Extensible Support Patents (Class 414/718)
  • Patent number: 11724897
    Abstract: A modular robot system which may be configured to accommodate packages of varying sizes is provided. The modular robot may include a base having omni-directional wheels and cameras and sensors, one or more modular containers, and a lid, which may be releasably linked together to form a small, medium or larger units. The base may include a lifting mechanism to vertically raise the robot to a desired height in alignment with a delivery vehicle. Moreover, retractable loading arms of the vehicle may be extended from the vehicle to engage with the robot to facilitate self-loading of the robot into the delivery vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Galin
  • Patent number: 11661797
    Abstract: A mining or construction vehicle comprising an extendable boom comprised of a first and a second telescopic section extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the first telescopic section is arranged to be connected to the mining or construction vehicle and a hydraulic device is arranged to be connected to a mounting device at a free end of the second telescopic section, wherein a hydraulic cylinder is arranged in connection to the extendable boom to govern extension of said extendable boom. Hydraulic conduit for supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic device on the mounting device are arranged through the length of the extendable boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Oskar Sjöholm, Patrik Roth, Fredrik A. Andersson, Per-Anders Kumlin
  • Patent number: 11584626
    Abstract: Described is an electric telehandler (1) comprising: one or more traction apparatuses (3, 51, 6) equipped with a drive wheel (3); movement means comprising a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a hydraulic distributor (2) to actuate the actuators and a pump (21) for supplying the distributor (2); and an electric motor (4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49) connected directly to the traction apparatus and/or to the pump (21) of the movement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MANITOU ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Iotti
  • Patent number: 11585154
    Abstract: A mining or construction vehicle comprising a boom extending in a first direction, which boom, via a first and a second rotation device, is connected to a hydraulic device arranged on a mounting device arranged at a free end of said boom, the first rotation device being arranged to provide a rotation around a first axis that is substantially parallel to the first direction, and a second rotation device being arranged to provide a rotation around a second axis that is arranged at an angle with respect to the first axis. Hydraulic conduits for supply of hydraulic fluid to said hydraulic device on said mounting device are arranged through at least one of the first and second rotation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Oskar Sjöholm, Fredrik A. Andersson, Per-Anders Kumlin, Marcus Almqvist
  • Patent number: 11574295
    Abstract: A self-checkout system can include a plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments moveably coupled together in an order according to respective diameters of the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments. A scanning system can be configured to provide a characteristic of an item purchased by a user of the self-checkout system and a processor circuit can be operatively coupled to the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments and to the scanning system, where the processor circuit can be configured to move the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments relative to one another based on the characteristic of the item to be placed in a bag in use with the self-checkout system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Hye Suk Makley, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 11554723
    Abstract: Lift assemblies and methods of operating same. A method includes providing a lift assembly including a first support member and a boom pivotably coupled with a second support member. The lift assembly also includes a bearing disposed between the first and second support members. The bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring and a gear is engaged with one of the inner ring and the outer ring. A lift line is coupled with the boom. The method also includes attaching the first support member to the vehicle, pivoting the boom relative to the second support member about a first axis, and rotating the second support member relative to the first support member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Further, the method includes attaching a load to the lift line and operating the lift assembly to move the load onto a roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Ralph L. Leonard
  • Patent number: 10718098
    Abstract: A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph P. Hager, Timothy J. Berg, David A. Murray, Caleb A. Olson, Scott T. Hoffman, Jeffrey R. Frank
  • Patent number: 10697148
    Abstract: A hybrid loader boom arm assembly kit for a loader work vehicle includes a hollow first beam formed from a lightweight material, and a block formed from a second lightweight material. The block is configured to couple within the first beam. The kit includes at least one first steel reinforcing plate configured to couple to the first beam at the end, and at least one connecting plate configured to couple to the at least one first reinforcing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Hallale, Mohamad S. El-Zein, Hector Portillo, Israel Priego, Daniel Chapa, Nathan F. Tortorella
  • Patent number: 10611616
