Having Specific Drive Means For Support Patents (Class 187/210)
  • Patent number: 11629037
    Abstract: A cable can be suspended from a mobile lift column. A bracket may be used and include one or more hangers on which the cables extending between the individual mobile lift columns may be suspended. In this way, the cables are elevated from the floor and work surface and no longer present a tripping hazard for personnel in the work area nor an obstacle over which equipment must roll during the servicing of the vehicle. Advantageously, the brackets may be individually mounted to each lift column as original equipment when the column is purchased or as a retrofit improvement to existing lift columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: ARI Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gareth Y. Hudson
  • Patent number: 11613452
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lift which is equipped with a safety assembly preventing a load-carrier arm to pivot once the vehicle is being lifted. The vehicle lift includes a lifting post which has a base, an upward post extending from the base, a carriage which is slidably and operatively mounted to the post structure, as well as a pivotable load-carrier arm pivotally mounted to the carriage for providing a support to the vehicle being lifted. Pivot of the arm provides positioning and adjustment beneath the vehicle. The vehicle lift further includes an arm restraint coupled to the load-carrier arm. The arm restraint is configured to operate between a released configuration, where a portion of the arm restraint engages with the base, thereby allowing the load-carrier arm to pivot, and a locked configuration, where the arm restraint is positioned above the base, thereby preventing the load-carrier arm from pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANADA HYDRAULIQUE EQUIPEMENT INC.
    Inventors: Luc Mailhot, Normand Mitchell, Stéphane Jean
  • Patent number: 11220415
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting device, lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting device includes a frame with a moveable carrier that is configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a height sensing system that is configured for directly and/or indirectly measuring the height of the carrier; and a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the carrier at a desired height, including a moveable locking element capable of locking and unlocking the carrier. The locking mechanism includes a lock sensor for measuring the position of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Bernhard Stapensea
  • Patent number: 10793409
    Abstract: A control system detects a loaded state for a lifting device. The control system receives a current load value from a load sensor corresponding to a load on the lifting device and compares the current load value from a previously received load value to determine a change in load. The control system receives a current displacement value from a displacement sensor corresponding to a displacement of the lifting device and compares the current displacement value with a previously received displacement value to determine a change in displacement. The control system compares the change in load with the change in displacement to determine a current load slope. The lifting device in identified in a loaded state based on a comparison of the current load slope with a load slope threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ENTRO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Unger
  • Patent number: 10427923
    Abstract: A central column allowing a 360° rotation on its central axis comprises mechanical safety locks and load sensors for safe operation in vertical and horizontal movements. The central rotating column may be part of a mounting and dismounting system for mining truck dump bodies and water truck bodies, providing two adjacent working areas. The lifting system for dump bodies of mining trucks and bodies of water trucks comprises a vertically adjustable mechanical lock; a spring-actuated automatic lock horizontally holding the column in position; an automatic rotation lock preventing the column from rotating while in operation; a toothed crown and pinion assembly integrated to the rotating base and allowing a 360° movement, and a load sensor preventing the horizontal movement of the column under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Patricio Francisco Gimenez Vergara
  • Patent number: 10377611
    Abstract: A scissor lift with a height sensor system includes a scissors assembly including at least one scissor leg configured to lower and raise a platform, an angle sensor configured to sense the angular position of a pivot pin about which the scissor leg pivots, and a processor configured to calculate a height of the platform from the angular position sensed by the angle sensor. The processor may also be configured to control the lift actuator in response to the height of the platform calculated from the angular position sensed by the angular sensor. The angle sensor may be a magnetic angle sensor configured to sense the angle of a magnetic angular marker attached to the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCE LIFTS, INC.
