Apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of a suspended load
AssigneeTorquer Co., Ltd.
InventorAngus Jamieson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides an apparatus [10] and method for controlling the orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus consists of a closed loop pipe [11] containing a fluid volume attachable to a suspended load and at least one pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe. A control unit [17] is operable to receive at least one input direction signal. The apparatus includes a control unit which is configured to generate a control signal to activate the at least one pump to control the flow of the fluid volume in the pipe and thereby impart a rotational force on the pipe.
Claims62
An apparatus for controlling the orientation of a suspended load comprising:
- a closed loop pipe containing a fluid volume attachable to a suspended load;
- at least one impeller positioned within the closed loop pipe for circulating the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe;
- and
- a control unit receives at least one input direction signal;
- wherein the control unit generates a control signal to activate the at least one impeller, wherein the at least one activated impeller controls the flow of the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe based on the at least one input direction signal to impart a rotational force on the closed loop pipe.
A method of controlling the orientation of a suspended load, the method comprising:
- providing an apparatus attached to a suspended load, the apparatus comprising a closed loop pipe containing a fluid volume and at least one impeller positioned within the closed loop pipe for circulating the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe;
- generating a direction signal by a control unit to control the flow of the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe to impart a rotational force on the apparatus;
- activating the at least one impeller using the generated direction signal, wherein the at least one activated impeller controls the flow of the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe, which imparts the rotational force on the apparatus.
A spreader bar comprising a closed loop pipe containing a fluid volume attachable to a suspended load;
- at least one impeller for circulating the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe;
- and
- a control unit that receives at least one input direction signal;
- wherein the control unit generates a control signal to activate the at least one impeller, wherein the at least one activated impeller controls the flow of the fluid volume in the closed loop pipe based on the at least one input direction signal to impart a rotational force on the closed loop pipe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.