Grappler guidance system for a gantry crane
US6081292A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66C19/007
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a gantry crane having a movable grappler adapted for lifting standard containers, a system is provided to aid in positioning the grappler relative to the container. The grappler is equipped with at least two corner video devices located near corners of the grappler for viewing the corner locking holes of a container below. In an embodiment, an additional distal video device is mounted to a side of the grappler opposite the cab to view the relative orientation of a side of the container relative to the side of the grappler. In an embodiment, a plurality of alignment sensors are mounted to respective sides of the grappler to detect the relative position of corresponding sides of the container vertically below. In an embodiment, a pair of height sensors are mounted to the grappler to measure a height of the grappler above the upper surface of the container. Additionally, indicators are provided in the cab to indicate information transmitted from the alignment sensors and/or height sensors. A method is provided for guiding the grappler wherein an operator adjusts the grappler position so that a line on a monitor overlaps or corresponds to an edge of the container displayed on the mo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.