Along Rectilinear Path Patents (Class 212/197)
  • Patent number: 11713221
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobile crane, such as a crawler crane, comprising an undercarriage having a chassis, a superstructure rotatably supported on the undercarriage, and superstructure ballast, with the superstructure ballast comprising a ballast mounting apparatus vertically adjustable by means of a lifting device of the superstructure. In accordance with the disclosure, the ballast mounting apparatus is fastenable to the superstructure in an assembly position by means of a single connection element bearing the vertical load of the superstructure ballast. A centering means is furthermore provided that is adapted to take up transverse forces occurring in the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Nessler, Robert Bargehr
  • Patent number: 11422437
    Abstract: A lightweight camera crane has an outer arm pivotally attached to a base. A moving counterweight carriage is supported on carriage rollers on top of the outer arm. An inner arm is supported on arm rollers within the outer arm. An electric extension motor drives telescoping extension and retraction movement of the inner arm via chains, belts or cables connected to the counterweight carriage and the inner arm. An electrical power unit is supported at a back end of the outer arm. The electrical power unit includes a rechargeable battery for powering the electric extension motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • 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: 11167962
    Abstract: A crane having an undercarriage, a superstructure pivotable about a slewing axis relative to the undercarriage, a counterweight unit and a counterweight adjustment device. The counterweight adjustment device includes a telescopic frame which is fastened to the superstructure and has a telescopic longitudinal member, a counterweight unit arranged to be displaceable along the frame, a drive unit for displacing the counterweight unit and a kinematic unit to telescope the frame in a driven manner. A jetty is fastened to a rear end, remote from the slewing axis, of the longitudinal member, the counterweight unit is displaceable along the frame in the region of the superstructure as far as the jetty, the counterweight unit is able to be fastened to the jetty and the counterweight unit is able to be telescoped in and out on the jetty with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tadano Demag GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Weckbecker, Martin Zwifka, Thorsten Helwes, Fritz-Botho Köster
  • Patent number: 11130658
    Abstract: An optical detection system for a crane having a counterweight assembly includes an image capture assembly having one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
  • Patent number: 10941024
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling a mobile platform via cables is disclosed. Each of the set of cables are connected at one end to the platform at a second end to a cable controlling mechanism, the cable controlling mechanism including a motor to control a length and tension of the cable. At least two of the cables form a constraint, such as a kinematic constraint to the apparatus in order to limit the movement of the platform in certain degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Amir Khajepour
  • Patent number: 10865079
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10577228
    Abstract: This automatic unfolding and folding tower crane comprises a mast and a jib which are movable between an operation configuration and a transport configuration. The mast has a first mast section (2.1) and a second mast section (2.2). The jib has a first jib section (4.1) and a second (4.2) jib section. The first jib section (4.1) has an upper limit (4.11) and a lower limit (4.12) defining a height (H4.1) of the first jib section (4.1). The first mast section (2.1) is rotatably connected to the first jib section (4.1) about a hinge axis (Y24). The jib direction (X4) is shifted with respect to the mast direction (Z2) parallel to the hinge axis (Y24). A distance between the hinge axis (Y24) and the lower limit (4.12) is greater than 75% of the height (H4.1) of the first jib section (4.1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Verchere, Poerio Betti, Olivier Gevaudant, Fabrice Thomas
  • Patent number: 10008838
    Abstract: A cable pulling device (1) having a capstan (6) extending from one side of a housing (11) that attaches to a boom (10) of a backhoe (5) via a quick coupling (8). The capstan is located on an external side of the housing in an offset and exposed manner that allows a rope (19) to be wrapped over and/or around the capstan. By pulling on the rope, an operator is able to control tension on the capstan, thereby allowing the capstan to provide a pulling force on the cable or one or more electrical wires being pulled through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: Robert C. Rhodes, Kyle J. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9950913
    Abstract: A crane comprises an undercarriage, an upper carriage arranged on the undercarriage, a rotary connection for rotatably mounting the upper carriage on the undercarriage about an axis of rotation, as well as a support unit attached to the upper carriage for increasing the distance of a tilting edge from the axis of rotation, so that the crane has an increased structural stability and an increased load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TEREX GLOBAL GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Zwifka, Benjamin Schaal, Fritz-Botho Köster