    Abstract: A quick coupling implement for an aerial device has a base, a boom assembly, the implement, and an adapter. The adapter is emplaced on a portion of the boom assembly to allow for quickly coupling the implement. The adapter comprises a boom-raise-interfacing segment with at least one opening for securing to the boom raise of the boom assembly via a retaining pin. The adapter also comprises an implement-interfacing segment that presents a complementary shape to an adapter-receptor segment of the implement. The implement may be a utility platform for supporting a utility worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnson X. Miles, Gregory M. Stakor
  • Patent number: 10189156
    Abstract: An arm unit of a robot has a lower arm mechanism including a parallel link structure and an upper arm mechanism. The lower arm mechanism has a front link and a rear link including respective lower ends rotatably connected to the base portion. A lower arm drive mechanism has a lower ball screw and a lower bearing portion supporting a shaft so as to be rotatable about its axis. An extending portion extending from the lower end of the rear link is connected to a nut so as to be rotatable about a nut side rotational axis. The lower bearing portion is connected to a base portion so as to be rotatable about a bearing portion side rotational axis. Thus, high mechanical rigidity can be ensured over a wide operation range under a high load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Kitamura, Masato Yamamoto, Koji Yoshino
  • Patent number: 9777458
    Abstract: A detachable thumb assembly for a construction equipment machine includes a mounting bracket for attaching the thumb assembly to a digging apparatus of the machine, a thumb pivotally connected on the mounting bracket, a thumb cylinder including a cylinder body connected to the mounting bracket and a cylinder rod which extends from a front end of the cylinder body and which is connected to the thumb. The body of the thumb cylinder is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket at a connection portion of the body which is distinct from a body back end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Compact Equipment SAS
    Inventors: Marcello Bargellini, Chester Harding, Michal Perdek
  • Patent number: 9366004
    Abstract: An industrial machine and a method of controlling an industrial machine, the industrial machine including a dipper supported by a dipper handle. The method may include determining an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limiting, with at least one controller, a reach of the dipper handle, and in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enabling, with the at least one controller, an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase. The industrial machine may include at least one controller configured to determine an operating phase of the industrial machine, in a first operating phase of the industrial machine, limit a reach of the dipper handle, and, in a second operating phase of the industrial machine, enable an extended reach of the dipper handle greater than the reach in the first operating phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Linstroth, Joseph J. Colwell, Mooyoung Lee, Matthew I. Loew, Jason Knuth, Peter Gizewski, Jr., Justin Zunker
  • Patent number: 9206026
    Abstract: A longitudinal stability monitoring system controls a boom lift down speed for a lift vehicle. The lift vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supported on front and rear wheels respectively coupled with a front axle and a rear axle, and a boom pivotally coupled to the lift vehicle. The system monitors a vertical load on the rear axle and manages boom lift down speed based on the vertical load. Additionally, the system may manage the boom lift down speed based on both the vertical load on the rear axle and an anticipated operator demand according to a signal from an operator input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Aulton, Muhammad Sannah, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9073739
    Abstract: A controller for use with a machine comprising a machine body, and a load handling apparatus coupled to the machine body and moveable by a movement actuator with respect to the machine body, the controller being configured to receive a signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus with respect to the machine body and a signal representative of a moment of tilt of the machine, wherein the controller is further configured to issue a signal for use by an element of the machine including the movement actuator, which in response to the signal issued by the controller, is configured to restrict or substantially prevent a movement of the load handling apparatus when a value of the signal representative of the moment of tilt reaches a threshold value, the threshold value being dependent on the signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus with respect to the machine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Sam Woods, Neil McKane, Kevin W. Ford
  • Publication number: 20150078873
    Abstract: A mining shovel roller saddle block structure has first and second pairs of rollers which roll atop the shovel's dipper handles. Shafts mounted within the rollers are rotatably supported by block clamps fastened to shelves fixed atop the shovel's saddle blocks. Drop stops fixed to the shelves between the rollers extend over the dipper handles. Cables coupled between the block clamps and the drop stops retain the structure if it is dislodged by a collision with greenhorn protrusions on the dipper handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicants: Vulcan Industrial Engineering Company, Ltd., Caliper Industrial Parts Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Bruno HAMBALEK
  • Patent number: 8965637
    Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a main structure and a working arm pivotally mounted at one end on the main structure. The working arm is raisable and lowerable relative to the main structure by a first actuator device, and is extendible relative to the main structure by a second actuator device. In use, the arm carries at another end a working implement which can carry a load. The machine further including a ground engaging drive structure by which the machine is drivable on the ground. The machine has a longitudinal load moment control system which automatically disables operation of the first and/or second actuator devices from increasing longitudinal instability in the event that a predetermined instability is sensed. When the machine senses a ground travelling speed above a threshold speed, the longitudinal load moment control system is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Brooks, Graham Mark Brooks, Kevin William Ford
  • Patent number: 8827625
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first loader arm portion pivotably connected at one end to a frame of the vehicle and configured to slidably receive a second loader arm portion along an opposed end of the first loader arm portion. A mechanical linkage interconnects the loader arm portions and the frame. A fluid cylinder operatively connected between each of the frame and the loader arm portions is configured to raise and lower the loader arm portions between a retracted (lowered) position and an extended (raised) position. As the fluid cylinder is actuated to urge the loader arm portions toward the extended (raised) position, the mechanical linkage results in slidable movement of the second loader arm portion with respect to the first loader arm portion so that a collective length of the loader arm portions in the extended (raised) position is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Joseph M. Biggerstaff
  • Publication number: 20140086716
    Abstract: An industrial machine includes a frame supporting a boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, an attachment, a conduit, and a reel supporting at least a portion of the conduit. The boom includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end. The elongated member is movably coupled to the boom and includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is coupled to the second end of the elongated member. The conduit extends between the frame and the attachment. The reel is rotatably supported on a support shaft. The reel rotates about an axis of rotation to reel in and pay out the conduit as the elongated member moves relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Knuth
  • Publication number: 20130280021
    Abstract: An earthmoving machine includes a frame, a boom, an elongated member, an attachment, a conduit, and a reel. The frame supports a fluid source. The boom includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end. The elongated member is movably coupled to the boom and includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is coupled to the second end of the elongated member. The conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid source and conveys fluid between the fluid source and the attachment. The reel supports at least a portion of the conduit. The reel is rotatable to reel in and pay out the conduit as the elongated member moves relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Knuth
  • Patent number: 8434247
    Abstract: A saddle block assembly including a main body having a shipper shaft opening through the main body bottom end, and an eccentric pin opening in the main body top end, an eccentric pin received in an eccentric pin opening in the top end of the main body, and a wear plate support. The wear plate support has a pin receiving opening, the eccentric pin being received in the pin receiving opening. Wear plates are mounted on the bottom end of the wear plate support and are adapted to bear against the top of a dipper handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Wurster
  • Publication number: 20120043159
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a chassis having a footprint, a load carrying structure, and a support assembly coupling the chassis and the structure. The support assembly is adapted to move the structure relative to the chassis between a stowed position and a deployed position outboard of the footprint of the chassis. A plurality of wheels is configured to roll on the support surface and a plurality of axles coupling the wheels to the chassis are provided. Each axle includes at least one spindle supporting an individual wheel for rotation on a spindle axis. A steering system is adapted to position the wheels between driving and rotation arrangements with respect to the chassis such that in the rotating arrangement each of the plurality of wheels rotate relative to the chassis whereby the chassis, the platform and the support assembly may rotate in unison about the steer axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: GENIE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian M. Clark, David Reed, Jim Dean, Mark Case, Justin Stansberry
  • Patent number: 7950171
    Abstract: A saddle block assembly including a main body having a shipper shaft opening through the main body bottom end, and an eccentric pin opening in the main body top end, an eccentric pin received in an eccentric pin opening in the top end of the main body, and a wear plate support. The wear plate support has a pin receiving opening, the eccentric pin being received in the pin receiving opening. Wear plates are mounted on the bottom end of the wear plate support and are adapted to bear against the top of a dipper handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Wurster
