Of Traversing Hoist From Support Patents (Class 212/179)
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Patent number: 11795921Abstract: A nacelle of a wind turbine comprising a machine carrier which is adapted to be installed on a tower of the wind turbine and to carry a generator and a rotor hub of the wind turbine, a working frame installed on the machine carrier and having one or more working planes, and a nacelle housing which encloses the machine carrier and the working frame for protection from weather influences, wherein the nacelle housing has a nacelle base compartment accessible from the working frame. It is proposed that the nacelle base compartment is adapted to be lowerable relative to the working platform. A wind turbine and a maintenance method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Frank Knoop, Wilko Gudewer, Joan Kreikenbaum
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Patent number: 11746754Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle which houses components including a generator connected to a rotor. The nacelle includes a cover and a skeleton, the skeleton including a plurality of connected elongated skeleton members. The skeleton members include a first skeleton member, a second skeleton member non-parallel to the first skeleton member, and a bolt extending in parallel with the second skeleton member for connecting the second skeleton member and the first skeleton member. Also, a method is presented for removing a component housed in a nacelle of a wind turbine, including disconnecting a second skeleton member from first skeleton members, removing the second skeleton member from a path of removal of the component, and removing the component along the path.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Kristoffer Isbak Thomsen
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Patent number: 11540504Abstract: The present application is directed to a tree stand lift system for elevating a person into a tree or other structure. The tree stand lift system includes, in an embodiment, a hunting platform assembly for supporting a person; a hoist assembly positioned above the platform; a hoist cable secured to the hoist assembly and positioned to lift a person from the ground up to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Inventors: Joel Schultheiss, Christopher Schultheiss
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Patent number: 11359395Abstract: A building container outrigger to provide an elevated work space for use between concrete slabs of a building under construction having a container, a plurality of support beams, each support beam positioned lengthwise under the floor of the container and extend therefrom the sides, a pair of spaced apart outrigger beams, a first outrigger end and a second outrigger end, each second outrigger end in contact with and affixed to the upper side of each support beam end, the other outrigger beam end removeably anchored to the slab floor with the front edge of the container flush with the exterior or front slab edge, and, thus, functions to functions to efficiently move materials and tools or personnel space from floor to floor as construction phases move vertically.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Inventor: Michael Hardin
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Patent number: 11352239Abstract: A portable hoist system has an adjustable support strut mechanism, allowing for compact storage and portability, with the entire assembly retained as one unit. In one embodiment the support strut mechanism, which is connected on one end to a boom and at another end to a bracket, is foldable and adjustable using an adjustment pin and holes along the two-piece support strut mechanism. In one preferred form of the invention a winch of the hoist system is field-adjustable as to position on the hoist's boom, to overcome problems of space constraints.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Inventor: Michael Spitsbergen
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Patent number: 11235958Abstract: The invention relates to a work machine, comprising a mast having a mast head, a support cable which is guided along the mast, over the mast head, a cable winch comprising a rotatably mounted winding drum to which the support cable is attached for winding up and unwinding, a work element which is arranged on the support cable for vertical movement, and a control unit, by means of which the cable winch can be operated in an unwinding mode, for unwinding the support cable from the winding drum, in which mode the work element is lowered, on the support cable, as far as a base surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: BAUER Maschinen GmbHInventor: Andreas Schüll
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Patent number: 10988351Abstract: A nacelle-mountable lift system for mounting and dismounting a rotor blade of a wind turbine involves a jib crane mountable on the nacelle and a blade sheath. The blade sheath is connectable to the hook of the jib crane by lines attachable to the top end of the sheath. The holder is raiseable and lowerable by a winch mounted on the crane to raise and lower the sheath with the rotor blade retained therein when the rotor blade is disconnected from the hub or to raise and lower the sheath to retain the rotor blade in or release the rotor blade from the sheath when the rotor blade is connected to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Inventors: Glen D. Aitken, Ruud Bakker
