Load orientating device
OwnerPeter M. Fidoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device (10) for orientating a load to be suspended and moved by a crane includes a flywheel (11) mounted for rotation in a housing (14). A turntable (17) is pivotally connected to the housing (14) and is drivable relative to the housing using a driven worm gear (23) meshing with an annular set of teeth (22) on the turntable (17). The turntable has an axle (18) to which loads can be attached. When the flywheel (11) is spinning at high speed, it resists movement out of its plane of rotation so as to stabilize the cable in winds, etc. The flywheel (11) also allows the worm gear to react against it so as to turn the load relative to the flywheel (11). Maneuvering of the load is therefore made easier.
Claims9
A load orientating device for a load comprising:
- a flywheel
- a flywheel housing having a first axis fixed with respect to said housing about which the flywheel is mounted for rotation such that, in use, the flywheel rotates only in a single plane relative to the housing,
- a drive means for rotating the flywheel,
- a turntable means, connected to said housing for selective rotation about a second axis, for securing the load rotatably relative to the housing, and
- a second drive means fixed relative to the housing for rotating said turntable means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.