Abstract: A lifting unit for a vehicle can include a mounting assembly configured to pivotally couple to a lifting boom of the vehicle, a coupler assembly configured to releasably couple with equipment positionable by the lifting unit, and a rotary actuator assembly coupled between the mounting assembly and the coupler assembly. The mounting assembly includes a mount, a travelling frame coupled to the mount, and an extension actuator configured to displace the travelling frame along an extension axis relative to the mount. The rotary actuator assembly is configured to rotate the coupler assembly about a rotational axis.

Abstract: A core moving device is provided, including a core adsorption holding part for adsorbing and moving a core cut out of a workpiece with a magnetic force of a magnet. The core adsorption holding part includes: a rod member, a distal end portion of which is constituted of the magnet; a bottomed cylindrical member which has a bottom surface on a distal end portion side and into which the rod member is inserted from a base end portion side; and a cylindrical member drive part which moves the bottomed cylindrical member forward, wherein the bottomed cylindrical member, on one hand, moves backward to adsorb the core to the magnet and, on the other hand, moves forward to remove the core adsorbed to the magnet.

Abstract: A core moving device includes a core adsorption holding part which adsorbs a core cut out of a workpiece with a magnet and moves the core, in which the core adsorption holding part includes a rod member in which a distal end portion thereof is constituted of the magnet, a cylindrical member into which the rod member is inserted and which, on one hand, moves backward to expose a distal end surface of the rod member so that the core is adsorbed to the distal end surface of the rod member and, on the other hand, moves forward to protrude from the distal end surface of the rod member so that the core is removed from the distal end surface of the rod member, and a cylindrical member drive unit which at least moves the cylindrical member forward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, a clamp, and an associated method, for riserless intervention or abandonment of a subsea well (40), the system comprising means for lowering and/or retrieval of wire line tools (19) or equipment from a surface facility (18) to a subsea location, the system comprising: a Pressure Control Head (2) having an internal through-going bore for receiving a wire line (16), wherein the Pressure Control Head (2), during use, allows access to the subsea well (40) for the wire line and serves as a barrier when the wire line (16) and wire line tool (19) is nm into and out of the subsea well (40), a clamp (17) connected to the PCH (2), a wire line tool (19) connected to the wire line (16), and wherein the clamp (17) is adapted to clamp around or being released from the wire line (16) such that lowering and/or retrieving of the Pressure Control Head (2) and the wire line tool (19) is performed using the wire line (16).

Abstract: A method for controlling a hoisting or lowering movement of a load, which is suspended from a hoisting mechanism of a crane by means of at least two hoisting cables trained round cable sheaves on the load, by monitoring the position of the load and braking and/or stopping the hoisting mechanism upon detection of an undesirable position, wherein the cable sheaves are each connected to the load for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and the position of the load is monitored by detecting a pivoting movement of at least one of the cable sheaves.

Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and traction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A manipulator, preferably for the assembly of rotor blades of a wind power installation, has a receiving unit for the receiving of a rotor blade and a connection unit via which the manipulator is connected or connectable to the boom of a crane in a torque-rigid manner so that the position and/or alignment of a rotor blade received in the receiving unit relative to the boom can be fixed by the manipulator.

Abstract: A crane vessel including a revolving hoist crane and a method of using such a vessel are provided. The hoist crane includes a jib, main hoisting means and auxiliary hoisting means for raising and lowering a load. The main hoisting means include a main hoisting tackle with a main hoist upper block connected to the jib and a main hoist lower block. The main hoist lower block is assembled from a sheave block including the sheaves of the main hoist lower block and a load attachment assembly having the lowering weight and the main load attachment device. The crane vessel is provided with a load attachment assembly storage device for storage of the disassembled load attachment assembly and displacement means capable of engaging with and displacing the load attachment assembly while it is assembled to the sheave block and when the jib is supported by a jib rest.