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Patent number: 10982659Abstract: The invention provides a method for opening a cover portion (202) of a wind turbine (1) comprising a nacelle (2) mounted on top of a tower (4), the nacelle supporting a rotor (3) and a generator (104) connected to the rotor, the nacelle (2) comprising a cover (201) presenting an access opening (203), the cover portion (202) being adapted to removably cover the access opening (203), the nacelle (2) also comprising a service crane (204), a cooler (205) being mounted to the nacelle (2) on an exterior of the nacelle (2), the method comprising attaching (S1) at least one hinge tool (6) to the cover portion (202) and to the cover (201), the hinge tool (6) presenting a swing joint (603), opening (S5) by means of the service crane (204) the cover portion (202) in a pivoting motion around the swing joint (603), and securing (S6) the opened cover portion (202) to the cooler (205).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Niels Møller Madsen, Mohanraj Kathiresan, Gajendra Narayanachar
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Patent number: 10968085Abstract: A lift assembly includes an article to be lifted between a lowered position and a raised position, a drive element coupled to the article, a power mechanism coupled to the drive element, and a power transfer mechanism coupled between the power mechanism and the drive element. The power transfer mechanism includes control electronics having a first upward limit switch adapted to deactivate the power mechanism when the article is lifted to a first upward height, and a second upward limit switch adapted to deactivate the power mechanism when the article is lifted to a second upward height higher than the first upward height.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventors: Donald A. Hoffend, III, William R. Florae, Michael Lichter, Edwin W. Bolz
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Patent number: 10801473Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hub crane assembly for a wind turbine. The hub crane assembly includes an adjustable articulating arm mountable at a first height on a hub of the wind turbine at a hinge point, a first hoist mountable at a second height of the wind turbine, the second height being greater than the first height, and a support component secured to the first hoist and a first attachment point of the articulating arm. Further, the first hoist is configured to rotate the articulating arm about the hinge point via the support component such that, as the articulating arm rotates, a clearance distance between the wind turbine and the articulating arm changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Gomez Mora, Jacob Thomas Hoyt, Michael Royce Johnson
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Patent number: 10745252Abstract: A movable crane arrangement includes a main girder for a trolley; end girders with running wheels to be supported on both ends of the main girder; running platforms for the running wheels of the end girders; and one elongated container, inside which at least part of the crane arrangement is placed in a disassembled or folded state for transport, if desired. One running platform is arranged to be implemented on the roof of the container at a selected height, and the other running platform is arranged to be implemented on the erecting platform of the crane arrangement. A method for erecting such a crane arrangement is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATIONInventor: Olli Kuismanen
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Patent number: 10669133Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for safe access to a confined space, comprising: a rectilinear support strut (12), two arms (14, 16) each fixed rigidly to an end (12a) of the strut, at right angles thereto and in opposite directions. A first arm (14) comprises at least one anchoring element (18), the second arm (16) being provided with at least two pulleys (20, 22) whose axis of rotation is at right angles to the plane defined by the strut and the arms. The anchoring element (18) and the two pulleys (20, 22) are arranged so as to allow the passage of a cordage of the anchoring element to the pulleys without interfering with the strut and the first and second arms. The strut (12) has at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with an opening (84) of the confined space in order to ensure the fixing thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Total Raffinage ChimieInventors: Nicolas Le Vern, Olivier Gervais
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Patent number: 10662040Abstract: A line guidance device (40) is provided for use with a confined space entry/retrieval hoist and fall protection anchorage system (10) and includes a line guide (46) that guides a line from an extend/retract line device (22) past another extend/retract line device (20) with both devices (20, 22) mounted on a backside (24) of a mast (12) of the system (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Radim Svoboda, Jan Hrouzek
