Including Fluid Ram Patents (Class 187/234)
  • Patent number: 11858564
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a first axle assembly coupled to the frame and including a first pair of tractive elements, a second axle assembly coupled to the frame and including a second pair of tractive elements, a prime mover coupled to the frame and configured to drive the first axle assembly and the second tractive assembly to propel the vehicle, a ballast movably coupled to the frame, and a ballast actuator configured to reposition the ballast relative to the frame to shift a center of gravity of the vehicle relative to the first axle assembly and the second axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Payne
  • Patent number: 11691658
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis and supporting the chassis for rolling on a surface, and a riding platform coupled to the chassis. The riding platform is for supporting a user behind the chassis when the riding platform is in a downward pivoted state. A linkage connects the riding platform to the chassis for selective pivotal motion relative to the chassis between an upward pivoted state in which the riding platform is pivoted into a position to allow a user to walk behind the chassis and a downward pivoted state in which the user may ride or step on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: John Bradford King
  • Patent number: 11618660
    Abstract: Extendable mast systems and methods for a material handling vehicle include a base mast having a first web connecting a first web first flange and a first web second flange; a base mast bearing; a base mast bumper; a vertically extendable mast having a second web connecting a second web first flange and a second web second flange; and a vertically extendable mast bearing. The base mast bearing is spaced apart from the second web first flange defining a base mast bearing space between the base mast bearing and the second web first flange. The vertically extendable mast bearing is spaced apart from the first web first flange defining a vertically extendable mast bearing space between the vertically extendable mast bearing and the first web first flange. And the base mast bumper maintains the base mast bearing space between the base mast bearing and the second web first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: David B. Howe
  • Patent number: 11427043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tow trailer having a structure (5) for lifting and transporting cargo and unloading them, the trailer is drawn by a suitable tow apparatus. The trailer comprises a lifting device (1) to lift and unload the cargo, wherein the lifting device is coupled to forks. The trailer moves stably due to mounting the lifting device stably in a part of the front side of the trailer, and the presence of wheels mounted in both sides thereof. The trailer has a bar (8) in the rear side, and it also has one or more barriers (7) in the middle of the trailer so as to be under the cargo. The trailer is provided with a trailer jack (2) mounted in the bearing positions of the trailer in order to stabilize it during lifting or unloading the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Fahad Alrajhi
  • Patent number: 10414474
    Abstract: A boat handling apparatus includes a carriage frame supported for rolling movement along a first horizontal track between a lifting position adjacent to a first end of the first track and a stored position adjacent to an opposing second end of the first track. A second upright track is fixed in proximity to the first end of the first track to depend downwardly from the first track. A cradle frame which is arranged to support a boat thereon is transferrable from a raised position supported on the carriage frame so as to be movable with the carriage frame between lifting and storage positions thereof, to a lowered position in which the cradle frame is movable up and down along the second track below the first horizontal track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Dale David Place
  • Patent number: 10046812
    Abstract: An industrial truck is proposed comprising: a lifting frame; an operator compartment which can be moved upwards and downwards; a lateral push frame, arranged on the operator compartment, in the front thereof, and which can be moved upwards and downwards together with the operator compartment and carries a load-receiving device, which can be moved back and forth; and a vibration-damping means, which can be moved upwards and downwards, for damping vibrations. The vibration-damping means being arranged between the operator compartment and the load-receiving device, is designed to make vibration compensation movements of the load-receiving device relative to the operator compartment possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmalzl, Carsten Schöttke
  • Patent number: 10005587
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for tracking and managing waste or recyclable materials, which may include one or more devices enabled to capture and record information about waste material at a point in a distribution chain, and information technology systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing information about a large number and variety of streams of waste material. A forklift system may include a forklift, an RFID reader with an antenna positioned on or in proximity to the forklift, wherein the antenna is positioned to read RFID information from an RFID tag positioned on an item handled by the forklift. The system may also include a device for measuring a parameter indicative of the weight of the item handled by the forklift, and a processing facility with a server for associating the information read by the RFID reader and the parameter indicative of the weight of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Divert, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Whitman, Ryan R. Begin
  • Patent number: 9957025
