Method and apparatus for removing snow and ice from a crane jib

Abstract

The present application discloses a method for removing snow and ice from a crane boom (3). A heat source (13) can apply heat to a free-travel space (10) of the crane boom (3). A space-available mounting member (12) for the heat source (13) can occupy available remaining space (11) of the crane boom (3). The space-available mounting member (12) can be a wire assembly (18) having a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20). Heat applied from the heat source (13) can melt snow or ice in the free-travel space (10) of the crane boom (3).

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This application is a PCT international patent application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 285,409, filed on December 2, 2021, which patent application and any priority claims are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present technology may include methods and apparatus for removing snow and ice from all or individual components of a crane. While all types of cranes, including their structures and components, are encompassed within the scope of the present technology, the present technology may be applicable to removing snow and ice from rails or other structural members on the boom of a tower crane. Background Art

[0004] As is known, snow, sleet, ice, and the like can complicate crane operations. In particular, snow and ice can accumulate on crane structures and components and cause problems. These problems can include interfering with the desired placement of the lifted object, interfering with one or more trolleys moving along the crane boom, creating capacity issues by increasing the weight of the crane boom and the object being lifted, and impairing visibility for the crane operator or the operator.

[0005] Conventional techniques for removing snow and ice may involve spraying chemicals to remove the snow, ice, etc., manually scraping or using a dolly to break up the snow, ice, etc., or simply waiting for sunlight, warm temperatures, and the elements to melt the snow, ice, etc. These can come with significant disadvantages.

[0006] For example, spraying methods may involve using a mobile unit to spray de-icing chemicals, and such mobile units may not typically be able to reach one or more components of the crane, such as the boom area of ​​the crane. Spraying chemicals may also pose health and environmental hazards and may require special handling and disposal. Additionally, when solution-based systems are used, de-icing solutions may typically be sprayed over an entire piece of equipment, such as in the manner of de-icing an aircraft, which may create a mess. Additionally, these spraying systems are typically found on mobile units and may not reach all areas of the crane, including, for example, the boom area of ​​the crane. The term deicing, as used herein, will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art, but in any event should be understood to include the removal of snow and / or ice from a surface.

[0007] Manual scraping methods can often involve a crane operator walking the length of the boom to perform the technique, such as by scraping from side to side with a scraper and then blowing away multiple feet of snow and ice while scraping hundreds of feet in the air using a very small work platform or support. This can be risky even in good weather, and the risks can certainly increase in bad weather, where the surface can be flat and visibility can be poor, creating potentially very slippery and dangerous conditions.

[0008] Waiting for sunlight and warm temperatures can naturally create downtime during which the crane may not be able to operate. Depending on the weather and the sun, this can take many hours to complete. This can lead to inefficiencies on busy work sites, such as where many people on a work site may need the crane for worksite tasks.

[0009] Using a crane's trolley to break up snow and ice, such as through the action of the trolley's wheels, can result in drawbacks such as damage to one or more components of the crane and / or wear or damage to the trolley's wheels. Such damage, wear, and damage can cause the crane to be shut down until the problem can be corrected, again creating downtime for the crane and potentially costly repairs. Additionally, breaking up ice and snow in this manner can dislodge chunks of ice that fall to the ground below, which can be dangerous to employees, structures, and equipment on the ground while this task is being performed.

[0010] It is known to use silicone mats that are bonded to the object to be heated. However, due to the size of the heating wires used within these mats, these mat systems may not be manufactured in the length or width required for a crane. Additionally, these types of silicone mats may be self-regulating and may not have protection against overheating. The mats may also be bulky, require a relatively large surface area, or be difficult or involved to install.

[0011] The form and structure of the crane and its components, such as the crane boom, can also contribute to snow and ice removal problems. For example, the crane boom can be long and narrow and may have tight, irregular, or inaccessible areas that can hinder or render ineffective traditional snow and ice removal techniques.

[0012] Tower cranes can pose particular problems when removing accumulated snow and ice. Tower cranes typically include a vertical mast, tower, or the like to support a working boom in an elevated position off the ground. A load can be suspended from the working boom. These considerations may require that the weight of the boom and any load suspended from the boom need to be supported entirely by a single mast, rather than, for example, by multiple masts or other multiple supports (as might be the case for a gantry crane, etc.), or, obviously, by the ground (as might be the case for a railway track, etc.). These design considerations for tower cranes can mean that tower crane booms can have features that may distinguish them from other types of cranes, such as lightweight or even hollow structural members, structural members that can be compact and have a high strength to weight ratio, and structural members that can be streamlined in form and configuration and designed to minimize or even eliminate unnecessary surface area or external features (such as irregular surfaces). Structural members must allocate or reserve space or surface area for critical support elements (such as the way in which the boom's straps may be coupled to the boom's tracks or other parts of the boom that the straps support), structural members that are arranged in configurations that are critical to supporting the boom's weight and its load (such as the way in which the straps may be arranged to connect to each other and to the boom's tracks and / or other structural members), structural members whose integrity may be prohibited or cannot be changed, modified or otherwise similarly compromised (such as by welding, drilling, etc., as these may affect the boom's strength and / or load carrying capacity), structural members that may not have openings or other irregular forms or cutouts therein, structural members that may require clear or otherwise easily accessible spaces to allow for safety, regulatory or other types of inspections, structural members that may have tight tolerances and clearances for moving parts thereon, such as cables, hoists, trolleys, etc., and even other issues and aspects that may be specific to tower cranes known to those skilled in the art.

[0013] In summary, conventional techniques for removing snow and ice from cranes can present significant risk factors, introduce significant impracticalities, and can generate significant downtime that can disrupt personnel on the worksite who require the crane to perform worksite tasks.

[0014] The aforementioned problems associated with conventional snow and ice removal from cranes may represent a long-felt need for an effective solution. While some enabling elements may already be available, actual attempts to address this need may have been somewhat lacking. This may be due to a failure by those skilled in the art to fully appreciate or understand the nature of the problems and challenges involved. Due to this potential lack of understanding, attempts to address these long-felt needs may not effectively address one or more of the problems or challenges identified herein. Such attempts may even deviate from the technical direction taken by the present invention and may even result in the achievements of the present invention being perceived as somewhat unexpected results of the approach taken by some in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The technology of the present invention includes multiple aspects, which can be selected in different combinations based on the specific application or need to be addressed. In various embodiments, the technology of the present invention can include removing snow and ice from cranes, crane structures, crane jibs, and tracks on crane jibs, including all of the foregoing as applicable to tower cranes.

[0016] One goal of the present technology may include removing snow and ice from a crane.

[0017] Another object of the present technology may include removing snow and ice from cranes, which may be applicable to tower cranes.

[0018] Another object of the present technology may include the removal of snow and ice, which may be applicable to the boom of a tower crane.

[0019] Another object of the present technology may include the removal of snow and ice, which may be applied to the tracks of the boom of a tower crane.

[0020] Of course, other goals and objectives of the present technology are disclosed throughout the text, clauses and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Non-limiting examples of various cranes are shown in the exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 A non-limiting example of a tower crane is shown in an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 A non-limiting example of a cross-sectional view of a wire assembly in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A non-limiting example of a perspective view of a wire assembly in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A non-limiting example of a cross-sectional view of a flat surface portion of a tower crane boom track in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A non-limiting example of a perspective view of a flat surface portion of a tower crane boom track in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C A non-limiting example of steps for installing a wire assembly in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 A non-limiting example of a conductor assembly on a tower crane boom track in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 A non-limiting example of a tab extending beyond a wire assembly in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 A non-limiting example of a harness footprint space in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 11 A non-limiting example of a wire assembly disposed between the strap footprint spaces in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 12 Non-limiting examples of channel strips and conductor strips in one exemplary embodiment are shown.

[0033] Figure 13 A non-limiting example of an end view of a tower crane boom rail heating apparatus in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 14 A non-limiting example of a side view of a tower crane boom rail heating apparatus in one exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 15 A non-limiting example of a power system for a tower crane boom heating device in a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 16 A non-limiting example of a power system for a tower crane boom heating device in a second exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] It should be understood that embodiments include multiple aspects that can be combined in various ways. The following description is provided to list elements and describe some embodiments of the present application. These elements are listed with the initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they can be combined in any manner and in any number to produce additional embodiments. The various described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the present application to only the systems, techniques, and applications explicitly described. The one or more specified embodiments shown are merely examples. This description should be understood and intended to support the broad claims and each embodiment, even to the exclusion of claims to other embodiments. Importantly, the disclosure of only an exemplary embodiment is not intended to limit the breadth of other, more encompassing claims that may be filed; such a claim may be merely one of several methods or embodiments that may be used within a broader set of claims. Furthermore, this description should be understood to support and encompass the description and claims of all various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications, including any number of the disclosed elements, each used alone, and also including any and all permutations and combinations of all elements in this application or any subsequent application.

[0038] Embodiments of the present technology may include a tower crane jib (4), a heat application device (5), and a method for melting snow or ice on a track of a jib (3) of a tower crane (1).

[0039] For example, Figure 2 As shown, a tower crane (1) may generally have a mast (2) and a boom (3). Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment, a tower crane boom track (4) may be shown. The track (4) may, for example, allow an object or element to be moved in translation along the track (4), and in various embodiments, the track (4) may be its own component or part supported on the boom (3), or may be integrated or combined with another part or part of the boom (3).

