Shovel Or Fork Type Patents (Class 414/685)
  • Publication number: 20120003070
    Abstract: The construction vehicle is provided with an engine, a clutch, a travel device, a work equipment, a drive force setting dial, and a controller that includes: a theoretical value determination unit that determines a theoretical value, for the degree of engagement to make the upper limit value of the drive force equal to a set drive force; an operational state determination unit that determines whether the work equipment is outputting the drive force in a predetermined travel direction; a drive force determination unit that determines whether the drive force is greater than the set drive force; and a degree of engagement reduction unit that, if of operational state determination and of drive force determination are both affirmative, causes the degree of engagement to approach the theoretical value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Mamoru Tochizawa, Koji Takahashi, Yoshiaki Saito
  • Publication number: 20110318154
    Abstract: A front loader (10) for a tractor with a parking stand unit (28) including a parking support (30) pivotably mounted on the front loader arm (12). A locking brace (32) is pivotably seated at one end on the parking support (30) and is movably guided at the other end by a guidance means (50) formed on the locking brace (32) and at least one guide groove (48, 49) formed in the parking support (30). The guidance means (50) can be brought by pivoting the parking support (30) into the parking position (P3) into a locking position in which it comes to rest at a stop (66) formed in the guide groove (48, 49). The guidance means (50) can be pressed against the stop (66) and fixed in the locking position by a support force of the front loader arm (12) acting in the parking position (P3) on the locking brace (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Damien Faivre
  • Publication number: 20110318155
    Abstract: A construction machine includes: a working equipment; a manipulating unit that manipulates the working equipment; and a controller that controls the working equipment. The controller includes: a rolling compaction determining unit that determines whether or not the working equipment is under a rolling compaction operation for hardening earth and sand through reciprocation; and a command output regulating unit that controls the working equipment so that a motion speed of the working equipment does not exceed a predetermined maximum value when the rolling compaction determining unit determines that the working equipment is under the rolling compaction operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Okamura, Masashi Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20110318156
    Abstract: The construction machine includes a propulsion device the working equipment, and a controller that controls the propulsion device. The controller performs attitude determination of determining whether or not the present attitude of the working equipment corresponds to a predetermined attitude, performs propulsion determination of determining whether or not the present propulsive operation of the propulsion device corresponds to a predetermined propulsive operation performed while performing a predetermined construction task that applies an over load to the working equipment, performs driving force determination of determining whether or not the magnitude of the present propelling force corresponds to a predetermined magnitude at which an over load is applied to the working equipment, and reduces the propelling force outputted from the propulsion device when the results of attitude determination, propulsion determination, and driving force determination are affirmative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Saito, Masatsugu Numazaki
  • Publication number: 20110311342
    Abstract: A combination of location measurement apparatuses to measure in three dimensions the location of an excavator with respect to a job site, and to further measure the location of an excavated or a topographical feature with respect to the excavator by range finding from the excavator in proximity of the feature and contemporaneously recording measurement data on a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Deere and Company
    Inventor: James Leonard Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8075241
    Abstract: A method of operating a working machine of the kind including a body, a ground engaging structure, the body carrying a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a working arm which permits the working arm to be pivoted up and down about a generally horizontal axis and to be rotated about a second generally upright axis, the working arm including a mounting structure for releasably carrying at an outermost end thereof, a working implement, the method including providing on the machine a working implement holding device, and rotating the superstructure relative to the body about the first generally upright axis, and manipulating the working arm about the generally horizontal axis and the second generally upright axis to bring the working implement carried by the working arm into holding engagement with the holding device whereby the holding device holds the working implement, releasing the working implement from the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Publication number: 20110299966
    Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Grinnell More, Tyson Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8047759
