Single-rail Type Patents (Class 104/93)
  • Patent number: 11877580
    Abstract: A slaughtered pig part processing plant including pig part processing stations and a conveyor supporting, via respective couplings, spaced apart clamp structures, the conveyor advancing the couplings with a respective clamp structure in a machine direction (T) from a first station towards a last station, wherein the clamp structures each including a carrier part carrying two jaws, each jaw having an edge oriented towards the edge of the other jaw, the edges defining between them a gap (G1), at least one of the jaws being mounted to turn relative to the carrier part from a first position to second positions where the gap (G1) is opened up, wherein a force applied against the first face turns the jaw(s) from the first position, a biasing force biasing the jaw(s) towards the first position when the clamp structures move away from the first station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: FRONTMATEC GROUP APS
    Inventor: Andreas Iskov Jensen
  • Patent number: 11806034
    Abstract: Techniques for grasp adjustment include a computer-assisted device comprising a repositionable structure configured to support an end effector and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more images of the end effector; determine, based on the one or more images, at least one of a first length between a proximal end of jaws of the end effector and a proximal end of a grasping zone, a second length corresponding to a length of the grasping zone, a third length between a distal end of the grasping zone and the distal end of the at least one jaw; or an angle between the jaws of the end effector; and adjust a force or a torque magnitude limit used to limit actuation of the end effector based on at least one of the first length, the second length, the third length, or the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne Wellman, David W. Weir, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 11738951
    Abstract: A conveyor system including a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers supported on the rail. Each carrier includes an on-board motor and electrical power source selectively powering the motor to drive the carrier along the rail. Each of the plurality of ACCs operates to power the on-board motor from the on-board electrical power source under the direction of instructions programmed to a local controller on the respective ACC. Wherein each of the local controllers of the respective ACCs is programmed to carry out independent power level management for its own on-board electrical power source and configured to selectively operate an adaptive low power indicator to communicate a low power status based only in part on the power level of the on-board electrical power source and further based on one or more parameters of a current work cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SST SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Martin Andreae, Bradley M. Andreae, Stephen C. Mann, Anthony C. Scoville
  • Patent number: 11702291
    Abstract: A method of operating a conveyor system includes providing a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, the rail supporting first and second consecutive automated conveyor carriers (ACC), each of which includes a motor-powered self-driving trolley. First and second loads are suspended from the first and second ACCs. The first and second ACCs are driven independently along the rail by executing instructions from independent on-board controllers of the first and second ACCs, wherein a first spacing between the first and second ACCs is maintained through a first section of the rail. The first ACC is accelerated away from the second ACC to increase the spacing from the first spacing to a second spacing for navigating a second section of the rail, the second section being a curved section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SST SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Martin Andreae, Bradley M. Andreae, Stephen C. Mann, Anthony C. Scoville
  • Patent number: 11523558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox (1) comprising: a gearbox body (1A) defining an enclosure (1B), an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3) and a mechanism (4) for transmitting the movement of the input shaft (2) to the output shaft (3), said mechanism (4) for transmitting movement comprising at least one clutch (5) and a clutch (5) control device, the clutch (5) comprising a driving element (6) and a driven element (7) mounted rotatably secured to the output shaft (3) and having its axial movement limited in at least one direction along the output shaft (3), and the clutch (5) control device comprising a member for controlling the movement of the driving element (6) and the driven element (7) towards one another to allow the clutch (5) to pass from the declutched position to the clutched position. The control member is formed by the gearbox body (1A) mounted to slide along the output shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: FRANCE REDUCTEURS
    Inventors: Emmanuel Teillet, Damien Morand
  • Patent number: 11505435
