Abstract: The invention relates to an in-ground lifting system and corresponding method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one or more lifts including at least one moveable lift; a support structure for mounting the one or more lifts in a pit; a moving drive configured for moving the one or more moveable lifts in the pit; a lifting drive configured for lifting one or more of the lifts for raising and/or lowering the vehicle; and a cover configured for covering the pit. The cover includes a number of cover elements. An individual cover element extends in a width direction of the pit. The cover elements are configured to move between a pit covering state and a lift moving state such that the one or more moveable lifts pass over and/or by the cover elements. The cover elements move when one of the one or more moveable lifts moving through the pit is approaching.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to techniques for positioning an autonomous vehicle for sensor calibration. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for positioning an autonomous vehicle along a first axis on a platform in a predetermined environment using guide rails, positioning the autonomous vehicle along a second axis on the platform using one or more elevated platform features, inserting one or more lifting alignment pins of a lifting mechanism into one or more sockets located on an underbody of the autonomous vehicle, and positioning the autonomous vehicle along a third axis using the lifting mechanism. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular pit structure for an inground lifting system. The pit structure includes: a first end part; a second end part; at least one intermediate part, wherein the at least one intermediate part has a length, a width and a height; and a frame configured to be placed in an assembled pit structure. After assembling of a pit, the length of the intermediate part extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the first and second end parts and an interlock between adjacent parts of the pit structure extends in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A lifting system and method of use thereof for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one or more lifting devices. Each lifting device includes a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier, a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller that is configured for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, and a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier. The central controller includes a transmitter/receiver for communication with the individual lifting devices and a processor for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices. The central controller and/or at least one of the lifting devices includes a user input. The central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting devices.

Abstract: The invention is a planar motion mechanism with a mechanical end effector. The mechanism has a vertical slide table that moves along one or more vertical tracks. The vertical slide table includes one or more horizontal tracks, an arcuate guide rail parallel to the horizontal tracks, and a horizontal slide table that moves along the horizontal tracks. The horizontal slide table comprises an end effector, which is a suspended perpendicular arm with a lip on the bottom edge that supports a load. The end effector, when unloaded, follows the path of the arcuate guide rail as the horizontal slide table moves along the one or more horizontal tracks. In this way, the end effector engages the load in positions near the edge of the arcuate guide rail, but in central positions along the arcuate guide rail, the end effector is distanced from the load so that it can freely maneuver.

Abstract: Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. The lift system can incorporate enhanced wireless communication features such as the ability to automatically scan a plurality of communication channels, determine a clearest communication channel, and use the clearest communication channel for wireless communication.

Abstract: A manufacturing fixture process, and associated device for practicing the disclosed process, includes supporting a component during manufacturing by at least one rest pad, and sensing and transmitting a force signal exerted on the rest pad by the component during manufacturing by at least one sensor associated with the at least one rest pad. The process further includes clamping the component onto the rest pad by a clamping component configured to rigidly hold the component, receiving and monitoring the force exerted on the rest pad by a force monitoring system configured to receive and monitor the signal indicating the force exerted on the rest pad, as well as determine whether the force exerted on the rest pad is within a predetermined range, exceeds the predetermined range, and/or is below the predetermined range, and outputting the force exerted on the rest pad with an output device.

Abstract: Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. The lift system can incorporate enhanced touch screen-enabled functionalities and/or enhanced wireless communication features.

Abstract: A device for monitoring tension equalization and displacement adjustment states of steel wire ropes of a multi-rope hoister includes a displacement sensor mounted on a steel wire rope tension equalization device, a signal acquisition transmitter designed to store and transmit signals of the displacement sensor, a barometric altimeter designed to detect the depth of a mine shaft where a hoisting container is located, and a wireless receiving and processing system arranged at the well mouth of the mine shaft.

