Method and apparatus for lifting a load

Abstract

A load lifting apparatus comprises a double-acting fluid controlled actuator and a volume bottle coupled to the double acting fluid controlled actuator in a closed loop.

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosures herein relate generally to lifting a load and more particularly to a method and apparatus for extending and retracting a bollard.

Lifting a heavy load with a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator with a relatively long stroke results in the phenomenon of progressivity, where more force is required to actuate the actuator at the ends of its range of motion in order to further compress the fluid in the actuator. Present hydraulic or pneumatic actuators used to lift heavy loads require large amounts of power in order to fully lift and/or fully lower the load. This raises issues with respect to the lifting of particular types of heavy loads such as, for example, bollards used for stopping vehicles, where there may be a desire to fully extend and fully retract the bollard with a minimal amount of power.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for lifting a load absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load lifting apparatus.

FIG. 2a is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of lifting a load using the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2b is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load positioned on the apparatus of FIG. 1 during the method of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2c is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load being lifted using the apparatus of FIG. 1 during the method of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load lifting apparatus.

FIG. 4a is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load positioned on the apparatus of FIG. 3 during the method of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4b is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load being lifted using the apparatus of FIG. 3 during the method of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4c is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load being locked in position after being lifted using the apparatus of FIG. 3 during the method of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load lifting apparatus.

FIG. 6a is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load positioned on the apparatus of FIG. 5 during the method of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6b is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load being lifted using the apparatus of FIG. 5 during the method of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6c is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a load being locked in position after being lifted using the apparatus of FIG. 5 during the method of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bollard system using the load lifting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7b is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a top plate on the bollard system of FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7c is a cross sectional view taken along line 7c illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the top plate of FIG. 7b.

FIG. 7d is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a key device used with the bollard system of FIG. 7a.

FIG. 8a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the key device of FIG. 7d used with the top plate of FIG. 7b.

FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the bollard system of FIG. 7a in an extended position.

FIG. 9a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bollard system using the load lifting apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the bollard system of FIG. 9a in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, in one embodiment, a load lifting apparatus 100 is illustrated which includes a double-acting fluid controlled actuator 102. Actuator 102 includes a tubular housing 102a having an end 102aa and an end 102ab opposite the end 102aa. A head 102b is positioned in the housing 102a in a sealing engagement with the inner wall of the housing 102a. The sealing engagement of head 102b and the inner wall of the housing 102a defines an extending chamber 102c in the housing 102a on one side of the head 102b and a retracting chamber 102d in the housing 102a on the side of the head 102b opposite the extending chamber 102c. A rod 102e is coupled to the head 102b and extends through the retracting chamber 102d in housing 102a and out of end 102ab of the housing 102a. The coupling of the rod 102e to the head 102b results in a greater surface area on the head 102b being exposed to the extending chamber 102c as compared to the surface area of the head 102b which is exposed to the retracting chamber 102d, due to the surface area on the retracting chamber 102d side of the head 102b which is used to couple the rod 102e to the head 102b. Rod 102e is in a sealing engagement with end 102ab of the housing 102a. In an embodiment, the double-acting fluid controlled actuator 102 is a conventional double-acting piston-type cylinder.

A fluid transmission coupling 104 includes an end 104a which is coupled to the extending chamber 102c in housing 102a and an end 104b which is coupled to the retracting chamber 102d in housing 102a, forming a closed actuation loop from the extending chamber 102c, through the fluid transmission coupling 104, and to the retracting chamber 102d. A pressurizing valve 106 is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and is operable to allow access to the fluid transmission coupling 104. A locking member 108 is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and is operable to permit or prevent fluid flow through the fluid transmission coupling 104. A volume bottle 110 is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and is part of the closed actuation loop. The capacity of the volume bottle 110 is such that, with the closed actuation loop containing a pressurized fluid, the pressure in the closed actuation loop will not substantially change when the head 102b on actuator 102 is adjacent ends 102aa or 102ab on housing 102a. In an embodiment, a plurality of volume bottles 110 may be coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and part of the closed actuation loop to provide the desired total volume such as, for example, providing a plurality of volume bottles each having different volumes, providing a plurality of volume bottles each having the same volume, or providing a plurality of volume bottles with some having the same volume and some having different volumes. In an embodiment, the fluid transmission coupling 104 includes conventional connective piping for allowing the transmission of pressurized fluid. In an embodiment, the pressurizing valve 106 includes a conventional pressurizing valve. In an embodiment, the locking member 108 includes a conventional control valve. In an embodiment, the volume bottle 110 includes a pressure vessel.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2a, a method 200 for lifting a load using the load lifting apparatus 100 is illustrated. The method 200 begins at step 202 where the pressurizing valve 106 is opened, the locking valve 108 is opened, and a fluid is added to the extending chamber 102c, the retracting chamber 102d, the fluid transmission coupling 104, and the volume bottle 110 of the closed actuation loop using conventional means known in the art. In an embodiment, the fluid may be nitrogen or a variety of other inert gases known in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the method 200 proceeds to step 204 where a load 204a is positioned on the actuator 102. Rod 102e is coupled to the load 204a such that movement of the rod 102e will result in movement of the load 204a. In an embodiment, the load 204a includes a bollard apparatus.

