Vertically Swinging Boom Having Pivoted Sections Patents (Class 212/300)
  • Patent number: 7455187
    Abstract: A traveling crane according to the present invention includes a hook hoisting guide sheave for guiding a hook hoisting rope from the top of a boom toward the end of a jib, and the hook hoisting guide sheave is arranged on the top of the boom in a state that the guide sheave can guide the hook hoisting rope along the upper surface of the boom by folding the rope toward an upper spreader placed at a position adjacent to a boom anchor during assembling/disassembling of the crane. Thereby, the upper spreader can be moved between the boom anchor and a far end of the boom without providing a guide sheave dedicated for moving the upper spreader. Pairs of support legs are downward provided on both sides and in front and in rear of the upper spreader and a roller is provided for each support leg, so that interference between the upper spreader during movement and obstacles on the boom upper surface can be prevented even in a horizontal movement system excellent in operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Toudou, Koichi Shimomura, Keisuke Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 7441670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a derrick crane having a main boom and having a derrick boom which are connected to one another by a stay cable to guy the main boom, having an auxiliary tip adjoining the main boom and a stay cable for its guying. In accordance with the invention, the stay cable of the auxiliary tip engages at the auxiliary tip at the one end and at the stay cable of the main boom at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Publication number: 20080197095
    Abstract: A foldable portable hoist system includes a foldable portable hoist assembly and a mounting base. The foldable portable hoist assembly includes a substantially vertical support, an upper support arm, and a diagonal brace assembly. Hinged attachment of slidable collars on either end of the diagonal brace enables the foldable portable hoist assembly to be folded up for ease of transport and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Spitsbergen
  • Publication number: 20080197094
    Abstract: An aerial lift is provided which includes a stowable jib boom and a stowable work platform. The stowable jib boom may be stowed at one side of the main boom and the work platform may be stowed at the other side of the main boom. The jib boom is easily brought into position through the use of a mounting apparatus on the outer end of the innermost boom section of the boom assembly. The work platform may also be moved between its stowed and working positions through the use of the mounting apparatus on the outer end of the inner boom section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony E. Bond
  • Publication number: 20080121603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a harvester crane, which includes a set of booms, which are attached by means of a pedestal and rotating device to a chassis machine, in which the set of booms includes a main boom, which is pivoted at its lower end by a lower pivot to the pedestal; and an articulated boom, which is pivoted by an upper pivot to the opposite end of the main boom and which extends its path mainly forward from the main boom; operating devices, i.e. a lift device and a transfer device, operating the booms. The lower pivot of the main boom is located low down near to the rotating device and the pedestal is fork-shaped, the lower arm and the lift cylinder being located at least partly inside it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Yrjo Leinonen
  • Patent number: 7357263
    Abstract: An improved boom-mounted jib unit (10) is provided having an increased range of motion and work envelope, which allows a user to lift heavier loads an otherwise work with less jib interference, as compared with prior jib units. The jib unit (10) includes a base (12) and a mounting component (28) permitting the unit (10) to be detachable secured to the upper end of a primary boom (22). The unit (10) also has a boom arm (14) made up of upper and lower arms (16, 18). The arm (14) is articulated by a dual piston and cylinder assembly (20) having first and second piston and cylinder assemblies (84, 86) coupled between the base (12) and arm (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Dana Player
  • Patent number: 7341158
    Abstract: A traveling crane according to the present invention includes a hook hoisting guide sheave for guiding a hook hoisting rope from the top of a boom toward the end of a jib, and the hook hoisting guide sheave is arranged on the top of the boom in a state that the guide sheave can guide the hook hoisting rope along the upper surface of the boom by folding the rope toward an upper spreader placed at a position adjacent to a boom anchor during assembling/disassembling of the crane. Thereby, the upper spreader can be moved between the boom anchor and a far end of the boom without providing a guide sheave dedicated for moving the upper spreader. Pairs of support legs are downward provided on both sides and in front and in rear of the upper spreader and a roller is provided for each support leg, so that interference between the upper spreader during movement and obstacles on the boom upper surface can be prevented even in a horizontal movement system excellent in operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Toudou, Koichi Shimomura, Keisuke Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 7337912