    Abstract: An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include a bottom frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can also include an upper frame that with bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. The upper frame can be lifted off of the lower frame by a dock lift mechanism to thereafter lower the upper frame into the water, from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the user can navigate the boat onto the upper frame, and the dock lift mechanism used to lift the upper frame and boat out of the water, the upper frame then dropped onto and coupled to the lower frame, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock to the boat garage for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ronald E. Peterson, Arnold E. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140326542
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may measure an electric current flow into and/or out of the hydraulic system motor and reduce an operating speed of the hydraulic system motor if the electric current flow into and/or out of the hydraulic system motor is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Publication number: 20140299418
    Abstract: A lifting fork board includes: a frame provided with coupling means for coupling the fork board to a transport vehicle; an upright arranged on the frame and provided with a recess; and a cylinder arranged wholly or partially in the recess of the upright for the purpose of lifting the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Gebr. Meijer St. Jabik B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Meijer
  • Publication number: 20140262626
    Abstract: A lift cylinder for a mast assembly of a vehicle and a vehicle implementing the same. The lift cylinder includes a cylinder housing with a piston received therein. The piston is movable along an axis of extension between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston is formed of a composite material having a reinforcement phase oriented along the axis of extension of the piston, thereby increasing the buckling resistance of the piston. This improved buckling resistance potential allows for increased lift cylinder extension and/or more compact lift cylinder design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE RAYMOND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph T. Yahner
  • Patent number: 8820044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an end-side of a flyer chain, wherein the fixing can be carried out by a clamping through the exertion of a force on partial sections of an outer circumferential surface of at least one plate-link of at least one end-side link of the flyer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rexnord Kette GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Joseph Holschbach, Ralf Steup, Bernhard Bleser, Herbert Rapp, Ulrich Gerlach, Jörg Heuer, Michael Schopp, Jörg Lindemaier
  • Patent number: 8777545
    Abstract: A multi-lift mast for a forklift has hydraulic circuitry that provides free lift and negative lift capabilities for the forklift. The mast comprises a stationary member, at least one extensible member slideable on the stationary member and a carriage slideable on an extensible member. The extensible mast members are raised and lowered by double acting hydraulic actuators extending between the stationary member and an extensible member. The carriage is raised and lowered by a positively connected double acting carriage hydraulic actuator extending between an extensible mast and the carriage. The circuitry employs identical pairs of counterbalance valves controlling the supply and exit of hydraulic fluid for the bore and rod ends of the actuators, set to cause the carriage to fully extend before the extensible mast members extend, providing free lift, and set to cause the extensible mast members to fully lower before the carriage lowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bright Coop, Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Roux
  • Publication number: 20140186150
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: William C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140124299
    Abstract: An improvement to the component based hydraulic systems is an integrated electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) that contains all components necessary to achieve power up, gravity return actuation of a lift mechanism such as the forks of a pallet truck. Further, improvements to known power-up, gravity-down component-based hydraulic circuits are described herein. The improvements provide for power up, gravity return functionality with fewer components as compared known systems. Finally, a method for controlling the EHA and/or hydraulic circuits described above is detailed herein and provides a user with maximum control of a lift mechanism during lower or “down mode,” but also provides for the least amount of energy consumption by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew C. Royer
  • Patent number: 8684654
    Abstract: A wheel assembly positioning device. The device includes a wheel assembly cradle that holds a wheel assembly. A lifting device is also included that raises or lowers the wheel assembly cradle to allow a technician to dismount or mount a wheel assembly to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quality Stainless Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Bardin
  • Patent number: 8646578
    Abstract: An extendable mast structure for a fork-lift truck, including an outer mast fixed to the carriage, the spaced columns being interconnected via upper and lower traverses, an extendable inner mast guided by said outer mast on which a load-carrying means is guided to be movable up and down and the columns of which are interconnected via upper or lower traverses or a cross-beam, one mast lift cylinder for each column of said inner mast supported on said outer mast, piston rods of which are adapted to be connected to said cross-beam, and setting means between said piston rods and cross-beam for an equalization of the lift, wherein a male-threaded setting component is attached to the upper end of said piston rod of one of said two mast lift cylinders and a female-threaded bushing is screwed onto the male thread of said setting component and has supporting surfaces for said cross-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alexander Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8424649