  • Publication number: 20100322753
    Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a main structure and a working arm pivotally mounted at one end on the main structure. The working arm is raisable and lowerable relative to the main structure by a first actuator device, and is extendible relative to the main structure by a second actuator device. In use, the arm carries at another end a working implement which can carry a load. The machine further including a ground engaging drive structure by which the machine is drivable on the ground. The machine has a longitudinal load moment control system which automatically disables operation of the first and/or second actuator devices from increasing longitudinal instability in the event that a predetermined instability is sensed. When the machine senses a ground travelling speed above a threshold speed, the longitudinal load moment control system is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Brooks, Graham Mark Brooks, Kevin William Ford
  • Publication number: 20100239405
    Abstract: A boom extension apparatus is provided for a prime mover such as a skid-steer loader or vehicle wherein the rearward end of the boom extension apparatus is quickly and easily attachable to the forward ends of the boom arms of the skid-steer loader. The forward end of the boom extension apparatus is quickly and easily attachable to the rearward end of an implement such as a bucket, bale spear, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent E. Tesinsky
  • Patent number: 7739813
    Abstract: There is provided a telescoping boom system for an excavating apparatus which includes a linkage member having a pivot segment and lever segment pivoted about a rotating fixed boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the fixed boom to the pivot segment. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the lever segment to a retractable outer boom. The first hydraulic cylinder extends to rotate the pivot segment away from a proximate end of the fixed boom, thus forcing the lever segment to rotate towards the proximate end of the fixed boom. The second hydraulic cylinder retracts and combines with the extension force of the first hydraulic cylinder across the linkage member to provide a retraction force to the outer boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Beaton
  • Patent number: 7635248
    Abstract: A sliding deck for carrying loads in transit and both lifting or lowering the loads includes a spaced pair of pivoting outer tubular tower members having hydraulically operated cylinders interior to a pair of telescoping tubular inner members located interior to the outer tubular tower member in which the pivoting of the tower members is controlled about a pivot by a supporting hydraulically-operated cylinder. A friction-relieving feature for accommodating movement of the interior telescoping member may include a Teflon brand wear pad fixed on the inner surface of the fixed outer tubular tower member. Together, the fixed outer tubular member and the sliding interior tubular member form a pivoting tower-like support member at an incline relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sidney Slide L.P.
    Inventor: Michael H. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090263225
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system is disclosed to provide a releasable mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a backing wedge block connected to a relatively stationary boom segment It defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft is supported generally parallel to the angled surface of the backing wedge block with a stationary piston secured to the shaft at an end. A slidable wedge block is supported for reciprocal movement on the angled surface. It includes a bore having a closed end defining a receptacle between the end and the stationary piston; and, a compression spring is disposed in the receptacle biased to urge the closed end of the bore away from the stationary piston. The end of the bore is closed with a gland to define a chamber with the piston. A port is provided to supply hydraulic fluid to urge the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Lift Systems , Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Faccio, Christopher R. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20080159841
    Abstract: A telescopic boom materials handling vehicle includes a vehicle chassis and a transfer carriage supported by the chassis and configured for longitudinal displacement relative to the chassis between the retracted position and an extended position. A telescopic boom is pivotably affixed at a first end to the transfer carriage. A control system controls operation of the telescopic boom to maintain a height of the load supported by the telescopic boom during longitudinal displacement by the transfer carriage, regardless of a terrain slope on which the vehicle chassis is supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Philip L. Keller
  • 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: 7111745
    Abstract: A boom for a load handling machine, the boom has a mounting by which the boom is mounted on a body of the machine, and at least first and second telescoped sections. In use, the boom carries a load handling implement at or towards its outermost end. The first boom section is telescoped within the second section and is extendible and retractable relative to the second boom section by an actuator. At least the first boom section includes walls made at least predominantly of a composite material. A bearing member is located where adjacent walls meet to extend along a substantial length of the first boom section to provide bearing surfaces during sliding of the first boom section relative to the second boom section. Bearings also may be provided on the interior of the second boom section to further protect the first boom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Andrew David Nurse, Richard Way, David Panni, Paul Sherratt