    Inventor: Evaldas Latvys
  • Patent number: 10081524
    Abstract: A vehicle lift comprising a vertically-orientated column and a pair of swing arms vertically-shiftable with respect to the post. The swing arms are configured to rotate with respect to the column. The vehicle lift additionally includes a sensor associated with each swing arm. Each sensor is configured to obtain information related to its respective swing arm. Each sensor is also associated with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, with the RFID tag being configured to provide power to its respective sensor. The vehicle lift further includes a system controller in communication with the sensors and configured to control the vehicle lift based on the information obtained by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Rucker, Ryan Herzog, Larry M. Jaipaul, Raymond W. Karleskint
  • Patent number: 10000367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a lift system (19, 20, 21) that has at least two single-post lifts (11, 22-28), each of which comprises a control unit and a load receiving means (15), each control unit having a transmitter and a receiver. The method has the following steps: selecting a specified number of single-post lifts (11, 22-28) in order to form the lift system (19, 20, 21), starting up the single-post lifts (11, 22-28), and configuring the single-post lifts (11, 22-28) so as to form the lift system (19, 20, 21) by establishing a radio connection between the control units of the single-post lifts (11, 22-28) on a radio channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 9764933
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Macton Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9764934
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Macton Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9593000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Jaipaul, John E. Fagan, David Dwight Sandmann, William R. Keck, Jr., Stephen J. Rucker, Ralph S. McKee
  • Patent number: 8947251
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering loads, having a lifting arrangement, on which a load-bearing member is arrangeable, having a drive arrangement which moves the load-bearing member up and down, having a control arrangement which activates the drive arrangement and one or more lighting arrangements, wherein each lighting arrangement has a working-area lighting and an operating-state-display lighting for displaying at least one operating state, and in that each lighting arrangement is activated by the control arrangement in a working-area lighting mode or an operating-state display lighting mode or in both modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 8752675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle elevator, comprising: at least one carrier with a length direction for carrying a load thereon, such as a vehicle, and a lift under the carrier, which lift comprises at least two rotating components in a single line of assembly, wherein the rotating shaft extends along the line of assembly. The invention also relates to a lift for assembly in a vehicle elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Berends
  • Publication number: 20130270040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle elevator, comprising: at least one carrier with a length direction for carrying a load thereon, such as a vehicle, and a lift under the carrier, which lift comprises at least two rotating components in a single line of assembly, wherein the rotating shaft extends along the line of assembly. The invention also relates to a lift for assembly in a vehicle elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jan Berends
  • Publication number: 20130240300
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GRAY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Fagan, Larry M. Jaipaul, Ralph Sam McKee, Stephen J. Rucker, David Dwight Sandmann, William R. Keck, JR.
  • Patent number: 8387953
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack an include an elevation assembly and a guide bracket. The elevation assembly includes a threaded member and an elongated support member, with the elongated support member configured to threadedly engage and rotate relative to the threaded member. The guide assembly includes a guide bracket configured to engage the threaded member such that the threaded member moves with the guide assembly as the guide assembly moves along a path defined by a longitudinal axis of the elongated support member. This movement raises or lowers a vehicle positioned on the jack. Various embodiments address the assembly of a vehicle jack by engaging a threaded member with an elongated support member and a guide bracket. Rotation of the elongated support member about its longitudinal axis causes the threaded member to move the guide bracket along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: MoJack Distributors, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Vernon Drake
  • Publication number: 20120222916
    Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle lift system includes at least one hydraulic vehicle life and one hydraulic drive unit for lifting and lowering the at least one vehicle life. The hydraulic vehicle lift system is characterized in that the hydraulic vehicle lift system has at least one further hydraulic vehicle lift and at least one further hydraulic drive unit for lifting and lowering the at least one further hydraulic vehicle lift, and in that the hydraulic vehicle lifts can be hydraulically connected to the respective other hydraulic drive unit in order to be lifted and lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROLAND HORNSTEIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Roland Hornstein
  • Patent number: 8251184
    Abstract: Provided is a system, lifting column and method for the energy efficient lifting and lowering of a load, such as a vehicle. The system includes a lifting column having a frame with a movable carrier and a drive which acts on the carrier. The drive includes a power source for power supply to a motor, a pump in an ascent mode driven by the motor and in a decent mode driving the motor as a generator for energy-recovery, and motor control unit for control of the motor. The motor control unit is arranged such that the power supply of the motor is manipulated for speed control of the carrier in at least the ascent mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jurjen Jan De Jong
