Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for changing the position of large-area glass plates which are stationary or moving, having the following features: one or more devices located on a level plane, each having a plurality of suction devices (12), are connected to the glass plates (10) to be re-positioned by means of a vacuum, b) the devices are connected to a lifting column (4) in a rotatable and pivotable manner, c) the devices can travel horizontally in the gripping area of the glass plates (10), d) the lifting column (4) has a counterweight (5) supplied with compressed air to compensate for the moving weight of the devices, e) the suction device (12) disk caps are spring-loaded in their holders, can be tilted in every direction, and are provided with a filter element (27), a controllable vacuum can be applied to each of the suction devices (12) individually, with a computer program as the controller.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; ground engaging members elevating the carbody off the ground; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody; a boom pivotally mounted at a first end to the rotating bed with a load hoist line extending adjacent a second end of the boom; a boom hoist mechanism that can be used to change the angle of the boom relative to the rotating bed during crane operation; and a boom raising assist structure connected to the boom. The boom raising assist structure preferably includes at least one ground engaging member in contact with the ground; and a boom elevating member extending between the assist structure ground engaging member and the boom. The boom elevating member supports at least a part of the weight of the boom.

Abstract: In one example, a radiation scanning system and method rotates a cargo conveyance after removal from a ship for proper orientation with respect to a scanning source and detector, for scanning. A movable carriage may be provided on a crane system, to rotate the cargo conveyance. A rotating flywheel on the carriage rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cargo conveyance, to counterbalance angular momentum generated by the rotating conveyance, to avoid or minimize twisting of the carriage. Feedback is provided to control the rotation of the flywheel. Once the cargo conveyance is in the predetermined position, the conveyance is moved between the radiation source and detector for scanning by a vertically extending radiation beam.

Abstract: There is provided a heavy construction installation method which does not need a secondarily transport in a construction field even if an installation position of a heavy construction is apart from a berthing position of a transport ship. A movable area where a ground plane is reinforced so that a heavy hoisting machine for installing a heavy construction in a building is movable is constructed so as to include a circle drawn around an installation position in the building with a maximum operating radius of the heavy hoisting machine relative to a weight of the heavy construction being as a radius, and a circle drawn around a loaded position of the heavy construction at a transport ship coming alongside a landing place with the maximum operating radius being as a radius.

Abstract: A hoisting device can be small-sized and energy can be saved. A hoisting device 10 according to the present invention has a hoist 30 and a control unit 32. The hoist 30 rotates a drum 12 having a wire 14 wound thereon by an oil pressure motor 42 rotatable in normal and reverse directions. To the oil pressure motor 42, operating oil is supplied from an oil pressure pump 44. The oil pressure pump 44 is a two-way discharge fixed capacity type, and rotated by a servomotor 46. An acceleration/displacement transducer 34 in the control unit 32 finds a moving direction and a moving speed of a wire hanging point in the vertical direction from an output signal of an acceleration sensor 24.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed and a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed and having a second end; and at least one hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned and configured so as to be able to raise the second end of the mast from the mast being in a near horizontal position to a position where the mast is used during crane pick, move and set operations. In a preferred embodiment, at least one arm is pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and cylinder are connected together such that extension and retraction of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder causes the second end of the arm to raise and lower.

Abstract: Method for laterally replacing a heavy component of a plant assembly, the method including disconnecting the heavy component from other components of the plant assembly and from a base plate to which the heavy component is fixed; lifting the heavy component above the base plate with a lifting system provided within the base plate; connecting at least a pair of rails to the base plate, under the lifted heavy component, such that the at least a pair of rails extends at substantially a right angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy component; lowering the heavy component on crawling mechanisms disposed on the at least a pair of rails; and laterally replacing the heavy component from the base plate and the other components of the plant assembly by actuating the crawling mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lattice piece for a large mobile crane, comprising four corner posts and null bars and diagonal bars connecting the same. In accordance with the invention, the lattice piece each is divided in two such that one part of the null and diagonal bars each is foldably hinged at two corner posts connected with each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for erecting such lattice piece.

Abstract: The within invention concerns a vehicle crane with a telescopic boom that can move on a horizontal axle and rotate on an upright axle with a pivot section, telescoping sections that can telescope out of the pivot section, and also with two anchor supports flexibly housed on one of the sections so that they can pivot out of transportation position, in which they are folded essentially parallel to each other against the section, and can be spread apart into an erect, particularly V-shaped, operation position. The invention also concerns a process for assembling or dissembling said anchor supports of the telescoping boom of the vehicle crane. According to the invention, when the boom is lying in essentially horizontal position, the anchor supports can be disassembled, are positioned on brackets provided next to the boom, and after the boom is raised are raised from the brackets and loaded by the boom itself.