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Patent number: 10435277Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a wind turbine generator includes at least, but is not limited to, a wind turbine connected to a wind turbine generator, the wind turbine generator is supported by a generator platform, a gearbox disposed between the wind turbine and said wind turbine generator, and a break assembly disposed between the gearbox and the wind turbine generator. The generator platform provides at least one maintenance stud adjacent the wind turbine generator, which is used to secure a portable crane to the generator platform. The portable crane includes at least, but is not limited to, a support member secured to a mounting plate, the support member extends from the mounting plate in an upward direction and at an angle that is less than a ninety degree angle relative to said mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: J & M Turbine Tools, LLCInventor: Gerald F. Stubbs
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Patent number: 10315892Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to davits for raising, lowering, and transporting loads. In general, davits described herein are portable and are capable of attaching to various mounting locations. The portable davit 100 includes a base mount 102 and an intermediate mount 104 for mounting the portable davit 100 to a mounting location. The base mount 102 and the intermediate mount 104 are couplable to a mast 106 for supporting the portable davit 100 when generally carrying a load L. The portable davit 100 also includes a jib 108 hingedly coupled to the mast 106 through a coupling 118. The jib 108 is configured to rotate about the coupling 118 such that the jib 108 is positionable at a lifting angle 120.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Inventors: Benjamin M. Almeda, Patrick B. Almeda
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Patent number: 10060091Abstract: An alignment tool for use in aligning a manway cover with a manway body/flange includes an body/flange alignment tool plate having a plate opening, a tool beam support extending transversely from the body/flange alignment tool plate, a cover attachment plate having at least one cover plate opening sized and positioned to align with a corresponding manway cover opening in the manway cover, and a height adjuster extending between and connecting the tool beam support to the cover attachment plate where the cover attachment plate is vertically translated by the threaded height adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Universal Hinge CorporationInventor: Edward A. DePietro
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Patent number: 9931259Abstract: A bariatric patient management system includes a single-wheel drive system having bi-directional variable speed control through use of a variable control joystick. The single-wheel drive system is disposed on an underside of the bariatric patient management system and engages a floor surface when the bariatric bed is in a lowermost position. The bariatric patient management system further includes a removable headboard having a disconnect feature for disconnecting the variable control joystick from the single-wheel drive system when the headboard is removed. A plurality of three-setting casters is used in conjunction with the single-wheel drive to allow the bariatric patient management system to be manually turned when transported from one location to another. The bariatric patient management system further includes an improved trapeze boom that allows for additional access to a patient adjacent the headboard of the bariatric patient management system.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GENDRON, INC.Inventors: Paul Ottenweller, Isaac W. Martin
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Patent number: 9890022Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a suspension system for a wind turbine rotor blade and methods for suspending said rotor blade from a hub thereof. The method includes positioning the rotor blade in a substantially six o'clock position. Another step includes removing at least one root attachment assembly from an adjacent rotor blade and providing at least one passageway from an exterior surface of the adjacent rotor blade to the root attachment assembly. Still another step includes inserting a cable through the passageway such that the cable engages an interior surface of the adjacent rotor blade and extends from within the adjacent rotor blade to the lowered rotor blade. The method further includes securing the cable to the rotor blade at an attachment location. Next, the method includes lowering the rotor blade a vertical distance from the hub until the blade is supported by the cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ulrich Werner Neumann, Gaylon Mitchell Pfeiffer, Kevin Costain, Stephanie Willman
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Patent number: 9802795Abstract: A crane capable of handling major components during installation or servicing of wind turbines includes a main body on which is mounted a crane arm, and a lifting point at or near an upper end of the main body to which a hoisting cable assembly is joined or around which a lifting cable is passed and which carries a major part of the crane weight as it is hoisted up a tower of the wind turbine, wherein the lifting point is laterally adjustable relative to the main body in a direction which is generally towards or away from the tower when in its lifting orientation in order to allow control of the crane balance.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventors: Jeppe Sartori Søe, Jesper Stærke Rosengren
