Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object without a power source includes a receiver and at least one grabber assembly secured to the receiver. The grabber assembly includes first and second arms with proximal end portions and distal end portions, hooks disposed at the distal end portions, and a mechanical linkage disposed near the proximal end portion of the first arm and the second arm. The mechanical linkage kinematically couples the first arm to the second arm. Displacement of the first arm or the second arm against the object causes movement of the mechanical linkage and thus movement of the second arm or first arm, respectively.

Abstract: A structure installation system which maintains one or more walls in a desired position and orientation during installation of the one or more walls. The structure installation system generally includes a vehicle which is adapted to traverse a ground surface. The vehicle includes an arm having an arm coupler to which a support is connected. One or more walls adapted to be installed in the ground surface may be removably connected to the support, such as by securing the walls to adjustable hangers that are removably connected to the support. By adjusting the positioning of the hangers, the orientation and position of the walls may be adjusted. Once put in position, the vehicle and support will retain the walls in the desired position and orientation while concrete is poured and allowed to cure to form a unitary structure such as a bollard wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining elastic properties of a test body by the use of tensile or compressive loading in a test stand, wherein a centroid line is defined for a longitudinal axis for the test body, centroid line miming through elastic centers of gravity of infinitesimally thick discs which lie orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and into which the test body can be divided. The test body is clamped at two clamping points by clamping devices, and a force is introduced at, at least one of the two clamping points in the direction of the respective other clamping point such that a line of action of a force introduced at, at least one of the clamping points is substantially parallel to a connection line between the two clamping points. Furthermore, by providing additional material or springs to the test body, the center of gravity line of the test body is converted into a modified centroid line of the entire system consisting of the test body and additional material or springs).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for causing a transducer to transmit an acoustic input signal into a member of a device. Receiving a detection signal representing reverberations of the input signal traveling within the member from a receiver. Detecting a contact of the member with an object external to the member based on a change in the detection signal, where the change in the detection signal represents an alteration in the reverberations of the input signal caused by the contact of the member with the object. Determining a position along the member of a point of the contact of the member with the object based on the change in the detection signal.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus provided with a flexible conveyor plate (20), a clamp mechanism (25) for holding a sheet-shaped member carried on the conveyor plate (20) against the conveyor plate (20), and an adjustment mechanism able to adjust the degree of curvature of the conveyor plate (20). When stacking a new sheet-shaped member (1) carried on the conveyor plate (20) onto already stacked sheet-shaped members (1), the adjustment mechanism makes the conveyor plate (20) deform from a flat state to a curved state to make the new sheet-shaped member (1) carried on the conveyor plate (20) deform from a flat state to a curved state.

Abstract: The present apparatus relates to an apparatus for the guying of a lattice boom of a crane, in particular of a mobile crane, comprising a frame and two connection elements connected thereto, wherein the frame has first attachment means for a releasable connection of the apparatus to a guying of the crane and wherein the connection elements have two attachment means for a releasable fastening of the apparatus to the boom. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus can be assembled at the boom for assembly thereat and can be removed again after the boom has been assembled. The present invention further relates to a respective method for the in the air assembly and for the restoring to the original state and the guying of a lattice boom by means of the apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A sling bar assembly allows variable positioning of a sling on the sling bar assembly. Some sling bar assemblies include opposing sling bar members that are movable with respect to one another in a lateral direction. Some opposing sling bar members are repositionable between a locked position, in which movement of the sling members with respect to one another is restricted, and an unlocked position. Some sling bar assemblies include multiple sling hooks positioned on a sling bar member. Some sling bar assemblies include a biasing member that permits movement of a sling hook with respect to the sling bar assembly in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

Abstract: A grasping device for a bead ring grasps the bead ring formed of a wire wound around an annular winding unit provided on the outer circumferential surface of a rotary body while fixing a beginning and a termination of the wire. The grasping device includes an upper grasping unit that grasps an upper part of the bead ring and a lower receiver that receives a lower part of the bead ring. The upper grasping unit is formed of a pair of grasping bodies that can be released from each other and closed relative to each other so as to clamp the upper part of the bead ring therebetween. The lower receiver is formed of a receiving recessed part that receives the lower end of the bead ring.

