Operating Means On Platform Patents (Class 182/148)
  • Patent number: 11891283
    Abstract: A concave personnel basket for an aerial work platform such as a boom lift is disclosed. The personnel basket is configured with a middle portion, facing away from the boom lift, that is recessed several feet towards the boom lift. The basket also has two opposite ends, also facing away from the boom lift, that protrude several feet outward relative to the middle portion. As a result, the personnel basket can partially envelop convex target structures such as cell towers and building corners. Personnel standing in the basket can thus access multiple sides of the target without needing to command the boom lift to reposition the basket. This improves work efficiency and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Ralph Frescas
  • Patent number: 11685617
    Abstract: A boom conveyor includes a boom that carries a conveyor, a support structure for the boom, a rear pivot joint that connects a rear end of the boom to the support structure, and a pivot drive that controls pivoting movement of the boom about the rear pivot joint. The boom conveyor apparatus includes an operator platform and an attachment mechanism at a front end of the boom whereby the operator platform may be attached to the boom or detached therefrom. The attachment mechanism includes a leveling mechanism that is configured to apply a leveling adjustment to the operator platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSNORM SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventors: Bryan Anthony Bell, John Henderson
  • Patent number: 11667241
    Abstract: A foldable guardrail assembly is provided for selectively facilitating access to a machine component located onboard a vehicle. The vehicle has a platform with a handrail disposed thereon and located adjacent to the machine component. The guardrail assembly includes a set of guardrails pivotally connected to each other in a successive manner via at least a corresponding number of hinge assemblies. A first one of the guardrails is pivotally connected to an upright portion of the handrail via a first hinge assembly. The guardrail assembly further includes a first latch assembly provided, at least in part, on a last one of the guardrails. The first latch assembly is configured to releasably secure the last one of guardrails to the platform when the guardrails operably move into in a fully unfolded position, via the hinge assemblies, for providing access to the machine component located onboard the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Sunil Koshy
  • Patent number: 11180354
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cherry picker (1) comprising a chassis (2), a heat engine (4), a starter (5) and a starter actuator (62) for said engine (4), a platform (8), means (9) for lifting the platform (8) that include a lifting arm (91), a control console (10) that includes a control unit (26) for the lifting means (9), a drive unit configured to control at least the arm (91) according to the data input into the control console (10), a member for powering the drive unit (11), a member (12) for activating/deactivating the control unit (26) for the lifting means (9), said member (12) being mounted to as to be movable between an inactive position, in which the control unit (9) for the lifting means (9) is deactivated, and an active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: MANITOU BF
    Inventor: Fabrice Hubert
  • Patent number: 11097760
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-driving system that can engage and move an inventory holder. The self-driving system includes a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, an actuator disposed within the mobile base, the actuator is operable to adjust a height of the mobile base, a console having an upper portion and a main body, the main body being coupled to a first end of the mobile base in a standing configuration, and a first camera disposed on a first side of the upper portion of the console, the first camera facing a second end of the mobile base opposing the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: LINGDONG TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO. LTD
    Inventors: Yaming Tang, Chiung Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 10918544
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift apparatus for assisted wheelchair loading and unloading includes a base frame having a front end, a rear end, a left side, and a right side. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the base frame. A vertical frame is perpendicularly coupled to the rear end of the base frame. A lift track is coupled to the vertical frame. A lift car is coupled to the lift track and has a track engagement portion and a perpendicular platform. The track engagement portion is slidably engageable with the lift track. A seat is coupled to the perpendicular platform. A lift bracket is coupled to the rear end of the base frame. A lift mechanism is coupled to the lift bracket and is in operational communication with the lift car to move the lift car to and from a lowered position and an alternate raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Muhammad Abdullah
  • Patent number: 10843616
    Abstract: An electric transportation cart includes a deck having two first rails located on two sides thereof a base having multiple casters connected to the underside thereof and including two second rails on two sides thereof, a first link assembly and a second link assembly pivotably connected between the deck and the base, and a handle connected to one end of the base. A first bar is slidably connected between the two first rails, and a second bar is connected between the first link assembly and the second link assembly. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the first bar and the second bar. The travel distance of the hydraulic cylinder is longer than that of the conventional transportation carts. Users operate the control unit to activate the hydraulic cylinder to drive the first and second link assemblies to control the deck to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 10769926
