Patent Publication Number: US-10315891-B2

Title: Beam interlock for hoist trolley

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to overhead lifting equipment. More specifically to apparatuses, systems, and methods that relate to an interlock for connecting beams to one another for traversing of a crane therebetween. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of overhead cranes may be useful for material handling. Overhead cranes may traverse along fixed rails that may be arranged within a building (or other structure), external to the building (or other structure), or a combination thereof. The fixed rails may be connected to the building or may be a separate frame configured for the overhead crane. 
     Runway cranes are types of overhead cranes that move/traverse along fixed rails. Runway cranes may carry a trolley and hoist used for material handling. In certain instances, it may be desirable to allow for the runway crane to move/traverse outside the bounds of the fixed rails to which the runway crane is originally arranged. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods for releasably connecting a first beam to a second beam. The interlock apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a locking pin arranged on the first beam and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The interlock apparatuses, systems, and methods may also include an arm coupled to the locking pin and extending parallel therewith. The arm may be configured to transition a first stop mechanism between a blocking position and an unblocking position. In addition, the first stop mechanism being arranged at a lower surface of the first beam and extending therethrough. In certain instances, the interlock apparatuses, systems, and methods may further include a sleeve arranged on the second beam and configured to receive the locking pin in the locked position to releasably secure the first beam to the second beam. 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure are also directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods that include an interlock mechanism configured to releasably secure a first beam to a second beam. The interlock mechanism may include a locking pin arranged on the first beam and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position. In certain instances, the interlock mechanism includes a first stop mechanism arranged at a lower surface of the first beam and extending therethrough and configured to actuate between a blocking position and an unblocking position and a second stop mechanism arranged at a lower surface of the second beam and extending therethrough and configured to actuate between a blocking position and an unblocking position. The interlock mechanism may also include an arm coupled to the locking pin and extending parallel therewith. The first arm may be configured to transition the first stop mechanism between the blocking position and the unblocking position and the second mechanism between the blocking position and the unblocking position. In addition, the interlock mechanism may include a sleeve arranged on the second beam and configured to receive the locking pin in the locked position. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may also be directed toward methods for releasably connecting a first beam to a second beam that include arranging the first beam adjacent the second beam and actuating a locking pin, arranged on the first beam, to span the first beam and the second beam. The methods may also include actuating an arm, coupled to the locking pin and extending parallel therewith, simultaneously with the locking pin and transitioning a first stop mechanism between a blocking position and an unblocking position, the first stop mechanism being arranged at a lower surface of the first beam and extending therethrough. Further, the methods may include receiving the locking pin in a sleeve arranged on the second beam to releasably secure the first beam to the second beam. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of example crane system consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of example beam interlock consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of another example beam interlock consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is an illustration of an example beam interlock in a first configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is an illustration of the example beam interlock, shown in  FIG. 4A , in a second configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is an illustration of the example beam interlock, shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , in a third configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     As the terms are used herein with respect to ranges of measurements (such as those disclosed immediately above), “about” and “approximately” may be used, interchangeably, to refer to a measurement that includes the stated measurement and that also includes any measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement, but that may differ by a reasonably small amount such as will be understood, and readily ascertained, by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts to be attributable to measurement error, differences in measurement and/or manufacturing equipment calibration, human error in reading and/or setting measurements, adjustments made to optimize performance and/or structural parameters in view of differences in measurements associated with other components, particular implementation scenarios, imprecise adjustment and/or manipulation of objects by a person or machine, and/or the like. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward customizable solutions for runway cranes. Runway cranes may be custom fit to meet requirements of a structure and addition for the working environment of the runway crane. A bridge crane structure, including one or more fixed beams, may be fit within the working environment, as is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of example crane system  100  consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The crane system  100 , which may be a bridge crane, includes a trolley hoist  102  and a bridge girder  104  that may be arranged within a building structure. Each end of the bridge girder  104  may be coupled to a runway girders  106 ,  108 . The bridge girder  104  may be directly coupled to the runway girders  106 ,  108  or, as described in further detail below, the bridge girder  104  may be coupled to the runway girders  106 ,  108  via end trucks  110 ,  111 . In certain instances, the bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108  may be mounted or attached to walls of the building structure. In other instances, the crane system  100  may include vertical supports (not shown) to position the bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108  vertically about the ground of the building structure. The bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108  may be positioned at a working location above the working operation. 
