Having Vertical Supporting Legs (e.g., Gantry) Patents (Class 212/324)
  • Patent number: 11951338
    Abstract: Personnel working at elevated positions use safety lines to prevent falls. Equipment being used in proximity to the personnel may interfere with the safety lines presenting a potential hazard. A fall protection monitor provides an automated and wireless sensor system for avoiding interactions between equipment and safety lines. The fall-protection monitor includes a first sensor for monitoring whether a safety line is in operation. A second sensor monitors a location of a moveable device being used in the vicinity of the safety line. A controller determines the location of the moveable device and whether the safety line is in operation. The controller prevents movement of the moveable device within a predetermined distance from an operational safety line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Fair
  • Patent number: 11866302
    Abstract: For optimizing an anti-sway algorithm for the transport of a load by a hoisting appliance spanning a hoisting area and comprising a trolley, a reeving system and a tool handling the load, a control device is able to: create a first table giving angle offsets of the trolley, depending on physical characteristics of the load and on mechanical parameters related to the trolley, the angle offsets being determined by measurements of inclination angles of the trolley, create a second table giving probabilities of a secondary sway of the load depending on physical characteristics of the load, on mechanical parameters related to the reeving system and on measurements of acceleration and angular position of the tool, and transport the load in the hoisting area by using an anti-sway algorithm taking into account the first table and the second table, wherein anti-sway algorithm takes as inputs dynamic parameters of hoisting appliance comprising the current position of the trolley, the load and the current angle of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Charles Blondel, Yannick Bodin
  • Patent number: 11408166
    Abstract: Embodiments of a constructions system for constructing a structure atop a foundation are disclosed. In an embodiment, the construction system includes a rail assembly. The rail assembly is configured to be mounted to the foundation. In addition, the construction system includes a gantry movably disposed on the rail assembly. The gantry is configured to translate along a first axis relative to the rail assembly. Further, the construction system includes a printing assembly movably disposed on the gantry. The printing assembly is configured to translate along a second axis relative to the gantry. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. The printing assembly is configured to deposit vertically stacked layers of an extrudable building material onto a top surface of the foundation to construct a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: ICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Alex Le Roux
  • Patent number: 11053101
    Abstract: A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: WESTERN MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL MILLWRIGHT SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Mark Carney, Rob Doucet, Larry Elisses
  • Patent number: 10787179
    Abstract: The present invention may be a single or two-person pedal powered bicycle that rides on a cableway to pull agricultural products. A preferred embodiment has an option of an electric motor that provides power assist that operates on DC power from a battery that operates a DC motor. The electric motor operates on a battery that has a charging system to recharge at the end of the life cycle. The battery can preferably be charged with a convention 115 or 240 Volt battery charger or a solar powered charger. Also disclosed is a cable bicycle for use in moving people along a cable transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: THOMAS PUMP & MACHINERY, INC.
    Inventor: James W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10683672
    Abstract: A construction apparatus and method for lifting structure integrally over obstacles in vertical direction to a position with different horizontal projection. The apparatus has two platform beams placed each other in parallel, two lifting beams laterally relative to the platform beams and a lifter equipped with the lifting beams. Push instrument kits are installed on the platform beams and the lifting beams respectively, and a plurality of sets of baffles installed on both sides of the platform beams to provide the push instrument kits with a counter-force when the push instrument kits work. When the structure encounters obstacles during the process of lifting the structure by two lifters, the posture of the structure can be altered by operating the push instrument kits and the lifters, such that the horizontal projection of the structure will be reduced and the structure can therefore be lifted over the obstacle in vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: GUANGZHOU CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CO., LTD., SHANGHAI YESHENG MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Long Wang, Wei Wei, Junyue Gao, Jianming Wen, Sui Yin, Yuantao Zhao, Yanfeng Jia
  • Patent number: 10514700
    Abstract: An autonomous system for managing a vehicle storage area includes a control module configured to communicate, via an application program, with an autonomous yard truck. The control module instructs and facilitates the autonomous yard truck to move, dock, and/or store a trailer in the vehicle storage area. The autonomous yard truck includes a cab-less truck having a first end including a first trailer hookup and a second end including a second trailer hookup, a first set of sensors configured to position the autonomous yard truck in the vehicle storage area, a second set of sensors configured to maneuver the trailer, and a third set of sensors configured to prevent the autonomous truck from colliding with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Jeff Byrne, Elizabeth Fretheim, Andrew B. Millhouse, Donald R. High, Brian McHale, John J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10478360
    Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, the person lifting device automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the person lifting device provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Mattias Andersson, Andreas Bolin, Marica Demby, John V. Harmeyer, Roger Karlsson, Douglas A. Seim, Varad Narayan Srivastava