  • Publication number: 20120018255
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Gross
  • Patent number: 8083034
    Abstract: A lift control interface is operable to control and monitor a lift system. Each lift column in the system has such a lift control interface. The lift control interface allows a user to assign lift columns to a lift system. One or more of the assigned lift columns may be assigned to a column control group. The user may lock the selection of these columns. The status of the assigned, selected, and locked lift columns may appear on every lift control interface in the lift system. The user may govern operation of the selected columns in the column control group from a single control interface, such as any control interface at any of the selected columns. The lift control interfaces may include visual representations showing the relationships between the lift columns and a vehicle, such as with lift column icons being positioned around a vehicle icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Vehicle Service Group, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Bordwell, Robert W. Elliott, David P. Porter, Jason T. Stewart, Michael A. Swartz
  • Patent number: 8028973
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Patent number: 7997387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a four post parking platform for motor vehicles, comprising two longitudinally directed platform tracks (20, 21) for receiving the vehicle, a front and rear transverse member (5, 6) which both are guided on their ends at the posts (1-4) in a vertically displaceable manner, flexible traction cords (27, 28, 28?) which are provided for engaging at the transverse members (5, 6) for raising and lowering the platform tracks and can be wound and unwound on spool bodies (60), a torsionally rigid shaft (19) for connecting the two spool bodies (60) to each other, and with an electrical drive assembly (15) as rotary drive for the two spool bodies (60) and the shaft (19). According to the invention, the drive assembly (15) is mounted to a vertically liftable and lowerable transverse member (6). The shaft (20) is aligned parallel to the platform tracks (20, 21) and rotatably mounted to the two transverse members (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Winfried Rauch, Winfried Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20110088978
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Pierre Tremblay, Jean-François Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20110000745
    Abstract: A motorcycle lift for a wash service bay which is specifically adapted for cleaning motorcycles is provided. The lift includes a lift bed having guide rails and supports for holding a motorcycle on the lift bed. At least one actuator is provided connected to the lift bed and are recessed in a well below the ground level of the wash service bay so that the motorcycle can be moved along the ground level onto the lift bed, where it is then secured in position. Preferably, there are a plurality of actuators that are staged cylinders connected in series for coordinated lifting of the lift bed to raise the motorcycle to an elevated position, to allow easier access for washing and waxing or other cleaning. The actuators are connected to a controller for controlled raising and lowering of the lift bed between a first, ground level position, for loading and unloading the motorcycle, and a second, raised level which provides easier access for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Good
  • Patent number: 7838782
    Abstract: A combination apparatus for weighing an aircraft has a plurality of weight scales, each scale being adapted to be supported by a support surface in a position for receiving landing gear of an aircraft thereon. At least one riser supports at least one scale above the support surface, and the height of each riser is selected to position an aircraft on the scales in a level attitude while a weight of the aircraft is being supported by the landing gear on the scales. At least one scale may be recessed in the support surface, and the height of each riser may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C Hamilton, Michael A. Greene
  • Patent number: 7815017
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Robbin, Juergen Hanf
  • Patent number: 7740109
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vehicle lifting device, having at least two, preferably moveable, lifting columns (1-4), which are controlled wirelessly. When a switch is activated for raising or lowering the lifting device, a corresponding signal is transmitted wirelessly to the lifting columns (1-4) and additional signals, which are representative of the individual lifting movements, are transmitted to a control device (5). In the case of unacceptably high movement differences between individual lifting columns, the normal operation is stopped. Here, it is essential that for monitoring the wireless signal transmission, the control device (5) exchanges control signals with the lifting columns (1-4) continuously, and the reception of these control signals is monitored at least in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Otto Nussbaum GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Felix Möller, Hans Nussbaum
  • Publication number: 20100066278
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, lifting column and method for an energy efficient lifting and lowering a load, such as a vehicle. The system according to the invention comprises: a lifting column comprising a frame with a movable carrier and a drive which acts on the carrier, wherein the drive comprises a power source for power supply to a motor; a pump in an ascent mode driven by the motor and in a decent mode driving the motor as a generator for energy-recovery; and motor control means for control of the motor, the motor control means arranged such that the power supply to the motor is manipulated for speed control of the carrier in at least the ascent mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: STERTIL B.V.
