Accommodation Of Article Which Is Massive Relative To Freight Carrier Patents (Class 410/44)
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Patent number: 12018648Abstract: Provided is a transport assembly for use in the transport of a large heavy load, including a frame unit realized to lie on a load platform of a transport vehicle; a number of first load-positioning beams, wherein a first load-positioning beam is realized to span a single frame unit; and/or a number of second load-positioning beams, wherein a second load-positioning beam is realized to span a pair of adjacent frame units; and a part adapter realized to engage with a load-positioning beam and to engage with the load. The embodiments further describe a method of securing a large heavy load on a load platform during a transport maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/SInventors: Jens Hald Jensen, Jesper Bjerre Pedersen, Jeppe Soee
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Patent number: 11912437Abstract: A universal payload manipulation tool employs a segmented ring captured in a telescoping cradle to perform the positioning functions of both a workstation and a loading adapter. The ring rotates over a range of 360 degrees to perform the position functions of the workstation. With the upper ring segment removed, the telescoping cradle rotates and the lower ring segment rotates and extends from the telescoping cradle over a combined range of rotation to position the payload at a specified angle for unloading to perform the position functions of a loading adapter. This configuration allows the universal tool to access confined spaces while supporting a range of rotation required in many applications for unloading the payload (loading the payload to another platform such as an aircraft). The manipulation tool may also be configured as only a loading adapter.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James B. Grizzle, Tanner P. Reznicek, Cory M. Polivchak
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Patent number: 11794790Abstract: A fixture system for rail transport of wind turbine blades upon a consist of flatcars using a root-support fixture, a blade-support fixture, and first and second guide post that intermittently engage the tip-end portion of the wind turbine blade to limit lateral movement thereof, such that movement of the consist around a curved railway section urges the wind turbine blade against the first or second guide posts, which urges the wind turbine blade to urge the blade-support fixture to move laterally, thereby laterally reorienting the blade upon the consist.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: BNSF Logistics , LLCInventors: John L. Ferris, Andrew J. Sullivan, Allison L. Bowker
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Patent number: 11795915Abstract: A transportation arrangement (10) includes a train (12) including at least first and second railcars (14) operatively coupled to each other for hauling by a locomotive along a railroad and having a first side (20) and a second side (22). The transportation arrangement (10) also includes a blade (40) extending between a root end (42) and a tip end (44), wherein a root region (60) of the blade (40) proximate the root end (42) is supported on the first railcar (14) and pivotable relative thereto about a first vertical axis (V1) spaced apart from the root end (42), and wherein a tip region (64) of the blade (40) proximate the tip end (44) is supported on the second railcar (14) and pivotable relative thereto about a second vertical axis (V2), such that at least a portion of the root region (60) is configured to extend laterally away from the first side (20) of the train (12) when the first and second railcars (14) are longitudinally offset from each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Kurt Jensen, Henrik Timm Sørensen
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Patent number: 11698054Abstract: A tip bolster (32) for supporting a wind turbine blade (40) on a railcar (14) includes a clamp (360) including first and second clamp arms (364, 366) having first and second jaws (384, 386), respectively, and supporting a pliable saddle (394) extending therebetween, the pliable saddle (394) being configured to support a portion of the blade (40) interposed between the first and second clamp arms (364, 366) and to conform to an exterior surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Kurt Jensen, Henrik Timm Sørensen
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Patent number: 11629699Abstract: A tip bolster (32) for supporting a wind turbine blade (40) on a railcar (14) includes a clamp (360) including first and second clamp arms (364, 366) having first and second jaws (384, 386), respectively, and being configured to be selectively movable relative to each other in a clamping direction for applying and releasing a clamping force on the blade (40) interposed therebetween, via the first and second jaws (384, 386), wherein the first and second clamp arms (364, 366) are configured to be urged relatively toward each other in response to a decrease in the clamping force.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Kurt Jensen, Henrik Timm Sørensen
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Patent number: 11602834Abstract: A wind turbine blade handling apparatus for rotating and lifting a blade. The apparatus includes a root device having a root support member with a concave upper surface and rollers having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade and configured to rotate the blade; a base, and a scissor-lift mechanism with intersecting struts which converts from a lowered position wherein the struts are disposed in a generally coplanar configuration, to an elevated position wherein the struts are disposed in an angled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: TPI Composites, Inc.Inventors: Mehmet Üyünük, Furkan Ünal
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Patent number: 11598477Abstract: A method of assembling a mobile electric power generation system comprises providing a generator trailer having an electric generator, a gas turbine trailer having a gas turbine, an exhaust trailer having an exhaust device, and an air filter and ventilation trailer having an air inlet device. The method includes positioning each of the generator trailer, the gas turbine trailer, the exhaust trailer, and the air filter and ventilation trailer at a job site such that the generator trailer and the gas turbine trailer are in an end-to-end configuration. The method comprises coupling each of the generator trailer, the exhaust trailer, and the air filter and ventilation trailer to the gas turbine trailer in an operational mode for generating power and decoupling each of the generator trailer, the exhaust trailer, and the air filter and ventilation trailer from the gas turbine trailer in a transport mode for transport.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Relevant Power Solutions, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Rogers Seldenrust, Harley Matthew Ross
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Patent number: 11541529Abstract: A wind turbine blade suspension and rotation device capable of raising and lowering the blade includes a blade housing configured to receive a blade and having at least one guide on an exterior surface; a base; a first telescopic frame disposed on a first side of the base; a second telescopic frame disposed on a second side of the base; at least one adjustable strap, the adjustable strap disposed between the adjustable frames; wherein the at least one strap extends through the guide on the exterior surface of the housing to suspend the blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: TPI Composites, Inc.Inventors: Mehmet Üyünük, Furkan Ünal
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Patent number: 11383838Abstract: Systems, methods, and aircraft for managing center of gravity (CG) while transporting large cargo are described. Management of CG is achieved in many ways. In some instances, the aircraft itself is designed to assist in managing CG by providing fuel tanks that minimize the impact of fuel on the net CG of the aircraft. The fuel tanks utilize only a small amount of available volume in the wings for fuel. Disclosures related to properly managing CG while loading wind turbines onto cargo aircraft are also provided. The CG management techniques provided for herein allow for the transportation of wind turbine blades via aircraft, running counter to the typical rail or truck transportation of the same. One such management technique includes accounting for how a rotation of the blades when loading impacts the CG of the blades, and thus taking this into account when placing the blades in the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: ZSM HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Etan D. Karni, Scott David Rewerts, Mark Emil Lundstrom
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Patent number: 11345486Abstract: A transport carriage for wings that are secured together, wherein the transport carriage comprises a chassis mounted on wheels, cradles mounted on positioning cylinders, support cylinders that each have a support mounted on the stem of the support cylinder, a central support having a frame and, for each wing, a rotatable lateral cradle, wherein the frame is movable vertically, for each wing, a lifting system with a mast and an arm, wherein each arm is movable vertically on the mast between a low position and a high position, and for each arm, at least two bearing points for the wing. The use of different movable elements allows good loading of the wings and makes it easier to move the wings thus loaded.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignees: AIRBUS SAS, AIRBUS OPERATIONS SASInventors: Nicolas Darbonville, Jean-Marc Datas, Jacques Bouriquet, Jean-Mickael Brindeau, Patrick Guibert
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Patent number: 11333130Abstract: A rail fixture system for wind turbine blades on a consist three flatcars, includes a root-support fixture that enables lateral movement, a mid-support fixture with a pair of lateral guides on opposing sides of the to limit the blade's lateral movement, and blade-pusher posts adjacent a curved portion of the blade, coupled to gravity weights, that intermittently engage sides of the blade and apply gravity forces in response to relative lateral movement thereof around rail curves, and which bends the blade, applies a fulcrum force against the lateral guides, and translates the root end of the blade in an opposing lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: BNSF Logistics, LLCInventor: John L. Ferris
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Patent number: 11208025Abstract: A transport trailer and a method for transporting an oversize load are provided. In one nonlimiting example, the transport trailer includes a trailer. The trailer includes an elongated body that extends in a length direction and that has an upper base surface. A support assembly is configured to support the oversize load and is pivotably coupled to the trailer to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support assembly extends over the upper base surface and beyond the trailer in a width direction that is transverse to the length direction to define a wide load overhang that extends beyond the trailer in the width direction. In the second position, the support assembly is positioned at an incline relative to the first position to one of reduce and eliminate the wide load overhang.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: James Perdue, Timothy Bago, Thomas Endress
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Patent number: 10934994Abstract: A system for de-erection and re-erection of a blade of a wind turbine, the system comprising at least one first pulley, at least one second pulley, at least one third pulley, a receptacle disposed over a substantial length of the blade, a lifting line passing over the at least one first pulley, the at least one second pulley, the at least one third pulley and attached back to the at least one second pulley, at least one load bearing mechanism configured for pulling and releasing of the lifting line to enable vertical motion of the receptacle disposed over the blade, a load supporting mechanism connected to an operative bottom portion of the blade and configured to support the blade during de-erection and re-erection thereof and at least one holding mechanism attached to the at least one third pulley, the at least one holding mechanism adapted to hold the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: WINDCARE INDIA PVT LTDInventors: Anthonyraj Prem Kumar Senthoorpandian, Kalimuthu Nagrathinam