     In certain instances, the end trucks  110 ,  111  may be attached to ends of the bridge girder  104 . The end trucks  110 ,  111  may be arranged on top surfaces  112 ,  114  of the runway girders  106 ,  108 . In other instances, the end trucks  110 ,  111  are arranged on a bottom surface of the runway girders  106 ,  108 . In certain instances, the end trucks  110 ,  111  may be motorized. In these such instances, the end trucks  110 ,  111  may be configured to translate or move the bridge girder  104  (and the trolley hoist  102 ) along the top surfaces  112 ,  114  of the runway girders  106 ,  108 . The motorized end trucks  110 ,  111  may translate or move the bridge girder  104  (and the trolley hoist  102 ) in a first direction  116 . The trolley hoist  102  may be configured to translate or move in a second direction  118  along a lower portion  120  of the bridge girder  104 . The second direction  118  may be perpendicular to the first direction  116 . Power may be provided to the motorized end trucks  110 ,  111  via conductors  122  arranged with the bridge girder  104 . 
     The crane system  100  may also include a remote  124 . The remote  124  may operate the end trucks  110 ,  111  and/or the trolley hoist  102 . In addition, the remote  124  may communicate with the end trucks  110 ,  111  and/or the trolley hoist  102  wirelessly and transmit control signals thereto. 
     The trolley hoist  102  may lower and raise material or equipment and transport the material or equipment within by moving along the lower portion  120  of the bridge girder  104  between the end trucks  110 ,  111  in the second direction  118 . The end trucks  110 ,  111  being motorized may extend the working area for the trolley hoist  102  in the first direction  116  and allow for the trolley hoist  102  to raise and lower material in the first direction  116  along the length of the runway girders  106 ,  108 . 
     The runway girders  106 ,  108  are fixed within the building structure. Thus, the bounds of the bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108  may limit the operable range of the runway trolley hoist  102 . In certain instances, it may be desirable to extend the operable range of the runway trolley hoist  102  beyond the bounds of the bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108 . More specifically, the trolley hoist  102  may be transferred from the bridge girder  104  and the runway girders  106 ,  108  to a secondary or extension beam structure to extend the operable range of the trolley hoist  102 . 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of example crane interlock  200  consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The crane interlock  200  may be used for releasably connecting a first beam  202  to a second beam (not shown). The first beam  202  may be mounted within a building structure similar to the bridge girder  104  discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 . The second beam may be secondary or extension beam structure to extend the operable range of a trolley hoist (not shown) originally arranged with the first beam  202 . To ensure safety of the working environment in which the first beam  202  (and the trolley hoist arranged therewith) and the second beam are arranged, the crane interlock  200  may be configured to ensure the accurate, safe, and efficient transfer of the trolley hoist from the first beam  202  to the second beam. 
     The crane interlock  200  may include a locking pin  204  arranged on the first beam  202  and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking pin  204  may translate between the unlocked position and the locked position in a first direction  206  along a horizontal surface  208  of the first beam  202 . The locking pin  204  is shown in the unlocked position in  FIG. 2 . The first beam  202  may also include a lower surface  210 . The lower surface  210  of the first beam  202  may be arranged perpendicular to the horizontal surface  208  of the first beam  202 . In addition the lower surface  210  of the first beam  202  may extend axially from the lower surface  210  of the first beam  202  and provide a surface for the trolley hoist to translate or move along. As a result, the trolley hoist (not shown) is configured to move along the lower surface  210  of the first beam  202  in the first direction  206 . 
