Abstract: A winch utility includes a shelf connected to a main body, the main body comprising a shell, the shell defining a cable port; an electric motor mounted to the shell; a controller attached to an inner part of the shell and in electronic communication with the electric motor; a bobbin coupled to the electric motor; and a cable coupled to the bobbin at a bobbin end, the cable defining a terminal end distal to the bobbin end, the cable arranged to be coiled around the bobbin by rotation of the electric motor, wherein at least a portion of the cable is arranged within the cable port and wherein the terminal end of the cable is arranged outside of the shell, wherein the controller instructs the electric motor, and wherein motion of the electric motor causes the cable to become one of: coiled around the bobbin and uncoiled from the bobbin.

Abstract: An offshore well-processing system includes a mobile offshore drilling unit and a remote well-processing device configured to be positioned on an offshore platform different from the mobile offshore drilling unit, the mobile offshore drilling unit defining at least one well center and comprising at least one primary drill rig including at least one drill floor and at least one hoisting system for raising and lowering tubular equipment through the at least one well center from/into a well in the seafloor. The mobile offshore drilling unit and the remote well-processing device are configured to be operationally coupled to each other; and the mobile offshore drilling unit is configured to assist in performing concurrent well-processing tasks on respective wells, including the first well processing task performed by the remote well-processing device on a first well and a second well-processing task concurrently performed by the offshore well-processing system on a second well.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system and method for limiting a swing angle of a jib crane, the jib crane having a jib rotatably mounted to a mast. The device can have a collar having a collar height and a collar width, the collar being configured to be fit to the mast at a stop height. The device can also have one or more stopping tabs enagagable with the collar and configured to be positioned on the collar at one or more points about a circumference of the mast. The stop height can place the one or more stopping tabs in a position coincident with the jib to interfere with the swing angle of the jib. The method can use the device to limit the angle through which the jibe crane can swing unimpeded.

Abstract: A slewing apparatus includes a control section that performs at least a slewing angular velocity pattern determination process. In the slewing angular velocity pattern determination process, the slewing angular velocity pattern is determined such that in a first interval and a second interval of a control time T that is shorter than a cycle determined by a pendulum length of a suspended load that is in a pendulum motion, a difference between a maximum angular velocity and a minimum angular velocity increases as the control time T decreases.

Abstract: An offshore well-processing system includes a mobile offshore drilling unit and a remote well-processing device configured to be positioned on an offshore platform different from the mobile offshore drilling unit, the mobile offshore drilling unit defining at least one well center and comprising at least one primary drill rig including at least one drill floor and at least one hoisting system for raising and lowering tubular equipment through the at least one well center from/into a well in the seafloor. The mobile offshore drilling unit and the remote well-processing device are configured to be operationally coupled to each other; and the mobile offshore drilling unit is configured to assist in performing concurrent well-processing tasks on respective wells, including the first well processing task performed by the remote well-processing device on a first well and a second well-processing task concurrently performed by the offshore well-processing system on a second well.

Abstract: A prize replacement system for a pusher-type or crane type arcade game is disclosed where prizes are randomly distributed over the playing field by using a rotating playing field and a prize replacement unit that drops a replacement prize onto the playing field after a prize has been won. A vacuum device collects a new prize from a storage area below the playing surface, moves the prize over the playing field, and drops the prize as the playing field rotates below. Preferably the vacuum device is capable of selecting prizes of different shapes and sizes so that a wide variety of prizes can be used with the game of the present invention.

Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be transmitted from a remote location. The video signal can be transmitted via the internet, a wireless connection, or a wired connection.

Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be altered to vary the difficulty of the game. The tactile response can also be controlled to provide a more realistic game experience to the player.

Abstract: A component handling system for use in assembling a vehicle is described herein. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame and at least one component adapted to be coupled to the vehicle frame. The component handling system includes a lifting assembly that is slideably coupled to a support frame. The lifting assembly is configured to receive a component and to support the component from the support frame. A positioning assembly is coupled to the lifting assembly, and is configured to move the lifting assembly along the support frame to bias the component towards the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A jib crane includes a first arm configured for cooperation with a hoist, and a second arm hingedly connected to the first arm. A mounting bracket is hingedly connected to the second arm, and the mounting bracket is configured for attachment to a wind turbine. The first arm is configured to swing along a first horizontal arc and the second arm is configured to swing along a second horizontal arc. The jib crane is configured to pick up a load outside the wind turbine and move the load to a location inside the wind turbine.