    Inventor: Jurjen Jan De Jong
  • Publication number: 20090188758
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a support arm for a lifting platform, comprising at least one relatively wide support arm (11) and an extension arm (12) telescopically slidable therein, the arms each having torsionally rigid and flexurally stiff hollow profiles, a support bearing (6) at the rear end of the accommodating arm (11) for the pivotable hinging connection to a lifting carriage (5) of a column (2) and a bearing foot (31a) at the free end of the respective extension arm (12). A cost-effective production of support arms in different sizes and shapes is obtained by cutting at least the accommodating arm (11) from a steel panel blank and forming it into a hollow profile and providing it with at least one transverse reinforcement (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang GMBH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Juergen Grotz, Winfried Schmitt, Thomas Deuring
  • Patent number: 7500816
    Abstract: A system is for lifting and lowering an object, such as a vehicle. Such a system includes at least two mobile lifting columns with: a displaceable frame with a standing mast part; a carrier displaceable along the mast part for engaging the object to be lifted; a drive for moving the carrier along the mast part; a control for controlling at least the drive; and communication devices for communicating with at least other lifting columns in the group via a transmission or broadcast path. Further, at least one of the lifting columns in the group includes a selectively user operable selection device for, when actuated, selecting any of the lifting columns from the group for a sub-group. As such, a higher degree of flexibility is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Berends, Jean Dell Amore, Jurjen Jan De Jong
  • Publication number: 20090038889
    Abstract: A non-motorized low cost lift with an attached platform whose platform lifting mechanism is activated by the wheels of a motorized wheelchair, motorcycle, ATV, tiller or other small motorized equipment. A vehicle coupling assembly attached hereto that transports the lift assembly and a safety device that holds the elevated platform and vehicle in place. Whereby a wheelchair, motorcycle, ATV, tiller or other motorized vehicle can be safely attached, quickly elevated and transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph D. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7219770
    Abstract: A coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having support frame, including a post, a carriage, an actuating device, and a control device with a channel selector switch. The carriage is slidably mounted on the post and is configured to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes an RF transceiver to enable communication by RF signals with the other control device. The channel on which the transceiver operates is user selectable in the field. A rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7198135
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: autop Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Naber
  • Patent number: 7163087
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Patrick Putnam
  • Patent number: 7014012
    Abstract: A lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications is provided. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having a post, a carriage, an actuating device and a control device. The carriage is slidably coupled to the post and is adapted to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is coupled with the carriage and is capable of moving the carriage relative to the post. The control device is coupled with the actuating device and is capable of communicating by wireless signals with the other control device. The control devices communicate by wireless signals to coordinate the movement of the carriages relative to the posts to raise or lower the vehicle. Further, a rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gray Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Patent number: 6863159
    Abstract: A lifting platform for vehicles having at least one column, at least one support arm shiftable on the column by vertical guides and having supports. The lifting platform also includes a prime mover having switching and control elements and a transmission disposed between the prime mover and the associated support arm, the transmission having at least one flexible traction cable coupled to a rotating member positioned at the upper end of the respective column and to the associated support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: MAHA Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Winfried Rauch
  • Publication number: 20040206578
    Abstract: The invention refers to a device for storing goods, in particular vehicles, the goods being stored on at least one platform and the platform being guided on guides over a traverse path and means for traverse being provided. By means of the co-operation of the safety means arranged on the guide or device and the platform the platform is protected against undesired movement. The safety means are indicated by at least one locking unit and at least one locking element. The invention is characterised by the fact that the locking unit is rotatable and supported in such a way that the center of gravity of the locking unit is arranged off-center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Norbert Fassler
  • Patent number: 6763916
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Green, David P. Porter
  • Patent number: 6634461
    Abstract: A lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications is provided. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having a post, a carriage, an actuating device and a control device. The carriage is slidably coupled to the post and is adapted to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is coupled with the carriage and is capable of moving the carriage relative to the post. The control device is coupled with the actuating device and is capable of communicating by wireless signals with the other control device. The control devices communicate by wireless signals to coordinate the movement of the carriages relative to the posts to raise or lower the vehicle. Further, a rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Gray Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20020023801
    Abstract: A lifting platform for vehicles having at least one column, at least one support arm shiftable on the column by vertical guides and having supports. The lifting platform also includes a prime mover having switching and control elements and a transmission disposed between the prime mover and the associated support arm, the transmission having at least one flexible traction cable coupled to a rotating member positioned at the upper end of the respective column and to the associated support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Winfried Rauch
  • Patent number: 6315079
    Abstract: A lifting device having separately displaced lifting column with a carriage controllably driven in a longitudinal direction. Connecting lines connect the control of the column. The connecting lines function as part of a digital data bus in order to exchange digital control signals with each lifting column having a separate operation device connected to the connecting lines to provide simultaneous actuation of the control of all lifting columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Berends, Jurjen Jan De Jong