    Abstract: A trolley of a crane is arranged to move along a main support structure of the crane. The trolley includes a support frame structure; bearing wheels which are fastened to the support frame structure and by means of which the trolley is arranged to move along the main support structure; and a hoisting mechanism that has a rope drum for a hoisting rope, a rope pulley arrangement through which the hoisting rope may be guided from the rope drum to a fixed fastening point on the trolley, and a hoisting member in cooperation with the hoisting rope for hoisting a load. The rope drum is supported to the support frame structure of the trolley so that the axle of the rope drum is parallel to the main support structure. The rope pulley arrangement is located, in the axial direction of the rope drum, at least partly outside one rope drum end which is on the side of said fastening point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niko Laukkanen, Atte Lähteenmäki, Teppo Lindberg, Mats Åkesson, Henri Helkiö, Henri Kokko
  • Patent number: 11146047
    Abstract: A device for pulling a cable down the length of a cable tray including a trolley with rollers which rollingly grasp the upper side portion of the cable tray and allow the trolley to roll along the tray. The trolley includes a swivel cord grip which is releasably attached to one end of the cable, thus allowing the cable puller to pull the cable along the cable tray as the cable puller is propelled along the cable tray. The trolley can be pulled along manually by using one of two pull lines or ‘jet lines’ which are attached to the cable puller and lead to each end of the cable tray, or, more preferably, the trolley can be propelled up or down the cable tray by a remotely controlled motor which drives one or more of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Charles A. Sheets, Janet Stephens
  • Patent number: 10965244
    Abstract: A handling system for receptor devices of solar energy suitable for allowing the handling of said devices on a first axis and on a second axis, substantially orthogonal with respect to each other, said system being constrainable on fixed structures composed of supporting poles kept in position by a network of tie-rods. The system comprises a main tube rotating around said first axis, to which a plurality of secondary tubes are connected, also rotating around their own axis, fixed substantially perpendicularly to the main tube, the receptor devices being fixed on said secondary tubes. The main rotating tube comprising both the handling mechanism around the first axis and the handling mechanism around the second axis activated by a respective first motor and second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: REM TEC S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Parma, Alessandro Reboldi
  • Patent number: 10801553
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a motorized disconnect operable to selectively engage and disengage two rotating components of a vehicle drivetrain. As one example, a motorized disconnect system is provided that operates via an electric motor and includes a shifter assembly with an oscillating gear track and cam profile for rotating the shifter assembly while moving it in an axial direction to selectively couple two rotating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: WARN AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Averill, Oliver Heravi
  • Patent number: 10676325
    Abstract: The hoist track adapter is configured for use with a hoist. The hoist track adapter is configured for use with an I-beam. The hoist track adapter attaches the hoist to the I-beam. The hoist track adapter enables the hoist to move along the track formed by the I-beam while the hoist is under load. The hoist track adapter comprises a cross beam, a plurality of beam trolleys, a plurality of brackets, and a plurality of bolts and nuts. The plurality of bolts and nuts: 1) attach the plurality of beam trolleys to the cross beam; and, 2) attach the plurality of brackets to the cross beam. The plurality of beam trolleys attaches the cross beam to the I-beam. The plurality of brackets attaches the cross beam to the hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Willie Dell
  • Patent number: 10526175
    Abstract: A low-construction hoist for a wire rope hoist is arranged to move along a lower flange of a horizontal beam or rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teppo Lindberg, Henri Kokko
  • Patent number: 10081373
    Abstract: A recreational apparatus is provided having an elevated railway system with a vehicle suspended therefrom. The vehicle includes a drive mechanism that is responsive to energy input in order to advance the vehicle along the elevated railway system. The drive mechanism is capable of efficiently motivating the vehicle along straight and curved sections of the elevated railway system with minimal stress on moving parts, and minimal frictional losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Skyride Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Olson, Michael Guethling
  • Patent number: 9950720
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting light emitter output for a railway track inspection system based on data feedback from one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tetra Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Darel Mesher
  • Patent number: 9896275
    Abstract: An article transport facility comprises a travel rail installed along a travel path, and a travel vehicle which is guided along the travel path with a travel wheel rolling on a travel surface of the travel rail. The travel vehicle has a distance measuring device for measuring a distance to the travel surface. And the distance measuring device includes a pair of distance sensors spaced apart from each other along a travel direction of the travel vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Ikenaga, Tsubasa Yajima
  • Patent number: 9782682