    Abstract: A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data that reflects an attribute of the property. The monitoring system further includes a stair lift that is configured to transport a person up and down stairs at the property and that is configured to generate stair lift data that reflects a status of the stair lift. The monitoring system further includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data and the stair lift data. The monitor control unit is further configured to analyze the sensor data and the stair lift data. The monitor control unit is further configured to determine that an event occurred at the property. The monitor control unit is further configured to, based on determining that the event occurred at the property, perform a monitoring system action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Rogers, Lainie Muller, Donald Faraci
  • Patent number: 10669736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for assembling towers and/or foundations for wind turbines, intended to enable and/or facilitate relative movement between a mobile element and a support element, at least one of said elements being a section and/or part of the shaft of a wind turbine tower or foundation. The guiding device comprises: sliding means that are in contact with the mobile element and allow the relative movement thereof with respect to the guiding device; securing means that connect the guiding device to the support element; and means for geometric adaptation disposed between the sliding means and the securing means, which allow load transmission between the sliding means and the securing means while at the same time also allowing relative movement between the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Esteyco S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Serna GarcĂ­a-Conde
  • Patent number: 10435283
    Abstract: A turntable leveling system is configured to level a boom turret of an aerial device. This allows the boom turret to be leveled more than with level correction by outriggers. The turntable leveling system includes a lower turntable wedge and an upper turntable wedge. Each of the lower turntable wedge and the upper turntable wedge is independently rotatable relative to the chassis. The turntable leveling system is configured to be installed between a chassis and the boom turret of an aerial device. The turntable leveling system may further comprise a central turntable wedge disposed between the upper turntable wedge and the lower turntable wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Mourlam, Aaron Beck
  • Patent number: 10179712
    Abstract: A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SUPERIOR HANDLING EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Vollmar, Robert A. Johnson, Carl Eugene Barbour, Harley James Barbour, Gary Clark, Michael Kocur
  • Patent number: 10106383
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an inventory item management system, transporting robots and the method for transporting inventory holder, wherein the transporting robot comprises a lifting unit and a horizontal rotation unit, the lifting unit comprises a first power unit, a lifting shaft and a first supporting part, and the first power unit configured to drive the first supporting part to move along the lifting shaft; the horizontal rotation unit comprises a second supporting part and a second power unit which drives the second supporting part, and the second supporting part and the first supporting part are connected rotatably. The lifting unit has a hollow hole which is disposed in vertical direction internal to the lifting unit, and the lifting shaft is located on one side of the hollow hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG GUOZI ROBOT TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenhua Shen, Weifeng Wu, Wangdong Wu, Yikun Tao, Hongbo Zheng, Lingfen Zhu, Xia Wang, Xinfeng Du
  • Patent number: 10023450
    Abstract: A boom truck bucket remote control assembly for emergency use to remotely control a bucket includes a first housing. The first housing is configured to couple proximate to a first manipulator that is operationally coupled to a truck bucket. A plurality of actuators, coupled to and positioned in the first housing, is configured to couple to the first manipulator. A first microprocessor and a receiver are coupled to and positioned in the first housing. The receiver is operationally coupled to the first microprocessor. The receiver is configured to receive wireless signals. A controller is configured to wirelessly signal the first microprocessor to motivate a respective actuator to override a second manipulator that is positioned in the bucket. The first microprocessor is positioned to motivate the plurality of actuators to compel the first manipulator to reposition the bucket independently of an occupant of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Jeffries
  • Patent number: 10017365