  • Patent number: 7011488
    Abstract: A slide arm for a work implement is provided, which is simply structured to obtain improved assembling precision thereby ensuring smooth operation. To this end, the slide arm is such that a plurality of tubular structural bodies (i.e., outer and inner tubes), each of which is formed by bending a one-piece plate into a shape having a substantially triangular cross-section and circular vertex portions, are telescoped one within the other with sliding members (i.e., plain bearing units and slide block pieces) interposed between them at the vertex portions and such that a sliding mechanism is disposed for sliding the tubular structural bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Muroto Tekkosho
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Masumoto, Tatsushi Itoh, Toshihiko Sakashita
  • Patent number: 6971836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at lift trucks, including a chassis (3) with a driving compartment (2) and a lifting device (9) for lifting goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: SMV Lifttrucks AB
    Inventor: Hans Carlsson
  • Patent number: 6910544
    Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Andrew J. Sewell
  • Patent number: 6799937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a forklift having a traversing carriage for moving longitudinally along a frame of the forklift, an outer guide rail for guiding the carriage being disposed relatively low to the operator cockpit so as to minimize the obstruction of operator visibility of the surrounding terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Pettibone, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark D. Granroth, Jon Hoke
  • Patent number: 6764270
    Abstract: A motor vehicle for industrial and/or agricultural operations, in particular an agricultural tractor, is described with an attachment interface containing a three-point implement hitch (24). In order to widen the spectrum of applications of the vehicle and the capability of the attachment interface and in order to open up new areas of application for the motor vehicle, a telescoping arm (16) that can be pivoted in the vertical direction is connected in a joint to the vehicle chassis (14). A support (22) is arranged at the free, extensible end of the telescoping arm (16) and carries the attachment interface for the three-point implement hitch (24). A locking arrangement (38, 40) is provided by which the support (22) can be immobilized with respect to the vehicle chassis (14), when the telescoping arm (16) is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gerd Bernhardt, Mario Wünsche, Sergiy Fedotov
  • Publication number: 20040131459
    Abstract: A slide arm for a work implement is provided, which is simply structured to obtain improved assembling precision thereby ensuring smooth operation. To this end, the slide arm is such that a plurality of tubular structural bodies (i.e., outer and inner tubes), each of which is formed by bending a one-piece plate into a shape having a substantially triangular cross-section and circular vertex portions, are telescoped one within the other with sliding members (i.e., plain bearing units and slide block pieces) interposed between them at the vertex portions and such that a sliding mechanism is disposed for sliding the tubular structural bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Masumoto, Tatsushi Itoh, Toshihiko Sakashita
  • Patent number: 6726437
    Abstract: A telescoping lift arm assembly has an outer lift arm tube that is formed with a cross section configuration that has spaced side walls, and outwardly extending flange guide panels at the lower portions of the side walls. An inner lift arm tube is generally bell-shaped and fits into the outer lift arm tube and has outwardly flared flanges that are parallel to the flange guide panels of the outer lift arm tube. The inner lift arm tube is held in place with a cross support plate that is supported to the side walls of the outer lift arm tube, to hold the inner lift arm tube in place. There are linear bearings between the mating outwardly flared flanges and panels, as well as between the support plate and mating lower surfaces of the inner lift arm tube. Fasteners are provided to adjustably hold the support plate secured to the outer lift arm tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Albright, Thomas J. Roan, Gregory L. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6565307
    Abstract: Transfer machine, intended for transferring loads (K), especially containers, wherein the transfer machine comprises a frame (R) equipped with a wheelwork (P); a horizontal support plane (1) located in connection with the frame (R) for supporting the load (K) during the transfer, and a vertical transfer apparatus (S) for lifting the load (K) on the support of the support plane (1) and off the support of the support plane (1), wherein the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to lift and lower loads (K) from the side of the transfer machine and thereby from the side of the support plane (1). The vertical transfer apparatus (S) of the transfer machine is placed in connection with the frame (R) on the first side of the support plane (1), and the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to reach over the support plane when lifting or lowering the load (K), in order to move the load (K) onto the support plane (1) or off the support plane (1) from the second side of the support plane (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Oy Meclift Ltd.