The method 200 then proceeds to step 206 where fluid in the closed actuation loop is pressurized to counter balance the load 204a. Fluid in the closed actuation loop is pressurized by adding fluid through the pressurizing valve 106 to the extending chamber 102c, the retracting chamber 102d, the fluid transmission coupling 104, and the volume bottle 110, until the pressure in the closed actuation loop substantially counter balances the weight of load 204a. Because a greater surface area of the head 102b is exposed to the extending chamber 102c as compared to the surface area of the head 102b which is exposed to the retracting chamber 102d, the closed actuation loop may be pressurized to a constant pressure that results in a net force on the head 102b which is transmitted through the rod 102e and counter balances the load 204a. In an embodiment, the constant pressure in the closed actuation loop is chosen such that the net force on the head 102b is substantially equal to the sum of the weight of the load 204a and the friction forces in the system which counteract the lifting of the load 204a. In an embodiment, fluid is added to the closed actuation loop at a temperature and pressure such that a desired working pressure will be achieved at the working temperature of the location in which the load lifting apparatus 100 is to be used. In an embodiment, when a plurality of volume bottles 110 are used, fluid is added equally to each of the plurality of volume bottles 110 until the pressure in the closed actuation loop substantially counter balances the weight of load 204a

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, the method 200 proceeds to step 208 where the load 204a is lifted. The locking member 108 is in an open position which allows fluid to flow out of the retracting chamber 102d, through the locking member 108, and into the extending chamber 102c. The load 204a may then be lifted in a direction A. In response to lifting the load 204a in direction A, the volume of the extending chamber 102c is increased, the volume of the retracting chamber 102d is reduced, and fluid flows from the retracting chamber 102d, through the fluid transmission coupling 104 and into the extending chamber 102c, while being allowed to flow in and out of the volume bottle 110. When the head 102b is adjacent the end 102aa, illustrated in FIG. 2b, the volume of fluid allowed in the housing 102a is the lowest due to the volume which is taken up by the rod 102e, which results in a higher pressure in the volume bottle 110 relative to the pressure in the volume bottle 110 with the head 102b positioned at any other point along the housing 102a. When the head 102b is adjacent the end 102ab, illustrated in FIG. 2c, the volume of fluid allowed in the housing 102a is the highest due to the absence the rod 102e in the housing 102a, which results in a lower pressure in the volume bottle 110 relative to the pressure in the volume bottle 110 with the head 102b positioned at any other point along the housing 102a. Thus, as the head 102b moves from the end 102aa of housing 102a to the end 102ab of housing 102a, fluid flows out of the volume bottle 110, and as the head 102b moves from the end 102ab of the housing 102a to the end 102aa of the housing 102a, fluid flows into the volume bottle 110.

