Load Support Has Linear Vertical Movement And Additional Movement For Aligning And Mounting Load At A Specific Location Patents (Class 414/589)
  • Publication number: 20080292434
    Abstract: An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Michael John Wolterman
  • Publication number: 20080213074
    Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: ANIBAL GARCIA, MYLES ROHRLICK, THOMAS REINER, GENEVIEVE GASPAR
  • Publication number: 20080152470
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SCHMIDT & HEINZMANN GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Brussel
  • Patent number: 7381301
    Abstract: A roll changing carriage can be displaced transversely with respect to the strip rolling stand and a removal crossbar is provided for the removal of the set of backup rolls. In order to shorten the roll changing times and to automate the changing of the rolls, the removal crossbar can be positioned on the roll changing carriage and is provided with wheels on which the removal crossbar can be moved out of the roll changing carriage on guide rails running parallel to the rolls into the strip rolling stand on the intermediate roll rails, and can be pulled out of the strip rolling stand together with the set of backup rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Wittkopf
  • Patent number: 7371039
    Abstract: A slat replacement system for removing damaged slats and inserting new slats in an animal pen. The slat replacement system includes a base assembly for resting on a floor of the animal pen. A frame member is rotatably coupled to the base assembly. A motor assembly is operationally coupled to a drive assembly and is coupled to the frame member. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the base assembly for rotating the frame member with respect to the base assembly. A lifting assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame member and operationally coupled to the drive assembly for pivoting the lifting assembly with respect to the frame member for lifting and moving of one of the slats. A control assembly is operationally coupled to the drive assembly for controlling rotation of the frame member with respect to the base assembly and pivoting of the lifting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Doeden
  • Publication number: 20070280680
    Abstract: A photo process apparatus including: a loading/unloading unit that loads and unloads a substrate; a coating line that coats photoresist on the substrate; an exposure line that exposes the photoresist coated on the substrate; a development line that develops the exposed substrate; and a transferring line that temporarily stores the substrate coated with the photoresist and loads the substrate coated with the photoresist to the exposure line and temporarily stores the exposed substrate and loads the exposed substrate to the development line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Yong Hun Kim, Jin Woo Seo
  • Patent number: 7278198
    Abstract: A mandrel segment loader provides a reliable means of assembling the segments of a large multi-piece mandrel designed for the lay-up of composite materials in the manufacture of large structures such as one-piece fuselage barrels for wide-body aircraft and can also be used for removing the mandrel from the finished fuselage barrel by disassembling the segments. The mandrel segment loader provides transport and multi-axis positioning for the segments, which may weigh as much as 25,000 pounds, with linear positioning resolution in the realm of 0.002 inch and rotational positioning resolution in the realm of 0.005 degree. The mandrel segment loader is also more generally useful as a material handling system that can perform many useful manufacturing functions, such as loading passenger floors into a fuselage barrel when assembling an aircraft. Self-locking grippers prevent accidental self-release of a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vincent T. Olson, Richard E. Koppelmann, Peter Berntsson, Johnny Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20070217896
    Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus is provided. The substrate treatment apparatus includes a process room, a load port in which a container receiving wafers is disposed, and a wafer transfer module disposed between the load port and the process room to transfer the wafers between the load port and the process room. The wafer transfer module includes a first barrier, a second barrier extending from a first end of the first barrier or from a portion near the first end of the first barrier at a predetermined inclined angle with respect to the first barrier, and a third barrier extending from a second end of the first barrier or from a portion near the second end of the first barrier at a predetermined inclined angle. The load portion is provided along the first barrier. The process room includes a plurality of chambers arranged along the second and third barriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Ki-Sang Kim, Kyue-Sang Choi, Byong-Kyu Seo, Soon-Chon Park
  • Patent number: 7246986
