A special lifting beam provided the solution to a dilemma that had been facing the Chicago University Children’s Memorial Hospital for many years – how to get a 14,000lb (6.3t) scanner onto an upper floor.
The beam was invented by Cloyd Selby, one time co-owner of the Illinois hire company Imperial Crane Services and more recently owner of a distribution business that was bought out by Hertz.
Selby’s Arm, as the device is called, works by attaching a load to one end and sliding out a 7,500lb (3.4t) lead counterweight at the other end to establish equilibrium. The counterweight moves out either manually or automatically, depending on the mode selected. The load can then be steered into position.
According to Selby, the hospital had wanted the scanner inside the building for 11 years. Once Reed Machinery Movers got hold of Selby’s Arm, the job was done in 22 minutes, Selby says.
