Transportable Elevator Patents (Class 187/240)
  • Patent number: 10023355
    Abstract: A pallet lifter for raising and lowering a pallet. The pallet lifter includes a pallet platform, a lifting frame that supports the pallet platform, and a movement mechanism that controllably causes the pallet platform to raise and lower. The pallet platform includes a top surface designed to support a pallet, two side walls and a back wall. The lifting frame includes two sets of legs. One end of one or both of the two legs of each set of legs is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the pallet platform as the pallet platform is raised and lowered. The movement mechanism includes a motor and a threaded rod. The electric motor is designed to cause the threaded rod to rotate in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to cause said pallet platform to raise and lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lift2Sell, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Aaron Misener
  • Patent number: 9016438
    Abstract: A carrying device (1b) for relocating an elevator car (1c) of an elevator, which carrying device is movable in at least one direction (V) not corresponding to a longitudinal direction (B) of an elevator shaft in which the elevator car (1c) is moved in operation, wherein the elevator car (1c) is movable in the longitudinal direction (B) of the elevator shaft from an operating position into a receiving position in the carrying device (1b) and, in the receiving position, is connected to the carrying device (1b) and movable in the at least one direction (V) commonly with the carrying device (1b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Elevator AG
    Inventor: Stefan Altenburger
  • Patent number: 8985275
    Abstract: A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Solhjem, Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8863899
    Abstract: A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Solhjem, Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8863911
    Abstract: A device for moving and attaching a component between an operating position in which the component is rigidly connected to a structure and a non-operating position below the operating position and in which the component is detached from the structure. The device includes: a frame rigidly secured to the ground and including vertical guiding columns; a lifting table for moving the component from the operating position to the non-operating position and vice versa, the lifting table being guided vertically along the guiding columns; a mechanism locking and unlocking the component on and outside the structure and rigidly connected to the lifting table; and an assembly of four cables associated with return pulleys, wherein one end of the cables is mounted to a winch that can raise and lower the lifting table between the non-operating position and the operating position, while the other cable end is rigidly connected to the lifting table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Renault SAS
    Inventor: Michel Ecochard
  • Patent number: 8739935
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. Coble
  • Patent number: 8733508
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes a base and a platform at a relatively greater distance from the base in an extended state than in a contracted state. The lift assembly includes a pair of scissor arms with each arm having opposed first and second ends, and pivotably connected to each other about a central axis. The lift assembly includes a drive screw mechanism including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, and further includes a drive motor, a block, and a collar. The lift assembly further includes first and second pairs of links. Each link has opposed first and second ends and an edge facing away from the central axis and defining a recess in the link. The collar and block are spaced from the central axis and indirectly coupled to the pair of scissor arms through a pair of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Herkules Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Todd J. Bacon
  • Patent number: 8708107
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Walter Finkbeiner GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Patent number: 8646224
    Abstract: Construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway are provided. The construction apparatus include a span member having a first end and a second end. A sill attachment is connected to the first end of the span member and configured to seat against a building sill. A support member is connected to the second end of the span member and configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway, wherein the second side of the elevator hoistway is opposite the building sill. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span member and configured to allow a connection to a hoist device. The span member is configured to rotate about the sill attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wurtec Elevator Products & Services
    Inventor: Steven P. Wurth
  • Publication number: 20140034424
    Abstract: A lift device includes a lifting mast having a top, and a drive assembly for moving the lifting mast in lifting and lowering directions. A head is positioned above and over the top of the lifting mast, and is mounted to the lifting mast for displacement between a neutral position and a safe position with respect to the lifting mast in response to the head contact encountering an object above the top of the lifting mast and the head. The drive assembly is enabled for moving of the lifting mast in the lifting and lowering directions in the neutral position of the head, the drive assembly is enabled for moving the lifting mast in the lowering direction in the safe position of the head, and the drive assembly is disabled for moving the lifting mast in the lifting direction in the safe position of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond S. Zuckerman
  • Publication number: 20130206514
