Patent ID: 7455188
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
1. A load hoist arrangement comprising: a traverse device comprising at least a first outer support element and a second outer support element with any additional support elements disposed between the first and second outer support elements, each of the support elements having corresponding first and second end portions; a travelling bridge movably connected to the support elements so that the travelling bridge can travel back and forth along the support elements, the travelling bridge having first and second end portions, the first end portion being movably mounted to the first outer support element and the second end portion being movably mounted to the second outer support element; a first axle unit rotatably mounted at the first end portion of the travelling bridge; a second axle unit rotatably mounted at the second end portion of the travelling bridge; a carriage movably connected to the travelling bridge so that the carriage can travel back and forth along the travelling bridge; a first drive wheel rotatably mounted on the carriage; a first guide wheel rotatably mounted on the carriage offset from the first drive wheel and between the first drive wheel and the first end of the travelling bridge; a second drive wheel rotatably mounted on the carriage, wherein the second drive wheel is located closer to the second end of the travelling bridge than the first drive wheel; a second guide wheel rotatably mounted on the carriage offset from the second drive wheel and between the second drive wheel and the second end of the travelling bridge; at least one motor in communication with the first and second drive wheels to drive the first and second drive wheels; a first drag element having an end mounted to the first end portion of the first outer support element, the first drag element bending around the first axle unit, the second guide wheel, the second drive wheel, and the second axle, another end of the first drag element being mounted to the second end portion of the second outer support element, wherein the first drag element bends in opposite directions on the first and second axle units and bends in opposite directions on the second drive and guide wheels; a second drag element having an end mounted to the second end portion of the first outer support element, the second drag element bending around the first axle unit, the first guide wheel, the first drive wheel, and the second axle, another end of the second drag element being mounted to the first end portion of the second outer support element, wherein the second drag element bends in opposite directions on the first and second axle units and bends in opposite directions on the first drive and guide wheels; and wherein the first and second drag elements bend in opposite directions on the first and second axle units; a hoist mounted to the carriage; a load carrying device movably mounted to the hoist so that the load carrying device can be raised and lowered by the hoist; and a control device arranged between the hoist and load carrying device, the control device being in communication with the at least one motor, the control device constructed and arranged to measure impact force and control the at least one motor based on the measured impact force, wherein said load carrying device is manually guidable in a three-dimensional space.