Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: A multiple axis gantry for providing movement along multiple axis is provided. The multiple axis gantry includes a pair of horizontal tracks and a vertical track to which a work piece carriage is attached. One drive motor provides an input for horizontal movement of the vertical track and a second drive motor provides an input for vertical movement of the work piece carriage. The vertical track of the gantry is driven proximate both ends to prevent cocking or binding during horizontal movement. Furthermore, the multiple axis gantry is configured such that manufacture of a gantry having custom dimensions for the horizontal tracks and vertical track is simple and cost effective.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple trolley container crane having at least two trolley tracks (6, 7) disposed one on top of the other, on which trolleys (8) having running wheels, drive devices, and lifting devices move. Characterized in that running wheels (20) that can be laterally retracted and extended, and an integrated lifting system (21, 22, 24, 25, 26) are disposed on the trolleys (8) on the trolley tracks (6, 7), with which they support themselves on or next to the trolley tracks (6, 7) and thereby get from the lower to the upper trolley tracks (6, 7) and vice versa. The invention is suitable for fast loading and unloading of container ships, where several containers are supposed to be loaded and unloaded from them at the same time (Figure).

Abstract: A portable trailer 10 for fabricating structural metal members suitable for a building at a job site comprises a trailer frame 12 having a plurality of side panels, a roof, and a floor defining a trailer interior. One or more dollies 30 is removably attachable to and attachable from the trailer frame, and support the trailer frame during transport. When at the job site, one or more dollies are removed from under the trailer frame, which is lowered to an operating position. One or more metal member fabricating machines 40 are positioned within the trailer interior. The machines are preferably movable from a transport position to an operating position.

Abstract: A trolley assembly (200) comprising means for supporting a spreader assembly (300), said means including cables (20), said spreader assembly (300) adapted to engage at least one freight device; a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion; the supporting means adapted to connect the spreader assembly (300) to at least one of said carrier portions and; a trolley separation means for selectively varying the relative position of the first and second carrier portions wherein the adjustment of the trolley separation means is such that the cables (20) are maintained in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a crane which comprises a traveling gear which comprises a plurality of traveling gear groups for moving along rails, each traveling gear group having at least two wheels which are rotatably mounted at a subframe so as to be spaced apart in longitudinal direction of the respective rail and are connected to an end carriage by a central joint having at least degrees of freedom for rotating the traveling gear group relative to the end carriage around a vertical axis and for swiveling the traveling gear group relative to the end carriage around a horizontal axis extending at right angles to the rails.

Abstract: A biased support for booms that can pivot about a pin, for pivoting travel tracks for vehicles that run on rails, such as trolley travel tracks on booms. The booms are mounted to pivot via pins, the lock on the boom and slide plates on the upper and lower bearing points of the lock. At least one of the two slide plates in the upper bearing point is mounted elastically, so that when the boom is pivoted into the operating position, the entire lock is biased vertically and the pin is relieved of stress.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a scanning device including a radiation scanning component for scanning the contents of cargo containers. The radiation scanning component is attached to a spreader bar of a crane system such that the container is surrounded on either side by the radiation scanning device upon securement of the container to the spreader bar. The scanning and unloading/loading of cargo are a simultaneous operation providing for time and cost efficiency. The present invention further provides for a method of scanning a container using the scanning device of the present invention.

Abstract: A wire rope reeving support system for a cargo container handling crane having a transport trolley mounted for reciprocation along a horizontal gantry thereof and having a wire rope load hoisting system for the transport trolley wherein a mechanism is provided mid span of said gantry for supporting the wire ropes of at least the load hoisting system and permitting the transport trolley to actuate the rope system to let the trolley pass there by without mechanical interference.