    Abstract: A wet play structure including a non-harnessed course and a harnessed course. The wet play structure can be located in an amusement park. The non-harnessed course and the harnessed course can be completely, or partially integrated to increase interaction between users. The wet play structure may include an elevated path configured to allow a user to traverse the elevated path. A track is configured to connect to a harness worn by the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, the wet play structure may include a fluid conduit configured to transmit water onto the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, a pool positioned beneath the elevated path and configured to contain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuma Alexei Frankowski, Tat K. Won, James A. Liggett
  • Patent number: 9618335
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting light emitter output for a railway track inspection system based on data feedback from one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Tetra Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Darel Mesher
  • Patent number: 9239218
    Abstract: A size inspection device includes an inspection frame, a transferring belt, a positioning assembly, an inspection assembly, a suction assembly, and a controller. The transferring belt is slidably mounted on the inspection frame. The positioning assembly, the inspection assembly, the suction assembly, and the controller are mounted on the inspection frame. The controller is electrically connected to the inspection assembly and the suction assembly. When the positioning assembly positions the workpiece on the transferring belt below the inspection assembly, the inspection assembly obtains size value of the workpiece and transfers it to the controller, the controller compares the size value to a preset standard range to determine whether or not the workpiece has passed quality inspection, and controls the suction assembly to handle the workpiece which is not of passing quality away from the transferring belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rong-Chun Su
  • Patent number: 9168931
    Abstract: A recreational apparatus is provided having an elevated railway system with a vehicle suspended therefrom. The vehicle includes a drive mechanism that is responsive to energy input in order to advance the vehicle along the elevated railway system. The drive mechanism is capable of efficiently motivating the vehicle along straight and curved sections of the elevated railway system with minimal stress on moving parts, and minimal frictional losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Skyride Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Olson, Sean Horihan
  • Patent number: 9103152
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9096145
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a portion of conductor bar, a plurality of carriers, and at least one variable frequency driver. The portion of conductor bar forms a portion of track for the carriers. The plurality of carriers are operable to engage the at least a portion of the conductor bar, wherein the plurality of carriers are able to advance along the track. The at least one variable frequency driver is configured to drive at least two of the plurality of carriers along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Automatic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim W. Potter, Craig Steven Wise
  • Publication number: 20140182476
    Abstract: An overhead conveyor, components therefor and method for making same, in which the conveyor trolley utilizes load wheels having double row bearings, and is designed for a channel having a height “X,” but is built with a maximum allowable load value which is equal to or greater than the maximum allowable load value for a trolley used in channels of height greater than X.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Frost Tech LLC
    Inventor: Charles C. Frost
  • Patent number: 8746739
    Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Carlston Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Meggs, Donald Blackman, Brian Ford, Justin Robinson, M. Elizabeth Bolint
  • Patent number: 8689698
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a fixed primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis Shasha, Michael John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 8671474
    Abstract: A patient lift support frame assembly, comprising a patient-lift-carrying member, and first and second support members for carrying the patient-lift-support member. The support members are telescopically configured, and can be extended manually, with an actuator to push a ceiling pad against a ceiling for greater stability. The support member are selectively lockable against being shortened, using gears and a cam, or other lock. The ceiling bearing element is spring loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Prism Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark P. Chepurny
  • Patent number: 8561787
    Abstract: A conveyor installation for conveying and accumulating hanging items comprises a drive chain which is mounted to a guide rail, and retaining members which are mounted on rollers below the drive chain. The retaining members—together with the items to be transported which are suspended therefrom—are conveyed by the drive chain in a direction of conveyance and, if required, stopped and accumulated by means of a stopping device, with the drive connection being released between the drive chain and the retaining members by displacing the drive chain upwards due to a particular design of coupling members arranged on the lower side of the drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wend, Paul Janzen