    Abstract: A crane including a telescoping boom has a base boom member and an inner member slidably mounted in the base boom member with a first end projecting from the base boom member. The inner member includes first and second connector elements. A boom extension has a first end including first and second attachment elements. The boom extension also includes first and second spaced bracket assemblies and is shiftable between use and storage positions. A first support associated with the base boom member includes a holder for pivotably retaining the first bracket assembly and a second support has a rail projecting from the base section. A slider is slidably supported by the rail, and an actuator connected between the slider and the boom shifts the slider between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base boom member. A method of deploying a boom extension is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Hull
  • Patent number: 7270243
    Abstract: The present invention substantially relates to a method for erecting and disassembling an at least two-piece main boom for a lattice-boom crane. The erecting and disassembling procedure results in that the geometric kinematic properties of the main boom (1, 2) are used in such a manner that during the erecting and disassembling, the effective lever arm (1?) of the main boom (1, 2) is reduced. This results from the main boom (1, 2) being bent at the hinge point (A), at which at least two boom portions (1, 2) are connected to each other, and thus an angle position is produced between the two boom portions (1, 2). Further, the invention relates to a main boom (1, 2), which can be erected by the method as well as a lattice-boom crane having such an main boom (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Terex-Demag GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Diehl
  • Patent number: 7258242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile crane boom having a self-sufficient energy supply arranged on it for supplying hydraulic energy to at least one hydraulic load arranged on the mobile crane boom. The supply of the hydraulic load arranged on the mobile crane boom is therefore not carried out by means of a hydraulic unit arranged on the revolving superstructure of the crane, which provides the hydraulic energy to each hydraulic load via hoses, but by means of a hydraulic unit which is arranged in the upper reaches of the mobile crane boom or in the area of the linkage of any second boom section. By arranging the hydraulic unit directly on the boom, the hoses normally required for supplying the hydraulic loads can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Terex-Demag GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Irsch, Bernd Backes
  • Patent number: 7219810
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile crane with a long main boom. According to the invention, the main boom is in two parts linked at a swivel point in such manner that the boom can bend when raised and can be positioned in extended or quasi-extended final erection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 7131548
    Abstract: A folding pinnacle bending device for a mobile crane (20) comprises a joint area (9) which is bent in order to adjust the angle of the folding pinnacle (10) and which comprises a joint (8) in its upper or tensile load area, wherein the joint area (9) comprises a mechanically fixable telescoping means (7) in its lower or pressure load area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Grove U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Jan Hinrichs, Dieter Stuhrwoldt
  • Patent number: 7093730
    Abstract: The auto-erection tower crane possesses a tie-free jib, mounted at the summit of a mast and extended, toward the rear of its connection point to the summit of the mast, by a counter-jib, the end of which is connected, by a rear tie, to a bogie truck element of the crane. For the transport of the crane, the counter-jib is folded up in a vertical plane on the rear part of the jib. The unfolding and folding-up of the counter-jib are realized automatically, simultaneously with the automatic erection or dismantling of the crane. The structure of the counter-jib also allows adjustment of the working position, horizontal or inclined, of the jib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Saint-Gerand
  • Patent number: 7077617
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a lift device comprising: a carrier; a swing arm with one end fixed to a shaft and another end coupled the carrier; and a drive for swinging the swing arm on top of the vehicle. The carrier is lowered from the top of the vehicle at an inclination with the point at which the carrier is attached to the swing arm raised. The swing arm comprises a first arm fixed to the shaft and a second arm mobile along the first arm that is coupled to the carrier. Telescoping means displace the second arm along the first arm when the swing arm swings, so that the carrier is retracted when the swing arm is upright. A support device supports the carrier, and support position displacement means cause it to project horizontally from the top of the vehicle when the carrier is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Satoh Kogyosyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 6991120
    Abstract: The device applies to a crane having multiple functions, with a modifiable configuration, which comprises a foldable mast, composed of two elements, and a distributing jib, composed of a plurality of successive elements. This device comprises a double-acting jack connecting a lower rod assembly to an upper rod assembly. The lower rod assembly is connected to the lower part of the upper mast element and to the upper part of the lower mast element. The upper rod assembly is connected to the upper part of the upper mast element and to the jib foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventor: Aime Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6960056