Abstract: A method for lifting of components of a wind energy installation (10) to an installation height, in which a hoisting means (26) of a first hoisting device (20) is guided starting from a hoisting means drive (24), which is arranged close to the ground, along a deflection means (30), which is arranged in the area of the tower head of the wind energy installation (10), in particular in the area of the pod, and is associated with the first hoisting device (20), to a component (18) which is arranged on the ground or close to the ground, and is attached to said component (18), in particular in the area of the component center of gravity or close to the center of gravity; a hoisting means (36, 48) of a second hoisting device (22) is guided starting from a hoisting means drive of this second hoisting device (22) along a free end (34, 46), which is arranged above the deflection means (30) of the first hoisting device (20), of a crane jib (32, 44) downwards to the component (18), and is attached there further outwards

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a crane which comprises a boom that may be raised or lowered by angular adjustment of the boom about a base portion of the crane. The method prevents operation of the crane in an undesired condition by continuously monitoring operation of the crane, including monitoring at least the position of the boom with respect to the base of the crane. If the crane approaches a limit of its operating range or any operational parameter, its operation will be controlled so as to selectively prohibit or permit a boom raising operation of the crane, depending on the cause of the condition, rather than uniformly prohibit such an operation.

Abstract: A wind tower erection device and method for erecting wind turbine towers which avoid the need for using expensive cranes. The device and method employs a stacker unit for anchoring to the wind turbine foundation, a plurality of intermediate modules, and a mechanical actuator for raising the intermediate modules vertically. The stacker unit has a receptacle allowing for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. In one embodiment, the stacker unit has a receptacle for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. The stacker unit and the intermediate modules each have at least one open side to for positioning of tower sections within the stacker unit and stacked intermediate modules. A bridge crane section is initially placed on top of the stacked intermediate modules.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a crane which comprises a boom that may be raised or lowered by angular adjustment of the boom about a base portion of the crane. The method prevents operation of the crane in an undesired condition by continuously monitoring operation of the crane, including monitoring at least the position of the boom with respect to the base of the crane. If the crane approaches a limit of its operating range or any operational parameter, its operation will be controlled so as to selectively prohibit or permit a boom raising operation of the crane, depending on the cause of the condition, rather than uniformly prohibit such an operation.

Abstract: A girder block lifting method, which can solve a problem that steel beams are inclined or fallen inward by lifting a heavy material, and a jack-up stage used therefor are provided. The method includes a main beam which can be provided between steel beams being targets of connection with the girder to construct a rigid frame structure, a height adjustment means (gate-shaped base) mounted on a cross beam member being parallel to the main beam and connecting other steel frames for adjusting height to the main beam, a connection beam for alternately connecting the main beam and the height adjustment means (gate-shaped base), and an auxiliary beam for connecting the connection beams. On a frame stage formed by connecting these beams, a plurality of lifting jacks are provided and a lifting sling is hung from upper part of the steel beam to enable jack-up of the girder block.

Abstract: A movable acoustic shell assembly comprises a ground-supported crane and an acoustic shell mounted on the ground-supported crane. The crane is configured to move in a self-propelled and self-directed manner between a storage position and an in-use position within a performing arts venue. When the crane is in the in-use position, the sound shell substantially encloses a rear portion of a stage within the performing arts venue.

Abstract: A winch formed of modular components can be reconfigured between different operational configurations. A number of different lengths and devices can be attached to the winch.

Abstract: An X-Y bridge crane can be assembled and erected by workmen to lift and move loads at the end of a shipping and stowage container having block-shaped corner fittings at top corners and bottom corners. Rotatable top securing brackets engage the top block-shaped corner fittings and rotatable bottom securing brackets engage the bottom block-shaped corner fittings. Inner end portions of brace members are rotatably connected to the rotatable bottom securing brackets. A framework having inner extensions, outer projecting parts and a laterally extending hoist-traveling beam has inner extensions connected to the top securing brackets and outer projecting parts connected to the outer end portions of the brace members. A hoist is mounted on the hoist-traveling beam to lift and move loads on the framework, and first and second chainfalls connected to the hoist linearly displace the hoist in orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A portable hoist apparatus that can be quickly, easily and recurrently mounted on a tree or other pillar-like structure, which causes very little or no damage to the pillar-like structure, includes a hoist member having a base, a boom projecting from the base, and a support flange; and an adjustably tensionable strap for engaging the support flange and attaching the hoist member to the pillar-like structure. The portable hoist apparatus may be used by hunters to easily lift a tree stand to a desired position on a tree, or by utility workers to easily raise tools or other heavy or awkward objects up along a utility pole.