    Abstract: A standing platform for an industrial truck includes a spring arrangement abutting the platform when subject to a weight. A first spring section with a soft characteristic is initially deformed under load, and after a predetermined spring path of the first spring section, a second spring section with a harder spring characteristic is deformable. A sensor detects deformation of the first spring section for generating a release signal. The platform can be folded on a horizontal shaft including a lever arm arranged on a side of the shaft opposite the platform, and abuts the spring arrangement from below which is supported on the truck frame. The first spring section is arranged between a seat for the first spring section and a spacer supported on the second spring section. The spacer acts on the second spring section when the first spring section is initially deformed under a load upon the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Hohmann, Frank Schladebach
  • Patent number: 9995558
    Abstract: A weapon control system includes a base, a frame rotatably coupled to the base and rotatable around a first rotation axis, a first actuator rotating the frame with respect to the base, a first weapon rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable around a second rotation axis in a direction crossing the first rotation axis, a second actuator rotating the first weapon with respect to the frame, a rotating support rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable around a third rotation axis in a direction crossing the first rotation axis, a third actuator rotating the rotating support with respect to the frame, a second weapon rotatably coupled to the rotating support and rotatable around a fourth rotation axis in a direction crossing the third rotation axis, a fourth actuator rotating the second weapon with respect to the rotating support, and an actuator controller controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HANWHA LAND SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man Jung Heo, Young Jin Seo, Hee Hak Yun
  • Patent number: 9914627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-mast order picker, belonging to the technical field of manned elevation equipment. The three-mast order picker comprises a chassis, a hydraulic elevation assembly, a sprocket elevation assembly and a picker platform, the hydraulic elevation assembly comprises a fixed mast, a hydraulic cylinder and a movable mast, and the sprocket elevation assembly comprises a sprocket and a chain. The fixed mast is erected and fixed on the chassis, and the knockout rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the movable mast to drive the movable mast; one end of the chain is connected to the fixed mast and the other end is connected to the second movable mast so that the second movable mast is raised and lowered by the raising and lowering of the movable mast and with the assistance of the sprocket and the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xu Shugen
  • Patent number: 9751724
    Abstract: A device for conveying a person from a first to a second level, in particular a stair lift, which includes a rail (9) which extends between said first and said second level, a frame (3) which is designed to engage the rail in such a manner that it can be moved along the rail, and wherein the frame is configured to move along the rail, and a carrier (4) on which the person can seat himself, in particular a chair, wherein the device is further provided with a safety device which includes a central processing unit and a wireless communication network designed to communicate status information on components of the device and/or objects in the vicinity of the device to the central processing unit, and wherein the processing unit is designed for deciding, on the basis of the communicated status information, whether or not the frame is to be moved along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Otto Ooms B.V.
    Inventor: Andre Ooms
  • Patent number: 9701525
    Abstract: The elevating lift includes a stabilizer base with extendable legs to provide minimum to maximum stability during use and transport. A lift system is fixed to the stabilizer base, and a platform assembly is mounted to the top of the base to be selectively raised or lowered by the lift system. The lift system utilizes a plurality of telescoping cage assemblies interconnected to extend or retract relative to each other. A drive assembly with an extendable lift mast is mounted to the stabilizer base to act on the cage assemblies to raise or lower the same. A drive train coupled to the telescoping cage assemblies enables relative extension and retraction of the cage assemblies. An adjustable guardrail is mounted to a platform of the platform assembly to provide safety for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Kan Cui, Margaret C. Liu, Samuel K. Liu
  • Patent number: 9505596
    Abstract: A mast lift includes a base and a telescoping mast coupled with the base and extending upward from the base. The telescoping mast has a support section fixed to the base and a movable section movably connected and displaceable relative to the support section between a retracted position and an extended position. A top cap is secured to the movable section, and a platform is supported by the top cap and the movable section. A gas strut acts between the support section and the movable section and biases the movable section toward the extended position. A threaded driving rod is connected between the top cap and the base and extends through a fixed nut assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: JLG INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey George Campbell, Jason James Watson, Mark Nathan Spaile
  • Patent number: 9297173
