Abstract: An article transport vehicle includes a shake prevention mechanism configured to prevent an article that is housed in a housing portion from shaking in a target direction. The shake prevention mechanism includes an abutting portion and an abutting support portion that is coupled to the housing portion and supports the abutting portion. The abutting support portion includes a second elastic support portion configured to elastically support the abutting portion in the vertical direction relative to the housing portion.

Abstract: A system for transferring objects into a device inside a controlled environment includes a winch, tool and carousel. The winch includes a drum, and wire arrangement configured to be reversibly wound onto the drum by a first drive. The tool is suspended below a distal end of the wire arrangement and configured to suspend an object. Both the tool and the object are sized to fit inside a device located below the winch. The carousel is connected to a second drive configured to rotate the carousel around a vertical axis, and includes a storage space centered at a first horizontal angle and a pass-through opening at a different second horizontal angle. The pass-through opening being large enough to pass the tool and the object as the wire arrangement is unwound from the drum thereby lowering the tool and object inside the device.

Abstract: A robotic system for use with a payload includes a robot, a passive compliance mechanism, position sensors, and an electronic control unit (ECU). Actuated joints of the robot provide the robotic system with actuated degrees of freedom (DOF). The compliance mechanism is connected to the robot and payload, and has unactuated joints providing the robotic system with unactuated DOF. The sensors measure joint positions of the joints. The ECU has a trajectory generator block which generates a payload trajectory signal in response to dynamic control inputs, and an impedance control unit (ICU) applying damping and stiffness parameters to the payload trajectory signal to generate an initial velocity command. A stiction compensation block allows the robotic system to generate a velocity offset, and applies the velocity offset to the initial velocity command to produce a final velocity command for the robot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient lift system. The patient lift system includes a housing enclosing a frame, a geared spool mounted within the frame, a strap, a first carry bar and a second carry bar. The first carry bar attaches to the frame and extends external to the housing. The first carry bar encloses an electric motor having a drive shaft. The drive shaft is associated with a gear arranged to cooperate with the geared spool to, responsive to activation of the motor, turn the geared spool, thereby altering an amount of strap on the geared spool, thereby altering a distance between the housing and the connector. The second carry bar attaches to the frame and extends external to the housing. The second carry bar encloses a battery to provide electrical power to the electric motor.

Abstract: A trolley of a rope crane, comprising a trolley body, a transverse load beam of the trolley, a hoisting mechanism and comprises a rope drum, a hoisting motor for driving the rope drum, and a gear for coupling the hoisting motor to the rope drum, whereby the gear has a primary side and a secondary side, and whereby the rope drum is located, in the vertical direction of the trolley, between the hoisting motor and load beam parallel to the load beam. The hoisting mechanism is supported by a three-point support to a main beam, whereby the first support point and second support point are adjacent to the secondary side of a gear, and whereby the third support point is formed by a support of the rope from end facing away from the gear to the load beam at a lateral distance from the first and second support point.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.

Abstract: An overhead lift system may include a motor and a lift strap connected to the motor. The motor raises and lowers the lift strap. A hand controller may be communicatively connected to the motor. The hand controller includes a force sensor associated with the body of the hand controller such that force applied to the body is detected with the force sensor. An orientation sensor may also be arranged within the body and determines an orientation of the hand controller. A control unit may be communicatively connected with the motor, the force sensor, and the orientation sensor. The control unit detects a force applied to the hand controller with the force sensor, determines a direction of motion of the hand controller with the orientation sensor, and provides a signal to the motor to raise or lower the lift strap based on the force and orientation of the hand controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transferring a plurality of cargo units, each cargo unit having a cavity therein, providing a lifter suspended in free floating form by a crane, the lifter having a frame and at least one lifting arm which is detachably connected to the frame wherein the frame has at least one lifting connector for detachably connecting the lifter to the crane; moving the lifter to a position immediately adjacent the plurality of cargo units; causing each free end of the at least one lifting arm to penetrate at least one cavity of one of the plurality of cargo units; raising the at least one of the plurality of cargo units to an elevated position; moving the lifter and the at least one raised cargo unit to a second position laterally spaced from the original position wherein each free end of the at least one lifting arm is elevated compared to each second end of the at least one lifting arm; and depositing the raised cargo unit at the second position.

