Patent ID: 6431379
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
An automated load handling apparatus for loads having comers and load suspension means, the load handling apparatus comprising:a spreader having corner points; a lifting yoke having an essentially horizontally extending supporting framework including corner points, the lifting yoke being suspendable over a region of the comer points of the spreader; four axially displaceable pendulum supports arranged between the lifting yoke and the spreader for supporting the lifting yoke; a rigid load guide having two sides and including a lifting mechanism having four ropes, wherein each rope corresponds to a single corner of the lifting yoke and is fastenable to the load suspension means of the spreader; a first cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 arranged between the rigid load guide and the lifting yoke so as to provide torque support of the lifting yoke relative to the load guide and so as to at least one of displace and pivot the lifting yoke relative to the load guide; and sensor means arranged in the first cylinder pair for detecting relative orientation of at least one of the lifting yoke relative to the spreader and the lifting yoke relative to the load guide.