     The crane interlock  200  may also include an arm  212  coupled to the locking pin  204 . The arm  212  may extend parallel with the locking pin  204 . In addition, the arm  212  may be offset from the locking pin  204  in a second direction  214  (perpendicular to the first direction  206 ). The arm  212  may be configured to transition a first stop mechanism  216  between a blocking position and an unblocking position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first stop mechanism  216  is arranged at the lower surface  210  of the first beam  202  and extends therethrough. The first stop mechanism  216  is arranged to block the trolley hoist from moving or running-off the lower surface  210  of the first beam  202 . The first stop mechanism  216  provides an end point for the trolley hoist to traverse, and may be raised when the locking pin  204  is in the locked position. The first stop mechanism  216  may be coupled to a portion of the arm  212  or a surface of the arm  212  may contact the portion of the first stop mechanism  216  to raise and lower the first stop mechanism  216 . 
     The illustrative components shown in  FIG. 2  are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Neither should the illustrative components be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, any one or more of the components depicted in any of the  FIG. 2  may be, in embodiments, integrated with various other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the disclosed subject matter. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of another example crane interlock  300  consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The crane interlock  300  may be used for releasably connecting a first beam  302  to a second beam  304 . The first beam  302  may be mounted within a building structure similar to the bridge girder  104  discussed with reference to  FIG. 1  and the second beam  304  may be secondary or extension beam structure to extend the operable range of a crane (not shown) originally arranged with the first beam  302 . The crane interlock  300  may be configured and arranged to ensure safety of the working environment in which the first beam  302  (and the crane arranged therewith) and the second beam  304  by releasably locking the first beam  302  to the second beam  304 . More specifically, the trolley hoist may originally move along a lower surface  306  of the first beam  302 . The trolley hoist may be configured to transition to the second beam  304  and move along a lower surface  308  thereof. As a result, the crane interlock  300  may temporarily or releasably lock the first beam  302  to the second beam  304  to provide a consistent transition between the lower surface  306  of the first beam  302  and the lower surface  308  of the second beam  304 . 
     More specifically, the crane interlock  300  may include a locking pin  310  arranged on the first beam  302  and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking pin  310  may be driven by a linear actuator  312  that is driven by a motor  314 . The locking pin  310  may transition in a first direction  316  horizontally translate between the unlocked position and the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking pin  310  is maintained within the bounds of the first beam  302 , while in the locked position, the locking pin  310  spans a gap  318  between an end  322  of the first beam  302  and an end  324  of the second beam  304 . The locking pin  310 , which may be steel, may horizontally translate through a first sleeve  320  in transition across the gap between the first beam  302  and the second beam  304 . The first sleeve  320  may abut the end  322  of the first beam  302  and may facilitate locking of the first beam  302  to the second beam  304 . More specifically, the first sleeve  320  enhance the structural stability of the locking pin  310  by surrounding the locking pin  310  and providing circumferential support to the locking pin  310 . 
     The locking pin  310  spans the gap  318  between the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  in the locked position and may be received in a second sleeve  326 . More specifically, the second sleeve  326  is arranged on the second beam  304  and configured to receive the locking pin  310  in the locked position to releasably secure the first beam  302  to the second beam  304 . The second sleeve  326  may provide structural stability to the locking pin  310  and may also mitigate against the first beam  302  separating from the second beam  304 . The second sleeve  326  may have a friction fit with the locking pin  310 . In other instances, the linear actuator  312  may lock once the locking pin  310  is received within the second sleeve  326  to releasably secure the first beam  302  to the second beam  304 . 
     As noted above, the trolley hoist may be transferred from the first beam  302  to the second beam  304 . In order to mitigate against the trolley hoist falling or moving off the first beam  302  when the second beam  304  is not in position for the transfer, the crane interlock  300  may include a first stop mechanism  328 . The first stop mechanism  328  may be arranged and extend through the lower surface  306  of the first beam  302 . The first stop mechanism  328  provides a stopping point for the trolley hoist along the lower surface  306  of the first beam  302 . The first stop mechanism  328  is shown a blocking configuration in  FIG. 3 . To transition the first stop mechanism  328  to an unblocking position and to allow for the trolley hoist to transition the second beam  304 , the crane interlock  300  may include arms  330 ,  332 . 