    Abstract: A slat carrier for facilitating transportation of slats to be used in an animal pen. The slat carrier includes a support assembly being designed for selectively receiving the slat to be transported. A mounting assembly is rotatably coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly is rotated with respect to the mounting assembly whereby the support assembly is designed for rotating the slat from a horizontal position to a vertical position to facilitate transportation of the slat through doorways. The mounting assembly is designed for being selectively coupled to a vehicle whereby the mounting assembly permits the vehicle to transport the slat supported by the support assembly. A wheel assembly is coupled to the mounting assembly. The wheel assembly is designed for engaging a support surface whereby the wheel assembly facilitates transportation of the support assembly across the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Doeden
  • Patent number: 7225898
    Abstract: A lift between lower and upper levels of a house includes a cabin and an essentially horizontal platform which is essentially vertically movable by actuating elements arranged thereunder. The actuating elements include at least one pair of rotatably mounted arms pivotally arranged around an axis in the middle part thereof. The free ends of the first arm of one pair are pivotable around a fixed axis and respectively around an axis sliding along the platform. The free ends of the second arm are pivotable around a fixed axis connected to the platform and respectively around a sliding axis. An actuating unit interacts with at least one of the arms such that the pivot axis of the second arm for the platform, the middle pivot axis of the arms of the pair and the pivot axis of the first arm are never aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Alain Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7210891
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading water bottles into a water cooler. The apparatus includes a cradle adapted to assume a horizontal position to receive a horizontally disposed water bottle that is laterally rolled into the cradle, a hinge adapted to rotate the cradle and received water bottle to a vertical position so that a water delivery aperture of the water bottle is disposed on a bottom side of the water bottle and an energy absorbing control arm assembly adapted to lower the rotated water bottle into the water cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Martin C. Goldin
  • Patent number: 7103952
    Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Appleton, Timothy J. Busch, Keith E. Black, Kevin P. Wescott
  • Patent number: 7008165
    Abstract: A door lifting apparatus includes a frame and a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes a slide assembly and a lever assembly. The slide assembly includes a vertical bar, a door support beam supporting a plurality of door holders, and a horizontal bar that are movable together vertically up and down relative to the frame as the lever assembly is moved between a lifted position, an intermediate position, and a lowered position. The vertical bar is associated with a cam plate secured to the frame such that the vertical bar, and the door support beam and door secured thereto, pivots as the lever assembly is moved between the lifted and the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Grimes
  • Patent number: 6981836
    Abstract: A pair of stands are spaced one from the other to support opposite ends of an upper shell and diaphragm halves of a turbine at locations along the upper shell axially beyond the diaphragm halves. Carts mounted on wheels each have a hydraulically actuated lift and a platform mounting support assemblies engagable with an upper diaphragm half at the midline. By engaging a diaphragm half from below the upper shell, securing the support assemblies to the upper diaphragm half and releasing the upper diaphragm half from the upper shell by removing bolts and keys to transfer the weight of the diaphragm half to the cart, the diaphragm half may be lowered from the upper shell and moved away. The diaphragm halves may then be refurbished and the process reversed to reinstall the diaphragm halves into the upper shell. During the process, the upper shell remains in its normal orientation, similarly as in the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew John Tomko, John Francis Nolan, Karl Rudolph Anderson, III
  • Patent number: 6940415
    Abstract: A reach type forklift truck includes a rotation sensor interposed between a load wheel and a load wheel shaft on which the load wheel is provided. A signal line for transmitting a detected signal of the rotation sensor is inserted in a guide groove formed in the load wheel shaft that extends along an axial direction thereof. The signal line is led out from a reach rail side of the load wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Yusoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nagata, Koji Yokoyama, Youich Hiraki
  • Patent number: 6911816
    Abstract: A safety lock system prevents unlocking of a balanced loaded unit when the loaded unit becomes unbalanced. A plurality of calipers applies pressure on opposite sides of a guide rail. A lock block couples the load to at least one of the calipers for movement of the load along the guide rail. A rotatable handle is coupled to the calipers through a shaft. Rotation of the handle locks or unlocks the lock block against vertical movement. A safety block is coupled to the loaded unit and is moveable with the loaded unit for preventing rotation of the handle upon a preselected movement of the loaded unit relative to the lock block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: inTEST IP Corporation
