Back to results
US 8,523,252 B2Granted
Lift device for service operations on mechanical parts
AssigneeSpectra Energy Corp
InventorChristopher M. Upshaw
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A disclosed lift device serves as a work piece handling tool for performing service operations on a mechanical component, such as a power cylinder head of a gas engine compressor. The lift device may be attached to the cylinder head and used to securely and efficiently remove (and install) the cylinder head from the gas engine compressor. The lift device may also provide a free-standing base for holding the cylinder head securely in a manner that provides access for servicing operations. The advantages of the lift device include a single mounting and unmounting operation for the entire duration of the servicing operations.
Claims22
A lift device for supporting a work piece, comprising:
- a lift frame, including a lifting point for attaching a lift hook and including two axially aligned lift bushings installed at end portions of the lift frame;
- a stand frame including two axially aligned stand bushings installed at end portions of the stand frame and including a base portion that provides a support for the work piece and the lift frame;
- two pivot pins that respectively couple each of the two lift bushings with each of the two stand bushings, wherein the pivot pins enable the stand frame to rotate 360° about the lift frame about an axis on which the lift bushings and the stand bushings are aligned;
- and
- two connecting plates that respectively mount to each pivot pin and are coupled to the stand frame, wherein each connecting plate includes an attachment point configured for connecting to the work piece and further includes at least one locking hole for arresting rotation of the stand frame.
2 more elements
A lift device for supporting a work piece, comprising:
- a substantially U-shaped lift frame, including a lifting member affixed to two outer side members of the lift frame and including two axially aligned lift bushings installed at respective end portions of the outer side members;
- a stand frame including a base portion affixed to two inner side members and including two axially aligned stand bushings installed at respective end portions of the inner side members, wherein the base portion stabilizes the lift frame and the work piece when the lift device rests on a surface;
- two pivot pins that respectively couple each of the two lift bushings with each of the two stand bushings, wherein the stand frame rotates 360° about the two pivot pins within the lift frame, and wherein the two pivot pins define an axis on which the two outer side members and the two inner side members are aligned;
- two connecting plates that respectively mount to the inner side members, wherein each connecting plate includes an attachment point for the work piece and at least one locking hole for arresting rotation of the stand frame with respect to the lift frame;
- and
- a locking pin penetrating an outer side member, an inner side member, and one of the two connecting plates.
3 more elements
A method of supporting a work piece of a large engine, comprising:
- suspending a lift device over the work piece, wherein the lift device comprises:
- a substantially U-shaped lift frame, including a lifting point and including two axially aligned lift bushings respectively installed at end portions of the lift frame;
- a stand frame including two axially aligned stand bushings respectively installed at end portions of the stand frame and including a base portion that provides a support for the work piece and the lift frame;
- two pivot pins that respectively couple each of the two lift bushings with each of the two stand bushings, wherein the pivot pins enable the stand frame to rotate 360° with respect to the lift frame about at an axis on which the lift bushings and the stand bushings are aligned;
- two connecting plates that are mounted to the stand frame, wherein each connecting plate includes an attachment point for the work piece and at least one locking hole for arresting rotation of the stand frame;
- and
- wherein the lift frame, the stand frame, and one of the two connecting plates are configured to receive a locking pin, and further wherein the locking pin penetrates a locking hole of the one of the two connecting plates;
- following removal of the work piece from the large engine and while the lift device and the work piece are suspended:
- removing the locking pin and rotating the stand frame with respect to the lift frame, wherein the base portion is extended from the lift frame;
- and
- fastening the locking pin to arrest rotation of the stand frame;
- and
- resting the lift frame and the work piece on a surface supported by the base portion.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.