     The arms  330 ,  332  may be coupled to the locking pin  310  and may extend parallel therewith. In addition, the arms  330 ,  332  may be vertically offset from the locking pin  310  (in a direction perpendicular to the first direction  316 ). The arms  330 ,  332  may be configured to transition the first stop mechanism  338  between a blocking position and an unblocking position by translating horizontally in the first direction  316 . In certain instances, the arm  330  may be directly connected or coupled to the first stop mechanism  328 . In other instances, the arm  330  may include a first contact portion  332  that is configured to contact an upper portion  334  of the first stop mechanism  328 . 
     The upper portion  334  of the first stop mechanism  328  is connected to a first linkage  336 , which is in turn connected to a blocking portion  338 . The upper portion  334 , the first linkage  336 , and the blocking portion  338  together may form the first stop mechanism  328 . The arm  330  is separate from the first linkage  336  and the upper portion  334  in the blocking position shown in  FIG. 3 . In transitioning the first stop mechanism  328  between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the first contact portion  332  of the arm  330  may translate horizontally in the first direction  316  and contact the upper portion  334  of the first stop mechanism  328 . The arm  332  may continue to translate horizontally and push the upper portion  334  of the first stop mechanism  328  horizontally along therewith. The movement of the upper portion  334  of the first stop mechanism  328  may in turn operate the linkage  336 , which may raise the blocking portion  338  of the first stop mechanism  328 . 
     In certain instances, the arm  332  may translate horizontally simultaneously with the locking pin  310 . The simultaneously movement of the locking pin  310  and the arm  330  may be facilitating by a bracket  340  connecting the locking pin  310  and the arm  330 . In instances where the locking pin  310  and the arm  330  are configured to translate simultaneously, the locking pin  310  may transition into the locked position simultaneously with the first stop mechanism  328  transitioning to the unblocking position. More specifically, the locking pin  310  may span the gap  318  between the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  while the arm  332  transitions the first stop mechanism  328  to the unblocking position. 
     Due to the crane interlock  300  being configured to safely and efficiently transfer the trolley hoist to the second beam  304 , it may be beneficial for the second beam  304  to include similar safety measures that are included with the first beam  302  to ensure that the trolley hoist does not transition or move off of the second beam  302  when arranged therewith. Thus, the crane interlock  300  may include a second stop mechanism  344 . The second stop mechanism  344  may be arranged at the lower surface  308  of the second beam  304  and extend therethrough. In addition, the second stop mechanism  344  may be configured to actuate between a blocking position and an unblocking position. 
     In order to transition the second stop mechanism  344  between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the arm  330  may be configured to extend across the gap  318  between the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  and transition the second stop mechanism  344  between the blocking position and the unblocking position. In certain instances, the arm  330  may include a second contact portion  342  to facilitate transitioning the second stop mechanism  344  between the blocking position and the unblocking position. 
     Similar to the first stop mechanism  328 , the second contact portion  342  of the arm  330  may be configured to contact an upper portion  346  of the second stop mechanism  344 . The upper portion  346  of the second stop mechanism  344  is connected to a second linkage  348 , which is in turn connected to a blocking portion  350 . The upper portion  346 , the second linkage  348 , and the blocking portion  350  together may form the second stop mechanism  344 . The arm  330  is initially arranged within the bounds of the first beam  302  in the blocking position shown in  FIG. 3 . In transitioning the second stop mechanism  344  between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the arm  330  may translate horizontally in the first direction  316  and cross the gap  318  between the first beam  302  and the second beam  304 . The second contact portion  342  of the arm  330  may contact the upper portion  346  of the second stop mechanism  344 . The arm  330  may continue to translate horizontally and push the upper portion  346  of the second stop mechanism  344  horizontally along therewith. The movement of the upper portion  346  of the second stop mechanism  344  may in turn operate the second linkage  348 , which may raise the blocking portion  350  of the second stop mechanism  344 . 