[0040] The tower crane jib rail (4) may be of any type suitable for use or application on or in a tower crane (1) and may be of any type generally known in the art of tower cranes. In some embodiments, the tower crane jib (4) may be a rectangular tube. Examples may be found in Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14. Of course, the rectangular tube can have dimensions suitable for use or application on or in the tower crane (1), or can be dimensions known in the art of tower cranes. In some embodiments, the rectangular tube can be a 5 inch x 5 inch rectangular tube, a rectangular tube of approximately 5 inches x 5 inches, a rectangular tube having a side width from 2 inches wide to 10 inches wide, a rectangular tube having a side width from approximately 2 inches wide to approximately 10 inches wide, a rectangular tube of up to 6 inches x up to 6 inches, and rectangular tubes having dimensions otherwise consistent with the disclosure herein.

[0041] The tower crane boom (3) may have a length (7) and a trolley (6) configured to move along at least a portion of the length (7). Such a configuration may include any form, structure, or attribute of the trolley (6) that allows it to move along the boom (3), including but not limited to those known in the art of tower cranes and disclosed herein with respect to the tower crane boom rail (4) and the moving element (8) of the trolley (6). Examples may be found in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 14 Shown in.

[0042] Various embodiments may include a tower crane jib track (4) disposed along a portion of the length (7) of the tower crane jib (3), with the trolley (6) being moved along such portion of the length (7) by the tower crane jib track (4). Examples may be found at Figure 2 and Figure 8 As previously mentioned, the track (4) may be such as to allow an object or element to be moved in translation along the track (4), and in various embodiments, the track (4) may be its own portion or component supported on or together with the boom (3), or may be integrated or combined with another portion or component of the boom (3). With respect to the trolley (6), the track (4) along which the trolley (6) may move may be understood to include any suitable type that is not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, thereby allowing the trolley (4) to move thereon or by using it, and in various embodiments, may accommodate one or more of wheels, casters, rollers, sliders, magnets, flat surfaces, rounded surfaces, raised surfaces, grooved surfaces, etc.

[0043] Various embodiments may include at least one moving element (8) of the trolley (6) configured to use a surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) to move it along a portion of the length (7). Examples may be found in Figure 5 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14. The moving element (8) can be any part, component or assembly of the trolley (6) that enables the trolley (6) to move, or any part, component or assembly used with or by the trolley (6) that enables the trolley (6) to move, and the configuration of the surface (9) of the track (4) can be of any type suitable for the moving element (8) to use the track (4) through which it uses. For example, in various embodiments, the moving element (8) can be one or more of a wheel, a caster, a roller, a slider, a magnet, a flat surface, a rounded surface, a raised surface, a grooved surface, etc., which can be accommodated by the track (4) to allow movement thereon.

[0044] Various embodiments may include an unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) through which the moving element (8) of the trolley (6) is configured to move. This may simply be the space at the surface (9) required by the moving element (8) when the moving element (8) uses the surface (9) to move along the track (4), and the space near the surface (9) required to some extent by the moving element (8) when the moving element (8) uses the surface (9) to move along the track (4), and this configuration of the moving element (8) may simply allow the moving element (8) to move through such space. The term unobstructed may be understood to refer to such space that is free of any obstruction that would block, prevent, interfere with, or otherwise prevent such travel of the moving element (8). Notably, it can be seen that the space available for the heat source (13) to be mounted (12) does not constitute such an obstruction, as may be discussed more fully elsewhere herein. As a non-limiting example of the above, in the case where the moving element (8) is a roller that rolls along the top surface (9) of the track (4), the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) may simply be the space at and above the surface (9) of the track (4) through which the roller needs to move when rolling on the track (4). Examples may be found in Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown in.

[0045] Various embodiments may relate to the available remaining space (11) of the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) excluding the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). This may be the remaining space available at the surface (9) of the track (4) that the space available mounting member (12) for the heat source (13) may occupy, and the space near the surface (9) of the track (4) that the space available mounting member (12) for the heat source (13) may occupy to the extent required so that the space available mounting member (12) does not occupy any space of the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). In this sense, it can be seen that the available remaining space (11) excludes the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) because space of the available remaining space (11) cannot be occupied and, therefore, excludes any and all space of the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) (otherwise, the available space mounting member (12) would or would potentially hinder the movement of the moving element (8) through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). Examples may be found in Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown in.

[0046] In various embodiments, the available remaining space (11) may have a substantially smooth surface. This may be a surface free of or substantially free of irregularities that disrupt or tend to disrupt the smoothness of the surface, such as lips, flanges, ledges, protrusions, dimples, depressions, grooves, ridges, etc. For example, the surfaces of tower crane jibs (3) and tower crane jib rails (4) may typically have a smooth or substantially smooth surface due to tower crane design and use considerations discussed elsewhere herein.

[0047] In various embodiments, the available excess space (11) may lack clamping sites. This can be understood as a structure that is absent or substantially absent on or in the available excess space (11) that could clamp something onto the available excess space (11), thereby preventing attachment by clamping the available space mounting member (12). For example, the surfaces of a tower crane jib (3) and tower crane jib rail (4) may generally lack clamping sites due to tower crane design and use considerations discussed elsewhere herein.

[0048] In various embodiments, the available remaining space (11) may be an available remaining space (11) without any openings. This may be understood as an available remaining space (11) wherein or in which no openings exist or substantially exist, to which something may be attached, connected, or otherwise coupled, such as to otherwise prevent the attachment, connection, or coupling of a space-available mounting member (12). For example, the surfaces of tower crane jibs (3) and tower crane jib rails (4) are typically free of such openings due to tower crane design and use considerations discussed elsewhere herein.

[0049] In various embodiments, the available excess space (11) may have an uncompromisable structure. This may involve having an available excess space (11) that cannot be modified, impacted, damaged, added to, removed from, interfered with, or otherwise affected in a manner that would degrade the safety, functionality, or other characteristics of the tower crane (1). For example, tower crane jibs (3) and tower crane jib rails (4) may generally be designed with precise tolerances, capacities, and other design and engineering considerations that are unique to tower cranes and that, as discussed elsewhere herein, cannot be compromised without risking safety or functionality or that may be prohibited by regulatory or other legal prohibitions.

[0050] In some embodiments, such a non-compromising structure may be a structure that prohibits welding, which may be understood as relating to a structure that cannot be compromised by welding or the like, such as, for example, otherwise being usable or beneficial for connecting the space available mounting member (12) into or to the available remaining space (11) by such welding.

[0051] In some embodiments, such a non-compromising structure may be a structure that prohibits drilling, which may be understood as relating to a structure that cannot be compromised by drilling, etc., such as, for example, otherwise being useful or beneficial for connecting the space-available mounting member (12) into or to the available remaining space (11) through such drilling.

[0052] In various embodiments, the size, shape, or other properties of the available remaining space (11) may be dictated by the size, shape, or other properties of the tower crane jib (3), such as the surface (9) of the track (4), the moving elements (8) of the trolley (6), the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), etc. For example, in some embodiments, the surface (9) of the tower crane jib track (4) may be a flat surface portion of the tower crane jib track (4), the moving elements (8) of the trolley (6) may be rollers, the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) may be a roller path of the flat surface portion, and the available remaining space (11) may be the available remaining space (11) of the flat surface portion. The size of the available remaining space (11) may similarly be derived from the size of the elements forming the available remaining space (11). For example, in some embodiments, the flat surface portion may have a width of 5 inches or approximately 5 inches, the roller may have a width of 2 inches or approximately 2 inches, the roller path may have a width of 2 inches or approximately 2 inches, and the available remaining space (11) of the flat surface portion may have a width of 3 inches or approximately 3 inches.

[0053] In such an embodiment, the flat surface portion of the tower crane jib track (4) may simply be a flat or substantially flat surface (9) or portion of a surface (9). A roller may be understood as a part, component or assembly of something that rolls or moves by a rolling action, and a roller path may be understood as comprising a path through which one or more rollers may travel to achieve such movement. Figure 5 An example of the available remaining space (11) on the flat surface portion can be shown in FIG.

[0054] In various embodiments, the available remaining space (11) may be part or all of any or any combination of sides of the tower crane boom track (4), including, for example, any side of a rectangular or square track (4), an upward side of the track (4), a vertical side of the track (4), a downward side of the track (4), an inclined side of the track (4), etc.

[0055] Some embodiments may also involve a strap footprint space (14). The strap footprint space (14) may be understood to include the space occupied on the tower crane jib track (4) where the straps (15) of the tower crane jib (3) meet, attach, or are otherwise coupled to the track (4). Figure 6 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11An example can be seen in . The belt footprint space (14) may have a gap (16), which can be understood as a space that other parts, parts or components of the track (4) may need to occupy in order to avoid colliding with, interacting with or otherwise interfering with the belt (15). For example, the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) may require such a gap (16). However, it should be noted that various embodiments of the present technology may consider the gap (16) of the belt (15) within the available remaining space (11) of the track (4), so as not to block, hinder, interfere with or otherwise prevent the movement of the moving element (8) through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). For example, an embodiment may involve a belt footprint space (14) that occupies a flat surface portion other than the roller path and has a gap within the available remaining space (11). The size of this gap will naturally follow from the dimensions of the flat surface portion, rollers, roller paths and sling footprint space (14), and in some embodiments may be of a size not exceeding 0.5 inches or about 0.5 inches within the available remaining space (11).

[0056] In some embodiments, the available remaining space (11) may be the available remaining space (11) limited by the harness footprint. This may be understood as referring to the available remaining space (11) having all or part of the harness footprint space (14) occupying some space that would otherwise be part of the available remaining space (11), in addition to excluding the unobstructed mobile element travel space (10). In this sense, it may be understood that the harness footprint space (11) may further limit the space of the available remaining space (11). Thus, embodiments may include limiting the available remaining space (11) with the harness footprint.

[0057] Various embodiments may involve a heat source (13) configured to apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4). The heat source (13) may be of any type suitable for applying heat in accordance with other aspects of the disclosure herein. The configuration for applying heat may also be of any suitable type consistent with the disclosure herein and may, for example, include application by direct contact, radiation, conduction, heat transfer, etc. Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) using a heat source (13). Examples may be found in Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 13 Seen in.

