Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody; and a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed. The crane is configured for assembly in at least two configurations. In the first configuration, the crane further includes a live mast; a first counterweight support frame; and a first movable counterweight unit moveably connected to and supported by the first counterweight support frame. In the second configuration, the crane further includes a lattice mast; a second counterweight support frame; a moveable counterweight support beam coupled to the second counterweight support frame and operable to move relative to the second counterweight support frame; and a second moveable counterweight unit moveably connected to the moveable counterweight support beam.

Abstract: A spray assembly includes a support element by which the spray assembly is attached to a vehicle, a first load carrying arm selectively extendable from the support element, and a first nozzle carrying arm attached to the first load carrying arm and having at least two sections connected at a first joint. At least one of the two sections is selectively extendable from the first load carrying arm. A crop sprayer including a vehicle and an attached spray assembly is also disclosed. A method of deploying a spray boom system is disclosed, wherein a support element of the spray boom system is attached to a vehicle. The method includes selectively extending a first load carrying arm from the support element and selectively extending at least one of two sections of a first nozzle carrying arm from the first load carrying arm.

Abstract: A vehicle crane includes a carbody, a turntable rotatably mounted on the carbody, a jib mounted on the turntable that can be tilted about a horizontal axis, and a counterweight assembly mounted on the turntable and can be moved relative to the turntable. A coupler mechanically couples the position of the counterweight assembly to the tilt angle of the jib. The coupler is embodied such that it can be decoupled.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed comprising a counterweight support frame; a boom; a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support frame in a moveable relationship with respect to the counterweight support frame; and a counterweight unit movement device connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. The crane is configured such that during crane operation, the moment generated by the counterweight unit acts on the rotating bed predominantly through the counterweight support frame. Alternatively, the crane can include a mast. In some embodiments the same basic crane is configured to be set-up with two different counterweight options, i) a counterweight unit directly supported on the counterweight support frame and ii) a counterweight support beam moveably connected to the remainder of the rotating bed and a counterweight unit supported on the counterweight support beam.

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 unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crane comprising: a lower body; an upper slewing body; a counterweight unit including a plurality of wheels to travel on the ground in a turning direction equal to a slewing direction of the upper slewing body while being suspended from the upper slewing body; a steering actuator for rotating each of the wheels around a steering-rotation center axis to change the steering angle; and a steering control device for controlling the steering actuator. The steering control device includes: a slewing-identification-signal receiving section which receives a slewing identification signal for identification of the slewing direction of the upper slewing body; and an actuator operating section operates the steering actuator to orient each of the wheels to the inside of a tangent line to an orbit of the wheel at the steering-rotation center axis, based on the identified slewing direction identified from the slewing identification signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane with a travelling undercarriage, an uppercarriage rotatably mounted on the same with a luffing boom and derrick boom arranged on the same, and a ballast carriage connectable with the uppercarriage via a coupling element, wherein the ballast carriage is a standardized heavy-duty transport device with separate drive and separate drive controller, and wherein this drive controller can be influenced as a result of the movement of the crane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crane with an automatic counterweight balancing device and a method of arranging counterweight thereof. The crane includes a main body and a counterweight device mounted to the main body. The counterweight device includes first and second magnetic field generators and first and second permanent magnetic counterweight blocks. The crane uses a combined arrangement of the magnetic field generators, the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks, an electrical control device, and a transducer device to detect, in a real time manner, output torques of servo motors, whereby when the output torques are not equal to rating torques, magnetic field intensities are varied to change downward magnetic forces acting on the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks thereby regulating loading of the servo motors and thus regulating the output torques of the servo motors to effect automatic balancing of counterweight and improve stability of the crane during a conveyance process.

Abstract: A movable counterweight system moves under a material-handling vehicle to provide a safe low center of gravity, and avoid interference to the operator.