     In certain instances, one or more motorized end trucks (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be coupled to the first beam  302  and/or the second beam  304 . The motorized end truck(s) (not shown) may be configured to position the first beam  302  adjacent the second beam  304 . In other instances, the first beam  302  may be positioned adjacent the second beam  304  using another motorized mechanism. 
     It may be beneficial to determine that the first beam  302  is adjacent the second beam  304  and in a position for the crane interlock  300  to operate. Thus, the crane interlock  300  may include a proximity sensor  352 . The proximity sensor  352  may be configured to indicate that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are aligned in a locking position. The proximity sensor  352  may be arranged on the first beam  302  and may be configured to sense the end  324  of the second beam  304 . The proximity sensor  352  may utilize infrared sensing or other type of light energy sensing. In other instances, the proximity sensor  352  may be configured to sense a magnetic field originating from the second beam  304 . The proximity sensor  352  may sense the magnetic field based on the material of the proximity sensor  352 , or in other instances, a magnetic structure  354  may be arranged on the second beam  304 . The proximity sensor  352  may be configured to sense the magnetic field originating from the magnetic structure  354 . 
     The proximity sensor  352  may provide an indication to an operator of the crane interlock  300  and the trolley hoist that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are in a safe locking position. In certain instances, the proximity sensor  352  may provide an audible sound to indicate that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are in the locking position. In addition, the proximity sensor  352  may provide a visual indicator, in addition to or alternatively from the audible sound, to indicate that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are in the locking position. 
     The crane interlock  300  may include a control box  356  that is coupled to the proximity sensor  352 . The control box  356  may include one or more visual indicators  358 ,  360  that may indicate that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are in the locking position. One of the indicators  358 ,  360  may signal that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are aligned and ready for the interlock engagement and the other of the indicators  358 ,  360  may signal that the first beam  302  and the second beam  304  are in the locked position. 
     In certain instances, the control box  356  may include control circuitry that is configured to sense whether the first stop mechanism  338  and/or the second stop mechanism  344  are in the unblocking position or the blocking position. More specifically, the control box  356  may be coupled to optional additional safety switches  362 ,  364 . The additional safety switches  362 ,  364  indicate whether the first stop mechanism  338  and/or the second stop mechanism  344  are in the unblocking position or the blocking position. The operation of the safety switches  362 ,  364  is described in further detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4A-C . 
     The control box  356  may be communicatively coupled to an operator station via a conduit  366 . The operator station, via indication from the safety switches  362 ,  364  provided to the control box  356 , may communicate with and toggle the crane to an immobile state during alignment of the first beam  302  and the second beam  304 . The trolley hoist may communicate with the operator station via wireless signals such as Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF) signals, and/or Wi-Fi). The operator station may include a control panel to operate both the trolley hoist and the crane interlock  300 . 
     The illustrative components shown in  FIG. 3  are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Neither should the illustrative components be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, any one or more of the components depicted in any of the  FIG. 3  may be, in embodiments, integrated with various other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the crane interlock  200  may include a second stop mechanism  344  and/or a proximity sensor  352 . 
       FIG. 4A  is an illustration of an example crane interlock  400  in a first configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The crane interlock  400  may be used for releasably connecting a first beam  402  to a second beam  404 . The first beam  402  may be mounted within a building structure similar to the bridge girder  104  discussed with reference to  FIG. 1  and the second beam  404  may be secondary or extension beam structure to extend the operable range of a trolley hoist originally arranged with the first beam  402 . The crane interlock  400  may be configured and arranged to ensure safety of the working environment in which the first beam  402  (and the trolley hoist arranged therewith) and the second beam  404  by releasably locking the first beam  402  to the second beam  404 . More specifically, the trolley hoist may originally move along a lower surface  406  of the first beam  402 . The trolley hoist may be configured to transition to the second beam  404  and move along a lower surface  408  thereof. As a result, the crane interlock  400  may temporarily or releasably lock the first beam  402  to the second beam  404  to provide a consistent transition between the lower surface  406  of the first beam  402  and the lower surface  408  of the second beam  404 . Prior to operating the crane interlock  400 , the first beam  402  may be arranged adjacent the second beam  404 . 