Abstract: A running tool for use in handling control modules on a subsea production tree. The running tool is deployable on wire line and includes a column like body and a connector adapted for connection to the production tree. The running tool also includes a hoist system that is selectively positioned by a swiveling jib crane for handling the control modules. A replacement control module can be included with the running tool when the tool is deployed from above the sea surface. After the running tool connects to the production tree, the jib crane can position the hoist for attachment to and removal of an existing control module on the production tree. The hoist can then to attach to and install the replacement control module and can be further manipulated to retrieve the existing control module and stow it onto the body.

Abstract: A crane assembly for delivering a concrete mixture to increasing heights of an elevated structure includes a primary pipeline that receives the concrete mixture from a source of the concrete mixture. A mast supports the primary pipeline in a vertical direction. A boom extends radially outwardly from the mast, and a jib is supported by the boom at an intersecting point on the boom. A secondary pipeline is rotationally affixed to the primary pipeline and extends radially outwardly from the primary pipeline along the boom to the jib. The secondary pipeline is pivotal around the mast along with the boom. The jib is angularly displaceable from the boom at the intersecting point for directing the secondary pipeline to a location spaced from the primary pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an overhead travelling crane (2) for a nacelle (1) of a wind turbine, said travelling crane comprising at least a first suspension beam (3); a second suspension beam (4), said suspension beams being arranged with a space between them; a cross beam (5), said cross beam being movably connected to said first and second suspension beams so that the cross beam can be moved along the suspension beams; and at least one lifting device (6), said lifting device being movably connected to the cross beam. Said first and second suspension beams are parts of concentric circles, said -concentric circles sharing the same center and having different radii. The cross beam may be inclined.

Abstract: A method for moving a weight using a conveyor device unseats an air admittance valve of a manual valve, loads compressed air into a cylinder, moves the cylinder along with a beam and a plurality of movable pulleys, to locate the cylinder on the top of the weight. The method further moves the cylinder and a hanging ring down to connect the hanging ring and the weight, moves the cylinder along with the beam and the plurality of movable pulleys, to locate the weight on the top of an electronic scale, and moves the cylinder and the hanging ring down to place the weight on the electronic scale.

Abstract: An overhead crane adapted to be supported by at least one main support beam includes a bridge adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the at least one main support beam, a trolley adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the bridge, a jib rotatably coupled to a bottom surface of the trolley, and a hoist adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the jib.

Abstract: There is proposed a preferably transportable (mobile) and/or re-usable production facility, as is quick and easy to erect virtually at any location in this world. This production facility virtually comprises a tent structure, wherein the roof of the facility is held by at least one carrier (support) and at the same time at least one device for raising or lowering or moving goods or parts thereof, for example crane structures, is also provided on the carrier itself. Such a crane structure can be of a variable configuration and facilitate in particular the production of goods which are heavy and/or which for assembly can no longer be raised or moved by human strength.

Abstract: A slewing crane is assembled and installed at the end of a shipping and stowage container having block-shaped corner fittings. Left and right rotatable mounts engage top corner fittings on the container, and a cross piece section engages the rotatable mounts. A boom section has upper and lower hinges rotatably mounting it on the cross piece section via the hinges' axially aligned pins to extend outwardly from the cross piece section. A hoist on the boom section lifts and moves loads, and first and second displacement mechanisms connected to the boom section linearly displace the hoist and angularly displace the hoist and boom section in a slewing motion around the axis of the axially aligned pins. An element connected between the cross piece section and a corner fitting is tensioned by a turnbuckle to securely engage both rotatable mounts and hold the slewing crane on the container.

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.