Abstract: Described herein is a blade holding device for handling the rotor blade of a wind turbine, the rotor blade including a root portion and an outer portion. The blade holding device comprising a first device adapted to grip the root portion of the rotor blade and a second device adapted to support the outer portion of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A raising device realized to be connected to a tower segment of a wind turbine is provided. The raising device comprises a connection member to a raising machine and a plurality of holding members positioned at predefined distances from each other and orientated to be movable in radial locking directions which locking directions are such that the holding members when moved into a locking position at a predefined engagement position of the tower segment engage with a counter-shape of the tower segment, whereby the holding members are automatically tiltable and/or shiftable into the locking position by a movement mechanism. A method of equipping a tower segment of a wind turbine for transport by means of such raising device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gripping head for packages of a wedge-like form. The invention also concerns a method of gripping a group of packages and transferring them into a box. The gripping head has side steering plates and pressure finger plates on two opposite sides. At one end of the gripping head a stop plate is arranged between the side steering plates and the pressure finger plates, while the opposite end is open. The side steering plates each has a number of steering plates and fingers of the pressure finger plates are placed on either side of the steering plates, which fingers are received in notches of the side steering plate. The fingers have folded lower ends. The side steering plates and the pressure finger plates are arranged mutually moveable bringing the folded lower ends of the fingers into and out of a position below the side steering plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tubular member, like a thin walled tube or a pile, having a tube wall and provided with a flange at a tube end, and for hoisting the tubular member while being clamped only at its flange with the clamping device, wherein the clamping device includes: at least two clamping elements for engaging the internal flange and clamping the flange; and a clamping device frame that fixedly joins the at least two clamping elements for maintaining mutual position of the at least two clamping elements while hoisting the tubular member.

Abstract: A two-piece grab arm housing for a grapple mechanism useable on a grapple attachment is described. The grab arm housing includes a lower arm housing with grab arms mounted to the lower arm housing, and an upper arm housing mounted to the lower arm housing. The upper arm housing and the lower arm housing are movable relative to one another in an x-direction and are moveable together in a y-direction perpendicular to the x-direction. In addition, the upper arm housing includes an opening through which a main beam of the grapple attachment can extend.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tubular member, like a thin walled tube or a pile, having a tube wall and provided with a flange at a tube end, and for hoisting the tubular member while being clamped only at its flange with the clamping device, wherein the clamping device includes: at least two clamping elements for engaging the internal flange and clamping the flange; and a clamping device frame that fixedly joins the at least two clamping elements for maintaining mutual position of the at least two clamping elements while hoisting the tubular member.

Abstract: A gripping assembly with gripping members, as part of a grapple attachment, used to grasp and manipulate elongated objects, for example pipe, is described. Due to the gripping action of the gripping members and tilt control capabilities of the grapple attachment, total positive control of the pipe is maintained, even if the gripping assembly picks up pipe off center. The gripping members are used at least in pairs and are mounted on a common main beam structure so that they are separated from each other. The gripping members are interchangeable with other gripping members to permit the grapple attachment to grasp different sized objects, thereby providing modularity to the grapple attachment. In one embodiment, the gripping members include a support member having a main beam structure opening extending laterally therethrough that is configured to receive a main beam structure of the gripping assembly.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head and moves between an induction furnace pedestal and a crucible loading station, such that one pair of arms pick up a crucible loaded with a preweighed sample, the shuttle moves to the induction furnace, where the other pair of arms grip and remove a spent crucible. The shutter head then rotates to deposit the new sample-holding crucible onto the pedestal and subsequently moves out of the furnace area to a sample disposal chute positioned between the crucible loading station and the furnace, whereupon the spent crucible is dropped for disposal. The shuttle head is then rotated and moved to the loading station to pick up a new crucible.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gripping head for packages of a wedge-like form. The invention also concerns a method of gripping a group of packages and transferring them into a box. The gripping head has side steering plates and pressure finger plates on two opposite sides. At one end of the gripping head a stop plate is arranged between the side steering plates and the pressure finger plates, while the opposite end is open. The side steering plates each has a number of steering plates and fingers of the pressure finger plates are placed on either side of the steering plates, which fingers are received in notches of the side steering plate. The fingers have folded lower ends. The side steering plates and the pressure finger plates are arranged mutually moveable bringing the folded lower ends of the fingers into and out of a position below the side steering plates.