Abstract: A container-handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes a first set of wheels arranged at opposite sides of a vehicle body, for moving the vehicle along a first direction on the grid; a second set of wheels arranged at opposite sides of the vehicle body, for moving the vehicle along a second direction on the grid, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and the first set of wheels displaceable in a vertical direction between a first position, wherein the first set of wheels allow movement of the vehicle along the first direction, and a second position, wherein the second set of wheels allow movement of the vehicle along the second direction.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a ground support system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: at least one handling fixture, where each handling fixture is configured to support at least one wing panel of the UAV; and at least one dolly, where each dolly is configured to receive at least one landing pod of the UAV, and where each landing pod supports at least one wing panel of the UAV; where the at least one handling fixture and the at least one dolly are configured to move and rotate two or more wing panels to align the two or more wing panels with each other for assembly of the UAV; and where the at least one dolly further allows for transportation of the UAV over uneven terrain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transferring a plurality of cargo units, each cargo unit having a cavity therein, providing a lifter suspended in free floating form by a crane; the lifter having a frame and at least one lifting arm which is detachably connected to the frame wherein the frame has at least one lifting connector for detachably connecting the lifter to the crane; moving the lifter to a position immediately adjacent the plurality of cargo units; causing each free end of the at least one lifting arm to penetrate at least one cavity of one of the plurality of cargo units; raising the at least one of the plurality of cargo units to an elevated position; moving the lifter and the at least one raised cargo unit to a second position laterally spaced from the original position wherein each free end of the at least one lifting arm is elevated compared to each second end of the at least one lifting arm; and depositing the raised cargo unit at the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transferring cargo having a cavity therein, the system comprising: (a) a lifter suspended in free floating form by a crane; (b) the lifter having a frame and at least one lifting arm which is detachably connected to the frame; and wherein the frame has at least one lifting connector for detachably connecting the lifter to the crane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for constructing refractory structures, e.g., glass furnace regenerator structures and/or glass furnace structures formed of refractory components, the refractory structure being housed within a building having a roof support elements. Cross-support beams are provided to latitudinally span the refractory structure and are suspended from roof support elements associated with the building housing the refractory structure by a suspension support system attached to the cross-support beams. An overhead crane assembly may thus be supported by the cross-support beams.

Abstract: A wireless remote forms a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module that allows the wireless remote to control both the winch and additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. Further accessory control modules allow the control of more accessories utilizing the wireless remote by way of RF communication. Feedback from either the winch control module or the accessory control module is sent back to the wireless remote to allow the operator to view the current operating conditions of the winch or accessories.

Abstract: A waferstart process for integrated circuit fabrication includes entering order information from requested wafers into a computer through a data input interface of the computer. A container is provided including supplied wafers and having a machine-readable medium associated therewith. The machine-readable medium is encoded with wafer data pertaining to the supplied wafers. The wafer data is entered from the machine-readable medium associated with the container into the computer. The order information and the wafer data are compared within the computer to create a verified data set in the computer upon the computer determining that the supplied wafers in the container correspond to the requested wafers in the order information. The verified data set is stored in a storage medium within the computer. The supplied wafers are transferred from the container to a front opening unified pod after creating the verified data set.

Abstract: A waferstart process for integrated circuit fabrication includes entering order information from requested wafers into a computer through a data input interface of the computer. A container is provided including supplied wafers and having a machine-readable medium associated therewith. The machine-readable medium is encoded with wafer data pertaining to the supplied wafers. The wafer data is entered from the machine-readable medium associated with the container into the computer. The order information and the wafer data are compared within the computer to create a verified data set in the computer upon the computer determining that the supplied wafers in the container correspond to the requested wafers in the order information. The verified data set is stored in a storage medium within the computer. The supplied wafers are transferred from the container to a front opening unified pod after creating the verified data set.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, apparatuses, and systems for lifting and mounting of clinical- and research-related equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a lift and mount system for mass spectrometers (e.g., for time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers (MS)).

Abstract: An article transport device having a housing space for housing an article retained by an article-retaining unit located in a raised position, is formed in a moving body of the article transport device, and an aperture for allowing the article-retaining unit to be raised and lowered between the raised position and a lowered position, is formed in the lower-end part of the housing space. The article transport device further comprising purified air ventilation means for ventilating purified air through an air purification filter, an opening/closing element capable of changing positions to an open position for opening the aperture and a closed position for blocking the aperture by pivoting around a lateral axis, and opening and closing control means for positioning the opening/closing element in the open position in a case in which the article-retaining unit is raised or lowered between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: A lifting device for replacing dynamic or static components of helicopter-type rotary wing aircraft comprising a lifter capable of moving components between an installation/removal position and a loading/unloading position located near the aircraft, a supporting structure on which the lifter is mounted, and at least one support member is rigidly attached to the supporting structure. The at least one support member can rest on and be directly secured to the airframe of the aircraft.

