With Motor Control Patents (Class 212/284)
  • Patent number: 12104488
    Abstract: A construction machine is provided, such as a drilling rig having a mast along which a tool is movably mounted. The tool is suspended on a cable actuated by a cable winch for raising and lowering the tool, the cable winch being driven by an electric motor as a winch drive in a drive mode. The electric motor is designed to also operate in a recuperation mode in which the electric motor generates electrical energy when the tool is lowered and outputs the electrical energy to an energy store. A controller is designed to actuate the electric motor depending on a specifiable target value such that the cable is tensioned both in the drive mode and in the recuperation mode of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: BAUER Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Osterland, Marco Voigt
  • Patent number: 11414304
    Abstract: In this boom slewing angle detection device, a slewing angle detecting gear is attached to an end of a shaft of a pinion gear that meshes with a ring gear formed on a slewing bearing rotatably supporting a crane boom, and the amount of rotation of the slewing angle detecting gear is detected by a slewing-angle-detecting proximity sensor. The slewing angle detecting gear is not meshed with the ring gear or the pinion gear, which compose a slewing force transmission mechanism; thus, grease, and the like, do not adhere to the slewing angle detecting gear, and external teeth for detection of the slewing angle detecting gear are not subject to wear, so accurate slewing angle detection is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: MAEDA SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Tokutome, Mitsuaki Wada, Takahisa Karasawa
  • Patent number: 10625422
    Abstract: A robot and crane cooperative work system, includes a robot including a hand and an arm which are capable of treating a workpiece or to which a tool is mountable; and a crane which moves the workpiece or the robot, while suspending the workpiece or the robot by the crane, the robot treats the workpiece or the robot in such a manner that the robot operates the hand and the arm to attach the workpiece or the robot to the crane or detach the workpiece or the robot from the crane, the crane moves the workpiece or the robot, and the robot processes the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10207903
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus [10] and method for controlling the orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus consists of a closed loop pipe [11] containing a fluid volume attachable to a suspended load and at least one pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe. A control unit [17] is operable to receive at least one input direction signal. The apparatus includes a control unit which is configured to generate a control signal to activate the at least one pump to control the flow of the fluid volume in the pipe and thereby impart a rotational force on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Torquer Limited
    Inventor: Angus Jamieson
  • Patent number: 9501782
    Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of conditions at a site and transmitting alerts to interested parties' mobile devices via a social networking service is described. The system employs a wireless communications device, partially exposed outside a small, metal enclosure, to transmit SMS (text message) alerts to a social networking site. Interested parties, including other devices, receive the alerts by simply subscribing to the ‘user’ device, and alarm threshold conditions are established autonomously by the device. Thus, no configuration of the device by interested parties is required. Temperature alerts are generated by the device without user-configured or fixed thresholds. A wall-mounted installation of the device conceals the external antenna within the wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Arthur Everett Felgate, Mark Gobel
  • Patent number: 9031750
    Abstract: When an extension pattern selection device is activated, a normal mode is displayed on a screen of a monitor. An operator presses a manual mode switch key of an operation unit to switch the display mode of the screen from the normal mode to an extension pattern manual rearrangement mode. In the extension pattern manual rearrangement mode, the operator rearranges extension patterns so that frequently selected extension patterns P may be displayed at upper positions. Thus, the frequently selected extension patterns P are more preferentially displayed than the other extension patterns P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tadano Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8910325
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a lift system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a) a motor adapted for providing a lifting force, b) at least one connector operatively connected to the motor, the connector adapted for connecting a load-bearing component to the motor, c) an information receiver for receiving a load limit information about the load-bearing component, d) a motor controller electrically coupled to the motor and the information receiver, wherein the motor controller is adapted to limit the lifting force of the motor based on the load limit information received by the information receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ArjoHuntleigh Magog Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Faucher, Marie-Lou Joncas, Dennis-Alexandre Brulotte