  • Patent number: 9599282
    Abstract: Support systems and apparatus that can be used to support maintenance systems usable on the internal side of the sidewall of external floating roof tanks are provided. The support systems can include at least one stanchion that is mounted on a carriage for moving the maintenance system around the sidewall of an external floating roof tank and two or more internal wall contact stabilizers that are adjustably positioned relative to the carriage for aligning the system in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: RBW Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B Watkin, Trey Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8978905
    Abstract: Rail-mounted lift systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a rail having at least one conductor positioned on an upper interior surface of the rail. A carriage may be slidably disposed in the rail for relative movement to the rail. The carriage generally includes a carriage body, at least one pair of support wheels rotatably coupled to the carriage body and slidably engaged with the rail, and a conductor truck comprising at least one conductive roller rotatably attached to the conductor truck. The conductor truck may be mounted to the carriage body with a biasing member upwardly biasing the conductive roller into rolling engagement with the at least one conductor. A lift unit may be coupled to the carriage body and includes a motor paying out and taking up a lifting strap. The lift unit is electrically coupled to the at least one conductive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Robert Bergenstr{dot over (a)}le, Mattias Andersson
  • Publication number: 20140291270
    Abstract: A positioning device in a gantry-type construction, include two parallel linear guides with integrated linear drives, each of which supports an X-carriage in a manner allowing movement in an X-direction, and having a cross bar which is joined to the two X-carriages and which, with the aid of an integrated linear drive, supports a carriage in a manner allowing movement in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. In addition, the positioning device has a toolholder which is guided on the Y-carriage in a Z-direction and bears a tool for processing a workpiece located in an X-Y plane, the tool being located next to the cross bar so as to be offset in the X-direction. A force frame, disposed above the tool in the Z-direction, transfers a process force acting on the tool, to the carriages, without deforming the cross bar by a torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Laurent Heiniger, Héléne Mazerolle, Michel Napoli
  • Patent number: 8833574
    Abstract: The gantry system (10) includes jack legs (12) and header beams (14). The load may be supported on a metal chain (20) comprising of a plurality of metal links (24). Each link has a stop surface (28) for engaging a support plate (30) laterally movable with respect to support structure (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stephen Edward Sparrow
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Sparrow
  • Patent number: 8739990
    Abstract: An upright support assembly for a gantry includes a base with primary ground engaging means, such as wheels and a stabilizing member which is pivotally connected to the support assembly so as to be moveable between a stowed position folded against the support assembly and a deployed position in which it engages the ground to hold the support assembly upright. The stabilizing member includes a ground engaging fitting at its outer end which is adapted to engage the ground in the deployed position to stabilize the support assembly in the upright position, and to engage and roll over the ground in the stowed position when the support assembly is lowered to the ground so that the base and primary ground engaging means can be lifted off the ground and the support assembly moved on the ground engaging fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Radmall
  • Patent number: 8727146
    Abstract: An adjust and lock mechanism includes a drive gear (16) rotatably mounted on a frame and adapted to engage a drive track (15) on a member (13) to allow adjustment between the frame (1) and the member by rotation of the drive gear, the drive gear being mounted on a drive spindle (17) that can move axially relative to the drive gear and which is normally spring loaded (34) into locking engagement with the frame and can be moved axially to disengage the locking engagement and allow the spindle to be rotated to operate the drive gear. A locking engagement is provided by a dog gear at one end of the spindle. A lock release button (32) and hand wheel (18) to rotate the drive gear are located adjacent one another for joint operation. A gear train connects the hand wheel to the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Reid Lifting Limited
    Inventor: Paul Radmall
  • Publication number: 20140131301
    Abstract: One embodiment of a support system for a lift motor unit comprises a first frame comprising left and right first stanchions and a first beam extending laterally between and connected to the stanchions. The support system also includes a similar second frame. A first connector is connected to the first beam and a second connector is connected to the second beam. A rail is connected to the connectors. Another embodiment of the lift motor support system includes similar third and fourth frames and third and fourth connectors. A first rail is connected to the third and fourth connectors, and the rail between the first and second connectors is a second rail. A traverse rail is engaged with and longitudinally translatable along the first and second primary rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 8678209
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a user installable gantry crane, wherein the gantry runways, supported by columns, utilize a lightweight truss, having a high weight to strength modulus, that permits assembly of the system without the need for rigging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Z. Chernyak
  • Patent number: 8636157
    Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Myron Glickman, Eric Brian Van Gorp, John J. Lanigan, Jr., James Thomas Russo, Daniel Brian Zakula, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8499455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a land wind power generator by using lead rails, and the method includes the steps of: locating a lower support having an insertion protrusion, a horizontal stepped surface, and a ground anchor, under the ground; locating a pair of posts of a tower crane and a cage for each post at the horizontal stepped surface of the lower support, ascending a nacelle assembly and an overhead crane, and locating an intermediate support by means of an outside crane; and locating the lead rails along the ground and the front surface of the intermediate support and ascending an upper support along the lead rails by means of the overhead crane. Next, after a nacelle base, a support frame, the lead rails, and the tower crane are disassembled from the located positions, a plurality of propellers connected to rollers located inside a rotary part of the nacelle assembly are lifted by means of a winch and are inserted into a plurality of coupling grooves of the rotary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Dong Taek Suh
  • Patent number: 8430219
    Abstract: A power acquisition equipment, including at least: a power supplying portion, including at least: a pair of first posts, multiple second posts, multiple upper brackets, multiple lower brackets, multiple tightening devices, a cathode slide line, and an anode slide line, a power acquisition portion, including at least: a slide plate, a driving device, an adjusting device, a first base, and a linkage mechanism, and a control portion, including at least: a pair of front laser range sensors, a pair of back laser range sensors, multiple photoelectric detecting plates, a PLC controller, and an inverter driving system. The equipment features simple operation and high efficiency, and is retractable, stable, safe, cost-effective, and environmental friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Wuhan Guide Electric Co., Ltd., Wuhan Guide Electromechanical Engineering Co., Ltd., Chiwan Container Terminal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aiguo Xiang, Haiming Xiong, Pei Fan
  • Publication number: 20120325765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for lifting and manipulating a load. The system includes a gantry crane having a support rail, a support gantry, and a gantry beam connected to and traversing a space between the support rail and the support gantry. The gantry crane also includes a trolley disposed with the gantry beam. The system further includes a lifting platform secured to a top surface of the gantry beam, and a lifting device disposed with the lifting platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: William Meyer
  • Patent number: 8141609
    Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Miller Weldmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Henry, Vincent L. Haley
  • Patent number: 8109395
    Abstract: A gantry system is provided that comprises a gantry beam having a first section and a second section and first and second motors cooperating to drive the respective first and second sections in parallel directions to position the gantry beam along a linear axis. A flexure is connected between the first and second sections about which the second section is deflectable relative to the first section, which is advantageous to reduce any stresses that may be caused in the gantry system when driving the gantry beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Ajit Gaunekar, Gary Peter Widdowson
  • Patent number: 8040099
    Abstract: In a positioning device in gantry type of construction, due to a special arrangement of the position-measuring devices used for the positioning, errors due to thermal expansion of the positioning device may be avoided to a great extent. In particular, attention is given to the advantageous placement of fixed point of a scale relative to a straightness track of a further scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Etel S.A.
    Inventors: Ralph Coleman, Laurent Heiniger
  • Publication number: 20110247993
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a user installable gantry crane, wherein the gantry runways, supported by columns, utilize a lightweight truss, having a high weight to strength modulus, that permits assembly of the system without the need for rigging equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Z. Chernyak
  • Publication number: 20110240584
    Abstract: A bridge crane or gantry crane is provided for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers in port zones. A crane trolley is movable along a crane carrier. A rigid mast is guided on the crane trolley and extends in a raising and lowering direction and can be moved using at least one lifting gear and cables on the crane trolley. A load accepting device for standard cargo holders is fastened to the lower end of the mast. The mast is rotatable about a longitudinal rotational axis. A lifting frame supports the lifting gear and is suspended on the crane trolley by a revolving arrangement that includes a revolving tube. An upper end of the revolving tube rests against the crane trolley using a revolving joint, while the lifting frame is mounted on a lower end of the revolving tube. The mast is arranged coaxially to the revolving tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: GOTTWALD PORT TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Mike Hegewald, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Patent number: 8006624
    Abstract: A machine for uploading and positioning rails on crossties in railway tracks includes an inverted U-shaped gantry (1-2), with side branches finished at the lower part in respective caterpillar tracks (4) of movement on the ballast of the beam on both sides of the platform of crossties. The gantry (1) supports a pair of clamps (8) with jaws (16), for fixing the rails by the core thereof, and preventing pitching, which clamps (8) close by means of respective hydraulic cylinders (10) movable in height actuated by another hydraulic cylinder (15) through a deformable parallelogram (12), while at the same time they are longitudinally movable by the actual movement of the machine. The machine thus moves forward towards the rail carrier train located at the end of the track under construction, grasps a pair of rails with its clamps, and pulls them without contact with the ground until they are arranged on their assembly position, the rails serving for the forward movement of the rail carrier train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tecsa Empresa Constructora, S.A.