Due to the pressurized fluid in the closed loop counter balancing the load 204a, the force required to lift the load 204a is substantially reduced relative to the force required to lift the load 204a without apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the force required to lift the load may be 15 to 20 times smaller than the weight of the load. As the head 102b moves to a position adjacent end 102ab on housing 102a, the volume bottle 110 prevents the pressure in the closed loop from changing substantially by increasing the total fluid volume contained in the closed loop relative to the closed loop without the volume bottle 110. Increasing the total fluid volume contained in the closed loop reduces the compression and expansion of the fluid in the extending chamber 102c and the retracting chamber 102d, which have substantially different volumes near the ends of the range of motion of the actuator 102, relative to the compression and expansion of the fluid which would be necessary to achieve the same range of motion in a closed loop without the volume bottle 110. Preventing the pressure in the closed loop from changing substantially prevents the force required to lift the load 204a from substantially increasing and results in a smooth consistent movement of the actuator 102 and the load 204a along the range of motion of the head 102b from end 102aa of housing 102a to end 102ab of housing 102a. Thus, the method 200 and apparatus 100 substantially reduce the effects of progressivity by minimizing the net effect of the change in volume and pressure that occurs as the head 102b moves along its range of motion and moves fluid between the extending chamber 102c and the retracting chamber 102d relative to the net effect of the change in volume and pressure that results when the fluid is moved between the extending chamber 102c and the retracting chamber 102d without the addition of the volume bottle 110. At any position along the range of motion of the head 102b from end 102aa of housing 102a to end 102ab of housing 102a, the locking member 108 may be moved to a closed position, which prevents fluid from flowing through the locking member 108 and results in the actuator 102 being substantially locked in place. Using the locking member 108, the load 204a may be lifted to any position along the range of motion of the head 102b and locked in place. The load 204a may then be lowered back to its original position by unlocking the locking member 108 and lowering the load 204a as desired. In an embodiment, the load 204a may be moved manually such as, for example, by using human power.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of a load lifting apparatus 300 is substantially identical in design and operation to the load lifting apparatus 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c, with the addition of a pump 302 and a modified locking member 304 replacing locking member 108. Pump 302 is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and includes a reversible fluid pump operable to move a fluid through the fluid transmission coupling 104 in either direction. Locking member 304 includes a two way valve 304a, which is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104, and an electronic actuator 304b, which is coupled to the two way valve 304a.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c, the method 200 for lifting a load may be used with the load lifting apparatus 300 in substantially the same manner as with the load lifting apparatus 100, with the exception of step 208. As applied to the load lifting apparatus 300, step 202 is illustrated in FIG. 3, step 204 and step 206 are illustrated in FIG. 4a, and step 208, as practiced with the load lifting apparatus 300, is illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c. At step 208, the two way valve 304a on locking member 304 has been actuated by the electronic actuator 304b such that the locking member 304 allows fluid to flow through the locking member 304. Pump 302 is operated to move fluid through the fluid transmission coupling 104 in a direction B and into the extending chamber 102c, in turn pulling fluid out of the retracting chamber 102d, and pushing the head 102b and the rod 102e through the housing 102 which lifts the load 204a in direction A while fluid is allowed to flow in and out of the volume bottle 110. At any position along the range of motion of the head 102b from end 102aa of housing 102a to end 102ab of housing 102a, the two way valve 304a on locking member 304 may be actuated by the electronic actuator 304b to prevent fluid from flowing through the locking member 304, as illustrated in FIG. 4d, resulting in the actuator 102 being substantially locked in place. Using the locking member 304, the load 204a may be lifted to any position along the range of motion of the head 102b and locked in place. The load 204a may then be lowered back to its original position by actuating two way valve 304a with the electronic actuator 304b such that fluid is allowed to flow through the locking member 304 and then moving the fluid with the pump 302 through the fluid transmission coupling 104 in a direction D. In an embodiment, two way valve 304a may be replaced by locking member 108, described above with reference to FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of a load lifting apparatus 400 is substantially identical in design and operation to the load lifting apparatus 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c, with the addition of a modified volume bottle 402 replacing volume bottle 110. Volume bottle 402 is coupled to the fluid transmission coupling 104 and is part of the closed actuation loop. Volume bottle 402 includes a hydraulic accumulator 402a positioned in an inner chamber and defining a hydraulic fluid chamber 402b and a gas fluid chamber 402c on opposite sides of the accumulator 402a. A pressurizing valve 404 is coupled to the volume bottle 402 adjacent the gas fluid chamber 402c and is operable to allow the gas fluid chamber 402c to be pressurized. The capacity of the volume bottle 402 is such that, with the closed actuation loop containing a pressurized fluid, the pressure in the closed actuation loop will not substantially change when the head 102b on actuator 102 is adjacent ends 102aa or 102ab on housing 102a