Abstract: A crane hoist apparatus and method of use for moving items within, into, out of, or adjacent to an interior of a containerized cargo enclosure causing minimal loss of interior enclosure volume from the crane. The crane includes a first frame with a plurality of beams each having a span, a width, and a depth, the first frame is supported by the enclosure, also a second frame having a beam with a span, a width, and a depth, that is slidably supported by the first frame in a transverse span orientation, with the second frame depth not extending below the first frame depth, the second frame moves in a direction parallel to the first frame span. A winch carriage is slidably supported by the second frame wherein the winch does not extend below the second frame depth, the winch moving in a direction parallel to the second frame span.

Abstract: Containers are respectively loaded onto and delivered from two trolleys of a single crane at pick-up and delivery locations by guided travel of one of the trolleys along a fixed travel path on a boom between the delivery location at one end of the boom and a turn-table platform of the crane on which a pair of angularly related track paths are established for alternative alignment with the fixed travel path on the boom, to accommodate transfer of the trolleys between such fixed travel path and either one of the track paths on the platform.

Abstract: Containers are respectively loaded onto and delivered from two trolleys of a single crane at pick-up and delivery locations by guided travel along a fixed travel path on a boom between the delivery location at one end of the boom and a central structure of the crane with a platform positioned thereon having a pair of parallel spaced track paths. Lateral movement of the platform alternatively aligns one of the parallel track paths with the fixed travel path to accommodate transfer of the trolleys along such fixed travel path and either one of the track paths on the platform between the pick-up and delivery locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting people by a spreader having a vertically moveable head beam with a pair of horizontally extendable long bars includes a pair of personnel cages carried by a pair of cantilever beams extending from a housing. The personnel cages can be mounted to free ends of the long bars and be moved vertically with respect to the spreader.

Abstract: A rail-borne handling machine for handling containers and bulk materials in seaports and inland harbors includes a framework for carrying load bearing means and includes gantry supports arranged on the framework. Rail-based traveling gears are connected to the gantry supports of the framework via articulated connections for supporting the framework on rails. Balancers connected to the gantry supports via articulated connections and at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears are connected to the framenwork via the balancers. The at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears are symmetrical to a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of said handling machine. Tho handling machine is maneuverable via the at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears when the rail-based traveling gears are raised from the rails.

Abstract: A extendible boom incorporates a locking mechanism that mechanically engages an extended boom section in response to the loss of hydraulic fluid pressure to the lift cylinder for that boom section so as to prevent unintended boom lowering. The locking mechanism includes locking devices, such as toothed cams, that are located on opposite sides of the boom and that are configured to move, 1) from a disengaged position permitting unobstructed movement of the extended section relative to the adjacent section, 2) to an engaged position in which the locking devices engage opposite sides of the extended section to prevent unintended boom lowering.

Abstract: A system and method for moving a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a first location, which may be within a nuclear power generation facility to a second location such as a storage cask that is used for short-term or long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel includes a first lifting mechanism for engaging a transfer cask and a second lifting mechanism for engaging and lifting the canister of spent nuclear fuel. Preferably, the method is practiced by first positioning a canister of spent nuclear fuel within the transfer cask and then engaging the transfer cask with the first lifting mechanism. The canister is engaged with the second lifting mechanism. The transfer cask having the canister positioned within is moved to the vicinity of a storage cask, and the canister is lowered from the transfer cask into the storage cask by the second lifting mechanism without disengagement of the first lifting mechanism from the transfer cask.

Abstract: An overhead crane having an adjustable bearing assembly to adjust a wheel and axle of the crane in a horizontal direction in order to minimize skewing of the crane on a pair of parallel rails. A bearing retainer includes an outer surface sized to fit into an associated bore in an end truck of the crane, and an eccentric inner surface which engages the outer surface of a bearing. When the bearing retainer is rotated, the wheel and axle extending therethrough are moved in a horizontal direction. The bearing retainer includes a closed end having a surface which is engageable by a tool to allow for the rotation of the bearing retainer. A locking ring releasably fixes the bearing retainer and therefore the bearing to the frame of the crane as desired.