  • Patent number: 8550006
    Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Wada
  • Publication number: 20130167750
    Abstract: An arrangement of a rail for suspended conveyors or suspended cranes and a slip contact holder mounted thereon, wherein the rail comprises a profile body and a profile head connected thereto and disposed above the profile body, wherein the profile body is C-shaped in cross section, forms a hollow space for chassis, and has a slit open to the bottom, and the profile head comprises upper, substantially horizontal profile walls and the slip contact holder is disposed within the hollow space and attached to the upper profile walls. A plurality of punchouts are disposed in the upper profile walls, disposed in at least one row and at regular, repeated distances as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rail, and barb-like catch pawls are disposed on the slip contact bolder and engage with the punchouts in order to attach thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Spies, Stefan Fitzler, Sven Müller
  • Publication number: 20130167749
    Abstract: A rail for suspended conveyors and suspended cranes, having a substantially C-shaped profile head for suspending the rail and a profile body connected thereto. The profile head is open at the top, thereby forming a gap running along a longitudinal center plane bounded on both sides by first web segments extending outward from the center plane. Two second web segments opposite each other and running downward and outward as seen in cross section are connected to the first web segments and the rail is made of two profiles disposed symmetrically about the vertical longitudinal center plane as seen in cross section. The rail supports an overload protection in the region of the profile head, and allows simple attachment by suspension supports. In a particular embodiment the first web segments run diagonally outward and upward and the first web segments are angled relative to the longitudinal center plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Spies, Stefan Fitzler
  • Publication number: 20130160668
    Abstract: An automatic carriage return for an exhaust removal system having a carriage that is configured to translate along a track tube. The automatic carriage return includes a drive cable spanning along the track tube, and an engagement assembly coupled to the carriage. A drive motor drives motion of the carriage along the drive cable when the engagement assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the engagement assembly is configured to be disengaged from the drive cable to allow the carriage to freely follow the path of the vehicle. Upon release of the extraction hose from the vehicle, the engagement assembly is configured to automatically activate to the engaged configuration to engage the drive cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: JOHN JOHNSTON, BRIAN ROE
  • Publication number: 20130112103
    Abstract: A turn wheel for supporting a curved portion of a load-transporting cable, having a generally cylindrical central frame, a set of spokes circumferentially spaced about the frame with their inner ends attached to the frame below its upper extremity, the upper surfaces of the spokes sloping downwardly toward their outer ends, and the inner ends of the spokes being adapted to support the curved portion of the cable in a slidable relation when it is in engagement with the upper extremity of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Austin Elhard
  • Publication number: 20130112645
    Abstract: A movement system includes a rail, a trolley, and a braking system. The trolley is movably attached to the rail and configured to support the payload. The braking system is operatively attached to the rail. The braking system includes a braking module having a base, operatively attached to the trolley, and a wheel assembly, operatively attached to the base. The wheel assembly has a shaft, a clutch, and a braking wheel. The clutch is rigidly attached to the shaft and configured for rotation with the shaft about the rolling axis. The braking wheel axially surrounds the clutch and is in continuous rolling contact with a surface of the rail. The clutch is configured to selectively allow rotation of the braking wheel relative to the shaft in only one direction of rotation to decelerate movement of the trolley along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Universite Laval, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Universite Laval
  • Publication number: 20130019772
    Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Eiji Wada
  • Publication number: 20120312186
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a fixed primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis Shasha, Michael John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 8191551
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for delivering oxygen from an oxygen supply to a person in a convenient, sanitary and organized manner. The oxygen delivery system includes a rail attached to a surface of the room and a sliding trolley attached to the rail. An oxygen supply tube is attached to the oxygen supply and the trolley for transferring oxygen from the oxygen supply to the trolley. The system enables the person to move to various locations in the room while receiving oxygen from the oxygen supply through the oxygen supply tube, the trolley, a drop tube and a nasal cannula, or other breathing device connected to the trolley. The person may guide the trolley around the room by pulling the drop tube in the desired direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joan Skovgard
