Patents by Inventor Joseph R. Rucinski

Joseph R. Rucinski 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: 20220119232
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed comprising a counterweight support frame; a boom; a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support frame in a moveable relationship with respect to the counterweight support frame; and a counterweight unit movement device connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. The crane is configured such that during crane operation, the moment generated by the counterweight unit acts on the rotating bed predominantly through the counterweight support frame. Alternatively, the crane can include a mast. In some embodiments the same basic crane is configured to be set-up with two different counterweight options, i) a counterweight unit directly supported on the counterweight support frame and ii) a counterweight support beam moveably connected to the remainder of the rotating bed and a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Publication number: 20220106170
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Patent number: 11261064
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed comprising a counterweight support frame; a boom; a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support frame in a moveable relationship with respect to the counterweight support frame; and a counterweight unit movement device connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. The crane is configured such that during crane operation, the moment generated by the counterweight unit acts on the rotating bed predominantly through the counterweight support frame. Alternatively, the crane can include a mast. In some embodiments the same basic crane is configured to be set-up with two different counterweight options, i) a counterweight unit directly supported on the counterweight support frame and ii) a counterweight support beam moveably connected to the remainder of the rotating bed and a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Patent number: 11208303
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Publication number: 20210009386
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Patent number: 10647555
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Publication number: 20200062558
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed comprising a counterweight support frame; a boom; a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support frame in a moveable relationship with respect to the counterweight support frame; and a counterweight unit movement device connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. The crane is configured such that during crane operation, the moment generated by the counterweight unit acts on the rotating bed predominantly through the counterweight support frame. Alternatively, the crane can include a mast. In some embodiments the same basic crane is configured to be set-up with two different counterweight options, i) a counterweight unit directly supported on the counterweight support frame and ii) a counterweight support beam moveably connected to the remainder of the rotating bed and a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Patent number: 10457530
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody; and a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed. The crane is configured for assembly in at least two configurations. In the first configuration, the crane further includes a live mast; a first counterweight support frame; and a first movable counterweight unit moveably connected to and supported by the first counterweight support frame. In the second configuration, the crane further includes a lattice mast; a second counterweight support frame; a moveable counterweight support beam coupled to the second counterweight support frame and operable to move relative to the second counterweight support frame; and a second moveable counterweight unit moveably connected to the moveable counterweight support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Publication number: 20190177134
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Patent number: 10280049
    Abstract: An intermediate suspension connection column segment designed for use in constructing a column which is supported by a suspension that includes a first end having a first connection configured to connect to a first adjacent column segment; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second connection configured to connect to a second adjacent column segment; and an intermediate suspension connection between the first connection and the second connection, the intermediate suspension connection configured to couple an intermediate suspension between the suspension and the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Joseph R. Rucinski, Derrick L. Geiser, Ryan M. Fickau, Ian M. Moore
  • Patent number: 10183848
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. At least one auxiliary member includes a counterweight pad that is configured to not touch the ground during a pick, move, and set operation. A linear actuator is configured to adjust a distance that the counterweight pad is above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Jonathan M. Borlee, Derrick L. Geiser, Ingo Noeske, Brian N. Nysse, William J. O'Neil, Brandon D. Resch, David A. Robertson, Joseph R. Rucinski, John W. Taylor, Joel D. Zick
  • Patent number: 10179722
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Publication number: 20180319636
    Abstract: An intermediate suspension connection column segment designed for use in constructing a column which is supported by a suspension that includes a first end having a first connection configured to connect to a first adjacent column segment; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second connection configured to connect to a second adjacent column segment; and an intermediate suspension connection between the first connection and the second connection, the intermediate suspension connection configured to couple an intermediate suspension between the suspension and the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Joseph R. Rucinski, Derrick L. Geiser, Ryan M. Fickau, Ian M. Moore
  • Patent number: 10053340
    Abstract: An intermediate suspension connection column segment designed for use in constructing a column which is supported by a suspension that includes a first end having a first connection configured to connect to a first adjacent column segment; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second connection configured to connect to a second adjacent column segment; and an intermediate suspension connection between the first connection and the second connection, the intermediate suspension connection configured to couple an intermediate suspension between the suspension and the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Joseph R. Rucinski, Derrick L. Geiser, Ryan M. Fickau, Ian M. Moore
  • Publication number: 20160290548
    Abstract: A retention assembly to support and couple a conduit to a mounting bracket on a crane includes at least one mounting bracket and at least one conduit with at least one end with a connection fitting. A plug is removably coupled to the connection fitting. The plug includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The plug also includes a stud having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the stud and the second end of the stud. The second end of the stud is configured to extend away from the first end of the plug. A retainer is configured to couple with the stud to retain the conduit proximate the at least one mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Fernandez, William J. O'Neil, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Patent number: 9278834
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed comprising a counterweight support frame; a boom; a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support frame in a moveable relationship with respect to the counterweight support frame; and a counterweight unit movement device connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. The crane is configured such that during crane operation, the moment generated by the counterweight unit acts on the rotating bed predominantly through the counterweight support frame. Alternatively, the crane can include a mast. In some embodiments the same basic crane is configured to be set-up with two different counterweight options, i) a counterweight unit directly supported on the counterweight support frame and ii) a counterweight support beam moveably connected to the remainder of the rotating bed and a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Publication number: 20150210515
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski, Joel D. Zick, Bronson E. Foust, Charles E. Wernecke
  • Publication number: 20150210514
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. At least one auxiliary member includes a counterweight pad that is configured to not touch the ground during a pick, move, and set operation. A linear actuator is configured to adjust a distance that the counterweight pad is above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Jonathan M. Borlee, Derrick L. Geiser, Ingo Noeske, Brian N. Nysse, William J. O'Neil, Brandon D. Resch, David A. Robertson, Joseph R. Rucinski, John W. Taylor, Joel D. Zick
  • Publication number: 20150203338
    Abstract: An intermediate suspension connection column segment designed for use in constructing a column which is supported by a suspension that includes a first end having a first connection configured to connect to a first adjacent column segment; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second connection configured to connect to a second adjacent column segment; and an intermediate suspension connection between the first connection and the second connection, the intermediate suspension connection configured to couple an intermediate suspension between the suspension and the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy J. Albinger, Joseph R. Rucinski, Derrick L. Geiser, Ryan M. Fickau, Ian M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8684197
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; ground engaging members elevating the carbody off the ground; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody; a boom pivotally mounted at a first end to the rotating bed with a load hoist line extending adjacent a second end of the boom; a boom hoist mechanism that can be used to change the angle of the boom relative to the rotating bed during crane operation; and a boom raising assist structure connected to the boom. The boom raising assist structure preferably includes at least one ground engaging member in contact with the ground; and a boom elevating member extending between the assist structure ground engaging member and the boom. The boom elevating member supports at least a part of the weight of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski