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US 9,284,161 B2Granted
Self-balancing spreader beam
AssigneeNational Oilwell Varco, L.P.
InventorJohn E. Hey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lifting device may include a level setting portion and an adjustable beam assembly pivotally secured to the level setting portion and including a structural beam portion and an adjustment portion configured for translating along the structural beam portion, where the adjustable beam assembly includes a sensor for sensing when the structural beam portion is unbalanced and an actuation system for translating the adjustment portion to bring the structural beam portion into a balanced condition.
Claims19
A lifting device, comprising:
- a lifting loop;
- a level setting portion, pivotally secured to the lifting loop;
- and
- an adjustable beam assembly pivotally secured to the level setting portion, comprising:
- a structural beam portion configured for spanning laterally from the level setting portion;
- and
- an adjustment portion configured for securing to a load to be lifted and transferring forces from the load to the structural beam portion, the adjustment portion further configured for translating along the structural beam portion;
- wherein the adjustable beam assembly includes a sensor for sensing when the structural beam portion is unbalanced and an actuation system for translating the adjustment portion to bring the structural beam portion into a balanced condition.
5 more elements
A lifting device, comprising:
- a spreader beam configured for picking broad objects with a plurality of slings, the spreader beam comprising:
- a means for mechanically defining a level condition;
- a means for adjusting the beam to bring the beam into a balanced condition when the beam is deteiinined to not be level.
A method of balancing a spreader beam, comprising:
- sensing a non-level condition of the spreader beam;
- translating a portion of the spreader beam to bring the beam into a condition of balance;
- and
- adjusting a position of a boom tip to accommodate the translating and avoid dragging of a lifted object.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.