Boom Movement Stops Responsive To Overtravel Or Proximity To Powerline Patents (Class 212/280)
  • Patent number: 11926510
    Abstract: This crane is provided with: a operable functional unit; an actuator; a generation unit that generates a first control signal including a first deceleration signal section composed of a control signal for decelerating a speed of the operable functional unit from a first speed to a second speed and a first constant-speed signal section composed of a control signal for maintaining the speed of the operable functional unit at the second speed; a filter unit for filtering the first control signal to generate a second control signal; and a control unit that controls the actuator so as to decelerate the operable functional unit based on the second control signal, then controls the actuator so as to maintain the speed at the second speed, and controls the actuator so as to zero the speed when a load has been moved to a location satisfying a prescribed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Goto, Shinsuke Kanda, Kazuma Mizuki
  • Patent number: 11150648
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a sensor that generates a sensor signal indicative of ozone gas concentration. A power cable proximate the mobile machine, is identified based on the sensor signal. An avoidance action, is identified in response to determining that the power cable is proximate the mobile machine, and a control signal is generated based on the identified avoidance action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Paresh Bharatiya, Shruti Dev
  • Patent number: 10836615
    Abstract: A crane having a luffing jib and a lifting cylinder includes a cylinder body and a movable rod hinged on the jib to raise and lower the jib, and a locking device adapted to cooperate with the lifting cylinder to mechanically lock the rod in a deployed holding position and block the jib in a raised holding configuration, and further including a spacer hinged on the jib and supporting an abutment, the spacer configured for pivoting between a release position wherein the spacer is offset, authorizing the movable rod to be displaced freely, and a locking position wherein the spacer is folded so that the abutment is able to bear on the cylinder body to fixedly maintain the movable rod in the deployed holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France
    Inventors: Michel Lissandre, Sylvain Raymond, Michael Mollenthiel, Florent Mourin, Alexis Thery
  • Patent number: 10836616
    Abstract: A crane includes a luffing jib and a lifting cylinder having a cylinder body and a movable rod hinged on the jib to displace the jib in lifting motion and in lowering motion, and a locking device adapted to cooperate with the lifting cylinder to mechanically lock the rod in a deployed holding position and block the jib in a raised holding configuration. The crane further includes a spacer hinged on the jib and supporting a stop, the spacer pivotable between a release position in which the spacer is shifted, allowing the movable rod to be freely displaced, and a locking position in which the spacer is folded so that the stop is capable of abutting on a bearing surface in a ball jointed connection with the cylinder body, to fixedly hold the movable rod in the deployed holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France
    Inventors: Sylvain Raymond, Lotfi Bouskine, Gabriel Fraisse, Sylvain Brunet, Anthony Champcenest
  • Patent number: 10829350
    Abstract: A crane 1, the hook (main hook 24) of which is stored on the lower end of a boom 7, and the winch (main winch 9) of which can be moved by a hydraulic motor 37, said crane being provided with a pressure sensor 55 capable of detecting the pressure of hydraulic fluid being delivered to the hydraulic motor 37, and a controller 61 capable of recognizing changes in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid on the basis of a signal from the pressure sensor 55, and also being provided with an anomaly warning means Mi capable of providing warning of anomalies pertaining to the storage of at least the hook (24), the controller 61 activating the anomaly warning means Mi when it is determined that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid when the hook has been stored is below a minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fukumori, Naoto Kawabuchi, Naofumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10744637
    Abstract: A robot includes a robot main body including a first member, a second member, and a joint that coupling the first and the second members together so as to be relatively rotatable around an axis, a fixed stopper fixed to the first member, and an adaptor and a movable stopper that are each detachably attached to the second member. The second member has a main-body-side attachment part to which either one of the adaptor and the movable stopper is selectively attached. The adaptor has an adaptor-side attachment part to which the movable stopper is attached and which is arranged in a position different from that of the main-body-side attachment part in a circumferential direction around the axis, while the adaptor is in a state of being attached to the main-body-side attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 10669131
