Patent ID: 9745176
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: B66C,F25D,G01N

Claim:
1. A method for retrieving storage racks in a tank freezer, the tank freezer having a storage space defined by a tank body including a bottom wall spaced from a floor surface by at least one support, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top wall defining an opening into the storage space, the method comprising: positioning a retrieval crane adjacent to the tank freezer such that a base of the retrieval crane is located on the floor surface and extends at least partially underneath the bottom wall of the tank body, the retrieval crane also including a boom extending upwardly and laterally over the base to an upper terminal end of the boom, and a cable running along at least a portion of the boom such that the cable is extendible or retractable to move a retention hook located at a free end of the cable relative to the upper terminal end of the boom, wherein the retrieval crane further includes wheels operatively connected to the base, and positioning the retrieval crane further comprises rolling the base and at least one of the wheels between the bottom wall and the floor surface, the wheels being operatively mounted on the base so as to be at least partially recessed in the base, such that the base fits underneath the bottom wall; extending the cable to lower the retention hook through the opening in the tank freezer and into the storage space; attaching the retention hook to a selected one of the storage racks within the storage space; and retracting the cable to lift the retention hook and the selected storage rack through the opening and to a hoisted position at least partially out of the tank freezer.