Abstract: A bridge crane, especially a container loading bridge, having a portal, a boom, a track system laid on the boom and crane trolleys which travel on the tracks, in which the track system comprises a working track, whose two rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the wide spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a working position and a return track, whose rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the narrow spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a return position is provided. Two arched pieces are arranged about the area of the ends of the boom where the working track and return track meet. The two wheel suspension mechanisms of the crane trolleys are constructed so as to rotate freely about a vertical axis. The two rotation axes of the crane trolleys are arranged with a spacing with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof corresponding to half the mutual spacing of the two rails of the return track.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a bridge crane mounted on framework rails which extend past the lateral edges of said landing deck.

Abstract: A method for buffer crane operation for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers in buffer operation above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a dedicated crane engaged with said landing deck.

Abstract: A mobile harbor crane for the combined handling of containers and bulk materials, having an undercarriage and an upper carriage which is mounted rotatably on the base frame of the undercarriage and on which a tower with a boom that can be pivoted about a horizontal axis is arranged. Four support beams are connected pivotally to a base frame of the undercarriage, symmetrically to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the vehicle, in such a way that they can each be pivoted about vertical axes, they are provided at their free ends with vertically acting leveling cylinders, by means of which the support beams are supported on the wheels of a plurality of traveling gear assemblies via balancers for uniform distribution of the supporting forces.

Abstract: An overhead crane having an adjustable bearing assembly to adjust a wheel and axle of the crane in a horizontal direction in order to minimize skewing of the crane on a pair of parallel rails. A bearing retainer includes an outer surface sized to fit into an associated bore in an end truck of the crane, and an eccentric inner surface which engages the outer surface of a bearing. When the bearing retainer is rotated, the wheel and axle extending therethrough are moved in a horizontal direction. The bearing retainer includes a closed end having a surface which is engageable by a tool to allow for the rotation of the bearing retainer. A locking ring releasably fixes the bearing retainer and therefore the bearing to the frame of the crane as desired.

Abstract: Lift device for lifting or, as the case may be, lowering of a support device (2, 3B, 5) of a transport track segment of a transport device for work pieces or the like, which are deposited upon plates, pallets or framework like work piece carriers (58) and upon which the work piece carrier (58) is seated translationally displaceably, with a force producing device (35, 72, 73) for producing a force for lifting or as the case may be lowering the support device (2, 3B, 5) and with a force transmission device for transmitting the force from the force producing device to the support device, the force transmission device includes at least one lever (25a, 25b), which on one side (29a, 29b) is coupled to be essentially horizontally displaceably guided with the force producing device (35, 72, 73) and on the other side (30a, 30b) is coupled with the support device (2, 3B, 5) and is guided for essentially vertical displacement.

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.

Abstract: A overhead transport system with load-bearing members, in particular transverse bars for attachment of loads, includes running rails which extend in at least two horizontal planes in spaced-apart, parallel disposition, and at least one crane which travels in an upper one of the planes transversely to the running rails for transfer of the load-bearing members from one running rail to another running rail. In order to provide the overhead transport system in a cost-efficient manner with two production or treatment planes while yet saving time as far as transfer of the load-bearing members is concerned, the transfer of the load-bearing members in a lower one of the planes is realized by at least one self-propelled transfer vehicle which travels transversely to the running rails.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a support for a track-bound crane vehicle, especially for a two-way crane vehicle for combined use on both roads and rails, which can be lifted from the tracks and set back down onto them by means of vertically-acting support cylinders, where, to distribute the support forces, each support cylinder is supported on a support plate. Each support plate horizontal bottom plate which can rest on the ground and a slide plate, which can slide over the top of the bottom plate. The upper surface of this slide plate is provided with a receptacle for a vertically-acting support cylinder.

Abstract: A crane system for carrying a load while suspending it from a portal-shaped body frame via wire ropes includes first and second wire ropes on both sides, in a right-and-left direction, of an upper portion of the body frame for fixing the suspended load, and means for taking up and paying out the first and second wire ropes. The system also includes means for winding the first and second wire ropes in opposite directions, or winding them in the same direction. The first and second wire ropes may be looped together with the means of taking up and paying out the wire ropes. Connection points or sheaves may be provided on the suspended load. It is also permissible to route the first and second wire ropes parallel to each other. Further, the above takeup and payout means may be in a tapered drum form.

