Abstract: A pneumatic jack is provided including a frame having a rigid top member, a rigid bottom member, and an elevation assembly coupled therebetween for maintaining the top member above the bottom member. Also included is an inflatable chamber situated between the top member and the bottom member of the frame with a valve for receiving air to selectively elevate the top member of the frame with respect to the bottom member.

Abstract: A leveling system for leveling a recreational vehicle. A tire engaging, inflatable container can be utilized to provide a support surface under a tire of the vehicle. Then, the tire engaging, inflatable container can be at least partially inflated to establish the vehicle in a level position. The tire engaging, inflatable container can present a low profile configuration that allows a tire to be rolled on easily. In this manner, the tire engaging inflatable container is not pushed out of position by the tire. Through the use of a flexible, yet non-stretchable or non-elastic material, the tire engaging, inflatable container limits any bounciness which might normally be encountered when the vehicle is in a level position. A large surface area on the tire engaging, inflatable container permits a tire to be easily positioned on the surface without being concerned about exact positioning. Similarly, a large surface area permits more than one tire to be used to establish the vehicle in a level position.

Abstract: A relatively low profile pneumatic jack comprising a bellows made from a flexible member having at least one convolution for lifting heavy objects, such as vehicles. The bellows is located between a lift member that abuts the object to be lifted and a base member which abuts the surface from which the object is being lifted (i.e., the ground). A top plate and a bottom plate connect to the bellows and the lift and base members to form an air-tight chamber within the bellows. An inlet valve is connected to the chamber to allow the introduction of pressurized air in the chamber. A valve assembly having safety systems therein to prevent overfilling of the jack is disposed between the supply of pressurized air and the inlet valve. A safety system inside the chamber further prevents overfilling of the jack.

Abstract: A geometrically-shaped bag for lifting and positioning objects has a layer of fluid impermeable, non-porous material forming an expandable bladder having opposite ends and a first layer of wound strands enclosing the expandable bladder. A method of manufacturing the bag comprises the steps of providing a geometrically-shaped mold member having an axis of rotation extending through opposite ends of the mold member, coating the mold member with fluid impermeable, non-porous material to form an expandable bladder having opposite ends, winding a first layer of strands onto the mold member over the expandable bladder, and removing the mold member from the expandable bag.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a base, a load platform, a vertically expandable actuator linkage mechanically coupled between said load platform and said base, and a glycol operated actuator chamber having a compressible bellows. Means are provided for mechanically coupling the compressible bellows between the base or platform and the linkage. This provides an extremely stable platform, and one which remains rock solid once it is set in position, because glycol is a non-compressible fluid and is not affected by normal temperature variations found in industrial settings.

Abstract: A dock leveler comprising a ramp movable between a lowered position and a raised position, an inflatable member positioned to move the ramp to its raised position upon inflation of the inflatable member, and an inflating device operatively connected with the internal cavity. The inflatable member includes upper and lower portions at least partially defining an internal cavity. An insert member is positioned in the internal cavity for maintaining a volume of gas between the upper and lower portions. Preferably, the insert member functions to maintain the inflatable member in engagement with a downwardly facing surface of the ramp, thereby inhibiting the presence of debris between the inflatable member and the ramp, and further expediting inflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp having a rear edge movably interconnected with a loading dock, an intermediate member movable relative to the ramp, and an inflatable assembly positioned to cause relative movement between the ramp and the intermediate member upon inflation of the inflatable assembly, thereby resulting in movement of the ramp. The intermediate member is movably mounted to either a pit floor, a support structure or the ramp. A roller member is mounted to an end of the intermediate member. The inflatable assembly can be operatively associated with a vacuum device to allow for selective removal of gas from the inflatable assembly.

Abstract: The mine prop prestressing device (10) has a tube (12), a cup-shaped member (14) inside the tube which has a base (18) and a cylindrical side wall (20) fixed internally to the wall of the tube. A counter-member is also fixed to the tube in opposition to the cup-shaped member, and a valved inlet leads through the wall of the tube for the purpose of introducing a pressurised fluid into the tube between the base of the cup-shaped member and the counter-member. If the fluid is under sufficiently high pressure, the base of the cup-shaped member and the counter member are deformed apart from one another. The counter-member is typically in the form of an identical or similar cup-shaped member (14). The device (10) is a component part of a mine prop which includes a plunger (36, 38) inserted slidably into the tube so as to locate in a cup-shaped member. When pressurised fluid is introduced into the tube, the plunger is driven telescopically out of the tube.