Abstract: A scissor lift includes a base, a platform, a plurality of pivotally connected scissor links, a support column, and a locking actuator. The platform has a fixed horizontal orientation and being movable between a first elevation and a second elevation. The scissor links are arranged in a crisscross pattern and operatively connecting the base and the platform. The lift actuator is pivotally attached to at least one of the scissor links to selectively raise and lower the platform along a lift path. The support column extends alongside the lift path and positioned adjacent to the platform. The locking actuator is fixed to an underside of the platform and includes a piston member extendable toward the support column to operatively connect the platform with the support column when the platform is raised at the second elevation so that the platform is supported by the support column in the fixed horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering vehicles or the like, including a support which is movable up and down and on which a load receiver is provided, the load receiver having at least one supporting arm. An articulated connection is formed between the supporting arm and an add-on part and once the add-on part is oriented in an angular position with respect to the supporting arm, the add-on part and the supporting arm are mountable and fixable with respect to each other by a toothed element, a blocking element and a lock pin.

Abstract: A braking system for an elevator includes a brake disc and one or more sets of brake calipers interactive with the brake disc. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the one or more brake calipers. The hydraulic brake unit includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc. An elevator includes a car, one or more sheaves, and a suspension member connected to the car and routed over the sheaves. A machine drives motion of the elevator car. A braking system located at the machine includes a brake disc and one or more brake calipers. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the brake calipers and includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc.

Abstract: Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. Each lift of the lift system can include multiple microprocessors that communicate with one another and perform separate functions. The multiple microprocessors associated with each lift can include a control microprocessor configured to process information related to the lift control system and a communication microprocessor configured to process wireless communication information.

Abstract: A jack and dolly assembly and system including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending along the shaft and an interior hollow; a reversible drive mechanism at least partially positioned in the interior hollow of the shaft; a proximal arm removably secured to the shaft and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a distal arm removably secured to the drive mechanism, the distal arm being spaced from and substantially parallel to the proximal arm; wherein the reversible drive mechanism is operable to move the distal arm along the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle lift system includes a support structure having a top surface for supporting a vehicle supported by the vehicle lift system, and at least one lighting module. The lighting module is mounted to the top surface of the support structure. The lighting module is configured to illuminate a region of the vehicle, for example, but not limited to, the underside of the vehicle. The lighting module can be mounted generally flush relative to the top surface of the support structure. In a vehicle wheel alignment lift system, the lighting module can be disposed adjacent a movable support surface of the wheel runway apparatus to provide illumination during wheel alignment procedures.

Abstract: A lifting bracket assembly is disclosed. The lifting bracket assembly includes a motor, a pair of gear heads mechanically coupled to the motor such that each of the gear heads is coupled to a jack screw connector, a first and second jack screw, wherein each of the jack screws is coupled to one of the jack screw connectors and one of the gear heads, a first lifting bracket rotatably coupled to the first jack screw, a second lifting bracket rotatably coupled to the second jack screw, wherein the first and second jacks screws are different, a first guide tube fixedly coupled at a first end to the first lifting bracket and coupled to a first rail beam at a second end, and a second guide tube fixedly coupled at a first end to the second lifting bracket and coupled to a second rail beam at a second end.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

Abstract: A hoist for vehicles having two lifting columns arranged at both sides of a vehicle, each having two support arms that are supported in a horizontally pivotal and longitudinally adjustable fashion at their lifting column, and each having at their free end a support plate. These support plates are positionable at support positions underneath a vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer by an appropriate movement of the support arm. The manufacturer support positions are saved as target positions according to corresponding vehicle model in a data memory of the hoist, and coordinates of actual positions of the support plates are determined by measurements and perhaps calculations. A computer makes a comparison between the target and actual coordinates, and enables a lifting process of the support arms only when differences between the target and the actual coordinates are within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. The lift system can incorporate enhanced touch screen-enabled functionalities, enhanced multi-processor architectures, and/or enhanced emergency stop features.

