# US 11,897,739 B2 · Spool tipper systems and methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,897,739 B2 - Document ID: US11897739B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/984,979 - Filed: 2020-08-04 - Published: 2022-02-10 - Granted: 2024-02-13 - Earliest claimed: 2020-08-04 - Assignees: Corbins, LLC - Applicants: Corbins Service Electric, LLC - Inventors: Tyler Curtis; Michael Velotta - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11897739B2 ## CPC - B66C 1/16: Slings with load-engaging platforms or frameworks - B66F 11/00: Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for (ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting or manoeuvring the vehicle B60S9/00) - B66C 1/18: Band-type slings - B66C 1/22: Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks - B66C 1/30: and also arranged to grip the sides of the loads - B66C 1/42: Gripping members engaging only the external or internal surfaces of the articles (for handling or stripping castings or ingots during manufacture B22D29/00) - B66C 1/62: comprising article-engaging members of a shape complementary to that of the articles to be handled - B66F 9/18: Load gripping or retaining means - B66F 9/19: Additional means for facilitating unloading - B66C: CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES ({specially adapted for lifting invalids A61G7/10;} rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms, braking or detent devices therefor B66D; specially adapted for nuclear reactors G21) - B66F: HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD ({invalid lifting devices A61G7/10; } mounting artificial islands on piles or like supports E02B17/00; scaffolding combined with lifting devices E04G1/22; lifting devices for sliding forms E04G11/24; lifting of buildings E04G23/06; shores or struts E04G25/00; lifts or other hoisting devices on ladders E06C7/12; props for mining E21D15/00) ## Abstract A clamp assembly for a spool tipping system may comprise a base clamp portion and an adjustable clamp portion. The adjustable clamp portion may be adjustable relative to the base clamp portion based on a flange size of a respective spool. The adjustable clamp portion may be configured to translate through a portion of the base clamp portion and be locked to base clamp portion. The spool tipping system may comprise a lifting system configured to couple to the clamp assembly, lift the clamp assembly and the spool, and transition the spool from a side position to an upright position. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for a tipping a spool, the method comprising: adjusting a size of a clamp assembly relative to a first flange of the spool by sliding an adjustable clamp portion of the clamp assembly into a base clamp portion of the clamp assembly; locking the adjustable clamp portion of the clamp assembly relative to the base clamp portion of the clamp assembly to clamp the clamp assembly to the first flange of the spool, wherein in response to the locking the clamp assembly, the first flange is disposed within a first hook of the base clamp portion and a second hook of the adjustable clamp portion; coupling the clamp assembly to a lifting system; lifting, via the lifting system, the clamp assembly and the spool; lowering, via the lifting system, the spool and the clamp assembly; and releasing the spool from the clamp assembly in an upright position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising releasing the spool from the lifting system. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein lifting the clamp assembly and the spool further comprises actuating the spool vertically via the lifting system. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising pivoting the spool at least partially about a connection between the clamp assembly and the lifting system in response to lifting the clamp assembly and the spool. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising clamping the clamp assembly to the spool when the spool is in a side position, the side position including an axial surface of a flange in contact with a horizontal surface. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the spool further comprises the first flange, a generally cylindrical body, and a second flange, the generally cylindrical body extending from the first flange to the second flange. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the second flange contacts a horizontal surface before the first flange in response to lowering the spool. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein one of the base clamp portion and the adjustable clamp portion includes a third hook, and wherein in response to the locking the clamp assembly, the first hook, the second hook, and the third hook retain the first flange axially therebetween. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the first hook, the second hook, and the third hook are spaced apart circumferentially about the first flange in response to the locking the clamp assembly. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the size of the clamp assembly further comprises sliding the adjustable clamp portion within a receiving portion of the base clamp portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning an aperture in an array of apertures that are disposed through one of the adjustable clamp portion and the base clamp portion with a lock receiving aperture disposed through another of the base clamp portion and the adjustable clamp portion prior to the locking the clamp assembly. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the locking the clamp assembly further comprises coupling a locking mechanism to the aperture and the lock receiving aperture. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling the clamp assembly to the lifting system includes directly coupling one of the base clamp portion and the adjustable clamp portion to the lifting system.