Abstract: A pipelayer providing higher lifting capacities without adding weight or size to an undercarriage or boom of the pipelayer is disclosed. The pipelayer is designed and sized to have a maximum lifting capacity when the boom is extended from the undercarriage a predetermined, relatively short distance. However, in use the boom often needs to extend further away from the undercarriage, and in so doing the lifting capacity of the pipelayer decreases. The present disclosure provides additional lifting capacity in that extended range by selectively deploying a counterweight away from the undercarriage once the boom is extended past the predetermined distance. In so doing, not only is the lifting capacity of the pipelayer increased, but the size and weight of the undercarriage and boom are not increased. This enables standard sized undercarriages and other supporting structure to be used, thereby aiding in maneuverability and shipping of the pipelayers, while at the same time reducing manufacturing and usage costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crane with an automatic counterweight balancing device and a method of arranging counterweight thereof. The crane includes a main body and a counterweight device mounted to the main body. The counterweight device includes first and second magnetic field generators and first and second permanent magnetic counterweight blocks. The crane uses a combined arrangement of the magnetic field generators, the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks, an electrical control device, and a transducer device to detect, in a real time manner, output torques of servo motors, whereby when the output torques are not equal to rating torques, magnetic field intensities are varied to change downward magnetic forces acting on the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks thereby regulating loading of the servo motors and thus regulating the output torques of the servo motors to effect automatic balancing of counterweight and improve stability of the crane during a conveyance process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crane comprising: a lower body; an upper slewing body; a counterweight unit including a plurality of wheels to travel on the ground in a turning direction equal to a slewing direction of the upper slewing body while being suspended from the upper slewing body; a steering actuator for rotating each of the wheels around a steering-rotation center axis to change the steering angle; and a steering control device for controlling the steering actuator. The steering control device includes: a slewing-identification-signal receiving section which receives a slewing identification signal for identification of the slewing direction of the upper slewing body; and an actuator operating section operates the steering actuator to orient each of the wheels to the inside of a tangent line to an orbit of the wheel at the steering-rotation center axis, based on the identified slewing direction identified from the slewing identification signal.

Abstract: A pipelayer providing higher lifting capacities without adding weight or size to an undercarriage or boom of the pipelayer is disclosed. The pipelayer is designed and sized to have a maximum lifting capacity when the boom is extended from the undercarriage a predetermined, relatively short distance. However, in use the boom often needs to extend further away from the undercarriage, and in so doing the lifting capacity of the pipelayer decreases. The present disclosure provides additional lifting capacity in that extended range by selectively deploying a counterweight away from the undercarriage once the boom is extended past the predetermined distance. In so doing, not only is the lifting capacity of the pipelayer increased, but the size and weight of the undercarriage and boom are not increased. This enables standard sized undercarriages and other supporting structure to be used, thereby aiding in maneuverability and shipping of the pipelayers, while at the same time reducing manufacturing and usage costs.

Abstract: The present invention is typically embodied to exert active control of two same-shipboard cranes performing joint lifting of a payload. Sensory signals indicative of ship motion, and of luff angle and hoist line length of both cranes, are transmitted to a computer. The sensory signals are processed by the computer using a ship motion cancellation algorithm, which solves for values of the respective luff angles and hoist line lengths of both cranes, such values achieving static equilibrium (e.g., zero motion horizontally, vertically, and rotationally in the same vertical geometric plane) of the suspended payload. Inverse kinematic control signals in accordance with the mathematical (e.g., minimum norm) solutions are transmitted by the computer to respective luff angle actuators and hoist line length actuators of both cranes so that the suspended payload tends toward steadiness. Inventive control thus acts on a continual basis to significantly reduce pendulation during the two-crane lifting operation.

Abstract: This summary refers to an invention patent for a crane and counterweight control system belonging to the load movement equipment field, this crane essentially consists of: a tower (1); horizontal jib (10) assembled near the top of the tower (1); a distribution trolley system (20) assembled on a jib (10); load “C” assembled on a trolley (22) of the trolley distributor (20); a horizontal counterjib (30) assembled high up on the tower (1), opposite the jib (20) [NT 10?]; a counterweight (31) on the counterjib (30); this counterweight is a mobile counterweight (31), assembled on the respective trolley system (32) assembled on the counterjib (30) and this can move in toward or away from the tower (1) in function of the weight and position of load “C” in relation to the tower (1) and by an automation system (60) which implements a counterweight control process on a crane in real time, which controls the mobile counterweight movement (31) on the counterjib (30) in function of the weight and position of load “C” on t

Abstract: An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator.

Abstract: A pipelayer providing higher lifting capacities without adding weight or size to an undercarriage or boom of the pipelayer is disclosed. The pipelayer is designed and sized to have a maximum lifting capacity when the boom is extended from the undercarriage a predetermined, relatively short distance. However, in use the boom often needs to extend further away from the undercarriage, and in so doing the lifting capacity of the pipelayer decreases. The present disclosure provides additional lifting capacity in that extended range by selectively deploying a counterweight away from the undercarriage once the boom is extended past the predetermined distance. In so doing, not only is the lifting capacity of the pipelayer increased, but the size and weight of the undercarriage and boom are not increased. This enables standard sized undercarriages and other supporting structure to be used, thereby aiding in maneuverability and shipping of the pipelayers, while at the same time reducing manufacturing and usage costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane with a travelling undercarriage, an uppercarriage rotatably mounted on the same with a luffing boom and derrick boom arranged on the same, and a ballast carriage connectable with the uppercarriage via a coupling element, wherein the ballast carriage is a standardized heavy-duty transport device with separate drive and separate drive controller, and wherein this drive controller can be influenced as a result of the movement of the crane.