    Abstract: A jump form system provided variously with an integral jump shoe lock mechanism, a reversible gang form shear platform, and a pinion lock mechanism for a roll back carriage. The jump shoe lock mechanism includes a lever pivotably mounted to the jump form system frame above a jump shoe bearing portion of a connecting member, a sleeve mounted to the jump form system frame below the jump shoe bearing portion of the connecting member, and a sleeve-mounted safety pin that is mechanically linked to the lever for engagement and disengagement with a jump shoe. The pinion lock mechanism includes a rack and pinion provided on inner and outer portions of a telescoping carriage assembly, respectively, and a lock arm pivotably mounted to the outer portion adjacent to the pinion, with the rack, pinion, and lock arm including complementary teeth which are locked into place upon pivoting engagement of the locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Spindler, Robert J. Flathau
  • Patent number: 9233819
    Abstract: An early warning system includes monitoring of the hydraulic pressure used to power the hydraulic motor used to raise a man lift during operation, and providing a prognostication algorithm coupled to the output of the sensor to predict based on data from the sensor when there will be a catastrophic failure of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Wagner, Robert A. Lingis
  • Patent number: 9027710
    Abstract: A surgeon lift comprising a base, wheels attached to the base, each wheel comprising a locking mechanism, a cylinder supported on the base, a platform operatively connected to the cylinder, a lifting mechanism for adjusting the height of the platform relative to a horizontal surface, a connector for operative attachment of the surgeon lift to a surgical table, the surgical table comprising an assembly comprising a power source for receiving the connector, and one or more controllers for automatically controlling the position of the lift relative to the surgical table in the x, y, and z dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Abacus Innovations, Inc
    Inventors: Miriam Machovic Basic, Howard S Mellin, Faranak Sarbaz
  • Patent number: 8985275
    Abstract: A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Solhjem, Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8944217
    Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform is provided. The system incorporates at least one hoist attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with a hoist control system that may have a data transmitter to transmit data to a remote location, a data receiver to receive data from the remote location, and/or a monitoring and diagnostic system to monitor and record at least one of a plurality of operating characteristics of the hoist. The hoist control system may also include a GPS tracking device that transmit a hoist location and may prevent operation of the motor if the hoist location is not in an authorized area of operation. The hoist control system may further include a safety lock out system that requires authentication of an operator prior to the hoist control system causing movement of the hoist system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sky Climber, LLC
    Inventors: George M. Anasis, Robert E. Eddy, Gary E. Ingram, Joan-Francois De Smedt, Hui Li
  • Publication number: 20150008073
    Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift having a basket with controls which permit an operator standing in the basket to manoeuvre the basket. The safety device comprises an alarm, a switch activation device proximate to the controls and two solenoid operated relays, one connected with a normally-closed manually operable emergency switch means which is operable to cut electrical supply and prevent further movement of the basket, and one connected with a foot operable safety switch, which must be held closed by an operator to activate the controls. Each relay is held in a closed condition (switch on) unless caused to change to an open condition (switch off) to cut electrical supply. The relays are controlled by a programmable control box connected to the switch activation device, foot switch and alarm. The control box causes the alarm to operate in accordance with the condition of the foot operable safety switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: BLUESKY SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Cummings, Kevin Gale
  • Patent number: 8863899
    Abstract: A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Solhjem, Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8851236
    Abstract: A safety lockout system for releasably locking a mast guided working surface to a mast is provided. The safety lockout system may include an outer rollcase, an inner rollcase, and a lockout assembly. The lockout assembly includes a retractable dog that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lockout assembly may include a dog release device that operates both manually and automatically to move the retractable dog from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Automatic operation of the dog release device is triggered when the working surface experiences a tilted condition. A dog emergency release device may be provided to manually move the retractable dog to the disengaged position in the event of a malfunction. The lockout assembly may include a lockout assembly locking device that allows a portion of the lockout assembly to fold up and move the retractable dog to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sky Climber, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Burchfield, Robert E. Eddy
  • Patent number: 8763757
    Abstract: A ladder climbing apparatus is provided for use with a ladder having a plurality of rungs. The ladder climbing apparatus includes a frame, a prime mover mounted to the frame and a power supply electrically connected to the prime mover. A pulley system is mounted to the frame, and is mechanically connected to the prime mover. At least two drive belts are configured so that each of the drive belts pass around the pulley system, and the drive belts are connected to the prime mover by the pulley system. A plurality of gripper elements are attached to each of the drive belts. The ladder climbing apparatus is configured so that a portion of the plurality of gripper elements are in contact with at least four rungs of the ladder during an ascent or descent, so that weight is distributed over the at least four rungs of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dustin Cory Zwirn