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: A portable hoist for attachment to a trailer hitch drawbar includes a mast that comprises a plurality of mast segments assembled end to end in axial alignment at ground level and then rotated on a pivot bar inserted in the hitch drawbar from its horizontal assembly position to its vertical operational position. Similarly, to disassemble the hoist it is lowered from its vertical position to its horizontal position within easy reach of the user standing on the ground. The hoist boom is also installed with the mast horizontal in assembly position with the boom coaxial with the mast. The boom is then rotated to its operational position orthogonal to the mast when the mast is vertical. A friction bearing is installed on the mast so the mast above the friction bearing can rotate about the mast longitudinal axis. A winch is installed on the mast typically between the friction bearing and the boom so the winch rotates with the boom.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a pipelayer frame of a first width to a different width is disclosed. The conversion kit has a spacer, removably attachable to a first side of the pipelayer frame, and a first plurality of replacement brackets for removably attaching the first side to a first track frame. The first plurality of replacement brackets have a different length than a first plurality of existing brackets that the first plurality of replacement brackets replace. The kit also has a second plurality of replacement brackets for removably attaching a second side of the pipelayer frame to a second track frame. The second plurality of replacement brackets have a different length than a second plurality of existing brackets that the second plurality of replacement brackets replace.

Abstract: A method of converting off-shore installed pedestal crane from a mechanical to a hydraulic operation includes the steps of determining a load limit capable of being lifted by the hooks of the existing crane, ascertaining structural condition of the existing crane, determining operating performance parameters for and selecting various members of a hydraulic system, defining configuration and position of mounting members to mount each selected hydraulically operated member, removing existing mechanically operated components, rigidly securing the mounting members to the existing winch frame, affixing hydraulically operated members to respective mounting member and interconnecting them therebetween with hoses, and testing and certifying performance of the hydraulically operated system.

Abstract: Boom of a laying mechanism of a bridge laying vehicle, the laying mechanism being composed of a placement arm and the boom. The boom includes a base member that can be fixedly secured to the vehicle by at least one securement device. A jib, especially with locking elements for locking a bridge element in place, is moveable relative to the base member. A pivot member is pivotably disposed on the base member, and the jib is pivotably disposed on the pivot member. Pursuant to the method for moving the boom into a vehicle transport position, the jib is pivoted about a pivot axis in the forward direction of travel by raising the pivot axis of the jib.

Abstract: A method of lifting at least a portion of an attachment system to and from a predetermined location comprises providing an attachment system comprising a support member, a socket member, and a locking member, the support member located at the predetermined location and defining an indentation formed therein, the socket member defining a cavity formed therein, placing the socket member in the indentation, placing the locking member in the cavity, locking the locking member in the socket member, and lifting the locked socket member and locking member from the support member and to the predetermined location.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in carrying a load particularly in theatrical performances comprising a supported guide rail, with a first and second carriage movably mounted on the guide rail, the first carriage being adapted to carry a movable lift line for carrying the load, and a compensator system linking the first and second carriage and being arranged such that on movement of the first carriage or the second carriage, the other carriage moves in the same direction and the second carriage moves a shorter distance than the first carriage. Lifting and lowering of the load may be achieved independently of travel along the rail and a load may be transported at a constant height.

