Self-deploying telscoping jib crane system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018361902-A1
Application number	US-201816113562-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Aug 27, 2018
Priority date	Sep 25, 2014
Publication date	Dec 20, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A crane system includes a skid assembly having an operator base and plurality of outrigger assemblies coupled to the operator base that support and lift the base from a first elevation to a second elevation. The crane system also includes a jib crane coupled to the skid assembly. The jib crane includes a pillar assembly coupled to the skid assembly and a boom assembly coupled to the pillar assembly.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A method of loading a barrel onto a semi trailer, the method comprising:
providing a crane assembly, the crane assembly including:
a skid assembly having an operator base, the skid assembly further including a plurality of outrigger assemblies coupled to the operator base to support and lift the operator base from a first elevation to a second elevation, and
a jib crane coupled to the skid assembly, the jib crane having a pillar assembly coupled to the skid assembly, and a boom assembly coupled to the pillar assembly;
using the outrigger assemblies of the crane assembly to lift the operator base from a first elevation to a second elevation; moving a semi trailer underneath the operator base; engaging a hoisting component of the jib crane to a barrel; and moving the barrel onto the flatbed semi trailer.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the operator base includes a lower plate, further comprising resting the lower plate on the semi trailer, such that the semi trailer provides at least partial vertical support for the operator base.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the outrigger assemblies provide all vertical support for the operator base.

4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing the skid assembly to the semi trailer using non-retractable twist lock mechanical engagements.

5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising monitoring movement of the barrel with a plurality of cameras coupled to the crane assembly.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of engaging the hoisting component with the barrel and moving the barrel include telescopically extending and retracting the pillar assembly.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of engaging the hoisting component with the barrel and moving the barrel include telescopically extending and retracting the boom assembly.

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of moving the barrel includes lowering the barrel into a canister that is positioned on the semi trailer.

9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising engaging the hoisting component of the jib crane to a canister lid, and moving the canister lid onto the canister after the barrel has been moved into the canister.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the hoisting component includes a grapple, and wherein the step of engaging the hoisting component to the barrel includes coupling the grapple to the barrel.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the semi trailer is a flatbed semi trailer, and wherein the barrel includes radiological material.

12 . A method of loading a barrel containing radiological material onto a flatbed semi trailer, the method comprising:
providing a crane assembly, the crane assembly including:
a skid assembly having an operator base, the skid assembly further including a plurality of outrigger assemblies coupled to the operator base to support and lift the operator base from a first elevation to a second elevation,
a jib crane coupled to the skid assembly, the jib crane having a pillar assembly coupled to the skid assembly, a boom assembly coupled to the pillar assembly, and a hoisting component coupled to the boom assembly, and
a plurality of cameras coupled to the jib crane;
engaging the hoisting component to a barrel that contains radiological material; moving the barrel onto the flatbed semi trailer; and monitoring the movement with the plurality of cameras.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the plurality of cameras is coupled to the pillar assembly.

14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the steps of engaging the hoisting component with the barrel and moving the barrel include telescopically extending and retracting the pillar assembly.

15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the steps of engaging the hoisting component with the barrel and moving the barrel include telescopically extending and retracting the boom assembly.

16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of moving the barrel includes lowering the barrel into a canister that is positioned on the semi-trailer.

17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising engaging the hoisting component of the jib crane to a canister lid, and moving the canister lid onto the canister after the barrel has been moved into the canister.

18 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the hoisting component includes a grapple, and wherein the step of engaging the hoisting component to the barrel includes coupling the grapple to the barrel.

19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the grapple includes one of the plurality of cameras.

20 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the operator base includes a controller having a display, and wherein the step of monitoring the movement includes displaying feeds from the plurality of cameras on the display.

Assignees

• Konecranes Global Corp

Inventors

• Yustus Joseph A
• Chellman Joel

Classifications

• B66C23/80

  hydraulically actuated · CPC title

• B66C23/42

  with jibs of adjustable configuration, e.g. foldable · CPC title

• B66C23/68

  foldable or otherwise adjustable in configuration · CPC title

• B66C23/16

  with jibs supported by columns, e.g. towers having their lower end mounted for slewing movements · CPC title

• B65G67/04

  Loading land vehicles {(loading or unloading boats to or from land vehicles B60P3/10)} · CPC title