    Abstract: An elevator moving along an elevator shaft in a building, comprises a car for transport, a worm driving part moving together with the car, a rotating axis of which is parallel to a moving path of the car, and a worm support part including supporting teeth installed in the elevator shaft along the moving path of the car in accordance with worm teeth of the worm driving part. Using the worm driving part and the worm support part mutually interacting, the elevator can go up and down, and the worm driving part and the worm support part keep low frictional resistance to improve an efficiency of lifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: COREEELEVATOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nam Young Kim, Sung Jun Ju, Hyon Jo Ji
  • Publication number: 20130101383
    Abstract: A portable, non-motorized automatic lift and transport apparatus allows users to lift and transport a small, powered vehicle with minimal physical exertion and without the need for secondary power source. The apparatus is comprised of a base and platform connected to a gear housing. The gear housing telescopically engages and moves vertically within a vehicle mount via a gear system. The drive wheels of the small, powered vehicle to be transported power the gear system attached to the gear housing to rotate the gear system and subsequently lift the to-be-transported vehicle using its own power source. A storage position is provided that can be used without disengaging a transmission. An alternate embodiment incorporates a worm gear and chain drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Lynch, JR., Joseph Whitney, Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 8328029
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a generally open-frame storage rack having a pair of overhead bridging lifts, each lift further having a pair of side opposed cables extending therefrom. The framework for the storage rack is fabricated using stock automotive exhaust components, which yields a synergistic combination of ready reforming, substantial strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. The preferred rack structure is assembled from sufficiently short lengths to enable shipment using standard commercial carriers and rates. Additional novel features and combinations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Arthur J. Binsfeld, Michael A. Oevermann
  • Patent number: 8316994
    Abstract: The invention is a battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for vertically raising and lowering a load along a substantially vertical structure. The vertical lift assembly comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by any suitable connecting means. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide, and a platform, which supports the load, is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by a suitable drive mechanism, whereby the load, supported on the platform, is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. Preferably, the drive mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage comprises a DC motor, powering a gear unit that is operatively connected to a sprocket, with the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage. A sprocket engaging chain is attached to a surface of the vertical guide, with the chain extending the length of the vertical guide. A battery on the platform powers the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Elevated Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Rands, Michael S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8292039
    Abstract: A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey George Campbell, Hugh Lithgow Stark, Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil, Frank Fornasari
  • Patent number: 8276713
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8261879
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8240598
    Abstract: An Airborne Elevator Apparatus capable of deploying at the same time multiple service loads at different altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere by physically separating tether weight carrier function from the service load weight carrier function of a common aerostat. The tether weight carrier function is performed by at least one airborne canopy assembly (20) filled with lighter than air gas, which has enough lifting power to support its own weight and the weight of the attached airborne cables (30). The service load carrier function is performed by several airborne booster assemblies (51). Designed to glide on the apparatus's airborne cables (30), an airborne booster assembly (51) filled with lighter than air gas has enough lifting power to carry its own weight and the weight of a service load at altitudes below the uppermost canopy. For stability purposes, the apparatus is designed to rotate around its vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 8210311
    Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jimmy Rice
  • Patent number: 8146713
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a travel platform moving along a support frame to transport people and objects, and a lifting method for moving the travel platform up and down along the support frame to transport people and objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Harry J. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 8122999
    Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Manuel Iván Guillermety
  • Publication number: 20120012426
    Abstract: A portable elevator for use as a substitute for a ladder is disclosed. The elevator includes a track having a pair of upright, guide rails. A movable platform is slidably secured to the guide rails and is adapted for up and down movement upon the guide rails. A winch is affixed to the bottom of the track for moving the platform upon the guide rails. The winch has an electric motor and a drum that is rotated by the motor. A stationary pulley is secured to the top of the track, and a movable pulley is secured to the top of the movable platform. A cable is wound upon the drum and extends from the drum and around the stationary pulley and the movable pulley. The energization of the motor selectively draws the cable onto the drum to elevate the movable platform upon the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Shahriar Rahmani, Cynthia Rahmani
  • Publication number: 20110308890
