Lightweight high-performance pipelayer
US8783477B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66C23/76
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.