Patents by Inventor Eric O'Keeffe

Eric O'Keeffe has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11926514
    Abstract: A forklift includes a chassis, a mast hydraulically tiltable relative to the chassis in a primary tilting motion, a fork carriage for mounting forks for supporting a load, the fork carriage being hydraulically tiltable relative to the mast in a secondary tilting motion, and a hydraulic system having an operating element for a user to control the primary tilting motion and the secondary tilting motion. The hydraulic system is configured to carry out a hydraulic sequence control of the primary tilting motion and the secondary tilting motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PALFINGER AG
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Manuel Schwaighofer
  • Patent number: 11827501
    Abstract: A forklift includes a cabin and a seat for use by a driver arranged in the cabin. The cabin has a lateral opening to enter and exit the cabin, and the seat is mounted rotatably relative to the cabin. There is a safety bracket for preventing the driver from involuntarily exiting the cabin through the lateral opening, and for providing lateral impact protection. The safety bracket is mechanically connected to the seat to be rotatable together with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: PALFINGER AG
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Patrick Keenan, Matthias Kalin
  • Publication number: 20230174360
    Abstract: A forklift includes a cabin and a seat for use by a driver arranged in the cabin. The cabin has a lateral opening to enter and exit the cabin, and the seat is mounted rotatably relative to the cabin. There is a safety bracket for preventing the driver from involuntarily exiting the cabin through the lateral opening, and for providing lateral impact protection. The safety bracket is mechanically connected to the seat to be rotatable together with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Eric O'KEEFFE, Patrick KEENAN, Matthias KALIN
  • Patent number: 11603299
    Abstract: A forklift includes a cabin and a seat for use by a driver arranged in the cabin. The cabin has a lateral opening to enter and exit the cabin, and the seat is mounted rotatably relative to the cabin. There is a safety bracket for preventing the driver from involuntarily exiting the cabin through the lateral opening, and for providing lateral impact protection. The safety bracket is mechanically connected to the seat to be rotatable together with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: PALFINGER AG
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Patrick Keenan, Matthias Kalin
  • Patent number: 11312603
    Abstract: A forklift includes a vehicle frame, wherein at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on the vehicle frame. The at least one load rest platform is movable between a storage position, in which no load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform, and a working position, in which a load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform. The at least one load rest platform is aligned essentially horizontally when moved to the working position, and the at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on an upper surface of the vehicle frame via at least one articulating joint. The at least one articulating joint connects the at least one load rest platform with a side face of the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: PALFINGER AG
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Christian Wernle
  • Publication number: 20210214200
    Abstract: A forklift includes a vehicle frame, wherein at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on the vehicle frame. The at least one load rest platform is movable between a storage position, in which no load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform, and a working position, in which a load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform. The at least one load rest platform is aligned essentially horizontally when moved to the working position, and the at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on an upper surface of the vehicle frame via at least one articulating joint. The at least one articulating joint connects the at least one load rest platform with a side face of the vehicle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Christian Wernle
  • Publication number: 20200198949
    Abstract: A forklift includes a cabin and a seat for use by a driver arranged in the cabin. The cabin has a lateral opening to enter and exit the cabin, and the seat is mounted rotatably relative to the cabin. There is a safety bracket for preventing the driver from involuntarily exiting the cabin through the lateral opening, and for providing lateral impact protection. The safety bracket is mechanically connected to the seat to be rotatable together with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Eric O'KEEFFE, Patrick KEENAN, Matthias KALIN
  • Patent number: 10501296
    Abstract: A forklift linkage system (100) for movement has a levelling carriage assembly (110) movably contained within a channel assembly (120). A main long link pivotally connects to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a first pivot point (111) and a fork carriage assembly (150) at a second pivot point (151). A short link (140) pivotally connects near a midpoint (131) of the main long link (130) at a third pivot point (121) and at a fixed pivot point (121) relative to the channel (120), near a vertical offset position from the pivot point of the main long link (130) to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a fourth pivot point (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: PALFINGER AG