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine capable of suppressing deformation of a boom in a simple configuration and at low costs. The construction machine includes a pair of backstops having respective hydraulic cylinders; a supply device which supplies the hydraulic cylinders with hydraulic fluid; a deformation sensing device which senses deformation of the boom; and a control device which controls the supply device so as to make a thrust of the hydraulic cylinder of one backstop having a larger pressing force, out of the pair of backstops, be larger than a thrust of the hydraulic cylinder of the other backstop, the pressing force being applied due to the deformation of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Oka, Hiroyuki Otsuka, Shoji Watanabe, Daisuke Takaoka, Tetsuya Kobatake, Shingo Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10370822
    Abstract: When it is confirmed that a distal end portion of an attachment has reached a predetermined distance detection start position apart from a cab on the basis of a posture of the attachment detected by posture detector, a control apparatus determines whether or not an object to be detected has reached a predetermined stop position closer to the cab than the distance detection start position on the basis of a distance of the object to be detected by a distance detection sensor, and controls the drive unit so as to stop the attachment when determining that the object to be detected has reached the stop position, and the control apparatus controls the drive unit so that the speed of the distal end portion of the attachment becomes a predetermined target speed or lower when the distal end portion of the attachment reaches the distance detection start position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9989636
    Abstract: A work vehicle may include a chassis, a plurality of ground-engaging devices connected to the chassis and configured to provide support and traction to the chassis along a ground surface, an operator station connected to the chassis, and a rear object detection system configured to detect a presence of an object in an area at least partially rearward of the operator station. The rear object detection system may be further configured to detect a presence of a depression of the ground surface in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Lance R. Sherlock
  • Patent number: 8955702
    Abstract: A luffing-jib tower crane, comprising a tower and a jib which is connected to the tower via a joint and is held by a luffing cable, wherein the length of the luffing cable can be changed by a drawing-in unit, by the luffing cable being wound onto or unwound from a cable drum of the drawing-in unit, wherein the angle of the jib with respect to the horizontal plane is measured by a first sensor winch is attached to the jib (first angular value), wherein a measuring device measures the length of the unwound part of the luffing cable, from which length the minimum angle of the jib with respect to the horizontal plane (second angular value) can be calculated, and the first angular value can be compared with the second angular value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wolffkran Holding AG
    Inventor: Andreas Wagner
  • Patent number: 8950605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring and alarm device for construction machinery having long and heavy booms, such as cranes, in particular mobile cranes, is characterized in that a monitor system is provided, which monitors parameters that may change in case of an undesired lowering of the boom or of boom sections in a non-operating condition, and triggers an optical and/acoustic and/or wireless alarm system if the parameters change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Terex Demag GmbH
    Inventor: Thilo Jene
  • Patent number: 8905250
    Abstract: A power generator is associated with a crane boom at or near the tip of the boom. The generator responds to movement of the lifting cable to initiate the transmission of a signal to a crane controller. The signal serves as a start-up or a wake-up signal to the crane controller which may then immediately analyze operation of, for example, an anti-two block device associated with the boom tip. The crane controller may then control the operation of the crane in accordance with signals received from the anti-two block device or immediately identify malfunctions of the anti-two block device and control the crane operations accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventor: Martin R. Stander
  • Patent number: 8376158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kaneko, Ryohel Miyahara, Sumito Maezawa, Kensuke Morita, Takashi Okano
  • Patent number: 8272521
    Abstract: The present invention is a crane operating system and method which monitors the crane moment load in order to keep the crane within the safe operating envelope. In determining the current crane moment load the system considers boom raising cylinder pressure, boom angle, chassis incline, as well as hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Auto Crane Company
    Inventors: Nathan T. Kemmerly, Michael J. Lawson, Mark K. Torbett, Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120152878
    Abstract: A crane includes a limiting device to limit a raising/lowering angle of the mast during suspending work to be equal to or less than an upper limit angle which is less than a value of the raising/lowering angle when the mast extends vertically; a release device into which a release instruction for causing the limiting device to release the limitation on the raising/lowering angle of the mast is input; and a first detection section adapted to detect that the mast support device is at an overhanging position where the mast support device pushes up and sets the mast in the work posture. The limiting device is operable whenever the first detection section does not detect that the mast support device is at the overhanging position, even if the release instruction is input into the release device, to prohibit the mast from being tilted rearward beyond the upper limit angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Ishihara, Shintaro Sasai