Abstract: A method for handling a wind powerplant's rotor hub (11) or to handle a wind powerplant's rotor (10) using a hoist, in particular for erecting a wind powerplant or for assembling or disassembling a rotor (11) to and from such a powerplant, in particular a hub (11) or a rotor (10) being configured by means of one assembly side to the wind powerplant's tower, the hub (11) or rotor (10) being raised or held by the hoist. In the raised state, the hub (11) is tilted by a tilting mechanism (15) acting on it out of the initial, raised position by a predetermined angle of tilting, or the rotor (10) is tilted by a tilting mechanism (15) acting on the rotor blade roots of the rotor (10) through a predetermined angle of tilting. A mechanism (15) to handle a wind powerplant's rotor hub (11) of a wind powerplant's rotor (10), in particular for assembling or dismantling a rotor to or from its wind powerplant.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to lift payloads onto or into a vehicle are disclosed. Optimal embodiments of the device mount to a plurality of receiver hitches on a vehicle and combine optimally shaped and positioned structures, rigid and flexible linkage, and a pivoting tower to form a lifting hoist that is foldable, retractable, and can be recoverably installed. A prominent feature of the present invention is the ability to retract to a stored position that does not interfere with other features or functions of the host vehicle. This invention includes components that make it safe to use on un-level surfaces and other components and methods that enable the apparatus to be leveled to some extent before use.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed; a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed; a backhitch connected between the mast and a rear portion of the rotating bed; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one hydraulic cylinder; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of raising a telescopic boom of a mobile crane having a luffing fly jib and having a spatial boom guying. To be able to raise particularly long luffing fly jib systems together with the telescopic boom here, in accordance with the invention the telescopic boom is first telescoped outwardly to its desired length. In this position, all the telescopic sections are bolted to one another and the spatial guying is tensioned before the raising of the luffing fly jib pivotally connected to the telescopic boom.

Abstract: A transport system is provided to move an article from a conveyance section to a location. The conveyance section transports the article using a pair of transport belts. A lift lowers the article downward between the pair of transport belts. A hoist translates the article beneath the conveyance section to the location while supporting the article from above. The article may include a FOUP, semiconductor wafer, substrate for the manufacture of display devices or photovoltaics. The hoist may comprise a carriage and a gripper configured to grasp and vertically move the article while suspended beneath the carriage.

Abstract: A crane hook assembly and methods of use for safely lifting large conduits, such as wind generator tower sections. The hook assembly includes a steel frame member and a support member forwardly extending from the front surface of the frame member. The support member cooperates with the frame member to engage and retain an annular flange of the tower section. The hook assembly is secured onto the tower section with a securing mechanism, preferably using a rack and pinion gear assembly to actuate a locking pin. The sliding, retractable, locking pin may be actuated such that it is movable between an unlocked position and a locking position, such that the locking pin is positioned horizontally over the tower section when in the locked position and the locking pin is fully retracted from the front surface when the locking pin is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cable robot system is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: an end-effector platform adapted to be positioned and maneuvered within a three-dimensional (3D) workspace, three vertical support members adapted to be positioned outside the 3D workspace, and three adjustable cables adapted to be routed from each vertical support member and releasably secured to the end-effector platform to apply upward and downward tension to the end-effector platform. The adjustable cables are adapted to be adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the end-effector platform such that an adjustable portion of each adjustable cable spans from the corresponding vertical support member to the end-effector platform. At least two of the adjustable portions associated with each vertical support member are generally in parallel relation to each other.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a crane, the method comprising defining, at each time, the distance (s) the crane moves before stopping and without swinging of the load fastened to it by summing up a stopping distance (s1), which is calculated on the basis of the internal target velocity, i.e. the velocity which the control of the algorithm implementing this has after the stored velocity changes are entirely implemented, by using the selected deceleration ramp; and a distance (s2), which is calculated on the basis of stored velocity change requests stated before the stopping decision and on the basis of remaining performance times.

Abstract: The present invention shows a crane control of a crane which includes at least one cable for lifting a load, wherein at least one sensor unit is provided for determining a cable angle relative to the direction of gravitational force. Furthermore, there is shown a crane control for driving the positioners of a crane which includes at least one first and one second strand of cables for lifting the load, with a load oscillation damping for damping spherical pendular oscillations of the load, wherein first and second sensor units are provided, which are associated to the first and second strands of cables, in order to determine the respective cable angles and/or cable angular velocities, and the load oscillation damping includes a control in which the cable angles and/or cable angular velocities determined by the first and second sensor units are considered. Furthermore, a corresponding crane and a method are shown.

Abstract: A hoisting frame or head block (1) for a container crane (17), comprises a frame structure (8) provided with two pairs of cable sheaves (5) which pairs are at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the frame structure (8), connecting means (9) for connecting a secondary hoisting frame or spreader (2, 3) to the frame structure (8), a drive mechanism (12) for displacing the cable sheaves (5) of each pair with respect to each other in the transverse direction of the frame structure (8) between a small mutual rest position distance respectively a large mutual rest position distance, as well as rest position stabilisation means for stabilising the rest positions of the sheaves of each pair.