[0058] While the heat source (13) can certainly apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), it will be appreciated that the heat source (13) can be, and in various embodiments can be, caused to apply heat to additional parts, portions, or components of the tower crane (1), or even to such parts, portions, or components of the tower crane (1) separately from or even in lieu of the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). Such parts, portions, or components of the tower crane (1) can include, for example, some or all of the tower crane boom rails (4), any other type of rails, the trolley (6), the moving elements (8) of the trolley (6), the slings (15), parts, portions, or components of the mast (2), parts, portions, or components of the boom (3), and the like. Additionally, the heat source (13) in various embodiments can be used in conjunction with a thermostat to achieve a desired temperature output level or range, or to maintain a surface at a desired temperature level or range. Some embodiments may involve a thermostat that contacts or otherwise measures the temperature of a surface (9), track (4), or tower crane jib (3), or another part, portion, or component of a tower crane (1).

[0059] The heat source (13) in various embodiments may be an elongated, uniformly distributed heat source, which may be understood to refer to a heat source (13) capable of applying heat uniformly or substantially uniformly along a length, such as, for example, uniformly or substantially uniformly applying heat to a tower crane boom rail (4). Thus, embodiments may relate to uniformly distributing heat applied by the heat source (13) along an elongated length.

[0060] The heat source (13) in various embodiments may be a track-symmetrical heat source, which may be understood to refer to a heat source (13) capable of applying heat from one or more locations that follow or substantially follow the length, shape, or other configuration of the track (4). Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat symmetrically to a tower crane boom track (4) using a heat source (13).

[0061] The heat source (13) can, in various embodiments, be a heat source (13) sufficient to melt snow from the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) and / or a heat source (13) sufficient to melt ice from the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). In this manner, it can be seen that the heat source (13) can remove snow and ice in a manner that allows one or more moving elements (8) to move through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), perhaps, for example, to allow snow and / or ice to be removed from a tower crane boom track (4) to allow a trolley (6) to move along it. Thus, embodiments may involve melting snow or ice in an unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of a surface (9) of a tower crane boom track (4) due to the application of heat, allowing at least one moving element (8) of a trolley (6) to move through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) due to such melting, and moving the trolley (6) on the tower crane boom track (4) along at least a portion of the length (7) of the tower crane boom (3) using the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) to move at least one moving element (8) of the trolley (6) through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10).

[0062] In some embodiments, the heat source (13) can be a heating wire (19). The heating wire (19) can be of any type suitable for applying heat consistent with the disclosure herein and can be understood to include wires, wire pairs, cables, ropes, cords, etc., including having layers, sheaths, insulation materials and other components, parts, assemblies, etc. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 13 An example can be seen in . Thus, embodiments may involve heating with a heating wire (19).

[0063] In various embodiments, the heating wire (19) may include a structure having a solid alloy / copper conductor having a 0.240 inch diameter, may have insulation, may have compacted magnesium oxide insulation, may have an outer covering, may have a stainless steel clad outer covering, may have a seamless alloy 825 clad outer covering, may have an appropriate operating voltage consistent with the disclosure herein, may have an operating voltage of 600 volts or about 600 volts, may reach a maximum temperature of 1125 degrees Fahrenheit or up to 1125 degrees Fahrenheit, may reach a temperature of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in not less than 2 minutes, may reach a temperature of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit in not less than 2 minutes, may reach a temperature of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in not less than 2 minutes, may reach a temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in not less than 2 minutes, and may reach a temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in not less than 2 minutes. In various embodiments, the heating wire (19) may be heated to an absolute temperature value that is independent of the temperature of the ambient air. In various embodiments, the heating wire (19) may not require a heat sink, may not require a heat sink to reduce or eliminate the risk of burning, may not require a component, part or assembly of the tower crane (1) to act as a heat sink, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the heating wire (19) may be a wire having a diameter of no more than or about 0.24 inches. Thus, embodiments may involve heating with a heating wire (19) having a diameter of no more than or about 0.24 inches.

[0065] It should be understood that the heat source (13) described herein need not naturally be limited to applying heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), but may naturally be capable of applying heat to any one or all of the tower crane boom track (4), any part, portion or component of the tower crane boom (3), any part, portion or component of the tower crane mast (2) or any part, portion or component of the crane.

[0066] Various embodiments may involve a space-available mounting (12) for a heat source (13) configured to occupy only the available remaining space (11) of the surface (9) of the track (4), and may involve securing the heat source (13) in the available remaining space (11) of the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) in addition to the unobstructed moving element travel space using the space-available mounting (12) for the heat source (13). The mounting may be anything suitable for positioning the heat source (13) in addition to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), but capable of applying heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). A space-available mounting (12) may be understood as a mounting that occupies only the available remaining space (11), and such configuration of the mounting may be of any type suitable for achieving this. In Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7C 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 You can see examples in .

[0067] In some embodiments, the free space mount (12) may be a free space mount (12) configured to not prevent the trolley (6) from moving along a portion of the length (7) of the tower crane jib (3). Such a configuration may involve any form, structure, or property of the free space mount (12) sufficient to prevent such obstruction of the trolley (6) by the mount. Thus, embodiments may involve not obstructing the movement of the trolley (6) on a tower crane jib track (4) having the free space mount (12).

[0068] In some embodiments, the space-available mounting member (12) may be a space-available mounting member (12) configured to not obstruct the unobstructed moving element travel space (10). Such configuration may involve any form, structure, or property of the space-available mounting member (12) sufficient to prevent such obstruction of the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) by the mounting member. Thus, embodiments may involve not obstructing the movement of at least one moving element (8) of the trolley (6) through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) having the space-available mounting member (12).

[0069] In some embodiments, the available space mounting member (12) may be such a mounting member that is attached to a substantially smooth surface of the available remaining space (11). Thus, embodiments may involve utilizing the available space mounting member (12) of the heat source (13) to secure the heat source (13) to a substantially smooth surface of the available remaining space (11).

[0070] In some embodiments, the space-available mounting member (12) may be a space-available mounting member (12) that is directly connected to the surface of the available remaining space (11), such as some or all of the mounting members may directly contact some or all of the surface of the available remaining space (11). Therefore, an embodiment may include directly contacting the space-available mounting member (12) to the surface (9) of the available remaining space (11).

[0071] In some embodiments, the space-available mount (12) that is directly contacted to the surface of the available remaining space (11) may be a space-available mount (12) that is attached to the surface of the available remaining space (11) with an adhesive. The adhesive may be generally known and understood in the art and may be understood to include one or more substances or techniques that allow the mount to be firmly adhered, bonded, or maintained on the surface in question. In conjunction with the disclosure herein, the adhesive may have particular utility and benefits, such as attaching the mount to a smooth surface, attaching the mount to a surface that may otherwise lack a clamping site, attaching the mount to a surface that may otherwise lack an opening, attaching the mount to a surface without drilling, attaching the mount to a surface without welding, attaching the mount to a surface without damaging the structure of the surface, and the like. In some embodiments, an exemplary adhesive that may be suitable for use in the applications disclosed herein may be Thus, embodiments may involve bonding the space available mounting member (12) to the surface (9) of the available remaining space (11).

[0072] In some embodiments, the free space mount (12) may be a free space mount (12) configured to not use clamping. This configuration may involve any form, structure, or property of the free space mount (12) that allows the mount to be attached to a surface without clamping. Thus, embodiments may involve not clamping the heat source (13) to the available remaining space (11).

[0073] In some embodiments, the space-available mounting member (12) may be a space-available mounting member (12) configured to not utilize an opening in the available remaining space (11). This configuration may involve any form, structure, or property of the space-available mounting member (12) by which the mounting member can be attached to a surface without utilizing such an opening. Thus, embodiments may involve an opening that does not utilize the available remaining space (11).

[0074] In some embodiments, the space-usable mounting member (12) may be a space-usable mounting member (12) configured to not compromise the structure of the available remaining space (11). Such a configuration may involve any form, structure, or property of the space-usable mounting member (12) by which the mounting member can be attached to a surface without compromising the structure of the surface, as such compromise is discussed elsewhere herein. Thus, embodiments may involve a structure that does not compromise the available remaining space (11).

[0075] In various embodiments, such a space-available mounting member (12) may be a space-available mounting member (12) configured to not use a drilling structure or a space-available mounting member (12) configured to not use welding, such drilling and such welding being discussed elsewhere herein. Therefore, embodiments may not involve a remaining space (11) available for drilling, and embodiments may not include a remaining space (11) available for welding.

[0076] In some embodiments, the space-available mounting member (12) may be a space-available mounting member (12) configured not to prevent inspection of the sling (15). The sling (15) of the tower crane (1) may need to be inspected, such as by regulation, law or other safety regulations, for example at a location where the sling (15) of the boom (3) may be connected to a track (4) or other component supported by the sling (15) of the boom (3) to ensure that the connection (often, welding) is reliable. Such a configuration that does not prevent inspection may involve any form, structure or property of the space-available mounting member (12) sufficient to prevent such obstruction, for example by not obstructing the relevant portion of the sling (15) that needs to be inspected, or by enabling the path of such relevant portion of the sling (15) to be removed during inspection. Thus, embodiments may involve not preventing inspection of the sling having the space-available mounting member (12).

[0077] In some embodiments, the space-available mounting member (12) may be a wire assembly (18) having a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20). The wire assembly (18) may be understood to simply include all or one or more components, parts or assemblies of the space-available mounting member (12) of the heat source (13), wherein the heat source (13) is a heating wire (19). The channel (20) may be of any type suitable for accommodating a length of heating wire (19) therein, such as a size and shape in the form of a groove, trough, trench, etc., or a cross-section such as a shape having three sides of a U-shape, V-shape, rectangle or square, etc. In various embodiments, applying heat with the heat source (13) may involve applying heat with the heating wire (19) disposed within the channel (20) of the wire assembly (18). In Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7C 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 You can see examples in .