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Patent number: 9651020Abstract: Portable cranes for wind turbines are provided. In one embodiment, a crane includes a boom, a support shaft connected to the boom, and a plurality of interchangeable mount assemblies. Each of the plurality of mount assemblies is removably connectable to the support shaft and mountable to a wind turbine component. The crane is mountable to at least two different wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a crane includes a boom, a support shaft connected to the boom, and means for mounting the crane to at least one uptower wind turbine component and at least one downtower wind turbine component.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brent Hamilton Holloway, Adam S. Davis, Michael Spitsbergen
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Patent number: 9345941Abstract: The piñata pole support assembly is a structure that holds a piñata in place during celebrations. The piñata pole support assembly comprises a stand, vertical pole, top pole, brace, pulley, ground post, rope hook, stick holder, and a plurality of hold down pins.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Inventors: Manuel Celedon, Linda Celedon
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Patent number: 9290241Abstract: A vessel (4) includes a crane (1) connected to a deck (5) of the vessel. The crane (1) includes a frame (10) which is rotatable about a horizontal hinge axis (H), a rotation mechanism (20) connected to the frame (10) at a position away from the horizontal hinge axis (H), arranged to rotate the frame (10) about the horizontal hinge axis (H) from an upper position to a lower position and vice versa, and a swivel member (30), which is with a first end (31) rotatable connected to the deck (5) and which is with a second end (32) rotatable connected to the rotation mechanism (20). The swivel member (30) is rotatable between an inward position associated with the upper position of the frame (10) to an outward position associated with the lower position of the frame (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: IHC HOLLAND IE B.V.Inventors: Dennis Kweldam, Erwin Cornelis Johannes Bijvoet
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Patent number: 9197041Abstract: A temporary support and conductor re-locator includes a mounting arm and corresponding mounting bracket on one end of the arm, the other end supporting a pivotally mounted insulator depending downwardly from a crank arm. The upper end of the crank arm is attached to an actuator which, upon actuation, pivots the crank arm and insulator about the end of the support arm so as to rotate up and out of the way an energized conductor contained in the wire holder at the bottom end of the insulator. The support arm is temporarily mounted to an existing transmission line tower or pole so as to extend outwardly substantially horizontally therefrom thereby cantilevering outwardly of the tower the end of the arm supporting the crank arm and insulator. Actuation of the actuator firstly elevates a lower portion of the crank arm then rotates the crank arm about the cantilevered end of the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: QUANTA ASSOCIATES, L.P.Inventor: David Wabnegger
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Patent number: 9073734Abstract: A hoisting apparatus includes an apparatus mounting bracket including a mount bracket plate and at least one bracket attachment assembly having a pair of gripper arms pivotally carried by the mount bracket plate. Each of the gripper arms has a plurality of gripper arm teeth. An arm tightening mechanism engages the gripper arms. A boom assembly is pivotally carried by the apparatus mounting bracket. A boom actuating assembly is carried by the apparatus mounting bracket and engages the boom assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Corn Crane LLCInventors: Ronald D. Cates, David M. Wiegand, Eddie R. Bedre
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Patent number: 8997350Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting and/or dismantling a component (10), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (20) comprising a tower head (21). Said device comprises at least one guide element (30) that stretches between the tower head (21) and the ground (40) and has at least one supporting device (60) that is essentially fixed in the air, supporting at least a partial load of the weight of the component (10) during the transport of the latter (10) between the ground (40) and the wind turbine (20). At least one guy (70) leads from the supporting device (60) to the component (10), whereby the length of said guy between the supporting device (60) and the component (10) can be modified.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Senvion SEInventors: Alf Trede, Mathias Mier, Jochen Fuglsang-Petersen
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Publication number: 20150048043Abstract: A crane apparatus and method are described for lifting a heavy load such as a wind-turbine generator unit 46 on to a wind-turbine tower 1. The crane is designed to climb up cables 3 attached to the top of the tower, carrying with it the cables 45 and lifting gear 31 which will be required for the main lifting operation. The crane comprises a pair of jib-frames 20 with boom arms 26, 27 which can be retracted during lifting and then deployed to a pivotable, loadbearing position once the crane is mounted at the top of the tower 1. Hydraulic strand jacks 31 and heavy-duty strands 45 are preferably used for the heavy lifting. In a preparation step, a load-bearing bracket assembly 13, 14, to which the jib-frames 20 will be secured, is hoisted up and fitted to the top of the tower 1. Once the lifting operations are complete, the crane assembly and the bracket assembly 13, 14 are lowered from the tower 1 and removed from site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: VSL International AGInventors: Jean Marie Laurens, Guy Russell, Walter Althaus, Max Ernst Meyer