Abstract: A fixture for machine tools and the like includes a base member and first and second workpiece support units that are movably connected to the base member and define a space therebetween. The fixture includes a drive assembly that is operably connected to the workpiece support units to move the first and second workpiece support units towards and away from one another. The workpiece support units each include a wedge member extending toward the space between the workpiece support units. The wedge members include opposed engagement surfaces that taper towards one another for engaging slots in opposite ends of a workpiece. Each of the workpiece support units also includes a clamp for clamping a workpiece as it engages the wedge members.

Abstract: A power train handler having a first inverted T-shaped stand and a second inverted T-shaped stand the height of each of which is preferably independently adjustable. A T-shaped support is slidably attached to the upper end of each inverted T-shaped stand. Either an inverted U-shaped tip plate is rotationally balanced on a T-shaped support or a slotted bar having rotationally mounted arms is attached to the T-shaped support. Preferably, wheels are attached to the bottom of the inverted T-shaped stands; and, preferably, the inverted T-shaped stands are releasably, slidably, and lockably connected to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle lift system includes a support structure having a top surface for supporting a vehicle supported by the vehicle lift system, and at least one lighting module. The lighting module is mounted to the top surface of the support structure. The lighting module is configured to illuminate a region of the vehicle, for example, but not limited to, the underside of the vehicle. The lighting module can be mounted generally flush relative to the top surface of the support structure. In a vehicle wheel alignment lift system, the lighting module can be disposed adjacent a movable support surface of the wheel runway apparatus to provide illumination during wheel alignment procedures.

Abstract: An automotive lift typically includes a plurality of posts, a lift platform and a cable system for raising the lift platform. Various components including sliders slidably mounted on the posts are external to the posts, which facilitates visual inspection and repair of these components and provides for stronger posts. The configuration of the lift also allows the lift to sit on a floor without fasteners such as anchor bolts extending into the floor.

Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.

Abstract: A machine for lifting and/or rotating a vehicle or other object, comprising two or more column assemblies generally located on opposite sides of the vehicle or other object. Each assembly comprises a base, a support column, a lifting mechanism, optionally a cross beam connected to the lifting mechanism, and one or more transfer beams that transfer vehicle or object loads to the column assemblies directly or via the cross beams. All loads are transferred substantially in the planes of the lifting mechanisms. the lift may be mounted on rollers and casters and, thus, movable; fastening of the lift to a floor is not required.

Abstract: A vehicle lift system comprises a vehicle lift and one or more laser modules. The vehicle lift includes one or more lifting members that are operable to selectively raise and lower a vehicle. The laser modules are operable to emit at least one laser beam to provide a visual indicator on a vehicle positioned relative to the one or more lifting members. The vehicle lift may include any type of lift. The visual indicator may include a line, crosshairs, target, dot, or anything else, including combinations and patterns. The visual indicator may flash or remain solid. The visual indicator may be any color (e.g., green). One or more sensors may provide activation and/or de-activation of the laser modules in response to sensing the presence of a vehicle. An operator may view the visual indicator on the vehicle to confirm proper positioning of the vehicle relative to the lifting members.

Abstract: There is provided a compact cantilever platform elevator for lifting and storing goods such as small vehicles overheads for space saving. The platform elevator comprises i) an upright frame having first and second elongated upright members provided with a longitudinal track and an elongated generally orthogonal leg at their lower end, and connected to each other at an upper end thereof by an elongated hoisting box having an axial rotatable shaft for driving first and second hoisting assemblies having respectively a first and a second slender hoisting member extending from a lower end thereof and vertically movable in response to rotation of the shaft, and ii) a cantilever platform connected to the hoisting members and comprising a generally horizontal supporting surface and first and second lateral upright runners adapted to snugly glide in respective first and second tracks of the upright members.