[0078] In some embodiments, the channel (20) may have a width at its cross-sectional opening of no more than or about 0.625 inches, and the heater wire (19) may have a cross-sectional width or diameter of no more than or about 0.24 inches.

[0079] In various embodiments, the wire assembly (18) may have a filler material (21) between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19). In this manner, the filler material (21) may fill some or all of the open space within the channel (20) not occupied by the heating wire (19). Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat with a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20) of a wire assembly (18) having a filler material (21) between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19). Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 You can see examples in .

[0080] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) may be a thermally conductive filler material (21). This may be used to conduct heat radiated or otherwise provided by the heating wire (19) through the filler material (21), and in some embodiments, to another surface that the filler material (21) may contact. For example, where the wire assembly (18) may be in direct contact with the surface (9) of the track (4), the filler material (21) may increase the area over which heat is conducted from the wire assembly (18) compared to the area over which heat is conducted by the heating wire (19) alone. Thus, embodiments may involve conducting heat with the filler material (21).

[0081] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) may be an insulating filler material (21). For example, where the ambient air outside the channel (20) may be cooler than the temperature of the heat radiated or otherwise provided by the heating wire (19), the filler material (21) may be used to isolate the heating wire (19) (and possibly even the surfaces contacted by the heating wire (19) and / or the wire assembly (18)) from cold contamination from the cool ambient air. Thus, embodiments may involve insulating the heating wire (19) with the filler material (21).

[0082] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) can stabilize the filler material (21) for the heating wire. For example, the filler material (21) can provide integrity or support for the heating wire (19) within the channel (20), which can limit or eliminate the ability of the heating wire (19) to migrate its position or move within the channel (20). Thus, embodiments can involve stabilizing the heating wire (19) with the filler material (21).

[0083] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) may be a fixed filler material (21), e.g., hard, solid, rather than plastic, or not movable or permitted to move. Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat using a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20) of a wire assembly (18), the wire assembly (18) having the fixed filler material (21) between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19).

[0084] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) may be a fluid filler material (21), where the filler material may be plastic or capable of flowing, such as filling a confined space or flowing around and between structures in a confined space. Thus, embodiments may include applying heat using a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20) of a wire assembly (18) having the fluid filler material (21), with the fluid filler material (21) between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19).

[0085] In some embodiments, the filler material (21) may be a sealant, such as a silicone sealant, a high-strength silicone sealant, etc. Thus, embodiments may involve heating with a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20) of a wire assembly (18) having a sealant, silicone sealant, or a high-strength silicone sealant between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19).

[0086] In some embodiments, the wire assembly (18) may include at least one wire strip (22), at least one channel strip (23), and a fluid-filling material (21), wherein the wire strip (22) has at least a portion disposed against the heating wire (19), the channel strip (23) has at least a portion disposed against the channel (20), and the fluid-filling material (21) fills the remaining space within the channel (20). In this manner, the wire strip (22) may be used to hold, stabilize, or otherwise secure the heating wire (19) by contacting the wire strip (22), and the channel strip (23) may be used to hold, stabilize, or otherwise secure the channel (20) by contacting the channel strip (23). In embodiments where the wire assembly (18) has a base (24), the strips may also be used to hold, stabilize, or otherwise secure the heating wire (19) and the channel (20) by contacting a surface of the base (24) that may be bonded or otherwise attached. Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat with a heating wire (19) disposed within a channel (20) of a wire assembly (18), the wire assembly (18) having a fluid filling material (21) between the channel (20) and the heating wire (19). At least one wire strip (22) disposed at least partially against the heating wire (19) has at least one channel strip (23), the at least one channel strip (23) having a portion disposed against the channel (20). And wherein the fluid filling material (21) fills the remaining space within the channel (20). Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 You can see examples in .

[0087] The conductor strips (22) and channel strips (23) may be of any type consistent with the disclosure herein. In some embodiments, such strips may be single hole strips. Figure 12 You can see examples in .

[0088] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one channel strap (23) may be welded to the channel (20), for example to the inner surface of the channel (20).

[0089] In various embodiments, at least one conductor strip (22) and at least one channel strip (23) may be adjacent strip pairs. This may involve the strips being positioned within the channel (20) so as to be in side-by-side contact or nearly side-by-side contact with each other, including, possibly, in embodiments where the strips have tabs, the tabs may form a common or nearly continuous footprint on the surface to which they may be bonded or otherwise contacted.

[0090] In some embodiments, the channel (20) may be a rectangular or square channel (20), and some or all of the strips may be circular strips. In such embodiments, the fluid filling material (21) may naturally fill the space between the circular strips and the interior of the rectangular or square channel (20), and the strips may be disposed within the rectangular or square channel (20). Figure 3 and Figure 4 You can see examples in .

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more of the conductor strips (22) and / or channel strips (23) may have tabs (25). The tabs (25) may form generally laterally extending portions of the strips, e.g., adapted for bonding or other contact with a surface against which the strips may be disposed. In various embodiments, one or more tabs (25) of a strip disposed within a channel (20) may extend beyond the channel (20), such as extending 0.5 inches beyond the channel (20) in various embodiments. In this manner, the conductor assembly (18) may have one or more tabs (25) that extend generally laterally beyond the edge of the channel (20). Where the strips are disposed within the channel (20) as adjacent pairs of strips, the tabs (25) may be viewed as forming a common or nearly continuous footprint that generally extends laterally from the conductor assembly (18) to a surface to which the conductor assembly (18) may be bonded or otherwise in contact. Examples may be found in Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 Seen in.

[0092] In various embodiments, one or more tabs (25) may be attached to the surface (9) of the available remaining space (11) with an adhesive. In this manner, the tabs (25) may secure or help secure the wire assembly (18) to the surface (9) of the available remaining space (11). Where adjacent pairs of strips are used, the common or nearly continuous footprint formed by the tabs (25) may provide a larger area for placement and application of adhesive than would be the case with non-adjacent pairs of strips, which may provide greater efficacy in bonding and securing the wire assembly (18) against the surface (9). Examples may be found in Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 Seen in.

[0093] In various embodiments, the channel (20), the heating wire (19), and the filler material (21) can form a base (24) of the wire assembly (18). For example, the filler material (21) can fill the space within the channel (20) to stabilize and position the heating wire (19) and provide a generally smooth and flat surface that closes the open portion of the channel (20), such that the base (24) can be formed by opposing edges of the channel (20), the smooth and flat surface of the filler material (21), and the surface of the heating wire (19). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Examples can be seen in . In embodiments having one or more straps, the straps may be disposed within the channel (20) and may be positioned and stabilized by filler material (21) such that the open end and tab end of the straps may also form part of the base (24). At least a portion of the base (24) of the wire assembly (18) may be bonded, such as with an adhesive, to the surface (9) of the available remaining space (11).

[0094] In various embodiments, a plurality of conductor assemblies (18) may be disposed within available excess space (11) between a plurality of belt footprint spaces (14) of a tower crane boom track (4). Examples may be found in Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 . A conductor assembly (18) may be arranged, for example, along the track (4) between each pair of belt footprint spaces (14) to enable a heating conductor (19) to extend along the length of the track (4). The heating conductor (19) may apply sufficient heat to the track (4) to heat the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of the track (4) and melt any snow and / or ice that may be present. Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat using a plurality of conductor assemblies (18) disposed within the available remaining space (11) between a plurality of belt footprint spaces (14) of a tower crane boom track (4).

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one wire assembly (18) may have a length of 68 inches, about 68 inches, or up to 68 inches.

[0096] In some embodiments, at least one wire assembly (18) may have a length of 53 inches, about 53 inches, or up to 53 inches.

[0097] Of course, such aforementioned lengths are merely exemplary, and the wire assembly (18) may have any suitable length to occupy the desired or required space between a pair of harness footprint spaces (14).

[0098] In some embodiments, a plurality of conductor assemblies (18) may form a conductor assembly section having a length. The length of the conductor assembly section may be any suitable length consistent with the disclosure herein. In some embodiments, the length of the conductor assembly section may be 30 feet, may be about 30 feet, or may be up to 30 feet. Embodiments may include the ability to connect multiple conductor assembly sections together, for example, to cover different sizes, shapes, and configurations of the track (4) and / or tower crane boom (3) or other parts, portions, or components of the tower crane (1).

[0099] Various embodiments may also include at least one exposed heating wire portion (17) within the available remaining space (11) connecting the at least two wire assemblies (18) and clearing at least one harness footprint space (14). Figure 6 and Figure 11 Examples can be seen in . The exposed wire portion (17) can eliminate one or more parts, portions, or components of the wire assembly (18) to reduce the space required to clear the harness footprint space (14) while maintaining the heating wire (19) within the available remaining space (11). For example, in various embodiments, the gap (16) within the available remaining space (11) around the harness footprint space (14) can be no more than 0.5 inches or about 0.5 inches, and the exposed wire portion (17) can be routed through this remaining space. In embodiments, the complete wire assembly (18) may be too large to fit in this space, so parts, portions, or components can be removed at the gap (16) to form the exposed wire portion (17), which in some embodiments can be simply the heating wire (19) itself. Thus, embodiments may involve applying heat using at least one exposed heating wire portion (17) within available remaining space (11) connecting at least two wire assemblies (18) and clearing at least one harness footprint space (14), and may involve clearing at least one harness footprint space (14) within the available remaining space (11) with a gap of no more than 0.5 inches through which the exposed wire portion (17) may be routed.