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Patent number: 10871148Abstract: A modular system for transporting wind turbine blades in at least two different spatial arrangements comprising two or more root end transport frames having a height H for supporting the root end, wherein H<D (D=bolt circle diameter), and two or more first tip end transport frames having a height H1 for supporting the blade towards the tip end, each first tip end transport frame has a base frame and a support bracket provided on top of the base frame, wherein each first tip end transport frame is stackable on top of a root end transport frame and vice versa, so the system is operable to stack successive blades in an alternating root end to tip end arrangement. The first tip end transport frame is replaceable with a second end transport frame that increase the inter-blade spacing, or with a tip end or a root end distance piece.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventor: Jacobus J Van Der Zee
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Patent number: 10835947Abstract: A method and apparatus for building an assembly fixture for holding a fuselage assembly. A number of cradle fixtures may be driven across a floor to an assembly area. The number of cradle fixtures may be configured to form the assembly fixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Harinder S. Oberoi, Richard Griffith Reese, IV, Kevin Marion Barrick, Quang T. Do, Alan S. Draper, Alfredo Jose Gerosa, Branko Sarh, Gregory Gudzinski, Jeffrey Lawrence Miller
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Patent number: 10669995Abstract: Provided is a support structure for a wind turbine blade and a method for manufacturing a support structure for a wind turbine blade The support structure includes a frame structure including a first section and a second section which are spaced apart with respect to each other along a first direction such that a section of a wind turbine blade is arrangeable in-between the first section and the second section. The support structure further includes two seesaw elements being pivotably fixed to a respective section and having a respective pivoting axis parallel to the first direction and four belt elements being fixed with their respective first end to a respective end of the respective seesaw element Furthermore, a respective second end of the respective belt element are each fixed to the respective other section of the frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/SInventors: Peter Andresen, Witold Zareba
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Patent number: 10589941Abstract: A transportation and storage system for at least two wind turbine blades and comprising a first wind turbine blade and a second wind turbine blade is described. The wind turbine blades each having a root end and a tip end, said system comprising a packaging system that is adapted to placing the first wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the first wind turbine blade points in a first direction, and placing the second wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the second wind turbine blade points in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The tip end of the second wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the first wind turbine blade, and the tip end of the first wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the second wind turbine blade, when the first and the second wind turbine blades are arranged in the packaging system.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDINGS A/SInventor: Jacobus Van Der Zee
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Patent number: 10502191Abstract: Transport frame and method; the transport frame having a longitudinal, lateral and upright extent, and configured for transporting a root end of a longitudinally extending wind turbine blade having a root face with protruding stud-bolts, said frame comprising a root saddle, said frame further comprising a releasable interface clamp configured for fixing a said blade root in said frame, said interface clamp extending from a forward nose through a rear hinge point in said root frame and, said interface clamp comprising a body with a forward abutment surface and a bearing surface rearward of said abutment surface, said body being hingedly movable into or out of engagement with one or more stud bolts protruding from the root face of a blade when positioned in said saddle, said interface clamp having a retracted position with its body away from said blade root face and away from said protruding stud-bolts, said interface clamp having an engagement position in which its said bearing surface extends transverse and aType: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Peter Frans Thomsen, Adrian Botwright, Michael Kastrup, Troels Vahle, Jacob Antonsen, Kristoffer Lolk Fredriksen, Lucia Quintana
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Patent number: 10385827Abstract: A method is provided for handling wind turbine blades aboard a vessel, the method including providing on the vessel a blade rack assembly configured to accommodate more than one blade, the rack assembly having at least a root rack and a tip rack, and the root rack and tip rack defining between them a blade support plane. The method also includes providing a jack acting between the vessel and one of the root or tip rack; and raising or lowering one of the root or tip rack aboard the vessel by the jack to thereby move the blade support plane through an elevation angle ?. A jack assembly on a wind turbine installation vessel and an offshore wind turbine installation vessel are also provided, each capable of raising or lowering a rack of wind turbine blade root or tip support frame elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/SInventors: Adrian Botwright, Mark Ursell-Smith, Stefan Maroti
