Patent ID: 7980806

Claim:
A positioning apparatus for picking up heavy structural items and placing them in precise positions for assembly onto structures located in confined quarters, said apparatus comprising: a support vehicle having a transport axis, base means having a first section adapted for attachment to said support vehicle, said base means having a second section mounted on said first section for movement bidirectionally with respect thereto, normal to said transport axis, and in a generally horizontal first plane, first power means for controllably moving said second section relative to said first section in said first plane, said base means having a third section mounted on said second section for bidirectional movement with respect thereto, normal to said transport axis, and in a generally horizontal second plane, by second power means, a first stanchion means mounted on a substantially vertical axis on said third section for movement with said third section, wherein said stanchion means is pivotally mounted on said third section for pivoting about said substantially vertical axis, third power means for pivoting said first stanchion means about said substantially vertical axis, a lifting boom having a longitudinal axis and an inner end portion pivotally mounted on an upper end portion of said first stanchion means for pivoting of said boom in a generally vertical plane, fourth power means for controllably pivoting said boom in said generally vertical plane, item gripping means mounted on an outer end of said boom by fifth power means for pivoting said gripping means into a desired posture relative to said boom, and wherein said boom is constructed with extendable-retractable sections for elongating or shortening said boom respectively, and wherein sixth power means is provided for extending and retracting said sections.