  • Patent number: 8857635
    Abstract: A crane, in particular a large crane, including a power consumer system for providing energy, a primary energy source for feeding primary energy into the power consumer system, at least one secondary energy source, independent of the primary energy source, for feeding secondary energy into the power consumer system, at least one energy storage unit arranged locally on the crane and is, in particular, associated with the at least one crane component and connected to the power consumer system for storing primary energy and/or secondary energy, at least one drive motor connected to the power consumer system for operating at least one crane component and a secondary energy source configured such that energy returned from the crane operation is at least partially fed as secondary energy into the power consumer system. The at least one crane component is configured as a secondary energy source for energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Terex Cranes Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Weckbecker, Marc Krebs, Axel Beckmann, Frank Schnittker, Steffen Helfrich
  • Patent number: 8831787
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for sensing the current supplied to a motorized hoist for raising a maintenance platform and providing an estimate of the operating status of the motor, for example, as stopped, starting, stalled or operating as expected. In various embodiments, measures of voltage and current may be used to determine the operating condition of the hoist and to estimate the magnitude of the applied load. Unintended modes of operation can then be determined so that the conditions can be indicated to the operator and protective measures taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SafeWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Gavin Brickell, Scott Jeffrey Farrell
  • Patent number: 8708170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane control for the control of a hoisting gear of a crane which takes account of oscillation dynamics based on the elasticity of the hoist rope on the control of the hoisting gear and reduces them by a suitable control of the hoisting gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schneider, Oliver Sawodny, Sebastian Kuechler
  • Patent number: 8651301
    Abstract: A method according to the invention of controlling a rotation speed of a motor of a speed-controllable hoist drive comprises receiving a lift speed instruction; forming a final speed instruction by using initial information containing the lift speed instruction; and using the final speed instruction as a speed instruction for the rotation speed of the motor of the speed-controllable hoist drive. The method further comprises monitoring a position derivative of an actual value of a cable force. The initial information for forming the final speed instruction comprises the position derivative of the actual value of the cable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Konecranes PLC
    Inventors: Jussi Kiova, Janne Salomäki
  • Publication number: 20140017050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering a display object in synchronization with a particular timing or event. The display object is lowered by a lifting apparatus. In particular, the display object is a guitar and the lifting apparatus is a crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hard Rock Cafe International (USA)
    Inventors: Michael Benson, Gilberto Alex Merchan
  • Patent number: 8505754
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane, preferably a crawler or truck crane, comprising a crane monitoring means for monitoring the operating condition of the crane, including a calculation unit and a control and display unit. In accordance with the present disclosure, there is additionally provided an operations planner with a separate monitor output, which includes a further calculation unit and which operates on the one hand as a device for planning the operation of the crane and on the other hand as a redundant crane monitoring unit in addition to the crane monitoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Patent number: 8466636
    Abstract: An excavator drive system wherein one of a pair of propulsion motors shares one of a pair of inverter power sources with another of a pair of motors dedicated to crowd and hoist motions. A pair of non-volatile bi-state switches, triggered under control of a controller, allow sharing of inverters between hoist and propel 1 motors. Another pair of switches allows inverter sharing between propel 2 and crowd motors. Each pair of switches enables change over and power transfer from one of the paired motors to the other motor. The bi-state switches enable quicker transfer of power between motors than transfer switches employing external motor-powered mechanical transfer linkages. Bi-state transfer switches also maintain transfer coupling status in the event of power failure to the switch actuators, allowing an excavator operator to continue the drive function in operation prior to the switch power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Joy Mazumdar
  • Patent number: 8405328