Abstract: An overhead conveying vehicle is arranged to contain and convey a suspended FOUP including a lid that is removably provided on a side surface thereof. The overhead conveying vehicle includes a conveying vehicle body, a hoist mechanism, a lid drop preventing member, and a power transmitting mechanism. The hoist mechanism is provided at the conveying vehicle body and is arranged to raise and lower the FOUP. The lid drop preventing member is arranged in close proximity to a front surface of the lid. The power transmitting mechanism retracts the lid drop preventing member away from the front surface of the lid when the FOUP is being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A disassembly apparatus of a power generator installed in a nacelle has an I-shaped beam, a pressing plate, anchor bolts, a trolley and a chain block. The I-shaped beam extends horizontally above the frame of the power generator. The pressing plate is disposed on the I-shaped beam. The anchor bolts extend along both sides of the I-shaped beam to pierce the pressing plate and are screwed into threaded holes extending downward of the frame. The trolley is provided movably to roll on the upper surface of the lower flange. The chain block is hung from the trolley. The flange removed from the frame is hung and moved vertically by the chain block, and is moved horizontally by the trolley.

Abstract: A system for reading substrate carriers that includes at least one overhead transport vehicle (OHT) utilizing at least one device for at least one of sensing and/or reading a substrate carrier, and/or wafers arranged therein, when the substrate carrier is proximate the at least one overhead transport vehicle. A method of sensing or reading a substrate carrier includes sensing and/or reading a substrate carrier and/or wafers arranged therein with the overhead transport vehicle.

Abstract: A lower buffer 6 is placed under a traveling rail for an overhead traveling vehicle 16, and a side buffer 8 is provided on a side of the traveling rail. The overhead traveling vehicle 16 has a hoisting frame 30, and a lateral feeding unit 24 for laterally feeding the hoisting frame 30.

Abstract: A suspended platform is provided which can prevent an article from overturning and falling even when a great quake such as an earthquake occurs. The suspended platform is intended for an overhead traveling carriage which transfers an article having an abutting surface facing upward in a transfer direction on a horizontal plane and mounts the article on the suspended platform, the suspended platform including a tilt regulating part positioned, in relation to a receiving part on which the article is mounted, such that the tilt regulating part (i) does not touch the article when the article is transferred and mounted on the suspended platform, (ii) is above the abutting surface of the article when the article is transferred and mounted on the suspended platform, (iii) and regulates, by abutting the mounted article at the abutting surface, the tilt range of the article.

Abstract: A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly. A load sensor interconnects the tractor carriage and upon hoist assembly to sense forces created by an operator pulling on the chain, which are used to control an electric motor on the tractor carriage driving a pinion gear engaged with a gear rack on the overhead rail to positively drive the carriage, trolley and upper hoist assembly along the rail. A stationary dual hoist system is also described in which two hoist assemblies are interconnected by a chain and sprockets to provide synchronized operation.

Abstract: A storage apparatus (1) stores a transported object (220) from a transporting carriage (110), which travels along a track (120) installed on or near a ceiling (210) while gripping the transported object. The storage apparatus is provided with a rack portion (30), on which the transported object is put; and a support member (10), whose upper end is supported by the track or ceiling and whose lower end supports the rack portion. The support member selectively has one of first and second shapes. The first shape allows the transporting carriage to put the transported object onto the rack portion at the predetermined position. The second shape allows the rack portion to move away from a position below the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for a trolley, in particular to a refreshments trolley, in an aircraft passenger cabin and consists in the fact that the conveying device comprises an electric drive with two drive wheels 12, 13 for moving the trolley 7 inside the aircraft passenger cabin, a further electric drive for raising and lowering the trolley 7 and a current collector 20 for supplying current to the installed electric motors 36, 37. The service crew is as a result relieved of physically tiring work and the trolley 7 is secured against uncontrolled movements during the service phase.

Abstract: A height sensor 26 and an image recognizing section 28 are installed in a teaching unit 24; the height sensor 26 contacts a pin 30a on a load port 4 to detect the height position of the pin 30a and the image recognizing section 28 recognizes a pin 30c and thus its horizontal plane position. A platform 16 of an overhead travelling carriage 8 grips and lowers the teaching unit 24 toward the load port 4. The height sensor 26 then detects the height of the load port 4. Then, the teaching unit 24 is slightly raised. The horizontal plane position of the pin 30c is recognized and averaged over a time equal to at least the vibration period of the platform 16. As a result, the position of the load port can be accurately taught to the overhead travelling carriage 8 without preparations such as the installation of marks on the load port.