  • Patent number: 9890020
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane having a travelable undercarriage and a superstructure which is rotatably supported thereon, to which a boom is luffably connected in an articulated manner, on the one hand, and a counterweight arrangement is telescopically supported, on the other hand. In accordance with the present disclosure, the counterweight arrangement comprises a U-shaped frame in which a likewise U-shaped counterweight frame is telescopically guided. The counterweight plates forming the counterweight are separated into two stacks which are each longitudinally displaceably guided on a side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 8985353
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
  • Patent number: 8960460
    Abstract: A counterweight block apparatus includes a pair of interconnecting counterweight blocks having top and bottom surfaces, the counterweight blocks forming a plane of interconnection along adjacent sides thereof; and a shear bar releasably secured between the adjacent sides of the interconnecting counterweight blocks, generally perpendicular to the plane of interconnection, to provide resistance to relative vertical movement of the interconnecting counterweight blocks along the plane of interconnection. In another aspect, each counterweight block includes in at least one side thereof an indentation from a top of the counterweight block to a depth more shallow than the thickness of the counterweight block, the indentation defining a lip for hand grabbing. An aperture may be formed through the rest of the thickness of the counterweigh block at each indentation, wherein a securing strap can be run through each aperture of a stacked plurality of counterweight blocks to secure them to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor D. Mentink, William J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8893904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a crane with an automatic counterweight balancing device and a method of arranging counterweight thereof. The crane includes a main body and a counterweight device mounted to the main body. The counterweight device includes first and second magnetic field generators and first and second permanent magnetic counterweight blocks. The crane uses a combined arrangement of the magnetic field generators, the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks, an electrical control device, and a transducer device to detect, in a real time manner, output torques of servo motors, whereby when the output torques are not equal to rating torques, magnetic field intensities are varied to change downward magnetic forces acting on the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks thereby regulating loading of the servo motors and thus regulating the output torques of the servo motors to effect automatic balancing of counterweight and improve stability of the crane during a conveyance process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minghu Qi, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Yongqiang Wang, Zhenhua Guo, Weibing Yang, Zenghong Chen, Yunshao Jiang, Zhiyou Shu
  • Patent number: 8870001
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile counterweight equipment of crawler crane, which includes a main platform, wherein the said mobile counterweight equipment further includes a pair of sliding rails on two sides of the main platform, a slider and counterweight equipment on the sliding rails; the counterweight equipment is connected to the slider, the slider sliding back and forth on the sliding rails. Accordingly, total weight of the counterweight is greatly reduced, the structure is simplified and it is easy to operate and to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Sany Science and Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Linrui Sun, John Lanning, Liangjian Li, Biwen Qiu, Hua Wan, Hui Guo
  • Patent number: 8827092
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; and a moveable counterweight unit. The crane is configured such that the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground other than indirectly by moveable ground engaging members on the carbody throughout a pick, move and set operation. In a first aspect, the crane is operable to move the counterweight unit to at least a first position in front of a fixed rearmost portion of the rotating bed and a second position behind the fixed rearmost portion of the rotating bed. In a second aspect, the crane also includes a first linear actuation device operable to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the front portion of the rotating bed by extending and retracting the linear actuation device. The counterweight unit may be moved a greater distance than a stroke of the first linear actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
  • Patent number: 8646628
    Abstract: A lifting device having a frame, a lifting member supported by the frame, and a hydraulic pump and motor supported to the frame. The hydraulic pump and motor are operatively connected to the lifting member to raise, lower, extend, and retract the lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Vernon Martin