    Abstract: A manual forklift for lifting, maneuvering, and arranging palleted freight, comprising an extensible wheeled base, a steering handle, a mast, and a boom with a descending standard secured to a support frame carriage and forward extending tines. Hydraulic jack cylinders joining the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard in concert with hinge joints connecting the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard allow the tines to be manipulated forwardly or backwardly, raised or lowered, and tilted upwardly or downwardly relative to the mast and base, enabling the user to transfer palleted freight engaged by the tines between surfaces with differing heights and angles and across longitudinal spaces. Castered wheels affixed to the base further enable freight to be moved multi-directionally, including laterally leftward or rightward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wazee Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim L. Ladd
  • Patent number: 7993091
    Abstract: In a wheel loader 3, an angle formed by a first line segment L1 connecting a pivot position Y on a boom 10 of a bell crank 11 and a pivot position X on a connecting link 13 and a second line segment L2 connecting the pivot position Y on the boom 10 of the bell crank 11 and a pivot position W on a tilt cylinder 12 is set in a range from 0 degree to 180 degrees on the attachment 20, 30 side, the attachment can be selected from a plurality of types such as a bucket 20 and a fork 30 for use, and each of the attachment 20, 30 that is different from each other has a different pivot position on the connecting link 13 relative to the pivot position on the boom 10 as a reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Osanai, Matsuo Nose
  • Patent number: 7979181
    Abstract: A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Megan Clark, Chad Magstadt, Gregory Mettlach, Robert J. Price, Bassam J. Alshaer
  • Patent number: 7967547
    Abstract: In a work machine 1, an angle ? formed by a first line segment L1 connecting a pivot position Y of a bell crank 11 on a boom 10 and a pivot position X of the bell crank 11 on a connecting link 13, and a second line segment L2 connecting the pivot position Y of the bell crank 11 on the boom 10 and a pivot position W of the bell crank 11 on the tilt cylinder 12 on a bucket 20 side is 176 (deg) or less, an angle ? formed by the second line segment L2 and a line segment L3 connecting the pivot position W of the bell crank 11 on the tilt cylinder 12 and a pivot position Z of the tilt cylinder 12 on a working structure is 72.3 (deg) or less, and, in a case where the bucket 20 is set at a top position, a lowering angle ? of a front end of a lower surface of the bucket 20 is 4.5 (deg) or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Osanai
  • Publication number: 20110150614
    Abstract: A system for a loader controlling movement of a lift arm of the loader near a limit of travel of the lift arm receives a signal indicative of the loader engine speed and a signal indicative of actuation of a sensor on the lift arm. A controller determines a lift arm command signal based at least upon the engine speed signal, and transmits the lift arm command signal to an electro-hydraulic system to control the movement of the lift arm adjacent the limit of travel of the lift arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Christian Nicholson, Todd R. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7963528
    Abstract: A working machine includes a body and an axle which is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the body, the axle carrying at or towards each end, a ground engaging wheel by means of which the machine can travel over the ground, the machine including a speed sensor sensitive to the machine ground speed, and there being a hydraulic control system including at least one control actuator connected between the body and the axle for controlling movement of the axle relative to the body, and the hydraulic system further including at least one control valve which is operable to restrict fluid flow occurring as a result of the control actuator extending or retracting in response to axle movements relative to the body, depending upon the signal provided by the speed sensor, wherein the control valve is an electrically operated control valve, operated proportionally by a valve controller which responds to changes in machine speed, by adjusting the restriction to fluid flow so as to permit more fluid flow as the machin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Alexander North, Kevin W. Ford
  • Publication number: 20110091307
    Abstract: A loader work machine is disclosed in which a base portion of each of right/left arms (77) is received by an arm support portion (164) of a first lift link (81) and pivotally supported by a first arm shaft (88), and a hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) connected to a hydraulic actuator (98) extend through an support frame (11) from inside to outside of its inner wall (12), and toward an arm (77). The base portion of the arm (77) is supported to the arm support portion (164) at a position adjacent a link outer wall (157) in a transverse direction so that a hose accommodation space (165) is formed between a link inner wall (156) and an internal side face of the base portion of the arm (77). The hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) runs frontward of the first arm shaft (88) and a first link shaft (85), and is disposed in the hose accommodation space (165).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasuda, Masanori Fujino, Toshihiko Takemura, Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Yoshihiro Ueda, Yuuki Takano, Yusuke Kawai, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Hiroyuki Anami, Naoya Muramoto, Kenji Mitsui, Youhei Kawano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Patent number: 7922438
    Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a body, a first working arm carrying in use, at its outermost end, a mounting structure (for releasably carrying a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, and the second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a mounting for a second working implement, the machine further including a third implement carried at the second end of the body, on a further mounting structure to provide a further mounting assembly capable of mounting the first working implement, and the method including manipulating the second working arm to move the mounting for the second working implement to the mounting structure carrying the first working implement, releasing the engagement between the mounting structure of the first working arm and the fir
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7914249
    Abstract: A shoveling apparatus including a low profile vehicle, a boom assembly, and a shovel assembly for use in underground mining operations, and particularly useful in clearing coal and rock debris from a belt line corridor. The low profile vehicle includes an advanceable support that supports the boom assembly and laterally advances the boom assembly from the cab portion of the vehicle. The boom assembly includes a support structure, a rotary actuator and a linear actuator, to control lateral and vertical rotation of the support structure (and thus the shovel assembly) with respect to a ground surface. The shovel assembly includes a rotary actuator and a shovel, and in some embodiments a tilting mechanism, to control the lateral and in some cases vertical, rotation of the shovel with respect to the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Massey European Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: James R Maynard, Jimmy L Brock
  • Patent number: 7913886
    Abstract: A loader bucket is attached for tractor shipping in a non-operational position between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. The loader bucket may be attached to the mast using a bracket between a first surface of the loader bucket and the mast, and a brace between a second surface of the loader bucket and the bracket, to resist pivotal movement of the loader bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Hariharan Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20110064552
    Abstract: A tractor includes a mounting plate, a protruding tube, a boom supporter, and a boom. The mounting plate is attachable to a frame on a side surface of a vehicle. The protruding tube is connected to the mounting plate, and shaped to protrude from a portion in which the protruding tube is connected to the mounting plate, toward the outside of the vehicle. The boom supporter is connected to a distal end portion of the protruding tube, and shaped to protrude upward from a portion in which the boom supporter is connected to the distal end portion of the protruding tube. The boom is coupled to the boom supporter via a boom coupler, and formed to extend from the boom coupler toward the front side of the vehicle. In a side view, an imaginary straight line extending vertically downward from the boom coupler is located rearward of the protruding tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kuraya, Katsumi Fujiki, Tetsuya Iida
  • Patent number: 7891933
    Abstract: A working machine includes a body and a ground engaging structure, the body mounting a prime mover and a first working arm, the first working arm being pivoted for up and down movement about a first generally horizontal axis, and extending beyond a first end of the body and carrying in use, at its outermost end, a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, which mounting permits the second working arm to be pivoted up and down about a second generally horizontal axis and to be rotated about a second generally upright axis, and second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a second working implement, the superstructure mounting an operator's cab which provides an operator position including an operator seat and controls operable by an operator when occupying the seat, and wherei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7832741
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20100127654
    Abstract: An electronic control module for a machine may include instructions for performing a method. The method may include obtaining a total torque load limit for one or more hydrostatic transmission loops in the machine. The method may also include allocating the total torque load limit between the one or more hydrostatic transmission loops in the form of one or more lower level torque load limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Randall T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7644524
    Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a pivot joint that is offset from a drive axis of the trenching chain. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: John P. Azure, Glenn D. Liubakka
  • Patent number: 7618229
    Abstract: A work machine has a boom and a boom lock. The boom lock is arranged to lock the boom in a raised boom position. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John R. Boling, Michael R. Tigges
  • Publication number: 20090279994
    Abstract: A fork assembly lift mechanism is disclosed that is configurable for use in a material handling vehicle for moving a fork assembly, including a fork trail assembly, between a lowered position and a raised position. The fork assembly lift mechanism comprises a master cylinder coupled to a truck body and the fork assembly for moving the fork assembly between the lowered position and the raised position, and a slave cylinder coupled to the fork assembly and the fork trail assembly for moving the fork trail assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. The slave cylinder is in fluid communication with the master cylinder such that actuation of the master cylinder results in actuation of the slave cylinder to move the fork assembly between the lowered position and the raised position, and to move the fork trail assembly between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ivan Kirilov Gramatikov