Abstract: A jack-up offshore platform, on which is provided a lifting crane for lifting a load, which lifting crane includes structure connectable to the platform for counterbalancing the load. The counterbalancing structure may include at least one counterbalancing cable for operably connecting to the platform. A lifting crane provided with counterbalancing structure connectable to a jack-up offshore platform, and to a method of repositioning a load from a platform.

Abstract: An excavation equipment alarm system for providing advance warning to an operator of an excavator of overhead obstacles. The excavation equipment alarm system generally includes a support member attached to the actuator, a guide tube attached to the support member, a guide arm slidably positioned within the guide tube, a mounting post attached to a distal end of a telescoping arm of the actuator and to the guide arm, and a magnetic sensor attached to the actuator to detect a distal end of guide arm. If the magnetic sensor detects the presence of the guide arm, then the warning unit is not activated. If the magnetic sensor no longer detects the presence of the guide arm, then the warning unit is activated to warn the operator of the excavator that the boom of the excavator may be at an unsafe height.

Abstract: A load balancing hoist constructed to combine the power module and the travel module of the hoist into a single unit to substantially reduce the cost and the length of the hoist without effecting its operation and application.

Abstract: A machine for lifting and handling loads with an orientable articulated placing jib, comprising a mast with a rotating pivot, an articulated jib (16) comprising a jib foot (19), articulated at its first end on the top of the mast by a horizontal rotation axis (27), a jib head member (18) articulated for rotation by a horizontal articulation axis (32) at the second end of the jib foot, a jib holding assembly comprising at least one stanchion (7), a jib holding line (11) and a moving counterweight (100) connected to the jib by the said holding line. The counterweight is made to follow a guiding track (1) with a variable slope (?), integral with the rotating pivot, supporting the said counterweight, arranged opposite to the jib, and where the variations in slope (?) are chosen so that the counterweight exerts a set of variable forces on the said jib and on the structure of the said machine, helping to balance the machine during movements of deployment/retraction of the jib in articulated working mode.

Abstract: A mobile crane with a carrier and a superstructure which is slewably arranged thereon has a superlift device with an SL counterweight for increasing lifting capacity. The SL counterweight can be lifted from the ground in order to execute slewing movements of the superstructure and its slewing radius is changeable. The crane has an electronic control device with a computing device and with a display. In order to avoid costly conversion work on the SL counterweight and to increase operating safety, a program is stored in the electronic control device, which program determines a permissible operating field for crane parameters from the parameters comprising load size and load radius, size of SL counterweight and SL counterweight radius while taking into account the stability criteria and capacity criteria of the mobile crane and displays this operating field graphically on the display.

Abstract: A material handler that includes a frame, first and second front wheels, first and second rear wheels, and a control system. The front and rear wheels define a generally horizontal plane. The control system determines the center of gravity of the material handler and displays the location of the center of gravity of the material handler within the plane.

Abstract: A fluid supply line 13 connects the hydraulic fluid supply pump 11 to the hydraulic balancing pipe 9, and this line 13 is fitted with a solenoid valve 15. Position detectors 17, 18 are installed on the auxiliary arm 4 and on the main arm 3 close to the articulation of the counterweight balancing beam 5. If the main arm 4 is detected to be in its pendular position before the counterweight balancing beam 5 is detected to be in its vertical position, the logic controller 16 controls activation of the solenoid valve 15 in order to add hydraulic fluid to the jack 8 in order to bring the balancing beam 5 in vertical position.

Abstract: A side load detection and protection system (10) operable using pressure sensors (26, 28) to determine side load as a function of a difference in media pressure between two ports (40, 42) of a pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22). When the side load exceeds a pre-established limiting value, the system (10) shuts off functions that could be causing the side load. The system (10) includes a visual display (34) to communicate the actual amount of side load and to present a warning when the limiting side load value has been reached or exceeded. The system (10) is able to differentiate between loads applied to the rotation mechanism through operation of the pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22) and loads due to external forces acting directly or indirectly on the system (10). Furthermore, in order to account for different efficiencies, the system (10) can have separate set-points for side load in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: A fluid supply line 13 connects the hydraulic fluid supply pump 11 to the hydraulic balancing pipe 9, and this line 13 is fitted with a solenoid valve 15. Position detectors 17, 18 are installed on the auxiliary arm 4 and on the main arm 3 close to the articulation of the counterweight balancing beam 5. If the main arm 4 is detected to be in its pendular position before the counterweight balancing beam 5 is detected to be in its vertical positions the logic controller 16 controls activation of the solenoid valve 15 in order to add hydraulic fluid to the jack 8 in order to bring the balancing beam 5 in vertical position.