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Publication number: 20180179039
    Abstract: A forklift linkage system (100) for movement has a levelling carriage assembly (110) movably contained within a channel assembly (120). A main long link pivotally connects to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a first pivot point (111) and a fork carriage assembly (150) at a second pivot point (151). A short link (140) pivotally connects near a midpoint (131) of the main long link (130) at a third pivot point (121) and at a fixed pivot point (121) relative to the channel (120), near a vertical offset position from the pivot point of the main long link (130) to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a fourth pivot point (112).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventor: Eric O'KEEFFE
  • Publication number: 20160176689
    Abstract: A forklift truck includes a linkage system for movement of a load carrier; and a base frame. The linkage system includes a moveable bearing contained within a channel; a first link arm pivotally connected to the moveable bearing; a second link arm pivotally connected substantially near a midpoint of the first link arm and at a fixed point substantially near a centerline of the channel; and a third link pivotally connected to the second link arm and to the connecting link at a pivot point at the opposite end. When the linkage system is moved between a retracted and extended position, a pivot point has a travel path that remains substantially perpendicular to the channel, and the angle through that pivot point and another pivot point remains substantially constant in relation to the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 9309097
    Abstract: Forklift truck (100) includes a linkage system (300) which comprises first link arm (1) pivotally connected at one end to roller (1.4) at point (1.1) which is vertically movable within channel (6.1) of mounting carriage/member (6), and to forks (4) at the opposite end via fork carriage (5) at pivot point (1.3). Second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to first link arm (1) at pivot point (1.2). The opposite end of second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to mounting carriage/member (6) at pivot point (2.1). Pivot points (1.1) and (2.1) are positioned on or near the center line of channel (6.1). The tilt angle of forks (4) and fork carriage (5) is restricted by link arm (3) which is pivotally connected at one end to second link arm (2) at pivot point (3.2) and pivotally connected at the opposite end to fork carriage (5) at pivot point (3.1). During operation link arm (3) forces fork carriage (5) to rotate about pivot point (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Terberg Kinglifter B.V.
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Publication number: 20140097127
    Abstract: A screening apparatus having a screening box movably mounted on a support member (22) via biasing members (23), the screening box having a pair of opposing side walls (14,15) and a vibrating arrangement (100) for vibrating the screening box relative to the support member (22). The vibrating arrangement (100) comprising a shaft housing member (42) for housing at least one rotatable shaft (1,2,3,) and shaft coupling members (41) for coupling the shaft housing member (42) to the opposing side walls (14,15) of the screening box. A shaft (1,2,3) is rotatably housed in the shaft housing member (42). The vibrating arrangement (100) further comprising a throw generating assembly (53) rotatably mounted on both ends of the shaft housing member (42). The throw generating assembly (53) is releasably fixed to the shaft (1,2,3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AUGHEY RESEARCH AND DESIGNS LIMITED
    Inventors: Barry Aughey, Eric O'keeffe
  • Patent number: 8505738
    Abstract: A mobile material screening apparatus (100) for separating bulk particulate material into groups of particles of differing sizes comprises a support chassis (2), a horizontal screen box (3) housed within the support chassis (2) and an additional inclined pre-screening module (50) which is adapted to be demountably attached to the support chassis (2). The mobile screening apparatus (100) comprises five outputs. Foldable conveyors (7a, 8, 9, 910, 920) can be deployed outwardly from and stowed inwardly against the material screening apparatus. The provision of an inclined pre-screening module (50) provides relief to the horizontal screen box (3) by first removing the larger sized particles from the bulk material which can be returned to a crusher for recycling and serves also to increase the total number of grades of material separated by the screening apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Aughey Research and Designs Limited
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Barry Aughey
  • Publication number: 20120263565
    Abstract: Forklift truck (100) includes a linkage system (300) which comprises first link arm (1) pivotally connected at one end to roller (1.4) at point (1.1) which is vertically movable within channel (6.1) of mounting carriage/member (6), and to forks (4) at the opposite end via fork carriage (5) at pivot point (1.3). Second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to first link arm (1) at pivot point (1.2). The opposite end of second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to mounting carriage/member (6) at pivot point (2.1). Pivot points (1.1) and (2.1) are positioned on or near the centre line of channel (6.1). The tilt angle of forks (4) and fork carriage (5) is restricted by link arm (3) which is pivotally connected at one end to second link arm (2) at pivot point (3.2) and pivotally connected at the opposite end to fork carriage (5) at pivot point (3.1). During operation link arm (3) forces fork carriage (5) to rotate about pivot point (1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Publication number: 20090173671