Abstract: A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of deploying an object (14) onto the seabed in very deep water from a vessel having a heave compensated deck crane (12), comprises lowering the object a distance into the sea while being suspended in the crane wire (16). In an initial step, a first fibre rope section (4a) of a first length is connected to the object (14) via a first connector (3a) on the object before the lowering is started and is freely run out supporting from a storage reel (13) during the descent. Subsequently, the first rope section is the object via a second connector (3b) located at the upper end of the first rope section (4a), the second connector being supported by a support mechanism (1) on the vessel deck (8), followed by off-loading the crane wire (16) and disconnecting it from the object and heaving it up said first length for connection to the second connector (3b) at the vessel deck and taking over the load of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane having a load hook directly/indirectly fastened to the crane hoist rope and having a frame suspended at the load hook for taking up a special load, in particular for taking up a rotor blade of a wind turbine, wherein the control element(s) of a frame suspended at the load hook is/are guided along a guider rope region of the crane hoist rope.

Abstract: A lift system and a method for constructing a wind turbine are disclosed. The lift system includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The lift system further includes a lift device including a sling and a quick release device. The sling is coupled to the rotor blade and includes a first end and a second end spaced apart by an intermediate portion. The second end is releasably joined to the first end by the quick release device. The quick release device is operable to release the second end from the first end to uncouple the sling from the rotor blade.

Abstract: A crane, in particular a lattice mast crane, having a bottom hook block with a load suspension means, in particular a load hook, wherein the bottom hook block has at least one winch whose outgoing control rope is connected or connectable to the crane boom for securing and/or aligning the load position or bottom hook block position.

Abstract: A safety locking device (1) for a lifting hook (2) comprising a lifting part (3) and a hook part (4) having a first and a second shank (5, 6) arranged in the same plane, the first shank (5) being attached to the lifting part (3). The safety-locking device (1) is pivotably attached to either of the shanks or the lifting part (3) and comprises a spring means (7) formed integrally with the safety locking device, one end of which is attached to the safety locking device (1) diametrically opposed its fastening point to either shank or the lifting part and the other end is arranged to bear on the opposite shank or the lifting part (3), to which the safety locking device is pivotably attached to automatically bring the safety locking device (1) to bear on the lifting part (3) or the opposite shank so as to prevent unhooking of a hoisting cable or similar means introduced into the hook part.

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.

Abstract: A building is rapidly and inexpensively dismantled by dropping a heavy inverted U-shaped tool on a building or other structure from an elevation thereabove as from the upper outer end of a boom on a crane, the tool is initially suspended from a cable leading back to a winch capable of dropping the tool in a free fall. A secondary cable is attached to one of the arms of the inverted U-shaped tool inwardly from its lower end, the secondary cable leading to a secondary winch of a type capable of exerting great pulling power on the tool once it is engaged in the building or structure being dismantled.

Abstract: The upper block assembly of a crane is connected to the crane boom via a special universal joint having a pivot axis and a hollow shaft. The cable by which the lower block assembly is suspended is fed through the hollow shaft and extends to the crane winch via a pulley mounted on the boom. Guide pulleys are arranged on the upper block assembly and universal joint respectively so that the cable extending therebetween is coincident with the pivot axis of the hollow shaft. With this arrangement, the lower pulley block has unlimited freedom to swing laterally (side lead angle).

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the travelling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: A method for temporarily covering a large land area and an apparatus for suspending a flexible cover from a front loader bucket of an earth-moving vehicle. One example of the apparatus includes a cross member having a mid-portion connected by extension arms to the bucket. Tubular enclosures on the bucket receive the free ends of the extension arms for cantilever support thereof. The method of covering the land area includes releasably attaching opposed ends of the flexible cover to the cross member and moving the vehicle to a first location of the land area. The bucket is lowered and a first end of the cover is released. The bucket is raised and the vehicle is moved to a second location so as to spread the cover over increasingly larger portions of the land area. The second end of the cover is thereafter released so that the cover is laid out over the land area. The steps of the method are reversed to remove the cover from the land area.

Abstract: A load handling device for transferring ISO flat racks, containers or the like, to and from a support comprising two spaced lifting arms (11) pivotally connected adjacent their lower ends (at 9) to said support (13) and hydraulic rams (40,41) for rocking said arms (11) in a vertical arc, and an extension arm (53) pivotally connected to the end of each lifting arm (11) remote from its pivotal connection (9) to the support (13) and further hydraulic rams (55,57) for rocking each extension arm (53) about its pivotal connection to its lifting arm (11) through a vertical arc extending to either side of the longitudinal axis of the lifting arm (11).