  • Patent number: 7194358
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for avoiding collisions and detecting objects proximate to a surface. In one embodiment, a system for collision avoidance includes at least one sensor adapted to sense an object above a lift device and a controller linked to the at least one sensor and linked to the drive components of the device and adapted to interrupt operation of the lift drive when the lift device approaches or touches the object. In another aspect of the invention, at least one controller is linked between at least one hand control and at least one drive adapted to move a lift device, the controller being adapted to interrupt operation of the drive when the lift device approaches or touches an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Callaghan, Jerry A. James, Shankar N. Swamy, James J. Troy, Steven C. Venema
  • Patent number: 7034669
    Abstract: An anti-collision protection system for machines that operate in a raw material stockpile yard is disclosed. The machines are moveable in the yard in defined paths, with each machine including a material delivery and/or material recovery boom that can be rotated about a vertical axis. The system includes a means for defining an envelope around each boom (5) that moves with the boom, with each envelope forming a boundary of an exclusion zone for the boom. The system also includes a means for detecting an intersection of the boundaries of the exclusion zones and a means responsive to a detected boundary intersection to prevent collision of the machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter John Lamb
  • Patent number: 6499610
    Abstract: A portable hoist system includes a base assembly which includes a pintle. Slidably mounted over the pintle is a hoist support assembly. The hoist support assembly includes a substantially vertical tube which is connected at its top portion to a support arm. The support arm is supported with respect to the substantially vertical tube by an angled brace member. On the top of the support arm is located a lifting strap control assembly. The lifting strap control assembly includes a windlass and a guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Spitsbergen
  • Patent number: 6252513
    Abstract: A Pole Alarm System including an electromagnetic field sensor and collision sensors for detecting overhead power lines and physical obstructions within the intended path of a telescoping mast or utility boom device is disclosed. The present alarm system includes a mast-mounted housing containing the sensors and a microprocessor-based control unit which interprets the output signals of the sensors and provides both audible and control feedback to a safety control module in the vehicle to alert the operator of impending contact and to automatically stop the movement of the mast. The alarm housing also features a light source which provides illumination in the direction of movement of the mast to assist in positioning thereof. The light source also functions as a heating element to prevent the accumulation of ice on the housing which would detrimentally affect the performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: Uwe L. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6230090
    Abstract: When an arm end exceeds a boundary line K2 and enters a slowdown area R1, a proportional solenoid pressure reducing valve 13 is operated to reduce a pilot pressure for slowing down a first boom cylinder 1A, thereby slowing down an arm end speed. When the arm end exceeds a boundary line K1 and enters a restoration area R2, a restoration gain is calculated in control gain block 200 depending on an intrusion amount by which the arm end enters the restoration area, while a feedback gain is calculated depending on an arm end speed at that time on the basis of functions 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209. In accordance with these gains, a second boom 2 is automatically dumped depending on the intrusion amount of the arm end into the restoration area and the arm end speed at that time so that the arm end is moved for return to the slowdown area. As a result, such work as requiring a work front to be moved toward the operator is continuously smoothly performed and working efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ei Takahashi, Kazuhiro Sunamura, Yusuke Kajita
  • Patent number: 6170681
    Abstract: A method for setting a safe work area and a rated load in a swing type work machine, as well as a swing type work machine which utilizes the said method, are disclosed. An area where a strength-based safe work area which is established taking the strength of a swing member into account and a stability-based safe work area which is established taking the stability of the work machine into account overlap each other, is set as a safe work area to be used actually. Likewise, out of a strength-based rated load which is set taking the strength of the swing member into consideration and a stability-based rated load which is set taking the stability of the work machine into consideration, the lower one is set as a rated load to be used actually. Using the safe work area and rated load thus obtained, there are made a safety control and an appropriate display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.) Steel
    Inventor: Hideaki Yoshimatsu
  • Patent number: 6133841
