Patent ID: 6485247
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B64F,B66F

Abstract:
An engine uplift loader for lifting and positioning an aircraft engine while still in a shipping cradle in which the engine is supported so that the engine can be attached to engine mounting structure on an aircraft, the engine uplift loader comprising:a frame assembly having generally parallel first and second frame members spaced apart by a distance enabling the shipping cradle and engine to be positioned between the first and second frame members; first and second lifting devices spaced apart along and supported on each of the frame members and extending upwardly therefrom, each lifting device being operable to raise and lower an upper end of the lifting device relative to the frame assembly along a generally vertical lifting axis; and an attachment assembly mounted to the upper end of each lifting device, each attachment assembly being structured and arranged to attach to the shipping cradle such that raising the upper ends of the lifting devices causes the shipping cradle and engine to be lifted upwardly, at least one of the first and second attachment assemblies for each of the frame members having a movable mount such that said attachment assembly can be selectively positioned in various positions to permit a distance between the first and second attachment assemblies on the lifting devices on each frame member to be varied.