Patents by Inventor Joachim Kroll

Joachim Kroll has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020044854
    Abstract: A loading device for ISO containers in a container terminal with a container bridge for the loading and unloading of ships and with automatic incoming and outgoing transfer of the containers by means of automatic guided vehicles, with at least one container load suspension device in the form of a spreader and devices for the intermediate positioning of the container within the loading device to allow the installation or removal of the twistlocks, and with platforms for the workers performing this task. The loading device consists of a polar bridge crane, which can rotate around its center vertical axis, and which is designed as a bridge crane with a trolley capable of traveling on a crane bridge supported on a circular track located in the rear area of the land-side rail of the container bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll, Mathias Dobner
  • Publication number: 20020015637
    Abstract: A straddle loader for ISO containers has a portal-like box girder at each end and longitudinal chassis girders a certain distance apart connecting the box girders, the longitudinal girders forming the base for the individual wheel suspensions of the traveling mechanism and for the attachment of a lifting device for the ISO containers. The straddle loader can be used passively, i.e., it can be loaded and unloaded from above through the open space between the longitudinal chassis girders and the box girders extending transversely between them. It can also be used actively, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll
  • Publication number: 20010052507
    Abstract: A mobile harbor crane for the combined handling of containers and bulk materials, having an undercarriage and an upper carriage which is mounted rotatably on the base frame of the undercarriage and on which a tower with a boom that can be pivoted about a horizontal axis is arranged. Four support beams are connected pivotally to a base frame of the undercarriage, symmetrically to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the vehicle, in such a way that they can each be pivoted about vertical axes, they are provided at their free ends with vertically acting leveling cylinders, by means of which the support beams are supported on the wheels of a plurality of traveling gear assemblies via balancers for uniform distribution of the supporting forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll, Janis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20010020558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic steering device for the chassis of a vehicle, in particular of a crane or transport vehicle, with chassis axles steerable between longitudinal and transverse drive positions and in each case fixed to a shaft on the vehicle that is pivoted about a vertical swiveling axle, on which shaft a steering cylinder acts by way of at least one laterally projecting control arm for swiveling of the shaft. The steering cylinder acting on the projecting control arm and a further steering cylinder acting on a vehicle frame beam are articulated to a lever arm, coaxially pivoted on the shaft, in such a way that the torsional movement of the shaft resulting from the retracting and extending movement of the two steering cylinders adds up to at least ±90°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll, Janis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20010002010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for increasing the performance of a handling apparatus for ISO containers, in particular for increasing the performance of a container bridge in a terminal having automated inward and outward transport of the containers by means of self-propelled transport vehicles, and having at least one container load-lifting means in the form of a spreader and devices for the intermediate positioning of the containers within the handling apparatus for the purpose of fitting or removing the twist locks, and platforms for the personnel occupied in doing this.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll, Janis Moutsokapas
  • Patent number: 6092969
    Abstract: A positioning device for at least one pallet that is deposited on a deposit area of a raiseable and lowerable container having at least one open side, especially for unloading ships, whereby the deposit area is larger than the pallets by a predetermined amount. To permit automatic alignment of the pallets and their subsequent automatic removal by means of a horizontal conveyor, that the deposit area bordered on two opposite sides by two contact surfaces, which are arranged vertically parallel to each other and can be synchronously moved toward each other into a central position. The container is be insertable from above into a precentering opening of a centering frame, which precentering opening corresponds to the outer contour of the container cross-section, and placeable onto a horizontal support surface arranged thereunder, whereby the contact surfaces are automatically movable toward each other, up to pallet width, by deflection of the weight of the loaded container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kroll
  • Patent number: 6030168
    Abstract: A lifting device constructed as a frame or gantry vehicle which is supported on four movable vertical supports. The gantry vehicle further comprises a crane trolley which is horizontally movable along a frame on a plurality of rails. Two vertically arranged lifting cylinders are rigidly fastened at the trolley in a plane parallel to the vertical longitudinal center planes of the load carrying means and trolley trolley such that at least their synchronously telescoping piston rods project into the space below the trolley and support a load carrying arrangement at their free ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen
  • Patent number: 6021718
    Abstract: A two-axle undercarriage for track-bound transport systems carrying freight and passenger traffic, especially for inseparable train units, is divided into two parts, each part housing a wheel set. The two undercarriage frame halves are connected to each other in an adjustably articulated fashion on the plane of travel and are axially movable relative to each other to a limited extent in the direction of travel. To provide a tensilely-strong connection of two adjacent car bodies of the track-bound transport system, a connecting rod is used that permits adjustment of the undercarriage frame halves. The connecting rod is arranged between the adjacent car bodies so that cardanic movement is permitted between each of the two adjacent car bodies so that cardanic movement is permitted between each of the two adjacent car bodies and the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen, Gerlinde Pohlmann, Peter Richter
  • Patent number: 5950847
    Abstract: A railborne mobile crane with an auxiliary car which is coupled to the crane car and has a supporting device for the head of the boom during transport, wherein the boom lies essentially horizontally and is articulated at the boom base at the pivoting frame of the mobile crane. The boom head which extends the boom in the longitudinal axial direction is connected with the boom so as to be articulated vertically and can be deposited on the supporting device which is fastened to the auxiliary car so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axle and is provided with a three-dimensionally articulated abutment for the boom head which is, in turn, displaceable on the supporting device transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Peter Richter, Hermann Franzen