Abstract: The device applies to a tower crane jib comprising a succession of elements articulated one to the next, comprising at least two relatively long main elements, and two relatively short tip elements. Connecting members, particularly in the form of a link-rod system, connect the front part of the last main jib element, the intermediate jib tip element and the end jib tip element in such a way that the two tip elements can be unfolded or folded simultaneously, in a vertical plane, relative to the remaining part of the jib. This device is actuated using the crane's lifting cable. In the folded position, at least one of the tip elements runs in a direction approximately perpendicular to the main elements.

Abstract: A beam extruded of aluminum alloy for use in cranes and conveyors is formed with a channel having runs that straddle an open bottom and are strengthened by pin receivers formed in C-shapes with material integrally extruded under the runs. An upper region of the channel is formed with upright parallel fins that serve as a mounting element. T-shaped strengthening upper beam elements can be secured to the channel by sliding them between the parallel fins where they are held in place by fasteners. The upright fins also accommodate a variety of mounting arrangements.

Abstract: A knock-down portable hoist comprising a first member attachable to a support member, the first member supported substantially vertically by the support member, a second member insertable into and rotatably substantially vertically by the first member, such that the second member is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The hoist further includes a boom member attachable to the second member, such that the boom member is supported substantially horizontally. An adjustable member is further provided which is movable along the longitudinal axis of the boom member and supported thereby. A hand-crankable winch assembly is further provided connectable to the second member for winding/unwinding a cable attached thereto. The cable is inserted through the boom member and through the adjustable for raising and lowering loads attached to the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel jib crane for panel trucks, or vans wherein the crane pivots along a common axis between opposing fixed bearing mounts. In practice, one attaches a lifting apparatus ratus to a trolley of the jib. A payload is hoisted off the floor of the vehicle, and after pulling the locking pin, the jib/mast is manually rotated until the payload is clear of the vehicle. The payload is then lowered to the ground.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the oscillatory motion of rotary crane payloads during operator-commanded or computer-controlled maneuvers. An Input-shaping filter receives input signals from multiple operator input devices and converts them into output signals readable by the crane controller to dampen the payload tangential and radial sway associated with rotation of the jib. The input signals are characterized by a hub rotation trajectory .gamma.(t), which includes a jib angular acceleration .gamma., a trolley acceleration x, and a load-line length velocity L. The system state variables are characterized by a tangential rotation angle .theta.(t) and a radial rotation angle .phi.(t) of the load-line. The coupled equations of motion governing the filter are non-linear and configuration-dependent. In one embodiment, a filter is provided between the operator and the crane for filtering undesired frequencies from the angular .gamma. and trolley x velocities to suppress payload oscillation.

Abstract: A crane for raising and lowering a load, which crane includes a vehicle frame with end areas and a slewing device arranged on the vehicle frame. The slewing device includes at least two basic slewing columns slewable by 360.degree., mounted on the vehicle frame in the vehicle frame end areas. Additionally, a separate articulated slewing arm having at least two elements is located on each basic slewing column.

Abstract: A mounted, elevatable, lightweight pivotal boom is provided which defines an elongate internal track defining a downwardly facing slot. An electromechanical winch mechanism is provided for lifting and handling objects such as the windshield of an automotive vehicle and which includes roller supports having rollers that are received by the internal track of the boom. The winch mechanism includes a DC motor which is provided with a detachable control circuit to provide for its selective operation. The horizontal, pivotal boom is supported by fixed and movable telescoping standards and may be elevated manually or by means of a jack mechanism such as a manual or powered operable mechanical, hydraulic or electrical jack. The lightweight nature of the lift components enable the lift to be easily positioned by a single worker for optimum lifting and handling of lightweight loads.

Abstract: A truck for unloading goods includes a lower supporting member carried by the truck frame. The support member together with its side walls may be moved forward and backward by a screw driven mechanism. The doors to open the side walls open in response to movement of the support member. The truck includes a built in crane and bed leveling feet which engage the ground.

Abstract: A mobile cart for moving coil-shaped objects has a wheel-mounted horizontal base which supports an upwardly extending mast provided with a guideway along which a first support element is controllably movable up and down in a vertical direction above the base. A second support element is pivotably mounted at a proximate end to the first support element, and provides a horizontal guideway along which is suspended a downwardly depending clamp. On the base of the cart there is also provided an object support which, between two quarter-cylinder shaped horizontal support elements, has a gap of selected size. The clamp is operable to grasp a coil-shaped object, after which the first and second support elements are guidably moved upward, and the object supported by the clamps is horizontally moved to the object support. Lower distal end portions of the clamp slide into the gap and the coil-like object is lowered to rest on and be supported by an upper portion of the object support.