  • Publication number: 20140166399
    Abstract: A stepless ladder is provided that may comprise a frame adapted to support the weight of a user, a track attached to a portion of the frame, an escalating member attached to the track, the escalating member for supporting the weight of the user, and an escalating means adapted to raise and lower the escalating member along the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G. Duff
  • Patent number: 8733509
    Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system powered by an input power source for raising a work platform on a rope. The system includes a hoist having a motor that drives a traction mechanism designed to cooperate with the rope, and a reactive power reducing input power system in electrical communication with the motor and the constant frequency input power source. The reactive power reducing input power system includes an AC-DC converter and a regulator system, wherein the regulator system is in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor. The system may include an isolation system to electrically isolate the DC-AC inverter from the motor when the DC-AC inverter is not transmitting power to the motor. The system may accept multiple alternating current voltage sources including both single phase and three phase sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sky Climber LLC
    Inventors: James Bonanno, Robert E. Eddy
  • Patent number: 8706363
    Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Stratton, Troy K. Becicka, Michael Taylor, Thandava K. Edara
  • Patent number: 8627925
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to work platforms, and, more particularly, to a work platform for use with a lift truck to elevate personnel safely and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Webster
  • Publication number: 20130319792
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for providing high electrical resistance for an upper control assembly (including control handles) of an aerial lift are provided through an isolation member that is integral to the upper control assembly and interposed between fluid lines in the control assembly and a set of fluid conduits that extend from the control assembly towards other portions of the aerial lift. The isolation member is a dielectric element that comprises a manifold that is made of material that is substantially electrically non-conductive, and that has a plurality of through-holes or hoses configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the isolation member into and out of the fluid lines and conduits. These methods, systems and apparatuses are preferably used in upper control assemblies of aerial platforms that can carry one or more operators in order to prevent such operators from electrocution when controlling the lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: James Randall Christian, Andrew Keith Palican
  • Publication number: 20130206505
    Abstract: An emergency rescue system for installation on tall buildings comprising an especially designed vertical rail on which a cab module moves up and down, propelled by a lightweight motor. The cab can hold over 1,000 pounds (e.g. six to seven persons). By itself, the cab weighs about 200 pounds and can be operated by a single person, is capable of moving very quickly, and preferably utilizes a small gasoline propelled engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Julien Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8505688
    Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes an overload clutch that slips upon an overload on the lift system, an overrun brake that prevents the lift system from running beyond a fully lowered position and that prevents the lift system from running if the platform is hung up, and an emergency brake. The lift system is safe and lightweight and is effective for controlling a position of the work platform on the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey George Campbell, Hugh Lithgow Stark, Alexander (Sandy) McKechran Hardie McNeil, Frank Fornasari
  • Patent number: 8434594
    Abstract: A highly stable rotating platform with a base, a roller deck assembly on top of the base, and a shooting deck coupled to the roller deck via leg assemblies. The leg assemblies contain two vertical members with an angled cross member between the vertical members providing strength and stability. Bi-directional, unrestricted rotation of the roller deck assembly and shooting deck (in an unlimited number of degrees—e.g. multiple rotations) is accomplished by wheels in the roller deck which rotate around, and to the outside of, a safety guide attached to the base. The wheels may protrude through the top of the roller deck permitting the operator to precisely, easily, and smoothly rotate the roller deck and shooting deck by only moving his/her foot on the protruding wheel thereby not substantially changing their position relative to the shooting deck. The wheels may also be cambered and/or crowned to add lateral stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Waterloo Outdoor Products
    Inventor: Charles D Zinsmeyer
  • Patent number: 8418810
    Abstract: A collapsible man-lift for use in the hollow tower portion of a wind turbine includes a support frame assembly, a foldable floor assembly and a collapsible cage assembly. The support frame assembly includes a sub-assembly built in a triangular shape. The foldable floor assembly and the collapsible cage assembly are connected to the triangular sub-assembly portion of the support frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Barr Fabication LLC
