A gripper device for the lifting and motion of loads. The present gripper is equipped with arms which can be actuated between a position of minimum opening and a position of maximum opening. In particular, since such arms are hinged in several points and can be moved independently, the gripper is capable to assume different intermediate configurations between the minimum opening position and the maximum opening position, by allowing to lift and/or move heavy or cumbersome loads with different shapes and sizes.

A Building Element Lift Enhancer is described. The Building Element Lift Enhancer provides for the movement and precise placement of building elements such as blocks or sheet products by one worker. The Building Element Lift Enhancer senses the force applied by a user to the building element and converts that user applied force to mechanically assisted force from the Building Element Lift Enhancer, allowing the user to precisely move and handle large, heavy or bulky building elements by direct interaction with the building element.

A device for securing logs from harvested timber to a transport vehicle, or logging truck, using log wrappers. The log wrapper securement device can be located in the inspection cavity of a forestry grapple. The forestry grapple is attached to a log loader. The log wrapper securement device includes a base plate sized and shaped to replace the inspection plate covering the inspection cavity. The base plate includes a slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of a chain end link or other chain links of the log wrapper, which can be inserted manually. The loader operator can remotely control the actuator to secure the chain link and release it, once the log wrapper is positioned over the other side of the logging truck. The log wrapper securement device can potentially reduce injuries and save lives.

A load transfer system includes a load transfer bushing having a first and second arcuate segments configured to engage a load surface of a tubular or of a collar connected to the tubular, and an elevator configured to receive the load transfer bushing. Moving the elevator from its closed position to its open position while the elevator engages the load transfer bushing moves the first and second arcuate segments apart, permitting the elevator and the load transfer bushing to be received around the tubular. Moving the elevator from the opened position to the closed position with the load transfer bushing and elevator surrounding the tubular forms an axial engagement load surface for the load surface of the tubular or the collar. The load transfer bushing is disengageable from the elevator.

A load transfer system includes a load transfer bushing having a first and second arcuate segments configured to engage a load surface of a tubular or of a collar connected to the tubular, and an elevator configured to receive the load transfer bushing. Moving the elevator from its closed position to its open position while the elevator engages the load transfer bushing moves the first and second arcuate segments apart, permitting the elevator and the load transfer bushing to be received around the tubular. Moving the elevator from the opened position to the closed position with the load transfer bushing and elevator surrounding the tubular forms an axial engagement load surface for the load surface of the tubular or the collar. The load transfer bushing is disengageable from the elevator.

A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.

A method for lifting a tank car is provided. The method can include positioning a lifting apparatus above a tank car, pulling at least one of the first arm and the second arm outward to place the lifting apparatus in an open configuration, lowering the lifting apparatus in the open configuration to surround a tank of the tank car, connecting the second end of the first arm to a first tank car support, connecting the second and of the second arm to a second tank car support, and raising the lifting apparatus to lift the tank car.

A method for lifting a tank car is provided. The method can include positioning a lifting apparatus above a tank car, pulling at least one of the first arm and the second arm outward to place the lifting apparatus in an open configuration, lowering the lifting apparatus in the open configuration to surround a tank of the tank car, connecting the second end of the first arm to a first tank car support, connecting the second and of the second arm to a second tank car support, and raising the lifting apparatus to lift the tank car.

Systems for safety grip control of telescoping sheet lifters are provided. The systems incorporate at least one load interlock element and at least two alignment interlock elements joined to a carrying angle of the telescoping sheet lifter. The load interlock element detecting the presence of a load on the sheet lifter. The alignment interlock elements detecting the alignment of the load on the sheet lifter. The systems define three different load conditions: empty lifter, properly aligned sheets, and misaligned sheets. Corresponding or associated methods are also provided.

A pipelayer machine is provided. The pipelayer machine has a main body, a boom pivotally connected to a first side of the main body, a hook winch provided on the first side of the main body and a boom winch provided on the second side of the main body. The boom winch and the hook winch can be connected to a structural assembly that positions the boom winch proximate the second side of the main body and positions the hook winch proximate the first side of the main body of the pipelayer machine. The hook winch can be provided in a hook winch frame and the hook winch frame can form a structural member in the structural assembly.