Abstract: A transport system is provided to move an article from a conveyance section to a location. The conveyance section transports the article using a pair of transport belts. A lift lowers the article downward between the pair of transport belts. A hoist translates the article beneath the conveyance section to the location while supporting the article from above. The article may include a FOUP, semiconductor wafer, substrate for the manufacture of display devices or photovoltaics. The hoist may comprise a carriage and a gripper configured to grasp and vertically move the article while suspended beneath the carriage.

Abstract: A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly. A load sensor interconnects the tractor carriage and upon hoist assembly to sense forces created by an operator pulling on the chain, which are used to control an electric motor on the tractor carriage driving a pinion gear engaged with a gear rack on the overhead rail to positively drive the carriage, trolley and upper hoist assembly along the rail. A stationary dual hoist system is also described in which two hoist assemblies are interconnected by a chain and sprockets to provide synchronized operation.

Abstract: An overhead traveling vehicle has a lateral movement mechanism for moving a transfer apparatus toward left and right sides. The lateral movement mechanism includes a fixed base unit having drive means, and a middle unit supported by the base unit. The middle unit is slidable laterally by the drive means toward both of the left and right sides and is provided at an intermediate position below the base unit. The mechanism has further a front unit supporting the transfer apparatus, and being supported by the middle unit. The front unit is slidable laterally, moves with the movement of the middle unit, and is provided at a front end position below the middle unit.

Abstract: A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly. A load sensor interconnects the tractor carriage and upon hoist assembly to sense forces created by an operator pulling on the chain, which are used to control an electric motor on the tractor carriage driving a pinion gear engaged with a gear rack on the overhead rail to positively drive the carriage, trolley and upper hoist assembly along the rail. A stationary dual hoist system is also described in which two hoist assemblies are interconnected by a chain and sprockets to provide synchronized operation.

Abstract: A platform 12 is supported by four belts 22 to 25. Of the belts 22 to 25, a pair of belts 24, 25 is attached to a pivoting arm 26 so that the pivoting arm 26 is pivotable around a pivoting shaft 28. Pivoting of the pivoting arm 26 absorbs, for example, the difference in length between the belts 24, 25. The present invention makes it possible to simplify an elevate and lower driving mechanism of the platform 12 and to easily adjust the lengths of the belts 22 to 25. The present invention also makes it possible to prevent vibration during elevation or lowering and to allow the belts 22 to 25 to stand long use.

Abstract: A practical intelligent assist device is provided that eliminates the complex use of force sensing weigh cells and vector interpreting software. By simplifying the input to a series of traditional voltage inputs, i.e. 1-4 volt signals, the use of standard available control componentry becomes available. Utilizing a series of such simplified inputs, including a load angle feedback, the processing of the vector math can be accomplished within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Outputs can then be simply generated to control a series of 0-60 Hz digital signals to drive direct drive motors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transporting apparatus provided with a sensor for detecting information relating to a relative position in the vertical direction between an article to be transported and a holding portion for holding the article, and a controller that is linked to this sensor through signals, wherein the controller raises the holding portion by a set raising amount when the sensor detects that the holding portion is below a target lowering position. Thus, it is possible to provide a transporting apparatus with which the position of the holding portion can be automatically moved to a suitable position even if the holding portion is lowered too far with respect to the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for suspending and transporting articles, and is provided with a wobble prevention member that is capable of moving between a support position where it abuts against a lateral surface of an article and a release position, and in the support position keeps the article from wobbling in at least one direction. The wobble prevention member has a roller capable of rotation about a vertical shaft, and by the roller abutting against the article when the wobble prevention member is in the support position, wobbling of the article is reduced.

Abstract: An intelligent assist method and apparatus are disclosed. The intelligent assist method includes imparting a manual force to a suspended object, determining an angle at which the suspended object is manually forced, generating motorized power to move the object in accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is forced, and inputting a signal to continue the motorized power and enable the object to continue moving on accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is manually forced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling a load lifting device (1) with a controllable drive (2) and a lifting element (5) which is linked with the drive (2) and which is—at least in a non-operational position due to the gravitational force—vertically (Z—Z) aligned. A load receiving element (7) is linked with the lifting element (5). The system further comprises a control circuit for balancing the loads. Said control circuit encompasses a device for producing a path-dependent signal which corresponds to a substantially vertical (Z—Z) movement of the lifting element (5) and which represents the input signal for the control of the drive (2).