Abstract: A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system to measure an orientation of one or more vehicle supporting surfaces of a vehicle lift system, and to measure and compensate one or more vehicle measurements relative to the vehicle supporting surface of the vehicle lift system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a lifting system (11) for lifting loads, particularly vehicles, in which for lifting a load (14), the lifting movement is initiated by a starting phase, and lifting devices (12) are individually driven in the starting phase. Load holding means (18) of the lifting devices (12) are raised until a pre-set minimum load is detected by the pressure sensor (24), and the load holding means (18) are raised by a pre-selectable displacement distance in a load recognition phase of the lifting process following the starting phase, and after the pre-selected displacement distance is passed through, a load inquiry is carried out and the determined load is stored as a reference value for the further lifting process.

Abstract: A padded sleeve made from a durable and resilient material, capable of being secured to an automobile lifting arm. The padded sleeve is removable, yet securely attachable so that it remains in place during use. The sleeve includes a rubber grip that covers the top of the automotive lifting arm, providing a tactile surface for secure footing on top of the lifting arm.

Abstract: An in-ground lift (10) is provided with a condensate scavenging system (30) that includes a pump (32) and a control (34) that is connected to the pump (32) and configured to selectively switch the pump (32) between a non-pumping state wherein the pump (32) is inactive and a pumping state wherein the pump (32) is expelling condensate from the base structure (12) of the lift (10). It is preferred that the control (34) be configured so that the pump (32) automatically switches between the non-pumping state and the pumping state in response to a predetermined change of state in the in-ground vehicle lift (10).

Abstract: A mobile mounting and maintenance center intended to be set up on a free space such as a parking lot of a hypermarket in order to carry out the mounting of tires and the peripheral maintenance of automobiles. The center comprises a first stall (10) and a second stall (12) connected by a roof (14) and separated by a space under the roof in which an automobile is positioned, which first stall is constituted by a first zone for the mounting of tires on the automobile and by a second zone for carrying out operations of peripheral maintenance on another automobile at the same time.

Abstract: A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position includes a platform, which includes a step surface, configured to ascend and descend between a base position and the elevated entry position, wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform, and wherein the ascending and descending proceeds along an axis substantially orthogonal to the step surface. The device may further include a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the machine and the platform.

Abstract: A lift apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, a lift apparatus may comprise a support frame and a platform movably coupled to the support frame. Further, the platform may comprise at least one roller and a transmission connected to the at least one roller of the assembly, wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes the platform to move relative to the support frame. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of moving a wheelchair lift. Particularly, a wheelchair may be positioned such that at least one wheel of the wheelchair contacts a drive mechanism of a platform, wherein platform is positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform to move relative to the initial position.

Abstract: A vehicle support system runway with a movable surface for supporting the wheels of a vehicle in such a manner as to permit a limited range of translational motion about a centered position, having an automatic centering and locking system. The centering and locking system is configured to releasably secure the movable surface in a locked configuration at a centered position, in response to a remote command.

Abstract: A padded end cap made of resilient material for cushioning the end of lifting hoist arms of automotive lifts. One embodiment of this solid body cushioning apparatus (10) contains a plurality of vertical and horizontal attachment surfaces to affix the apparatus to the substantially square or rectangular end of a vehicle lifting arm. Another solid body embodiment provides at least one concave attachment surface to affix the cushioning apparatus to the substantially cylindrical, circular or semi-circular end of a vehicle lifting arm.

Abstract: A lift with a multiple locking position safety leg includes a lift bed for engaging in objects to be lifted together with a fluid cylinder to be connected to the lift bed and extendable and retractable to move the lift bed between two extreme positions including a fully lowered position and a fully raised position. A latching mechanism is provided for holding the lift bed in any of a plurality of positions between the extreme positions and includes a plurality of vertically spaced latches operated by gravity to move to latching positions, one for each of the plurality of positions, and a single actuator for simultaneously moving and holding each of the latches against gravity from the latching positions to allow the lift bed to be moved to the fully lowered position. Also disclosed is a kit for retrofitting existing lifts with the safety leg.

