Torque Tubes / Vertical Balancers

The torque tube or vertical balancer is a device with a rigid body that incorporates a bearing, shaft and cylinder arrangement to provide a vertical lift. This unit is typically applied where the load requires little or no off-set loading from the centerline of the vertical mast. This device would be used to absorb torque in a nut-runner application or to steady the load in a material handling application. These are qualities that are not available using a cable style balancer.

The suspension for these devices can consist of an overhead carriage using a bridge and rail system; the bridge can be either single or dual girder.

The runways in most instances will be a dual rail set up with a bridge, however there are instances that a single runway would be used such as a tool rail or material handling application where the pick and place are in line. Other suspension options include column or floor mounted jib booms.