    Abstract: A loader boom of a sugar cane loader includes a swivel mast having a vertical axis located to intersect the mid-point of a furrow located between first and second cane rows that would respectively pass centrally beneath the loader vehicle and outside wheels at one side of the loader vehicle during loading operation. The loader boom includes an inner boom section having a middle portion that extends parallel to the swivel mast axis to a height approximating that of a transporter container to be loaded when the boom is in a fully raised position, and having a lower end portion that is joined to the bottom of, and extends perpendicular to, the middle portion and is pivotally attached to an opposite side of the swivel mast axis from the middle portion. Mounted to the loader is a push piler implement having tines located for operating in a central region of the furrow free of the cane rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Lynn Hinds
  • Patent number: 6860396
    Abstract: A loader includes a base equipped with a turning device, for attaching the loader to a carrier machine, a telescopic main boom including a frame pivoted on the base, and a telescopic component arranged to move linearly in relation to it and pivoted on the base, a hinged boom pivoted on the main boom, a lifting cylinder pivoted at its first end to the base and at its second end directly or indirectly to the main boom to operate it, an arm directly or indirectly attached to the hinged boom, pivoted to the main boom, a maneuvering cylinder disposed about the main boom between the frame and the telescopic component, the telescopic component is pivoted to the arm operating the hinged boom by the first pivot, the loader includes a link rod pivoted at one end to the frame of the main boom and at the other end to the second pivot of the said arm, which is at a distance from the said first pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ponsse Oyj
    Inventor: Teijo Seppälä
  • Publication number: 20040124167
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile crane with a long main boom. According to the invention, the main boom is in two parts linked at a swivel point in such manner that the boom can bend when raised and can be positioned in extended or quasi-extended final erection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 6655539
    Abstract: A tower crane with composite structure, self-assembling, with sections which are hinged together with the use of horizontal hinges, the whole comprising a load-bearing arm (50) made up of several sections (23), (24), (25), (26) hinged together, and a tower composed of at least one pair of sections (20, 21) hinged together (at 12) and at least one section (22) which can be inserted into or telescoped from one of the other sections, and with tie rods (31, 32, 33) which work with the aforesaid arm (50), which arm comprises a first primary section (23), vertically higher at a front part thereof for connecting to a secondary section (24); a secondary section (24) interposed before a second primary section (25), of uniform height; a third primary section (26), hinged at one end (at 16) of its upper surface to the free end of the second primary section (25); actuating means (60, 62) for unfolding and re-folding of the joints between the primary sections (23, 25, 26); and means (68, 70; 32, 33) for re-establishing st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: San Marco International S.r.l.
    Inventor: Piero Bertinotti
  • Publication number: 20030196982
    Abstract: The device applies to a crane having multiple functions, with a modifiable configuration, which comprises a foldable mast, composed of two elements, and a distributing jib, composed of a plurality of successive elements. This device comprises a double-acting jack connecting a lower rod assembly to an upper rod assembly. The lower rod assembly is connected to the lower part of the upper mast element and to the upper part of the lower mast element. The upper rod assembly is connected to the upper part of the upper mast element and to the jib foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: POTAIN
    Inventor: Aime Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20030160016
    Abstract: A mobile tower crane for lifting a load, wherein the mobile tower crane comprises a jib supported by a mast, the jib being swingable about a vertical axis of the crane. The mobile tower crane further comprises a hoisting block for lifting the load, wherein the hoisting block is suspended from a trolley by a load hoist line, and the trolley is movable along the length of the jib. Wherein the mobile tower crane further comprises a commercially available truck for supporting the mast, and the mast and the jib can be collapsed on top of the commercially available truck for transport between job sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Eduardo Ortiz, Jean-Paul Verchere
  • Publication number: 20030127409
    Abstract: In the case of a tower crane with folding mast and folding jib, the unfolding and folding movements being motorized by actuators such as rams, the invention allows automatic movement from a folded transport position to an unfolded work position or vice versa. When an unfolding or folding procedure has been selected by means of a switch and a command manipulator, the rams are actuated in turn, in a preestablished automatic sequence which corresponds to the selected procedure. The running of the sequence is controlled by means of a set of sensors which detect the arrival of mast and/or jib elements of the crane in intermediate positions and in the final position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: POTAIN
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Verchere
  • Patent number: 6550625