    Abstract: There is provided a slewing control device that enables to detect breakdown of a driving system of a mechanical brake, and generate a torque for holding a slewing body in a stopped state to thereby prevent movement of the slewing body when an anomaly has occurred. In a working machine for driving a slewing body by an electric motor 1, judgment is made as to whether a mechanical brake 4 is in an inconsistent state, based on a command to be outputted to a brake circuit B, and a pressure detected by a brake pressure sensor 17. The inconsistent state is a state that the mechanical brake 4 is in a brake released state when an activation command for switching the mechanical brake 4 to a brake activated state is outputted. If it is judged that the mechanical brake 4 is in the inconsistent state, a command for obtaining a braking torque for holding the slewing body in a stopped state is outputted to the electric motor 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Komiyama, Natsuki Yumoto, Yoshiyasu Umezu, Masayuki Kogashima
  • Publication number: 20130026123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane control system for controlling and/or for the hydraulic supply of hydraulic loads of a crane, as well as a crane having at least one crane control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Publication number: 20130001182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a crane having a movable undercarriage and a superstructure rotatably supported thereon with a luffable main boom and derrick boom arranged thereon, wherein an auxiliary crane having a telescopic boom is connected to the crane as derrick ballast and the derrick ballast radius is set via the telescopic boom of the auxiliary crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Publication number: 20120305513
    Abstract: A crane comprising a diesel-electric drive, the three-phase generator of which supplies an AC voltage circuit, further comprising a DC voltage circuit connected to the AC voltage circuit, electric motors which drive at least one rotating mechanism, a lifting mechanism and a luffing mechanism of the crane, at least one brake resistor, and a short-term energy store, which is connected to the AC voltage circuit or to the DC voltage circuit for the intermediate storage of excess energy. At least one of the electric motors is connected to the AC voltage circuit and at least one is connected to the DC voltage circuit, and the AC voltage circuit is connected to the DC voltage circuit via a rectifier such that an energy exchange is possible between the AC voltage circuit and the DC voltage circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Müller, Johannes Reiss
  • Patent number: 8276326
    Abstract: A telescopic mast system includes a telescopic mast comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections and a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic mast sections. The drive mechanism includes a rigid chain having one end connected to a last one of the telescopic mast sections to move the telescopic mast sections and a plurality of guide plates cooperating with the telescopic mast sections to prevent buckling of the rigid chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Serapid Inc.
    Inventors: Said Lounis, Kevin Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 8244438
    Abstract: A tool control system is disclosed. The control system may have a first actuator configured to control a first linkage. The control system may further have a second actuator configured to control a second linkage. The control system may also have a third actuator configured to control a work tool, wherein the second linkage is connected to the work tool and movably connected to the first linkage. The control system may still further have a plurality of operator input devices configured to provide operator control of the first, second, and third actuators. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the first, second, and third actuators and the plurality of operator input devices. The controller may be configured to receive a desired tool path for the work tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dale Koch, Daniel Francis Stanek
  • Publication number: 20120160796
    Abstract: A crane, in particular a large crane, including a power consumer system for providing energy, a primary energy source for feeding primary energy into the power consumer system, at least one secondary energy source, independent of the primary energy source, for feeding secondary energy into the power consumer system, at least one energy storage unit arranged locally on the crane and is, in particular, associated with the at least one crane component and connected to the power consumer system for storing primary energy and/or secondary energy, at least one drive motor connected to the power consumer system for operating at least one crane component and a secondary energy source configured such that energy returned from the crane operation is at least partially fed as secondary energy into the power consumer system. The at least one crane component is configured as a secondary energy source for energy recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TEREX DEMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Alfons WECKBECKER, Marc Krebs, Axel Beckmann, Frank Schnittker, Steffen Helfrich
  • Publication number: 20120132605