     The crane interlock  400  may include a locking pin  410  arranged on the first beam  402  and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking pin  410  may transition horizontally translate toward the second beam  404  from the first beam  404 . The locking pin  410  may be translated within a sleeve  412  arranged on the second beam  404 . The locking pin  410  configured to receive the locking pin  410  in the locked position to releasably secure the first beam  402  to the second beam  404 . In certain instances, the crane interlock  400  may also include an additional sleeve  414 , arranged on the first beam  402 , that may facilitate transitioning the locking pin  410  between the first beam  402  and the second beam  404 . Each of the sleeve  412  and the additional sleeve  414  may provide structural stability to the locking pin  410  and may also mitigate against the first beam  402  separating from the second beam  404 . 
     As noted above, the trolley hoist may be transferred from the first beam  402  to the second beam  404 . In order to mitigate against the trolley hoist falling or moving off the first beam  402  or the second beam  404  when arranged thereon, the crane interlock  400  may include a first stop mechanism  416  arranged with the first beam  402  and a second stop mechanism  418  arranged with the second beam  404 . The first stop mechanism  416  may include a blocking portion  420  that extends through the lower surface  406  of the first beam  402 , and the second stop mechanism  418  may include a blocking portion  422  that extends through the lower surface  408  of the second beam  404 . Each of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418  may be configured to actuate between a blocking position and an unblocking position. 
     To transition the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418  to an unblocking position and to allow for the trolley hoist to transition between the first beam  402  and the second beam  404 , the crane interlock  400  may include an arm  424 . The arm  424  may be coupled to the locking pin  410  and may extend parallel therewith. The arm  424  may be configured to transition the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418  between the blocking position and the unblocking position. 
     The crane interlock  400  may include a first safety switch  426  and a second safety switch  428 . The arm  424  may be configured to contact each of the first safety switch  426  and the second safety switch  428  as is described in further detail below. 
     In the first configuration shown  FIG. 4A , the first stop mechanism  416  and second stop mechanism  418  are arranged in the blocking position, the locking pin  410  is arranged within the bounds of the first beam  402  and not within the sleeve  412 , and the arm  424  is not in contact with either of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418 . 
       FIG. 4B  is an illustration of the example crane interlock  400 , shown in  FIG. 4A , in a second configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the second configuration shown  FIG. 4B , the first stop mechanism  416  and second stop mechanism  418  are arranged in the blocking position, at least a portion of the locking pin  410  is arranged within the sleeve  412 , and portions of the arm  424  are contact with portions of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418 . 
     The locking pin  410  is actuated to span the first beam  402  and the second beam  404 . In addition, the arm  424 , coupled to the locking pin  410  and extending parallel therewith, is actuated simultaneously with the locking pin  410 . A first portion  430  of the arm  424  may contact an upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  and a second portion  434  of the arm  424  may contact an upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418 . 
     The upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  is connected to a first linkage  438 , which is in turn connected to the blocking portion  420 . The upper portion  432 , the first linkage  438 , and the blocking portion  420  together may form the first stop mechanism  416 . In addition, the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418  is connected to a second linkage  440 , which is in turn connected to the blocking portion  422 . The upper portion  436 , the second linkage  440 , and the blocking portion  422  together may form the second stop mechanism  418 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the first portion  430  of the arm  424  contacts the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second portion  434  of the arm  424  contacts the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418 . Contact between the first portion  430  of the arm  424  and the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  may occur substantially simultaneously with the second portion  434  of the arm  424  contacting the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418 . 
       FIG. 4C  is an illustration of the example crane interlock, shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , in a third configuration consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the third configuration shown  FIG. 4C , the first stop mechanism  416  and second stop mechanism  418  are arranged in the unblocking position, the locking pin  410  is arranged within the sleeve  412 , and the arm  424  contacts each of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418 . 
