Patent ID: 7520014

Claim:
An apparatus for use in constructing a bridge comprised of a substructure having two or more piers and a superstructure that is supported by the substructure, the apparatus comprising: a truss structure that extends from a first terminal end to a second terminal end; a support structure for, in operation, supporting said truss structure such that a portion of said truss structure is above and substantially parallel to a portion or planned portion of a superstructure of a bridge; a trolley that, in operation, is operatively attached to said truss structure, capable of hoisting an object associated with the construction of a bridge, and movable between said first and second terminal ends of said truss structure; a lead assembly that, in operation, is operatively attached to said truss structure and comprises a lead, a pivot joint for pivotally connecting said lead to said truss structure such that said lead can be rotated about an axis that is substantially parallel to a portion or planned portion of a superstructure of a bridge and rotated between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, an actuating system for causing said lead to pivot to a desired rotational position, and securing device for holding an object adjacent to said lead when the lead is rotated about said axis; wherein, when said lead assembly is in a first position, said lead is capable of receiving an object from said trolley.