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Patent number: 10121560Abstract: An assembly (100) including a package for transport of radioactive materials (1) and a package support frame (3), wherein the frame includes: a first portion (14); a second portion (16) which is rigidly attached to the package, wherein the package and this second portion form an entity (18), wherein the first portion and the second portion of the frame (14, 16) are connected to one another by one or more mechanical fusible elements (30) to hold one relative to the other in a first direction of superposition (12) of the package on its frame. The assembly is also configured so that if the assembly falls in the direction (12) with the first portion (14) of the frame pointing forwards, this causes a rupture of the fusible elements (30) allowing a movement of the entity (18) relative to the first portion (14) in direction (12).Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Alexandre Audren, Lilian Viallon
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Patent number: 10030633Abstract: A system for transporting wind turbine blades includes a root support structure for supporting a wind turbine blade root and a tip section support structure for supporting a wind turbine blade tip. Each of the root and tip support structures includes upper and lower frames, first and second side frames, a set of upper corner fittings disposed at upper corners of the support structure, and a set of lower fittings disposed at lower corners of the support structure. The sets of corner fittings allow the root and tip support structures to be coupled to vertically or horizontally adjacent root and tip support structures to form an array of support structures for transporting multiple wind turbine blades. The sets of corner fittings also allow for attachment to handling equipment, as well as to reinforcing structures for reinforcing an array of tip support structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: BNSF Logistics, LLCInventor: Sigurd Ernir Sigurdsson
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Patent number: 9790927Abstract: A wind turbine blade rail fixture set employing a pair of support assemblies, each having a bolster, radius arm, and pivot disposed on a pair of railcars to minimize lateral overhang as the train traverses railroad curves, and having a slidable carriage disposed on one radius arm to accommodate changes in length between the bolsters.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: BNSF Logistics, LLCInventors: Scott C. Landrum, T. Christopher King
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Patent number: 9738458Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade handling system for moving a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade comprises a root portion, a tip portion and a rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis extending from the root portion to the tip portion. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade handling system comprises a rotary device to rotate the wind turbine rotor blade about the rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis. The rotary device is arranged and prepared for being fastened to the tip portion. Additionally, a method of moving the wind turbine rotor blade by means of the wind turbine rotor blade handling system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Posborg Schmidt, Soeren Baek Vennegaard
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Patent number: 9732726Abstract: A method for storing and/or transporting a plurality of objects (5a, 5b) for one or more wind turbines is presented, the method comprising—arranging a first object (5a) to be supported by a plurality of wheels (901),—arranging a second object (5a) to be supported by a plurality of wheels (901),—rolling the first object into a first location (13a),—subsequently raising the first object to a second location (13b) above the first location, and—subsequently rolling the second object into the first location, thereby inserting the second object under the first object.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Adrian Botwright
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Patent number: 9701236Abstract: A method of transporting a blade for a wind turbine generator, includes attaching a blade root support frame to a root flange of the blade and attaching a blade spanwise support frame to a spanwise portion of the blade, connecting a first wheel base to the spanwise support frame, and connecting a transport unit to the root support frame. In another aspect, the blades may be stacked by use of the support frames without use of further equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Peter Frans Thomsen, Anton Bech, Birger Keseler
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Patent number: 9689378Abstract: The invention proposes a device (1000) and a method for storing and transporting a wind turbine blade (100). The blade (100) is inserted between an upper structure (220) and a lower structure (240) applying a clamping force on the blade surface. The magnitude of the clamping force can be adjusted by way of a device (400) comprising an elastic member (440) arranged between the upper structure (220) and the lower structure (240) during operation. The magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the elastic element (420) is proportional to the magnitude of the clamping force. Furthermore, the magnitude of the elastic force linearly depends on the amount of compression of the elastic element (440) with respect to a characteristic rest length.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Peter Frans Thomsen
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Patent number: 9638162Abstract: A transport system for transporting a wind turbine blade on first and second railcars that serve as load cars. A root end fixture on the first railcar is connected to a root end portion of the wind turbine blade. A mid-frame fixture on the second railcar supports a reinforced midsection of the wind turbine blade using a pair of support saddles. A tip end fixture restrains a tip end portion of the wind turbine blade against lateral movement outside of a preselected range of movement in opposite lateral directions and causing bending of the blade about the mid-frame fixture when the restraint device imparts sufficient restraining force to the tip end portion of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Martin Bencher USA, LLCInventors: Scott R. Fletcher, John D. Glover