  • Publication number: 20090252586
    Abstract: A wheel loader having good operability. The wheel loader has a machine body travelably supported on wheels; a working device supported on the machine body, the working device having a boom swingably supported at its base end side on the machine body, an arm swingably supported at and connected to the forward end side of the boom, and a working tool swingably provided on the forward end side of the arm; travel operation means for performing travel operation of the machine body; and a brake for braking, when the travel operation means is not operated and the arm is swung, the wheels in operative association with the swing of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Kunihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20090238670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper for a robotic arm which is specially designed for fresh food products. The invention also relates to a method, a device and a system which arranges food products fully automatically onto a conveyor, e.g. in-feed conveyor to an IQF freezer, or into a tray or a box. The gripper unit comprises penetration mechanism for penetrating into the articles that are to be picked up, thereby providing an engagement between the gripper unit and the articles while rearranging the positions of the articles, whereby the position of the penetration mechanism into the articles is operated in such a way that one end of the articles becomes at least partially freely hanging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: VALKA EHF
    Inventors: Hjalmarsson Helgi, Bjorn Jonsson Einaar
  • Patent number: 7588411
    Abstract: A working machine includes a working arm, the arm in use, carrying a working implement, the arm being raisable and lowerable about a generally horizontal axis by a power operated device, a cab structure for an operator, an engine for providing power to a ground engaging drive structure to drive the machine over the ground and for operating the working arm, each of the working arm, the cab structure and the engine being mounted on a machine chassis, and the machine being characterized in that the chassis includes a single primary chassis member which provides a substantial resistance to torsional deformation of the machine between the front and rear ends of the machine, the single primary chassis member including a first part which extends longitudinally of the machine at the one side of the machine, and a second part which extends transversely of the first part at or towards one end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: JCB Compact Products Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Gray
  • Patent number: 7549242
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an articulated joint between the back boom and the main boom of a multiple boom for an excavator so that it: permits a sufficiently wide angle of movement between both parts of the boom, permits maximum boom reach, and is in a position to accept high forces, all while also providing a cost-saving design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Baumaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schmeling, Bernhard Willaredt, Holger Oertel, Birgit Ditz
  • Patent number: 7520712
    Abstract: Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck with the following characteristics: a support device on a lifting scaffold of the industrial truck, adjustable in its height by a shifting drive, extending approximately horizontally above the load support, at least one sack-shaped container, made of flexible, air-impermeable material, which is hanged up on the support device and which is filled with granular material, wherein the flexible material and the granular material are constituted such that the bottom side of the container adapts itself to the surface contour of the load, when the container is lowered onto the load, and an aspirating device, connectable with the interior of the container, for generating a negative pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Bruns, Jan-Henning Wille
  • Patent number: 7510364
    Abstract: A simple and compact loader having a sufficient strength with brackets fixed on a working vehicle. Lift arms are pivoted at one ends thereof to respective brackets so as to be vertically swung by respective lift arm cylinders. Attachments are vertically swingably supported on respective tip portions of the lift arms. Bucket links are connected to the respective attachments so as to transmit the telescopic action of bucket cylinders. Each of the bucket links is offset laterally from each of the lift arms. The middle portion of each of the lift arms is disposed above a straight line connecting both ends of the lift arm to each other, so as to ensure a space for arranging a steerable wheel under the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Yanmar Co., Ltd., Yanmar Construction Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Sakada
  • Patent number: 7507064
    Abstract: A lift arm device for an industrial vehicle includes a lift arm, a connecting rod and first and second cylinders. The lift arm has a front end to which a working implement is connected. The connecting rod is pivotally connected at one end to the lift arm and pivotally joined at the other end to the vehicle. Each of the first and second cylinders is pivotally connected at one end to the lift arm and pivotally joined at the other end to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Osamu Shibuya