    Inventors: Alyn R. Holt, Christopher L. West, Brian R. Moore, Richard C. Powell, Jr., I. Marvin Weilerstein
  • Patent number: 6910846
    Abstract: A slat replacement system for removing damaged slats and inserting new slats in an animal pen. The slat replacement system includes a base assembly for resting on a floor of the animal pen. A frame member is rotatably coupled to the base assembly. A motor assembly is operationally coupled to a drive assembly and is coupled to the frame member. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the base assembly for rotating the frame member with respect to the base assembly. A lifting assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame member and operationally coupled to the drive assembly for pivoting the lifting assembly with respect to the frame member for lifting and moving of one of the slats. A control assembly is operationally coupled to the drive assembly for controlling rotation of the frame member with respect to the base assembly and pivoting of the lifting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth Doeden
  • Patent number: 6877203
    Abstract: A method for regulating a device used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts, where the device consists of a rig comprising a matrix of rails that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements attached to the rails can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator grasps a fixing element after which the fixing element is moved by the manipulator to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element is arranged is locked in relation to the rig by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements on the rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Magnus Engström, Mats Karlsson, Roland Kvist
  • Patent number: 6846144
    Abstract: An apparatus for the movement of mobile homes, sectional homes, and manufactured homes is disclosed. The apparatus is self-propelled by a drive mechanism and a hydraulic system. The apparatus facilitates the horizontal and vertical movement of the home during transportation, relocation, and service of the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry V. Justice
  • Patent number: 6843634
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading water bottles into a water cooler. The apparatus includes a cradle adapted to assume a horizontal position to receive a horizontally disposed water bottle that is laterally rolled into the cradle, a hinge adapted to rotate the cradle and received water bottle to a vertical position so that a water delivery aperture of the water bottle is disposed on a bottom side of the water bottle and an energy absorbing elevator adapted to lower the rotated water bottle into the water cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Martin C. Goldin
  • Publication number: 20040234368
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading water bottles into a water cooler. The apparatus includes a cradle adapted to assume a horizontal position to receive a horizontally disposed water bottle that is laterally rolled into the cradle, a hinge adapted to rotate the cradle and received water bottle to a vertical position so that a water delivery aperture of the water bottle is disposed on a bottom side of the water bottle and an energy absorbing elevator adapted to lower the rotated water bottle into the water cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Martin C. Goldin
  • Patent number: 6808602
    Abstract: A coke drum bottom head removal system and method for deheading the bottom head cover of a coke drum comprises a carriage that is positionable beneath the bottom head cover, and a cart mounted to the carriage. Several clamps vertically mounted to the cart are positionable in a closed position, in which the clamps apply a compressive force that maintains substantially fluid tight engagement between the bottom head cover and bottom head flange, and an opened position, in which the clamps allow a limited spacing between the bottom head cover and the bottom head flange. A plurality of supports mounted to the cart support the bottom head cover once the fasteners coupling the bottom head cover to the bottom head flange are removed and the clamps are in the opened position. The system can be remotely operated to enhance operator safety when the bottom head cover is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Sergio Gustavo Schonfeld, Kenneth Allan Larson, Rodney Karl Hogan
  • Patent number: 6785597
    Abstract: A process for monitoring load conditions on a lifting machine having a rated load moment includes determining an actual load moment of the lifting machine due a weighted load. The actual load moment may be determined by measuring a tilt pressure within a hydraulic tilt cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the actual load moment from the tilt pressure within the hydraulic tilt cylinder. The location of a center of gravity of the weighted load is also determined by measuring a lift pressure within a hydraulic lift cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the weight of the weighted load from the lift pressure. Once the weight is determined, the location of the center of gravity of the weighted load may be found using the actual load moment and the calculated weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Wiggins Lift Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Farber, Liming Yue