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Patent number: 9428098Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a mounting system for attaching a container to a vehicle adapted to resist loads imparted by the container to the mounting system in sequential stages. In one exemplary mounting system a first spring is configured to elastically compress when subjected to an initiation load that exceeds a load imparted to the first spring by the container under static conditions. The first spring may have a useable load range from the initiation load to a maximum load at which the first spring is fully bottomed out. A first deformable member is disposed serially with respect to the first spring, and configured to remain substantially un-deformed until subjected to a first deformation threshold load that equals or exceeds the maximum load at which the first spring is fully bottomed out.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Armorworks Holdings, Inc.Inventors: William J. Perciballi, Ken-An Lou
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Patent number: 9347426Abstract: A system and method for transporting a first and second airfoil using a center railcar coupled to two additional railcars. A pair of root brackets support the root ends of the two airfoils on the two additional cars, aligning the two airfoils over the center car. A lower sling stand on the center railcar has a pair of vertical side members extending upwardly to hang a lower sling that support the first airfoil. An upper sling stand has a base that is supported by the lower sling stand, and also has a pair of upper side members that support an upper sling. The second airfoil is supported by the upper sling. The upper sling stand is fixedly supported on the lower sling stand so as to support the second airfoil above the first airfoil in overlapping fashion.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Transportation Technology Services, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Landrum, T. Christopher King
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Patent number: 9315200Abstract: Airfoil transportation using two railcars. A radius arm connects a deck pivot and a bolster pivot, where the deck pivot is coupled to the first railcar to enable arcuate transverse movement of the bolster pivot. A pair of deck stops on either side of the radius arm limit lateral movement of the first bolster pivot. A bolster supports the airfoil and is coupled to the radius arm by the bolster pivot. A wheel assembly under the radius arm carries the weight of the airfoil as it moves laterally. A bolster lock, lock release, and latch operate to hold the bolster in a fixed angular relationship with the radius until the lock release enables rotation at the deck stops positions. The latch holds the radius arm against the deck stop until the bolster returns to the fixed angular position, where the latch releases the radius arm to further translate laterally.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Transportation Technology Services, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Landrum, T. Christopher King
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Patent number: 9260875Abstract: A support arrangement of a wind turbine tower and a method to support the tower is provided. A support arrangement for a wind turbine tower is disclosed, whereby the support arrangement includes a first connection means to connect to a first part of the tower. The support arrangement includes a second connection means to connect to a second part of the tower. The first connection means are fixed in their position in respect to the support arrangement, and the second connection means are adjustable connected to the support arrangement, so that the distance between the first connection means and the second connection means is adjustable to counteract a deformation of the tower due to gravity. The support arrangement includes a third connection means to detachably fix the position of the second connection means in respect to the support arrangement 1 to support the counteracted shape of the tower.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Soeren Linde Bjoernskov, Henning Poulsen
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Patent number: 9168858Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting two or three pre-bend wind turbine blades for a wind turbine and to a wind turbine blade transport unit, the wind turbine blades each having a length extending from a first end, e.g. a root end describing a first end plane, to a second end, e.g. a tip end, where the length is at least 35 meters, the wind turbine blades each having a central longitudinal axis extending perpendicular from the first end plane and towards the second end, the wind turbine blade additionally having an aerodynamically shaped body having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blades are fixed in specific positions in relation to one or two other wind turbine blades as a single transport unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Envision Energy (Denmark) APSInventors: Wout Ruijter, Jan Westergaard
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Patent number: 9016989Abstract: A protective cap for a trailing edge of a rotor blade of a wind turbine for use during transportation, handling, or maintenance of the rotor blade is disclosed. The protective cap includes a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a cap member. The cap member connects the first and second legs. Further, the cap member may be configured to cover at least a portion of a trailing edge of the rotor blade and may be configured to provide a gap between an inner surface of the protective cap and the trailing edge. In addition, the first and second legs may resiliently engage the rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Pradeepa Nagabhushana, Donald Joseph Kasperski
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Patent number: 9011054Abstract: A transport system for a wind turbine blade is provided. The transport system is configured for increasing a curvature of the wind turbine blade in response to an obstacle during transport of the wind turbine blade. Further, a method for transporting a wind turbine blade in order to avoid obstacles is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jens Thomsen
