Patent ID: 7290648

Claim:
An arrangement for moving a heavy load, the arrangement comprising: at least one actuating unit; the at least one actuating unit comprising a support for supporting the heavy load; the support being immobile along a horizontal direction; a first movable element being slidable relative to the support in a reciprocating manner such that the reciprocating movement of the first movable element causes the first movable element to move horizontally and vertically; a second movable element supported by the first movable element and being adapted to slide relative to the first moveable element in reciprocating manner; an arrangement for controlling sliding movements of the first and second movable elements, wherein the sliding movements comprise: a first phase in which the first movable element slides along a direction, moves in an upward direction, thereby raising the second movable element, which is substantially immobilized in the horizontal direction and wherein the second movable element lifts the heavy load from the support; a second phase in which the first movable element is substantially immobilized and the second movable element, along with the heavy load supported thereby, slides along a direction of intended movement for the heavy load; a third phase in which the first movable element slides in a downward direction, thereby lowering the second movable element, which is substantially immobile in the horizontal direction and lowers the heavy load onto the support; and a fourth phase in which the first movable element is held substantially immobile and the second movable element slides along a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the heavy load.