Abstract: Mobile medical lifting apparatus comprising a mobile support means having wheels, castors or rollers, which mobile support means supports or provides a mounting for a lifting device comprising a stack of inflatable bags for raising a seat or platform supported by the lifting device, an inflatable bag at the bottom of the lifting device is actuable to raise the wheels, castors or rollers off the ground to enable the wheels, castors or rollers, and, optionally, associated parts of the mobile support means, to be removed so that the lifting device can lower the seat or platform to very close to the ground to minimize the effort required to move a fallen person onto the platform.

Abstract: A support and attachment mechanism for a dock leveler lift bag. The dock leveler includes a supporting structure which is mounted in a pit in a loading dock and the rear end of a ramp is pivoted to the supporting structure so that the ramp is movable between a horizontal position and an upwardly inclined position. A bag support member is pivoted to the supporting structure and is located in the pit beneath the ramp. An inflatable bag assembly is located adjacent the rear end of the ramp and is positioned between the underside of the ramp and the bag support member. By inflating the bag assembly, the ramp can be pivoted from the horizontal to the upwardly inclined position. The bag assembly includes a rearwardly extending tether which is secured to the supporting structure and prevents the bag assembly from squeezing forwardly as the bag assembly is inflated.

Abstract: An edge-of-dock leveler incorporating an inflatable lift bag. The leveler includes a frame mounted on the front face of the dock and the rear edge of a deck plate is hinged to the frame, while a lip is hinged to the forward edge of the deck plate. In the storage position, the deck plate is generally horizontal while the lip hangs downwardly in a pendant position. The frame includes a fixed pressure member and a movable pressure member is hinged to an edge of the fixed pressure member. A link interconnects the movable pressure member with the deck plate. An inflatable, flexible bag is located between the pressure members and by inflating the bag, the deck plate is pivoted from the horizontal position to the substantially vertical position. By deflating the bag, the deck plate will descend by gravity and the forward edge of the lip will move in a generally curved path into engagement with the bed of a truck parked in front of the loading dock.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp movable between a raised position and a lowered position is moved to its raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, such as an airbag supported beneath the ramp by a support assembly. The support assembly is removably mounted below the ramp at its rearward end, and its forward end is provided with wheels which engage the floor of the pit within which the dockleveler is mounted. A fan is mounted to the support adjacent its rearward end, and includes an outlet communicating through the support with the interior of the airbag. The airbag, support and fan are assembled into a subassembly which is removable as a unit from below the ramp. A lifting tool is employed to raise the forward end of the support assembly, either for cleaning or for use in mounting a pair of auxiliary wheel assemblies to the support assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically actuated bar-like clamping tool with an elongated base body (1), a reciprocating elongated clamping body (2) and a tubular inflatable body (18) arranged between both said bodies for moving the clamping body. The inflatable body is secured in a fluid-tight manner at one end and is connected to a fluid connection at its other end. The base body (1) and the clamping body (2) consist each of a U-shaped section with meshing legs (9;10). A reciprocating, elongated thrust piece (15) supported on the ends of the legs of the clamping body (2) and a fixed, elongated abutment (13) are arranged between the legs (9) of the base body (1). The tubular inflatable body (18) extends on the one hand between the base body (1) and the pressure member (15) and after it is deflected it extends on the other hand between the abutment (13) and the clamping body (2). The U-shaped base body (1) has a close-off arrangement (3) at least at its end provided with the fluid connection (3a).

Abstract: The lifting and tilting device includes fluid actuated bellows type of lifting motors which lift and tilt a container with respect to a base. The lifting motors are supported by pairs of scissor mechanisms which pivot with respect to one another when the lifting motors expand and contract. The scissor mechanisms are partially slidable with respect to the base and the container to permit raising and lowering of the container. The container is designed to receive material at a certain level and then dispense of the material at the same or different level. The fluid preferably used is air.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus comprising an elongated flume which has a fluid medium provided therein. A plurality of passenger vehicles are carried in the flume. Lifting mechanisms are provided for selectively raising and lowering various areas of the flume causing the fluid medium to travel as a wave in a continuous path around the flume and propel passenger vehicles floated thereon.

