A method for damping rotational oscillations of a load-handling element of a lifting device is created, wherein at least one controller parameter is determined by a rotational oscillation model of the load-handling element as a function of the lifting height (l.sub.H) and wherein, to damp the rotational oscillation of the load-handling element at any lifting height (l.sub.H), the at least one controller parameter is adapted to the lifting height (l.sub.H).

The invention relates to a load-compensating rope sheave arrangement for drum winders, comprising at least two rope sheaves which are vertically guided in sliding frames and mounted on hydraulically short-circuited cylinders. Multiply redundant monitoring of the different sheave loads acting upon the rope sheaves is carried out via the hydraulic cylinders which are connected to the system control of the drum winder for communication.

The invention relates to a load-compensating rope sheave arrangement for drum winders, comprising at least two rope sheaves which are vertically guided in sliding frames and mounted on hydraulically short-circuited cylinders. Multiply redundant monitoring of the different sheave loads acting upon the rope sheaves is carried out via the hydraulic cylinders which are connected to the system control of the drum winder for communication.

The present invention relates to a motion (heave) compensation system for a load hanging from a mobile unit (1), the system comprising two blocks (3, 4) and hybrid damping means. According to the invention, the damping means comprise an oleopneumatic damping system (6) and an electric drive system (9, 10). The invention further relates to the use of such a compensation system for heave compensation for drilling tools support.

The present invention relates to a motion (heave) compensation system for a load hanging from a mobile unit (1), the system comprising two blocks (3, 4) and hybrid damping means. According to the invention, the damping means comprise an oleopneumatic damping system (6) and an electric drive system (9, 10). The invention further relates to the use of such a compensation system for heave compensation for drilling tools support.

In the field of hoisting and controlling hoisted loads, a hoisting device for hoisting a load includes a support beam, two load carrying units, structured to be slid along the support beam and being structured to hold the load, at least one counterweight structured to be slid along the support beam, at least one sensor capable of measuring the weight force held by the load carrying units, a first driving unit structured to slide the load carrying units, a second driving unit structured to slide the counterweight, a third driving unit structured to hoist the load, a hooking point structured to be hooked from a crane, and a processing unit structured to receive the information produced by the sensor and structured to operate the first driving unit, the second driving unit and the third driving unit.

An assembly includes a hoist or a winch, a cable, and a fleet angle sensor. The fleet angle sensor includes a frame disposed around an opening and the cable extends through the opening. A first photodetector with multiple light-receiving zones is mounted on the frame. A first light source is mounted on the frame opposite the first photodetector. A shield device is under the frame and includes a shield frame and a cover. The shield frame is around the cable and the cover extends from the shield frame toward the cable, with the cable extending through the cover.

An assembly includes a hoist or a winch, a cable, and a fleet angle sensor. The fleet angle sensor includes a frame disposed around an opening and the cable extends through the opening. A first photodetector with multiple light-receiving zones is mounted on the frame. A first light source is mounted on the frame opposite the first photodetector. A shield device is under the frame and includes a shield frame and a cover. The shield frame is around the cable and the cover extends from the shield frame toward the cable, with the cable extending through the cover.

Aspects of the disclosure include apparatus for and methods of facilitating transfer of objects using a crane. Disclosed apparatuses include a target tracking device mounted on or near a crane at a first location, and a target located near a landing location for the object. The target tracking device and the target facilitate real time determination of relative motion between the two locations. Methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Aspects of the disclosure include apparatus for and methods of facilitating transfer of objects using a crane. Disclosed apparatuses include a target tracking device mounted on or near a crane at a first location, and a target located near a landing location for the object. The target tracking device and the target facilitate real time determination of relative motion between the two locations. Methods of using the same are also disclosed.