Abstract: A crane having an upper block, a lower block, a drum, and two ropes. The upper block includes an equalizer having a yoke to which the ropes are connected. The connections between the ropes and the yoke include load cells that measure the forces carried by each of the ropes. The upper block includes a fail-safe system that prevents failure of the upper block in overload conditions.

Abstract: A cable attachment assembly, a hoist and a transportation system using the cable attachment assembly. The cable attachment assembly including: a plate pivotable about a first axis; first and second pivot assemblies pivotable about respective second and third axes, the first, second and third axes parallel to each other; a first cable retainer in the first pivot assembly, the first cable retainer adapted to rotateably retain an end of a first cable in the first cable pivot assembly, the first cable rotatable about a fourth axis; a second cable retainer in the second pivot assembly, the second cable retainer adapted to rotateably retain an end of a second cable in the second pivot assembly, the second cable rotatable about a fifth axis; wherein the fourth and fifth axes parallel to each other and the fourth and fifth axes are perpendicular to the first, second and third axis.

Abstract: In a method for maintaining a position of a load on a lifting gear, a position of a load, which is suspended from a trolley of a lifting gear via at least four cables, is determined and a swinging motion of the load is counteracted by selectively adjusting the length of at least one of the cables.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises four pairs of hoisting cables arranged in a V-shape relative to one another for lifting and lowering a load suspension apparatus at which they engage and which are taken off from drivable cable drums. The free lengths of the hoisting cables of two longitudinal pairs of cables lie in longitudinal planes which are located at a distance from one another, and the free lengths of the hoisting cables of two transverse pairs of cables lie in transverse planes which are located at a distance from one another and which extend at right angles to the longitudinal planes. Two mechanically separate hoists are provided for the hoisting cables of the two longitudinal cable pairs and for the hoisting cables of the two transverse cable pairs, each of the hoists is drivable by its own driving motor, and the driving motors are controlled by a common control device.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval unit comprises a supporting carriage which is movable along a rack aisle on at least one substantially horizontal supporting rail by a drive. A vertically adjustable lifting platform is suspended from the supporting carriage via at least three traction devices. In order to prevent the lifting platform from being laterally deflected or starting to oscillate during accelerations of the supporting carriage, a stabilizing device is provided. The latter comprises at least three traction devices fastened to the sides of the lifting platform which are opposite in the direction of travel. At least two traction devices run to at least two fastening points arranged in the region of one end of the aisle; at least one further traction device runs to a fastening point arranged in the region of the other end of the aisle. The effective length of each traction device between the lifting platform and the fastening point can be changed by a drive.

Abstract: In a method for recognition of the position of a load on a lifting gear, an active light source and a camera are mounted to a trolley of the lifting gear. Both, the light source and the camera are directed towards the load. The load has attached thereto at least one marker used for the recognition of the load position and including an active light source. In response to incoming light from the light source on the trolley, the light source of the marker transmits a light signal to the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for placing crane mechanisms, the crane comprising lifting mechanisms (1) with lifting drums (2), lifting ropes (3) in the lifting drums, a lifting trolley (4), a loading element (5) suspended from the lifting trolley (4) by the lifting ropes (3), four auxiliary mechanisms (10) controlling the swaying and twisting of the loading element (5) and the load (9) fastened to it, auxiliary ropes (12) in the rope drums (11) of the auxiliary mechanisms (10), and turning sheaves (13) of the auxiliary ropes (12) in the loading element (5). The lifting mechanisms (1) and lifting drums (2) are fixed to the frame of the crane, the auxiliary mechanisms (10) with their rope drums (11) are located in the lifting trolley (4), and the auxiliary ropes (12) are led from the turning sheaves (13) to a storage drum (14) for the auxiliary ropes in the lifting trolley (4), the storage drum being equipped with an additional mechanism (15) that is independent of the lifting mechanisms (1).

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for overhead traveling cranes. The lifting arrangement includes two single reeved drums that are reeved together to provide true vertical lift of a load. The lifting arrangement allows for equalization of full up and full down rope fleet angles through utilization of axially staggered dual drums and/or a bottom block with two separate sheave nests. The lifting arrangement may utilize commercially available components to reduce the overall cost of the crane when compared with other powerhouse crane designs.