    Inventor: Jouko Niemelä
  • Patent number: 6530742
    Abstract: A telescopic boom arrangement of a vehicle is provided with a fixed, tubular outer boom and an inner boom which is mounted for sliding within the outer boom. Transmission lines for coupling various functions, carried at the end of the inner boom, with a power source/and or controls include an intermediate section mounted to the outer boom by a transmission line routing assembly which holds first ends of the intermediate section of the transmission lines at a fixed location and establishes a guide along which second ends of the section of transmission lines is moveable lengthwise of the outer boom. The intermediate section of the transmission lines is flexible and defines a bow which changes in length as the inner boom extends and retracts relative to the outer boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Trinler, Richard Tudor
  • Publication number: 20020176771
    Abstract: A forklift has a travelling carriage, a straddle arm disposed on the travelling carriage, a mast disposed on the straddle arm to be reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction, a fork disposed on the mast to be movable up and downm, and a cover disposed on the travelling carriage. When the mast is in a reach-in operation, the cover covers at least an upper side of an article supported by the fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: NIPPON YUSOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Ando, Toshio Wada, Kazuhiro Fujikawa, Tomohiro Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6425729
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a work machine which includes (i) a boom and (ii) a coupling mechanism secured to an end of the boom is disclosed. The arrangement includes a first control assembly having (i) a first gripping portion and (ii) a first actuator secured to the first gripping portion so that the first actuator can move relative to the first gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Coutant
  • Patent number: 6405770
    Abstract: A delimber having a standard carriage and a delimbing boom, the delimbing boom slidably mounted through the carriage. A drive module is detachably connected to the carriage for use in moving the boom relative to the carriage. Two different types of booms and up to three different drive modules, each with a different drive, can be provided. The boom and module selected to give the operating characteristics desired by the operator are connected to the carriage. Drive transfer members, in the form of cable or chain drives, are connected between the selected drive module and the selected boom. The module carries a variable displacement hydraulic motor. The motor is connected by a gear box to the drive transfer member. On delimbers using cable drives, at least one end of each cable is connected to the delimber with a hydraulic tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Denharco Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Camirand, Bertrand Jeanson, Alain Bellefeuille
  • Patent number: 6390764
    Abstract: A vehicle designed to be operated either as a lifting machine or as an agricultural tractor, comprising a bearing structure with motor-driven wheels, a control and driving cab, a telescopically extendable and retractable lifting boom arranged on one side of the control and driving cab and swingable relative to the bearing structure around a transverse axis located at the front end of the lifting boom, whose rear end carries a three-point hitch for agricultural implements to be operated by a rear power take-off. The lifting boom itself provides a power-lift for agricultural implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Merlo SpA Industria Metalmeccanica
    Inventors: Amilcare Merlo, Renato Galfre′, Adriano Brondetta
  • Publication number: 20020006326
    Abstract: A telescopic boom arrangement of a vehicle is provided with a fixed, tubular outer boom and an inner boom which is mounted for sliding within the outer boom. Transmission lines for coupling various functions, carried at the end of the inner boom, with a power source/and or controls include an intermediate section mounted to the outer boom by a transmission line routing assembly which holds first ends of the intermediate section of the transmission lines at a fixed location and establishes a guide along which second ends of the section of transmission lines is moveable lengthwise of the outer boom. The intermediate section of the transmission lines is flexible and defines a bow which changes in length as the inner boom extends and retracts relative to the outer boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Trinler, Richard Tudor
  • Patent number: 6132164
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle comprising a structure having ground engageable propulsion means and a material handling means comprising a boom mounted on the structure for raising and lowering swinging movement relative to the structure and driven for said raising and lowering movement by a first drive means and said boom being extendable and being driven for extension or retraction by a second drive means and a material handling implement carried by an outer end part of said boom, wherein the material handling implement comprises a carrier and a load engageable device moveable relative to the carrier, a first sensing means to sense a first position of the device relative to the carrier, said drive means being responsive to the said first sensing means sensing said first position to modify operation of said drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Richard Francis Way, David John Knight