    Abstract: The present invention provides techniques relating to an operating device exhibiting superior dust resistance and water resistance, and more particularly to an operating device exhibiting few design restrictions and a small assembly operation load, and to a moving apparatus including the operating device. In an operating device having, in a casing, a detection unit for detecting input relating to an instruction to operate a driving device that drives movement of an object, a plurality of the detection units are arranged over a partial or entire range of a circumference of the casing in accordance with movement directions of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Kouji Ogawa, Fujioki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8167154
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-hydraulic leak compensating device for a mobile crane lowering brake system in an open hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic motor (5) coupled with a lifting unit (6,7), a lowering brake valve (4) and a mechanical brake (9), with a pressure sensor (13) which measures the hydraulic pressure prevailing on the load side of the hydraulic motor (5) in the hydraulic circuit and on the side of the lifting conduit (3) before the mechanical brake (9) is closed, in particular immediately before it is closed, as well as a method of electro-hydraulically compensating for leaks of a mobile crane lowering brake system in an open hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic motor (5) coupled with a lifting unit (6,7), a lowering brake valve (4) and a mechanical brake (9), comprising the following method steps: measuring the hydraulic actual pressure prevailing on the load side of the hydraulic motor (5) before the mechanical brake (9) is closed, in particular immediately before it is closed; determ
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Heidrich, Johannes Schuerman
  • Patent number: 8157113
    Abstract: A hoisting device or crane can be operated with at least two different maximum loads. The maximum load that can be hoisted in each case is correlated with the hoisting speed in order to prevent the dynamically developed peak load from exceeding the predetermined allowed load limiting values of the components of the crane or the hoisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Stahl CraneSystems GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Golder
  • Publication number: 20110215065
    Abstract: A crane for mounting on a truck includes a base. The base includes a cargo bed welded or fastened to a frame and the frame for fastening to a chassis of a truck. The crane further includes a boom rotatable relative to the base between a vertical position and a horizontal position; a boom hoist operable to raise and lower the boom between the positions; and a load hoist operable to hoist cargo located proximate to a rear end of the truck when the boom is in the vertical position and operable to carry the cargo toward a cab of the truck as the boom is lowered to the horizontal position, thereby loading the cargo onto the cargo bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Seales
  • Publication number: 20110112731
    Abstract: A power storage device (first power storage device) (41) stores part of a supply power, and in case of shortage of the supply power, discharges the storage power to compensate for the supply power. A power storage device (second power storage device) (42) stores part of the supply power, and discharges the storage power at least in a cargo lifting operation by motors to compensate for the supply power. As the power storage device (42), a power storage device having an output density higher than that of the power storage device (41) is used. Alternatively, as the power storage device (41), a power storage device having an energy density higher than that of the power storage device (42) is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Hidekazu Harada
  • Patent number: 7883450
    Abstract: A body-weight support system that allows individuals with severe gait impairments to practice over-ground walking in a safe, controlled manner is disclosed. The system includes a body-weight support system that rides along a driven trolley and can be controlled in response to the movement of the subject using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Hidler
  • Publication number: 20110006025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane for handling a load hanging on a load cable, comprising a slewing gear for rotating the crane, a luffing gear for luffing up the boom, and a hoisting gear for lowering or lifting the load hanging on the load cable, with a control unit for calculating the actuation of slewing gear, luffing gear and/or hoisting gear, wherein the calculation of the actuation commands for actuating slewing gear, luffing gear and/or hoisting gear is effected on the basis of a desired movement of the load indicated in Cartesian coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schneider, Oliver Sawodny, Joerg Neupert, Eckard Arnold, Karl Lukas Knierim
  • Patent number: 7665620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane, preferably a truck crane, comprising a plurality of crane elements which are movable by actuators, a crane control unit for controlling and/or monitoring the movement of the crane elements, and at least one actuating switch for actuating the actuators. In accordance with the invention, the crane is characterized in that in the at least one actuating switch a logic module is integrated, by which the actuators can be driven directly corresponding to a respective switch movement, and the crane control unit can be connected with the logic module by a data transmission connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Publication number: 20090272710