Abstract: A rope hoist provided with traversing machinery, the rope hoist comprising a trolley (2), and in connection therewith a lifting gear (3), a lifting rope (4), rope pulleys (5) and traversing machinery (7) for moving the trolley (2). The traversing machinery (7) allows to move the trolley (2) along a girder (11), for example. Rope pulleys (5) are used to reduce the strength of the rope. A part of the traversing machinery (7) is arranged inside at least one rope pulley (5) in such a manner that at least one shaft in the traversing machinery (7) remains at least partly inside the rope pulley (5).

Abstract: An arrangement for placing auxiliary ropes of hoist gears in a crane, the crane comprising a trolley (1); hoist gears (2) with hoist drums (3) placed in the trolley (1); hoisting ropes (4) arranged on the hoist drums (3); a loading member (7) suspended from the trolley (1) on the hoisting ropes (4) and having sheaves (8) for the hoisting ropes, through which the hoisting ropes pass back to the trolley; four auxiliary gears (10) placed in the trolley (1) for controlling swinging and skewing of the loading member (7) and the load attached thereto; auxiliary ropes (12) arranged on rope drums (11) of the auxiliary gears (10); and sheaves (13) for the auxiliary ropes in the loading member (7), through which sheaves the auxiliary ropes (12) passing diagonally from the rope drums (11) of the auxiliary gears (10) are guided to spaces (14) in the hoist drums reserved for the auxiliary ropes (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for placing crane mechanisms, the crane comprising lifting mechanisms (1) with lifting drums (2), lifting ropes (3) in the lifting drums, a lifting trolley (4), a loading element (5) suspended from the lifting trolley (4) by the lifting ropes (3), four auxiliary mechanisms (10) controlling the swaying and twisting of the loading element (5) and the load (9) fastened to it, auxiliary ropes (12) in the rope drums (11) of the auxiliary mechanisms (10), and turning sheaves (13) of the auxiliary ropes (12) in the loading element (5). The lifting mechanisms (1) and lifting drums (2) are fixed to the frame of the crane, the auxiliary mechanisms (10) with their rope drums (11) are located in the lifting trolley (4), and the auxiliary ropes (12) are led from the turning sheaves (13) to a storage drum (14) for the auxiliary ropes in the lifting trolley (4), the storage drum being equipped with an additional mechanism (15) that is independent of thc lifting mechanisms (1).

Abstract: A system which can both be adapted to existing single point lift mechanisms, and constrain a hoisted load in all six degrees of freedom, includes a suspension point, an assembly, a lateral tension lines member, and a control system. The assembly includes first and second platforms connected by a plurality of control cables which can precisely control the position, velocity, and force of a hoisted element in six degrees of freedom. The position or tension of the control lines can be controlled either manually, automatically by computer, or in various combinations of manual and automatic control. Advantages associated with the system include not only the ability to control the position, velocity, and force of the attached load, tool, and/or equipment in six degrees of freedom using position and tension feedback, but its ready adaptation to existing single point lift mechanisms and relatively light weight, and its flexibility, ease, and precision of operation.

Abstract: A control system for reducing cargo pendulation. The control system calculates a correction factor and adds the correction factor for the operator input motions in addition to the motion of the platform in order to provide a reference position of the suspension point of the hoisting cable. The reference position is then provided to a tracking controller so that the crane can be forced to track the needed motions for reducing the cargo pendulation.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus using a counterweight includes a drum (34) which turns when driven by electric power and is installed at a predetermined height in a predetermined structure, a first wire rope (40) having one end fixed to the drum, winding up around the drum when the drum turns in a first direction and unwinding from the drum when the drum turns in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, a second wire rope (41) having one end fixed to the drum, winding up around the drum when the drum turns in the second direction, unwinding from the drum when the drum turns in the first direction, and having a predetermined hook device (37) for hooking and unhooking an object to be hoisted, installed at the other end of the second wire rope, and a counterweight (35) connected to the other end of the first wire rope.

Abstract: A single failure proof hoisting apparatus includes a support frame, a load engaging member such as a support hook for supporting a workpiece, and first and second reeving systems mounted on the support frame for supporting the load engaging member. As is conventional in single failure proof systems, the first and second reeving systems are independent from each other so as to provide redundancy in the event of operational failure of one of the reeving systems. Most advantageously, the apparatus further includes a shock absorbing system for at least partially absorbing load transfer shock that will occur in a surviving one of the reeving systems when the other experiences operational failure. The shock absorbing system is designed to transmit a proportion of the load transfer shock to the support frame substantially within the horizontal plane, which facilitates absorption of the shock by the hoisting apparatus and minimizes instability that might otherwise be transmitted to the load engaging member.

