Abstract: A transfer apparatus and method utilizing a boom having complete spatial freedom. The boom is supported by a series of ropes and may be moved in any of three mutually parallel planes so as to transfer material in any desired manner, as by utilizing a conveyor system or a lifting rope.

Abstract: A method for controlling the lateral displacement of a trolley supporting goods to be unloaded at an unloading location, the goods being releasably attached to the trolley by an elongated flexible member. The method is characterized in that the trolley, which supports the goods, via the elongated flexible member during a first phase of the unloading operation, is decelerated from a certain lateral displacement speed at which it approaches the unloading station and, at least after part of the unloading operation of the goods, is accelerated in the opposite direction, whereby the retardation phase and the acceleration phase are invidually carried out within less than one period of the pendulum motion of the elongated flexible member. The method can be used in cases where the length of the flexible member varies during the approach of the goods to the unloading location.

Abstract: A method of handling slabs by an overhead traveling crane having a slab grip lifter comprises disengaging a brake for a lifter swinging motor and a brake for a crab moving motor in the beginning, causing the position of the lifter to be adjusted by a reaction force from a slab when the lifter grips the slab, and causing the lifter to return to its original position after it has gripped the slab.

Abstract: A multi-section crane boom is provided with a fly section and a jib section which may be erected and supported by a mast and pendants on the end of the boom to extend the effective length of the boom. When the fly section and jib section are not used they are stored on the boom, the fly section being supported alongside of and generally parallel to the boom and the jib section being supported in position below the fly section. The fly section can be mounted on the end of the boom alone while the jib section remains in stored position, or, alternatively, the fly section can be mounted on the boom and the jib section can be mounted on the outer end of the fly section. A pair of compact hook shaped resilient connectors serve as backstops which prevent the fly from pivoting in excess of 5.degree. upwardly past longitudinal of alignment with the boom axis when the boom is in a near vertical position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the horizontal motion of a double articulated crane comprises determining the angle about a common axis between a base member pivotally mounted on a crane post and a head member carrying a load application point on an outer end thereof. The angle can vary from 0.degree. to 360.degree.. A desired movement direction value is then set on a direction selector movable on a direction indicator. The value corresponds to a target position for the load application point. The desired movement direction value is adjusted by small increments to reach the target however. The desired movement direction value is broken up into two components, one aligned with the axis of the head and the other aligned with a perpendicular axis. The values of these two compartments are calculated as a function of the sin or cos of an angle of misalignment between the longitudinal axis and the direction of the selector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending a fly section of a telescopic crane boom which fly section does not have its own power extension/retraction unit. The crane boom comprises at least a first or fly section, a second section, and a third or base section. Linearly extendable power screws are located within the boom for extending the second section from the base section, being connected between the base section and the second section to effect movement of the latter. To set up the crane for operation, the power screws extend the second section from the base section, a load pin connecting the fly section and the second section is released, and a pair of stop pins engages the fly section in its sides. The stop pins prevent movement of the fly section relative to the base section. Thus, when the second section is thereafter retracted into the base section, the fly section is left extended from the second section.

Abstract: A suspension structure is disclosed for use in running well hardware such as a pumping assembly by cable into a well and pulling the hardware from the well, the structure including two suspension masts. One of the masts is a lightweight mast having a working height sufficient to suspend the hardware above a well platform or the like on which the masts are mounted but not having a load capacity sufficient to withstand the forces required to pull the hardware from the well. The other mast is a short mast of high-load capacity capable of withstanding such forces but not of sufficient height to suspend the hardware. The two masts are used alternatively for running and pulling operations.

Abstract: A horizontally extendable trolley 22 comprising a trolley frame 51 and wheels 52 for supporting trolley frame 51, and a horizontally elongated trailer frame 54 slidably mounted on frame 51, said trailer frame 54 having a first end extending beyond an end of frame 51, and auxiliary wheels 56 for supporting said first end. Trolley 22 includes: means for horizontally extending trailer frame 54 outwardly from the trolley frame 51 and retracting trailer frame 54 inwardly toward trolley frame 51; hoisting means mounted on trolley frame 51; auxiliary hoisting means mounted on trailer frame 54; and means for driving wheels 52. Crane 10 for use with trolley 22 and methods for the use of cranes employing trolley 22 in steel making operations are disclosed.

Abstract: A ring supported, self-propelled truck crane and method of operation is disclosed wherein a boom is mounted on the chassis for pivotal movement only about a horizontal axis. The chassis is driven into an incomplete segmented ring set up at a working site with rollers on end portions of the chassis projecting downwardly and overlying the ring when the ring opening is closed by adding an additional segment thereto. The ring is then elevated to lift the wheels of the chassis completely off the ground and drive means interconnect the ring and the chassis to rotate the chassis about the vertical axis of the ring. Flanged rollers journaled on the chassis engage the ring to center the chassis on the ring and to rotatably interconnect and support the ring on the chassis for transportation therewith to the next site when the ring and chassis are lowered for support entirely upon the wheels of the truck crane.

Abstract: Method for extending a jib of a telescopic crane which jib may be stored alongside a base section when not in use. The crane boom comprises at least the base section, a second section with linearly extendable power means, an extension pivotably mounted on the outer end of the second section and stored alongside that section and the base section, and a jib releasably attached to both the base section while in storage and to the extension while in use. To set up the crane for operation, the power means extends the second section forward from the base section, which extends in a forward direction the extension pivotally attached to the second section. This extension places the outer end of the extension in vertical alignment with the inner end of the jib. The extension and jib are then connected along their lengths and the jib is released from its storage position on the base.

Abstract: A method of transferring a crane from a tower to an adjacent elevated site, such as a building under construction. The crane is raised from the tower by an elevating frame secured at one end to the tower. A transition section is inserted between the crane and the top of the tower. A bogie with an open end on the site straddles the elevating frame and receives cross beams on each end. The crane and transition section are raised, and the bogie is centered with respect to the tower. The cross beams are positioned under the ends of the transition section to which they are then bolted. The elevating frame is lowered to transfer the full weight of the crane to the transition section, and to the bogie, which can then be moved horizontally on the site away from the tower.

Abstract: The overall length of boom assembly can be increased by the use of a pair of boom extension sections. When the boom extension sections are not required, they are supported at storage locations adjacent to one side of a main boom assembly. When the overall length of the main boom assembly is to be increased, a first one of the boom extension sections is pivotally connected with the outer end portion of the main boom assembly and the second boom extension section is pivotally connected with the outer end portion of the first boom extension section. The two boom extension sections are swung outwardly together around the outer end of the main boom assembly. After the first boom extension section has been firmly connected with the outer end portion of the main boom assembly, the second boom extension section is pivoted about the outer end portion of the first boom extension section.