    Abstract: A hoisting device or crane can be operated with at least two different maximum loads. The maximum load that can be hoisted in each case is correlated with the hoisting speed in order to prevent the dynamically developed peak load from exceeding the predetermined allowed load limiting values of the components of the crane or the hoisting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Stahl Crane Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Golder
  • Publication number: 20090198382
    Abstract: A tool control system is disclosed. The control system may have a first actuator configured to control a first linkage. The control system may further have a second actuator configured to control a second linkage. The control system may also have a third actuator configured to control a work tool, wherein the second linkage is connected to the work tool and movably connected to the first linkage. The control system may still further have a plurality of operator input devices configured to provide operator control of the first, second, and third actuators. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the first, second, and third actuators and the plurality of operator input devices. The controller may be configured to receive a desired tool path for the work tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Roger Dale Koch, Daniel Francis Stanek
  • Publication number: 20090152226
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lifting assembly such as a jib crane or similar apparatus having an articulated arm assembly and a flexible means for connecting a load to an actuator. The lift arm assembly forms an articulated cantilever boom, which is extensible so as to traverse a suspended load within a work cell area. The lift arm assembly further includes a first and second member pivotally connected to one another whereby an inclined plane (e.g., a cam) at the pivot point of the articulating arms provides a vertical displacement of the secondary arms thereby moving the distal end of the secondary arm to counterbalance inherent forces acting thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Alday
  • Patent number: 7514885
    Abstract: Methods and systems for medical imaging are provided. The system includes a gantry assembly having a stator, a first rotor rotatably coupled to the stator, the first rotor configured to rotate about an examination axis at a first rotational speed, and a second rotor rotatably coupled to at least one of the stator and the first rotor, the second rotor configured to rotate about the examination axis at the first and a second rotational speed, the second rotational speed being greater than the first rotational speed, the first and second rotors configured to be locked in position with respect to each other during rotation at the first rotational speed, the first rotor configured to be locked in position with respect to the stator during rotation of the second rotor at the second rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Danny Hausner, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 7303049
    Abstract: A system for people with limited mobility or with elevated risk of falling. Embodiments of the invention include internal walls that do not extend to the ceiling, a track system, a joist which is able to move on the track system, a carriage which is able to move on the joist and a harness tethered to the carriage. Other embodiments of the invention include a track system which is able to move on the track system, a carriage able to move on the joist and a harness, which is configured for an ambulatory user, tethered to the carriage. Some embodiments include a system that can automatically trigger an alert notification if the tension on the tether remains high beyond a particular time. In some embodiments, the joist is an open web joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Wilfred E. Greenlee
  • Patent number: 7299589
    Abstract: A telescoping boom mechanism for deploying an expandable structure, such a hoop-supported antenna, comprises a plurality of concentrically nestable tubular boom sections, that are mutually engageable with one another by way of roller assemblies and helical tracks formed thereon. The tubular boom sections are caused to telescopically expand or retract along a deployment axis by means of a rotational drive motor coupled to an outermost one of the tubular boom sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Bruce Campbell, Rick Harless
  • Patent number: 7134563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crane that comprises an electronic control for actuating drives for at least one lifting gear and for crane movements, which can be operated by an operator via manual input devices. Said manual input devices can be adjusted as regards their sensitivity (definition). In order to adapt the system behavior of the crane to the needs of different operators and different lifting requirements in an optimum manner, the electronic control is provided with at least two adjustments, selectable by the operator, that set for the manual input devices respective different sensitivities defined for the crane operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Terex-Demag GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Klaus Meissner, Mathias Meyer
  • Patent number: 7026780