  • Patent number: 7494314
    Abstract: A loader has lift arms that are used for mounting a number of different attachments. The attachments can be mounted to the rear of the forward end of the lift arms in order to move the center of gravity of the attachment more directly over the loader frame. Various types of attachments can be used, as shown, and can be controlled to be pivoted for dumping or loading, and can be raised and lowered on the lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Bares, James H. Page
  • Publication number: 20090020965
    Abstract: A working machine includes a body and an axle which is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the body, the axle carrying at or towards each end, a ground engaging wheel by means of which the machine can travel over the ground, the machine including a speed sensor sensitive to the machine ground speed, and there being a hydraulic control system including at least one control actuator connected between the body and the axle for controlling movement of the axle relative to the body, and the hydraulic system further including at least one control valve which is operable to restrict fluid flow occurring as a result of the control actuator extending or retracting in response to axle movements relative to the body, depending upon the signal provided by the speed sensor, wherein the control valve is an electrically operated control valve, operated proportionally by a valve controller which responds to changes in machine speed, by adjusting the restriction to fluid flow so as to permit more fluid flow as the machin
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander North, Kevin W. Ford
  • Patent number: 7475887
    Abstract: A pallet jack having first and second turn radii includes a support frame having a first end and a second end. The support frame is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A main wheel connects to the support frame proximate the first end while a first extensible wheel connects to the support frame proximate the second end. The distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel define the first turn radius when the support frame is in the raised position. A ground engaging device attaches to the support frame between the main wheel and the first extensible wheel. Positioning the support frame towards the lowered position, the ground engageable device engages the ground and the extensible wheel disengages the ground. The second turn radius is thereby defined by the distance between the main wheel and the ground engaging device, which is less than the first turn radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Grand Steer Inc.
    Inventors: Fred O. Hartmann, Allen C. Aaseby
  • Publication number: 20090000158
    Abstract: A work machine has a boom and a boom lock. The boom lock is arranged to lock the boom in a raised boom position. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: John R. Boling, Michael R. Tigges
  • Patent number: 7470100
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Skid Mor Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hackett, Garry W. Rudd
  • Patent number: 7452177
    Abstract: A parallel support member is constituted by a pair of links that are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of a second boom. These links are connected between a first boom and a third boom. Thus, the second boom is moved to the left or right side by an offset cylinder. In this case, when one of the links pulls the third boom, the third boom, an arm, and a bucket can be moved toward the left or right side of a vehicle body to be parallel to the first boom. At this time, the links accept a force exerted in the pulling direction, but need not receive a force exerted in the compression direction, so that the cross sectional areas, the weights of these links can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Gokita
  • Publication number: 20080267754
    Abstract: A loader vehicle includes a main frame, a lift arm, and a lift cylinder. The lift arm is connected to the main frame. A working implement is attached to the lift arm at the front end thereof. The lift cylinder is connected to the lift arm and the main frame. The lift cylinder includes a piston, a piston rod fixed to the piston, and a cylinder tube. The piston rod is connected to the main frame. The cylinder tube has a bottom portion and a side wall portion. The cylinder tube is connected to the lift arm by a connecting portion. The connecting portion is provided at the side wall portion of the cylinder tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Masami Yamada, Hidehito Kondou, Masami Sakamoto, Koichiro Mori
  • Publication number: 20080253874
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7427075
    Abstract: A steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack includes a ground engaging member connected to a support member of the pallet jack between a main wheel and an extensible wheel. The load supporting member of the pallet jack is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first turning radius of the pallet jack is defined by the distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel. While the extensible wheel engages the ground when the support frame is positioned towards the raised position, positioning the support member towards the lowered position engages the ground engageable member with the ground causing the extensible wheel to disengage the ground. The main wheel and the ground engageable member then define a second turning radius which is less than the first turning radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Grand Steer Inc.