    Inventor: Rafael Valero Sin
  • Publication number: 20110142590
    Abstract: A single heavy lift system is made of modular units, each of which has a pair of supporting legs carrying a transverse beam therebetween. The beam is engaged to the supporting legs through jackup units that allow the transverse beams of several modular units move in unison and thus increase lifting capacity of the system. The modular units can be formed as modular, self-propelled units, transported to the site, where the lifting task is to be performed if necessary. The system can be positioned in a dry dock or offshore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Keppel Offshore & Marine USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yew Yuen Chow, Tak On Cheung
  • Publication number: 20110132861
    Abstract: An upright support assembly for a gantry includes a base with primary ground engaging means, such as wheels and a stabilizing member which is pivotally connected to the support assembly so as to be moveable between a stowed position folded against the support assembly and a deployed position in which it engages the ground to hold the support assembly upright. The stabilizing member includes a ground engaging fitting at its outer end which is adapted to engage the ground in the deployed position to stabilize the support assembly in the upright position, and to engage and roll over the ground in the stowed position when the support assembly is lowered to the ground so that the base and primary ground engaging means can be lifted off the ground and the support assembly moved on the ground engaging fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Reid Lifting Limited
    Inventor: Paul Radmall
  • Publication number: 20110127230
    Abstract: An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Universite Laval
    Inventors: Thierry Laliberte, Clement Gosselin, Simon Foucault, Dalong Gao, Robert J. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 7926671
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Marine Travelift, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wierzba, John E. Braun
  • Publication number: 20100170865
    Abstract: Structural members widely adaptable for use to build various composite structures and assemblies having horizontal and vertical supports, such as columns, beams and rails, are shown and described. The composite structural members include a longitudinal channel having a web and first and second legs. Each leg includes a plane that extends from a side of the web and is inclined relative to the web, and a cylinder is located at an edge of the leg that is spaced from the web. Various fittings can be used to engage at least one of the cylinders of the channel to fix the channel in position relative to a second, third and/or fourth channel to form the column, beam or rail. Further, select brackets can be used to attach together columns, beams and rails of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Kundel, SR., Robert Kundel, JR., Richard A. Schley, Chris Welker
  • Publication number: 20100032397
    Abstract: A gantry with adjustable torsion leaf springs which utilizes a plurality of superposed torsion leaf springs to connect a beam and two supporting members and to absorb the variation quantities of the displacement error of the supporting members. By such arrangements, the absorbed variation quantities can be changed simply by adjusting the amount of the torsion leaf springs, thus meeting the requirements of different machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Chien-Cheng LIN, Pzung-Cheng LIOU
  • Publication number: 20100025349
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that are useful for robotic gantry systems that are lightweight while at the same time offering rigidity or stiffness for implementation in Contour Crafting construction and material delivery techniques. The present disclosure is directed to robotic gantry system and material transport apparatus that use of very light structural members that have sufficient compressive strength, but which may otherwise be weak in the presence of bending forces, in conjunction with cables that provide stiffness against bending. Use of such cables provides needed tension while at the same time allowing the robotic gantry system to be very light compared to solid structures, e.g., those with I-beams, etc. Material delivery systems including passive articulated arms are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Behrokh Khoshnevis
  • Patent number: 7604134
    Abstract: A portable knockdown trolley hoist, comprising: an overhead trolley support member having a top portion and bottom portion opposing one another; a trolley having a plurality of upper roller bearings and a plurality of lower roller bearings, opposing first mounting plates, an extension boom, and hoist, the plurality of upper and the plurality of lower roller bearings opposing one another and adjacent the top portion and the bottom portion of the overhead trolley support member, respectively, each having shafts transversely mounted to the opposing first mounting plates, opposing raised mounts, each of which have opposing second mounting plates removably fastened one to other and sandwiching the overhead trolley support member therebetween, the trolley rollably mounted to the overhead trolley support member between the opposing raised mounts; opposing substantially upright legs, each of the opposing raised support members having at least two of the opposing substantially upright legs removably fastened thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Paul Lichinchi
  • Publication number: 20090230072
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: MARINE TRAVELIFT, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wierzba, John E. Braun