Abstract: A stabilizing system for use in conjunction with a crane/boom in which an ject is held fast to a foam cushion within the system. A hook that forms part of the system grasps a sling holding the object and secures the object against the foam cushion. The object can be aligned by being rotated or tilted while held fast to the cushion. The object is prevented from swinging and swaying, thereby greatly reducing danger.

Abstract: Fixed and traveling cable blocks along with first and second cable grip assemblies are supported adjacent the load to be lifted or lowered. A lifting/lowering cable is threaded through the cable grip assemblies before being secured to the load while a separate cable suspends the traveling block from the fixed block. By alternately closing one cable grip and opening the other, the load becomes movable upon the movement of the traveling block. Additionally, by closing the previously opened cable grip and opening the previously closed cable grip, the traveling block may be re-positioned or re-cycled while the load remains stationary. Upon such re-positioning, the lowering/lifting operation of the load can be repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and towing a vehicle. The apparatus is provided on a truck that has a winch with a draw cable. The apparatus includes a crane having a frame, which is connected to the truck, a boom, which is pivotably connected to the frame, and a lifting bracket, which can be connected to a vehicle that is to be towed. The draw cable is detachably connected to the boom by a coupling. To lower and raise the lifting bracket via the draw cable, the pivotable connection of the boom to the frame is effected by a substantially horizontally extending shaft connected to the frame.

Abstract: A hoist that includes a winding drum for a load-lift cable mechanism. The um has two drum sections of slightly different diameter; end portions of the cable are wound in different directions on the drum sections, so that one cable section winds onto a drum section while the other cable section winds off the other drum section. The effect is to provide a very slow net cable motion related to the difference in drum section diameters. The hoist includes a latch mechanism adapted to suspend the load from the boom during certain periods of a load transfer operation.

Abstract: An attachment jib for supporting various working devices, such as a pipe manipulator, includes a support base which can be rigidly coupled removably with existing elements on the nose block of a telescopic crane boom. The jib includes telescopic sections and its base section is pivotally mounted on the support base and is luffed by power cylinders on such base through a wide angle. The jib contains another power cylinder to control extension and retraction of its fly section carrying the working device. An optional work support platform pivotally connected to the support base may be used either with or without the jib.

Abstract: The present disclosure of a board bundle cradle is for use with the free end of a dip stick having a pivoted work carrier at its free end having a hook which has a horizontally rotatable work carrier movable through an arc of the order of 106.degree. horizontally relative to the pivot. The board road board bundle cradle has a pair of spaced apart end frames each of which has a base member adapted to receive and support a bundle of boards to be laid into a board road. A major and a minor board bundle containment member upstands from each end of each base member and extends from the upper portion of each major support member. Spacer means between the spaced apart end frames rigidly secures the frames together. The portion lying between the upwardly forwardly inclined member and the upper free end of the minor board bundle containment member defines the loading mouth of the cradle through which a bundle of boards to be laid are introduced to the base members of each end frame.

Abstract: The use of a lift fork for a boom swinging vertically over 240.degree. is made feasible by hanging the lift fork with freedom to pivot as gravity dictates when the angularity of the boom is changed, with a brake by which the angularity between boom and lift fork can be locked. The brake enables the boom to exert a strong forward thrust on the bottom of the lift fork when this is necessary for thrusting its tines under a load, and has other advantages. Proper positioning of the load on the forks will cause the forks to hang with the tines of the forks nearly level, or slightly tilted back if preferred. Prefably the fork-lift device also hangs conveniently close to this position when empty. Material handling programs which heretofore needed not only a crane operator but a crew for attaching the hoist line to the load and removing it, can be performed by the operator alone if the swinging but lockable lift fork is used with a three-part "reach anywhere" articulated boom on a swinging crane.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved type of tension supported boom crane which uses a load distributor to provide a plurality of attachment points for the tension support, thereby allowing a load or loads to be connected to a corresponding plurality of support points, giving rise to a particular improvement in control for bulky loads.This disclosure further relates to an improved method for controlling a bulky load with a tension supported boom crane by incorporating a load distributor in the supporting tension line allowing attachment of load cables to a bulky load at a plurality of points, and further allowing each of those load lines to be independently controlled.