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Publication number: 20140190919Abstract: The invention relates to bridge crane assembly and a method for installation of a bridge crane. The invention is especially applicable for use in service and repair of vehicles and other heavy equipment in field conditions, such as crisis areas. The bridge crane assembly is supported by two containers (91, 92), upon which there are support frames (10, 20). The support frames are fixed to the top corners of the containers with twistlocks (19a-19d, 29a-29d), and the support frames support a crane bridge (30) with a hoist (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: CALISTO OYInventor: Maria Rosberg
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Patent number: 8770347Abstract: Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a system for providing added safety for workers using rigging systems. In an embodiment, the invention includes a safety device for a roof rigging system including a rigger arm having a proximal end and a distal end; an attachment member disposed on the distal end of the rigger arm, the attachment member defining an aperture, the attachment member configured to engage a rigging line with the aperture; and a blocking member disposed on the distal end of the rigger arm, the blocking member configured to interface with the attachment member to prevent engagement of the attachment member with the rigging line by occluding the aperture when a counterweight is not attached to the roof rigging system.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Lebesgue Holdings LLCInventor: Christopher Joseph Bemis
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Patent number: 8684136Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fall arrest system. The fall arrest system may include a post disposed on a clamp. The clamp may be configured to secure to a base structure. The fall arrest system may also include a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges. The post may be configured to support a winch and the davit arm may be configured to support a cable therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: National Trench Safety, LLCInventor: Ronald W. Chilton
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Patent number: 8622228Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a boom pivotally mounted on a rotating bed and a boom hoist drum mounted in a frame connected to the rotating bed. A boom hoist line is wound on the boom hoist drum and connected to an upper equalizer and a lower equalizer, with the upper equalizer connected to the top of the boom, such that rotation of the boom hoist drum changes the amount of boom hoist line between the lower equalizer and the upper equalizer, thereby changing the angle between the rotating bed and the boom. The boom hoist drum frame, the lower equalizer and the upper equalizer each include cooperating attachment structures whereby the equalizers can be detachably connected to the frame so that the boom hoist drum, the lower equalizer, the upper equalizer and the boom hoist line can be transported between job sites as a combined assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Trevor D. Mentink, Robert J. Walker
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Publication number: 20140001138Abstract: A crane assembly for lifting marine vessels is provided. The assembly includes a sleeve having first and second clamps extending therefrom that are configured for engaging with a pylon of a dock and a boom pole slideably and rotatably received within the sleeve. A winch assembly is carried by the boom pole and including a winch and a cord. A crossbar is provided that has a main support that receives the cord and that has a pair of adjustable supports being carried along a length thereof that are adjustable to vary the space between the pair of adjustable supports. The adjustable supports are configured for engaging a support strap that is configured for passing beneath the marine vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventor: Kevin Samuel Byrd
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Patent number: 8602393Abstract: A tool for deploying and re-stowing a flip axle of a trailer comprises an upright post and an arm wherein the vertical post has one end fitted into a receiver disposed into a hole in a bed of the trailer. The arm may be removable from the top of the post. The top of the post has a pulley with a cable groove and the arm also has a pulley with a cable groove wherein the grooves receive a cable from an onboard winch of the trailer. A hook at a free end of the cable is attached to a rear channel of the flip axle and is used to deploy the flip axle behind the trailer or re-stow the flip axle on the bed of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Larry E. Huffman
