Abstract:
This invention relates to a pipe-laying machine of the type comprising a self-propelled tracked vehicle (1), on one side of which is fitted a crane (10) designed for lifting and laying pipes, which said machine is also fitted with a counterweight constituted by a plate (19) made of a heavy material that moves between a rest position in which it retracts fully into the vehicle and an operational position in which it projects from the vehicle on the opposite side to the crane. In the machine according to the invention, engine unit (3) and control cab (4) are located at each end of chassis (1 ), projecting slightly from it, to leave a free space in the central part of the vehicle for the installation of all the mechanisms (6, 7) designed for the movement and control of the crane.
Abstract:
An adjustable double link mounting (Fig. 4) for interconnecting a pair of structures with parallel mounting bores (90, 100-103) such as a removably mounted counterweight mounting frame (37) and a winch mechanism (51) for a crawler vehicle (10). The mounting includes a pair of spaced-apart lugs (44, 82- 85) with bores (90, 100-103) on each of the structures (37, 51), a pair of spaced-apart links (80, 81) having pivotal connections at their ends to the lugs (44, 82-85) as provided by pin-receiving openings (91, 92, 105, 107) for receiving pins (93, 94, 104, 106) which also extend through the apertured lugs (44, 82-85). One (81) of the links includes a turnbuckle (110, 111, 112) for adjusting its effective length. The adjustable link (81) permits closer tolerances to be used between pin (106) and bores (100, 103) through which the pin extends than would be possible if the link (81) were not adjustable.
Abstract:
A system [200] and method [500] for calculating a crane [10] capacity for a crane having a variable position counterweight [22] at an intermediate position is disclosed. In the method [500] a boom combination is determined [502] and a maximum capacity at a hook position is determined [504] for the boom combination. An target value for an operating condition is established [506] dependent on a balance of the crane [10] between the variable position counterweight [22] and a load on the hook [28]. An indication is received [508] of an intermediate counterweight position, and a load is calculated [510] for the hook at the hook position for the boom combination and intermediate counterweight position that results in the operating condition having the target value to determine an intermediate capacity. The intermediate capacity is compared [512] with the maximum capacity and the lower of the maximum capacity and the intermediate capacity is output [514].
Abstract:
A counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a load bearing arm, a toggle linkage, and first and second resilient members for applying a force to the load bearing arm. The load bearing arm consists of a plurality of pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage, may project from the base at an attachment point and is adapted to support the load at a distal end. The toggle linkage may be pivotally connected to the base and moveable between a non-load bearing position and a load bearing position. The toggle linkage may also comprise an adjustment member positioned to define a distance relative to the attachment point. The first resilient member is adapted to apply a force to the load bearing arm and may have a first end connected to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the adjustment member; and the second resilient member is also adapted to apply a force to the load bearing arm and may have a first end connected to a second portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the adjustment member. Movement of the toggle linkage from the non-load bearing position to the load bearing position engages the forces of the resilient members and movement of the adjustment member varies the distance to adjust a support vector adapted to counterbalance the load vector.
Abstract:
A pipelayer providing higher lifting capacities without adding weight or size to an undercarriage or boom of the pipelayer is disclosed. The pipelayer is designed and sized to have a maximum lifting capacity when the boom is extended from the undercarriage a predetermined, relatively short distance. However, in use the boom often needs to extend further away from the undercarriage, and in so doing the lifting capacity of the pipelayer decreases. The present disclosure provides additional lifting capacity in that extended range by selectively deploying a counterweight away from the undercarriage once the boom is extended past the predetermined distance. In so doing, not only is the lifting capacity of the pipelayer increased, but the size and weight of the undercarriage and boom are not increased. This enables standard sized undercarriages and other supporting structure to be used, thereby aiding in maneuverability and shipping of the pipelayers, while at the same time reducing manufacturing and usage costs.
Abstract:
An articulated jib for moving a load is supported on a base and comprises a first jib arm pivotably connected to a base. The first jib arm functions as a bascule and is pivotable about a first axis. There is a first counterweight disposed on the first jib arm. A second jib arm is pivotably connected to the first jib arm and is pivotable about a second axis. A linking rod connects the second jib arm to a lever arm which is also pivotably connected to the base. There is a second counterweight disposed on the lever arm.
Abstract:
The construction apparatus (1) includes a tower (2), a turret (3) adapted for disposition upon the tower (2), a crane assembly 4 disposed on the turret (3) and a concrete placement boom (5) also disposed on the turret (3). The torque exerted on the tower (2) by the concrete placement boom (5) at least partially counterbalances the torque exerted on the tower (2) by the crane assembly (4).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a crane, especially a self-propelled crane with a base structure (1) and a revolving superstructure (2) arranged thereon which is provided with a main beam (3) linked to said superstructure and a mast (5) (articulated arm) linked thereto. The top (7) of said mast is linked to the head (8) of the main beam (3) via a length-adjustable bracing (9) and with a counter-weight via a bracing (10). The mast is not linked to a separate counter-weight of the superstructure. The distance of the counter-weight (11) to the superstructure (2) of the crane can be continuously modified via a frame element (12, 15) within a predetermined range. Said frame element can be moved across the vertical plane and is arranged at the superstructure (2) and is linked therewith in a non-positive fit. The frame element (12, 15) is linked with a means (16, 16') for displacing the resulting force between the force of the counter-weight acting in the direction of gravity and the bracing force produced by an attached load (L) into the superstructure (2).