    Abstract: A boom arrangement for moving a work head, which boom arrangement comprises a pillar mounted on a bearing around the vertical axis in a rotating manner, with mounting and rotational members; a lifting boom; a transfer boom; a lifting cylinder arranged between the pillar and the lifting boom; an intermediate lever mounted on the lifting boom; a tow bar, a transfer cylinder arranged between the lifting boom and the tow bar; an intermediate arm; and an arm. The lifting cylinder is mounted by the end on the side of the lifting boom on the intermediate lever, which is mounted on a bearing on the lifting boom in the zone between the end on the side of the lifting boom pillar and the middle of the lifting boom. The tow bar is mounted on one end of the intermediate lever. The arm is mounted on the tow bar by its one end and on the transfer boom by its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Loglift Oy AB
    Inventors: Tom Sundberg, Ismo Inkinen
  • Publication number: 20030010741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loader, which includes: a base (1) equipped with a turning device, for attaching the loader to a carrier machine; 13 a telescopic main boom (2) including a frame (2′) pivoted on the base (1), and a telescopic component (6) arranged to move linearly in relation to it and pivoted on the base (1); a hinged boom (7) pivoted on the main boom (2); a lifting cylinder (3) pivoted at its first end to the base (1) and at its second end directly or indirectly to the main boom (2) to operate it; an arm (9, 9′) directly or indirectly attached to the hinged boom (7), pivoted to the main boom (2); a manoeuvring cylinder (5) placed to the main boom (2) between the frame (2′) and the telescopic component (6), the telescopic component (6) is pivoted to the said arm (9, 9′) operating the hinged boom (7) by means of the said first pivot (12); the loader includes a link rod (8) pivoted at one end of the frame (2′) of the main boom (2) and at the other end to the second pivo
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Teijo Seppala
  • Patent number: 6488161
    Abstract: A boom mechanism that is cooperable with a lift vehicle or base structure includes a tower boom and an upper boom liftable in a dependent relationship by a single lifting mechanism. The tower boom and the upper boom are respectively pivotally secured to an upright having a fixed orientation by a tower link or the like. A timing link is secured between the tower boom and the upper boom, and a lifting mechanism is secured between the upright and the upper boom. As the upper boom is driven by the lifting mechanism, the timing link secured to the tower boom causes the tower boom to pivot about a tower boom nose pivot, thereby raising both the upper boom and the tower boom in a dependent relationship. The construction helps to minimize the need for tail and frame counterweight by controlling a position of the platform in configurations of both forward and rearward instability. As a consequence, the gross vehicle weight can be considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Bean
  • Publication number: 20020096484
    Abstract: A tower crane with composite structure, self-assembling, with sections which are hinged together with the use of horizontal hinges, the whole comprising a load-bearing arm (50) made up of several sections (23), (24), (25), (26) hinged together, and a tower composed of at least one pair of sections (20, 21) hinged together (at 12) and at least one section (22) which can be inserted into or telescoped from one of the other sections, and with tie rods (31, 32, 33) which work with the aforesaid arm (50), which arm comprises a first primary section (23), vertically higher at a front part thereof for connecting to a secondary section (24); a secondary section (24) interposed before a second primary section (25), of uniform height; a third primary section (26), hinged at one end (at 16) of its upper surface to the free end of the second primary section (25); actuating means (60, 62) for unfolding and re-folding of the joints between the primary sections (23, 25, 26); and means (68, 70; 32, 33) for re-establishing st
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Piero Bertinotti
  • Patent number: 6405492
    Abstract: In order to be able to shift a leader (18), which is disposed on a travelling chassis (10) via a carrying mechanism (16), both towards the front and also towards the rear into a substantially horizontal position, the carrying mechanism (16) has at least one guide arm (24) which is adjustable in length and which comprises a double-acting hydraulic working cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delmag Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Winfried Scheid, Nikodemus Heinz
  • Publication number: 20020060199
    Abstract: A boom arrangement for moving a work head, which boom arrangement comprises a pillar mounted on a bearing around the vertical axis in a rotating manner, with mounting and rotational members; a lifting boom; a transfer boom; a lifting cylinder arranged between the pillar and the lifting boom; an intermediate lever mounted on the lifting boom; a tow bar, a transfer cylinder arranged between the lifting boom and the tow bar; an intermediate arm; and an arm. The lifting cylinder is mounted by the end on the side of the lifting boom on the intermediate lever, which is mounted on a bearing on the lifting boom in the zone between the end on the side of the lifting boom pillar and the middle of the lifting boom. The tow bar is mounted on one end of the intermediate lever. The arm is mounted on the tow bar by its one end and on the transfer boom by its other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: LOGLIFT OY AB
    Inventors: Tom Sundberg, Ismo Inkinen
  • Patent number: 6390312
    Abstract: Load-bearing apparatus, such as a boom lift, including first and second arm portions, in which at least one element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is provided for selectively imparting a predetermined dependent relationship as well as a predetermined independent relationship between the first and second arm portions. The manufacture of such load-bearing apparatus can be customized by preselecting the dependent and independent relationships by altering given parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Jay Bean