     The arm  424  may transition the first stop mechanism  416  and the second stop mechanism  418  to the unblocking position. From the contact point shown in  FIG. 4B , the first portion  430  of the arm  424  may continue to translate toward the second beam  404  and contact the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416 . The arm  424  pushes the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  horizontally along therewith. In addition, the second portion  434  of the arm  424  similarly pushes the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418 . The movement of the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  may in turn operate the linkage  438 , which may raise the blocking portion  420  of the first stop mechanism  416 . Similarly, the movement of the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418  may in turn operate the linkage  440 , which may raise the blocking portion  422  of the second stop mechanism  418 . In addition, the locking pin  410  is received in the sleeve  412  arranged on the second beam  404  to releasably secure the first beam  402  to the second beam  404 . 
     In the third (unblocking) configuration shown in  FIG. 4C , the trolley hoist may transition between the first beam  402  and the second beam  404 . The crane interlock  400  is configured to allow movement of the trolley hoist along the lower surface  406  of the first beam  402  and along the lower surface  408  of the second beam  404 . In the first (blocking) configuration shown in  FIG. 4A , however, the crane interlock  400  is configured to allow movement of the trolley hoist along the lower surface  406  of either the first beam  402  or the lower surface  408  of the second beam  404 , depending on which of the first beam  402  and the second beam  404  the trolley hoist is arranged with, and mitigate against movement of the trolley hoist to whichever of the lower surface  406  of the first beam  402  and lower surface  408  of the second beam  404  the trolley hoist is not arranged with. 
     In addition and as shown in  FIG. 4C , the first safety switch  426  and the second safety switch  428  have been actuated from the initial positioning shown in  FIG. 4A . Each of the first safety switch  426  (Line not located on  FIG. 4C  properly) and the second safety switch  428  may be actuated by the arm  430 . When actuated, the first safety switch  426  may immobilize the crane. As detailed in  FIG. 3 , the first safety switch  426  and the second safety switch  428  may be coupled to a control panel that may be coupled to and configured to operate—the trolley hoist, crane, and the crane interlock  400 . Thus, the control panel transmits a signal to immobilize the trolley hoist when the first safety switch  426  has been actuated. Even if the operator tries and moves crane, the crane will have no power. The second safety switch  428  may indicate that the locking pin  410  is in position within the sleeve  412 , and that the first beam  402  and the second beam  404  are in a locked position. In certain instances, the second safety switch  428  may turn on an audible or visual indicator (e.g., as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 ). Actuating of the locking pin  410 , the arm  430 , raising of the first stop mechanism  416  and the second mechanism  418 , and actuating the first safety switch  426  and the second safety switch  428  may occur as part of a simultaneous process. More specifically, each of the locking pin  410 , the arm  430 , the first stop mechanism  416 , the second mechanism  418 , the first safety switch  426 , and the second safety switch  428  may reach the configuration shown in  FIG. 4C , transitioning from the configuration shown in  FIG. 4A , at the same time. 
     After transition of the trolley hoist back from the (temporary) the second beam  404  to the first beam  402 , the first stop mechanism  416  and the second mechanism  418  may be transitioned into the blocking position. To do so, the arm  430  and the locking pin  410  may be actuated back toward the first configuration shown in  FIG. 4A . Without the arm  430  holding the upper portion  432  of the first stop mechanism  416  and the upper portion  436  of the second stop mechanism  418 , the blocking portion  420  of the first stop mechanism  416  and the blocking portion  422  of the second stop mechanism  418  transition automatically, respectively, through the lower surface  406  of the first beam  402  and along the lower surface  408  of the second beam  404 . 
     The illustrative components shown in  FIGS. 4A-C  are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Neither should the illustrative components be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. More specifically, the first beam  402  and/or the second beam  404  may include end trucks  110 ,  111  as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In addition, the crane interlock  400  may include a proximity sensor  352  as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Additionally, any one or more of the components depicted in any of the  FIG. 4A-C  may be, in embodiments, integrated with various other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.