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for lift chain rollers in a multiple lift mast for high-lift fork trucks which mast has a fixed mast, a middle mast, and an inner telescoping mast, each of which has two parallel-distanced mast profiles, wherein at an upper end of each the mast profiles of the middle mast, a lift chain roller is mounted for each of at least one lift chain for lifting the inner mast, wherein the lift chain roller is disposed in front of the inner mast crosswise to a web of the middle mast profile, wherein a separate bearing component for the lift chain roller is placed onto the mast profile or onto a cross-beam joining the tops of the mast profiles from top, and welded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Piotr Mehloch, Bernhard Meussen, Walter Rahlmann
  • Publication number: 20120292134
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachable forklift apparatus that includes a front side with two elongated supports, two front plates and a middle plate, two vertical posts that are attached to the front side elongated supports and a hydraulic cylinder that provides hydraulic power to the apparatus disposed within the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinder hoses that are integral to the hydraulic cylinder and a back side that includes two elongated supports, a center opening and a plurality of forks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 8265836
    Abstract: A load weight measuring device for a multi-stage mast forklift truck has a mast assembly, an oil passage, a flow regulator valve, a pressure sensor, a detecting device, a memory, a selector, and a calculator. The mast assembly has a lift bracket for receiving a load weight, a multi-stage mast unit having masts, and a multi-stage lift cylinder unit having lift cylinders each having an oil chamber for raising the lift bracket along the masts. Hydraulic oil flows in the oil passage. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of hydraulic oil and outputs a pressure signal. The detecting device detects a state which stage of the lift cylinder raises the lift bracket and outputs a detection signal. The memory stores predetermined parameters from which the selector selects the parameter based on the detection signal. The calculator calculates the load weight based on the selected parameter and the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Tadashi Yamada, Toshinari Fukatsu, Hidenori Oka, Kunio Maki, Shigenori Iwase
  • Patent number: 8186931
    Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. There is no operator console housing for the powered hand truck, as it is intended to be remotely controlled. A transmitter provides for specific and precise control of each drive wheel independently of the other, by using two drive wheel control switches. The powered hand truck has a caster wheel actuation strut housing over the caster wheel end of the chassis. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Borntrager, James Borntrager
  • Patent number: 8167528
    Abstract: A lift that is configured to securely lift, carry and deposit a control unit using three degrees of movement. The lift comprises a chassis having a support frame and a power source connected to the support frame. A pivot member rotatably connects to the support frame, wherein the pivot member has a pivot plate and a rod rotatably connected to the pivot plate. A lift frame connects to the rod of the pivot plate, wherein a lift arm rotatably connects to the lift frame. The lift further comprises a pressurized fluid drive operatively connected to the power source and operatively connected to the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm. The fluid drive is configured to reciprocally move the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm such that the lift arm moves in three degrees of movement with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald A. Keeven, Michael A. Keeven, Laurence A. Keeven
  • Patent number: 7823698
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for raising and lowering a three-stage forklift mast assembly having a reduced overall lowered height. A first linkage system on the outer and middle masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the middle mast with respect to movement of a piston arm in the first linkage system. A second linkage system on the middle and inner masts creates a 2:1 movement ratio of the inner mast with respect to the movement of the middle mast and an overall 4:1 movement ratio with respect to the movement of the piston arm in the first linkage system. A third linkage system on the inner mast creates a 2:1 movement ratio of a set of forks on the inner mast with respect to the movement of a piston arm in the third linkage system, allowing free lift of the forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wiggins Light Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Artemio V. Cano, Aaron Alls, Mike Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20100080682
    Abstract: A lift that is configured to securely lift, carry and deposit a control unit using three degrees of movement. The lift comprises a chassis having a support frame and a power source connected to the support frame. A pivot member rotatably connects to the support frame, wherein the pivot member has a pivot plate and a rod rotatably connected to the pivot plate. A lift frame connects to the rod of the pivot plate, wherein a lift arm rotatably connects to the lift frame. The lift further comprises a pressurized fluid drive operatively connected to the power source and operatively connected to the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm. The fluid drive is configured to reciprocally move the pivot plate, the lift frame and the lift arm such that the lift arm moves in three degrees of movement with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald A. Keeven, Michael A. Keeven, Laurence A. Keeven