Abstract: A system which can both be adapted to existing single point lift mechanisms, and constrain a hoisted load in all six degrees of freedom, includes a suspension point, an assembly, a lateral tension lines member, and a control system. The assembly includes first and second platforms connected by a plurality of control cables which can precisely control the position, velocity, and force of a hoisted element in six degrees of freedom. The position or tension of the control lines can be controlled either manually, automatically by computer, or in various combinations of manual and automatic control. Advantages associated with the system include not only the ability to control the position, velocity, and force of the attached load, tool, and/or equipment in six degrees of freedom using position and tension feedback, but its ready adaptation to existing single point lift mechanisms and relatively light weight, and its flexibility, ease, and precision of operation.

Abstract: A system which can both be adapted to existing single point lift mechanisms, and constrain a hoisted load in all six degrees of freedom, includes a suspension point, an assembly, a lateral tension lines member, and a control system. The assembly includes first and second platforms connected by a plurality of control cables which can precisely control the position, velocity, and force of a hoisted element in six degrees of freedom. The position or tension of the control lines can be controlled either manually, automatically by computer, or in various combinations of manual and automatic control. Advantages associated with the system include not only the ability to control the position, velocity, and force of the attached load, tool, and/or equipment in six degrees of freedom using position and tension feedback, but its ready adaptation to existing single point lift mechanisms and relatively light weight, and its flexibility, ease, and precision of operation.

Abstract: A crane system for carrying a load while suspending it from a portal-shaped body frame via wire ropes includes first and second wire ropes on both sides, in a right-and-left direction, of an upper portion of the body frame for fixing the suspended load, and means for taking up and paying out the first and second wire ropes. The system also includes means for winding the first and second wire ropes in opposite directions, or winding them in the same direction. The first and second wire ropes may be looped together with the means of taking up and paying out the wire ropes. Connection points or sheaves may be provided on the suspended load. It is also permissible to route the first and second wire ropes parallel to each other. Further, the above takeup and payout means may be in a tapered drum form.

Abstract: A crane apparatus is disclosed. First traverser wire ropes are connected to a right connecting portion of a traverser, while second traverser wire ropes are connected to a left connecting portion of the traverser. First hoisting accessory wire ropes are passed over a right rope pulley via the traverser, and then connected to the traverser, while second hoisting accessory wire ropes are passed over a left rope pulley via the traverser, and then connected to the traverser. A hoisting accessory is suspended from the right and left rope pulleys. The crane apparatus enlarges the traversing range of the hoisting accessory, and increases work efficiency, without becoming upsized.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus for a straddle carrier having a spreader with a frame part having a plurality of lifting points, a plurality of hoisting cables each having a first and second end, a top frame having a hoisting mechanism and a first set of cable pulleys. The hoisting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder and a piston movably arranged within the lifting cylinder, and a second set of cable pulleys mounted onto the top frame, such that the second set of cable pulleys is driven by the extension of the piston and the hoisting cables are passed over the first set of cable pulleys and the second set of cable pulleys, respectively. The second end of the hoisting cables is connected to the hoisting mechanism wherein upon extension of the piston out of the lifting cylinder produces a lifting movement that is of an equal magnitude for each of the plurality of hoisting cables.

Abstract: A transverse trolley 11 is transversally movable on a crane girder. A driver is provided for the transverse trolley 11. A pair of sheave blocks 14, 15 which is movable relative to a transverse trolley 11 are disposed on both (right and left) sides of a transverse trolley 11. Drivers are provided for the sheave blocks. Detectors 31 through 38 are provided which detect the displacement and velocity of the transverse trolley 11, the sway displacement and velocity of a hoisted load-piece 23 on both (right and left) sides and the displacement and velocity of the two sheave blocks 14, 15. A notch is disposed on an operation controlling panel of the transverse trolley 11 for setting a trolley transverse velocity by an operator. A transverse notch-driving control quantity detector 40 is provided which outputs signals indicative of notch-driving control quantity (a trolley transverse velocity set value) which is set by operating the notch.