  • Publication number: 20130292352
    Abstract: A mobile rear counterweight device for crawler crane is provided wherein comprising: a slide rail, mounted at the rear of the crawler crane, and one end of the slide rail is connected with the rear of the main platform while the other end of the slide rail is connected with a mast by a pull rod; and, a hoist driving mechanism and a trolley driven by the mechanism, one end of the said mechanism is connected with the end of the slide rail which is near the rear of the main platform, the other end of the mechanism is connected with the trolley, the said trolley bearing counterweight block is mounted on the slide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicants: Kunshan Sany Mechanical, Co., Ltd., Hunan Sany Intelligent Control Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi Zhang, Huling Liao, Ce Wang
  • Publication number: 20130270209
    Abstract: A vehicle crane includes a carbody, a turntable rotatably mounted on the carbody, a jib mounted on the turntable that can be tilted about a horizontal axis, and a counterweight assembly mounted on the turntable and can be moved relative to the turntable. A coupler mechanically couples the position of the counterweight assembly to the tilt angle of the jib. The coupler is embodied such that it can be decoupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Dieter Stuehrwoldt, Stephan Maywald
  • Patent number: 8511489
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky, John M. Lanning
  • Publication number: 20130161278
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile counterweight equipment of crawler crane, which includes a main platform, wherein the said mobile counterweight equipment further includes a pair of sliding rails on two sides of the main platform, slider means and counterweight equipment on the said sliding rails; the said counterweight equipment is connected to the said slider means, the said slider means slides back and forth on the said sliding rails. The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the total weight of the counterweight is greatly reduced, the structure is simplified and it is easy to operate and to maintain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SHANGHAI SANY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Linrui Sun, John Lanning, Liangjian Li, Biwen Qiu, Hua Wan, Hui Guo
  • Publication number: 20130112642
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventor: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098860
    Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; moveable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody allowing the crane to move over the ground; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody about an axis of rotation; a boom pivotally mounted about a boom hinge point on the front portion of the rotating bed and including a hoist line for handling a load; a counterweight support beam coupled to the rotating bed; and a moveable counterweight unit comprising a counterweight tray suspended beneath the counterweight support beam wherein the counterweight tray is operable to move toward and away from the boom during a pick, move, and set operation by moving relative to the counterweight support beam. The crane has at least two set-up configurations: in a first set-up configuration the crane comprises a live mast, and in a second set-up configuration the crane comprises a lattice mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventor: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
  • Patent number: 8162160
    Abstract: A large mobile crane includes a revolving superstructure, a main boom hinged to the superstructure, and a derrick boom hinged to the superstructure. A modular counterweight system includes a traveling counterweight and a non-traveling counterweight connected to a crossbeam suspended from the distal end of the derrick boom so that the non-traveling counterweight is activated before the traveling counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Terex Demag GmbH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Zollondz, Alfons Weckbecker, Fritz-Botho Köster, Günter Karp, Hans-Peter Franzen
  • Patent number: 7992733
    Abstract: An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Simon Foucault, Dalong Gao, Robert J. Scheuerman
  • Publication number: 20110031202
    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: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Joseph R. Rucinski
  • Patent number: 7845503
    Abstract: A pipe-laying machine includes a self-propelled tracked vehicle, on one side of which is fitted a crane designed for lifting and laying pipes. The machine is also fitted with a counterweight constituted by a plate made of a heavy material that moves between a rest position in which it retracts fully into the vehicle and an operational position in which it projects from the vehicle on the opposite side to the crane. In the machine according to the invention, engine unit and control cab are located at each end of chassis, projecting slightly from it, to leave a free space in the central part of the vehicle for the installation of all the mechanisms designed for the movement and control of the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Laurini Officine Meccaniche S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Laurini