[0100] In some embodiments, a tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) may be a device having a heat source (13) and a space-available mounting member (12) for the heat source (13), the heat source (13) being configured to apply heat to an unobstructed moving element travel space (10) of a surface (9) of a tower crane jib rail (4), the space-available mounting member (12) being configured to occupy only the available remaining space (11) of the surface (9) of the rail (4), and the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) may be a device configured for use on a tower crane (1) having one or more of the properties, characteristics, or functions described herein. Such a configuration may involve providing a device separate from the tower crane (1), but having the capability to be mounted on or used with the tower crane (1) as specified or substantially as specified.

[0101] In some embodiments, the device may be provided directly on or together with the tower crane (1) itself, or may form a component, part or assembly of the tower crane (1) itself, for example by being mounted on or integrated into the tower crane (1) at the manufacturing site.

[0102] In some embodiments, a tower crane jib track heat application device (5) may include a tower crane jib (3) having a length (7), a trolley (6) configured to move along at least a portion of the length (7) of the tower crane jib (3), a tower crane jib track (4) disposed along the portion of the length of the tower crane jib (3), the trolley (6) moving on or with the tower crane jib (3) to move along the portion of the length (7) of the tower crane jib (3), and at least one moving element (8) of the trolley (6) configured to move along the portion of the length (7) of the tower crane jib (3) using a surface (9) of the tower crane jib track (4). Partially moving, an unobstructed moving element travel space (10) on the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4), the moving element (8) of the trolley (6) is configured to pass through the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), moving the remaining space (11) available on the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4) except for the unobstructed moving element travel space (10), a heat source (13) is configured to apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space (10) on the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4), and a space-available mounting member (12) of the heat source (13) is configured to occupy only the remaining space (11) available on the surface (9) of the tower crane boom track (4).

[0103] Various embodiments may be directed to a tower crane structural member heating apparatus comprising a structural member (26) of a tower crane (1) and a heating wire (19) configured to apply heat to the structural member (26). The structural member (26) may be any component, part, or assembly of the tower crane (1) and, in various embodiments, may be subject to specified or specific requirements of the tower crane (1), as described elsewhere herein. Thus, embodiments may be directed to a method for melting snow or ice from a structural member of a tower crane, the method comprising the steps of: utilizing a heating wire (19) secured to the structural member (26) of the tower crane (1), applying heat from the heating wire (19) to the structural member (26) of the tower crane (1), and utilizing the applied heat to melt snow or ice on the structural member (26) of the tower crane (1).

[0104] While the disclosure herein has described certain ways for heating the wire (19) and the wire assembly (18), it should be understood that the use of such heating wire (19) may be in any manner consistent with, similar to, and not contrary to the disclosure herein, and in various embodiments may include using the heating wire (19) and / or the wire assembly (18) on any component, portion, or assembly of the tower crane (1), including on the exterior thereof, on the interior thereof (such as disposed within a hollow tube, hollow member, etc.), in direct contact therewith, spaced therefrom, coiled therearound, wrapped therearound, etc.

[0105] The disclosure herein may include a description of embodiments of the present technology that may be applied to a tower crane (1). Although the present technology may be particularly applicable to a tower crane (1), it should be understood that the scope of the present technology is applicable to and includes the use of the present technology on or in conjunction with any type of crane. Figure 1 Examples can be seen in . In particular, the disclosure and claims herein should be understood to support the disclosure and claims relating to each description and claim utilizing the word "tower crane" with the word "crane" substituted therefor.

[0106] The term "coupled" as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting. For example, it can be used to describe two things that are connected together without being limited by the manner in which they are connected.

[0107] Reference Figure 15In a first exemplary embodiment, a power system (27) for a tower crane boom heating device (5) may be shown. The power system (27) may use the main power source (28) from the tower crane (1) to operate the heat source (13), which in various embodiments may be a heating wire (19). As a result, there may be no separate heating unit that the crane operator may need to compete to provide the required heat. It may be noted that Figure 15 The embodiments shown in the are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope, type, configuration or manner in which the power systems may be used with the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) described herein. Figure 15 In the disclosed embodiments, the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) can use a power conduit (29), such as a 277V-3 wire rope, a 480V-3 wire rope, etc. The power conduit (29) can reach a power conduit connector (31), such as a junction box, and can include a power conduit T (32), such as a "Y" tap to one or more tower crane jib rails (4), such as a JHT-GET. The power conduit (29) can pass through a power conducting connector (33), such as a JHS-GET. The power conduit (29) can have an end seal (34), such as a dummy plug, such as a JHE-GET, to, for example, terminate the power conduit (29) or add more sections of the power conduit (29) to one or more tower crane jib rails (4). In some embodiments, the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) can have at least two forms of protection to prevent the device from overheating.

[0108] Reference Figure 16 In a second exemplary embodiment, a power system (27) for a tower crane boom heating device (5) may be shown. The power system (27) may use the main power source (28) from the tower crane (1) to operate the heat source (13), which in various embodiments may be a heating wire (19). As a result, there may be no separate heating unit that the crane operator may need to compete to provide the required heat. It may be noted that Figure 16 The embodiments shown in the are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope, type, configuration or manner in which the power systems may be used with the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) described herein. Figure 16In the disclosed embodiment, the tower crane jib rail heat application device (5) can use one or more power conduits (29), such as 480v-3 wire rope, etc. The one or more power conduits (29) can reach one or more thermostats (35), which can include those described elsewhere in this document. The one or more power conduits (29) can reach a power conduit controller (31), such as a junction box, etc. The power conduit controller (31) can route power from the one or more power conduits (29) to one or more heating wires (19), which can be arranged along the tower crane jib rail (4) or other parts, parts or components of the tower crane (1). The one or more heating wires (19) can terminate at one or more end seals (34), which can be used to terminate a length of heating wire (19), or can be used to allow connection of portions of the heating wire (19), such as where the one or more end seals (34) can be configured as male or female connections, etc. The power system (27) may also have or utilize a support (36) for coupling the power system (27) to one or more components, parts, or assemblies of the tower crane (1), consistent with the disclosure provided herein.

[0109] While the technology of the present invention has been described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the technology of the present invention to the specific form set forth. On the contrary, it is intended that the scope of the technology of the present invention cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the technology of the present invention as defined by the statements of the invention.

[0110] Examples of alternative claims may include:

[0111] 1. A tower crane boom rail heat application device, comprising:

[0112] - an apparatus configured for use with a tower crane, the tower crane comprising:

[0113] - a tower crane boom having a length;

[0114] - a trolley configured for movement along at least part of said length of said tower crane boom;

[0115] a tower crane jib track provided along said portion of said length of said tower crane jib, said trolley passing through said tower crane jib track for said movement along said portion of said length of said tower crane jib;

[0116] - at least one moving element of the trolley configured to use a surface of the tower crane jib track for said movement along said portion of said length of the tower crane jib;

[0117] - an unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track, the moving element of the trolley being configured to move through the unobstructed moving element travel space;

[0118] - the remaining space available on the surface of the tower crane boom track other than the unobstructed moving element travel space;

[0119] - and, the device comprises:

[0120] - a heat source configured to apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track;

[0121] - a space-available mounting for the heat source configured to occupy only the available remaining space of the surface of the tower crane boom track.

[0122] 2. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the tower crane jib comprises a rectangular tube.

[0123] 3. The tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus of clause 2 or any other clause, wherein said rectangular tube comprises an approximately 5 inch by approximately 5 inch rectangular tube.

[0124] 4. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 2 or any other clause, wherein the rectangular tube comprises a rectangular tube having one side with a width of 2 inches wide to 10 inches wide.

[0125] 5. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 1 or any other claim, wherein the surface of the tower crane jib rail includes a flat surface portion of the tower crane jib rail, wherein the moving element of the trolley includes a roller, wherein the unobstructed moving element travel space includes a roller path of the flat surface portion, and wherein the available remaining space includes the available remaining space of the flat surface portion.

[0126] 6. A tower crane boom rail heat application device as described in claim 5 or any other claim, wherein the flat surface portion has a width of approximately 5 inches, wherein the roller has a width of approximately 2 inches, wherein the roller path has a width of approximately 2 inches, and wherein the available remaining space of the flat surface portion has a width of approximately 3 inches.

[0127] 7. The tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus of clause 6 or any other clause further comprising: a sling footprint space occupying said flat surface portion excluding said roller path and having a gap of no more than about 0.5 inches within said available remaining space.

[0128] 8. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the heat source comprises an elongated uniformly distributed heat source.

[0129] 9. A tower crane jib track heat application apparatus according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the heat source comprises a track-symmetrical heat source.

[0130] 10. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the heat source comprises a heat source selected from the group consisting of a heat source sufficient to melt snow from the unobstructed moving element travel space and a heat source sufficient to melt ice from the unobstructed moving element travel space.

[0131] 11. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the heat source comprises a heating wire.

[0132] 12. The tower crane jib rail heat application device of clause 11 or any other clause, wherein said heating wire has a diameter of no more than about 0.24 inches.

[0133] 13. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the available remaining space comprises a substantially smooth surface.

[0134] 14. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein said available remaining space comprises available remaining space lacking clamping sites.

[0135] 15. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the available remaining space comprises an available remaining space without any opening.

[0136] 16. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein said available remaining space comprises a non-compromising structure.

[0137] 17. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 16 or any other clause, wherein the non-compromising structure comprises a non-compromising structure selected from the group consisting of a structure prohibiting welding and a structure prohibiting drilling.

[0138] 18. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the available remaining space includes a sling cover area that limits the available remaining space.

[0139] 19. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as described in clause 1 or any other clause, wherein said space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member configured to not impede said movement of said trolley along said portion of said length of said tower crane jib.

[0140] 20. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member configured not to block the unobstructed moving element travel space.

[0141] 21. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein said space-available mounting member comprises a mounting member coupled to a substantially smooth surface of said available remaining space.

