B66D3/02

Apparatus and method for removing equipment parts from a platform of a wind turbine generator, and method for filling a fuel tank on said platform

A power pack [2] is located within a housing [3] on the platform [1] of a wind turbine generator tower. The power pack [2] is supplied from a fuel tank [4]. With the door [6] of the housing [3] open, the power pack [2] may be removed for servicing and repair by using a U-shaped support structure [8] to which an electric motor [11] is mounted. Two support rails [12] permanently located within the housing [3] support the housed power pack [2]. A chain [15] attached to the power pack [2] is driven by the motor [11] to remove the power pack [2] from the housing [3] by sliding the power pack [2]along the support structure [8]. A pulley arrangement reduces the necessary torque. After removing the power pack [2] from the housing [3], a crane [7] is used to lift the power pack [2] from the platform [1] and to lower it down to a sea vessel [17]. The crane [7] may also be used in the refilling of the fuel tank [4] by hauling a fuel line [18] from a sea vessel up to the platform [1] and connecting it to the fuel tank [4].

Apparatus and method for removing equipment parts from a platform of a wind turbine generator, and method for filling a fuel tank on said platform

A power pack [2] is located within a housing [3] on the platform [1] of a wind turbine generator tower. The power pack [2] is supplied from a fuel tank [4]. With the door [6] of the housing [3] open, the power pack [2] may be removed for servicing and repair by using a U-shaped support structure [8] to which an electric motor [11] is mounted. Two support rails [12] permanently located within the housing [3] support the housed power pack [2]. A chain [15] attached to the power pack [2] is driven by the motor [11] to remove the power pack [2] from the housing [3] by sliding the power pack [2]along the support structure [8]. A pulley arrangement reduces the necessary torque. After removing the power pack [2] from the housing [3], a crane [7] is used to lift the power pack [2] from the platform [1] and to lower it down to a sea vessel [17]. The crane [7] may also be used in the refilling of the fuel tank [4] by hauling a fuel line [18] from a sea vessel up to the platform [1] and connecting it to the fuel tank [4].

Device for lifting and transporting sheet material

A device for lifting and transporting sheet material includes a base portion; wheels on which the base portion is supported; a mast that extends upwardly from the base portion; a boom that extends from a first end outwardly from the mast to a second end; a supporting head that is configured to support sheet material; and a pivot coupling at the second end of the boom. The pivot coupling is arranged to couple the supporting head to the boom, and enable the supporting head to be rotated about a pivot axis between a first position in which sheet material supported by the supporting head is in a generally transverse orientation relative to the boom, and a second position in which the angle between sheet material supported by the supporting head and the boom is reduced.

Device for lifting and transporting sheet material

A device for lifting and transporting sheet material includes a base portion; wheels on which the base portion is supported; a mast that extends upwardly from the base portion; a boom that extends from a first end outwardly from the mast to a second end; a supporting head that is configured to support sheet material; and a pivot coupling at the second end of the boom. The pivot coupling is arranged to couple the supporting head to the boom, and enable the supporting head to be rotated about a pivot axis between a first position in which sheet material supported by the supporting head is in a generally transverse orientation relative to the boom, and a second position in which the angle between sheet material supported by the supporting head and the boom is reduced.

Apparatus, system, and related methods for holding and maneuvering an industrial vehicle spare tire
10179615 · 2019-01-15 · ·

An apparatus, system, and related methods for holding and maneuvering an industrial vehicle spare tire include a tire support positioned on an industrial vehicle. An industrial vehicle tire is removably securable to the tire support, wherein the tire support has at least two independently adjustable threaded members for controlling engagement of the tire support and the industrial vehicle tire. A winch is positioned proximate to the gate of the industrial vehicle. At least one pulley is positioned above the tire support, wherein at least one winch cable is connected between the winch and the at least one pulley.

Apparatus, system, and related methods for holding and maneuvering an industrial vehicle spare tire
10179615 · 2019-01-15 · ·

An apparatus, system, and related methods for holding and maneuvering an industrial vehicle spare tire include a tire support positioned on an industrial vehicle. An industrial vehicle tire is removably securable to the tire support, wherein the tire support has at least two independently adjustable threaded members for controlling engagement of the tire support and the industrial vehicle tire. A winch is positioned proximate to the gate of the industrial vehicle. At least one pulley is positioned above the tire support, wherein at least one winch cable is connected between the winch and the at least one pulley.

TIE-DOWN APPARATUS
20180334076 · 2018-11-22 ·

A tie-down apparatus includes a frame, a reel, a ratcheted wheel, a ratchet detent, a handle and a security device. The reel is rotatable relative to the frame. The ratcheted wheel is rotatable with the reel. The ratchet detent rattles on the ratcheted wheel to allow the ratcheted wheel to rotate when the ratcheted wheel is rotated in a first sense of direction. The ratchet detent is engaged with the ratcheted wheel to prevent the ratcheted wheel from rotation in an attempt to rotate the ratcheted wheel in a second sense of direction. The security device is movable between a reeling position where the security device keeps the handle connected to the reel and a locking position where the security device is supported on the frame and pressed against the ratchet detent so that the ratchet detent is firmly engaged with the ratcheted wheel, thereby keeping the reel in position.

ELEVATION APPARATUS TO RAISE A CONNECTION LINE
20180290867 · 2018-10-11 ·

An elevation apparatus can be used to raise and retain a connection line connected between a piece of moveable equipment and a stationary structure. The connection line has a first end configured to couple with the piece of moveable equipment, and an opposing second end configured to couple with a supply fitting. The elevation apparatus includes a resilient band having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the resilient band can be affixed to a mid-span portion of the connection line, and the second end can be stretched and affixed to an object at a height sufficient to impart a first tensioned length to the resilient band, such that the mid-span portion of the band elevates to a first vertical distance. The elevation apparatus further includes a hook configured to be attached to the object and secure the second end of the resilient band.

ELEVATION APPARATUS TO RAISE A CONNECTION LINE
20180290867 · 2018-10-11 ·

An elevation apparatus can be used to raise and retain a connection line connected between a piece of moveable equipment and a stationary structure. The connection line has a first end configured to couple with the piece of moveable equipment, and an opposing second end configured to couple with a supply fitting. The elevation apparatus includes a resilient band having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the resilient band can be affixed to a mid-span portion of the connection line, and the second end can be stretched and affixed to an object at a height sufficient to impart a first tensioned length to the resilient band, such that the mid-span portion of the band elevates to a first vertical distance. The elevation apparatus further includes a hook configured to be attached to the object and secure the second end of the resilient band.

WATERCRAFT LAUNCH AND LOADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
20180281658 · 2018-10-04 ·

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for aiding in the launching and/or loading of a watercraft on a mobile trailer. Various embodiments provide for an aid system that may be removably installed without significant modifications to a trailer. In some embodiments, the aid system may include one or more guide straps that are elastic, at least in part, to facilitate the guiding and positioning of a watercraft and/or associated winch hook assembly during launching and/or loading operations. Further embodiments may ease launching operations by providing a certain measure of force propelling the watercraft from the mobile trailer into the water, and/or ease loading operations by positioning the winch hook assembly towards a rear of the mobile trailer during loading operations.