Method and apparatus for the wireless control of lift devices by infrared transmission

US5402257A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mannesmann AG · DE

Inventors

• Heinz Hasselmann · Hagen, DE
• Anton Munzebrock · Dortmund, DE
• Peter Stehr · Hagen, DE
• Walter Voll · Haßfurt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 1992
• Grant date: Mar 28, 1995
• Expiry date: Apr 8, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66C13/56
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In this method and apparatus for the wireless control of a lift device and, in particular, of a traveling crane, a plurality of transmitting units communicate by infrared transmission of data telegrams to a receiving unit associated with the crane. The data telegrams include an integrated address signal that is unique to each transmitting unit and is stored in a memory module of the transmitting unit. The receiving unit decodes the data telegram and, if the crane is not then in use, stores the address signal in a comparison circuit of the receiving unit. Only subsequently-received data telegrams incorporating the stored address signal are passed to the crane for controlling the crane, thereby assuring that a user not then in control of a crane operation cannot interfere with its operation. Each transmitting unit also includes a user-operable release switch for releasing that user's control of the crane by clearing the address signal then stored in the comparison unit so as to permit control of the crane by other users through other transmitting units.