Abstract: For the positional correction of a load carrier (34) suspended on a trolley (22) a cable member (50′) of the lifting cable system interposed between the trolley (22) and the load carrier (34) is displaced in a horizontal direction at a location near the trolley (22) relative to the trolley (22) by imparting a movement onto a cable course influencing member (56) which is adjustably guided on the trolley in a horizontal direction and is subjected to the action of movement means (60) which again are supported on the trolley (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reducing overload and dampening collision energy, for instance, in connection with a container crane, the apparatus comprising a movable bar (16) to receive a load and a resistance device (18) against the predetermined resistance of which the movable bar are able to move in a dampening situation, and the resistance device comprise at least one friction device (18) arranged to cooperate with the movable bar (16).

Abstract: A crane arranged through its reeving system to manoeuver a load. The crane includes an upper support structure, a lower support structure arranged to carry a load and six reeving cables suspending the lower support structure from the upper support structure. Means are provided for changing the effective length between the upper and lower support structure of selective ones of the reeving cables. The reeving cables are arranged such that they are connected geometrically to the upper and lower support structures at apexes of an upper and a lower quadrilateral plane figure, respectively. The reeving cables are arranged such that the cables of a first pair of the reeving cables converge in a downward direction, the cables of a second pair of the reeving cables converge in an upward direction, and the cables of the third pair of reeving cables extend between opposite ends of the first and second pair reeving cables at the upper and lower support structures.

Abstract: A rope arrangement having carrying ropes guided downward in pairs at four corner points of an imaginary four-cornered shape at a carrying device. One of the carrying ropes extends from one of the corner points of one transverse side of the imaginary four-cornered shape and another of the carrying ropes extends from the other corner point of the same transverse side. The carrying ropes are at a spread angle relative to one another and in a plane extending parallel to the transverse side. Spaced fastening locations of the pairs of carrying ropes provided at an attachment device lie in at least one vertical plane which intersects the transverse sides transversely in the center. In order to achieve a damping of load oscillations in any direction, two carrying ropes are respectively fastened to the corner points and accordingly to the fastening locations of the carrying device and the planes associated with the pairs of carrying ropes are inclined relative to one another at an angle (.beta.

Abstract: A hoist system including a roller assembly which is allowed to pivot as a suspending member is rolled up around a drum compensates for lateral forces and allows a load on the suspending member to remain centered under the roller assembly. The drum has a shaft mounted through the center with a resilient coupling between the shaft and the drum which allows transfer of rotational torque while allowing the drum to pivot. Such a coupling can be furnished by a pair of concentric rings around the shaft having pivot holes orthogonal to the shaft axis. The innermost ring is connected by a pair of pivot pins to the shaft. The outermost ring is connected to the innermost ring by another pair of pivot pins perpendicular to the pivot pins through the shaft. The outermost ring is attached to the inside of the drum.

Abstract: A sway stabilizing system is provided for stabilizing sway of a grappler suspended by vertically movable hoisting cables on a gantry crane. The crane is a type which is particularly useful for lifting a standard container from a standard-height chassis, such as a standard road trailer. According to the invention, the system is designed to optimally dampen sway when the grappler is slightly higher than the top of a standard container resting on a standard chassis. More particularly, in order to cancel pendulum sway effect, the sway stabilizing system provides first and second anti-sway cables which are operably guided from the grappler to an overhead trolley of the crane in a longitudinally diagonal manner. The anti-sway cables are acted upon by respective hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted on the grappler to apply appropriate tension in the respective anti-sway cables. The cylinder assemblies act in opposite directions to dampen grappler sway in both directions along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The crane comprises a generally horizontal boom or other supporting structure having at least one rail thereon, a trolley having a reversible drive for moving the trolley in either direction along the rail, a wire rope hoist suspended from the trolley, and a load carrying device suspended from the hoist for selectively grasping and releasing a freight container or some other load. The crane has a control system which causes the trolley drive to stop the trolley momentarily at a first stopping position. Due to the control system, the drive then restarts the trolley and stops it at a second stopping position directly over a transfer position where the load is to be delivered and released. If the load is a freight container, the transfer position may be directly over a cell of a container ship. The control system includes an encoder for determining the length of the pendulum comprising the trolley, the hoist, the load carrying device and the load.

