Automatic spotter with electronic control system for pile driving and continuous flight auger drilling leads
US7575398B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02D11/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A lifting device such as a mobile crane having a main body and a boom, such as a lattice boom, for supporting a pile lead for, e.g., pile driving or continuous flight auger drilling, and a method of using same. A hydraulically operated mechanical spotter arm may be attached between the device body and the pile lead. Electronic position sensors on the spotter arm may be used to measure angular relationships between the pile lead and the spotter arm. Position sensors on a boom box on the boom may also be used. When the pile lead is swung, information from the sensors may be used by an electronic control system to automatically maintain the pile lead in a desirable position, limiting torque induced in the boom. The boom box position sensors may be used to counter-steer the spotter arm to further limit torque. The boom box may also be fitted with rubber springs to permit controlled pile lead deflection while limiting load transmitted to the boom. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the disclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.