  • Patent number: 7762361
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6845872
    Abstract: A system for lifting and moving an object includes a vertical post (2), having a transversal lifting arm (38) rotatably connected thereto for rotation about a vertical axis thereof. The vertical post includes a weight (5) acting as a piston connected to a carriage (50) slidably mounted on the lifting arm, such that down and up displacements of the weight by gravity or pressurized fluid respectively lower and raise the object accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: François Delaney
  • Patent number: 6568547
    Abstract: A crane, especially a self-propelled crane, with a base structure and a revolving superstructure mounted thereon, a boom and a mast being hinged to the superstructure. The tip of the mast is connected on one side via adjustable-length guying to the head of the boom and on the other side via guying to a counterweight. The crane is not provided with a separate superstructure counterweight. The distance between the counterweight and the superstructure of the crane is continuously variable within a fixed range by a frame element, which can move in the vertical place, is mounted on the superstructure, and is connected thereto in a gravity-actuated (nonpositive) manner, The frame element is connected to an apparatus for directing the resulant of the force of the counterweight acting in the direction of gravity and the guying force produced by the suspended load into the superstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Manfred Kretschmer, Alfons Weckbecker
  • Patent number: 6540095
    Abstract: The pipe-laying vehicle 1 includes a lower vehicle body 2, a driver's cab, and a jib 10 which is supported on the lower vehicle body 2, can be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis 11, and can be swivelled about a vertical pivot axis by a live ring. On the outer end of the jib 10, a sheave head 31 is provided with a deflection pulley 26 and a sheave 28, and can be swivelled as a whole relative to the jib 10 about an adjustment axis 32 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the jib 10. A mechanically or hydraulically actuated locking device selectively locks the pivot position of the sheave head 31 relative to the jib 10. As a result of the swivel capability of the jib 10 and of the sheave head 31, the pipe laying work can be performed more simply and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: macmoter S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alois Johann Haringer
  • Patent number: 6386322
    Abstract: A walking beam pumping system is disclosed wherein the pumping system's prime mover is gravity. In one embodiment, the system comprises a walking beam pivotally coupled to a support structure at a pivot point substantially central along the length of the walking beam. A counterbalance weight is disposed along the length of the walking beam. A position device is provided for moving the counterbalance weight along at least a portion of the length of the walking beam. As the counterbalance weight moves along the length of the walking beam, the beam's center of gravity is modulated. By modulating the position of the counterbalance weight in an appropriate manner, the walking beam is caused to pivot back and forth with respect to the support structure. A pumping assembly, for example a sucker rod string, is attached to one end of the walking beam, such that as the walking beam pivots back and forth, the pumping system is actuated to pump fluid out of, for example, an oil well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventor: James McCormick
  • Patent number: 6138837
    Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Albert Ben Currey
  • Patent number: 6098823
    Abstract: An arrangement in or for a boom lift or other type of lift or load-bearing apparatus, in which a stabilizing moment is imparted based on at least one state of at least a portion of the boom or other portion of the lift or load-bearing apparatus. Also contemplated is an arrangement for redistributing mass responsively, based on at least one state of at least a portion of a load-bearing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Yahiaoui
  • Patent number: 5697757
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a counter-balanced load carrier comprising a multi-stage telescopic arm (10). One stage (24) adjacent one end of the arm is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis (29) in a carrier (17,21) mounted for rotation by a vertical axis (20) on a mobile base (11). The adjacent end stage (23) of the arm carries a counterweight and the end stage (28) at the other end of the arm carries a support (32) for a TV or video camera. The respective stages of the arm are interconnected by a cable or like mechanism to extend and retract together maintaining a fixed ratio between the radius of the payload support and the horizontal axis and the counterweight and the horizontal axis so that the arm remains counterbalanced throughout its range of extension and retraction. The cable mechanism also acts on the camera support on said end section of the arm to maintain the support horizontal throughout the range of tilting of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Vitec Group, plc.
