Patents by Inventor James R. McGhie

James R. McGhie 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).

  • Publication number: 20160137237
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 9187123
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Faymonville Distribution AG
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Publication number: 20130234413
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 8424897
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alpha One Transporter Inc.
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 8419032
    Abstract: A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 8157284
    Abstract: An alignment method and system for connecting a tractor to a steerable trailer includes a connection roller which facilitates the connection by accommodating a variance in fifth wheel to kingpin alignment. The method and system also includes an alignment guide which visually assists the tractor driver in properly aligning the tractor to the interface member of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7686320
    Abstract: A steering system for a tractor and trailer includes first and second sender cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other, and first and second receiver cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other. First and second front link members connect the first and second sender cylinders to a front equalizer arm, and first and second rear link members connect the first and second receiver cylinders to a rear equalizer arm. The pistons of the cylinders travel in straight paths experiencing no side loads, and each piston travels the same distance as the tractor turns with respect to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7637512
    Abstract: A boom support vehicle for supporting elongated loads includes a front dolly which is pivotally connected to a rear dolly at an articulation point. The front dolly includes a front self steering castor axle, and a rear conventional axle. This combination of axles results in stability at high speeds, while also reducing the amount of scuffing which the boom support vehicle experiences as the transporting vehicle and the boom support vehicle negotiate a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7562887
    Abstract: A caster suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds. As the transport vehicle moves, the suspension system casters into alignment with the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving and Rigging, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7216896
    Abstract: A carriage for transporting heavy loads on conventional roads is disclosed. The carriage comprises a central beam extending the length of the carriage and a plurality of cross beams. At least one of the plurality of cross beams comprises a hollow element having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow element is coupled to and extends perpendicularly to the central beam; a first beam slidably positioned within the first end of the hollow element, wherein the first beam is coupled to at least one axle; and a second beam slidably positioned within the second end of the hollow element, wherein the second beam is coupled to at least one axle. The carriage further comprises a hydraulic system coupled to each of the plurality of cross beams for hydraulically sliding each beam positioned within each hollow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Robb Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robb I. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7213824
    Abstract: A suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 7159888
    Abstract: A modular transport vehicle includes a plurality of dollies which are removably connected to a central spine. Because the components of the present invention may be disconnected, the transport vehicle may be readily disassembled and moved from location to location using conventional transportation means. The modularity also allows the width of the transport vehicle to be adjusted using different widths of connectors to accommodate road conditions and/or governmental regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 6942232
    Abstract: A suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging Inc.
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 6796572
    Abstract: A method and device for steering a heavy load transport vehicle includes a variable length strut which cooperates with a power steering valve. The length of the variable length strut changes as a function of tow bar rotation. This length variation is mechanically coupled to the power steering valve, which in turn controls an automatic steering system. The present invention permits mechanical steering of the transport vehicle even in the event of failure of the automatic steering system, and does so without placing mechanical stress upon the power steering valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving & Rigging Inc.
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 5222613
    Abstract: A pivotally-mounted reeved counterweight system for a counterbalance-type crane which includes a wheeled counterweight carriage supporting a counterweight. A yoke provides the coupling means pivotally connecting the carriage and the rearward end of the platform or deck also known as the counterweight arm. A sheave is mounted on the yoke. The rope, which manipulates the boom upwardly and downwardly, retractably and extensibly extends from a hoist drum on the platform upwardly and is reeved about a mast sheave and extends downwardly, rearwardly and upwardly between the yoke sheave and a plurality of platform sheaves and mast sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 5112073
    Abstract: A steerable, load-supporting dolly is provided wherein the dolly is self-steerable in response to the loading thereon. Controllable responsiveness of the steering is provided by at least one king-pin, the castor of which may be selectively varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Trans World Crane, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Lowell K. Pendelton
  • Patent number: 5018630
    Abstract: A high-capacity lift assembly consisting essentially of a multipurpose platform and a pair of commercially available truck cranes or crawler cranes wherein the lifting capacity of the respective cranes is combined to create an overall assembly capable of lifting an object weighing at least double the capacity of the individual cranes. The invention further includes a drive shaft to interconnect the hoists of the respective cranes to synchronize the rotation of the hoists, a mast and boom mounting arrangement to support the loading forces with the platform and an equalizing beam to distribute the load forces equally between the two truck cranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 5005851
    Abstract: A jeep for use with a vehicle for carrying heavy loads on conventional roadways. The jeep is supported by many independent wheel/axle units mounted for transverse movement relative to the jeep. A fifth wheel movable in two orientations, vertical and longitudinal, is provided for coupling a load to the jeep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robert Dieleman
  • Patent number: 4995518
    Abstract: A portable crane having an outwardly-extending counterweight arm and detachable counterweight for detachment therefrom, for transport of said crane separate from transport of the counterweight. The counterweight has a base which may be extended and retracted from the counterweight, to provide a variable support for the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 4943078
    Abstract: A heavy load hauler for travelling on conventional road ways to move, for example heavy construction equipment such as cranes or the like from one work site to another. The hauler includes a front tractor drawn carriage, a rear carriage and a load unit disposed between and carried by such carriages. The front carriage is supported upon a multiplicity of independent wheel and axis units. There is a first fifth wheel coupling at the leading end of the front carriage, for connecting to the fifth wheel coupling of a tractor, and a second fifth wheel coupling spaced rearwardly therefrom. The load carrying rear carriage is also supported upon a multiplicity of independent wheel and axle units and there is a fifth wheel coupling intermediate the leading and trailing ends of such carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Robert D. Dieleman