Abstract: A lift having a safety lock system includes a mast that may be supported by a base, and a frame that can be lifted or lowered along the mast. The safety lock system includes a first support beam that is located adjacent to the mast and a second support beam that is located opposite the first support beam relative to the mast. The safety lock system also includes a first lock and a second lock. Each of the first lock and the second lock are operable between a plurality of locked positions and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first lock is engaged with the first support beam to lock the lift frame to the first support beam, and the second lock is engaged with the second support beam to lock the lift frame to the second support beam. Each of the first lock and the second lock can be placed in the unlocked position, wherein the lift frame can be freely lifted or lowered relative to the mast.

Abstract: A lifting platform for motor vehicles has at least one extendable lifting column that is formed by a tubular jacket and a lifting cylinder unit arranged at least partially therein. The upper end of the lifting cylinder unit supports a load receptacle. The tubular jacket and the lifting cylinder unit are air-tightly connected to one another and form a compressed air storage chamber between the inner wall of the tubular jacket and the outer wall of the lifting cylinder unit. The compressed air storage chamber is provided with a compressed air supply connector and, in the upper end area, with a compressed air outlet connector. The lifting device is preferably an underfloor lifting platform with hydraulic cylinders. A check valve is arranged in the filling direction upstream of the compressed air supply connector.

Abstract: A storage device for off-floor storage, including a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area, a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis, a platform movably connected to the vertical support member, and a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform. The lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis. The base is decoupled from the floor.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a portable vehicle lift for elevating a motor vehicle. The lift includes spaced apart beams which are positioned under the vehicle, each beam has a plurality of hinged strut pairs, each with associated threaded collars. Strut pairs are moved together or apart by directionally rotating a threaded shaft through the threaded collars. Supplemental lift springs may be positioned along the shaft to selectively engage and urge the strut pairs during operation.

Abstract: An underdeck pontoon lift system for supporting pontoons of various sizes in a stable manner. The underdeck pontoon lift system includes a base structure, a plurality of front lifting jacks and a rear lifting jack pivotally attached to the base structure, a support bed pivotally attached to the lifting jacks, a front structure extending from the base structure, and an elevating unit for manipulating the lifting jacks. The lifting jacks preferably have an inverted U-shaped base member with a pair of support members extending upwardly, where the width of the support members is less than the width of the base member. The lifting jacks are preferably attached to cross members that extend between side members of the base structure. The support bed preferably has a rear tapered portion for assisting in the loading of a pontoon.

Abstract: A vehicle lift control maintains multiple points of a lift system within the same horizontal plane during vertical movement of the lift engagement structure by synchronizing the movement thereof. A vertical trajectory is compared to actual positions to generate a raise signal. A position synchronization circuit synchronizes the vertical actuation of the moveable lift components by determining a proportional-integral error signal.

Abstract: An in-ground lifting system and method are provided that is operable for raising a structure and its foundation at least several feet. In one presently preferred embodiment, the method is utilized to raise the structure above any anticipated flood levels to thereby prevent future flooding of the structure. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of excavations are formed underneath the foundation, such as with a hydro-excavator. A sleeve with seal members and hydraulic lines is installed and aligned within each excavation. Hardenable material is poured outside the sleeve to form a cylinder. Hardenable material is poured inside the sleeve to form a piston. Fluid is pumped through the hydraulic lines to lift the structure and the foundation.

Abstract: An operating device for a lifting platform, particularly for a vehicle lifting platform, includes a housing including a plurality of operating elements for operating the lifting platform. The housing is arranged in the floor in a sunken manner and includes a cover disposed on the floor level, in which the operating elements formed as foot switches are disposed.

Abstract: A modular inground lift is supported by the lift bay floor. The lift includes self contained modules which have their own power units. A telescoping cylinder and locking leg allow the depth of the lift to be shallower than before. The use of VFD to control the motors allows monitoring of the loads, both during raising and lowering. The modular lift includes integral rebar to provide the structural connection with the lift bay floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.