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 5, 6a, 6b, and 6c, the method 200 for lifting a load may be used with the load lifting apparatus 400 in substantially the same manner as with the load lifting apparatus 100, with the exception of steps 202, 206, and 208. As applied to the load lifting apparatus 400, step 202, as practiced with the load lifting apparatus 400, is illustrated in FIG. 5, step 204 is illustrated in FIG. 6a, step 206, as practiced with the load lifting apparatus 400, is illustrated in FIG. 6a, and step 208, as practiced with the load lifting apparatus 400, is illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6c. At step 202, a conventional hydraulic fluid is added to the extending chamber 102c, the retracting chamber 102d, the fluid transmission coupling 104, and the hydraulic fluid chamber 402b in volume bottle 402 of the closed actuation loop using conventional means known in the art. A conventional inert gas is also added to the gas fluid chamber 402c in volume bottle 402 through pressurizing valve 404. At step 206, fluid in the closed actuation loop is pressurized by adding fluid through the pressurizing valve 106 to the extending chamber 102c, the retracting chamber 102d, the fluid transmission coupling 104, and the hydraulic fluid chamber 402b in volume bottle 402, until the pressure in the closed actuation loop substantially counter balances the weight of load 204a. In an embodiment, inert gas in gas fluid chamber 402c in volume bottle 402 is pressurized through pressurizing valve 404. At step 208, as the head 102b moves to a position adjacent end 102ab on housing 102a, the volume bottle 402 prevents the pressure in the closed loop from changing substantially by increasing the total fluid volume contained in the closed loop relative to the closed loop without the volume bottle 402.

Referring now to FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, an alternative embodiment of a load lifting apparatus 500 is substantially identical in design and operation to the load lifting apparatus 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c, with the provision of tubular bollard 502 replacing the load 204a. The bollard 502 is moveably coupled to an anchor housing 504 which is mounted in a foundation 506 that is positioned below a surface 508 and houses the components of the apparatus 500 within it. In an embodiment, the foundation 506 may include a plurality of I-beams 506a positioned on opposite sides of the anchor housing 504 and in engagement with the anchor housing 504, with concrete surrounding the I-beams 506a and anchor housing 504. Bollard 502 includes a top plate 510 on a distal end which is positioned adjacent the surface 508 and accessible from the surface 508. Top plate 510 defines a key passageway 510a including a plurality of key entrances 510b and a support lip 510c extending out above the key passageway 510a. A locking mechanism 512 is positioned in the key passageway 510a and coupled to the locking member 108. A plurality of volume bottles 110 are positioned on opposite sides of the tubular housing 102a and within bollard 502, and the rod 102e is coupled to the bottom of the anchor housing 504. A key device 514 is provided including a handle 514a on a distal end and a key member 514b and a plurality of coupling arms 514c positioned on an end of the key device 514 opposite the handle 514a.