  • Publication number: 20020023891
    Abstract: The invention relates to cranes with folding delivery jibs, made up of two or more successive elements articulated together. A rear delivery cable has a first end fixed to one side of the drum of the delivery winch and a second end fixed to the jib crab, this cable passing over a tensioning device carried by the jib root and comprising an articulated arm with a pulley urged by a gas spring. A front delivery cable has a first end fixed to the other side of the drum of the delivery winch and a second end fixed to a drum situated on the crab, this cable passing over a length compensating system consisting of a set of pulleys situated at the level of the articulation between the jib root and the jib tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: POTAIN
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Verchere, Olivier Gevaudant
  • Patent number: 6290078
    Abstract: This device for independently controlled motorized unfolding/folding, is applicable to a crane jib, two consecutive elements of which are articulated to one another about a horizontal axle located approximately mid-way up the jib, and which have respective cross sections which allow them to nest, in the folded position. The motorization system comprises a double-acting ram and a set of link rods. The ram is articulated to the rear jib element in the region of the upper members and to two link rods, one straight and the other cranked, which form the link rod system. One link rod is articulated to the rear part of the front jib element and the other link rod is articulated to the front part of the rear jib element in the region of the lower parts of these elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Verchere
  • Patent number: 6276541
    Abstract: The device applies to a tower crane jib comprising a succession of elements articulated one to the next, comprising at least two relatively long main elements, and two relatively short tip elements. Connecting members, particularly in the form of a link-rod system, connect the front part of the last main jib element, the intermediate jib tip element and the end jib tip element in such a way that the two tip elements can be unfolded or folded simultaneously, in a vertical plane, relative to the remaining part of the jib. This device is actuated using the crane's lifting cable. In the folded position, at least one of the tip elements runs in a direction approximately perpendicular to the main elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventor: Olivier Gevaudant
  • Patent number: 6260720
    Abstract: Unit cranes consist of three hinged arms (13-15), the middle arm (14) being in the form of a polygon comprising a number of units jointed together, the flexibility of the units being arranged by influencing the units internally. The object of the invention is to achieve improved traction curves and speed curves, and this is effected by influencing the movement of the units from the outside by means of a hydraulic mechanism (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Wiking Gunnarsson, Karl Gustav Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 6193087
    Abstract: Unit cranes consist of three jointed arms (13-15), the middle arm (14) being in the form of a polygon comprising a number of units jointed together, the mobility of the units being arranged by influencing the units internally. The object of the invention is to achieve improved traction curves and speed curves, and this is effected by influencing the movement of the units from the outside by means of a hydraulic mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Motrac AB
    Inventors: Wiking Gunnarsson, Karl Gustav Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 6186347
    Abstract: A mobile crane including an inclinable telescopic jib having a base case, a plurality of telescoping segments which can be extended and retracted, at least an inner-most one of the telescoping segments being pivotable in a direction of the inclinable jib and connected to a non-bending one of the segments by a hinge which forms a bending point which can be closed and opened, the hinge of the bending point being arranged on the underside of the jib, and an adjusting device arranged on a topside of the jib for opening and closing the bending point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Christian Reifenscheid, Walter Stowasser
  • Patent number: 6186346
    Abstract: A multi-position boom nose includes a support structure disposed at one end of a boom. The support structure supports at least a first sheave set, and the first sheave set includes at least one sheave. A pivot arm has a first end pivotally connected to the support structure. A second end of the pivot arm supports a second sheave set, and the second sheave set includes at least one sheave. The pivot arm has a first working position, a second working position and a stowed position. The pivot arm extends towards the boom in the stowed position. Specifically, the pivot arm extends into the boom in the stowed position. In the first working position, the pivot arm extends perpendicular to the boom. In the second working position, the pivot arm extends away from the boom, and the first sheave set supports a first load bearing member, while the second sheave set supports a second load bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eric L. Reitz
  • Patent number: 6131750