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing the motion of an articulated chain of a chain block, especially to prevent the formation of resonance oscillation of the chain, in which an articulated chain is led across a polygonal chain wheel with non-uniform pitch, which is driven by an electric motor. In order to create a method to prevent the formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain, it is proposed that a periodic and/or stochastic and dampening actuating variable is superimposed on the velocity of the chain wheel (4) and the dampening actuating variable produces a change in the chain velocity so as to prevent a formation of a resonance oscillation. The chain drive with reduced polygon effect is characterized in that an electronic damper (8) is hooked up in front of the electric motor (2), which produces a control of the electric motor (2) such that a formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain (5) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Schröder, Giuliano Persico
  • Patent number: 6974044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling a load lifting device (1) with a controllable drive (2) and a lifting element (5) which is linked with the drive (2) and which is—at least in a non-operational position due to the gravitational force—vertically (Z—Z) aligned. A load receiving element (7) is linked with the lifting element (5). The system further comprises a control circuit for balancing the loads. Said control circuit encompasses a device for producing a path-dependent signal which corresponds to a substantially vertical (Z—Z) movement of the lifting element (5) and which represents the input signal for the control of the drive (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Gerd Munnekehoff
  • Patent number: 6862509
    Abstract: A device for operating an articulated arm of a large manipulator connected to a boom base. The large manipulator comprises an articulated boom (22), composed of three boom arms (23 to 27), the boom arms of which may each be pivoted around mutually parallel horizontal articulation axis (28 to 32), in a limited manner. Furthermore, a control device (74), for the boom displacement is provided, which may be controlled from a remote controller (50) over a data transmission path (68).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kurt Rau, Hartmut Benckert
  • Publication number: 20040026349
    Abstract: An intelligent assist method and apparatus are disclosed. The intelligent assist method includes imparting a manual force to a suspended object, determining an angle at which the suspended object is manually forced, generating motorized power to move the object in accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is forced, and inputting a signal to continue the motorized power and enable the object to continue moving on accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is manually forced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS
    Inventors: J. Edward Colgate, Paul F. Decker, Stephen H. Klostermeyer, Alexander Makhlin, David Meer, Julio Santos-Munne, Michael A. Peshkin, Michael Robie
  • Publication number: 20030164349
    Abstract: A control system includes an intuitively working remote control operating unit which has a first pair of control elements for controlling a movement of a hoist, in particular a trolley of a crane, in two opposite movement directions along an axis. One control element is assigned separately to one movement direction and the other control element assigned separately to the other opposite movement direction. The control elements are so disposed as to form a side-correct representation of the movement directions, wherein assignment of the control elements to the movement directions corresponds to an orientation of the operating unit in relation to a directed external field and is swapped, when the operating unit is oriented in opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Kohlenberg
  • Publication number: 20020144969
    Abstract: This crane control system with swing control and variable impedance is intended for use with overhead cranes where a line suspended from a moveable hoist suspends a load. It is responsive to operator force applied to the load and uses a control strategy based on estimating the force applied by the operator to the load and, subject to a variable desired load impedance, reacting in response to this estimate. The human pushing force on the load is not measured directly, but is estimated from measurement of the angle of deflection of the line suspending the load and measurement of hoist position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Bradford B. Laundry, Peter L. Liu, Gustavo Montemayor, Dan O. Popa, Michael K. Taylor, John T. Wen
  • Patent number: 6343703
    Abstract: In the anti-two block device, a non-contact measuring device detects in one form or another the distance between a boom nose and a load-bearing member supported thereby. If the distance detected is less than a predetermined threshold value, the device triggers a warning or other operation to assist an operator in preventing anti-two blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon E. Fleagle, Dennis W. Eckstine, William W. Banks, Francis R. Eyler
  • Patent number: 6325749