  • Patent number: 6766996
    Abstract: A manipulator for a test head comprises a base and a tower having vertical tracks. The tower is mounted on the base. A vertical shaft is mounted on the base adjacent to the tower. An outer carriage is in engagement with the vertical tracks. The outer carriage is movable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical tracks. The inner carriage is in engagement with the vertical shaft. The inner carriage is moveable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical shaft. A spring is disposed between the inner carriage and the outer carriage. The spring supports the outer carriage. An arm is coupled to the outer carriage. The arm is adapted for supporting the test head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Reid-Ashman Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Somers
  • Patent number: 6736586
    Abstract: A multiple block lifting device that includes two support arms pivotally connected at the opposite ends enabling the support arms to move from a closed, parallel configuration to an open, linear configuration. Attached to each arm is at least one block attachment unit that selectively connects to one block. In the preferred embodiment, the movement of the support arms and each block attachment unit is controlled by hydraulic cylinders and a main control valve. When paired blocks are aligned on a pallet, the device is in a closed, parallel configuration, and each block lifting unit engages a block. The device is then lifted and the support arms are aligned in the open, linear configuration. Each arm may include an optional extension arm that enables the device to lift additional blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Loren Harris, David Harris, Brett Harris
  • Publication number: 20040062630
    Abstract: An aircraft munitions handling apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus has a set of wheel assemblies that can be independently driven and can be omni-directional to allow the apparatus to move in any longitudinal, lateral, or diagonal direction for excellent maneuverability. The apparatus also has a base and an elevator extending from the base. The elevator can use a double-parallelogram, cantilevered arm configuration that folds nearly flat to fit within a profile of the base. A portion of the arm rotates forward to place a munitions support in front of the base when remote reach is required. A pivot assembly having four movable cams at the four corners of the munitions support are used as a self-leveling device for unstable conditions, or to pitch and roll the munitions support as needed to attach munitions to an aircraft. In addition, the munitions handling apparatus is capable of passing beneath objects having very limited vertical clearances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Lou Marrero
  • Patent number: 6655019
    Abstract: A device for aligning a PC board (2) on a manual press (50) for insertion of an electronic component (1) into an insertion zone (z). The device comprises a manually operated X-Y table, to which the PC-board (2) is secured. The X-Y table comprises an X carriage (40) movable along an X-axis and a Y carriage (11) movable along a Y-axis. Respective correction carriages (21,25) are movably mounted to each of the X and Y carriages. Respective correction carriages have corresponding correction motors for moving each of the correction carriages relative to the X and Y carriages. Encoders (17,18) are respectively connected to the X and Y carriages for detecting a position of the X and Y carriages. The encoders are connected to control units for operating correction motors of the correction carriages in response to a signal from the encoders indicating the position of the X and Y carriages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventor: Robert A. Wuyts
  • Patent number: 6634204
    Abstract: A sheet metal follower for a bending press that has a bottom fixed table carrying a bending matrix on its top face. The follower is of the type comprising in particular pivot means for pivoting the follower table about a pivot shaft, and means suitable for moving the follower table in horizontal displacement relative to its support structure and perpendicularly to the pivot shaft, the active length of the pivot means being variable between a fixed hinge on the support structure and a moving hinge on the follower table, and the moving hinge being suitable for sliding along said table in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft of said table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Amada Europe
    Inventor: Eric Gascoin
  • Publication number: 20030152451
    Abstract: A reach type forklift truck includes a rotation sensor interposed between a load wheel and a load wheel shaft on which the load wheel is provided. A signal line for transmitting a detected signal of the rotation sensor is inserted in a guide groove formed in the load wheel shaft that extends along an axial direction thereof. The signal line is led out from a reach rail side of the load wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON YUSOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nagata, Koji Yokoyama, Youich Hiraki
  • Patent number: 6532975