[0142] 22. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member coupled to a surface of the available remaining space in direct contact.

[0143] 23. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 22 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member directly connected to the surface of the available remaining space includes a space-available mounting member connected to the surface of the available remaining space with an adhesive.

[0144] 24. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mount comprises a space-available mount configured not to use clamping.

[0145] 25. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available installation member comprises a space-available installation member configured not to use an opening of the available remaining space.

[0146] 26. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available installation member comprises a space-available installation member configured not to impair the structure of the available remaining space.

[0147] 27. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member configured not to use a drilling structure.

[0148] 28. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member configured to not use welding.

[0149] 29. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mounting member comprises a space-available mounting member configured not to obstruct inspection of the sling.

[0150] 30. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the space-available mount comprises a wire assembly having a heating wire disposed within a channel.

[0151] 31. The tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus of clause 30 or any other clause, wherein said channel has a width of no more than about 0.625 inches.

[0152] 32. The tower crane jib rail heat application device of clause 30 or any other clause, wherein said heating wire has a width of no more than about 0.24 inches.

[0153] 33. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 30 or any other clause, further comprising: a filler material between the channel and the heating wire.

[0154] 34. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 33 or any other clause, wherein the filler material comprises a thermally conductive filler material.

[0155] 35. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 33 or any other clause, wherein the filler material comprises a thermally insulating filler material.

[0156] 36. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as claimed in clause 33 or any other clause wherein said filler material comprises a heating wire stabilised filler material.

[0157] 37. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 33 or any other clause, wherein the filler material comprises a fluid filler material.

[0158] 38. A tower crane jib rail heat application device as described in clause 37 or any other clause wherein said fluid filler material comprises a silicone sealant.

[0159] 39. A tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 37 or any other claim, wherein the wire assembly further comprises: at least one wire strip having a configuration at least partially against the heating wire, at least one channel strip having a configuration at least partially against the channel, and wherein the fluid filling material fills the remaining space within the channel.

[0160] 40. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 39 or any other clause, wherein at least one of the channel straps is at least partially disposed against the channel, the channel straps including at least one of the channel straps being at least partially welded to the channel.

[0161] 41. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as described in clause 39 or any other clause wherein at least one said channel strap and at least one said conductor strap comprise adjacent strap pairs.

[0162] 42. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as described in clause 39 or any other clause wherein said channel comprises a rectangular channel and each said strap comprises a circular strap.

[0163] 43. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 39 or any other clause, wherein at least one of said straps further comprises: a tab extending beyond said channel.

[0164] 44. A tower crane jib rail heat application device as described in clause 43 or any other clause wherein each said tab extends 0.5 inches beyond said channel.

[0165] 45. A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 43 or any other clause, wherein each said tab comprises a tab bonded to a surface of said available remaining space with an adhesive.

[0166] 46. ​​A tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33 or any other claim, wherein the channel, the heating wire and the filler material form the base of the wire assembly and also include at least a portion of the surface of the base of the wire assembly that is bonded to the available remaining space with an adhesive.

[0167] 47. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 31 or any other clause, further comprising: a plurality of said conductor assemblies, said conductor assemblies being disposed in said available remaining space between a plurality of belt footprint spaces of said tower crane jib rail.

[0168] 48. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as described in clause 47 or any other clause, wherein at least one said conductor assembly comprises a length of approximately 68 inches.

[0169] 49. The tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus of clause 47 or any other clause, wherein at least one said conductor assembly comprises a length of approximately 53 inches.

[0170] 50. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to clause 47 or any other clause, further comprising: at least one exposed heating wire portion within said available remaining space, said heating wire portion connecting at least two of said wire assemblies and clearing at least one of said sling footprint spaces.

[0171] 51. A tower crane jib rail heat application apparatus as described in clause 50 or any other clause, wherein the gap around the at least one sling footprint space within the available remaining space does not exceed 0.5 inches, and the at least one exposed wire portion is routed through the remaining space.

[0172] 52. A heat application device for a tower crane belt rail, comprising:

[0173] - a tower crane boom having a length;

[0174] - a trolley configured for movement along at least part of said length of said tower crane boom;

[0175] a tower crane jib track provided along said portion of said length of said tower crane jib, said trolley passing through said tower crane jib track for said movement along said portion of said length of said tower crane jib;

[0176] - at least one moving element of the trolley configured to use a surface of the tower crane jib track for said movement along said portion of said length of the tower crane jib;

[0177] - an unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track, the moving element of the trolley being configured to move through the unobstructed moving element travel space;

[0178] - the remaining space available on the surface of the tower crane boom track other than the unobstructed moving element travel space;

[0179] - a heat source configured to apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track;

[0180] - a space-available mounting for the heat source configured to occupy only the available remaining space of the surface of the tower crane boom track.

[0181] 53. A tower crane structural member heating device comprising:

[0182] - Structural components of tower cranes; and

[0183] - a heating wire configured to heat the structural member of the tower crane.

[0184] 54. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom, comprising the steps of:

[0185] - fixing the heat source by means of a space-available mounting of the heat source in the remaining space available on the surface of the tower crane jib track, apart from the unobstructed travel space of the moving elements on the surface of the tower crane jib track;

[0186] - applying heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track with the heat source;

[0187] - melting of snow or ice in the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane boom track due to the step of applying heat;

[0188] - as a result of said melting step, allowing at least one moving element of a trolley to move through said unobstructed moving element travel space of said surface of said tower crane boom track;

[0189] - moving the trolley on the tower crane jib track provided along at least a portion of the length of the tower crane jib by using the surface of the tower crane jib track to move the at least one moving element of the trolley through the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane jib track.

[0190] 55. A method for melting snow or ice on a tower crane jib track according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein the tower crane jib track comprises a rectangular tube.

[0191] 56. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 55 or any other clause, wherein said rectangular tube comprises a rectangular tube of approximately 5 inches by approximately 5 inches.

[0192] 57. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 55 or any other clause, wherein said rectangular tube comprises a rectangular tube having a side having a width ranging from 2 inches wide to 10 inches wide.

[0193] 58. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to claim 54 or any other claim, wherein the surface of the tower crane boom track includes a flat surface portion of the tower crane boom track, wherein the moving element of the trolley includes rollers, wherein the unobstructed moving element travel space includes the roller path of the flat surface portion, and wherein the available remaining space includes the available remaining space of the flat surface portion.

[0194] 59. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in claim 58 or any other claim, wherein the flat surface portion has a width of approximately 5 inches, wherein the rollers have a width of approximately 2 inches, wherein the roller path has a width of approximately 2 inches, and wherein the available remaining space of the flat surface portion has a width of approximately 3 inches.

[0195] 60. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 59 or any other clause, further comprising: occupying a portion of said flat surface other than said roller path and having a clearance of no more than about 0.5 inches within said available remaining space.

[0196] 61. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of uniformly distributing elongately said heat applied by said heat source.

[0197] 62. A method for melting snow or ice on a tower crane jib track as described in clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of applying said heat symmetrically to said tower crane jib track using said heat source.

[0198] 63. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of applying heat with a heating wire.

[0199] 64. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 63 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat with a heating wire comprises the step of applying heat with a heating wire having a diameter not exceeding approximately 0.24 inches.

[0200] 65. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said available excess space comprises a substantially smooth surface.

[0201] 66. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of a boom of a tower crane according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said available surplus space comprises available surplus space lacking clamping sites.

[0202] 67. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a boom of a tower crane according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said usable excess space comprises usable excess space without any openings.

[0203] 68. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane's boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said available remaining space comprises a non-compromising structure.

[0204] 69. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 68 or any other clause, wherein said non-compromising structure comprises a non-compromising structure selected from the group consisting of a structure that prohibits welding and a structure that prohibits drilling.

[0205] 70. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, further comprising the step of limiting said available remaining space with a belt cover.

[0206] 71. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, further comprising the step of preventing said movement of said trolley on said tower crane boom track without using said space available mounting member.

[0207] 72. The method for melting snow or ice on the track of the boom of a tower crane according to clause 54 or any other clause, further comprising: a step of not preventing said movement of said at least one moving element of said trolley through said unobstructed moving element travel space and said space available mounting member.

[0208] 73. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said utilizing step comprises the step of securing said heat source to a substantially smooth surface of said available remaining space using said space available mounting member of said heat source.

[0209] 74. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said utilizing step comprises the step of directly contacting said space-available mounting member to a surface of said available remaining space.

[0210] 75. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 74 or any other clause, wherein said step of directly contacting comprises the step of gluing said space available mounting member to a surface of said available remaining space.

[0211] 76. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said utilizing step comprises the step of not clamping said heat source to said available excess space.

[0212] 77. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of the boom of a tower crane according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said utilizing step comprises the step of not utilizing the opening of said available remaining space.

[0213] 78. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of the boom of a tower crane according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said utilizing step comprises the step of not damaging the structure of said available remaining space.

[0214] 79. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of not damaging the structure comprises the step of not drilling said available remaining space.

[0215] 80. Method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of not damaging the structure comprises the step of not welding said available remaining space.

[0216] 81. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 54 or any other clause, further comprising the step of not obstructing inspection of the slings using said free-space mounting member.

[0217] 82. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 54 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat with said heat source comprises the step of applying heat with a heating wire disposed within a channel of a wire assembly.

[0218] 83. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 82 or any other clause, wherein said channel has a width of no more than approximately 0.625 inches.

[0219] 84. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 82 or any other clause, wherein said heating wire has a width of no more than about 0.24 inches.

[0220] 85. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a boom of a tower crane as described in claim 82 or any other claim, wherein the step of applying heat using the heat source includes the step of applying heat using a heating wire disposed in a channel of a wire assembly, the wire assembly having a filler material between the channel and the heating wire.

