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure attached atop a beam of the lifting device, and a support bar pivotally attached to the support structure. The support structure includes a stop portion that is in contact with the beam and has an upper surface opposed to an undersurface of the support bar. A hoist system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sway dampener is provided for reducing sway motion of a gantry crane spreader that is suspended from hanger chains. The sway dampener is configured to resist motion of the hanger chain relative to the spreader, thereby retarding sway. The dampener includes first and second portions that are movable relative to each other in a resistive fashion, for example a piston-cylinder structure. The first portion is mounted to the spreader and the second portion is mounted to the hanger chain at an attachment point located a vertical distance above a point at which the hanger chain is pivotally mounted to the spreader so that horizontal sway motion of the attachment point relative to the spreader displaces the first and second portions.

Abstract: A gantry crane including a lifting grappler is provided with a hoist locking mechanism to prevent undesired downward drifting of the grappler, especially during periods when the crane is parked and not in operation. The hoist locking device can selectively secure the grappler in a raised position, maintaining a maximum clearance under the raised grappler. The crane includes a hoist line, such as a chain or cable, that suspendably supports the weight of the grappler, and a hoist actuator for moving the hoist line, thereby lifting or lowering the grappler. In an embodiment, the hoist locking device is selectively operable to secure the hoist line in a predetermined position, preventing the grappler from lowering. For example, an embodiment of the hoist locking device includes a hook-shaped latch member movably mounted to the frame for engagement with a catch member fixed relative to the hoist line. The catch member may, for example, be a projection from a clevis mounted to the hoist actuator.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.