    Abstract: A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: J.S. Redpath Limited
    Inventor: Randy E. Grenon
  • Patent number: 8079444
    Abstract: A transportable, self-erecting, battery powered, vertical lift assembly includes a wheeled frame with a towing attachment mechanism. A linear guide member with an exterior roller chain member is pivotally secured to the frame. A carriage member with attached platform member is movably mounted to the linear guide member adjacent the frame. The carriage member includes an attached drive mechanism with a battery powered DC motor driving a gear unit operatively connected to a sprocket, which engages the roller chain member on the linear guide member. The carriage member and attached platform member are movable along the linear guide member by the drive mechanism to pivot and elevate the guide member, which engages a vertical support structure, and to elevate the carriage member and attached platform member. A safety brake assembly immobilizes the carriage member with respect to the linear guide member upon relative movement between the carriage member and drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Elevated Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Rands, Michael S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8042655
    Abstract: A roll stop system for a lift includes a roll stop member that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a driving mechanism for moving the roll stop member between the raised position and the lowered position, and a spring member acting as a buffer between the driving mechanism and the roll stop member, and preferably the spring member protects the driving mechanism from damage due to abnormal operations of the roll stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Maxon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Levon Hambardzumyan
  • Patent number: 8020667
    Abstract: A lift apparatus to deploy from a storage position in a ceiling to a working position supported by the floor of a room below the ceiling where the lift apparatus is stored. A electrically motor powered drive raises a lift platform and lowers a lift platform to carry items from the room to an attic above the room. Controls are used to deploy the lift apparatus and to operate the lift platform on the lift apparatus. Preferred method of operating the lift apparatus is an acme screw drive which provides an appropriate mechanical advantage reducing the size of the motor required, but also will prevent downward movement either of the lift apparatus during the deployment procedure or of the lift platform while moving items from the attic to the room below the attic or from the room below the attic to the attic. The lift apparatus is supported by the floor and does not require any special bracing or strengthening of floor joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Johnson
  • Patent number: 8011473
    Abstract: A stepladder comprises a front frame and a rear frame each formed of a pair of spaced side rails. A motor-driven step is slidably mounted on the front frame side rails. The motor is controlled with a remote unit allowing a worker to automatically raise and lower the step when accessing an elevated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Gregersen
  • Publication number: 20110203876
    Abstract: A narrow aisle stacker crane is provided, which includes a base unit capable of traveling along aisles in a warehouse and a mast structure that is connected to the base unit. The mast structure may have a height greater than approximately 10 m. A hoisting carriage for an operator, with an attached load carrying platform, is included and is arranged to travel vertically along the mast. The base unit, the hoisting carriage and the load-carrying platform are sized to travel along warehouse aisles of 0.9 m to 1 m in width. The velocity of the base unit in a horizontal direction may be between 1 m/s to 5 m/s. The velocity of the hoisting carriage and load-carrying platform in the vertical direction may be less than 1.5 m/s. Horizontal movement of the base unit and vertical movement of the hoisting carriage and load-carrying platform may take place at the same time, so that fast item placement and retrieval can take place despite relatively low movement speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Recall Corporation
    Inventors: Russell John Skinner, Luis Alexandre Oliveira, David Haberland
  • Publication number: 20110132693
    Abstract: A carrying device (1b) for relocating an elevator car (1c) of an elevator, which carrying device is movable in at least one direction (V) not corresponding to a longitudinal direction (B) of an elevator shaft in which the elevator car (1c) is moved in operation, wherein the elevator car (1c) is movable in the longitudinal direction (B) of the elevator shaft from an operating position into a receiving position in the carrying device (1b) and, in the receiving position, is connected to the carrying device (1b) and movable in the at least one direction (V) commonly with the carrying device (1b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG
    Inventor: Stefan Altenburger
  • Patent number: 7954602
    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. In another aspect of the present invention, a lift apparatus may include a telescoping platform. The present invention also contemplates 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 or a telescoping platform that are positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform or the telescoping platform to move relative to their initial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Stanislao
  • Publication number: 20110073413
    Abstract: This invention relates to a free standing lifting device which means that no additional support is required to support the lifting action of the device. The lifting device comprises a lift carriage further comprising at least one lift arm joined to a motor by way of a cable, at least one lift channel having a lift opening for receipt of the lift arm, at least one support arm and at least one support channel having a support opening for receipt of the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: William J. Sturmer, Robert R. Workman, JR.