    Inventor: Hugh C. Barr
  • Publication number: 20130081352
    Abstract: A system useful for dressing out or performing maintenance or other work on a structure in a vertical position includes an elevator system emplaced around the perimeter of the structure, the elevator system including at least three elevators, each having an elevator mast and an elevator cab, the elevator masts interconnected such that the elevator system is freestanding; a control station for controlling and maintaining the elevation of the elevator cabs; a scaffolding/platform system attached to the elevator cabs and providing a work surface that may travel to an elevation proximate an upper portion of the structure, the elevation of work surface controllable using the control station and determined by the elevation of the elevator cabs; the elevator cabs being positionable at various elevations to allow for work to be performed on the structure. The systems may be used for construction, modification, and repair of various vertical structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON COMPANY
    Inventors: William Owens, Don Baugh
  • Publication number: 20130075196
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval apparatus for storing loads in and for retrieving loads from storage locations on a rack, in particular a high-bay rack, has a displaceable base body which has a support structure on which a vertically displaceable load-carrying is mounted. The storage and retrieval apparatus also has a personnel platform which is mounted on the base body. The invention, the personnel platform is vertically displaceable independently of the load-carrying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GaUp GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias UPMEYER, Andreas Gartemann
  • Patent number: 8403112
    Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system having reduced reactive power to produce a hoist system power factor of at least 0.95 when operating at a steady state full-load condition as the motor raises the work platform. The hoist system power factor takes into account all the power consuming devices of the suspension work platform hoist system as well as a suspended conductor system that connects the constant frequency input power source to the hoist, which is often in excess of several hundred feet. The hoist system power factor may be achieved by incorporating a reactive power reducing input power system into the suspension work platform hoist system. The reactive power reducing input power system decreases the magnitude of the reactive power of the motor producing a high hoist system power. The reactive power reducing input power system may include an AC-DC converter and a regulator system in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sky Climber LLC
    Inventors: James Bonanno, Robert E. Eddy
  • Patent number: 8333263
    Abstract: This implement attaches to the hydraulic system of a front-end loader for a tractor or similar vehicle. It has two planar surfaces, a deck and a back, that are fastened together at an approximately 90 degree angle. The deck is constructed primarily of wooden or synthetic boards or sheets, supported below or above by two or more steel angle irons or channel irons bolted to the boards or sheets. The back consists of a similar combination of boards or sheets, irons, and bolts, with a grill or strips possibly replacing some boards or sheets in the upper part. Each deck support is fastened to a back support using one or two steel braces or gussets, bolted or welded to the supports. Two steel yokes are fastened to the back, suitable for attaching the carrier to the front-end loader hydraulics. The carrier can be lifted and tilted by the front-end loader system, just as the system would do with its normal bucket attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: William Edward Wright
  • Patent number: 8316994
    Abstract: The invention is a battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for vertically raising and lowering a load along a substantially vertical structure. The vertical lift assembly comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by any suitable connecting means. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide, and a platform, which supports the load, is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by a suitable drive mechanism, whereby the load, supported on the platform, is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. Preferably, the drive mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage comprises a DC motor, powering a gear unit that is operatively connected to a sprocket, with the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage. A sprocket engaging chain is attached to a surface of the vertical guide, with the chain extending the length of the vertical guide. A battery on the platform powers the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Elevated Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Rands, Michael S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8292039
    Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey George Campbell, Hugh Lithgow Stark, Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil, Frank Fornasari
  • Patent number: 8056677
