Patent ID: 7261351
Filing Date: 2007-08-28
Classification: B66C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A spreader for lifting a freight container, the spreader comprising a frame, two pairs of pickup elements, each pair of pickup elements being mounted at longitudinally opposite ends of the frame, and the frame having a length that is adjustable to adjust the separation of the two pairs of pickup elements, a drive mechanism, a rail and a detector, the detector being mounted on the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism movably mounted on the rail such that the detector is movably mounted indirectly on the frame for movement between a first position in which the detector is closer to one pair of pickup elements, while the length of the frame is unextended, and a second position in which the detector is closer to the other pair of pickup elements, while the length of the frame is unextended, the detector being movable between the first and second positions by the drive mechanism and adapted to detect a discontinuity in an object located below the spreader.