Rotating Axis Grabs

Rotating axis grabs grip the ends of the load to change its orientation by rotating it about its horizontal axis. This lifting device can be operated manually or may be powered by an electric or air motor.

The motorized rotating axis grab has increased the efficiency of an assembly process at a Falk Corporation plant in Milwaukee, WI. Falk is a manufacturer of industrial-mechanical power transmission components.

Falk needed equipment to lift and rotate machined gear housings to give assemblers access to the top and bottom of the housing. This design allows the customer to position the gear cases properly, thereby eliminating product damage and improving the assembly process.

The grab grips the outside of the gear case and rotates it 90° horizontally. A self-locking acme screw shaft, actuated by a motor, provides the gripping strength. In addition, a set of specially designed sliding incline planes automatically increases the gripping force based on the weight of the load. A reducer with an adjustable torque limiter protects the motor. An acme screw assembly, which accommodates a variety of gear cases with different centers of gravity, adjusts the bail. Two self-locking worm gear reducers, driven by electric motors, enable the rotation process.