    Abstract: This lift system serves as a powered ladder having a small footprint. The system is divided into two subchasses with a mast fixedly attached to a first subchassis for support of a liftable platform which may carry a human operator. Maneuverability is accomplished by a virtual articulating joint between the two subchasses. The joint comprises hydraulic cylinders operating in conjunction with wheel struts to form a three-point support. Articulation enables the lift system to be adjusted on sloped or uneven terrain to maintain the mast in a vertical orientation. One use of the lift system is to carry a fruit picker into an orchard or vineyard and to position the picker to work efficiently. The lift system may carry a robot and may be controlled either locally or remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Roberts Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Roberts, Fred K. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8016074
    Abstract: A platform for an aerial lift enables unobstructed access to a work area adjacent the platform. The platform includes a floor structure with front and rear sides and ends, and a safety rail disposed along at least the front side. The safety rail includes an entry gate. A lift gate is pivotably attached to the safety rail and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lift gate includes a gate rail extending along the rear side of the floor structure and a pair of lift rails connected between the gate rail and the safety rail. The gate rail is pivotable relative to the lift rails between an extended position and a retracted position. In this manner, the lift gate can be raised without the gate rail impacting the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip John Black, Christopher A. Haught, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20110198154
    Abstract: A step stool includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an actuator, and a coupler. The inner frame includes two inner pillars, and the outer frame includes two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars. The actuator is coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and is operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame. The coupler couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Dean Worley
  • Publication number: 20110180349
    Abstract: This order picker (2) for preparing orders comprises a motor-driven mobile chassis (4), a platform, elevator means (10) for elevating the platform relative to the chassis (4), a load support tray (200) for supporting loads in the vicinity of the platform, and a safety guardrail around the periphery of the platform. The tray (200) is secured to a portion (150, 160) of the guardrail that is movable in translation, along a longitudinal axis (X-X?) of the order picker (2), between a first position, in which the moving portion (150, 160) extends to a first distance (d1) from a front edge (124) of the deck of the platform, and a second position, in which the moving portion (150, 160) extends to a second distance from the front edge (124). The first distance (d1) is strictly greater than the second distance. The tray (200) is movable between a first position, in which it extends horizontally above the deck of the platform, and a second position, in which it is folded away in a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: HAULOTTE GROUP
    Inventor: Slaheddine BEJI
  • Patent number: 7975807
    Abstract: A portable elevator climbing system removably attachable to a cantilevered overhang on an adjacent structure, whereby an elevator car travels up and down a plurality of roller chains. The roller chains are engaged with sprockets and guide rollers attached to an axle driven by a motor. The orientation and alignment of the sprockets, guide rollers and roller chains provide for a stable elevator car and for a system free of backlash in both directions. The elevator climbing system includes a dampening assembly to control the rate of decent in the event of transmission, motor or other failure. The elevator climbing system may be controlled so that the start and stop of the motor is coordinated with the release and application of a braking assembly. The efficiency of the elevator climbing system may be varied by adjusting the offset between the sprockets and the guide rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel H. Franklin
  • Patent number: 7909139
    Abstract: The present invention is a powered lift platform including a platform, at least one guide rail section in operative contact with the platform, each of the at least one guide rail sections comprising at least one guide rail and in which a first end of each of the guide rail sections is configured to removably attach to a second end of a second guide rail section. The invention also includes a lift mechanism supported by the platform, a lift guide in operative contact with the lift mechanism and attached to the upper portion of the upper guide rail, a power supply to operate the lift mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel is operatively attached to the powered lift platform. Also presented is a method for securing the powered lift platform to a columnar-like support. Also presented is an extendable standoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Lewis J. Blue, William E. Meier
  • Patent number: 7857097
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame scaffold with a mechanically operated sliding support, as well as methods of assembling, using and disassembling a frame scaffold using the sliding support are disclosed. The apparatus provides for at least one individual to vertically ascend and/or descend along the perimeter of frame scaffold by mechanical operation. The operator of the apparatus is in close proximity to the scaffold. The apparatus does not require the support of an additional structure (i.e., it is self-supporting). The apparatus provides improved safety and efficiency in the assembly and disassembly of frame scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Evinger, Chris Long