Abstract: The lifting apparatus employs a plurality of stacked annular discs, each of which is secured at the inner and outer periphery to an adjacent disc to define a hollow space. Circular discs are secured at the opposite ends of the stacked annular discs to enclose the hollow space. The lifting apparatus is collapsible from an extended elongated position to a collapsed position. A nipple is provided to permit the entry of compressed air into the hollow space when the lifting apparatus is in the elongated extended position to allow the hollow space to be radially expanded while being longitudinally contracted in order to effect lifting of an object secured to the lower end of the listing apparatus.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp is movable to a raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, such as an air bag assembly. One or more filler members are located within an internal cavity defined by the air bag assembly, to occupy void volume therein. The filler members expedite inflation of the bag assembly when an inflating device is operated to introduce air under pressure into the bag assembly. The filler members also function to maintain the bag assembly in an engaged condition with the underside of the ramp, and to prevent the air bag assembly from fully collapsing in order to prolong bag life.

Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure, the top and bottom frame structures interconnected by an extensible wall structure; an inflatable bladder assembly, the bladder assembly being substantially enclosed by the top and bottom frame structures and the extensible wall structure, whereby the top frame structure is raised and lowered upon inflation and deflation, respectively, of the bladder assembly; locking means for retaining the frame assembly in a raised, extended position upon deflation of the bladder assembly; and fluid inlet and outlet means in fluid communication with the bladder assembly for inflating and deflating the bladder assembly.

Abstract: A support and attachment mechanism for a dock leveler lift bag. The dock leveler includes a supporting structure which is mounted in a pit in a loading dock and the rear end of a ramp is pivoted to the supporting structure so that the ramp is movable between a horizontal position and an upwardly inclined position. A bag support member is pivoted to the supporting structure and is located in the pit beneath the ramp. An inflatable bag assembly is located adjacent the rear end of the ramp and is positioned between the underside of the ramp and the bag support member. By inflating the bag assembly, the ramp can be pivoted from the horizontal to the upwardly inclined position. The bag assembly includes a rearwardly extending tether which is secured to the supporting structure and prevents the bag assembly from squeezing forwardly as the bag assembly is inflated.

Abstract: An improved support and attachment mechanism for a dockleveler lift bag. The dock leveler includes a supporting structure or frame which is mounted in a pit in a loading dock and the pit has a forwardly sloping floor. The rear end of the ramp is pivoted to the supporting structure, so that the ramp can be pivoted between a horizontal position and an upwardly inclined position. A bag support member is located in the pit beneath the ramp and is pivoted to the rear end of the ramp. An inflatable bag assembly is located adjacent the rear end of the ramp and is positioned between the underside of the ramp and the bag support member. By inflating the bag assembly, the ramp can be pivoted from the horizontal position to the upwardly inclined position. Guide members, such as rollers, are mounted on the forward end of the bag support member and ride on the floor of the pit as the bag assembly is inflated and the ramp is pivoted upwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning drill pipe within a mousehole are disclosed. The apparatus includes a lifting member positioned by an elevator disposed at a bottom end of a mousehole wherein the member abuts the pipe from beneath. The elevator can comprise an expandable bladder or a carriage lifted by a cable. By engaging the elevator, the position of the upper end of the pipe can be raised a sufficient degree above the top end of the mousehole to apply a pipe tool around the pipe upper end. In such a manner, the mousehole joint can be removed using a conventional pipe hoist rather than by connection to the kelly joint which might necessitate otherwise a cessation of drilling.

Abstract: An edge-of-dock leveler incorporating an inflatable lift bag. The leveler includes a frame mounted on the front face of the dock and the rear edge of a deck plate is hinged to the frame, while a lip is hinged to the forward edge of the deck plate. In the storage position, the deck plate is generally horizontal while the lip hangs downwardly in a pendant position. The frame includes a fixed pressure member and a movable pressure member is hinged to an edge of the fixed pressure member. A link interconnects the movable pressure member with the deck plate. An inflatable, flexible bag is located between the pressure members and by inflating the bag, the deck plate is pivoted from the horizontal position to the substantially vertical position. By deflating the bag, the deck plate will descend by gravity and the forward edge of the lip will move in a generally curved path into engagement with the bed of a truck parked in front of the loading dock.