    Abstract: An outer covering wall (26) and an inner covering wall (27), which are capable of surrounding a rotor (24), can be horizontally moved. A wafer carrier waiting portion (30) is disposed right below the rotor (24). A wafer holding member (41) included in a water lifter (40) moves into a wafer carrier (C) containing wafers (W) and mounted on a stage (31) (sliding table 32) included in the wafer carrier waiting portion (30), lifts up the wafers (W) and transfers the wafers (W) to the rotor (24). The outer covering wall (26) or the inner covering wall (27) surrounds the rotor (24) to define a processing chamber. The wafers (W) held on the rotor (24) are subjected to a cleaning process in the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Kouji Egashira, Koji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030046801
    Abstract: A method for regulating a device (2) used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts (21, 22), where the device consists of a rig (3) comprising a matrix of rails (7, 8) that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements (9) attached to the rails (7, 8) can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator (1) grasps a fixing element (9) after which the fixing element (9) is moved by the manipulator (1) to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element (9) is arranged is locked in relation to the rig (3) by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's (9) position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements (9) on the rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Magnus Engstrom, Mats Karlsson, Roland Kvist
  • Patent number: 6485247
    Abstract: An engine uplift loader includes a frame assembly having generally parallel first and second frame members spaced apart by a distance enabling the shipping cradle and engine to be positioned between the first and second frame members. A plurality of lifting devices are supported on the frame assembly extending upwardly therefrom, each lifting device being operable to raise and lower an upper end of the lifting device relative to the frame assembly along a generally vertical lifting axis. An attachment assembly is mounted to the upper end of each lifting device, each attachment assembly being structured and arranged to attach to the shipping cradle such that raising the upper ends of the lifting devices causes the shipping cradle and engine to be lifted upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Oliver J. Groves, Marcus Titus Wojcik, Thanh V. Duong
  • Publication number: 20020067982
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an aspiration section and an aspiration unit connected to the aspiration section, in which the aspiration unit includes a stage for mounting the semiconductor chip thereon and an adhesive sheet is attached to the semiconductor chip between the stage and the semiconductor chip, the stage includes undulations in at least a part of an area in which the semiconductor chip is mounted, and by operating the aspiration section, a suction force is applied to at least a part of an area in which the undulations are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasumura, Tadayuki Into, Noriki Iwasaki, Yasuhiro Goto, Tatsuyuki Ishioka
  • Patent number: 6390762
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and accurately positioning a massive article, such as a commercial aircraft landing gear, under a second separately supported second article, such as a commercial aircraft, to facilitate attachment of the articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main frame having a rectangular floor assembly defined by an array of spaced apart, uniformly distributed ball transfer elements and a border formed by raised end rails and side rails. A rectangular interior frame having a length and width less than that of the floor assembly and having a flat floor plate with raised end rails and side rails thereon is movably supported on the ball transfer elements. A first pair of aligned, oppositely coacting fluid cylinders, each being connected between a different interior frame end rail and a corresponding main frame end rail, operates for selective longitudinal movement of the interior frame between main frame end rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Strategic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Peery, Floyd L. Kittrell
  • Publication number: 20010041128
    Abstract: The invention provides a cart for transporting elongated objects such as compressed gas cylinders and for moving the objects from a first surface having a first height to a second surface having a higher or lower second height. The cart is designed such that an object retainer which is pivotally mounted to the frame of the cart can be removably engaged with the object to be transported at a location which is at or near the center of gravity of the object. The cart of the invention can also comprise a height adjustable object retainer and a height adjustable object rest. The cart will be made movable by a moving means mounted on the base of the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: EDWARD A. WOMBLE, ALTOS V. WOMBLE
  • Patent number: 6273666
    Abstract: The feed device has its own pneumatic lifting device for raising and lowering a table-like support (2) for feed modules (5), in which the electrical components can be moved into a pick-up position. As a result, the feed device can be exchanged quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Barnowski, Mohammad Mehdianpour