Abstract: A grapple attachment for use with a drill pipe having a diameter, that may include first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid lateral member tiltable up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and preferably continuously rotatable, wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a first and second claw and a bracket having a concave contact surface, each claw having a concave gripping surface, wherein the surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second claws come in contact with the drill pipe when the gripping member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is adapted for use in lifting a container having a pair of channels, each of the channels having a pair of open ends. The lifting apparatus includes an elongated support bar and a hook assembly mounted on each end of the support bar. Each of the hook assemblies includes a pair of hooks and a hydraulic cylinder and piston for rotating the hooks between open and closed positions. The container is lifted by lowering the support bar with the hooks in the open position until the hooks can be rotated into the open ends of the two channels. The hooks are then rotated to the closed position so that the hooks extend into the channels. The lifting apparatus is then raised to lift the container.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for use in gripping an object. The clamping assembly includes a pair of opposed jaws, with each jaw having a pivot end pivotally attached to a frame structure, a clamp end opposite the pivot end, and a socket located between the clamp end and the pivot end. The clamping assembly further includes first and second balls rotatably mounted in the sockets of the opposed jaws, and a gear assembly connected to both of the first and second balls that includes a primary gear mechanically associated with a power source. Rotation of the primary gear by the power source results in actuation of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for grabbing and lifting a case having side walls each formed with a hole has a plurality of grabs each having a plurality of pivotal lift arms each having a lower end provided with a horizontally projecting finger engageable into one of the holes. The fingers of each grab are vertically offset from one another.

Abstract: A gripping assembly with gripping members, as part of a grapple attachment, used to grasp and manipulate elongated objects, for example pipe, is described. Due to the gripping action of the gripping members and tilt control capabilities of the grapple attachment, total positive control of the pipe is maintained, even if the gripping assembly picks up pipe off center. The grapple attachment is able to be used on all pipe surface types, including pipe surfaces that are dirty, snow or ice covered. The gripping members are configured to prevent damage to the pipe and to adjacent pipes, and will not crush the pipe.

Abstract: A support structure for lifting precast blocks includes a longitudinal support arm having a cable suspended therefrom at a multiple suspension points. Several cradles are connected to the cable in positions such that each cradle is positioned between and below a pair of the suspension points. Each cradle may be attached to a sheave that movably connects it to the cable. Each cradle may receive a portion, such as a handle, of a lifting tool below the support arm.

Abstract: A lifting grab for grabbing and lifting drums and/or other objects includes: a lifting point having two or more lifting arms radiating therefrom, the arms each having rim engaging elements, at least one arm is an articulated arm movable between engaging and non-engaging positions. A drum can be grabbed by initially attaching the engaging elements of the non-articulated arms to the rim, the at least one articulated arm then brought into the rim engaging position for attachment to the object or rim. Applying an upward or lifting force to the lifting point causes the rim engaging elements of all lifting arms to forcibly grab the object or rim of the drum, and whereby on releasing the lifting force, the at least one articulated arm is first disengaged from the rim thereby also relaxing the grip of the non-articulated arms wherein the drum or object can be released from the grab.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a hollow frame when the apparatus is attached to a hoist, comprising a pair of lifting members each in the form of a bell crank having an upright arm and a lateral arm, extending outwardly from a lower end of the upright arm, outer ends of the lateral arms having flanges for engaging the interior of the frame to be lifted. The lifting members are connected back-to-back by brackets and a central pivot. Suspension chains connect upper ends of the upright arms to a hoist chain such that the suspension chains slope outwardly from the hoist chain to the arms, and so that when the hoist chain applies tension to the suspension chains the upright arms are pulled towards each other while causing the lateral arms to extend and engage with the inside of the hollow frame.

Abstract: A hoist frame (150) for engaging a pair of spreaders in an expanded position and a single spreader in a retracted position comprising, a first and second head frame (65a, b), each for engaging a lifting device; a rigid first frame (160a) fixed to the first head frame and a rigid second frame (160b) fixed to the second head frame; a plurality of assemblies (155a,b) pivotably mounted to each fixed frame so as to be intermediate the head frames, wherein, each assembly comprises an upper horizontal member (175), a first inclined outer member (165) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a first end of the upper horizontal member, a second inclined outer member (185) pivotally mounted to the second fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a second end of the upper horizontal member, a first inclined inner member (170a) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a mid-point of the upper horizontal member so as to be parallel to the first outer inclined member in a fi

Abstract: A grappling system includes a frame and a plurality of grapples supported by the frame. The grappling system may be suspended from a crane-and-submerged into a body of water to grip and manipulate an underwater object such as a portion of a decommissioned oil platform.