Abstract: Positioning device to be incorporated as a controllable coupling element between a load and the cable of a hoisting apparatus. The element includes a hydraulic cylinder connected to a hydro-pneumatic transformer and to a hydro-pneumatic reservoir. The transformer is connected to a source of pressurized gas through a first valve, a second valve being provided in the line from the cylinder to the reservoir. The cylinder, the transformer, the pressurized gas source, the reservoir and both valves are mounted in a common frame, both valves being operable from a distance.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring an invalid includes a beam (11) comprised of two telescopically received tubes (12,13); a track (14), slidably engaged within said beam capable of supporting a rolling trolley (15) and connected winch (16) for providing a vertical lifting force. A seat (18) is appended to winch (16) by a winch yoke (19). The device is secured transversely to the roof surface of an automobile by clamps (21,22) mounted to the beam and track. The invalid is positioned within the seat and lifted vertically by the winch and is then slided into or out of the automobile as desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cable arrangement and lifting platform for lifting a load in a stabilized manner. The lifting platform secures loads to a securing device and the platform is able to be suspended from a crane by an attachment carriage. The attachment carriage includes a cable winch onto which six cables suspend and attach to the lifting platform. The attachment carriage also includes cable guides which guide the six cables away from the winch in three cable pairs, preferably equidistantly-spaced. In order to secure the cables to the lifting platform, the platform includes an attachment frame having three cable attachment points, preferably spaced equidistantly apart with respect to each other. The lifting platform helps stabilize the lifting of loads by sensing the load's imbalance relative to the center of mass of the platform and repositioning the load to correct for the imbalance.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus in which a player controls positioning of a pick-up device such as a mechanical grabber having moveable claws or pincers over a floor area on which prize objects are placed. The floor area is rotatable and the pick up device is attached to an overhead transport mechanism for moving it back and forth across a portion of the floor area, so that the pick up device can cover the entire prize area during one complete revolution of the floor. Several pick up devices may be provided at spaced positions around the floor area so that more than one player may use the device at the same time. The floor area is preferably circular, and rotates around its center axis with the pick up devices travelling back and forth between the center and outer edge of the floor area. The entire device is enclosed in an outer housing which is at least partially transparent.

Abstract: An erectable manipulator placement system for use on a space station and comprising an elongate lattice-like boom having dual guide tracks attached to parallel chords thereof, a carriage-like dolly movable along said tracks, and a segmented maneuvering arm-like assembly pivotally mounted on and extending from said dolly. The system further includes a turntable base pivotally interconnected with the proximal end of the boom and positioned either on a part of a transferring vehicle, or on another payload component being carried by said transferring vehicle, or on the space station.

Abstract: A long beam having designated forward and rearward ends includes a mounted load trolley for carrying and moving a load along a portion of its length, which beam is adapted for being carried aloft in a substantially horizontal attitude by a high lift crane. The beam also carries a standing leg apparatus at its forward end and the load is carried by the trolley from a rearward stopped position that is axially aligned with the center of gravity of the apparatus to a forward off-loading position. The trolley is maintained at the rearward center of gravity position while the high lift crane carries the apparatus and the load aloft to a delivery location and the standing leg apparatus is lowered to a substantially vertical position with respect to the horizontal attitude of the beam to take the weight of the load when the trolley is moved off of the center of gravity position for delivery and off-loading of the load at the forward end of the beam.

Abstract: A handling apparatus adapted to be installed on a crane with a boom for loading and unloading materials comprises track device installed on the crane and at least two carrying devices suspended from the track device. The track device includes at least three track sections situated substantially parallel to each other. The track sections are connected to the respective adjacent track sections so that two elongated endless tracks slightly offset in the longitudinal direction thereof are formed. Each carrying device includes a carrier and a pair of crabs situated on the track sections for suspending the carrier under the track device. The crabs are arranged on the carrier so that when the carrier is oriented perpendicular to the track section, the two crabs are located on the track sections remote from each other, and when the carrier is oriented parallel to the track sections, the two crabs are located on the remaining track section.

