Abstract: An electronic pendant controller and an overhead lifting system incorporating the same having a housing with at least one electrical control for controlling an input signal, an output signal, and combinations thereof between the pendant controller and a control device for the overhead lifting system. A first electronic interface is provided for conducting a signal between the pendant controller and an end effector attached to the pendant controller. Also provided is an electronic pendant controller and an overhead lifting system incorporating the same, having a housing with at least one electrical control for controlling a signal between the pendant controller and a control device for the overhead lifting system. At least one electrical controls is an analog, bi-directional proportional controller for changing direction and varying speed of the lifting system.

Abstract: This pendant responsive crane control system has a sensor pendulum arranged above a hoist for the crane and a load sensor for determining the load lifted by the hoist. The sensor pendulum serves as a swinging link between the hoist and a crane drive for moving the hoist. Lateral movement sensors generate signals in response to lateral movement of the sensor pendulum. A crane control means directs lateral movement of the crane drive in response to the signals generated by these sensors. The load sensor used is preferably a load cell or strain gauge incorporated into the sensor pendulum.

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector that is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a line, from a take-up pulley, winch, or drum that is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor that measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load.

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector which is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a rope, from a take-up pulley, winch or drum which is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor which measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load. The operator has direct contact with the load (through the end-effector) there need be no switches, valves, keyboards, teach pendents, or pushbuttons in the human power amplifier to control the lifting speed of the load.

Abstract: A target-detection device (64) is used for the target-path correction of a container (36) that is being moved by a crane or a traveling hoist to a destination. The device includes a directional beam-emitting unit having a plurality of laser-beam emitters (76). The orientation of the emitters (76) relative to one another is varied to increase and reduce the size of the detection region.

Abstract: A dual control for vehicular cranes comprises two separate control units with control levers cooperating in pairs, which levers are protected by casings (7, 7') consisting of pivotable shell parts (9, 9') which in a closed position enclose and protect the control levers and in an open position expose the levers. In the two casings (7, 7') are arranged analogous locking mechanisms (14, 14') which comprise locking means (15, 15') being movable between locking and releasing positions. The two locking mechanisms are coupled to a transmission (18) which in a neutral position permits that the one casing (7') is opened and that in connection therewith transfers the opening motion of the movable shell part (9) to the locking mechanism of the other casing (7) in order to secure its locking means (15) in the locking position and, thereby, make the opening of the other casing (7) impossible as soon as the first one (7') is opened.

Abstract: A pneumatic human power amplifier module is usable in conjunction with a wide variety of pneumatic actuators and lifting devices to provide a human power amplifier for lifting a load. The module includes an end-effector, an electronic controller and a pneumatic circuit. The end-effector contains a human interface subsection which is grasped by a human operator and a load interface subsection which engages the load to be lifted. A force sensor in the end-effector detects the force imposed by the operator on the end-effector and transmits a signal representing the magnitude of the force to the controller. The controller in turn sends a command to the pneumatic circuit, which controls the flow of air into the associated pneumatic actuator. The actuator drives the lifting device.

Abstract: A human power amplifier includes an end-effector which is grasped by a human operator and applied to a load. The end-effector is suspended, via a rope, from a take-up pulley, winch or drum which is driven by an actuator to lift or lower the load. The end-effector includes a force sensor which measures the vertical force imposed on the end-effector by the operator and delivers a signal to a controller. The controller and actuator are structured in such a way that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The load thus feels lighter to the operator, but the operator does not lose the sense of lifting against both the gravitation and inertial forces originating in the load. The operator has direct contact with the load (through the end-effector) there need be no switches, valves, keyboards, teach pendents, or pushbuttons in the human power amplifier to control the lifting speed of the load.

Abstract: A control device is mounted in association with a hook suspended by a chain from an electrically operated hoist and includes a hand grip fitted with control switches controlling lowering and raising movements of the hook and a mounting device for removably mounting the hand grip horizontally adjacent the hook and for vertical movement therewith.

Abstract: Arrangement for a goods hoist which has an operating control capable of being actuated by a driving device and is situated between a load device and the driving device. The driving device is controlled by electronics that communicate with a transmitter contained in an operating controller.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a drive system having a control section, an adjustable frequency drive unit coupled to the control section, and first and second drive motors. The drive system is used with a material handling machine such as a light-duty crane on which any two of the hoist, bridge and trolley drives are rarely used simultaneously and in any event need not be used simultaneously. The drive unit is a scalar or flux vector (feedback-type) inverter and is the sole drive unit providing electrical power to the drive motors. Preferred control is by a pendant station or radio transmitter. Operating a pushbutton on the pendant station (or a paddle-like stick control on the transmitter) for a particular drive motor "locks out" operation of the other motors. Motors are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Abstract: An article manipulator system which is suitable for fixed and translative mounting at work sites including on scaffold assemblies, providing for alignment compensation for scaffold non-alignment, providing for limited movement about two vertical axes, providing movement along a trolley track in a generally horizontal direction, and a gripper for grasping heavy work objects such as masonry construction units. A control handle provides for signals for raising and lowering a lift cable and signals for locking and unlocking brakes on said pivot arms and upon said trolley track.

Abstract: A light-duty electric crane structure includes a base, a supporting mast, a movable boom and an electric winch. The base is mountable onto a truck body, and the supporting mast is placed into a holding pipe of the base and can be rotatably adjusted relative thereto. A center portion of the supporting mast is provided with a manual lever for controlling rotation and lateral movement of the movable boom. The top of the supporting mast is provided with a supporting base for securing of the boom, and the center portion of the boom is provided with a platform for the mounting of the electric winch. The angle of inclination of the boom can be adjusted by a pin latch. A free end of the boom has pivotally mounted thereon a pulley through which is fed a hoisting rope of the winch. A load hook is attached to the end of the rope.