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 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.
Claims67
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 pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe;
- and
- a control unit operable to receive at least one input direction signal;
- wherein the control unit is configured to generate a control signal to 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.
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 pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe;
- generating a direction signal to the control unit to control the flow of the fluid volume in the pipe to impart a 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 pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe;
- and
- a control unit operable to receive at least one input direction signal;
- wherein the control unit is configured to generate a control signal to 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.
A load lifting system for a crane comprising the method of providing an apparatus attached to a suspended load, the apparatus comprising a closed loop pipe containing a fluid volume and at least one pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe;
- generating a direction signal to the control unit to control the flow of the fluid volume in the pipe to impart a rotational force on the apparatus.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.