A lifting tool for lifting an element of an offshore structure, such as a transition piece of an offshore wind turbine comprises a frame and a plurality of engagement members for engaging an element to be lifted. The engagement members are mounted to the frame at an angular distance from each other about a centerline of the frame. The lifting tool also comprises a hoisting member to be connected to a hoisting cable of a crane, and located within a virtual cylinder on which the engagement members lie. The hoisting member and the frame are interconnected rigidly through at least three linear actuators which are arranged such that the hoisting member is movable with respect to the frame in a plurality of radial directions with respect to the centerline, independently from the engagement members.

A lifting tool for lifting an element of an offshore structure, such as a transition piece of an offshore wind turbine comprises a frame and a plurality of engagement members for engaging an element to be lifted. The engagement members are mounted to the frame at an angular distance from each other about a centerline of the frame. The lifting tool also comprises a hoisting member to be connected to a hoisting cable of a crane, and located within a virtual cylinder on which the engagement members lie. The hoisting member and the frame are interconnected rigidly through at least three linear actuators which are arranged such that the hoisting member is movable with respect to the frame in a plurality of radial directions with respect to the centerline, independently from the engagement members.

A transport apparatus for use in the transport of a heavy structure includes a shape-adjustable adapter realized to adjust between an initial shape and a mating shape; and an actuator configured to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its initial shape to facilitate positioning of the adapter relative to the structure; and to effect a change in shape of the shape-adjustable adapter into its mating shape to engage the shape-adjustable adapter with a surface of the structure. A method of securing a frustoconical structure during transport is further provided.

An Enhanced Lift Assist Device is described. The device allows a user to lift and manipulate large, heavy or bulky items by applying force to the item as opposed to traditional control methods such as buttons. This force based system provides ease of movement of the item, making it appear much lighter than it actually is. The Enhanced Lift Assist Device also includes an adjustable base that allows for change of orientation of the device that may include leveling or self-leveling functionality, allowing the device to be operated in non-traditional environments that require leveling or operational adjustments for proper functioning.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a clutch assembly (100) for handling a container, and an associated method for using the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a shaft (102) configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction, opposite from the first direction. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch coupled to a first end of the shaft. The clutch includes at least two rollers (108) configured to move into a first position, extending radially beyond a periphery of the clutch, and out of the first position, extending radially flush with or inward from the periphery of the clutch.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a clutch assembly (100) for handling a container, and an associated method for using the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a shaft (102) configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction, opposite from the first direction. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch coupled to a first end of the shaft. The clutch includes at least two rollers (108) configured to move into a first position, extending radially beyond a periphery of the clutch, and out of the first position, extending radially flush with or inward from the periphery of the clutch.

Provided is a holding apparatus capable of holding a holding object with sufficient holding force from either of the outside and the inside. The holding apparatus includes a holding-apparatus body, a first and second arms, an opening and closing mechanism, a driving device, and a first and second holding elements. The opening and closing mechanism interconnects each of the first and second arms and the holding apparatus main bodies so as to allow the first and second arms to be moved in the opening and closing direction while kept in the holding posture. The first and second holding elements is pivotably connected to the arm lower region, having respective inner contact surfaces opposed to each other in the opening and closing direction and respective outer contact surfaces facing the opposite side.

A conveying device of the present invention includes a holding unit configured to hold a conveying object, a support member swingably supporting the holding unit, a plurality of hanging members, each distal end of which is connected to the support member so as to hang the holding unit via the support member, reel units to which each proximal end of the plurality of hanging members is connected so as to be capable of feeding and wounding, a base part on which the plurality of reel units are mounted, a guide unit configured to engage with the holding unit, and guide the holding unit to be elevated, and a control unit configured to perform operation control on the reel units so as to feed and wind the hanging member.

Described herein is a coupling tool for connection to an outer end of a tubular element for the purpose of upending the element. The coupling tool has engaging means with which the outer end of the element can be engaged, and a pivotable lifting member with which the coupling tool can be suspended from a lifting means such as a crane. Resilient arms are further mounted on the coupling tool, which arms can be moved from a starting position to a position against a wall part of the outer end of the element for the purpose of aligning the suspended coupling tool relative to the outer end, and for damping movements of the suspended coupling tool. Also described herein is a device which comprises the coupling tool, and a method which makes use of the device.

Described herein is a device for upending a tubular element with a longitudinal direction at an outer end. The device has a cross-shaped support structure of mutually coupled beams. The support structure is pivotable round a lifting member connected thereto for connection to a lifting means such as a crane. Clamping members slidable along the beams from a clear position to a clamping position can provide for coupling to a wall part of the outer end of the tubular element in the clamping position. In the clamping position the beams extend substantially transversely of the longitudinal direction of the tubular element. Also described herein is a method which makes use of the device.