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Patent number: 9004843Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades that provide a versatile means for handling aerogenerator blades without an unbalanced distribution of the loads in the blade. The method comprises positioning an upper mounting part (103) over the blade after the upper mold has been retracted; lifting the blade with the upper mounting part from the under mold using a lifting means; positioning the blade over an under mounting part (104) which is fixedly attached to an inferior movable support (102); attaching the upper mounting part to the under mounting part, wherein the upper and under mounting parts together have the inner surface substantially corresponding to the shape of the blade outer profile section. The invention further comprises an apparatus for handling aerogenerator blades.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Tecsis Tecnologia E Sistemas Avançados S.A.Inventors: Phillips Antonio Da Costa Lemos, Caio Teruo Hideshima, Tatiane Rabello Koga, Tomaz Schmidt Cavalcante
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Patent number: 8998546Abstract: A fixture for attachment of an end of a member, such as a wind turbine tower section, blade or hub for a wind turbine characteristically has an end flange. To enable clamping while being able to compensate for different hole patterns in the flanges, by the invention, the fixture provides for retaining of ends of members with flanges, regardless of flange diameter and hole patterns, and which is also quickly and easily installed. Additionally, it is possible to firmly clamp the flange end to upstanding frame parts of the fixture with fastening elements, thereby providing a stable connection between a console of the fixture and the upstanding frame parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Liftra ApSInventor: Per E Fenger
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Patent number: 8985920Abstract: A blade holding apparatus for holding one end of a wind turbine blade during handling, which blade holding apparatus includes a support structure including an opening for accommodating one end of the wind turbine blade, a clamping arrangement arranged in the opening, which clamping arrangement is realized to exert a clamping force on the wind turbine blade, and a locking arrangement for locking the clamping arrangement relative to the support structure. A method of operating such a blade holding apparatus during a handling procedure of a wind turbine blade is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Brix Bitsch, Peter Knudsen, David Stien Pedersen, Reza Talebnasab, Jesper Uhrenholt
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Patent number: 8974158Abstract: Some embodiments include a novel laced strapping system that provides a plurality of attachment points by which a tie-down lace can adjust the fit of a cargo mesh webbing to secure loads of items in an open bed of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a pick-up truck with a cargo bed. In some embodiments, the mesh webbing comprises a first truck bed mesh, a second truck bed mesh, and the plurality of attachment points. In some embodiments, tie-down lace interconnects the attachment points to secure together the first mesh and the second mesh.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventors: Rob Edward Hatch, Anita Marie Hatch
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Patent number: 8967930Abstract: A transport system for transporting large items wherein the large items comprise at least three through going holes and said system comprises a frame to support the items. Said frame has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises two parallel longitudinal beams connected by two parallel transverse beams and further comprises at least two transverse support bars to support the items, which transverse support bars are located between the two parallel transverse beams. The transport system further comprises a first and a second rod to be mounted in two through going holes in the items where each end of the first and second rod can be connected to the longitudinal beams to secure the items to the frame in such a way that no part of the large items extends over the rectangle defined by the two parallel longitudinal beams and the two parallel transverse beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Viggo Jespersen Holding APSInventor: Viggo Jespersen
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Patent number: 8967929Abstract: A transportation and storage system for a wind turbine rotor blade comprises a tip end frame assembly comprising a tip end receptacle and a tip end frame. The tip end receptacle comprises an upwardly open tip end-receiving space for receiving a portion of the tip end of the blade and having a supporting surface for supporting the blade, a lower surface allowing the tip end receptacle to rest upright on a substantially horizontal surface, such as the ground, and releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the tip end of the blade in the receiving space of the tip end receptacle. The tip end frame comprises an upwardly open receptacle-receiving space for receiving the receptacle and provided with positioning means for positioning the receptacle in the tip end frame. A base part defines a bottom surface allowing the tip end frame to rest upright on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Henrik Frederiksen
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Patent number: 8961085Abstract: There is provided a transport vehicle for transporting wind power installation rotor blades and/or pylon segments. The transport vehicle has a transport support structure having a main frame, a receiving frame fixedly connected to the main frame at a first angle, and a rotary displacement unit which is fixed with one end to the receiving frame and which at its second end has a blade adaptor for receiving a rotor blade or a pylon segment. The main frame spans a main plane. The rotary displacement unit has at least one first rotary mounting, wherein there is provided a second angle between the second rotary plane of the second rotary mounting.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Dirk Ressel, Frank Lülker, Mirko Janke