[0221] 86. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 85 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of conducting said heat with said fill material.

[0222] 87. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 85 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of insulating said heating wire with said filler material.

[0223] 88. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 85 or any other clause, wherein said step of applying heat comprises the step of stabilizing said heating wire with said filler material.

[0224] 89. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a boom of a tower crane as described in claim 85 or any other claim, wherein the step of applying heat using the heat source includes the step of applying heat using a heating wire disposed in a channel of a wire assembly, the wire assembly having a fluid filling material between the channel and the heating wire.

[0225] 90. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a boom of a tower crane as described in claim 89 or any other claim, wherein said step of applying heat with said heat source includes the step of applying heat with a heating wire disposed in a channel of a wire assembly, said wire assembly having a silicone sealant between said channel and said heating wire.

[0226] 91. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom as described in claim 89 or any other claim, wherein the step of applying heat with the heat source includes: the step of applying heat with a heating wire disposed in a channel of a wire assembly, the wire assembly having a fluid filling material between the channel and the heating wire, at least one wire strip having at least a portion disposed against the heating wire, at least one channel strip having at least a portion disposed against the channel, and wherein the fluid filling material fills the remaining space within the channel.

[0227] 92. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a boom of a tower crane as described in claim 91 or any other claim, wherein at least one of the channel straps comprises a channel strap having at least a portion disposed against the channel, the channel strap having at least a portion welded to the channel.

[0228] 93. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 91 or any other clause, wherein at least one said channel strap and at least one said conductor strap comprise adjacent strap pairs.

[0229] 94. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 91 or any other clause, wherein said channel comprises a rectangular channel and each said strap comprises a circular strap.

[0230] 95. The method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom according to clause 91, wherein at least one of the straps further comprises a tab extending beyond the channel.

[0231] 96. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 95 or any other clause wherein each said tab extends 0.5 inches beyond said channel.

[0232] 97. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 95 or any other clause, wherein each said tab comprises a tab attached to a surface of said available excess space with an adhesive.

[0233] 98. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom according to clause 85 or any other clause, wherein the channel, the heating wire and the filler material form the base of the wire assembly, and further comprising: at least a portion of the base of the wire assembly is attached to the surface of the available remaining space with an adhesive.

[0234] 99. A method for melting snow or ice on the track of a tower crane boom as described in claim 83 or any other claim, wherein the step of applying heat using the heat source includes the step of applying heat using a plurality of the wire assemblies, the wire assemblies being arranged in the available remaining space between the plurality of strap coverage areas of the tower crane boom track.

[0235] 100. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 99 or any other clause, wherein at least one said conductor assembly comprises a length of approximately 68 inches.

[0236] 101. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in clause 99 or any other clause, wherein at least one said conductor assembly comprises a length of approximately 53 inches.

[0237] 102. A method for melting snow or ice on a track of a tower crane boom as described in claim 99 or any other claim, wherein said step of applying heat using said heat source comprises the steps of applying heat using at least one exposed heating wire portion within said available remaining space, said at least one exposed heating wire portion connecting at least two of said wire assemblies, and clearing at least one said strap footprint space.

[0238] 103. A method for melting snow or ice on the tracks of a tower crane boom as described in claim 102 or any other claim, wherein said step of applying heat using said heat source includes the step of clearing said at least one said harness footprint space within said available remaining space by a gap not exceeding 0.5 inches, said exposed heating wire portion being routed through said gap.

[0239] 104. A method for melting snow or ice from a structural member of a tower crane, comprising the steps of:

[0240] - Using heating wires fixed to the structural components of the tower crane;

[0241] - applying heat from the heating wire to the structural member of the tower crane; and

[0242] - using the applied heat to melt snow or ice on the structural components of the tower crane.

[0243] 105. A system substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings and description.

[0244] 106. A method according to clause 54 and clause 104 or any other clause, and further comprising any of the steps as shown in any of the accompanying drawings, individually, in any combination or permutation.

[0245] As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the basic concepts underlying the various embodiments of the present technology can be embodied in a variety of ways. It relates to de-icing techniques and the apparatus for achieving suitable de-icing. Throughout this application, the de-icing techniques are disclosed as part of the illustrated results achieved by the various apparatus described, and as steps inherent to their utilization. They are simply the natural consequence of utilizing the intended and described apparatus. Furthermore, while certain apparatuses are disclosed, it should be understood that these apparatuses not only implement certain methods but can also be varied in a variety of ways. Importantly, with respect to all of the foregoing, all of these aspects should be understood as encompassed by this disclosure.

[0246] The discussion included in this patent application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the given discussion may not explicitly describe all possible implementations; many alternatives are implied. It also may not fully explain the general nature of various implementations of the present technology and may not clearly show how each feature or element may actually represent a broader functionality or multiple alternative or equivalent elements. As an example, terms of degree, approximation, and / or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as: about, substantially, approximately, only, etc. These words and types of words should be understood in the dictionary sense to encompass terms such as a large or substantial amount, quantity, size, etc., as well as primarily but not entirely encompassing the specified term. Furthermore, for purposes of this application, if or when used, terms of degree, approximation, and / or relative terms should be understood to also encompass more precise and even quantitative values, including various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address numerous quantitative options and alternatives. For example, the presence or absence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or stage, within the context of the end use, may be specified as essentially only x or substantially free of x, as a value of about x, or other similar language. Using percentage values ​​as an example, these types of terms should be understood to encompass options for percentage values ​​including 99.5%, 99%, 97%, 95%, 92% or even 90% of the specified value or relative condition; accordingly, for values ​​at the other end of the spectrum (e.g., essentially free of x, these should be understood to encompass options for percentage values ​​including no more than 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% or even 10% of the specified value or relative condition, all of which may be specified on a volume or weight basis). In this context, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that these should be disclosed and include evaluating one group or substance whether in absolute terms or compared to a value for a second group or substance. Additionally, these are also implicitly included in this disclosure and should (and are considered to be) understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. When an application is described in device-oriented terms, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may be included not only for the described apparatus, but may also include method or process claims to address the functionality of the embodiment and the functions performed by each element. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

[0247] It should also be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the essence of the various embodiments of the technology of the present invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the specification. They still fall within the scope of the various embodiments of the technology of the present invention. The broad disclosure covering the explicit embodiments shown, various implicit alternative embodiments, and broad methods or processes, etc. is included in this disclosure, and can be relied upon when drafting claims for any subsequent patent applications. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claims can be completed at a later date (such as by any required deadline), or when the applicant subsequently seeks a patent application based on this application. Through this understanding, the reader should understand that this disclosure should be understood to support any subsequently submitted patent application, which can seek an examination of the basis of the claims considered within the scope of the applicant's rights, and can be designed to generate patents covering multiple aspects of the embodiments of the technology of the present invention independently and as a whole system.

[0248] In addition, each of the various elements of the embodiments of the technology of the present invention and the claims can also be implemented in a variety of ways. Additionally, when used or implied, elements should be understood to include single and multiple structures that may or may not be physically connected. The present disclosure should be understood to include each such variation, whether it is a variation of the embodiment of any device embodiment, method or process embodiment, or even just a variation of any element of these embodiments. In particular, it should be understood that since the present disclosure relates to the elements of the various embodiments of the technology of the present invention, even if only the function or result is the same, the words of each element can be expressed in equivalent device terms or method terms. These equivalent, wider or even more general terms should be considered to be included in the description of each element or action. In the case of expecting to clearly cover the scope given by the embodiments of the technology of the present invention, these terms can be replaced. As just one example, it should be understood that all actions can be represented as the device for taking the action or the element causing the action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to cover the disclosure of the action promoted by the physical element. With respect to this last aspect, as just one example, disclosure of a "heat source" should be understood to include disclosure of the act of "heating" (whether or not explicitly discussed), and conversely, whether or not the act of "heating" is effectively disclosed, such disclosure should be understood to cover disclosure of a "heat source" and even "device for heating." Such variations and alternative terms should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification. Additionally, each such device (whether or not explicitly described) should be understood to cover all elements that can perform a given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform the described function should be understood to be non-limiting examples of devices for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements may also be represented as any of the following: a component, a procedure, a subroutine, logic, or an element that is configured or configured and arranged to provide or even achieve a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or a component that is capable of achieving a particular activity, result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All of these should be understood to be within the scope of this disclosure and written description.

[0249] Any patent, publication or other reference mentioned in this patent application is incorporated herein by reference. Any priority situation advocated by this application is attached hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, for each term used, it should be understood that unless its use is inconsistent with the interpretation widely supported in this application, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be incorporated for each term, and all definitions, replaceable terms and synonyms such as those contained in Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (Second Edition) are incorporated herein by reference. Finally, all references listed in the following reference list or other information statements submitted together with this application are attached hereto and incorporated by reference, however, for each of the above, to some extent, this information or statement incorporated by reference may be considered inconsistent with the patent of each embodiment of the technology of the present invention, and this statement is obviously not considered to be made by the applicant.

[0250] References

[0251] U.S. Patent

[0252] Patent Number Classification Code release date Patentee 9568137 B2 2017-02-14 Heise et al. 10361551 B2 2019-07-23 Heise 6147308 2000-11-14 Santagata 4388523 1983-06-14 Keep,Jr.et al. 6943319 B2 2005-09-13 Jones 4391425 1983-07-05 Keep,Jr. 5941482 1999-08-24 Santagata 3648017 1972-03-07 Obata 3894635 1975-07-15 Reich 5203072 1993-04-20 Boisture 6102333 2000-08-15 Gerardi et al. 6547187 2003-04-15 Foster 6854562 2005-02-15 Kwak 8820683 2014-09-02 Stonestreet II et al. 8857635 2014-10-14 Weckbecker et al.

