Patent · US Expired

Sway control arrangement for hoist systems

US4544070A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
13References
2Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 16, 1983
Grant dateOct 1, 1985
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 16, 2003

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB66C13/06
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling sway and pendulous motion of suspended loads is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a mobile crane or similar hoist system. The arrangement includes stabilizing cables attached to a load lifting structure or spreader of the crane. The stabilizing cable is reeled and unreeled as the load lifting structure is moved up and down, respectively. The reel for the stabilizing cable is connected to a hydraulic motor which is driven by a pressurized fluid source when the load lifting structure is raised to reel in the stabilizing cable reducing and abating any pendulous motion. Upon unreeling of the stabilizing cable and lowering of the load lifting structure, the fluid flow through the hydraulic motor is reversed and directed through bypass circuitry around the hydraulic motor. The bypass circuitry includes a fluid flow restrictor to hydraulically dampen the hydraulic motor during unreeling of the stabilizing cable, thereby allowing the cable to remain taut to effectively abate and/or eliminate the pendulous motion of the load lifting structure and attached load.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.