Glossary D-E-F-G

D

DAVIT CRANE: A jib type crane with a vertical mast and fixed arm, rotating as a unit.  The hook lifts from the end of boom only. Can be manually or electrically operated and usually uses a winch for lifting.

DEAD LOADS: The loads on a structure which remain in a fixed position relative to the structure. On a crane bridge such loads include the girders, foot walk, cross shaft, drive units, panels, etc.

DEFLECTION: Displacement due to bending or twisting in a vertical or lateral plane, caused by the imposed live and dead loads.

DIAPHRAGM: A plate or partition between opposite parts of a member, serving a definite purpose in the structural design of a member.

DUMMY CAB: An operator's compartment or platform on a pendant or radio controlled crane, having no permanently mounted electrical controls, in which an operator may ride while controlling the crane, from a pendant or remote control station.

E

ELECTRIC OVERHEAD TRAVELING CRANE: An electrically operated machine for lifting, lowering and transporting loads, consisting of a movable bridge carrying a fixed or movable hoisting mechanism and traveling on an overhead runway structure.

ELECTRICAL BRAKING SYSTEM: A method of controlling crane motor speed when in an overhauling condition, without the use of friction braking.

ELECTRIFICATION: A system of conductors used to transmit power to motors or control enclosures.

ENCLOSED CONDUCTOR(S): A conductor or group of conductors substantially enclosed to prevent accidental contact.

ENCLOSURE: A housing to contain electrical components, usually specified by a NEMA classification number.

END APPROACH: The minimum horizontal distance, parallel to the runway, between the outermost extremities of the crane and the centerline of the hook.

END TRUCK: The unit consisting of truck frame, wheels, bearings, axles, etc., which supports the bridge girder.

EXPLOSION PROOF: National Electric Code (NEC) ratings for various explosive environments.  Refers to electrical devices only. See Spark Resistance.

F

FESTOONED CONDUCTORS: A system of conductors typified by electrical cable hanging between glides or trolleys creating an accordion effect as it slides out and back.

FIELD WIRING: The wiring required after erection of the crane.

FIXED AXLE: An axle which is fixed in the truck and on which the wheel revolves. Wheels normally have a ring gear and are driven by a spur gear.

FLAT CABLE FESTOON: Festooned conductors using a cable with conductors that are placed side by side (flat).  Cable is draped over a curved saddle suspended from trolleys riding in an enclosed track.

FLOOR OPERATED CRANE: A crane which is pendant controlled by an operator on the floor or on an independent platform.

FLYING PENDANT: A pushbutton station suspended from an independent track allowing the pendant to “fly” along the bridge independent of the hoist.

FOOT WALK: The walkway with handrail and toe boards, attached to the bridge for access purposes.

G

GAGE: Distance measured center to center of bridge rails on a double girder crane.

GANTRY CRANE: A traveling beam(s) elevated on side frames, spanning between and running on parallel rails supported on the ground.

GIRDER: The principal horizontal beam of the crane bridge which supports the trolley and is supported by the end trucks.