  • Patent number: 8190377
    Abstract: Rail inspection is discussed that employs a monitor vehicle running on one or more tracks of a rail system that performs physical rail inspection in combination with monitoring and analysis of other system parameters that accompany the physical rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh Fu, Ming Wang, Chih-An Wei, Kevin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8146507
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crane rail made from a roll-formed steel sheet strip. Said crane rail altogether comprises a top flange and a bottom flange. A support flange that has a triangular cross-section is additionally embodied on the top flange. The edges of the steel strip are laser-welded to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventor: Wilfried Hess
  • Patent number: 8122834
    Abstract: A suspension type robot comprises posts, support arms having apical ends, a traveling rail mounted between the apical ends of the support arms and robot body. Each of the support arms has at the apical end a U-shape-cut portion providing a U-shape opening and a U-shape upper surface surrounding the U-shape opening. The traveling rail has an attachment portion comprising a first cylinder portion and a second cylinder portion. The first cylinder portion is inserted into the U-shape-cut portion. The second cylinder portion is disposed on the first cylinder portion, engaged with the U-shape upper surface, and is larger in diameter than the first cylinder portion. The first cylinder portion is inserted deep into the U-shape-cut portion, and both sides of the U-shape opening of the U-shape-cut portion are extended from the plane of projection of the second cylinder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Wave Incorporated
    Inventor: Hisaki Kato
  • Patent number: 8042474
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the suspension and displacement of an object or a person, this device including at least two unaligned cables, a profile borne by the cables and a trolley mobile over the length of this profile, characterized in that the profile links said cables together, in that the profile located between the two unaligned cables defines a curved zone, in that the profile includes at least one rectilinear zone in which the cable is kept in the profile and in that the cable is located outside of the profile in the curved zone and close to this curved zone. This device can be used as a Tyrolean traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Philippe Perakis
  • Patent number: 7798068
    Abstract: A friction drive trolley conveyor has a conveying traveling body provided with a friction drive load bar having traction purpose engaging means at both ends thereof and allows traction drive to be easily conducted without fail even at the time of conveying a heavy object. The traction purpose engaging means is composed of an engaged shaft arranged in the horizontal direction within a vertical notched portion formed at one end of the load bar, a hook member vertically swingably pivotally supported at an intermediate position in vertical height of the load bar at the other end of the load bar and a holding means holding the hook member in an engaged posture or a disengaged posture, and on a traveling route side, a first switching means switching the hook member from the engaged posture to the disengaged posture and a second switching means switching the hook member from the disengaged posture to the engaged posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Nishihara, Toshiyuki Iba
  • Patent number: 7789021
    Abstract: A suspension conveyance apparatus has a conveying traveling body movably supported on a traveling guide rail and a hanger suspended from the conveying traveling body, and an anti-swaying guide rail in parallel with the traveling guide rail, the anti-swaying guide rail is engaged with a roller and prevents lateral swaying of the hanger. The anti-swaying guide rail is installed on only one of the right and left sides of the traveling guide rail and includes a horizontal flat rail surface and a circular rail surface curvedly protruding in the vertically opposite direction of the horizontal flat rail surface, and a flat peripheral surface roller adjoining to the horizontal flat rail surface and rolling and an hourglass-shaped peripheral surface roller fitted to the circular rail surface are provided as the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Nishihara, Tomohiro Sugo
  • Publication number: 20100170412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trolley assembly that is adapted to be used with a passenger restraint, such as a locking reel. The trolley assembly allows the reel lock to be securely positioned at any of a number of discrete locations along the length of an associated track. A mechanism is included for permitting the user to selectively lock and unlock the trolley as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Conax Floria Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Robinson, Brian Ford
  • Publication number: 20100107918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crane rail made from a roll-formed steel sheet strip. Said crane rail altogether comprises a top flange and a bottom flange. A support flange that has a triangular cross-section is additionally embodied on the top flange. The edges of the steel strip are laser-welded to the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: STAHL CRANESYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Wilfried Hess