  • Patent number: 7905302
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft galley servicing vehicle that includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A carrousel cabin is mounted to the frame on a lift such that it is capable of elevation to an aircraft galley. A partitioned lazy susan storage compartment rotates on the carrousel cabin to facilitate transfer of aircraft food and drink carts between an aircraft galley and the servicing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20090205909
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft galley servicing vehicle that includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A carrousel cabin is mounted to the frame on a lift such that it is capable of elevation to an aircraft galley. A partitioned lazy susan storage compartment rotates on the carrousel cabin to facilitate transfer of aircraft food and drink carts between an aircraft galley and the servicing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7537088
    Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention provide support for a holster mounting into which the vertical support of a portable hoist assembly is inserted. Disclosed is a saddle mount for the holster mounting usable on the top of a wall. Also disclosed is a floor supported base and cart assembly for the holster mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Spitsbergen
  • Patent number: 7523587
    Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it may also be constructed as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Shamrock Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7407039
    Abstract: A portable hoist lifting frame kit has a cross beam 12 that can support an electrically, mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated hoist. The cross beam is secured to or supported by cantilever arms 9 which in turn locate into extension arms 4. The cross beam can move laterally along the length of the cantilever arms. The extension arms locate into protrusion blocks which in turn locate into a wall mounted bracket support system designed to support the load to be raised. The bracket support system is of the mild steel channel type with return lip such as “unistrut”. The portable hoist lifting frame kit can be assembled in various configurations i.e. it can be used with or without the protrusion blocks and extension arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Bailey
  • Patent number: 7395900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting a wheelchair in non-residential indoor facilities. Guide rails extend from a wheeled-base and include a bearing and transmission system for raising and lowering a platform on which a wheelchair occupant travels. The bearing system is powered by a hydraulic cylinder with a cable or chain connected to the bearing system. The chain or cable traverses over idler pulleys at various positions about the guide rails and connects to the bearing system at one end and to one of the guide rails at another end. As the hydraulic cylinder is operated, the lifting cable translates the bearing system linearly through the guide rails, which in turn lifts the platform to a desired level. The platform may be adjusted to maintain a generally level orientation even as the guide rails are tilted to accommodate inclinations. Additional outriggers and/or supports may be provided to increase balance and stability of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Murray, Yohann Littee
  • Patent number: 7383923
    Abstract: An elevating load platform comprising a base member and a load supporting member interconnected by a linkage means that facilitates vertical movement of the load supporting member generally parallel to the base member, and a plurality of coil springs positioned to urge the load supporting member upwardly relative to the base member so that when the load supporting member is laden the coil springs are compressed, and as the load is progressively removed the coil springs urge the load supporting member upwards to thereby maintain the load supporting member at a desired height, the linkage means comprising a pair of spaced scissor linkages interconnected by a central cross-member, the plurality of compression springs being positioned in a spaced array interposed between the base member and the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Amiata Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Patten, David M. Munro
  • Patent number: 7194842
    Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it can be constructed as a stand-alone structure and transported intact to habitat sites on, for example a flat-bed truck. It can also be constructed as a trailer, or as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Publication number: 20040168860
    Abstract: A system and method for elevating a construction implement relative to a surface under construction includes erecting a support post having a generally hollow cavity on the surface under construction, such as a dam. A quantity of granular material is then dumped into the hollow cavity of the support post. The support post and, specifically, the construction implement, is then jacked to a desired height relative to the surface. A portion of the granular material is then permitted to disperse through and beneath the support post thereby creating a higher support structure on which the support post may then rest. This process may be repeated as the construction progresses and the surface is gradually raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Oury
  • Patent number: 6782975
    Abstract: An elevator is provided which has a drive which in effective connection with a cable over deflection sheaves moves an elevator cabin running in a self-supporting shaft scaffold, as well as a counterweight in upward and downward directions, wherein deflection sheaves, drive sheaves as well as guide elements are combined in pre-assembled mounting units which can be quickly and easily assembled in the place of use. In addition, the elevator includes a drive which lifts and/or lowers an elevator cabin as well as a counterweight by at least one bending-flabby means guided over an arrangement of deflection sheaves, wherein the drive is incorporated into the arrangement of deflection sheaves as an element deflecting the bending-flabby means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Wittur AG
    Inventor: Horst Whittur
  • Patent number: 6779634
    Abstract: An elevating system is provided that includes a platform that may travel up and down a tower through the use of a pair of cables, pulleys mounted at the top of the tower and a low profile motor mounted near the bottom of the tower to selectively raise and lower the platform by winding and unwinding of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne M. Slagle
  • Publication number: 20030121727
