Crane Collision Avoidance Systems

The Crane Sentry® product line is manufactured and marketed by Laser-View Technologies for crane collision detection, zone control, and positioning applications. Crane Sentry® is designed and manufactured in the USA and utilizes laser distance sensors.

What does Crane Sentry® do?

Typical usages for the Crane Sentry® are to detect bridge to wall and bridge to bridge collisions, define restricted zones, and for positioning.

  • Crane to Crane – collision detection
    • Provide up 6 programmable relay outputs for functions like slow and stop
  • Crane to Wall – collision detection
    • Combine with crane to crane protection to detect end stops
  • Zones – 1 axis
    • Alert workers or machine centers that crane is on a zone
    • Rows of machines
    • Walkway
    • Can be combined with crane to crane collision detection
  • Zone Control – 2 axis
    • Detect rectangular areas, such as machines or in plant offices
    • 8 relay outputs output to bridge and trolley controls to alert the motor drive of proximity

Interested in learning more about how you can benefit from our anti-collision crane systems?

Advanced Overhead Crane Safety & Reliability

This line takes the entry level anti collision detection system a step beyond to include a live color display, touch screen controller, and teachable and programmable relay alarms in a cost competitive package.

Crane Sentry® operates indoor/outdoors with an accuracy of up to 1/8” (3 mm).

Laser-View Technologies also offers special accessories to add functionality:

  • Wireless I/O modules
  • Override capability
  • Visual and audible signaling
  • Connection modules between crane sentries
  • Secondary panels for interfacing with 250 VDC cranes

The Crane Sentry® Family

The Crane Sentry® family is growing and consists currently of several distinct product versions.

Combine any of our standard modular packages to make an advanced crane collision detection system from standard parts.

Crane Sentry®

This is a full featured product that can be used as an anti collision sensor for cranes. Crane Sentry® accepts up to (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to monitor several user-selectable conditions with up to (6) programmable outputs:

  • Max/Min distance
  • Zone control
  • Skew alarm
  • Up to 1640 ft / 500 meter measuring range when equipped with our target plate- contact us for long bay applications

Crane Sentry® Jr.

  • Connects to up to (2) laser distance sensors 
  • Simple and intuitive color touch screen controls show set point and live readings 
  • Program set points with simple TEACH button or key in values 
  • (6) Mechanical relay alarm outputs 
  • (3) settable distance alarms (anti-collision monitoring) per laser 
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors 
  • Polycarbonate wall mount sealed enclosure with clear window

Crane Sentry® Lite

Crane Sentry® is a measurement device and not a proximity sensor, so you can reliably detect the distance between cranes by entering the value numerically:

  • (2) relay outputs per laser
  • Up to 164 ft / 50 m range
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors

Crane Sentry® Zone Manager Series

  • Connects to up to (2) laser distance sensors
  • Zone controls (lock out activity in a zone) for up to (8) configurable zones
  • Simple and intuitive color touch screen controls show set point and live readings
  • Program set points with simple TEACH button or key in values
  • (8) Mechanical NO/NC relay outputs (8A)
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors
  • Polycarbonate wall mount sealed enclosure with clear window

Crane Sentry® Specialized Line

Crane Sentry® Chain Hoist Side Pull Package

Usage of hoists for lifting loads in industrial applications has inherent risk, requiring the need for safety precautions. The Crane Sentry Hoist Side Pull is capable of detecting excessive side pull on a chain hoist and can be set to alert the operator of the condition or disable functions. This solution offers the following features:

  • Solid state side pull detection system consisting of a wireless battery operated sensor that mounts to the load block
  • No cabling between sensors and hoist body
  • Slim design that mounts to the load block
  • Control system that mounts to the hoist body
  • Omni-directional (combination of X and Y) model available
  • One button zero feature
  • Set limits, timing, hysteresis
  • Built in error logging (time and date) that displays the last 5 events

Crane Sentry® Wire Rope Hoist Side Pull Detection

Usage of hoists for lifting loads in industrial applications has inherent risk, requiring the need for safety precautions. The Crane Sentry® Hoist Side pull is capable of detecting excessive side pull on a wire rope hoist and can be configured to alert the operator of the condition or disable functions. The model Laser-View Technologies offers is the omni-directional version (a combination of X and Y). This solution offers:

  • Solid state side pull detection system that consists of an assembly that mounts to the wire rope
  • Mount assembly to the dead end (i.e. fixed end) or around the equalizer sheave
  • Installation on single or double reeved hoists
  • Adaptation to a range of wire rope diameters
  • Controls mount to the hoist or trolley and provide an intuitive menu driven interface
  • One button zero feature
  • Set limits, timing, hysteresis
  • Built-in error logging (time and date) that display the last 5 events

Crane Sentry® Zone Manager- Injection Molding package

This is an extended version of our standard product that can be configured to monitor restricted zones around injection molding machines, in which robot arms can extend above the bridge. The system detects collisions and keeps the robot arms from hitting the crane when the crane is present. This unit accepts up to (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to monitor several user selectable conditions with up to (10) programmable outputs:

  • Advanced zone control for up to 4 machines per unit
  • Up to 1640 ft / 500 meter measuring range when equipped with our target plate- contact us for long bay applications

Crane Sentry® Multi-Bay Load Monitor package

This is a specialized version of our standard product that is used to keep multiple bridges on the same runway or adjacent runways supported by the same column structure from being too close when there is a load limit concern.