  • Patent number: 7584703
    Abstract: The invention concerns an overhead crane track which includes at least one crane track rail (1) and at least one carnage (2) guided on the crane track rail (1). The crane track rail (1) is composed of a plurality of portions of a hollow profile member. The carriage (2) is guided on a runway formed within the hollow profile member. The carriage (2) includes at least one electric drive which is supplied with power by way of a power feed provided within the hollow profile member. The carriage (2) is arranged displaceably by way of drive means arranged completely in the interior of the hollow profile member within same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Manfred Josef Wallner
  • Publication number: 20090173251
    Abstract: A production apparatus includes a generally overhead track, a vertically adjustable link assembly supported from the track by one or more trolleys, a substantially horizontally oriented build beam attached to the link assembly opposite the track, a set of first and second cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam, and a set of third and fourth cross beams extending from opposite sides of the build beam. A set of first and second connectors are attached to the set of first and second cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. A set of third and fourth connectors are attached to the set of third and fourth cross beams, respectively, and are configured for attachment to a workpiece. The first, second, third and fourth cross beams are each generally perpendicular to the build beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Amir M. Kalantari
  • Patent number: 7503263
    Abstract: A device for suspending a rail, such as a travel rail of an overhead conveyor or a hoisting machine, from a traversing gear or supporting structure includes a tension element secured by one end to the rail. A bolt passes through the tension element and is received by a fixing device that is secured to the rail. The tension element is at least partly recessed in the fixing device in the direction of suspension. In order to provide a secure device that has a long service life and a low structural height, the tension element is fastened to the bolt by a ball-shaped joint, such as a pivoting bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Birkigt, Michael Buike, Klaus Enners, Stefan Fitzler, Udo Gersemsky, Ingo Grassmann, Sven Müller, Klaus Nerger, Stefan Steinberg, Rüdiger Ostholt
  • Publication number: 20090025598
    Abstract: A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clayton D. Menser, JR., David J. Pinckney, Uldis A. Ziemins
  • Publication number: 20080307996
    Abstract: A rail means (1) for an electrified monorail system with a suspended vehicle, which comprises an elongated body (2) having a longitudinal axis (A-A?), and a second axis (B-B?) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, whereby the elongated body (2) comprises (a) a central wall means (21) extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the second axis of the elongated body (2), said central wall means defining (a1) a first side wall (210) of a first channel (22) for receiving one or more support wheels and one or more guide rollers of a vehicle, the channel (22) having a support surface (220) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A?) and perpendicular to the second axis (B-B?) for supporting a support wheel, and one or more first guiding surfaces (230, 231) for guiding a guide rollers of a vehicle; and (a2) a second side wall (211) of a second channel (23) for receiving one or more conductor bars extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body (2), and (b) one or more attachme
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ROFA, Rosenheimer Forderanlagen GmbH
    Inventors: Manuela Kittler, Bruno Meinzinger
  • Publication number: 20080115688
    Abstract: A device for moving a load across a distance having a frame, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a bias restriction portion wherein the weight of a load associated with the frame portion biases the first and second wheels against a guide disposed between the first and second wheels such that said first and second wheels engage the guide and secure the device thereto, and further wherein the bias restriction portion restricts the biasing of the first and second wheels to within predetermined limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmy Ross Neale
  • Patent number: 7322461
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stairlift rail of non-circular cross-section. The wall surfaces of the rail define a single internal cavity and the outer surface of the rail is free of additional members added to the rail in order to prevent rotation of a stairlift carriage about the rail axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Limited
    Inventors: Andreas Csaba Szentistvany, Alan Neil Russell Stannah
  • Publication number: 20040244633
    Abstract: An elevated high speed ground transportation system adaptable to existing right-of-ways for passenger travel between metropolitan centers utilizing a pair of tubular monorails with aerodynamic and hydrostatic fluid bearings providing low friction and propelled by thrust provided by a self-contained linear gas turbine resulting in a cost effective, safe, all-weather, low maintenance transportation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Warner H. Witmer