A multi-axis gantry system comprising a multi-axis gantry apparatus and vacuum system, and method for repositioning is disclosed. The multi-axis gantry system comprises a frame. The frame includes a plurality of curved base members, a first rail, a second rail, a bridge slidably moveable along the first rail and the second rail, a carriage including an end effector, and a first plurality of pucks and a second plurality of pucks. The vacuum system comprises a vacuum controller, a first vacuum source and a second vacuum source. Each of the first and second vacuum sources is in fluid communication with one or more pucks of the first and second pluralities of pucks. The frame is reconfigurable from a first configuration mountable on a first work surface to a second configuration mountable on a second work surface that may be different from the first work surface.

Described is a method for taking up an elongate object from a ground surface using a hoisting yoke coupled to a lifting means. A beam-like support frame of the hoisting yoke extends in a longitudinal direction of the object and slings provided at end parts of the support frame take up the object. The object is taken up in a sling by holding a first outer end of a sling with a first holding means provided at an end part of the support frame and letting it hang down from the first holding means to a position in the vicinity of the object; paying out a messenger line from the end part using a messenger line winch, feeding it under the object and coupling it to a second outer end of the sling hanging from the first holding means; taking in the messenger line so that the sling is carried under the object and to the relevant end part; and coupling the second outer end of the sling to a second holding means provided at the end part, thus forming one of the slings for the object.

Described is a method for taking up an elongate object from a ground surface using a hoisting yoke coupled to a lifting means. A beam-like support frame of the hoisting yoke extends in a longitudinal direction of the object and slings provided at end parts of the support frame take up the object. The object is taken up in a sling by holding a first outer end of a sling with a first holding means provided at an end part of the support frame and letting it hang down from the first holding means to a position in the vicinity of the object; paying out a messenger line from the end part using a messenger line winch, feeding it under the object and coupling it to a second outer end of the sling hanging from the first holding means; taking in the messenger line so that the sling is carried under the object and to the relevant end part; and coupling the second outer end of the sling to a second holding means provided at the end part, thus forming one of the slings for the object.

A spread bar device is used to suspend a load from a crane using a lifting harness having a plurality of attachment cables. The spread bar device includes a modular central beam structure assembled from a main beam section and interchangeable end beam sections that are releasably coupled at opposing ends of the main beam section to vary the length of the spread bar device according to the load. One or more truss frames protrude laterally outward from the central beam structure to provide lateral stiffening to ensure sufficient strength while minimizing weight of the spread bar, despite the modular construction of the central beam assembly.

A spread bar device is used to suspend a load from a crane using a lifting harness having a plurality of attachment cables. The spread bar device includes a modular central beam structure assembled from a main beam section and interchangeable end beam sections that are releasably coupled at opposing ends of the main beam section to vary the length of the spread bar device according to the load. One or more truss frames protrude laterally outward from the central beam structure to provide lateral stiffening to ensure sufficient strength while minimizing weight of the spread bar, despite the modular construction of the central beam assembly.

A barge lid lifter system having a horizontal frame, a plurality of vertical beams, a plurality of cross bracing beams, and a plurality of load engagement mechanisms is provided. Each load engagement mechanism may include a frame, wherein each load engagement mechanism frame may have a first side plate, a second side plate, a top plate, a dagger plate, a horizontal pivot pin, and a horizontal pivot pin sleeve. The load engagement mechanism includes a linear actuator, a rotation plate, a rotation elbow, an arm, and a dagger point. The linear actuator is connected to the first side plate and the rotation elbow, and the rotation plate is connected to the rotation elbow and the arm. The arm is configured to close over the dagger point and retain a lifting eye of a barge lid lifting assembly.

A spreader frame, comprising a set of outer bars and a corresponding set of inner bars, each outer bar having a series of apertures and each inner bar having a spring-biased pin shaped and oriented to fit into any aperture of the series of apertures, each inner bar slidably engaging each corresponding outer bar to form an expandable beam having a first end and a second end, and each beam being connected at its first end and second end to a further beam to form a frame, wherein for each beam, each aperture of the series of apertures other than a selected aperture is filled with a corresponding outer bar pin, and the inner bar is slidable within the outer bar to bring the spring-biased pin in position to insert into the selected aperture to fix the size of the beam.

A clamp assembly for a spool tipping system may comprise a base clamp portion and an adjustable clamp portion. The adjustable clamp portion may be adjustable relative to the base clamp portion based on a flange size of a respective spool. The adjustable clamp portion may be configured to translate through a portion of the base clamp portion and be locked to base clamp portion. The spool tipping system may comprise a lifting system configured to couple to the clamp assembly, lift the clamp assembly and the spool, and transition the spool from a side position to an upright position.

A hoist tool for handling a shrink element of a gear system. The hoist tool includes a suspension section, support legs for leaning on a foundation structure of the gear system and for supporting the suspension section to be above the shrink element, a lift sling for surrounding the shrink element, and a force generating system between the suspension section and the lift sling and suitable for generating a lifting force on the lift sling so as to suspend the shrink element. During maintenance of the gear system, the weight of the shrink element can be compensated for with the hoist tool and therefore crane capacity is needed for compensating for only the rest of the weight of the gear system without the weight of the shrink element.

A multi-axis gantry system comprising a multi-axis gantry apparatus and vacuum system, and method for repositioning is disclosed. The multi-axis gantry system comprises a frame. The frame includes a plurality of curved base members, a first rail, a second rail, a bridge slidably moveable along the first rail and the second rail, a carriage including an end effector, and a first plurality of pucks and a second plurality of pucks. The vacuum system comprises a vacuum controller, a first vacuum source and a second vacuum source. Each of the first and second vacuum sources is in fluid communication with one or more pucks of the first and second pluralities of pucks. The frame is reconfigurable from a first configuration mountable on a first work surface to a second configuration mountable on a second work surface that may be different from the first work surface.