  • Patent number: 6269527
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating wing panels from a plurality of elongated wing planks attached together with splice stringers along adjacent longitudinal edges and stiffened with stringers parallel to each other and to the splice stringers includes a fixture having a series of headers on which the planks can be assembled and held at the desired curvature with attachment devices for holding the planks as assembled on the fixture. An elevator supports the fixture in an elongated pit for precise adjustment in a generally vertical direction of the fixture and the assembled wing planks. A stringer positioning device is mounted along one longitudinal edge of the pit for positioning a stringer loaded thereon against the assembled wing planks accurately in accordance with the wing design. A downwardly opening yoke having two arms depending from a top cross member is suspended over the pit on a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6164898
    Abstract: In a vehicle of a type including a body carried by a wheeled chassis and a metallic manhole cover removably mounted with a hole accessing an enclosure, an apparatus for removing the manhole cover, the apparatus comprising a gripping member carried by the vehicle for movement in reciprocal directions between a first position to grasp the manhole cover and a second position to remove the manhole cover from the hole, and a drive assembly mounted with the vehicle and the gripping member for moving the gripping member in reciprocal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Richard J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6120236
    Abstract: A new engine hoist transmission attachment for enabling an engine hoist to remove and install a transmission. The inventive device includes an adaptor portion coupling with an existing engine hoist. The adaptor portion includes a leveling arm positioned essentially parallel to a lifting arm of the engine hoist. A transmission stand is coupled with the adaptor portion and is adapted for supporting a transmission thereon. The transmission stand includes an upper plate supporting the transmission thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph N. Smith
  • Patent number: 6030167
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading wafers into horizontal quartz tube, the apparatus includes a base plate, holding plate, trolley main body and two supporting bases. The base plate has a plurality of stages, which is lifted by a loading rod and fixed atop thereon, for placing wafers. The holding plate has a plurality of fixing screws and altitude adjusting screws for supporting the base plate and changing an altitude of the base plate to match an altitude of wafer boat. The trolley main body, which supports the holding plate by supporting pillars, provides with a plurality of position holes for carrying the holding plate and moving the base plte. The two supporting bases are connected by a solid plate, whose both ends are respectively attached at hollows formed at the middle of each of the two supporting bases. The two supporting bases are provided with a pair of slide bearings on either side of the solid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: United Microeletronics Corp.
    Inventors: Peter Yu-Tsai Lin, Eric Chu
  • Patent number: 6029352
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating wing panels from a plurality of elongated wing planks attached together with splice stringers along adjacent longitudinal edges and stiffened with stringers parallel to each other and to the splice stringers includes a fixture having a series of headers on which the planks can be assembled and held at the desired curvature with attachment devices for holding the planks as assembled on the fixture. An elevator supports the fixture in an elongated pit for precise adjustment in a generally vertical direction of the fixture and the assembled wing planks. A stringer positioning device is mounted along one longitudinal edge of the pit for positioning a stringer loaded thereon against the assembled wing planks accurately in accordance with the wing design. A downwardly opening yoke having two arms depending from a top cross member is suspended over the pit on a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5947674
    Abstract: An unheading device for removable attachment onto a lower flanged opening of a vertically-oriented vessel such as a coking drum, the unheading device being controllably supported by multiple elongated vertically-extendable actuators such as hydraulic cylinders which extend between a lifting frame unit holding a head unit and the vessel support structure. The multiple vertically-extendable actuators are each pivotably attached at its lower end to the lifting frame unit, and are each pivotably attached at its upper end to the separate stationary support structure for the vessel. The unheading device is adapted for lowering the head unit and moving it laterally aside to a parking position on a platform portion of the vessel support structure, then raising the lifting frame unit with its attached decoking chute unit to contact the vessel lower flanged opening for coke removal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler USA Corp.
