In a cable-driven three-dimensional crane system, an end-effector is moved within an operating volume defined by dynamically shifting draw points. Winch assemblies pull the end-effector toward the respective draw points. Each winch assembly includes a cable router that manages travel of its drive cable through the associated draw point. Cable length encoders determine the effective length of each drive cable, from which one method of end-effector position calculations can be made. Draw point angle trackers assess the instantaneous lateral and vertical angles of each drive cable as it vectors away from its draw point toward the carrier from which another method of end-effector position calculations can be made as well as enabling self-calibration techniques. Sensitive mechanical and electrical components are sheltered in heated enclosures that wipe debris from the drive cable and track with its changing position. Multi-zone applications allow sharing of winch assemblies.

A system and apparatus for controlling a mobile platform via cables is disclosed. Each of the set of cables are connected at one end to the platform at a second end to a cable controlling mechanism, the cable controlling mechanism including a motor to control a length and tension of the cable. At least two of the cables form a constraint, such as a kinematic constraint to the apparatus in order to limit the movement of the platform in certain degrees of freedom.

A system and apparatus for controlling a mobile platform via cables is disclosed. Each of the set of cables are connected at one end to the platform at a second end to a cable controlling mechanism, the cable controlling mechanism including a motor to control a length and tension of the cable. At least two of the cables form a constraint, such as a kinematic constraint to the apparatus in order to limit the movement of the platform in certain degrees of freedom.

Provided is a single-drum-type cableway carriage that can also be used for lumber-yarding which involves either the raising of a load or the lowering of a load over gentle slopes and steep surfaces.

The cableway carriage according to the present invention includes: a base member 1; a main cable braking member 10 that has a braking face that comes into contact with the main cable and that is secured to the base member; a first lever 20 that has a first fulcrum serving as a center of rotation and secured to the base member, a first lever braking face provided in a position facing the braking face, a biasing member that biases the first lever braking face in a direction of separation from the braking face, and a drive pulley capable of applying a force in the direction in which the first lever braking face is brought close to the braking face by the tensile force of the rope, and a second lever 30 that has a second fulcrum secured to the base member and serving as a center of rotation, and a first lever pressing part capable of pressing the first lever in the direction in which the first lever braking face is separated from the braking face.

A hoisting arrangement of a rope hoist includes a hoisting rope, a rope drum with one rope groove for the hoisting rope, and a hoisting member for hoisting a load. The hoisting member includes a rope pulley arrangement for the hoisting rope. The hoisting rope is routed from the rope drum via at least the hoisting member's rope pulley arrangement to a fixed attachment point on the rope hoist. The rope drum is tilted in relation to the horizontal plane in a manner where the first end of the rope drum, towards which the hoisting rope is wound in the hoisting member's upper position, is higher than the rope drum's second end, towards which the hoisting rope is unwound in the hoisting member's lower position.

A hoisting arrangement of a rope hoist includes a hoisting rope, a rope drum with one rope groove for the hoisting rope, and a hoisting member for hoisting a load. The hoisting member includes a rope pulley arrangement for the hoisting rope. The hoisting rope is routed from the rope drum via at least the hoisting member's rope pulley arrangement to a fixed attachment point on the rope hoist. The rope drum is tilted in relation to the horizontal plane in a manner where the first end of the rope drum, towards which the hoisting rope is wound in the hoisting member's upper position, is higher than the rope drum's second end, towards which the hoisting rope is unwound in the hoisting member's lower position.

An electrical distribution system for providing electric power to cranes, hoists, elevators and the like which move on a track, tower or support beam. In particular, a modular electrical system comprised of a modular buss bar system which provides electrical power for operation of construction cranes, hoists, elevators and the like on a construction or material transfer site or permanent building including a system and apparatus which is configurable to provide an easily movable and/or reconfigurable electrical power distribution system which is mounted to a construction mast, hoist, elevator or building under construction during the building construction process, a permanent building, or to a horizontal overhead crane support beam. In a further embodiment, a heating system for a modular buss bar system is provided which prevents the formation of ice and snow on the electrical contacts of a modular buss bar electrical system.

An electrical distribution system for providing electric power to cranes, hoists, elevators and the like which move on a track, tower or support beam. In particular, a modular electrical system comprised of a modular buss bar system which provides electrical power for operation of construction cranes, hoists, elevators and the like on a construction or material transfer site or permanent building including a system and apparatus which is configurable to provide an easily movable and/or reconfigurable electrical power distribution system which is mounted to a construction mast, hoist, elevator or building under construction during the building construction process, a permanent building, or to a horizontal overhead crane support beam. In a further embodiment, a heating system for a modular buss bar system is provided which prevents the formation of ice and snow on the electrical contacts of a modular buss bar electrical system.

A logging system includes a plurality of support posts, cables supported by the support posts, a winding device operable to wind the cables, a lifting and lowering device that is connected to the cables, and is movable in the air when the cables are wound by the winding device, and a logging device hung by the lifting and lowering device. The logging device has a gripping portion configured to grip a tree, and a cutting portion configured to cut the tree gripped by the gripping portion.

A detection system includes a plurality of support posts, cables supported by the support posts, a winding device operable to wind the cable, a lifting and lowering device that is connected to the cable, and is movable in an air when the cable is wound by the winding device, and a detecting device hung by the lifting and lowering device. The detecting device is configured to be moved by the winding device in a region defined by the support posts, and lowered by the lifting and lowering device to detect information concerning an object.