OPCO patents a new deck crane technique

On August 26, 2010, Oriental Precision & Engineering (“OPCO” hereinafter) has obtained the patent for a new deck crane system design. Deck cranes are used for cargo operations or boat unloading and retrieval where no shore unloading facilities are available.

The system’s patented design involves an encoder installed inside the luff/hoist winch housing, and the system controls the distance between the boom head and the hook by regulating the turn for luff drum and hoist drum, which rotates in relation to the boom’s undulation.

The competitors offer the worm gear limit type to control the location of a hook, which inevitably makes the control space between the sections long; but OPCO’s patented system incorporates an encoder to regulate the number of turns of a winch drum, so the control precision has been enhanced. OPCO has already installed the deck cranes utilizing this new system as early as June 2009.

OPCO’s research effort to develop the deck cranes with better performance and efficiency has given the OPCO deck cranes the competitive edge over its competition, and a number of new deck crane-related techniques are waiting to be applied for patents.

Another recognition for OPCO’s technical prowess was given by American Petroleum Institute recently. On August 2, 2010, OPCO was awarded the API Spec Q1, API Spec 2C, ISO 9001:2008, ISO/TS 29001 certifications from the American Petroleum Institute. American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is a trade association for the oil and natural gas industry responsible for the establishment and certification of industry standards. The certification was awarded for the design and construction of the Offshore Pedestal Mounted Crane and Davit by OPCO.

Pictures:Left: The patent for “The hook position compensation system for the undulation of a deck crane boom.” Right: A deck crane with the patented hook compensation system delivered on June 2009, mounted onboard.