Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and aligning a flange is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a flange is provided. The apparatus includes a first member having a first surface and a second surface, a first side member extending orthogonally from the first surface of the first member, a second side member extending orthogonally from the first surface of the first member in a spaced apart relation to the first side member to define a U-shaped structure, wherein each of the first side member and the second side member include an aperture formed therein along a longitudinal axis of the U-shaped structure, a lifting lug coupled to the second surface of the first member in a transverse axis of the U-shaped structure, and a plurality of set screws disposed through the first member on opposing sides of the lifting lug.

Abstract: A universal lifting device adapted to lift and support large pipe flange assemblies during installation and removal. The lifting device is hoist-supported and comprises a first and second member rotatably connecting to a common support pin. The rotatable members are elongated dog-bone sections offset from one another along the pin, rotatable along parallel planes and adapted to be positioned on opposing sides of a flange. The members connect to the pin at their proximal end, while their distal end allows a lifting bolt to be positioned therethrough and into an eye of the flange. Two lifting bolts are utilized to support the flange during deployment, while the common pin is supported by a crane hoist and the two members are offset using a plurality of spacers to prevent binding. The lifting bolts are secured using a hingeable latch that prevents their dislodgement from the distal end of each rotatable member.

Abstract: A pipe flange lifting device for supporting and leveling a blind flange during installation onto a pipe end. The device comprises a pair of closed fittings having a plurality of apertures through which to place a first and second lifting bolt. The fittings are positioned on opposing sides of a pipe flange and rotate freely with respect to the pin prior to installation, whereafter the lifting bolts fitted through the flange and opposing fittings for stable support during operation. The lifting bolts comprise a pair of bolts inserted into eyes of the flange prior to the lifting operation. Spacers along the pin allow the fittings to be separated by a desired distance and prevent pinch points due to fitting inclination. The pin includes an attached crane hoist fitting for lifting the assembly and a secured flange during flange installation.

Abstract: A pipe flange lifting device for supporting and leveling two holes of a blind flange during installation onto a pipe end. The device comprises two L-shaped claws connecting to a common pin, forming an overall triangular-shaped device having a crane hoist fitting. The claws are positioned on opposing sides of a pipe flange and rotate freely with respect to the pin prior to installation, whereafter the claws are fitted beneath lifting bolts fitted through a flange for stable support during operation. The lifting bolts comprise a pair of bolts inserted into eyes of the flange prior to the lifting operation. Spacers along the pin allow the claws to be separated by a desired distance and prevent pinch points due to claw inclination. The design of the claws provides stable support for two lift bolts of a pipe flange and assists in the installation process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improved hanging transportation of an article having an uneven weight distribution that permits the article to hang in a balanced manner. The apparatus is attached to an overhead trolley and includes attachment plates rotatably secured to the overhead trolley and a plurality of chain assemblies. Each of the attachment plates define several chain mounting holes, with each of the chain mounting holes being formed at a predefined, individual radial spacing from a center mounting hole. By attaching the chain assembly to selected ones of the plurality of chain mounting holes, an effective chain length can be varied. The chain assemblies support the article, and adjusting the effective chain lengths permit the article to hang in a balanced manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a durable, lightweight lifting member and assembly for use in handling elongated members. One embodiment comprises a cage or net made of a flexible material, the cage or net being adapted to receive one end of an elongated member. Another embodiment is characterized by a flexible lifting member constructed of a pliable, non-metallic material and comprising a body portion, an end portion, and a lifting strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an object from a drain for includes a pair of arms each having a first end, a second end, a medial portion, a first side and a second side. Each of the first sides is convexly curved. A pivot member extends between and is pivotally attached to the medial portions so that the first sides facing each other. A slide member engages each of the first sides and urges the first ends toward each other as the slide member moves toward the pivot member. An actuator is configured to selectively move the slide member toward or away from the pivot member. A connector is attached to the actuator and is configured to releasably couple the actuator to a drain snake. Rotation of the drain snake actuates the actuator to grip the object when the first ends are adjacent to the object.

Abstract: A device that clamps to the flange ring of a tire. The clamp has a rear section that can be used to attach a lifting chain or other implement to facilitate the removal and lifting of these flanges. The device consists of a pair of jaws mounted on a body. The jaws can pivot to open and close them about a rim flange. A bolt secures the clamp in place and is used to remove it when it is no longer needed. The clamp also has an eye or hook for attaching a chain for lifting or pulling on the flange.

Abstract: The invention concerns locking and unlocking of gripper devices 10 raising and lowering construction components (T), large parts and the like which can be clamped between mutually displaceable gripper jaws 15, 45 of an overall ∩-shaped carrying frame 12 by means of rocker levers 20 elastically supported on said frame, said invention also comprising a latch 30, for instance a rod to selectively lock and release the rocker lever 20. The articulation 32 of the rod 30 is situated at the free end 25 of the rocker lever 20 near a reversal pin 28 for a traction element which applies clamping forces to the gripper jaws 15, 45. A grip 34 of the rod 30 may snap into a notch 40 at the periphery of the carrying frame 12 which is fitted in its upper region with a stop 38 acting as a rocker articulation when the disengaged rod 30 is pivoted upward. A mating stop 36 catches the disengaged rod 30 near a reversal pin 28 of the rope system Z.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for manipulating manhole castings and the like having at least one pinch clamp with an inner leg and an outer leg opposing one another wherein the inner leg and the outer leg are engageable with the manhole casting. A foot of the pinch clamp is connected to at least one of the inner leg and the outer leg wherein the foot is wider than the width of the inner leg and the outer leg and is engageable with the manhole casting. A flexible support is pivotally connected to the pinch clamp and is connectable to a lifting device wherein the foot and the legs of the pinch clamp are engageable with the manhole casting when the flexible support is pulled taut. Preferably, the inner and outer legs are separate structures pivotally connected thereto. Alternatively, the inner and outer leg may be integrally fabricated from a one-piece structure. The flexible supports are connected to a connector which is connectable to a lifting device.

Abstract: A machine for lifting and moving heavy slabs includes two channels connected only by a cable. The channels are placed against opposite edges of a slab. Each channel has a lower flange which is beveled so that the flange will scoop under the edge of the slab when moved toward the opposing channel. The channels are moved by attaching the cable to one channel and pulling the cable upward from the sheave on the other channel. Further lifting of the cable lifts the channels and the slab for moving.

Abstract: A sling capable to easily raise a hanging load such as a drum with a simplified structure. In a chain sling (or a wire sling) in which a master link and hooks are connected with each other via link chains (or wire ropes), lower portions of the hooks are formed to be bent at an angle smaller than 90° and also a bottom portion of the master link is flattened. With this structure, even when the drum has no ring-like protrusion at which an upper lid is mounted, if holes are formed around the side of the drum, the front ends of the hooks can be reliably hooked in the holes to raise the drum. Also, when a lifting portion of a forklift is brought into contact with the flattened bottom portion of the master link, the drum can be easily slung by the forklift as well.