  • Publication number: 20090159550
    Abstract: A system for receiving and storing high level radioactive waste comprising: an enclosure comprising walls having inlet ventilation ducts, a roof comprising an array of holes, and a floor; an array of metal shells located in an internal space of the enclosure, the array of metal shells being co-axial with the array of holes in the roof so that containers holding high level radioactive waste can be lowered through the array of holes in the roof and into the array of metal shells; the array of metal shells acting as load bearing columns for the roof; and each of the metal shells comprising (i) an expansion joint for accommodating thermal expansion and/or contraction of the metal shells; and (ii) one or more holes at a bottom portion of the metal shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 7549546
    Abstract: The invention concerns a wind safety device for at least two outdoor cranes (2a, 2b), able to move by traveling gears (6) on a jointly shared crane track (1), especially track-mounted full gantry cranes, with holding devices engaging at or in the region of the crane track (1) to prevent the cranes (2a, 2b) from lifting up and being pulled away when certain wind speeds are exceeded, and it being possible to join together at least two neighboring cranes (2a, 2b) in the region of the traveling gears (6). In order to achieve greater safety against the lifting up and pulling away of cranes (2a, 2b) taken out of operation due to high wind speeds prevailing, it is proposed that impact elements (10a, 10b) be arranged above the coupling on the at least two neighboring cranes (2a, 2b), lying against each other when the at least two neighboring cranes (2a, 2b) are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Marie-Jeanne Chargé-Kröll, legal representative, Hermann Franzen, Jannis Moutsokapas, Joachim Kröll
  • Patent number: 7503460
    Abstract: A gantry crane has a rigid open three-dimensional truss cross-beam. A lower I-beam and parallel upper X-beams are interconnected with angular gussets and angle irons forming a triangular open beam bounded by three trusses. Angular gussets on the sides are as parallel members to provide maximum strength. One end support is rigid, with upper ends of legs having plates bolted to one end plate extending between the X-beams. Outrigger legs have an upper plate bolted to a sloped plate at an extended end of the I-beam. Vertical support legs at the other end have a strengthening cross-member and upper vertical plates which are bolted to the end plate on the X-beams. The unusual cross-beam structure and the unusual rigid leg structure and rigid interconnection provide rigidity of the entire crane. The vertical support legs accommodate variations in tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Davor Petricio Yaksic
  • Publication number: 20090045156
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Marine Travelift, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wierzba, John E. Braun
  • Publication number: 20080296095
    Abstract: A communication link arrangement for a cargo moving device comprises an electrical infrastructure that is mechanically coupled to a cargo moving device. The cargo moving device includes a cargo retaining structure and a main body coupled to the cargo retaining structure. The electrical infrastructure includes a single conductor electrically coupling the cargo retaining structure and the main body for delivering power and data signals between the cargo retaining structure and the main body. The electrical infrastructure further includes one or more conductors. A first networking element is mechanically coupled to the cargo retaining structure and is electrically coupled to the single conductor. A second networking element is mechanically coupled the main body and is also electrically coupled to the single conductor. A high-speed network link over power line carries data over the single conductor in the electrical infrastructure that supplies power between the main body and the cargo retaining structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
  • Patent number: 7377398
    Abstract: A portable knockdown trolley hoist, comprising: a trolley support member having opposing ends; a trolley having a plurality of upper roller bearings and a plurality of lower roller bearings, the trolley rollably sandwiching an upper portion and a lower portion of the trolley support member between the plurality of upper roller bearings and the plurality of lower roller bearings, the trolley having a telescoping extension boom fastened thereto and extending therefrom, which has a plurality of extension boom sections and a sheave mounted thereto, the trolley having a hoist having a winch and a hoist cable extending from the winch and about the sheave and having a lifting end; opposing end supports, each having an opposing support member and opposing substantially upright legs removably fastened to the opposing support member; opposing end mounts, each releasably sandwiching an opposing end of the trolley support member and an opposing support member therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Paul Lichinchi
  • Patent number: 7210183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for constructing highways. The object of the invention is to extend operational capabilities of a mobile installation for constructing a highway in space-limited enviroment without reducing the traffic intensity and construct the highway above an existing main traffic motorway. The method of the present invention consists in constructing the highway in the form of an elevated road passing at least by the part thereof over the existing motorway and is characterized in that a portal type mobile self-propelled installation is used. The moveable legs of said installation are disposed within the land allocation of the existing motorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Arkady Alekseevich Kornatsky
