A control system detects a loaded state for a lifting device. The control system receives a current load value from a load sensor corresponding to a load on the lifting device and compares the current load value from a previously received load value to determine a change in load. The control system receives a current displacement value from a displacement sensor corresponding to a displacement of the lifting device and compares the current displacement value with a previously received displacement value to determine a change in displacement. The control system compares the change in load with the change in displacement to determine a current load slope. The lifting device in identified in a loaded state based on a comparison of the current load slope with a load slope threshold. The control system may stop extending the lifting device after reaching the loaded state and start extending all of the lifting devices in unison to lift the load off of a base surface after all of the lifting devices reach the loaded state.

A hoist for removing an object to enable an individual to work on the object includes a first substantially vertical support mounted on a floor surface. A second substantially vertical support mounted on the floor surface and being spaced a predetermined distance away from the first substantially vertical support. The first and second substantially vertical supports include an upper surface. A substantially horizontal member extending across the upper surfaces of the first and second substantially vertical supports. A first vertical lift is operatively positioned within the first substantially vertical support. A second vertical lift is operatively positioned within the second substantially vertical support. The first and second vertical lifts selectively raising the member relative to the floor surface. A winch is operatively mounted on the substantially horizontal member for lifting the object relative to the member for enabling an individual to work on the object.

A hoist for removing an object to enable an individual to work on the object includes a first substantially vertical support mounted on a floor surface. A second substantially vertical support mounted on the floor surface and being spaced a predetermined distance away from the first substantially vertical support. The first and second substantially vertical supports include an upper surface. A substantially horizontal member extending across the upper surfaces of the first and second substantially vertical supports. A first vertical lift is operatively positioned within the first substantially vertical support. A second vertical lift is operatively positioned within the second substantially vertical support. The first and second vertical lifts selectively raising the member relative to the floor surface. A winch is operatively mounted on the substantially horizontal member for lifting the object relative to the member for enabling an individual to work on the object.

A novel integrated pipe handling system and method is provided wherein one or more pipe tubs having lift arms can be loaded with pipe and transported to a drill site where it may be deployed next to a pipe handling trailer. The pipe tubs and pipe handling trailer are arranged such that when the lift arms are raised, pipes may roll from a tub to the trailer, where a pipe is transferred to an angularly adjustable trough on the trailer. The trough may be raised to a preselected position and the pipe moved along the trough by a skate such that the pipe is available to be transferred from the pipe handling trailer to a drilling rig. The process may be reversed to remove pipe from the drilling rig. A control system, which may be operated in a manual or automated mode, is used to operate the integrated system using information about each pipe joint recorded during the loading process.

A lift and method for lifting equipment modules, and for providing for sideways loading equipment modules, or cargo containers, onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine. The lift comprises a frame for supporting the equipment modules or cargo containers, and includes a number of conveying beams for conveying the equipment module or cargo container in a sideways direction in relation to the frame, and means for lifting said conveying beams in a vertical direction. The method includes, providing a lift according to the invention; arranging an equipment module or cargo container onto the lift; maneuvering the lift on a ground surface into a position substantial parallel with the hull of said sea vessel; raising the equipment module or cargo container by the lift in a vertical direction to a specific vertical position in relation to a mission bay in said hull; conveying the equipment module or cargo container sideways into the mission bay, by said conveying beams; connecting the equipment module or cargo container to a number of anchoring points within the mission bay and retracting the conveying beams out of the mission bay.

A lift and method for lifting equipment modules, and for providing for sideways loading equipment modules, or cargo containers, onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine. The lift comprises a frame for supporting the equipment modules or cargo containers, and includes a number of conveying beams for conveying the equipment module or cargo container in a sideways direction in relation to the frame, and means for lifting said conveying beams in a vertical direction. The method includes, providing a lift according to the invention; arranging an equipment module or cargo container onto the lift; maneuvering the lift on a ground surface into a position substantial parallel with the hull of said sea vessel; raising the equipment module or cargo container by the lift in a vertical direction to a specific vertical position in relation to a mission bay in said hull; conveying the equipment module or cargo container sideways into the mission bay, by said conveying beams; connecting the equipment module or cargo container to a number of anchoring points within the mission bay and retracting the conveying beams out of the mission bay.

A mobile fixture includes a movable base, a support platform, an adaptor interface, at least one sensor, and a controller. The movable base is configured to travel over a floor. The support platform is articulable with respect to the base. The adaptor interface moves with the support platform, and is configured to mechanically interface with an attachment member. The at least one sensor is coupled to the adaptor interface and is configured to detect at least one of a force or movement resulting from an interaction between the adaptor interface and the attachment member. The controller is operably coupled to the movable base, support platform, and at least one sensor, and is configured to control movement of at least one of the movable base or support platform responsive to the at least one of the force or movement detected by the at least one sensor.

A mobile fixture includes a movable base, a support platform, an adaptor interface, at least one sensor, and a controller. The movable base is configured to travel over a floor. The support platform is articulable with respect to the base. The adaptor interface moves with the support platform, and is configured to mechanically interface with an attachment member. The at least one sensor is coupled to the adaptor interface and is configured to detect at least one of a force or movement resulting from an interaction between the adaptor interface and the attachment member. The controller is operably coupled to the movable base, support platform, and at least one sensor, and is configured to control movement of at least one of the movable base or support platform responsive to the at least one of the force or movement detected by the at least one sensor.

A lifting system and method of use thereof for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one or more lifting devices. Each lifting device includes a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier, a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller that is configured for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, and a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier. The central controller includes a transmitter/receiver for communication with the individual lifting devices and a processor for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices. The central controller and/or at least one of the lifting devices includes a user input. The central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting devices.

Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. The lift system can incorporate enhanced touch screen-enabled functionalities and/or enhanced wireless communication features.