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5653350
    Abstract: A remote-controlled grapple carriage picks up and transports logs along a skyline cable. The grapple carriage is designed to enable logs positioned laterally with respect to the skyline cable without any assistance from a logger at the logs. The grapple carriage includes a motor carriage rotatably coupled to a skyline coupler slidably coupled to the skyline cable. In addition, the grapple carriage includes a boom pivotally coupled at a proximal end to the motor carriage and coupled at a distal end to a grapple. The grapple is rotatably and pivotally coupled to the boom in a manner that enables the grapple to pick up and transport logs to a landing. The various pivotal and/or rotatable couplings of the elements of the grapple carriage enable the grapple to reach logs positioned laterally of the skyline cable in a safe and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Maki Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William Maki
  • Patent number: 5598935
    Abstract: A lift crane having enhanced lifting capability includes a self-installing counterweight system which utilizes actuators forming part of a counterweight assembly for raising the counterweight to an operative position with respect to the rear of the crane. A pair of slidable counterweight beams are slidably supported within main frame members forming part of the upper works of the crane and have their outer ends attached to the counterweight. Fluid pressure operated actuators within the frame members extend and retract the beams in order to move the counterweight rearwardly with respect to the rear of the crane. The upperworks also includes spaced-apart, parallel frame members each having a pair of spaced-apart vertical side plates with integral flange sections extending upwardly. The flanged sections include mounting locations for hoist machinery which utilize pins for easily mounting and dismounting the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: American Crane Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Harrison, Clyde B. Mabry, III, Walter A. Beer, Keith H. Childers
  • Patent number: 5425464
    Abstract: A palletizing apparatus has a horizontally displaceable carriage movable on a horizontal member of a frame. A counter-weight is received in one or each of a pair of uprights and is connected via a cogged belt to the lifting slider which is provided with a deflecting roll or pulley about which the belt passes. The support member or lift slider carries the pickup head. The drive for the horizontal movement of the carriage thus does not have to displace the counterweight or counterweights which are provided to balance the weight of the lifting slider and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: MSK-Verpackungs-Systeme Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Reiner W. Hannen, Nobert P. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5265741
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a boom extension for retractable booms of gantry cranes which does not require lowering the boom during attachment of the extension, or increasing the lift capacity of the boom hoist machinery, nor does the boom extension add bending moment to the retractable boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Paceco Corp.
    Inventors: Yuzo Shimizu, Hans G. Vosskamp, Yuksel Yildirim
  • Patent number: 5203837
    Abstract: A crane has a generally horizontally disposed main boom arm centrally pivotally mounted on a turret supported for rotation atop a central column. The main boom arm supports a load at one end and a counterweight at its other end. The main boom arm load support end has a depending vertical arm, linked in parallelogram fashion with the turret, and with a lower rotatable load carrying swing arm movable through a full 360.degree. arc without interference with the column and turret. The column may be mounted on a dolly. A rack and worm pinion arrangement are provided on either the main boom or the counterweight for adjusting the distance of the counterweight from the column and turret, thus to balance the crane in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Bosko Madic, Vojislav Terzic
  • Patent number: 5151007
    Abstract: Robots for industrial use having an arm mechanism of a horizontal multiple articulated type.The load movement mechanism and the arm expansion mechanism, which are provided within the robot arms in advance with respect to the change condition through the catching of the gravity force changes by the force sensor from a case where the weight is moved, placed to a case where nothing is grasped, are properly operated, so that the mutual dynamic interferences of the respective driving portions of the robot may not be caused or may be made minimum, and may be made simple in shape by the comparatively simple control apparatus, with an effect that the superior robot which is capable of stable operations may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Maruo
  • Patent number: 5141195