  • Patent number: 6279685
    Abstract: A twin post lift has a master and slave cylinder system in which the maser and slave cylinders each drive a lifting carriage, and each of the lifting carriages is mounted within, and is restricted to longitudinal travel within, an upright member. In the event that there is a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system under load, it is important that the lift be prevented from descending unexpectedly, or uncontrolledly. The upright can be manufactured in the form of a roll formed channel section. The legs of the channel section are formed to define guides for guide followers mounted on the lifting carriage, thereby restraining the travel of the lifting carriages to travel in the vertical direction. The lifting carriage has a rack formed on its back face. The rack is nested within the upright member and is not visible in use. The back of the channel is formed with an outwardly protruding step to accommodate the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hydra-Lift Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eduard Kogan, William S. Ward
  • Patent number: 6164414
    Abstract: An automotive lift apparatus includes a first beam support assembly and a pair of beams supported at first beam ends by the first beam support assembly, wherein each of the beams includes an outward facing beam guide portion and an inward facing guide portion. A pair of ramp/second beam support assemblies are connected to second beam ends of the beams, and each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a second base. A liftable ramp is hingedly connected to the second base, and a ramp lift assembly is connected between the ramp and the second base. The first beam support assembly includes a beam support base and a beam support riser pivotally connected to the beam support base. Each of the ramp lift assemblies includes a ramp-lift hydraulic cylinder connected between the second base and the ramp. Each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a riser link hingedly connected between each of the ramps and the second beam ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Billy G. Duty
  • Patent number: 5954160
    Abstract: A wheel engaging vehicle lift for raising a vehicle relative to the ground and for supporting the vehicle in a raised position includes first and second support columns standing vertically upward from the ground. A first carriage is movably attached to the first support column and a second carriage is movably attached to the second support column. A first pair of arms extend away from the first carriage and a second pair of arms extend away from the second carriage, wherein the first and second pairs of arms are each rotatable about a substantially vertical axis proximate to a first end of the arms. A wheel engaging adapter may be removably secured proximate to an opposite end of the first and second pairs of arms, wherein the adapters are each rotatable about a substantially vertical axis proximate to the second end. The structure of the invention enables a conventional two-post frame engaging lift to be easily and readily converted into a two-post wheel engaging vehicle lift, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mohawk Resources Ltd.
    Inventors: Rickey D. Wells, Sr., Ronald W. Veresko
  • Patent number: 5937972
    Abstract: A stanchion for a transport vehicle formed of a rectilinear body (1) suspended by its upper extremity (2) from an upper linear longitudinal structure (4) integral with the vehicle carriage which can be immobilized while in a working position along a carriage or a chassis of the vehicle. The rectilinear body (1) comprises an upper mechanism (3) for displacement along the upper longitudinal linear structure (4) integral with the vehicle carriage, a mechanism (11) for immobilizing the rectilinear body (1) in working position and a mechanism (6) for raising or lowering the rectilinear body (1), using a motorized force to move a movable support element (7) translationally along the rectilinear body (1), which can be immobilized in a supporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Andre
  • Patent number: 5573083
    Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a vertically elongated in-ground environment-defining canister having an upwardly directed mouth, an automotive lift, an assembly for selectable detachable suspension of said lift situated substantially upon and about the mouth of the canister, an in-ground anchor of the assembly relative to reactive forces generated by the lift and communicated therefrom through the suspension assembly to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Robert H. Fletcher, Glenn Felpel
  • Patent number: 5566783
    Abstract: An elevator system in an elevator shaft comprising a carriage movable vertically in the shaft, a counterweight suspended in the shaft on an opposite side of the carriage, upper wheels rotatably mounted at an upper end of the shaft, a suspended cable strung on the upper wheels having opposite ends, the opposite ends of the suspended cable being attached to the carriage and the counterweight respectively, a lower haulage cable strung around the lower wheels and having opposite ends, the opposite ends of lower haulage cable being joined to the carriage and the counterweight, respectively, and a driving unit operatively associated with one of the suspended cable and the lower haulage cable positioned at the bottom of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Koyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoichi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5501296
    Abstract: An automotive lift system includes an environment-defining enclosure having an upwardly directed mouth positioned substantially at work level of the system, the enclosure defining both a longitudinal and a transverse axis. The lift system also includes an in-ground anchoring of the enclosure relative to reactive forces generated by vehicles during lifting by the system, the anchoring disposed substantially at the work level and about the mouth of the enclosure. A rigid support frame is secured upon inner annular surfaces of the anchoring, defining a rigid horizontal plane at the mouth of the enclosure and co-parallel with it. Vertically-oriented cylindrical collars are secured to opposite longitudinal ends of the support frame. Further, a vertically oriented elongated screw drive having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including an annular thrust bearing, is positioned at about the level of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Advantage Lift Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Fletcher
  • Patent number: RE41554
    Abstract: A lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications is provided. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having a post, a carriage, an actuating device and a control device. The carriage is slidably coupled to the post and is adapted to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is coupled with the carriage and is capable of moving the carriage relative to the post. The control device is coupled with the actuating device and is capable of communicating by wireless signals with the other control device. The control devices communicate by wireless signals to coordinate the movement of the carriages relative to the posts to raise or lower the vehicle. Further, a rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Baker