Crane operating aid with operator interaction

A crane operating aid comprising:

• sensor means operative to monitor a plurality of predetermined crane status parameters and to generate a separate output signal as a function of each said status parameter;
• means operative to receive and store said output signals;
• operator interface means operative in response to operator initiative to sequentially present a series of prompting crane status requests to an operator and to sequentially receive operator responses thereto;
• and
• logic means operative to selectively receive said stored output signals and said operator responses, and to generate a sensible crane condition signal as a function thereof.

A method of monitoring the operating conditions of a crane and associated load comprising the steps of:

• sensing a plurality of predetermined crane status parameters;
• generating a separate output signal for each such status parameter;
• prompting a crane operator by sequentially posing a series of crane status requests;
• receiving operator responses to said requests;
• and
• generating a sensible crane condition signal as a function of said output signals and operator responses.

A crane operating aid comprising:

• a plurality of transducers adapted for incorporation within a crane, each said transducer operative to monitor a single predetermined crane status parameter and to generate an output signal as a function thereof;
• memory means operative to receive and store said output signals;
• a control console adapted for disposition adjacent a designated crane operator position and operative in response to operator intiative to sequentially present a series of prompting crane status requests to an operator and to sequentially receiver operator responses thereto prior to operation of said crane;
• and
• logic means operative to selectively receive said stored output signals and said operator responses, and to generate a sensible crane condition signal as a function thereof.