  • Monitor position of multiple bridges on a runway along with analog output from load cells on each hoist
  • Maintains min distance between each bridge under loaded conditions

 

Crane Sentry® Advanced Hoist Monitor Package

Our Advanced Wire Rope Hoist Monitor offers a comprehensive solution for your crane operation needs. It provides the safety, reliability, and high performance of our Crane Sentry® side pull monitoring while providing continuous performance updates. The Advanced Wire Rope Hoist Monitor includes these safety features:

  • Excessive side pull detection and alerts that enhance personnel safety and prevent hoist and equipment damage
  • Real-time updates while your equipment is being used so you can stay up to date on its performance
  • Remote access via iOS or Android so you can take control of your equipment and configure it from anywhere

Crane Sentry® Location Manager

This is a specialized version of our standard product that is used to provide semi-automation to a crane or 2 axis material handling system. This unit accepts (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to automatically move the trolley and bridge to predetermined locations. The locations, including home, and a safe travel aisle can be taught with a single button:

  • Automatic positioning of trolley and bridge

Crane Sentry®

This is a full featured product that can be used as an anti collision sensor for cranes. Crane Sentry® accepts up to (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to monitor several user-selectable conditions with up to (6) programmable outputs:

  • Max/Min distance
  • Zone control
  • Skew alarm
  • Up to 1640 ft / 500 meter measuring range when equipped with our target plate- contact us for long bay applications

Crane Sentry® Jr.

  • Connects to up to (2) laser distance sensors 
  • Simple and intuitive color touch screen controls show set point and live readings 
  • Program set points with simple TEACH button or key in values 
  • (6) Mechanical relay alarm outputs 
  • (3) settable distance alarms (collision monitoring) per laser 
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors 
  • Polycarbonate wall mount sealed enclosure with clear window

Crane Sentry® Lite

Crane Sentry® is a measurement device and not a proximity sensor, so you can reliably detect distance between cranes by entering the value numerically:

  • (2) relay outputs per laser
  • 98 ft / 30 m range
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors

Crane Sentry® Zone Manager Series

  • Connects to up to (2) laser distance sensors
  • Zone controls (lock out activity in a zone) for up to (8) configurable zones
  • Simple and intuitive color touch screen controls show set point and live readings
  • Program set points with simple TEACH button or key in values
  • (8) Mechanical NO/NC relay outputs (8A)
  • 110 VAC/220 VAC single phase power required;  control box self-powers the connected laser sensors
  • Polycarbonate wall mount sealed enclosure with clear window

Crane Sentry® Specialized Line

Crane Sentry® Location Manager

This is a specialized version of our standard product that is used to provide semi-automation to a crane or 2 axis material handling system. This unit accepts (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to automatically move the trolley and bridge to predetermined locations. The locations, including home, and a safe travel aisle can be taught with a single button:

  • Automatic positioning of trolley and bridge

Crane Sentry® Hoist Side Pull

Usage of hoists for lifting loads in industrial applications has inherent risk, requiring the need for safety precautions. The Crane Sentry® Hoist Side pull is capable of detecting excessive side pull on a wire rope hoist and can be configured to alert the operator of the condition or disable functions. There are three model offerings:

  • Single axis
  • Dual axis (X, Y)
  • Omni-directional (combination of X and Y)

Crane Sentry® Zone Manager- Injection Molder package

This is an extended version of our standard product that can be configured to monitor restricted zones around injection molding machines, in which robot arms can extend above the bridge. The system detects collisions and keeps the robot arms from hitting the crane when the crane is present. This unit accepts up to (2) laser distance sensors that can be configured to monitor several user selectable conditions with up to (10) programmable outputs:

  • Advanced zone control for up to 4 machines per unit
  • Up to 1640 ft / 500 meter measuring range when equipped with our target plate- contact us for long bay applications

Crane Sentry® Multi-Bay Load Monitor package

This is a specialized version of our standard product that is used to keep multiple bridges on the same runway or adjacent runways supported by the same column structure from being too close when there is a load limit concern.

  • Monitor position of multiple bridges on a runway along with analog output from load cells on each hoist
  • Maintains min distance between each bridge under loaded conditions
Core features Core benefits
Complete modular system supports up to 2 lasers Quick aim & set installation, versatile application
Simple color touchscreen data entry & display Intuitive operation, simple troubleshooting
Rugged industrial package Low maintenance
IP 65/66 polycarbonate windowed enclosure Indoor/outdoor operation
Non-contact class 2 laser distance sensor Accurate, long range, eye safe, competitive cost

Available operating modes:

Specifications CRANE SENTRY® CRANE SENTRY® JR. CRANE SENTRY® LITE CRANE SENTRY®
ZONE MANAGER II
Max number of lasers 2 2 2 3
Detection Crane to wall, crane to crane,
Skew, Zone control in 1 axis
Crane to wall, crane to crane Crane to wall, crane to crane Zone management in 2 axis
Best Accuracy 0.125 inch < 1 inch < 3.5 inch 0.125 inch
Max distance 1640 ft (500m) 164 ft (50m) 98 ft (30m) 1640 ft (500m)
Operating temperature -10…+50°C -10…+50°C -10…+50°C -10…+60°C
Degree of protection IP65 IP65 IP65 IP65
Power supply 110 VAC 110 VAC 110 VAC 110 VAC

 

Interfaces CRANE SENTRY® CRANE SENTRY® JR. CRANE SENTRY® LITE CRANE SENTRY®
ZONE MANAGER II
Connection M12 for lasers M12 for lasers M12 for lasers M12 for lasers
Number of Relay Contacts 8, 6 are programmable by user 8, 6 are programmable by user 2, 4 are programmable by user 8 preset
Relay Contact Type 8A, NO/NC 8A, NO/NC 8A, NO/NC 8A, NO/NC
User Interface Color Touchscreen Color Touchscreen 2 Line Display with Keypad Color Touchscreen