    Abstract: A Pole Alarm System including an electromagnetic field sensor and collision sensors for detecting overhead power lines and physical obstructions within the intended path of a telescoping mast or utility boom device is disclosed. The present alarm system includes a mast-mounted housing containing the sensors and a microprocessor-based control unit which interprets the output signals of the sensors and provides both audible and. control feedback to a safety control module in the vehicle to alert the operator of impending contact and to automatically stop the movement of the mast. The alarm housing also features a light source which provides illumination in the direction of movement of the mast to assist in positioning thereof. The light source also functions as a heating element to prevent the accumulation of ice on the housing which would detrimentally affect the performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: Uwe L. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6102373
    Abstract: Crane swing warning system is disclosed for a crane that has an undercarriage, which is independent from its cab body, connected by a turntable that the upper crane body rotates about on a vertical axis. The crane swing warning system consists of a continuous plastic caution tape extended out and around the upper crane body by supports adjustable in 360 degrees, and in length, fully retractable or completely removed. This crane swing warning system is to warn individuals of the movement of the upper crane body as to prevent the individuals from being struck by or being caught between the rotating upper crane body and the crane undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Gary James Amsinger
  • Patent number: 5730305
    Abstract: A crane safety apparatus for displaying a schematic diagram of a part of a crane mechanism on a two-dimensional screen dynamically as the crane mechanism is operated, and displaying on the same screen a predetermined operation zone as a visually discriminative zone pattern. The operation zone pattern is displayed on the screen in response to the key command by an operator during a selected crane operation mode, while referring to the schematic crane mechanism diagram currently displayed on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kato Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Ichiba, Yukio Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 5678707
    Abstract: A crane apparatus includes an upstanding mainframe and a boom unit that is supported for rotation on the mainframe through a range of movement of about 500.degree.. The crane is provided with a plurality of fluid transmission lines having first ends fixed relative to the mainframe and second ends fixed relative to the boom unit. An elongated guide tube supports the lines relative to the boom unit and presents a lower end that is spaced radially from the axis of rotation of the boom unit for sweeping the lines along an arcuate path around the axis as the boom unit is rotated, coiling the lines beneath the guide element to inhibit kinking. This management of the lines reduces the amount of twisting per unit length of line and prevents kinking within the range of allowed movement of the boom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Pioneer Engineering
    Inventors: Richard J. Stallbaumer, Larry A. Matthes
  • Patent number: 5676264
    Abstract: A hydraulic boom stop for a crane that permits operation at angles greater than the normal maximum operating boom angle of the crane boom. The hydraulic boom stop has at least one hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control system that is user controlled. The user controls the hydraulic fluid pressure to a boom control valve that in turn regulates the movement of the boom. As the hydraulic cylinder ram moves, the hydraulic fluid displaced by the ram provides a back pressure in the boom control valve that opposes and slows the continued upward or downward movement of the boom. The back pressure bleeds off through restricting valves in the communication lines. A relief valve in communication with the line associated with the inward movement of the ram releases the pressure in that line when it attains a predetermined value. In this way, the ram movement is less rigid and the hydraulic cylinder acts as an effective damper of impact forces. The user also controls the outward movement of the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: SeaTrax, Inc.
    Inventor: George Wilson
  • Patent number: 5490081
    Abstract: The velocity of a working tool of a hydraulic excavator can be automatically decelerated and stopped just before the working tool would encounter an obstacle. Hazard regions and decelerating regions which correspond upward, downward, forward, and other positions of the hydraulic excavator are designated and a working tool decelerating pattern V.sub.2 where the working tool velocity decreases from 100% to 0% in a decelerating region is stored in a control unit. When a working tool velocity V.sub.1 which corresponds to the amount of operations of working tool levers (1, 2) intersects with the working tool decelerating pattern V.sub.2 in a decelerating region, the working tool moves at the velocity V.sub.2 and stops just before a hazard region. A restoring pattern where the working tool is restored from a just-before-hazard position to a safety region is stored as a working tool accelerating pattern V.sub.4 where the working tool velocity accelerates from a predetermined velocity just before a hazard region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazunori Kuromoto, Takeshi Kobayashi, Koichi Kawamura