Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or apparatuses for electrically grounding telescoping booms are provided. The systems, methods, and apparatuses can involve a telescoping boom assembly comprised of a plurality of nestable boom segments, and at least one electrically conductive contact provided between each pair of adjacent or successive boom segments. Each electrically conductive contact electrically connects corresponding adjacent or successive boom segments, to provide a predictable or predetermined path of least resistance toward or to ground for current introduced to the telescoping boom by an external energizing source.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or apparatuses for electrically grounding telescoping booms are provided. The systems, methods, and apparatuses can involve a telescoping boom assembly comprised of a plurality of nestable boom segments, and at least one electrically conductive contact provided between each pair of adjacent or successive boom segments. Each electrically conductive contact electrically connects corresponding adjacent or successive boom segments, to provide a predictable or predetermined path of least resistance toward or to ground for current introduced to the telescoping boom by an external energizing source.