Patent ID: 7017963
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
1. A counterweighted lifting beam for raising a load from a first elevation to a second elevation when used with a hoisting mechanism, the lifting beam comprising: an elongated housing member forming a beam having a first end and a second end, said housing member including a chamber; a load securing member attached to said first end of said housing member, said load securing member adapted to permit attachment of the load; a counterweight slidably disposed within said chamber; a counterweight positioning mechanism adapted to vary the position of said counterweight within said housing member; an elongated and vertically oriented lifting tower rigidly secured to the top and sides of said housing member approximately midway between said first end and said second end of said housing member, said lifting tower having a base portion and a top portion and at least one linear sidewall extending substantially the length of said lifting tower; an attachment member secured to said top portion of said lifting tower, said attachment member adapted to permit attachment of said lifting tower to the hoisting mechanism; a storage unit positioned adjacent a side of said lifting tower, opposite said first end and above said housing member, said storage unit adapted to store system components that operate said counterweight positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning of said storage unit and said system components proximate the midpoint of said lifting beam concentrates overall lifting beam mass at the midpoint of said beam, increasing overall lifting beam stability; a control unit adapted to activate said counterweight positioning mechanism to vary the position of the counter weight with respect to said housing member to vary the angular inclination of the housing member.