Abstract: An assembly/apparatus 10 which allows an object 12 to be suspended and supported with a minimal amount of structural deformation. The assembly accomplishes this object by the inclusion of substantially identical and commercially available constant force spring assemblies, such as constant force spring assemblies 20, 22, and a suspension monorail loop 24 which supports several cases such as case 30, 32.

Abstract: The multipurpose spreader attachment includes in a first preferred embodiment projections on an underside that define sockets to be engaged with complimentary bosses located on the upper surface of a cargo cage. A latching mechanism is provided to effect a locked arrangement between the spreader and the cargo cage to couple to the cargo cage reliably and securely. The cargo cage is adapted to accommodate both the heavy lifting equipment as well as the pallets of goods to be unloaded, such that the need to change riggings for moving the fork lift and moving the cargo is eliminated. Moreover, the multipurpose spreader is equipped with cables that preferably include actuable hooks that suspend from the spreader and can be opened and closed via an actuator on the spreader. The hooks are adapted to cooperate with connectors such as rings on the preslung pallets, allowing the crane and multipurpose spreader to lift the preslung pallets in addition to the cargo cages.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect tank lifting brace which lifts a tank from an overhang of it's top lid or cover. The brace includes a crossbar, preferably adjustable, with pivotal end clamps at opposite ends of the crossbar. A pair of clamp pivoting assemblies are provided. Each clamp pivoting assembly pivots a respective one of the pivotal end clamps between an open position and a closed position and biases the pivotal end clamp to an open position for quick connection and disconnection. Pivoting is accomplished using an actuating rod parallel to the crossbar and coupled to the pair of pivoting assemblies. Articulation of the actuating rod effectuates, in unison, pivoting of each pair of pivot arms via the pivoting assemblies to a closed position. The pivoting assemblies generally utilize a push to close and pull to open motions.

Abstract: A lifting device that simultaneously lifts a plurality of retaining wall blocks initially oriented in a triangular configuration on a pallet and allows them to be easily realigned in a linear configuration on a retaining wall. The lifting device comprises two pivoting lateral extending side arms with clamping units attached to their distal ends. Attached to the main planar frame is a central clamping unit. Each clamping unit includes an insert member that inserts into a large, vertically aligned hole formed in the block. When the clamping units are inserted into the hole and activated, three triangularly aligned sets of blocks on a pallet may be lifted. The side arms are designed to pivot rearward so that the front surfaces of the blocks are longitudinally aligned and the blocks are positioned in a side-by-side manner. Once properly realigned, the lifting device is lowered so that the three blocks are simultaneously placed over the top row of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A device for mechanically gripping, transporting, loading and unloading cylindrical containers of various sizes for attachment to a robotic arm. The containers may be bottles including drinking water bottles. The device includes a plurality of gripping mechanisms for gripping the containers. Support pins are also provided for supporting the rotational motion of full bottles. A system for efficiently removing empty containers from racks and simultaneously loading full containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load lifting apparatus suitable for use in a materials-handling operation, which enables loads of various shapes and structures, e.g. concrete products, to be clamped by a one-touch simple operation despite an extremely simple structure and allows the loads to be released by a one-touch simple operation at desired places after they have been lifted and moved thereto. The apparatus includes a link mechanism (14) in which a pair of clamping members (1 and 2) and a plurality of members (4, 5, 8, 8-1, 8-2) are supported by a plurality of pivot shafts. The upper part of the link mechanism (14) is arranged to be capable of being lifted and lowered by a lifting device.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting an open top container, such as a drum, comprises a plurality of clamps each having shaped outer and inner jaws for frictionally gripping therebetween a corresponding sidewall portion of the container. A lifting mechanism closes the clamps and then lifts the container with the container suspended from the clamps. The apparatus is constructed so that the weight of the container increases the clamping pressure as the container is lifted. Other loads having an upright tubular sidewall can also be lifted. In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism employs wedges for closing the clamps, and in another embodiment the lifting mechanism employs linkages for closing the clamps.