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Patent number: 8474633Abstract: Methods for moving a starting motor or a torque converter within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine are provided. A removal apparatus, which includes a lifting fixture attached to a beam pivotally mounted on a mast, is secured within the auxiliary compartment. To move the starting motor, a plurality of lifting hooks on the lifting fixture are attached to the starting motor, and the lifting fixture and the starting motor are hoisted. To move the torque converter, a pair of lifting lugs on the lifting fixture is attached to the torque converter, and the lifting fixture and the torque converter are hoisted. Methods are also generally provided for securing a removal apparatus within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8469209Abstract: A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20130146555Abstract: A base support for mounting a hoisting apparatus over an opening. The base support comprises a plurality of elongated framing members coupled to each other in a closed polygonal arrangement sized and shaped to surround the opening. The polygonal arrangement has a plurality of corners where two of the framing members meet. The base support also comprises a hoisting apparatus bracket securable to at least one of the framing members and having a hoisting apparatus mounting assembly for mounting the hoisting apparatus thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: 9105-0732 QUEBEC INC.Inventors: Martin Dufour, Michael Parker, Denis Poissant
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Publication number: 20130098859Abstract: A crane capable of handling of major components during installation or servicing of wind turbines, comprises a main body (4) on which is mounted a crane arm (6), and a lifting point (20) at or near an upper end of the main body (4) to which a hoisting cable assembly (30) is joined or around which a lifting cable is passed and which carries a major part of the crane weight as it is hoisted up a tower of the wind turbine, wherein the lifting point is laterally adjustable relative to the main body (4) in a direction which is generally towards or away from the tower when in its lifting orientation in order to allow control of the crane balance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Jeppe Sartori Søe, Jesper Staerke Rosengren
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Patent number: 8413828Abstract: The hoist attachment for skid steer includes a base frame with a mounting bracket and ball joint brackets to securely mount the hoist attachment to the skid steer. A telescoping boom is pivotally mounted to the top of the base frame. A pipe rack may be disposed adjacent the top of the base frame to store pipes or additional equipment. Pairs of hydraulic and manual support legs are attached to the base frame to stabilize the hoist attachment during working conditions. The power source for the hoist attachment is directly supplied by the hydraulic system in the skid steers. The hoist attachment includes controls operating the primary winch, boom, and hydraulic support legs. The base frame also includes a plug to which a remote may be attached for remote operation, the plug being connected to an electrical power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Mark A. Hockema
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Patent number: 8397924Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed; a first hoist drum mounted in a first frame connected to the rotating bed; a second hoist drum mounted in a second frame connected to the rotating bed; and a third hoist drum mounted in a third frame indirectly connected to the rotating bed by being connected to at least one of the first and second hoist drum frames. Preferably load hoist drum frames are connected to the rotating bed by removable pins, the hoist drum and frame thus being detachable from the rotating bed as a combined unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventor: Michael J. Wanek
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Patent number: 8316572Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket having a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided, the cradle including two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting arm. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: James W. Saunders, III
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Patent number: 8302789Abstract: A rotating superstructure includes: a front block on which a power unit that includes a prime mover; and a rear block on which a unit for raising and lowering a boom that includes a winch, a, and an arm. And the rotating superstructure is configured to be split into the front block and the rear block.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Cane Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Hanahara, Takeshi Nakatsu
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Patent number: 8201795Abstract: A portable manway cover handling apparatus comprises a lightweight support unit having a mounting tab secured to a manway stub flange within stub flange bolt holes by stud bolts projecting from expandable mandrel sleeves. A structural support beam is cantilevered from the mounting tab for attachment of a force line pulling machine. A force line from the pulling machine is attached to the manway cover and all manway flange bolts removed except a single loose hinge bolt proximate of the flange bottom. The pulling machine is operated to control the rotation of the manway cover about the hinge bolt to a stable suspension position whereat the manway portal is open.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventor: Dennis Lee Wolfford, Sr.
