METHOD FOR RETRIEVING STORAGE RACKS FROM A TANK FREEZER USING A RETRIEVAL CRANE, AND RELATED COMBINATIONS

摘要

A method for retrieving storage racks in a tank freezer includes positioning a retrieval crane adjacent to the tank freezer such that a base of the retrieval crane is positionable underneath a bottom wall of a tank body. The retrieval crane includes a boom extending upwardly and laterally outwardly over the base so that a retention hook at a free end of a cable associated with the boom may be extended or retracted relative to the tank freezer. More specifically, the cable may be moved to extend the hook through the opening of the tank freezer into a storage space, and then retract the hook to lift and then hold a selected storage rack in a hoisted position. The method avoids the use of manual hoisting of storage racks, and the retrieval crane may be used with any of a plurality of similar tank freezers located in a larger facility.

主权项

1. A method for retrieving storage racks in a tank freezer, the tank freezer having a storage space defined by a tank body including a bottom wall spaced from a floor surface by at least one support, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top wall defining an opening into the storage space, the method comprising:
positioning a retrieval crane adjacent to the tank freezer such that a base of the retrieval crane is located on the floor surface and extends at least partially underneath the bottom wall of the tank body, the retrieval crane also including a boom extending upwardly and laterally over the base to an upper terminal end of the boom, and a cable running along at least a portion of the boom such that the cable is extendible or retractable to move a retention hook located at a free end of the cable relative to the upper terminal end of the boom; extending the cable to lower the retention hook through the opening in the tank freezer and into the storage space; attaching the retention hook to a selected one of the storage racks within the storage space; and retracting the cable to lift the retention hook and the selected storage rack through the opening and to a hoisted position at least partially out of the tank freezer.