  • Patent number: 6923214
    Abstract: A device for servicing an aircraft on the ground includes a rolling support and a cable or hose assembly having a first end for connection to a ground unit and an opposite second end for connection to the aircraft. A reel is rotatably mounted on the rolling support on which the cable or hose assembly is wound, and from which the cable or hose assembly can be unwound from the first end. A flight of stairs is also mounted on the rolling support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Ipalco B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Widegren
  • Patent number: 6637610
    Abstract: Structure and procedures for lifting, transferring and moving a person, such as a bed ridden person or one requiring the use of a wheelchair, involve a frame (393) supported on wheels (394, 395), a horizontal load supporting beam (392) in an upper part of the frame, and a motor-powered winch (391) supported by the frame (393) for movement along the beam. Med winch (391) can be arranged to synchronously raise and lower a pair of horizontally spaced couplings by which a carrier (480) for a person can be connected to the winch (391). The beam (392) can be of variable length. The frame (393) can include a pair of beam-supporting legs (406, 407), one of which can be movable along and removable from the beam as extended from a minimum length state in which the frame (393) can be moved through a doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Robert G. Cheeseboro
  • Patent number: 6554145
    Abstract: A universal traversing assembly for legs of cranes or the like comprises: a platform provided with a series of driving wheels and supporting wheels which are aligned and are adapted to roll on a long underlying rail for the traversing motion of the leg; a box-like tunnel which rests on the ground, is open in an upward region, and has a portion of the rail fixed to its base; at least one pair of idler wheels, which are freely mounted on the platform, are mutually coaxial and are arranged below a pair of upper guides which are fixed on the tunnel at the upper opening; a rack which is fixed to the side of the rail portion and is adapted to mesh with pinions which are rigidly coupled and coaxial with respect to the driving wheels; at least one motorization unit which is rigidly coupled to the platform and is coupled to at least one of the driving wheels and pinions; at least one stabilizer which comprises at least one ground resting foot which has an adequate surface, can slide vertically and is adapted to move f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fantuzzi-Reggiane S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Fantuzzi
  • Patent number: 6478172
    Abstract: A portable lifting device provides the heavy and massive object lifting, loading and/or unloading through the window opening and includes a plurality of telescopic stanchions, each of which comprises at least two of a plurality of telescopic sections, a frame, comprising brackets connected to triangular trusses, connected by the adjustable holders to the telescopic stanchions, a girder with the installed trolley, a grip, a winch with an electrical motor, and a hook unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: David Zingerman
  • Publication number: 20020092819
    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 framework 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. The 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Demag Mobile Cranes GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Beyer, Kurt Hartmann, Dieter Klessinger
  • Patent number: 6382437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Takashi Chikura, Hisanori Abiru, Tetsuo Ichikizaki, Masanori Masumoto, Shinichi Masumoto, Ikko Yasunaga, Tatsuya Hirano
  • Patent number: 6328524
    Abstract: A cask transporter for engaging, lifting and safely transporting casks containing nuclear waste material. The cask transporter comprises a gantry structure including a plurality of extendible telescoping boom assemblies coupled to a beam. A platform is coupled to and supports the gantry structure and couples the gantry structure to a driven tread mechanism. Couplers couple the beam to a cask to be transported, and cushioned restraints restrain a cask from colliding with the cask transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: J&R Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6010019
    Abstract: A gantry lift includes one or more pairs of vertically extendible lift columns and one or more horizontal lift beams supported across the upper ends of the lift columns. The lift beams are supported on header plates that permit slight pivoting or rocking motion between the lift beams and the lift columns. This helps counteract potentially destructive twisting or other forces that can result as the gantry operates and slight misalignments unavoidably occur. A half bearing between the header plate and the upper end of the lift column supports the weight of the lift beam and load and provides the desired pivoting action. The header plate and half bearing are secured to the top of the lift column by means of a full bearing positioned within the half bearing and secured to the lift column by a bolt or other fastener. Both the half bearing and the full bearing pivot around a common center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: J & R Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Johnston