Abstract: A crane is comprised a foundation, a supporting pole elongating vertically from the foundation, an arm capable of rotatably moving on a plane parallel with the supporting pole, and a winding drum mounted at the tip end portion of the arm, the arm consisting of two arms elongating in parallel with each other, the drum being mounted between two arms. The crane is installed on the rooftop of a building or the like and capable of effectively pulling up an object from a narrow road onto a narrow rooftop and setting it up on a rooftop.

Abstract: A jib crane system comprising a horizontally extending load beam rigidly attached to the upper end of a vertically extending mast. The lower of the mast extends inside a hollow pipe and is rotatably associated with a base plate assembly or rotatably secured in the foundation at the site of the crane. Roller bearings are rigidly secured to the mast and positioned in frictional contact with the pipe. The roller bearing revolves around the circumference of the pipe as the mast and load beam rotate around the central axis of the mast. The roller bearings are adjustable for varying the frictional contact of the rollers with the pipe.

Abstract: A crane structure mounted on a transport vehicle, preferably a marine vessel, is disclosed. The crane structure includes a gantry structure mounted on a vertical tower structure and having boom portions protruding from the tower structure. Preferably, the boom portions may be pivotally lowered from their operating positions and the tower structure may be rotated in a horizontal plane, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the crane structure to allow transport under overhead obstructions and through narrow passageways.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering articles from a building including a tower having a boom extending therefrom. A transfer carriage is slideably mounted on the boom and has a latching mechanism for engagement with an end plate on the boom. The carriage also has a mechanism for engaging a cage as the cage is raised by a cable to the carriage and disengaging the cage when the cage reaches the outer end of the boom. A cable mechanism in cooperation with powered drum members lowers and raises the cage while alternately raising and lowering a second cage which is on a boom with a transfer carriage identical to the first mentioned boom and transfer carriage. The rate of movement of the cable and therefore the rate of travel of the cages is controlled by a hydraulic motor connected to a closed loop conduit, the conduit having an orifice preset to regulate the flow of oil to and from the motor which in turn regulates the speed of the cable drums.

Abstract: A first cable portion runs from the crab over a pulley at the point of the jib point part to the winch on the foot part. A second cable portion runs from the crab over a pulley at the end lying on the pylon side, of the jib foot part, over a pulley mounted on the end removed from the pylon, of said jib foot part, round two pulleys on the end facing the pylon of the jib point part, over a pulley at the end removed from the pylon, of the jib foot part to the winch.

Abstract: A hammerhead type of crane has a structural tower with opposed structural cantilevers extending horizontally therefrom and there is a horizontal track along which a load carrying trolley may move through the tower between limits near the outer ends of the cantilevers and a second horizontal track along which a counterweight may travel at the same speed and distance but in the opposite direction and with the load trolley and counterweight passing each other as they move through the tower from one cantilever to the other. The counterweight is moved by means of a cable that has its opposite ends attached to the counterweight and which between its ends is wound about a reversible drum arranged to selectively move the counterweight in one direction or the other.

Abstract: The bucket lift of a distribution crane is controlled by a device which includes a single drum hoist. A second single drum hoist is used to shut the bucket by means of two cables routed on the two pulleys located on the tip of the boom. The movement of the distribution carrier along the boom of the crane is controlled by a distribution hoist which includes two drums that are bound in rotation with the two drums of the lifting and shutting, through an epicyclic gear set. As the dsitribution hoist is activated, the bucket moves horizontally, thus reducing the amount of strain put on the distribution hoist, as well as the cable wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the oscillation of a vertical crane or similar structure with a horizontal main jib supporting a load hoist apparatus. The main jib has a counter jib which supports a counterweight mass by a linkage system. The linkage system permits the counterweight mass to swing through an arc so that it dampening the swinging movement of the crane. The linkage system also permits the counterweight mass to be vertically adjustable relative to the main jib so as to accommodate crane structure of different sizes.