    Inventors: Allen Slocum Malsbury, Ronald Theodore Myszka, Joseph Anthony Kalinosky
  • Patent number: 5927930
    Abstract: A machine tool comprises a working space in which a receptacle for workpieces to be machined, which are exchanged after completion of a machining process, is provided. A removal mechanism for workpieces, which after completion of the machining process removes the machined workpiece from the receptacle and holds it ready at a distance therefrom for exchanging, is provided in the working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Karl Deufel, Anton Schweizer
  • Patent number: 5803700
    Abstract: A device for mounting and dismounting a heavy weight includes a vertical frame having an opening formed on a side thereof, through which a heavy weight is received into the frame. A laterally extending frame is formed at a lower part of the vertical frame. A stopping member is attached to the lateral frame, opposite to the opening, to prevent the heavy weight from being moved outside the frame. A moving device moves the heavy weight to the frame and a lifter raises and lowers the heavy weight in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 5729108
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera mounting (11) providing a number of axes of movement for a camera supported on the mounting with a motor drive for each axis. A manually operable control system is provided for the motorized drives having a control member (16) and means operable in response to forces applied manually to the control member in the direction of the respective axes to energize the corresponding motor drive or drives for the mounting to produce movement of the mounting proportional to the force applied in the or each axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Vitec Group PLC
    Inventor: Stephen John Steele
  • Patent number: 5660518
    Abstract: Dolly apparatus for hauling loads on a pitched surface includes frame structure secured to wheels, with the wheels being adjustable in height so that the dolly may be moved along a pitched surface with the load maintained in a proper horizontal orientation. Different embodiments are disclosed, which embodiments may be used for different types of loads. One embodiment is a relatively simple embodiment which may be used for a relatively light load, and a second embodiment is a relatively complicated embodiment which may be used to transport heavier loads. The second embodiment includes wheels which may be oriented ninety degrees for moving in two directions, for example for moving a load to a specific location in one direction and then moving it in a second direction for specifically positioning the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: James W. Meier
  • Patent number: 5658124
    Abstract: A rug hoist and method of use thereof enables a single operator to conveniently and safely suspend a rug from an elevated display rack. In a presently preferred embodiment, the hoist includes a pneumatically operated telescoping lift having a carriage with a V-shaped trough mounted on top thereof. The rug to be suspended on the display rack is rolled into a tubular configuration and mounted onto the carriage. The pneumatic lift then elevates the rug toward an upper mounting bar of the display rack so that a free edge of the rug can be safely and conveniently clipped to the mounting bar by a single individual. Once it is attached to the display rack, the rug hoist lowers the carriage and thereby unrolls the rug into a planar and generally vertical orientation for display on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Samuel C. Presnell, III
  • Patent number: 5655734
    Abstract: An airplane galley is moved through an airplane door and into final position on an airplane over honeycomb floor panels without damaging the panels or straining the workers by the use of a jacking dolly that is inserted into a meal cart slot under the galley. The dolly has a vertically extendable framework attached between an upper structure and a lower structure on casters. The upper structure is dimensioned to fit into at least one of the meal cart slots in the galley and can be jacked up to lift the galley off the floor. The casters supporting the lower structure of the dolly each include a low pressure pneumatic wheel that partially flattens and distribute the weight of the galley over a wide wheel footprint. The footprint of the partially flattened wheels has an area wide enough area to prevent damage to the honeycomb floor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Deborah L. Dahl
  • Patent number: 5584638
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately mounting and aligning a disk on a collet is disclosed. The apparatus uses a female guiding member to move along the surface of a protruding male member on the end of the collet. The female guiding member is positioned such that when mated with the male protrusion on the collet, the disk opening is in axial alignment with the collet. The apparatus grips the disk between two posts and a compliant spool. The disk, when held is allowed to move in directions parallel to the plane of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Exclusive Design Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Delaney
  • Patent number: RE35605
    Abstract: A work piece support device features two pincer members which can be moved toward and away from each other and which can be varied in length in manner to accommodate different shaped work pieces. The device is mounted on a manipulator which selectively displace the same in three mutually opposed directions. Location and locking probes can be used in combination with the support device to locate and/or lock the work piece in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Nomaru, Atsushi Takahama