Method of Operating a Shiplift

A method for operating a lifting mechanism having a platform and a plurality of irregularly spaced blocking mechanisms to support a load of an item to be lifted on the platform, comprising:

• collecting position data on each of the blocking mechanisms with respect to the platform;
• estimating a mass of the item to be lifted;
• estimating a longitudinal center of gravity of the item to be lifted;
• calculating an estimated loading curve on the platform based on the position of the irregularly spaced blocking mechanisms, the mass and longitudinal center of gravity of the item to be lifted;
• and
• outputting the estimated loading curve.

A method for operating a lifting mechanism having a platform, a plurality of hoists to lift the platform and a plurality of blocking mechanisms to support a load of an item to be lifted on the platform, comprising:

• collecting position data on each of the blocking mechanisms;
• reading a load on each hoist;
• calculating a load on each blocking mechanism based on the position of each blocking mechanism, the loads on each hoist and a predetermined relationship between a stiffness of the platform and its load;
• outputting the calculated load on each blocking mechanism.

A method for operating a lifting mechanism having a platform, a plurality of hoists to lift the platform and a plurality of blocking mechanisms to support a load of an item to be lifted on the platform, comprising:

• collecting position data on each of the blocking mechanisms;
• reading a load on each hoist;
• calculating an estimated tons per meter loading on the platform based on the load on each hoist, the positioning of each blocking mechanism and a length of the platform;
• and
• outputting the estimated tons per meter calculation.

A method for operating a lifting mechanism, comprising:

• activating a monitoring operation of the lifting mechanism upon start-up of the lifting mechanism;
• monitoring certain operating parameters of the lifting mechanism;
• comparing the operating parameters with predetermined trigger parameters;
• and
• logging the operating parameters in the event that any of the trigger parameters are met.

A method for operating a lifting mechanism, comprising:

• activating a monitoring system upon activation of the lifting mechanism control;
• selecting a set of system parameters to monitor;
• selecting a set of triggering criteria for at least certain of the system parameters;
• monitoring the system parameters until any of the triggering criteria met;
• and
• logging the system parameters to a persistent memory once any of the triggering criteria are met.