  • Patent number: 5931617
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a load securing device for standardized transport vessels, such as containers, interchangeable containers or the like, on loading surfaces by securing pins which are swivelable upward from a rest position under the loading surface around a horizontal swiveling axle arranged below the latter into their vertical working position and which are lockable in this position so as to be retained in openings in the corner regions of the transported goods. For this purpose, a swivel bearing plate is arranged in the manner of a one-armed lever between securing pins and the swivel axle so as to be mounted thereon, the securing pins being fastened to the swivel bearing plate at a distance laterally from the swivel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen
  • Patent number: 5927916
    Abstract: A locking device for standardized transport vessels, such as containers, interchangeable containers or the like, on loading surfaces of transporting devices includes clamping pins which are at least partially movable upward out of the loading surface from their rest positions below the loading surface into vertical working positions and which are lockable in this position by their clamping pin heads, which are provided at their free ends, in openings in the corner regions of the transport vessels. For this purpose, every clamping pin is part of a vertically acting piston-cylinder unit which is fastened below the loading surface to the frame of the transporting device. The vertical stroke of every piston-cylinder unit corresponds to the outward path traveled by the clamping pin with the clamping pin head upward out of the loading surface. The clamping pin head is designed as a hammer head, and a motor acts at the circumference of the clamping pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen
  • Patent number: 5842589
    Abstract: A crane, in particular railbound mobile crane, with a luffing jib telescoping at both sides which can be swung up and down as well as raised and lowered with its base boom. The boom is supported in its end regions at the vehicle on a swivel bearing which can be raised and lowered. The luffing jib is swivelable about vertical axes in the region of the swivel bearings. For this purpose, every swivel bearing is supported at one of two separate multiple-axle traveling mechanisms so as to be displaceable traverse to the longitudinal axis of the mobile crane. The two traveling mechanisms are coupled with one another via the base boom of the luffing jib, which base boom is connected with the swivel bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Peter Richter, Manfred Dorre
  • Patent number: 5657888
    Abstract: A track-bound mobile crane with a vertically-adjustable carrying device arranged on a vehicle frame and to which a guide carrier is attached. The guide carrier consists of two vertically-adjustable columns arranged across from one another at each end of the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle longitudinal axis. The guide carrier can be raised and lowered by the vertically adjustable columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Hermann Franzen, Peter Richter
  • Patent number: 5607071
    Abstract: A crane, particularly a track-bound mobile crane, having a luffing jib located on a vehicle frame so as to be slewable upward and downward around a horizontal axis and rotatable around a vertical axis. In order to transport long and heavy loads in narrow areas, especially during the construction of bridges or tracks, the luffing jib is supported on at least one swivel bearing located on a vehicle frame end and is slewable upward and downward or liftable by a lifting drive arranged between the ends of the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Peter Richter
  • Patent number: 5595313
    Abstract: A crane for raising and lowering a load, which crane includes a vehicle frame with end areas and a slewing device arranged on the vehicle frame. The slewing device includes at least two basic slewing columns slewable by 360.degree., mounted on the vehicle frame in the vehicle frame end areas. Additionally, a separate articulated slewing arm having at least two elements is located on each basic slewing column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Peter Richter
  • Patent number: 5518128
    Abstract: A crane, particularly a railway crane, with a superstructure which is arranged on an undercarriage so as to be swivelable around a vertical axis, a jib and at least one counterweight which is movable as a function of the swiveling movement of the superstructure. The counterweight being arranged on the superstructure. The at least one counterweight is connected with the superstructure via an articulation which has a swivel axis aligned parallel to the vertical axis of the superstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Walter Kollner
  • Patent number: 5082128
    Abstract: Cranes having multisection booms have an apparatus for interconnecting boom sections mounted at the ends of the boom sections. The apparatus for interconnecting the boom sections has: on a first boom section, an upper hook member with its concave portion being concave inwardly towards a central longitudinal axis of the boom section; on a second boom section, an upper fork member, having a pair of extending flange portions supporting a bolt member for being received within the upper hook member during interconnection; upper abutment surfaces, which are planar and are perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the boom sections, and which are located on the end of the upper hook member and between the pair of flanges of the upper fork member; and a lower strap member on a first boom section for being disposed within a lower fork member on a second boom section during interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Walter Kollner, Dieter Klessinger, Joachim Kroll
  • Patent number: 5005714
    Abstract: A crane, particularly a large mobile crane, including an undercarriage (1); a revolving joint (3) on the undercarriage (1); and a superstructure on the revolving joint (3). The superstructure includes a central part (5) rotatably mounted on the revolving part (3), a boom connected to the central part (5), a swing part (6), and a horizontal swing bearing (9) pivotally mounting the swing part in upwardly swingable manner on the central part (5). The crane further includes at least one winch mounted on the swing part (6) and a retraction mechanism at the end of the swing part (6) opposite the swing bearing (9). The retraction mechanism includes a pulley head (16) and a bracing (25) for the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Walter Kollner
  • Patent number: 4719325
    Abstract: For receiving the contact levers of a contact arrangement, a holder is provided, in which the contact levers are supported so that they can be tilted relative to each other. The holder in turn can be moved in a stationary bearing strap for switching on and off. The bearing strap consists of two mirror-symmetrical angles which are assembled to each other by connecting straps at an unchangeable distance corresponding to the width of the holder. The connecting straps are preferably provided with openings into which material of the angles can be pushed by plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Reinhard Kugler, Bernd Rambotzki