Abstract: A method for using a revolver crane, comprising the positioning of a ballast on a platform ring in accordance with the repositioning of a load which is supported by a boom, is repositioned in relation to the platform ring as well, so as to cause a balance of moments. A revolver crane for performing this method comprises ballast hoisting elements for hoisting said ballast and repositioning it in relation to the platform ring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crane, preferably a derrick crane, having a traveling chassis (1), a revolving superstructure (2) mounted thereon in rotating fashion and connected with a ballast car (6) by a shaft (3) and on which a boom and a derrick, to which the ballast car (6) is connected, are mounted in luffing manner. The shaft (3) is in the form of a telescoping beam that can be telescoped to a length corresponding to the current load or that is longer than the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the rotational movement of a ladder or the like of mobile equipment having stabilizing outriggers when the ladder is rotated manually to the side of the mobile equipment which does not have the outrigger fully deployed. A two-part switch, arranged for one part to rotate relative to the other, develops various combinations of signals dependent upon the relative positions of the parts of the switch. A control circuit is arranged to recognize the positions of the switch parts and supplies control signals which allow the ladder to rotate at a particular rate and to a particular point as the operator is steering the ladder to the side of the mobile equipment at which the outrigger is not fully deployed.

Abstract: A crane jib includes a main boom arranged on a support base for rotation about a vertical pivot axis, and an auxiliary boom extending the main boom at one end and movable with respect to the main boom by means of a first adjustment element. In order to realize a high degree of energy-efficiency and a stable jib at great reach of the jib, a pair of counterweights is provided which are supported at the other one of the ends of the main boom at an angle relative to one another and respectively positioned on both sides of a plane which extends vertically through the longitudinal main boom axis. The counterweights so interconnected to one another as to be swingable in synchronism by a second adjustment. A control device connects the first and second adjustment elements for balancing the variation in reach of the auxiliary boom through a change in reach of the counterweights.

Abstract: An arrangement in or for a boom lift or other type of lift or load-bearing apparatus, in which a stabilizing moment is imparted based on at least one state of at least a portion of the boom or other portion of the lift or load-bearing apparatus. Also contemplated is an arrangement for redistributing mass responsively, based on at least one state of at least a portion of a load-bearing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the assisted handling of a load includes at least one motor unit, which actuates the winding and unwinding of a flexible traction element; one or more guiding sheaves; and a detector for detecting the weight of the load and the force applied thereto, arranged at an element for supporting the guiding sheave that is arranged directly downstream of the pulley or drum actuated by the motor unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the rotational movement of a ladder or the like of mobile equipment having stabilizing outriggers when the ladder is rotated manually to the side of the mobile equipment which does not have the outrigger fully deployed. A two-part switch, arranged for one part to rotate relative to the other, develops various combinations of signals dependent upon the relative positions of the parts of the switch. A control circuit is arranged to recognize the positions of the switch parts and supplies control signals which allow the ladder to rotate at a particular rate and to a particular point as the operator is steering the ladder to the side of the mobile equipment at which the outrigger is not fully deployed.

Abstract: An improved derrick structure comprising a column for supporting the derrick structure, a bracket horizontally rotatably mounted on the column, a boom vertically pivoted on the bracket so that the boom is divided into a first boom portion and a second boom portion, a winch drivable to hoist a hook for engaging an article intended to be transported by the derrick structure, a first dolly drivable to move the hook along the first boom portion, a counterweight drivable to move along the second boom portion to effectively balance the loading of the article hoisted by the derrick structure, and a controlling device for activating an electrical control circuit to control the driving of the winch, the dolly and the counterweight.

Abstract: A transporter for carrying on a surface an object having a center of gravity, the transporter including a first arm having a longitudinal center line which is arranged to lift the object; a second arm operatively connected to the first arm at one end thereof; a wheel rotatably mounted to the second arm, the wheel having an axis of rotation, the first arm being disposed relative to the wheel so that the longitudinal center line of the first arm intersects the axis of the wheel; a sensor for sensing a variation of an inclination angle of the second arm relative to the surface; and a drive mechanism, connect to the sensor, for driving the first arm, the sensor controlling the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism moves the first arm in response to the sensed variation of the inclination angle of the second arm relative to the surface so as to maintain the center of gravity of the object above the axis of the wheel regardless of the inclination of the second arm relative to the surface.