Abstract: A combination crane A is formed by connecting two crawler cranes 1L and 1R. Each crawler crane is provided with at least a lower propelling body 3 which can propel by crawlers 2, an upper revolving body 5 rotatably mounted on the lower propelling body 3 by a swing unit 4 provided between them, a boom 6 of which base section is tiltably supported on the upper revolving body, a tilting mechanism 10 that raises and lowers the boom and a hoist mechanism that hoists and lowers the lifting members 12 hung by a hoist rope 11 from the top of the boom. Both upper swing bodies of two cranes are connected together with a connecting beam 20. Swing motion is performed by driving the one crawler crane to propel around the other crawler crane which is free to rotate and is locked to propel. The combination crane can change the direction of the body, and can increase the lifting capacity twice as much without troubles, and can be embodied easily.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed and a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed and having a second end; and at least one hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned and configured so as to be able to raise the second end of the mast from the mast being in a near horizontal position to a position where the mast is used during crane pick, move and set operations. In a preferred embodiment, at least one arm is pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and cylinder are connected together such that extension and retraction of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder causes the second end of the arm to raise and lower.

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 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: The invention relates to a tie-back system for a crane comprising a rotatable base with a generally vertical support frame and a lifting arm which is with a lower end hingedly connected to the base in a hinge point, an upper part of the frame carrying a displacement member movable relative to the frame, the displacement member carrying a first cable guide means, a first cable extending from a first connection point on the arm along the first cable guide means to a first pulling device. The displacement member comprising a tie connection point for connection to a tie member, a second cable guide means attached to an upper part of the frame and a second cable extending from a second connection point on the arm along the second cable guide means to a second pulling device.

Abstract: An extension bridge is provided that comprises at least one modular tank affixed to the deck of a vessel, and a pipe bridge spanning the distance between the at least one modular tank and an offshore platform. Alternatively, the extension bridge comprises spaced apart first and second extension beams, which are removeablely and independently affixed to the deck of a vessel. At least a portion the first and second extension beams extend beyond the transom of the vessel. The extension bridge further includes at least one modular tank affixed to the first and second extension beams and a pipe bridge affixed to the at least one modular tank furthest from the vessel and an offshore structure.

Abstract: An extension assembly is provided that comprises spaced apart first and second extension beams, which are removeablely and independently affixed to a deck of a vessel. At least a portion the first and second extension beams extend beyond the transom of the vessel. The assembly further includes a modular traverse beam removeablely affixed to the first and second extension beams along a substantially perpendicular direction. The modular traverse beam is adapted to receive a work-over rig.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further comprises a sub-base structure removably affixed to the transom of the vessel; a base structure removably affixed to the sub-base structure; and a work-over rig removably affixed to the base structure. Also provided herein are methods of using the crane and affixing the sub-base structure, base structure, and work-over rig to the vessel's transom.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is preferably affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further has an extension assembly atop which may be deployed a workover rig assembly. The crane may be used to assemble the extension assembly and thus aid in the construction, remediation, and demolition of offshore oil and gas platforms and wells.

Abstract: A vessel is provided that is an improvement over previously disclosed jack-up rigs and lift boats. The vessel has at least three thrusters and is self-propelled. The vessel additionally has a raised and hollow crane support on which a crane may be mounted. The crane support is preferably affixed to tracks, which permit the crane to slide along the deck of the vessel. The raised and hollowed feature of the crane support permits the storage of equipment and things beneath the crane support without hindering the movement of the crane along the tracks. Optionally, the vessel further has an extension assembly atop which may be deployed a workover rig assembly. The crane may be used to assemble the extension assembly and thus aid in the construction, remediation, and demolition of offshore oil and gas platforms and wells.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide support for a holster mounting into which the vertical support of a portable hoist assembly is inserted. Disclosed is a saddle mount for the holster mounting usable on the top of a wall. Also disclosed is a floor supported base and cart assembly for the holster mounting.

Abstract: A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.

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 is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody. The linear actuation device can include at least one rack and pinion assembly or hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lattice piece for a large mobile crane, comprising four corner posts and null bars and diagonal bars connecting the same. In accordance with the invention, the lattice piece each is divided in two such that one part of the null and diagonal bars each is foldably hinged at two corner posts connected with each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for erecting such lattice piece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for lifting and supporting a vehicle is described. The system includes at least one vehicle hoist fitting configured to distribute the weight of the vehicle along a skin of the vehicle, at least one removable bearing cup assembly configured to attach to said vehicle hoist fitting, and at least one trunnion assembly configured for attachment to a support structure and further configured to engage said removable bearing cup assembly.