Referring now to FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, and 8b, the operation of apparatus 500 is substantially similar to the method 200 for lifting a load described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c, with the provision of the bollard 502 replacing the load 204a and being mounted to the actuator 102 in the positioning of step 204. At step 208, the bollard 502 may be lifted by first placing the key device 514 in the key passageway 510a on top plate 510 of bollard 502. Coupling arms 514c on key device 514 enter the key passageway 510a by way of the plurality of key entrances 510b, resulting in the key member 514b engaging the locking mechanism 512. If the locking member 108 is in the open position, the key device 514 is then turned clockwise which positions the coupling arms 514c beneath the support lip 510c. If the locking mechanism 108 is in a closed position, due to the engagement of the key member 514b and the locking mechanism 108, turning the key device 514 clockwise also turns locking member 108 to an open position which allows fluid to flow through the locking member 108 and positions the coupling arms 514c beneath the support lip 510c. The handle 514a on key device 514 may then be used to manually lift the bollard 502 in a direction A from a retracted position below the surface 508, illustrated in FIG. 7a, to an extended position above the surface 508, illustrated in FIG. 8b. The bollard 502 may then be locked in position by turning the key device 514 counterclockwise, which turns the locking member 108 to a closed position so that fluid may no longer flow through it, and removing the key device 514 from the key passageway 510a. The bollard 502 may also be returned to the retracted position below the surface, illustrated in FIG. 7a, by returning the key device 514 to the key passageway 510a, turning the key device clockwise to unlock the locking member 108, and manually lowering the bollard 502 by pushing it in a direction opposite the direction A and back below the surface 508.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, an alternative embodiment of a load lifting apparatus 600 is substantially identical in design and operation to the load lifting apparatus 300 and 400 described above with reference to FIGS. 2a, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5, 6a, 6b, and 6c, with the provision of tubular bollard 602 replacing the load 204a. The bollard 602 is moveably coupled to an anchor housing 604 which is mounted in a foundation 606 that is positioned below a surface 608. Components of the apparatus 600 such as, for example, the pump 302, locking member 304, and pressurizing valve 106, may be mounted in the foundation 606 and outside the anchor housing 604 for ease of servicing the apparatus 600. As illustrated, the apparatus 600 includes volume bottle 402 with hydraulic accumulator 402a, providing an embodiment substantially similar to apparatus 400 illustrated in FIG. 5. The volume bottle 402 may be replaced by volume bottle 110 to provide an embodiment substantially similar to apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The operation of apparatus 600 is substantially similar to the method 200 for lifting a load described above with reference to FIGS. 2a, 4a, 4b, 4c, 6a, 6b, and 6c, with the provision of the bollard 602 replacing the load 204a and being mounted to the actuator 102 in the positioning of step 204. At step 208, the bollard 602 may be lifted, as described above, in a direction B from a retracted position below the surface 608, illustrated in FIG. 9a, to an extended position above the surface 608, illustrated in FIG. 9b. The bollard 602 may then be locked in position as described above and illustrated in FIG. 9b. The bollard 602 may also be returned to the retracted position below the surface, illustrated in FIG. 9a, as described above, by moving it in a direction opposite the direction B and back below the surface 608.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part some or all of the illustrative embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A load lifting apparatus comprising:

a double-acting fluid controlled actuator; and

a volume bottle coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator by a fluid transmission coupling, whereby the double-acting fluid controlled actuator, the volume bottle, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator comprises a double-acting piston-type cylinder.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator is operable to be actuated by a compressed inert gas.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator is operable to be actuated by hydraulic fluid.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume bottle is operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid transmission coupling is operable to allow fluid to be transmitted to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator and to the volume bottle.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the double acting fluid controlled actuator comprises an extending chamber and a retracting chamber, whereby the fluid transmission coupling comprises a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber, and the volume bottle is coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow a fluid in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting fluid controlled actuator to be actuated and operable to prevent the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the locking member is operable to prevent the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated at any position along the range of motion of the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a pump coupled to the closed actuation loop and operable to actuate the double-acting fluid controlled actuator by moving a fluid through the fluid transmission coupling in a plurality of directions.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume bottle comprises a hydraulic accumulator.

13. A bollard system comprising:

a foundation positioned below a surface;

an anchor housing mounted to the foundation; and

a bollard apparatus moveably coupled to the anchor housing, the bollard apparatus comprising: a double-acting fluid controlled actuator operable to extend the bollard apparatus above the surface and retract the bollard apparatus below the surface; and a volume bottle coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator by a fluid transmission coupling, whereby the double-acting fluid controlled actuator, the volume bottle, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator comprises a double-acting piston-type cylinder.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator is operable to be actuated by compressed inert gas.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein the double-acting fluid controlled actuator is operable to be actuated by hydraulic fluid.

17. The system of claim 13 wherein the volume bottle is operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the fluid transmission coupling is operable to allow fluid to be transmitted to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator and to the volume bottle.

19. The system of claim 13 wherein the double acting fluid controlled actuator comprises an extending chamber and a retracting chamber, the fluid transmission coupling comprises a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber, and the volume bottle is coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling, whereby the bollard apparatus is extended above the surface in response to a fluid being supplied to the extending chamber and the bollard apparatus is retracted below the surface in response to the fluid being supplied to the retracting chamber.

20. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow a fluid in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized.

21. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting fluid controlled actuator to be actuated and operable to prevent the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the locking member is operable to prevent the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated at any position along the range of motion of the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

23. The system of claim 21 further comprising:

a key operable to lock and unlock the locking member, whereby the key provides a handle for manually extending the bollard above the surface and manually retracting the bollard below the surface.

24. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

a pump coupled to the closed actuation loop and operable to actuate the double-acting fluid controlled actuator by moving a fluid through the fluid transmission coupling in a plurality of directions.

25. The system of claim 13 wherein the volume bottle comprises a hydraulic accumulator.

26. The system of claim 13 wherein the foundation comprises a plurality of I-beams positioned on opposite sides of the anchor housing and in engagement with the anchor housing.

27. A load lifting system comprising:

a double-acting fluid controlled actuator; and

means coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator for substantially reducing the effects of progressivity in the system, the means for substantially reducing the effects of progressivity in the system and the double-acting fluid controlled actuator forming a closed actuation loop.

28. The system of claim 27 further comprising:

means for transmitting a fluid, the means for transmitting a fluid operably coupling the means for substantially reducing the effects of progressivity in the system to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising:

actuation means coupled to the means for transmitting a fluid, which actuation means allow the double-acting fluid controlled actuator to be actuated and prevent the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising:

means for preventing the double-acting fluid controlled actuator from being actuated in any position along the range of motion of the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

31. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising:

means coupled to the closed actuation loop for moving a fluid in a plurality of directions through the means for transmitting a fluid.

32. The system of claim 27 further comprising:

means coupled to the closed actuation loop for allowing a fluid to be pressurized in the closed actuation loop.

33. A method for lifting a load comprising:

providing a double-acting fluid controlled actuator;

coupling a volume bottle to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator and forming a closed actuation loop;

providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop;

positioning a load on the double-acting fluid controlled actuator;

pressurizing the fluid in the closed actuation loop; and

lifting the load.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop comprises providing an inert gas in the closed actuation loop, whereby the pressurizing comprises pressurizing the inert gas in the closed actuation loop.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein the providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop comprises providing a hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop, whereby the pressurizing comprises pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop.

36. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

reducing the effects of progressivity with the volume bottle.

37. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

locking the double-acting fluid controlled actuator in any position along the range of motion of the double-acting fluid controlled actuator.

38. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

lowering the load.

39. A method for extending and retracting a bollard comprising:

positioning a foundation below a surface;

mounting an anchor housing in the foundation;

moveably coupling a bollard apparatus to the anchor housing;

coupling a double-acting fluid controlled actuator to the bollard apparatus;

coupling a volume bottle to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator to form a closed actuation loop;

providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop;

pressurizing the fluid in the closed actuation loop; and

lifting the bollard apparatus above the surface.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop comprises providing an inert gas in the closed actuation loop, whereby the pressurizing comprises pressurizing the inert gas in the closed actuation loop.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein the providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop comprises providing a hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop, whereby the pressurizing comprises pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop.

42. The method of claim 39 further comprising:

reducing the effects of progressivity with the volume bottle.

43. The method of claim 39 further comprising:

locking the bollard apparatus in any position along the range of motion of the bollard apparatus.

44. The method of claim 39 further comprising:

lowering the bollard apparatus.

45. A load lifting apparatus comprising:

a double-acting piston-type cylinder comprising an extending chamber and a retracting chamber;

a fluid transmission coupling comprising a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber;

a volume bottle coupled to the double-acting piston-type cylinder between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling, the volume bottle operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting piston-type cylinder, whereby the double-acting piston-type cylinder, the volume bottle, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop;

a volume of pressurized inert gas in the closed actuation loop;

a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow the volume of pressurized inert gas in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized; and

a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting piston-type cylinder to be actuated by allowing the pressurized inert gas to be transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling and operable to prevent the double-acting piston-type cylinder from being actuated by preventing the pressurized inert gas from being transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling.