  • Patent number: 7665579
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes a pressure compensating valve and a first switching valve. The pressure compensating valve is configured to enlarge an opening area of a variable orifice between a load pressure line and a compensating pressure line when a pressure of working fluid of the compensating pressure line is smaller than a first set pressure, and narrow the opening area of the variable orifice when the pressure of the working fluid of the compensating pressure line is larger than the first set pressure. The first switching valve is configured to switch between a meter-out operation and a neutral operation by an external operation, wherein the working fluid of the compensating pressure line is drained in the meter-out operation, the working fluid of the compensating pressure line is not drained in the neutral operation. The load pressure line guides the working fluid to be supplied to an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Itose
  • Patent number: 7644806
    Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery casing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Huther
  • Patent number: 7636961
    Abstract: An end portion of a patient transport cot having a collapsible undercarriage is elevated by a lift device including a collapsible frame on caster wheels and supporting a power operated lift member. A head member is mounted on the lift member and supports adjustable hook members which releasably engage an end portion of the frame of the transport cot. In one embodiment, the lift member includes a fluid cylinder operated from a fluid supply tank through a control valve. In other embodiments, the lift member is operated by an electric motor driven mechanical actuator controlled by a switch. A support bracket provides for conveniently mounting the lift device on a door of a transport vehicle for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Starkey
  • Patent number: 7635248
    Abstract: A sliding deck for carrying loads in transit and both lifting or lowering the loads includes a spaced pair of pivoting outer tubular tower members having hydraulically operated cylinders interior to a pair of telescoping tubular inner members located interior to the outer tubular tower member in which the pivoting of the tower members is controlled about a pivot by a supporting hydraulically-operated cylinder. A friction-relieving feature for accommodating movement of the interior telescoping member may include a Teflon brand wear pad fixed on the inner surface of the fixed outer tubular tower member. Together, the fixed outer tubular member and the sliding interior tubular member form a pivoting tower-like support member at an incline relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sidney Slide L.P.
    Inventor: Michael H. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090236183
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Rotary Lift, a Division of Dover Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bordwell, Robert W. Elliott, David P. Porter, Jason T. Stewart, Michael A. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20090218173
    Abstract: An aerial work platform, in one embodiment, includes a platform, including a hydraulic lift, and a base unit. The base unit includes a combustion engine and a hydraulic pump driven by the combustion engine. The hydraulic pump may be configured to drive the hydraulic lift. The base unit may also include a rotary screw type compressor, belt-driven by the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Richard Beeson
  • Publication number: 20090206589
    Abstract: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor and at least one valve network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Extendquip, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Osswald, Marcus F. Dack, Thomas E. Price, JR., Alan Severns, Dave Franchino, Kent Kallsen, Kenneth Buelt
  • Publication number: 20090159371
    Abstract: An industrial truck (1) has a lifting device (9) including a movable load bearing implement (11) having a fork-shaped load handling attachment (14) and a towing device (20). The load handling attachment (14) has at least one load segment (14b) which is mounted so that it can be pivoted around an essentially horizontal pivoting axis (15). In one embodiment of the invention, the towing device (20) is located in the vicinity of the lifting device (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: STILL SAS
    Inventors: Albert Gobyn, Frank Schepp, Udo Supp
  • Publication number: 20090050413
    Abstract: A clamp force control (30) for a fluid powered clamping and lifting assembly (10) adapted to clamp and lift objects (20) by friction engagement in clamping and lifting operations by clamping pressure in a clamping pressure line (32) and lifting pressure in a lifting pressure line (58) provided for respective clamping actuators (16) and lifting actuators (12) of the assembly. To enable the control to safely adapt the clamping force to the lifting force without using electronic control equipment when handling different objects, the control has an adjustable pressure amplifier (52) provided in fluid connection (50) between the clamping pressure line (32) and the lifting pressure line (58) and adapted to provide a predetermined, constant difference between the lifting pressure and the clamping pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hans Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7478704
    Abstract: A wheeled cart includes a lift platform mounted for vertical movement on a frame, an actuating system for effecting movement of the platform, a brake system acting against a wheel to prevent movement of the cart, a tank containing compressed air and an air conduit system for directing compressed air to the actuating system and the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Clyde M. Church
  • Publication number: 20080296094
    Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type suitable for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the forklift truck comprising a u-shaped chassis (3) having a vertical mast (17) mounted thereon. The vertical mast carries a side shift mechanism (21), the side shift mechanism comprising a fixed carriage (23) with a movable carriage (25) slidably mounted thereon. A pair of fluid actuated rams (27, 29) is provided to slide the movable carriage (25) laterally relative to the fixed carriage (23). A rotating cylinder (49) is provided to rotate a pair of forks (19) mounted on the movable carriage. The configuration achieves greater side shift without the use of rollers or chains and permits the use of a rotating cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MOFFETT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Turnbull, Barry McGrane
  • Publication number: 20080217110
    Abstract: A floor conveyor with a drive portion and a load portion, wherein the load portion has a lifting scaffold, on which a carrier for a load fork or an attachment device is guided to be adjustable in height, and at least one hydraulic adjusting cylinder is assigned to the carrier for adjusting the load fork or a part on the attachment device, and wherein a hydraulic pump driven by a motor is arranged in the drive portion, which is connected to the adjusting cylinder via a proportional valve and hydraulic tubes, wherein the proportional valve is mounted on the carrier and an on-off valve is arranged on the drive portion, which connects the hydraulic tubes with the proportional valve or disconnects them from the same at option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Stolten
  • Patent number: 7407038
    Abstract: A lifting framework for an industrial truck has an extendible mast guided on a guide mast by rollers. Means are provided for bracing the extendible mast with the guide mast so as to prevent the extendible mast from inclining in the lateral direction of the lifting framework relative to the guide mast. The bracing means are configured such that, when the extendible mast is located in the top end position, a vertical movement of the extendible mast relative to the guide mast is prevented in the region of each of the two columns. A hydraulic lifting cylinder and a stop for the top end position of the extendible mast are arranged here in the region of each column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Barry Michael Warner, Paul John Eckersley, Keith Francis Messer
  • Patent number: 7395901
    Abstract: A lift device for an industrial vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder provided substantially upright between masts and having a piston rod, a pulley provided on a lateral side of an upper end portion of the piston rod, a lift bracket connected to a chain wound around the pulley and movable up and down through the chain by extension and retraction of the piston rod, a hose provided for supplying hydraulic fluid to an attachment installed on the lift bracket, and a guide mechanism provided on a top end of the piston rod for guiding the hose. The guide mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, a support member rotatably supporting the plurality of rollers, and an endless band fitted around the plurality of rollers so as to form an arc-shaped guide surface for supporting the hose. The endless band travels around the plurality of rollers with movement of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Hirohito Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20080073155
    Abstract: A loader includes a hydraulically operated extension arm, a load sensor for monitoring the load condition on the loader and a hydraulic arrangement for actuation of the extension arm and/or an implement attached to the extension arm. The hydraulic arrangement exhibits at least one hydraulic cylinder with one supply line on the piston rod side and one supply line on the piston side. At least one mechanically switchable control device is coupled between a source of fluid pressure and a hydraulic tank, on the one hand, and the supply lines on the other hand. An electronic control unit is connected for effecting operation of a restricting device coupled between the supply lines in response to a load signal received from the load sensor so as to achieve a slowed-down actuation of the hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with the on set of a critical load condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus Bitter, Richard Tudor
  • Patent number: 7255201
    Abstract: A lifting frame has a stationary vertical mast (outer mast 1), at least one telescoping lifting mast (inner mast 3), and a lifting carriage (4) movable on the lifting mast. At least one hydraulic line (5) installed on the lifting frame discharges at the lifting carriage (4). When the lifting frame is in the retracted position, the hydraulic line (5) forms a loop (S) which is open on top. The hydraulic line (5) is guided in the vicinity of the loop (S) by a tensioning pulley (6) that dips from above into the loop (S). The tensioning pulley (6) is fastened to a pulley carrier (7). The weight of the pulley carrier can be used to generate a bias force that is exerted on the hydraulic line (5), or drive means connected with the pulley carrier (7) can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Rieder, Edmund Heiter
  • Patent number: 7255202
    Abstract: A forklift truck for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle comprises a u-shaped chassis having a crossbar and a pair of side bars mounted at the ends of the crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom. A wheel is located adjacent the free end of each of the side bars and a steerable rear wheel is located centrally on the crossbar, a drivers station is positioned to one side of the chassis and a motive power unit is positioned on the opposite side of the chassis. The chassis mounts a vertical multi-lift mast having a plurality of mast sections, one of which carries a pair of forks. The fork-carrying mast section further comprises a freelift mast system having means to positively move the forks upwards relative the mast section and means to positively move the forks downwards relative the mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventor: Eric O′Keeffe