[0253] US Open

[0254] Public Account Classification Code Publication Date Patentee 20160258124 A1 2016-09-08 Johnston 20190010670 A1 2019-01-10 Falldin 20090072091 A1 2009-03-19 Al-Khalil 20100243811 A1 2010-09-30 Stothers

[0255] Non-patent literature

[0256]

[0257]

[0258] Applicants should therefore be understood to have support for and claim embodiments that include at least the following: i) each de-icing device as disclosed and described herein, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs that perform each function disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods that perform each function shown that implicitly perform the function disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as a separate and independent invention, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed , viiii) the resulting product produced by such process, method, system or assembly, ix) each system, method and element shown or described as presently applicable to any specified field or apparatus mentioned, x) methods and apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any accompanying examples, xi) apparatus for performing the methods described herein, including apparatus for performing the following steps: xii) each combination and permutation of each element disclosed, xiii) each potential dependent claim or concept that is a dependent claim or concept to each of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

[0259] With respect to claims now or later filed for examination, it should be understood that, for practical reasons, to avoid significantly expanding the burden of examination, applicants may at any time file only the initial claims, or perhaps only the initial claims with only the initial dependent claims. Officials and any third parties interested in the potential scope of this or a subsequent application should understand that, in such cases, broader claims may be filed at a later date, or in any subsequent application, if the benefit of such claims is claimed, regardless of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments filed, and that no potential subject matter is intended to be abandoned or disclaimed during the pendency of any case. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are filed, this may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be revisited, as it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments filed in this or any subsequent application are considered to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later-filed claims, etc. Examiners and anyone interested in potential coverage, now or later, or considering whether there is any possibility of a waiver or indication of potential coverage at any time, should be aware that no such waiver or disclaimer was ever intended or exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007) are not expressly intended in this application or any subsequent related context. In addition, it should be understood that support exists to the extent required under new law, including but not limited to Article 123(2) of the European Patent Convention and 35 USC 132 or other such law, to allow the addition of various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. It should also be understood that applicants have intended to obtain the full and broadest coverage available at law at any time when drafting any claims, whether in this application or in any subsequent application. Where non-substantial substitutions are made, applicants do not actually require any claim to literally cover any particular embodiment, and where otherwise applicable, applicants should not be understood to in any way intend or actually abandon such coverage, as applicants may not simply anticipate all events; a person skilled in the art would not reasonably expect to have drafted claims that would literally cover such alternative embodiments.

[0260] Additionally, if or when used, the transitional phrases "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and "having" are used to maintain the "open" claims herein in accordance with conventional claim interpretation (including as discussed in MPEP §2111.03). Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "comprising" or variations such as "includes," "includes," "contains," or variations such as "containing," "containing," or variations such as "containing," "characterized by," "having," or variations such as "having" or "having" are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. These terms should be interpreted in their broadest form so as to provide applicants with the broadest coverage legally allowed. Use of the phrase "or any other claim" is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, etc. As a clear example, if a claim is "dependent on claim 9 or any other claim," etc., it can, if desired, be redrafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 8, or even claim 11 (if any) and still fall within the present disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims, and even includes any desired appropriate antecedent basis for certain claim combinations, such as combinations with method, apparatus, process, etc. claims.

[0261] Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this specification of the various embodiments of the present application, and applicants expressly reserve the right to use all or part of the incorporated matter of such claims as additional description to support any or all claims, or any elements or components thereof, and applicants further expressly reserve the right to transfer any or all of the incorporated matter of such claims, or any elements or components thereof, from the specification to the claims or vice versa, as necessary to define the matter sought to be protected by this application or any subsequent continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of fee reduction under or consistent with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such matter incorporated by reference will survive throughout the pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or any reissue or extension thereof.

Claims

1. A tower crane boom rail heat application device, comprising: An apparatus configured for use on a tower crane, the tower crane comprising: A tower crane boom having a length; a trolley configured for movement along at least a portion of said length of said tower crane boom; a tower crane jib track disposed along the portion of the length of the tower crane jib, the trolley passing through the tower crane jib track for performing the movement along the portion of the length of the tower crane jib; at least one moving element of the trolley configured to use a surface of the tower crane jib track for said movement along said portion of said length of the tower crane jib; an unobstructed moving element travel space on the surface of the tower crane boom track, the moving element of the trolley being configured to move through the unobstructed moving element travel space; The remaining space available on the surface of the tower crane boom track other than the unobstructed moving element travel space; and The device comprises: a heat source configured to apply heat to the unobstructed moving element travel space of the surface of the tower crane jib track; The heat source's space-available mounting member is configured to occupy only the available remaining space on the surface of the tower crane boom track.

2. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The tower crane boom comprises a rectangular tube.

3. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 2, wherein: The rectangular tube comprises a 5 inch by 5 inch rectangular tube.

4. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 2, wherein: The rectangular tube includes a rectangular tube having a side with a width of 2 inches to 10 inches.

5. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface of the tower crane jib track comprises a flat surface portion of the tower crane jib track, wherein the moving element of the trolley comprises rollers, wherein the unobstructed moving element travel space comprises a roller path of the flat surface portion, and wherein the available remaining space comprises the available remaining space of the flat surface portion.

6. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 5, wherein: The flat surface portion has a width of 5 inches, wherein the roller has a width of 2 inches, wherein the roller path has a width of 2 inches, and wherein the available remaining space of the flat surface portion has a width of 3 inches.

7. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 6, further comprising: The sling footprint space occupies the portion of the flat surface excluding the roller path and has a gap of no more than 0.5 inches within the available remaining space.

8. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat source comprises an elongated, evenly distributed heat source.

9. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat source includes an orbitally symmetric heat source.

10. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat source includes a heat source selected from the group consisting of a heat source sufficient to melt snow from the unobstructed moving element travel space and a heat source sufficient to melt ice from the unobstructed moving element travel space.

11. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat source includes a heating wire.

12. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 11, wherein: The heating wire has a diameter of no more than 0.24 inches.

13. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The available remaining space includes a smooth surface.

14. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The available remaining space includes the available remaining space lacking clamping sites.

15. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The available remaining space includes an available remaining space without any opening.

16. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The available remaining space includes non-compromising structures.

17. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 16, wherein: The non-compromising structure includes a non-compromising structure selected from the group consisting of a structure prohibiting welding and a structure prohibiting drilling.

18. The heat application device for tower crane boom rail according to claim 1, wherein: The available surplus space includes the available surplus space where the harness coverage area is limited.

19. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mount includes a space-available mount configured to not impede the movement of the trolley along the portion of the length of the tower crane boom.

20. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member configured not to block the travel space of the unobstructed moving element.

21. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member coupled to a substantially smooth surface of the available remaining space.

22. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member coupled to a surface of the available remaining space in direct contact.

23. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 22, wherein: The space available mounting member coupled to the surface of the available remaining space in direct contact includes a space available mounting member coupled to the surface of the available remaining space with an adhesive.

24. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-saving mount includes a space-saving mount configured not to use clamping.

25. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available installation member includes a space-available installation member configured not to use an opening of the available remaining space.

26. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available installation member includes a space-available installation member configured to have a structure that does not damage the available remaining space.

27. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member configured to not use a drilling structure.

28. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member configured not to use welding.

29. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mounting member includes a space-available mounting member configured to not obstruct inspection of the harness.

30. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 1, wherein: The space-available mount includes a wire assembly having a heating wire disposed within a channel.

31. The tower crane boom rail heat application device according to claim 30, wherein: The channel has a width of no more than 0.625 inches.

32. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 30, wherein: The heating wire has a width of no more than 0.24 inches.

33. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 30, further comprising: A filler material is provided between the channel and the heating wire.

34. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33, wherein: The filling material includes a thermally conductive filling material.

35. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33, wherein: The filling material includes a thermal insulation filling material.

36. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33, wherein: The filler material includes heating wires to stabilize the filler material.

37. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33, wherein: The fill material comprises a fluid fill material.

38. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 37, wherein: The fluid fill material includes a silicone sealant.

39. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 37, wherein: The wire assembly further comprises: at least one wire strip, at least a portion of which is disposed against the heating wire; and at least one channel strip, at least a portion of which is disposed against the channel, wherein the fluid filling material fills the remaining space within the channel.

40. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 39, wherein: The at least one channel strap disposed at least partially against the channel comprises at least one channel strap at least partially welded to the channel.

41. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 39, wherein: At least one of the channel strips and at least one of the conductor strips comprise adjacent strip pairs.

42. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 39, wherein: The channel comprises a rectangular channel, and each of the straps comprises a circular strap.

43. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 39, wherein: At least one of the straps further includes a tab extending beyond the channel.

44. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 43, wherein: Each of the tabs extends beyond the channel by 0.5 inches.

45. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 43, wherein: Each of the tabs includes a tab attached to a surface of the available remaining space with an adhesive.

46. ​​The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 33, wherein: The channel, the heating wire, and the filler material form a base of the wire assembly and also include at least a portion of a surface of the base of the wire assembly that is adhesively bonded to the available residual space.

47. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 31, further comprising: A plurality of the conductor assemblies are disposed in the available remaining space between a plurality of belt footprint spaces of the tower crane boom track.

48. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 47, wherein: At least one of the wire assemblies comprises a length of 68 inches.

49. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 47, wherein: At least one of the wire assemblies comprises a length of 53 inches.

50. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 47, further comprising: At least one exposed heating wire portion is within the available remaining space, the exposed heating wire portion connecting at least two of the wire assemblies and clearing at least one of the strap footprint spaces.

51. The tower crane jib rail heat application device according to claim 50, wherein: A gap of no more than 0.5 inches around at least one of the strap footprint spaces within the available remaining space, and at least one of the exposed heating wire portions is routed through the available remaining space.

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