46. A load lifting apparatus comprising:

a double-acting piston-type cylinder comprising an extending chamber and a retracting chamber;

a fluid transmission coupling comprising a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber;

a hydraulic accumulator coupled to the double-acting piston-type cylinder between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling, the hydraulic accumulator operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting piston-type cylinder, whereby the double-acting fluid controlled actuator, the hydraulic accumulator, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop;

a volume of hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop;

a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow the volume of hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized;

a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting piston-type cylinder to be actuated by allowing the hydraulic fluid to be transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling and operable to prevent the double-acting piston-type cylinder from being actuated by preventing the hydraulic fluid from being transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling; and

a pump coupled to the closed actuation loop and operable to actuate the double-acting piston-type cylinder by moving the hydraulic fluid through the fluid transmission coupling in a plurality of directions.

47. A bollard system comprising:

a foundation positioned below a surface;

an anchor housing mounted to the foundation; and

a bollard apparatus moveably coupled to the anchor housing, the bollard apparatus comprising: a double-acting piston-type cylinder comprising an extending chamber and a retracting chamber, the double-acting piston type cylinder coupled to the bollard apparatus and operable to extend the bollard apparatus above the surface and retract the bollard apparatus below the surface; a fluid transmission coupling comprising a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber; a volume bottle coupled to the double-acting fluid controlled actuator between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling, the volume bottle operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting piston-type cylinder, whereby the double-acting fluid controlled actuator, the volume bottle, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop; a volume of pressurized inert gas in the closed actuation loop; a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow the volume of pressurized inert gas in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized; and a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting piston-type cylinder to be actuated by allowing the pressurized inert gas to be transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling and operable to prevent the double-acting piston-type cylinder from being actuated by preventing the pressurized inert gas from being transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling.

48. A bollard system comprising:

a foundation positioned below a surface;

an anchor housing mounted to the foundation; and

a bollard apparatus moveably coupled to the anchor housing, the bollard apparatus comprising: a double-acting piston-type cylinder comprising an extending chamber and a retracting chamber, the double-acting piston type cylinder coupled to the bollard apparatus and operable to extend the bollard apparatus above the surface and retract the bollard apparatus below the surface; a fluid transmission coupling comprising a first end coupled to the extending chamber and a second end coupled to the retracting chamber; a hydraulic accumulator coupled to the double-acting piston-type cylinder between the first end and the second end of the fluid transmission coupling, the volume bottle operable to substantially reduce the effects of progressivity in the double-acting piston-type cylinder, whereby the double-acting piston-type cylinder, the hydraulic accumulator, and the fluid transmission coupling form a closed actuation loop; a volume of hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop; a pressurizing valve coupled to the closed actuation loop, the pressurizing valve operable to allow the volume of hydraulic fluid in the closed actuation loop to be pressurized; a locking member coupled to the closed actuation loop, the locking member operable to allow the double-acting piston-type cylinder to be actuated by allowing the hydraulic fluid to be transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling and operable to prevent the double-acting piston-type cylinder from being actuated by preventing the hydraulic fluid from being transmitted through the fluid transmission coupling; and a pump coupled to the closed actuation loop and operable to actuate the double-acting piston-type cylinder by moving the hydraulic fluid through the fluid transmission coupling in a plurality of directions.

49. A method for lifting a load comprising:

providing a double-acting piston-type cylinder;

coupling a volume bottle to the double-acting piston-type cylinder in a closed actuation loop;

providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop;

positioning a load on the double-acting piston-type cylinder;

pressurizing the fluid in the closed actuation loop to counter-balance the weight of the load;

lifting the load;

locking the double-acting piston-type cylinder in any position along the range of motion of the double-acting piston-type cylinder;

unlocking the double-acting piston-type cylinder;

lowering the load; and

reducing the effects of progressivity with the volume bottle.

50. A method for extending and retracting a bollard comprising:

positioning a foundation below a surface;

mounting an anchor housing in the foundation;

moveably coupling a bollard apparatus to the anchor housing;

coupling a double-acting piston-type cylinder to the bollard apparatus;

coupling a volume bottle to the double-acting piston-type cylinder in a closed actuation loop;

providing a fluid in the closed actuation loop;

pressurizing the fluid in the closed actuation loop to counter-balance the weight of the load;

lifting the bollard apparatus above the surface;

locking the bollard apparatus in any position along the range of motion of the bollard apparatus;

unlocking the bollard apparatus;

lowering the bollard apparatus; and

reducing the effects of progressivity with the volume bottle.