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Publication number: 20120131880Abstract: A wind turbine system erection apparatus may include a body portion having a window, a section handler secured to the body portion and extending through the window, the section handler adapted to pick, lift, axis-align, and set a mast section, and a movement mechanism secured to the body portion, the movement mechanism adapted to moveably reposition the body portion along the length of the mast of the wind turbine system. A method is also disclosed and may include positioning an erection apparatus near a base of a mast of the wind turbine system, the positioning including locating the erection apparatus substantially concentrically with the mast. The method may also include picking a mast section from near the base of the system with the erection apparatus, lifting the mast section along the length of the mast, and translating the mast section into the erection apparatus and into alignment with the mast.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Pierre Cornelius Delago, Wayne Robert Long
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Publication number: 20120118846Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly system for a mobile crane auxiliary lifting unit comprising auxiliary lifting unit assembly fastenings which are coupled to the auxiliary lifting unit and serve to fasten the auxiliary lifting unit to the crane, and comprising an assembly unit which can move the auxiliary lifting unit assembly fastenings into an assembly position. It also relates to an assembly installation for a mobile crane auxiliary lifting unit, comprising such an assembly system and comprising a sub-structure. A footing support for a mobile crane auxiliary lifting unit and a method for assembling a mobile crane auxiliary lifting unit are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: DIERK SCHRÖDER
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Patent number: 8167153Abstract: A support system for use on mast climbing scaffolding systems comprising a plate system with integral fastening components that attach along outer edges of a horizontal surface of the scaffolding assembly is herein disclosed. The system is utilized to mount a hoisting device to lift building tools, supplies and materials. The system may be folded thereinto a compact configuration for transport between job sites.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventor: Garry Wattel
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Patent number: 8104631Abstract: A portable crane assembly for servicing a wind turbine. The crane assembly includes a first primary support member and a second primary support member being rotatably attached to one another. The first primary support member is configured to attach to a wind turbine component. The second primary support is coaxially rotatable with respect to the first primary support member. The crane assembly further includes a boom member pivotably attached to an end of the second primary support member. The portable crane assembly is disassemblable into components that can be manually carried. A wind turbine servicing system and a method for servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Klaus Stegemann, Bernhard Meyering, Suvashis Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20110266240Abstract: A modular material handling system includes a base portion removably connectable to a machine tool frame, the base portion including a hollow stanchion with a first end to go against a machine frame coupled to a compression plate by a threaded mounting stud and a second end to couple to a hollow pivot post coupled by a thrust bearing, with a shaft extending through the stanchion and pivot post and coupled at a lower end to the mounting stud and at an upper end to a retaining nut, and further including an arm extending from the pivot post to carry a movable shuttle and lifting mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: LARRY JONES
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Publication number: 20110200435Abstract: The present invention relates to a service crane for a wind turbine comprising a nacelle and a hub. One or more wing blades is attached to the hub via a wing pitch bearing, and the service crane comprises an attachment foundation for connection to the hub. The service crane is adapted to be mounted on the wind turbine during operation and to be dismounted when not being used. The attachment foundation of the service crane is mounted on the hub of the wind turbine via the wing pitch bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventor: Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen
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Publication number: 20110147329Abstract: The invention relates to a high-efficiency load transportation system for use in the building construction industry. The system utilises a hoisting apparatus (18) installed in an upper story of a building (14) and at least one retractable loading platform (20) removably installable on an underlying storey such that it may extend beyond an edge of the floor of the underlying storey. An arm (24) of the hoisting apparatus may extend beyond a distal end of a retracted underlying loading platform to allow the unimpeded vertical lifting and/or lowering of loads beyond the platform. The hoisting apparatus is used to position each loading platforms on its underlying and reposition each loading platform thereafter. Such an arrangement yields significant reductions in load in/load out times and associated costs. The system also reduces the carbon footprint of the building project by reducing traditional tower crane usage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Ian Evans, Jonathan Harbron, John Fuller
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Patent number: 7958663Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket with a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided which includes two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting arm. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: James W. Saunders, III
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Patent number: 7789252Abstract: A service crane for a wind turbine comprising a main crane beam (128) having a track (154) that accommodates a trolley (156). A hinge (144) is provided at a pivot point (148) near a proximate end of the main beam (128), such that an aft portion of the main beam (128) extends beyond the pivot point (148) to the exterior of the turbine. A distal end of the main beam (128) rests upon a forward beam. A lateral motion actuator (134) moves the main beam (128) back and forth along the forward beam. The trolley (156) runs back and forth along the main beam (128). A turbine component is attached to a hook lowered by cable from the trolley (156). The trolley (156) with the component on the hook is moved to the aft portion of the main beam (128), which extends beyond the turbine. The hook is lowered to the ground so that the component can be serviced or replaced.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Clipper Windpower, Inc.Inventors: James G. P. Dehlsen, Rahul R. Yarala