Abstract: A crane apparatus is disclosed. A hoisting accessory is traversed by rotating rotating drums by driving of a traversing motor to take up or pay out wire ropes. Continuously variable transmissions are provided for changing rotational speeds of the rotating drums. A control device controls the continuously variable transmissions in a gear changing manner so that forces imposed on the drums by the wire ropes will be balanced. Thus, torques acting on the pair of drums are canceled out in all areas in which the hoisting accessory moves, whereby the capacity of the drive motor can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved method of lifting a load includes supporting a load on a first section of an extendible lift assembly, the first section being surrounded by a second section, a hydraulic cylinder being operatively coupled to the first section so as to be capable of lifting the first section, and the first and second sections being supported on and vertically extendible with respect to a base. Then, while the load is supported on the first section, the hydraulic cylinder is extended to extend the first section relative to the second section and the base, thereby lifting the load to a first height. Then, the first section is secured to the second section so as to at least substantially prevent downward movement of the first section relative to the second section. The cylinder is then retracted and operatively coupled to the second section.

Abstract: A transverse trolley 11 is transversally movable on a crane girder. A driver is provided for the transverse trolley 11. A pair of sheave blocks 14, 15 which is movable relative to a transverse trolley 11 are disposed on both (right and left) sides of a transverse trolley 11. Drivers are provided for the sheave blocks. Detectors 31 through 38 are provided which detect the displacement and velocity of the transverse trolley 11, the sway displacement and velocity of a hoisted load-piece 23 on both (right and left) sides and the displacement and velocity of the two sheave blocks 14, 15. A notch is disposed on an operation controlling panel of the transverse trolley 11 for setting a trolley transverse velocity by an operator. A transverse notch-driving control quantity detector 40 is provided which outputs signals indicative of notch-driving control quantity (a trolley transverse velocity set value) which is set by operating the notch.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.

Abstract: A bridge crane includes at least one main girder (1), a trolley moving on the main girder or at least one hoist gear fixed to the main girder, end carriages (4) arranged at the ends of the main girder to support the main girder, wheels arranged to the end carriages intended to move along substantially parallel rails (7) substantially parallel to the end carriages and on the other hand substantially transverse in relation to the main girder and thus to support the entire crane on the rails, while slides (10 to 17) have been arranged between one end carriage (4) and the corresponding end (9) of the main girder (1) allowing a longitudinal movement of the end carriage (4) in relation to the main girder (1) and a rotation of the end carriage and main girder in relation to each other.

Abstract: A mobile crane including a wheeled carriage, support members having distal ends, mounted to the carriage and extendable laterally therefrom in two positions including a retracted position with the distal ends adjacent the carriage and an extended position with the distal ends separated from the carriage, first and second glide beams coupled to the distal ends for movement along a movement axis perpendicular thereto, at least one support beam connected to the tops of the glide beams and a hoist trolley coupled to the support beam. The components operate together to provide a fully supported gantry crane having a variable width useful in lifting and transporting various items including items which are wider than the carriage.

Abstract: A mobile crane including a wheeled carriage, support members having distal ends, mounted to the carriage and extendable laterally therefrom in two positions including a retracted position with the distal ends adjacent the carriage and an extended position with the distal ends separated from the carriage, first and second glide beams coupled to the distal ends for movement along a movement axis perpendicular thereto, at least one support beam connected to the tops of the glide beams and a hoist trolley coupled to the support beam. The components operate together to provide a fully supported gantry crane having a variable width useful in lifting and transporting various items including items which are wider than the carriage.