  • Patent number: 6116302
    Abstract: A tree harvesting machine having a fixed length boom slidable through a tubular support on the machine. Tree harvesting elements are on one end of the boom. A pair of boom tensioning cables, above the boom, extend between the ends of the boom. Flexible power supply lines extend between the tubular support and the tree harvesting elements, the lines supported in zig-zag fashion between the cables on power line carrying means slidable on the cables. A flexible strap extends between the the ends of the boom, located between the cables, to support the power lines passing between the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Denharco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Ferneding
  • Patent number: 6099227
    Abstract: A telescoping gripping and lift assembly for use with a flat bed truck or the like includes a pair of gripper arms, each of which is attached to a transverse lift housing which, in turn, is pivotably attached to the rear of the flat bed. Each of the gripper arms is telescopically extendable relative to a respective opposing end of the lift housing between grip and release positions via a pressure equalizing gripping piston & cylinder unit positioned within the lift housing. In addition, each of the gripper arms is a two part construction with an outer sleeve encompassing an inner sleeve and with a respective hydraulic telescoping cylinder selectively extending and retracting the larger outer sleeve relative to the smaller inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Harper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Shellhammer
  • Patent number: 6024232
    Abstract: A boom truck is provided which has optimum operating and transport positions. In the operating position an operator's cab is mounted substantially centrally of the chassis of the boom truck, with the boom above the cab and pivotally mounted to the rear of the cab (over the rear axle) for rotation about a first horizontal axis to provide a lifting force when the boom is pivoted by a hydraulic cylinder or similar linear actuators. In transforming the boom truck to an ease of transport position, the cab is slid on rails to one side of the chassis (preferably in the direction substantially parallel to the axles of the chassis), the support for mounting the pivot for the boom is itself pivoted about a second substantially horizontal axis so that the boom lowers, and ultimately the boom moves to a position next to the cab, with at least part of the boom, and perhaps substantially all of the boom, below the top of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kalmar Industries Sverige AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Helgesson
  • Patent number: 5993137
    Abstract: A hoist for raising and lowering objects may be attached to a vehicle. The hoist includes a support column and a boom attached thereto; the boom can be raised and lowered by a hydraulic double action cylinder or otherwise. Both the support column and cylinder attach to a bracket, the bracket in turn being rotatably connected to a base unit so that the boom can be rotated as well as raised and lowered. The support column and boom can be adjusted with respect to one another and to the bracket, to balance loads and to adjust the reach of the hoist. Critical sections of the hoist, such as the portion of the boom that attaches to the support column, are reinforced with plates welded to the exterior of a rectangular tube. The connection between the support column and the bracket includes a nut to tension the column to the bracket. The base unit includes outriggers to support and stabilize the hoist, preferably three outriggers in a triangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Robert E Harr
  • Patent number: 5924837
    Abstract: An extensible telescopic machine part such as a telescopic boom for an excavator has three extensible, telescopic elements. One of the telescopic elements carries a working unit at its free end remote from the other telescopic elements. The working unit is supplied with energy through flexible energy transmission lines. Actuators for causing telecopic relative movement of the telescopic elements are provided. The energy transmission lines extend inside the machine part and are arranged in a carrier track. The actuators are arranged off axis with respect to the telescopic elements to provide space for the carrier track. The carrier track extends from a forward end of the outer telescopic element to the rear end of the inner telescopic element, The carrier track is guided between the outer and median telescopic elements and forms a bight around the rear end of the inner telescopic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Spitznas Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Passmann