    Abstract: A mobile material screening apparatus (100) for separating bulk particulate material into groups of particles of differing sizes comprises a support chassis (2), a horizontal screen box (3) housed within the support chassis (2) and an additional inclined pre-screening module (50) which is adapted to be demountably attached to the support chassis (2). The mobile screening apparatus (100) comprises five outputs. Foldable conveyors (7a, 8, 9, 910, 920) can be deployed outwardly from and stowed inwardly against the material screening apparatus. The provision of an inclined pre-screening module (50) provides relief to the horizontal screen box (3) by first removing the larger sized particles from the bulk material which can be returned to a crusher for recycling and serves also to increase the total number of grades of material separated by the screening apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: AUGHEY RESEARCH AND DESIGNS LIMITED
    Inventors: Eric O'Keeffe, Barry Aughey
  • Publication number: 20090026114
    Abstract: A screening apparatus having a screening box movably mounted on a support member (22) via biasing members (23), the screening box having a pair of opposing side walls (14, 15) and a vibrating arrangement (100) for vibrating the screening box relative to the support member (22). The vibrating arrangement (100) comprising a shaft housing member (42) for housing at least one rotatable shaft (1, 2, 3) and shaft coupling members (41) for coupling the shaft housing member (42) to the opposing side walls (14, 15) of the screening box. A shaft (1, 2, 3) is rotatably housed in the shaft housing member (42). The vibrating arrangement (100) further comprising a throw generating assembly (53) rotatably mounted on both ends of the shaft housing member (42). The throw generating assembly (53) is releasably fixed to the shaft (1, 2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Eric O'keeffe, Barry Aughey
  • Publication number: 20070207023
    Abstract: A forklift (1) for the loading and unloading of goods comprises a pallet truck (100) and an outrigger, wherein the pallet truck (100) is adapted for detachably coupling to said outrigger (200) via a tilting connection carriage (208). The tilting connection carriage (208) is raised and lowered by a lifting carriage (203) that is slidably mounted on lift masts (204) provided on outrigger (200) such that pallet truck (100) can be elevated to a desired working level from where it can detach from tilting connection carriage (208) and travel onto a raised platform such as the bed (901) of a truck (900). Motion of the outrigger (200), which is provided with a separate motive power means from pallet truck (100), is controlled by an operator seated within pallet truck (100). The forklift (1) is further provided with a means (950) of mounting and securing to a delivery vehicle (900).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 7255202
    Abstract: A forklift truck for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle comprises a u-shaped chassis having a crossbar and a pair of side bars mounted at the ends of the crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom. A wheel is located adjacent the free end of each of the side bars and a steerable rear wheel is located centrally on the crossbar, a drivers station is positioned to one side of the chassis and a motive power unit is positioned on the opposite side of the chassis. The chassis mounts a vertical multi-lift mast having a plurality of mast sections, one of which carries a pair of forks. The fork-carrying mast section further comprises a freelift mast system having means to positively move the forks upwards relative the mast section and means to positively move the forks downwards relative the mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventor: Eric O′Keeffe
  • Patent number: 7001131
    Abstract: A forklift (1) of the type adapted to be transported on a carrying vehicle comprising a wheeled chassis (6) on which are mounted a pair of platform engaging load rest supports (15). The load rest supports (15) comprise a pair of spaced-apart upright bars (20) which have a contact surface for engagement at Y of a platform (2). The forklift truck (1) also has a mast (8) carrying extendable forks (9) to allow a load (3) to be placed on and removed from an extended position across the platform. The load rest support (15) allows the mast (8) to be tilted and if the mast (8) can also be side-shifted, then it can be side-shifted without interference with the platform (2). This further prevents tilting of the forklift (1) in the direction of the arrow A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Publication number: 20050036864
    Abstract: A forklift truck for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle comprises a u-shaped chassis having a crossbar and a pair of side bars mounted at the ends of the crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom. A wheel is located adjacent the free end of each of the side bars and a steerable rear wheel is located centrally on the crossbar, a drivers station is positioned to one side of the chassis and a motive power unit is positioned on the opposite side of the chassis. The chassis mounts a vertical multi-lift mast having a plurality of mast sections, one of which carries a pair of forks. The fork-carrying mast section further comprises a freelift mast system having means to positively move the forks upwards relative the mast section and means to positively move the forks downwards relative the mast section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventor: Eric O' Keeffe