    Inventors: Fred O. Hartmann, Allen C. Aaseby
  • Patent number: 7425004
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 7419350
    Abstract: An excavator includes an undercarriage including a track, a turret rotatable on the undercarriage, the turret including a chassis, a first operative arm set, a second operative arm set, an adapter body coupling the first operative arm set to the second operative arm set; and a work tool coupled to the distal end of the second distal arm. The first operative arm set comprises (i) a main arm rotatably mounted on the chassis, (ii) a first distal arm rotatably mounted on the main arm, (iii) a main hydraulic actuator coupled to the main arm and the chassis and (iv) a first distal hydraulic actuator, with the main hydraulic actuator being operable to rotate the main arm relative to the chassis and the first distal hydraulic actuator being coupled to the distal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Orlando Lombardo, Davide Caporale, Luca Fontana
  • Publication number: 20080199293
    Abstract: In combination a vehicle having an extension and an adaptor faceplate. The extension includes a first power-operated extension mount and a second mount. The adaptor faceplate comprising a rigid member securable to skid steer attachments with the rigid member having a front side and a back side with a frame extending from the back side of the rigid member for supporting a first connecting member and a second connecting member thereon with the first connecting member attachable to the first power-operated extension mount and the second connecting member attachable to the second extension mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Santele, John Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7383906
    Abstract: The present invention is a rotatable work machine that includes a lower frame assembly having a recessed area in which the operator portion of an upper frame assembly and power source are at least partially positioned. Further, a method of manufacturing and assembling the lower frame assembly enables various size configurations for the work machine. The method of manufacturing and assembling the work machine, along with the specific design and positioning of the various components therein, enhances stability, clearance, and operator visibility with reduced costs and complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Sewell
  • Patent number: 7384233
    Abstract: A vehicle of the industrial truck type comprises a chassis (3), at least three wheels (4) arranged to support the chassis while resting on the ground and a lifting unit (8) connected to the chassis having one or more members (9) arranged to carry loads and a power arrangement to raise and lower the load-carrying members relative to the chassis. The lifting unit is carried by the chassis via a mast-like beam (12), that is pivotably connected to the chassis about a substantially horizontal axis. Power means is arranged to pivot the beam about this axis relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Stock of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Max Segerljung
  • Patent number: 7380826
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck having a mounting plate and an add-on unit, which is fixed to said mounting plate by means of at least one fixing means, a bearing surface, which points towards the mounting plate, of the add-on unit being in touching contact with a mounting surface, which points towards the add-on unit, of the mounting plate, and at least one of the surfaces (bearing surface and mounting surface) being formed such that it is curved convexly at least in the section of the touching contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Schönauer
  • Patent number: 7377741
    Abstract: A stove loading mechanism to assist a person in lifting and moving heavy and/or awkward loads, such as loading logs into an outdoor wood boiler. A fork assembly for holding the log can easily be raised and lowered from the ground and latched at any height by means of a jack mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Larry A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20080056875
    Abstract: An extendible truss boom is attachable to a materials handling vehicle. The truss boom includes a connector frame coupleable with the materials handling vehicle. A plurality of truss frame members are affixed at one end to the connector frame and at an opposite end to an end bracket, which defines an extension opening. An extension member is movably supported by the end bracket in the extension opening. The extension member is selectively lockable in the extension opening in a plurality of positions between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The extendible truss boom eliminates the need to have multiple booms of different lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darian Ray Romigh, John D. Boylan
  • Publication number: 20080031716
    Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly includes two longitudinal tube sections, the second disposed within the first, and adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the first longitudinal tube section. A drive assembly is joined to the first longitudinal tube section and to the second longitudinal tube section and operably configured to drive the second longitudinal tube section relative to the first longitudinal tube section. A support brace is mounted under the second longitudinal tube section, and is configured to help support the weight of the telescoping mast and reduce the torque on the telescoping mast at the base due to the large mass of the mast plus its cargo at often a large radius of extension. This thereby enables the telescoping mast to handle larger masses at longer radii of extension with high levels of performance and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: PaR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Sturm
  • Patent number: 7308972
    Abstract: A fabricated metal carrier apparatus includes a carrier member having downwardly facing parallel spaced channels for receiving the forwardly projecting parallel forks of a forklift truck or vehicle. The carrier member has a rotatable vertical shaft located between the forks and connected to support a suspended member adapted to be attached to a load to be transported. A locating and locking arm projects rearwardly from the carrier member and engages the forks to prevent sliding movement of the carrier member on the forks. When not in use, the carrier apparatus is supported and stored in a suspended and conveniently viewed elevated position by an A-frame which has a depending hook for engaging the carrier member. The frame permits the forklift vehicle to pick up and lock on the carrier apparatus and return while the vehicle operator remains in his seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Pax Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pax, Eric A. Sudhoff, Terry L. Vogel