    Abstract: A connecting system for aligning the fly lug of a strut on a boom extension for connection to the boom head shaft of a crane boom. The apparatus includes an offset jack screw extending through a threaded aperture in the boom head shaft parallel to the strut of the boom extension and a laterally extending tab affixed to the fly lug. The jack screw has a swivel pad at the head that contacts the tab. Manual adjustment to the jack screw is operative to move the lug so that a hole for a pin aligns with a mating hole in the head shaft. The face portion of the swivel pad universally mates with the operative face of the tab that extends at a 10.degree.-15.degree. angle normal to the axis of the strut to cancel the induced turning moment caused by the offset of said jack screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co, Sumitomo Construction Machinery
    Inventor: Daniel L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6129226
    Abstract: In connection with a pair of pivotally connected articulating booms there is a pair of double-acting hydraulic cylinders which control the vertical pulling of well pipe, such that a boom assembly in conjuction with an improved winch assembly willgenerate at least a 1500 pound perpendicular pulling force to a vertical height of at least 23.5 feet. This is done with a mini hoist, releasably mounted upon a hydraulically self-propelled 4.times.4 vehicle. The entire weight of the mini hoist is less than 1500 pounds and in the collapsed stage can fit within a box truck or on a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 6085505
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a frame, a motive device mounted on the frame, a platform mounted on the frame adjacent to the motive device, a main boom member associated with an industrial implement, the main boom member being coupled to the platform, and at least one secondary boom member attached to the main boom member. The industrial vehicle may comprise in one embodiment tilting structure that tilts the platform about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle, or at least one pivot defining at least one axis about which the main boom member and/or the secondary boom member pivot, the at least one axis being substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle. A linkage may be provided that pivots at least one of the main boom member and the at least one secondary boom member about an axis substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Contracting and Hedging, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6079577
    Abstract: A loader composed of: a turntable (2) for connecting said loader to a machine base; a mounting plate (2a) connected to the turntable; a main arm (3) having a first end connected to the turntable; a secondary arm (4) articulated to the main arm (3); a lift cylinder (5) and a maneuvering cylinder (6) for controlling the arms, each of the cylinders having first and second ends, with the first end of the lift cylinder (5) being connected to the mounting plate (2a) and the first end of the maneuvering cylinder (6) being connected to the main arm (3) at a location proximate to the first end of the main arm (3); and a common link plate (9) to which the second end of the lift cylinder (5) and the second end of the maneuvering cylinder are connected in order to control the loader, wherein: the main arm (3), the lift cylinder (5) and the maneuvering cylinder (6) are situated substantially in the same shear plane; and the main arm (3) is positioned between each of the lift cylinder (5) and the maneuvering cylinder (6) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Risto Heikkila
  • Patent number: 6039194
    Abstract: A compact mobile crane for lifting or lowering a load to or from a roof or other location of a building, and for raising, lowering, and supporting a load along the sides of a building. Elements of the mobile crane can be folded to allow the mobile crane to be moved into, and transported by, a standard size building elevator. Wheel assemblies on the carriage of the mobile crane can be configured for four wheel steering, locked in predetermined directions, or free pivoting. The wheel assemblies further include a wheel retraction apparatus for retracting the wheels of the mobile crane to support the crane on fixed length supports. The carriage frame members include rows of holes spaced at equal distances from each other, providing a system for easily fastening numerous elements to the mobile crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Beeche System, Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Beeche, Roy Scrafford
  • Patent number: 6036035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for extending and storing a jib of a crane which make it possible to simplify the operation of changing a wire rope. The apparatus includes an end sheave (23), which is detachably attached to the front lower end of a boom (3); a rotating device, (80) for rotating a rotary bracket (30); and a link (123), which vertically rotatably connects the end sheave (23) and the front upper portion of the boom (3) and positions the end sheave (23) above and in front of the boom (3) when the rotary bracket (30) is rotated in the forward direction of the boom (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu MEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Asano, Takeshi Hasegawa, Masayuki Mukaino
  • Patent number: 5975833
    Abstract: An upper cover has a curved portion formed in its end portion on the side near a work front for avoiding interference with the work front. The curved portion comprises a recessed surface having a center axis aligned with the axis of a vertical pin of a swing post, a first stepped portion provided at a lower end of the recessed surface and defining a substantially constant gap with respect to a locus drawn by a rear projecting portion of the swing post when the work front is swung, and a second stepped portion provided in an intermediate portion of the recessed surface in the direction of height thereof and having a substantially horizontal surface for assuring a foothold. The recessed surface is configured to extend along a locus drawn by a back surface of the boom when the work front is swung in its minimum-turn posture, while defining a gap with respect to the locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yamada, Masashi Kobori, Takaharu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5960970