    Abstract: An elevator system (1) includes a guide rail bracket (10) attached to a single hoistway wall (20). Car guide rails (5) and counterweight guide rails (6) are fixed to the bracket (10). The counterweight guide rails (6) are positioned in between the car guide rails (5) so that the counterweight (11) can translate therebetween. The elevator car (8) is supported by rope (4) and sheave (2, 3) members coupled to a traction drive (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Leandre Adifon, Pedro Baranda, Marc Chevilliard, Jean Marc Ferrary, Ron Laliberte, Pascal Rebillard, Fernando Rico, Armando Servia, Alberto Vecchiotti
  • Publication number: 20020170783
    Abstract: A fall arrest platform includes a platform cooperable with a lifting vehicle and having a floor, safety rails surrounding a perimeter of the floor, and an entrance gate in the side rails. A fall arrest system is integrated with the platform and includes a lanyard securable at one end to a user's harness, a lanyard connection securably receiving an opposite end of the lanyard, and mounting structure secured to the platform that supports the lanyard connection. The mounting structure movably supports the lanyard connection such that the user can move about a periphery of the platform. A compressed air accessory provides additional functionality and convenience. With this platform, a lift machine can be provided with the ability to access elevated surfaces and can also enable a safe work area outside of the machine platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander George Nelson Goode
  • Patent number: 6435309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting carriage comprising a frame member (2), with a set of wheels (1) provided on the frame member and arranged to enable the movement of the lifting carriage on a base, a carrying member (13), arranged on the frame member (2) and extending upwardly therefrom in a direction away from said base, and a lifting member (14), arranged to receive an object to be lifted and displaceably provided on the carrying member (13). Furthermore, the frame member comprises two sidepieces (3, 4) connected to each other. The sidepieces (3, 4) are connected to each other by at least a first beam member (5) on which the carrying member (13) is arranged and advantageously also by a second beam member (6) connected to and arranged behind the carrying member (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Pronomic AB
    Inventor: Joachim Hultqvist
  • Patent number: 6357986
    Abstract: The device of manual transporting large objects or loads, which includes a wheeled, load supporting frame vertically adjustable, facilitates the manual load, unload, and transport of large objects or loads, such as pickup truck toppers or shells, sheet material, pipes, other building supplies, appliances, etc. Frame height adjustment to the level of on or off load is by means of telescoping legs, supported on lockable wheels or castors, or in combination with hand winches mounted on the legs. Rollers may be attached to the top of the frame for ease in sliding objects or loads on or off. In an alternate embodiment for elongated objects or loads, such as pipes, beams, rails, etc., a beam and additional supports are added to the frame. The device is positioned over the load. The load, such as a pipe, is attached to each end of the beam by chains and transported to an interim workstation or its final disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Evelyn Payton Sonnamaker, Wade Sonnamaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6253878
    Abstract: An ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform includes a worker support surface which includes a top surface and a bottom, a plurality of support legs disposed on a floor, wherein each support leg includes an external threaded surface portion, a drive member operably connected to each support leg and having an inner threaded bored surface therethrough which is configured to be complimentary threaded to the external threaded surface portion in a manner to permit axial movement along the support leg and wherein the drive member includes a bearing support surface disposed adjacent the bottom. The drive member further includes an exterior sprocket surface extending generally radially from the drive member, and a rotating device connected to the external sprocket surface for rotating the drive member to cause axial movement along the support leg to vertically move the worker support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Dale Wells
  • Patent number: 6079520
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting an elevator to an existing multistory building includes providing a preassembled elevator unit comprising an enclosure containing an elevator car and a drive mechanism for moving the car within the enclosure; forming a plurality of vertically aligned elevator access openings though the exterior of the building; positioning the preassembled elevator unit against the exterior of the building, in alignment with the plurality of vertically aligned elevator access openings; and securing the preassembled elevator unit against the exterior of the building, in alignment with the plurality of vertically aligned elevator access openings. The preassembled elevator unit preferably includes a self-supporting elevator shaftway enclosed on the sides and back, and having at least one access opening in the front of the shaftway; an elevator car mounted in the elevator shaftway for movement therein; and a driver inside the shaftway for moving the elevator car in the shaftway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Infinite Access Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Black, Kevin L. Phillips, Stanley Holtkamp
  • Patent number: 6070699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic platform lift, in particular a motorcycle platform lift, comprising a parallelogram chassis in which on one of the two parallel lifting arms a hydraulic cylinder, supported on the sub-frame, is articulated. The task of the invention is providing such a platform lift which has a substantially better intrinsic weight/lifting-force ratio than the comparable platform lifts known from prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Grip GmbH
    Inventor: Gerardus Bleeker
  • Patent number: 5887680
    Abstract: Pallet level loading apparatus with a three-sided opened top enclosure and a bottom in which a cantilever-supported lifting platform is vertically movable. The lifting platform is driven by a hydraulic system housed in the rear wall of the enclosure. The platform may be locked in position at a predetermined height within the three-sided enclosure to permit its movement from place to place by a hand pallet or forklift. The apparatus further includes a torsion shaft. The torsion shaft arrangement distributes eccentric loads on the cantilever supported lifting platform so that the platform will not experience lateral tilt. Two vertical guide masts are arranged for receiving a roller arrangement of the lifting platform in order to prevent front and back platform tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Steven J. Carson, Charles W. Cherry