    Abstract: A robot vehicle for hot-line job for transmission and distribution lines which comprises an insulating boom formed of an insulating material at a tip end stage of multiple stage booms, a base end of which is supported on an elevated work vehicle to be capable of swinging, pivoting up and down, and extending and contracting, and a frame provided on the tip end of the insulating boom, the frame mounting thereon double arm manipulators of multishaft construction for performing a distribution work, a slide device for sliding independently these right and left double arm manipulators front to rear, and lifting arms of multishaft construction having a function of lifting a heavy article, so as to allow an operator to perform remote control. An electric actuator is used for driving the double arm manipulators and the slide device, and hydraulic manipulators for driving the lifting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inokuchi, Toshihide Tomiyama, Yoshihiro Yurita, Shinji Murai, Yusuke Hirano, Shinji Harada, Kengo Tsuruta, Youichi Motomura, Kazutoshi Imai, Yoshiaki Haga, Yoshikatsu Nakamura, Yukio Hashiguchi, Mitsuhiro Matsuzaki, Hiromichi Yamada, Akihiko Mishima, Yoshinaga Maruyama, Kyoji Yano, Moriyuki Nakashima, Osamu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6256553
    Abstract: A crane control based on quoted location data and observed ambient data provided by at least one identifier, the goods to be conveyed by the crane can be controlled to the location site. The identifier takes pictures of at least two difference areas, which is implemented so that the identifier is pivotable, or fixed, whereby the certain image area directed to the identifier is reflected from a reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sime Oy
    Inventor: Jouni Erikkilä
  • Patent number: 6092789
    Abstract: A boom hoist system for supporting and adjusting the position of a lifting crane gantry is provided including a drum, a drive system, and first and second braking systems for selectively stopping rotation of the drum. The boom hoist system operates independently from crane mechanical works and the first and second braking systems may include sensors for automatically engaging when specified conditions occur in order to prevent a hoisted gantry from falling uncontrollably in the event of a hoist system malfunction or failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignees: Hugo Nev Corporation, Joint Venture Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Christopher, Daniel R. Juneau, Herman J. Schellstede
  • Patent number: 6056500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum hoisting device of the kind having a vertically suspended lifting tube (4), which is extensible and contractible depending upon the air pressure in the lifting tube, and which at its lowest part is provided with a suction device (6) in the shape of one or more suction cups. Up to now, a valve at the suction device has been used for maneuvering the suction device, which valve when closed brings a vacuum source (7,20) to work with a constant suction capacity to decrease the pressure in the lifting tube such that an object (32) to be lifted is attached by the suction after which the lifting tube is contracted such that the object is lifted. To limit the lifting height and to lower and release the object, it has been necessary to partially open the valve and permit a restricted inlet of air and at last completely open the valve resulting in a large consumption of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: AB Initio Affars- & Teknikutveckling
    Inventor: Jan Wicen
  • Patent number: 6039193
    Abstract: A method is provided to automatically control a cranes's rider block lifte and taglines. Current position of the crane's rider block is determined in terms of its horizontal and vertical coordinates, as well as in terms of the inhaul angle of the liftline. A matrix is then generated that defines i) incremental change in the rider block's horizontal coordinate with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle, a length of the liftline and a length of the taglines, ii) incremental change in the vertical coordinate with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle and lengths of the liftline and taglines, and iii) incremental change in the sine of the inhaul angle with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle and lengths of the liftline and taglines. A vector defining velocity criteria for the rider block is provided. The velocity criteria is defined in terms of horizontal motion of the rider block, vertical motion of the rider block and rate of change of the inhaul angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven F. Naud, Max D. Weber, Lei Lani Lucero, J. Dexter Bird, III, Martin D. Fink
  • Patent number: 5917300
    Abstract: Control system for controlling a dynamic physical system. New, substantially decoupled axes are derived from physical axes of a dynamic system. Closed-loop controllers operate on signals representing the new or synthesized axes to control the coordinate parameters. Control signals are then converted into the original physical axes to generate signals to control the original axes. A preferred embodiment is the application of the control technique to a gantry machine having three degrees of freedom. Actual coordinates are converted to one linear coordinate and one rotational coordinate. The bandwidth of controllers operating on these two coordinates are separated so that crosstalk is diminished and performance improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Tanquary, Neil C. Singer, Bert Whitney Rappole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5790407
    Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Bandit Lites
    Inventors: Michael T. Strickland, Karl H. Dittrich, Kenyon L. Patterson