  • Patent number: 7240771
    Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7219769
    Abstract: A load handling operation control apparatus for an industrial vehicle, which has a load carrying apparatus provided movably on a vehicle body, is provided. A load carrying apparatus 2 is positioned with a load handling target 41, 42 according to its movement. A load handling control section 47 has a display device 28 and a detection device for detecting the position of the load handling target. A image control section 46 displays positioning information for supporting positioning of the load carrying apparatus 2 with respect to the load handling target 41, 42 on the display device 28 based on a positional detection result detected by the detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Torahiko Yamanouchi, Hisashi Ichijo, Kenichi Katae
  • Patent number: 7188709
    Abstract: An extractable mast structure for a fork-lift truck, including an outer mast fixed to the carriage, the spaced columns being interconnected via upper and lower traverses, an extractable inner mast guided by said outer mast on which a load-carrying means is guided to be movable up and down and the columns of which are interconnected via upper or lower traverses or a cross-beam, one mast lift cylinder for each column of said inner mast supported on said outer mast, piston rods of which are adapted to be connected to said cross-beam, and setting means between said piston rods and cross-beam for an equalization of the lift, wherein a male-threaded setting component is attached to the upper end of said piston rod of one of said two mast lift cylinders and a female-threaded bushing is screwed onto the male thread of said setting component and has supporting surfaces for said cross-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alexander Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7175000
    Abstract: A lifting truck with a telescoping mast and a balancing cylinder is disclosed. The stages of the mast are each constructed with three vertical beams. A mechanism for extending the mast are contained in or near the side beams. The balancing cylinder exerts an upward force to counter the dead weight of the telescoping stages and other parts of the truck that are lifted. The balancing cylinder is connected to the lower portion of the first stage and the upper portion of the second stage. The beams making up the stages of the mast can be tubular or U-shaped to allow space for the balancing cylinder and/or hydraulic lines or control leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BT Industries
    Inventors: Per Gyllenhammar, Mikael Jakauby
  • Patent number: 7121384
    Abstract: A two- or multi-stage mast-hydraulic cylinder construction (4, 5) for a truck mast, and method for manufacturing the intergrated structer (4, 5), are discloused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Rocla Oyj
    Inventor: Janne Polvilampi
  • Patent number: 6616395
    Abstract: Springing for support wheels of low lifting trucks arranged below the forks includes a common spring device arranged in the transfer mechanism of the lifting movement to the support wheels. The spring device includes a cylinder, a piston, a spring package of cup springs and an extending push rod that in the cylinder is connected a ring shaped element located between the spring package and the cylinder end through which the push rod extends. The piston is arranged in the other end of the spring package and the cylinder is via a return valve coupled in parallel with the load lifting hydraulic system of the truck so that the pressure in this pretensions the ring shaped element towards the cylinder end proportionally to the load, so that springing does not take place until the dynamics forces overcome the pretension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Anders Fransson
  • Patent number: 6557276
    Abstract: An earth-moving machine is provided with a first actuator cylinder, which can impart to a lifting arm oscillation around a corresponding pivoting shaft, and with a second actuator cylinder, which can maintain a loading unit in a pre-determined angular position during oscillation of the lifting arm itself; the first and the second actuator cylinder being disposed adjacent and parallel to one another, and being connected mechanically to one another in order to increase the resistance of the second actuator cylinder to the load generated on the second actuator cylinder itself by the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Piercarlo Contoli, Corrado Ragazzini
  • Publication number: 20020170785
    Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for use with a truck or trailer, having hydraulic pump means and first and second hydraulic cylinders each having a piston member therein, each operatively coupled to a respective side edge of a platform to permit raising and lowering of the platform. A positive displacement valve is provided, alone and in combination with the hydraulic platform lift, which permits powered raising and lowering of the platform, and comprises a pair of juxtaposed cylinder members, each containing a longitudinally-movable piston, such pistons operatively coupled to each other so that movement of one piston causes an equal movement of the other, each cylinder member having a pair of opposite ends, one end of which having an aperture to permit ingress of hydraulic fluid from the pump means and another aperture at an opposite end to permit egress of hydraulic fluid from a corresponding cylinder member to one of the hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas H. Stockmann
  • Patent number: 6343674
    Abstract: A multi-terrain vertical lift transporter for lifting and transporting loads over various soil conditions and terrain. The lift transporter has a laterally adjustable wheel base to allow it to accommodate loads of varying widths. Further, the lift transporter does not require a counter-weight as the center of gravity of the load is substantially within the wheel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Hugh Sexsmith