    Abstract: A crane having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works, a boom comprising a boom butt and a boom top, a load hoist line, and a wire rope guide connected to the boom butt. The wire rope guide is pivotable between a first position on the end of the boom butt and a second position on the upper side of the boom butt. While in the first position, the wire rope guide permits the load hoist line to be used to lift objects when the boom top has been removed from the crane. The crane also comprises a method of repositioning the wire rope guide during assembly of the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Robert J. Walker
  • Patent number: 5842587
    Abstract: A crane boom and luffing jib assembly have an offsetting link to allow the luffing jib to fold back and under the main boom for assembly of the boom and luffing jib assembly on a construction site where the entire length of the boom and luffing jib cannot be laid out during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Wanek, Robert J. Walker, Daniel L. Krajnik
  • Patent number: 5769251
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the operation of a reach tower crane, in which a horizontal boom can safely and securely be operated or stored by one operator in the cab, and in which even if sensors are out of order, the stability of the crane can be secured. The system has a plurality of sensors for detecting a condition of an actuator (6) actuating an apparatus to operate or store a horizontal boom (5), a controller (36) for sending a control signal based on signals from the sensors, and hydraulic apparatuses for controlling various actuators in accordance with the control signal. Further, an operation lever and an operation switch are used to extend or store the horizontal boom (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Mec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Wada, Takeshi Ushioda, Shinichi Ohta, Hiroyuki Sawabe
  • Patent number: 5762467
    Abstract: A manipulator system includes an elongated mast having a mast axis and a telescoping tube assembly having a tube axis. The telescoping tube assembly includes an outer tube section and at least one inner tube section that only moves telescopically with respect to the outer tube section. The telescoping tube assembly is joined to an end of the elongated mast for only pivotal movement. An actuator joined to the elongated mast and the outer tube section pivots the telescoping tube assembly from a first position, wherein the tube axis is parallel to the mast axis and the telescoping tube assembly is retracted, to a second position, wherein the tube axis is perpendicular to the mast axis and the inner tube section is deployable. An end effector is joined to a remote end of the inner tube section to perform work within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Par Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert J. Sturm, Jr., Fred W. Hanson, Mark W. Benoit, Thomas E. Marrinan
  • Patent number: 5758785
    Abstract: A lifting system for removing and installing equipment on aircraft. The lifting system comprises a base and a lifting assembly supported by the base. The lifting system also comprises linear outriggers and at least one offset outrigger. The linear outriggers and the at least one offset outrigger are connectable to the base to provide additional stability for the lifting system during operation. The lifting assembly includes a boom having telescoping sections. The boom may be tilted about a horizontal axis relative to the base and rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base for increased maneuverability around and increased access to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Dominic Spinosa, Frank Knoll, Joseph Gaito
  • Patent number: 5711440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension load and tipping moment calculating apparatus for a mobile crane which can calculate a suspension load and a tipping moment with high accuracy and use an excessive load prevention load while ensuring safety. For this reason, the apparatus is provided with sensors (50, 48, 46) for detecting a boom length, a boom angle, and an axle weight of a boom derricking cylinder (26) on a second boom (28) side, and is equipped with a controller (38) for calculating a suspension load (Wa) suspended from the second boom (28) based on signals from these sensors. In addition, for calculating a tipping moment, a boom length sensor (44) and a boom angle sensor (42) on a first boom (24) side are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Mec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Wada
  • Patent number: 5704498
    Abstract: A transportable multi-purpose crane includes a platform having outriggers disposed at opposite ends thereof. A turntable is rotatably mounted to the platform between the outriggers on opposite ends of the platform, and has a center axis of rotation. A riser boom, having a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the turntable at its first end, and the second end supports a first load carrying device. The riser boom points in a first direction with respect to the center axis of rotation, and is a telescoping boom. An upper boom, having a first end and a second end, has its first end pivotally mounted to the second end of the riser boom. The second end of the upper boom supports a second load carrying device. The upper boom points in a second direction, opposite the first direction, with respect to the center axis of rotation, and is a telescoping boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kidde Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kirk Smith, Ramesh Purushottam Patel, Henry David Barthalow