Abstract: A method for controlling the motion of a crane lifting carriage, or trolley, a load suspended from it, a swing damping system, and/or an operator control cab whereby an ideal sequence of accelerations for moving the lifting carriage is defined that will bring the load to a swing-free condition at the end of the sequence of accelerations, and corresponding lifting carriage speed change signals are developed. A pendulum swing angle of the load corresponding with the ideal sequence of lifting carriage accelerations is calculated. The swing angle calculation and a geometric model of the swing damping system are used to determine a swing damping system control signal which makes the swing damping system follow the swing angle of the load.

Abstract: An overhead travelling carriage is provided wherein three drums are arranged on a base of a hoist unit along the sides of an imaginary equilateral triangle. Two motors and a brake are arranged along imaginary lines which join the imaginary center of the imaginary equilateral triangle where a hypoid gear of the hoist unit is positioned and the imaginary apices of the imaginary equilateral triangle. The rotation of the hypoid gear is transmitted to a spur gear on the drum side of the spur gear in order to drive the drum. As a result, the hoist unit of the overhead travelling carriage may be reduced in size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a loading element suspended from lifting drums of a crane by lifting ropes, and a load attached to the loading element. The controlling referring to damping horizontal sway and skew of the loading element and precision positioning the same in the horizontal direction and in the direction of skew by use of a control apparatus comprising control mechanisms mounted in the crane and provided with motors, and four auxiliary ropes between the control mechanisms and the loading element The method comprising the loading element by moving the auxiliary ropes by means of control mechanisms.

Abstract: Three suspension points 20-22 are arranged in the shape of an equilateral triangle on a vertically movable table 16 and two cables 23-28 are attached to each. Three pairs of hoist members 10/11/12 are arranged on the main body 4, and each hoists a cable from two suspension points.While preventing oscillation and twist of the vertically movable table and making guide poles unnecessary, high speed vertical rising and lowering is possible.

Abstract: A hoist system having triangular suspension bands minimizes sway and twisting during the lifting of a payload. The system includes three depending retractable and extensible triangular tension members which provide three sets of opposed horizontal tensile forces aligned along three non-parallel lines. Each tension member comprises a flexible triangular band attached along one side to one of three rotatable spools arranged at 60.degree. to each other. The bands are attached near their vertices to a payload gripper assembly which is raised or lowered as the bands are wound or unwound from the spools. The three triangular bands provide six horizontal force components which provide good lateral stability and torsional rigidity, thereby minimizing sway and twisting of the payload. The bands also provide good payload lifting strength.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a crane having a main hoist drum and an auxiliary hoist drum for handling a load under normal and emergency (the latter actual or simulated) conditions, respectively. The latter condition involves a main hoist which is inoperative because of a failure or by intent. The auxiliary hoist drum is wrapped with about twice the length of cable as the main drum and can move the load up or down, irrespective of load position if and when the main hoist becomes inoperative. Also disclosed is a novel method for moving a load. Steps include maintaining one drum in a non-rotating mode and rotating the other drum. An improved crane load block is also disclosed to have "floating sheaves" which help prevent excessive fleet angles.

Abstract: A snag load protection system for a train including a guide frame, a sheave housing slidably received within the guide frame, and a hydraulic cylinder connected to the guide frame and to the sheave housing. The hydraulic cylinder serves to exert a compressive force against the sheave housing so as to resist relative movement between the guide frame and the sheave housing when forces exerted by the sheave housing are within a predetermined value. A relief valve is connected to the hydraulic cylinder for releasing hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder when the force is greater than the predetermined value. Pressure and position limit switches are connected to a motor so as to stop the movement of a hoist rope when forces exceed the predetermined value.

Abstract: An improved method and system for a liftcrane in which a load is lifted through the combined action of first and second hoist drums. The method and system use a first rope wound on one hoist drum and a second rope wound on the second hoist drum. The ends of the ropes opposite the hoist drums are linked together to transmit tension between them. The load is coupled to the ropes. If the take up speed of one of the ropes exceeds the take up speed of the other, the linked ends of the ropes will shift. This condition is detected and the operation of at least one of the first and second hoist drums is modified to bring the take up rates into balance. This system is advantageously used with a hoist block sheave arrangement. This system can also be used with a single rope in which each of the ends of the single rope are wound on a separate one of the hoist drums and the load is coupled to the middle of the rope.