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Publication number: 20150042073Abstract: An improved system and method for positioning a sliding plate for an oversized trailer is described herein. In this embodiment, the sliding plate can comprise a plate, one or more plate guides and one or more plate walls. The plate can have a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the plate guides can further comprise a plurality of sockets within the plate guide. The plate walls can extend from the bottom surface of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Mammoet USA South Inc.Inventor: Piet Nooren
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Publication number: 20150037112Abstract: A protective cap for a trailing edge of a rotor blade of a wind turbine for use during transportation, handling, or maintenance of the rotor blade is disclosed. The protective cap includes a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a cap member. The cap member connects the first and second legs. Further, the cap member may be configured to cover at least a portion of a trailing edge of the rotor blade and may be configured to provide a gap between an inner surface of the protective cap and the trailing edge. In addition, the first and second legs may resiliently engage the rotor blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Pradeepa Nagabhushana, Donald Joseph Kasperski
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Patent number: 8920083Abstract: The presented embodiments provide a system (10) for transporting a load (12) via multiple conveyance types. The system (10) includes a supporting member (22, 23) configured for attachment to the load (12), including a vehicle interface portion (40, 42), a first supporting member interface portion for attachment to the first vehicle of a first conveyance type, and a second supporting member interface portion for attachment to the second vehicle of a second conveyance type. The vehicle interface portion and the first and second supporting member interface portions are cooperatively configured such that when the load (12) is attached to the supporting member (22, 23) it can be moved between the first and second vehicles by a vertical lift and place move selectively parting and joining the vehicle interface portion with the first and second supporting member interface portions without the necessity of joining or separating a fastener.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eric M. Peterson
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Publication number: 20140369779Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine blade with a curved central longitudinal axis includes loading the wind turbine blade onto a transportation device including first and second support bearings. The wind turbine blade is loaded in a first orientation in which the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally vertical plane. When the transportation device is preparing to turn, the wind turbine blade is rotated to a second orientation before or during turning such that the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally horizontal plane and bends around the turn. As a result, the curved wind turbine blade and transportation device can traverse tighter curves and turns during travel to an assembly site or quayside.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventor: Stephen Randall
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Publication number: 20140348608Abstract: A position-securing mechanism and a device unit equipped therewith for securing a working device to a trailer is designed to the working device is attachable to a working machine via a coupling device. The position-securing mechanism is formed with a sensor designed to detect a coupled state and a decoupled state of the coupling device, a receiving device having first and second functional sections provided on a first longitudinal side of the trailer or the working device, a locking device that is brought into a locked state in which this locking device prevents the release of the engagement of the functional sections and into an unlocked state in which this locking device permits the release of this engagement and a drive device connected to the sensor and driven thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: CLAAS SAULGAU GMBHInventor: Josef Fischer
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Patent number: 8864428Abstract: A continuous rod transport system has a reel with a cage and a removable hub. The cage has support members interconnected by rings to hold the rod coiled in the cage. The removable hub has extending arms that removably attach to the cage's support members. Locks on the ends of the arms can removably lock the hub to the cages. Because the hub is removable, the cage with coiled rod can be shipped separate from the hub, thereby significantly reducing the transportation weight. Preferably, the cage has a diameter of 14-ft so two cages can be held on a stand and can be transported in overseas containers. In this way, the coiled rod in the cage can be transported to various areas in less costly and time-consuming ways than currently available.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Hermann Basler, Jonathan Paul Penner
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Patent number: 8845248Abstract: A transport structure for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator, in particular a generator of a wind turbine is disclosed. A handling base is included with an upper side and a lower side and a first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end, and an interface arrangement at the handling base realized such that a generator can be releasably attached to the handling base in the direction of the upper side. A method for transporting and for lifting a large scale generator is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Henning Poulsen
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Publication number: 20140255119Abstract: A clamp assembly for supporting multiple elongate rails in a rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: HERZOG CONTRACTING CORP.Inventors: Stanley M. Herzog, Ivan E. Bounds, Steven R. Walton, Lawrence E. Guerra