Abstract: A crane assembly has a bracket, a supporting plate, a crane device, a chain and a chain bag. The bracket has two side plates with wheels connected with each other. Each side plate has a first recess defined in the bottom of the side plate to make the side plate have an inverse U-shape. Two axles are mounted between the side plates and are respectively located at two sides of the first recesses in the side plates to combine the side plates together. The supporting plate is attached to the axles and is mounted between the side plates. The craning device is pivotally attached to the supporting plate and has a top portion received in the first recesses in the side plates. Accordingly, the location of the crane device is heightened, and the craning travel of the chain is prolonged.

Abstract: A rope hoist provided with traversing machinery, the rope hoist comprising a trolley (2), and in connection therewith a lifting gear (3), a lifting rope (4), rope pulleys (5) and traversing machinery (7) for moving the trolley (2). The traversing machinery (7) allows to move the trolley (2) along a girder (11), for example. Rope pulleys (5) are used to reduce the strength of the rope. A part of the traversing machinery (7) is arranged inside at least one rope pulley (5) in such a manner that at least one shaft in the traversing machinery (7) remains at least partly inside the rope pulley (5).

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

Abstract: A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoisting drive comprising several linear motors, as well as to a linear slide track with a carriage. All primary parts and all secondary parts of the linear motors are mounted on the carriage. The hoisting drive comprises a closed housing which is cooled by a coolant and into which the linear slide track is integrated together with the linear motors. Those primary parts and secondary parts which are not mounted on the carriage are mounted on the housing. A cylindrical hoisting rod is introduced into the housing in a sealed manner and mechanically joined to the carriage. This hoisting drive is especially suitable for use in the iron and steel industry as replacement for large cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift comprised of a housing in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for lifting an electrical switching apparatus for placement in an electrical cabinet includes a support frame moveable along first and second rail members mounted on the electrical cabinet. The lifting assembly also includes a winch having a spool, and a cable having a first end attached to the winch and a second end for lifting the electrical switching apparatus. The cable passes over a pivotable, rotatable cable support member mounted upon the support frame to provide even distribution of the cable on the spool. A plurality of wheels rotatable about either a horizontal axis or vertical axes are attached to the support frame for movement of the support frame along the rail members.

Abstract: A hoist is constructed for powered drive by an impact tool. The hoist includes tension means for applying a force in tension to a load. Gear means are operatively associated with the tension means for producing a tension force in the tension means. The gear means include a gear element which provides a positive hold of the produced tension force when the gear means are not being driven. Impact fitting means are connected to the gear element for enabling the gear means to be power driven by an impact tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift comprised of a housing in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: A portable hoist is provided for lifting and moving heavy loads a short distance. The hoist has a rectangular frame which supports a movable carriage containing a winch and pulley. The rectangular frame is adjustable along corner legs which allows individual leg adjustment. Parallel longitudinal side frame members include tracks and channels for rollers to support and direct the carriage along the frame. The winch can be operated by an electric hand drill to enable an individual to move and lift several hundred pounds without assistance.

Abstract: The invention is a crane system for a building for the assembly of a gas bag for a lighter-than-air vehicle, the building having a floor and a roof thereover with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the crane assembly includes a plurality of crane carriage rail assemblies in the form of arches aligned with the lateral axis of and mounted within the building. The carriage rail assemblies are in a spaced relationship along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of crane carriages are movably mounted on each of the crane rail assemblies with each carriage including a winch mounted thereon having an extendible and retractable cable. A control system is provided for moving the crane carriages by rows aligned with the longitudinal axis of the building along the crane carriage rail assemblies to specific locations along the lateral axis and for adjusting the length of the cables of the winches in each of the rows as a function of the distance of each of the rows along the lateral axis of the building.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a load (8) carried by a carrier member (12) between two mutually separate transport paths (3a, b). During transfer, the carrier member switches from being suspended by a device (4a) displaceable in the first carrier path (4a) to being suspended by a device (4b) displaceable in the second carrier path (3b). The carrier member (12) when it is suspended by a first connecting device (9a, 11a) from the displaceable device (4a) of the first conveyor path (4a), is connected to the displaceable device (4b) of the second conveyor path (3b) by a second connecting device (9b, 11b). The length of the second connecting device is reduced and the carrier member (12) is displaced thereby so as to be wholly suspended from the displacement device (4b) of the second conveyor path. A drive mechanism lengthens or shortens at least one of the connecting devices in relation to a housing (14) for modifying the distance between the carrier member (12) and the displaceable devices (4a, 4b).