    Abstract: A counterweight handling device for construction equipment such as cranes in which a counterweight can be elevated to a predetermined height by using particulate hydraulic components then supported on a mounting frame. The counterweight may be supported by a pair of rectangular rotating blocks mounted on the counterweight mounting frame and which slide through a pair of vertical grooves in vertical position into supporting hollows in the counterweight bottom and turn through 90.degree. so as to support the counterweight by blocking the vertical grooves. Alternatively a pair of sliding pins mounted on the counterweight mounting frame may be extended into inverted V shaped notches on the counterweight bottom so as to support the counter weight. The counterweight can then be fastened on the counterweight mounting frame. Later the counterweight can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Toda, Jun-ichi Shimizu, Kobayashi Nobuyuki, Hideyuki Izumi, Tsuruo Hamamoto, Norio Nakajima, Shigeru Kojima
  • Patent number: 5058911
    Abstract: A swivel tool tray is provided and consists of an arm adjustably retained within a sleeve that is vertically affixed to an upper outside corner of a wheeled cart. A horizontal extension member is swivably attached to the top of the arm so that it can swivel 360 degrees. A pan is removably attached at a right angle to a distal end of the extension member, whereby the pan can hold a variety of tools and other items therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventors: Rudolph Hunter, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4969789
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling and positioning building components of the type which are used in retaining walls or the like includes a vehicular support having an articulatable boom extending therefrom, and a gripper assembly at the end of the boom. The vehicle and boom are operatable through a remote control assembly by a worker who may be standing near the structure which is being constructed. Several species of gripping assemblies are included for attachment to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Gregory P. Searle
  • Patent number: 4958815
    Abstract: Table equipment which comprises a frame, a table that can fix an object and move relative to the frame, a table guide for guiding the movable table on the frame, in a line inclined to the horizontal plane, a power source for driving the table along the table guide, a power drive connection for drivingly connected the driving power source with the table, and a force applying member applying to the table a force which counterbalances the gravity at the table and the object mounted thereon, the force applying member having a counterweight smaller than the total weight of the movable table and the mounted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsunobu Ueda, Mitsuo Sumiya
  • Patent number: 4953722
    Abstract: A crane and an attachment comprising a counterweight support beam including a plurality of connected segments movable relative to each other, and having a fore end adapted to be connected to the crane upper works, and an aft end rearward from the rear portion of the upper works. The attachment also includes a moveable counterweight carrier adapted to carry a counterweight when the counterweight is supported thereon. The carrier is mounted on the support beam for movement along the length thereof. The attachment also includes a cylinder for selectively moving the counterweight carrier fore and aft along the beam, landing gear for normally supporting the aft end of the beam on the ground, and a backhitch pendant and a pendant cylinder interconnecting the aft end of the beam and the top of the mast for raising the landing gear from the ground incident to lifting a heavy load from the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Becker, Terry S. Casavant, P. Ralph Helm, Terry L. Petzold, Michael J. Wanek, Art G Zuehlke
  • Patent number: 4907768
    Abstract: A crane having a plurality of telescoping beams for supporting and positioning a camera or the like. The crane includes a counterweight structure which balances the crane about its fulcrum point. As the beams of the crane telescope outward, the movement of the counterweight structure is controlled so as to move in the opposite direction relative to the fulcrum point to substantially maintain a balanced crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventors: Alain O. F. Masseron, Jean-Pierre M. Lavalou
  • Patent number: 4729486
    Abstract: An attachment for increasing the lifting capacity of a crane having a mobile lower works with an upper works including a rear portion rotatably mounted thereon and having a pivotally mounted boom and an upwardly and rearwardly projecting mast carried on the upper works with means for lifting a load from the top of the boom and rigging means interconnecting the top of the boom, the top of the mast and the rear portion of the upper works, including a counterweight support beam detachably connected to the crane upper works and extending rearwardly therefrom, a counterweight assembly including a movable carrier mounted on the support beam for movement along the length thereof, an actuator for selectively moving the counterweight carrier fore and aft along the beam, a leg for normally supporting the trailing end of the beam on the ground, and a rear pendant interconnecting the trailing end of the beam and the top of the mast for raising the leg from the ground incident to lifting a heavy load from the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Petzold, David J. Pech
  • Patent number: RE38765
    Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Albert Ben Currey