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: An articulating suspension for the bridge of an overhead bridge crane allows the bridge to be skewed from perpendicular to the parallel runs that support the bridge. The runs are allowed to pivot toward each other on pivot axes above and parallel with each run. End trucks that support end regions of the bridge from each run are interconnected with the bridge via suspension hangers. These are suspended on end truck pivots that are parallel with the runs and include thrust bearings that allow the bridge to skew. The bridge is suspended from the hangers on a pivot axis above and parallel with the bridge. The arrangement allows the necessary freedom of movements for skewing the bridge without making the crane wobbly or unstable. The arrangement of pivot pins and thrust bearings also is rugged and durable and requires little maintenance.

Abstract: A material-handling machine includes a substantially horizontal girder having an end, a supporting flanged wheel at the end, a truck having rail-riding wheels on a rail and a girder mid-portion extending from the end and connected to a support leg extending between the mid-portion and the truck. The leg and the mid-portion are connected by a pin permitting relative movement between the mid-portion and the leg. Such pinned connection reduces wear of the rail and the rail-riding wheels and reduces bending stress in the support leg.

Abstract: An overhead bridge crane truss having a channel connected to a support beam by vertical connectors is improved in strength by adding wide braces at end regions of the truss, without significantly increasing truss weight or cost. The wide braces are rectangular box beams welded around their upper and lower peripheries respectively to the bottom of the support beam and the top of the channel.

Abstract: An improved gantry crane that has a control cab mounted for vertical up and down movement substantially parallel with respect to the upstanding columns of the crane between a lowermost position adjacent the ground and infinite positions within a fixed range. One or both of the sill beams of the crane include a downwardly offset mid-portion extending adjacent to the ground but spaced therefrom with the mid-portion of one of the sill beams being positioned to receive the control cab when in the lowermost position thereof. A supporting beam supports the control cab therebeneath so that the operator in the cab has a 360 degree substantially unobstructed view in all directions.

Abstract: A system for rapid, cost-effective construction of highway bridges, traffic verpasses and bypasses, and causeways over water or wetlands utilizes light-lift crane structures together with modular, light-lift bridge sections and an enhanced stabilized crane, using controlled cables, to improve the safety and efficiency of the construction process. Stabilization of the payload against pendulation and rotation enables safe operation in harsh environmental situations such as wind. The construction system utilizes continuous site assembly processes for building bridges and causeways from repetitive modular elements. In some embodiments, the system uses the payload (one or more modular bridge sections) as a component of a stable lifting and positioning system, thereby eliminating the need for heavy auxiliary lifting equipment such as spreader bars and platforms. Lifting cables of the crane are directly attached to the bridge payload, which becomes part of the lifting system during placement.

Abstract: A transport means for transporting pieces three-dimensionally, wherein the sections belonging to a section pair (1.sup.1, 1.sup.2, 4.sup.1, 4.sup.2) are box-like; a traction member (14.sup.1, 14.sup.2 ; 16.sup.1, 16.sup.2) has been disposed over its essential length inside the section (1.sup.1, 1.sup.2 ; 4.sup.1, 4.sup.2) and secured to the carriage with a tension means (31); and the transport means comprises return sheaves (15; 17), which have been placed in pairs, spaced at the distance of the section, with the carriage (2.sup.1, 2.sup.2 ; 5.sup.1, 5.sup.2) between the return sheaves; and the traction member has been disposed to run from the carriage over the return sheaves back to the respective carriage for forming a closed loop of the traction member and the respective carriage; and a power means (3, 6) has been arranged to move the traction member and by its mediation, the respective carriage.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a crane having a main hoist drum and an auxiliary hoist drum for handling a load under normal and emergency (the latter actual or simulated) conditions, respectively. The latter condition involves a main hoist which is inoperative because of a failure or by intent. The auxiliary hoist drum is wrapped with about twice the length of cable as the main drum and can move the load up or down, irrespective of, load position if and when the main hoist becomes inoperative. Also disclosed is a novel method for moving a load. Steps include maintaining one drum in a non-rotating mode and rotating the other drum. An improved crane load block is also disclosed to have "floating sheaves" which help prevent excessive fleet angles.