Abstract: An inflatable bag assembly for a dock leveler including a stack of superimposed bags which are joined together along contiguous surfaces. The interiors of the bags are connected to a suitable source of low pressure gas such as air. The stack of superimposed bags is positioned between a supporting surface on a loading dock and a ramp which is hinged to the dock and is movable between a horizontal position and an upwardly inclined position. By supplying air to the bag assembly, the bag assembly is inflated thereby moving the ramp from the horizontal to the upwardly inclined position.

Abstract: A jack structure wherein a rigid housing includes a plurality of stacked pneumatic bags within the housing, wherein the stacked pneumatic bags are arranged for selective inflation by use of a pneumatic compressor that in turn is operative through an electrical supply line that is arranged to receive electrical energy from the cigarette lighter or have clips to attach to positive and negative posts of car battery of an associated vehicle. A valve assembly permits selective inflation and deflation of the pneumatic bag structure within the housing.

Abstract: A multi-functional table with elevational capabilities comprising a base in a generally rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a parallel lower surface; a table top in a generally rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a parallel lower surface; a central cylindrical support having an upper end secured to the lower surface of the table top and having a lower end secured to the upper surface of the base, the support being formed of a tubular member of an enlarged diameter at the lower end and a tubular member of a reduced diameter at the upper end for being slidably received within the lower component; a pump including a foot pedal secured to the base adjacent to the lower component whereby reciprocation of the foot pedal will act to supply air to the space between the upper and lower components to thereby raise the upper component and the working level of the table; and a plurality of apertures formed in the table top and supplemental components adapted to be secured to the table

Abstract: A device for opening a scissor-type jack with paired cross-bars, the device having a chamber of variable volume connected to fluid inlet and outlet provided by end plates to which two cover plates are fixed. The first cover plate has two flanges disposed on the opposite sides of the cover plate and extending to a second cover plate and are connected for rotation of the first cover plate to the cross-bars. The second cover plate has two flanges. The distance between the two flanges is smaller than the distance between the flanges of the first cover plate and the flanges of the first cover plate are coaxially connected for rotation to the inside surface of the outer cross-bars, while the flanges of the second cover plate are coaxially connected for rotation to the inside surface of the inside cross-bars. In this way the axis of the rotary connection of the two cover plates to the cross-bars, intersects a line joining the centroids of the two end plates.

Abstract: Movable ground supports, which are folded out either manually or hydraulically, are arranged at the tip of the launching support in devices for laying collapsible bridges. An inflatable container (6) is integrated in the structural part (2) of the launching support (8), and the container acts as a movable support in the filled state. A release mechanism (10) arranged in the vicinity of the container ensures that the medium--compressed air or nitrogen--will escape from the inflated container (6) when the end of the bridge (5) has completely reached the bearing (9) after advancing forward.

Abstract: A system is provided for transporting large glass sheets or blanks. A-frame stanchions are removably secured to a base section to form a rack for carrying stacks of sheets supported on edge upon the base. The base section is supported above the floor or supporting surface by spacer sections which define a corridor beneath the base for removably receiving a transport dolly. The transport dolly includes lift platforms positionable beneath frame members of the base section. Inflatable air bags are adapted to raise and lower the lift platforms for selectively raising the rack to permit it to be moved about on the transport dolly. A steerable wheel arrangement is provided at the forward end of the transport dolly. Stacking posts are provided at the corners of the base whereby when empty, the A-frame stanchions can be disassembled and the racks stacked in nested relationship for return shipment and storage.

Abstract: Large storage tanks are lifted by means of pressurized bags and support members. Tanks may easily and quickly be lifted for inspection, repair and reconstruction. Lifting the tank allows for visual inspection under the tank for corrosion to prevent leakage of environmentally hazardous chemicals stored in the tank. The lifting bags are placed under the tank, inflated, and support timbers placed under the raised tank. The bags are then deflated allowing the tank to rest on the support timbers. The deflated bags are raised by placing support timbers under the bags. The bags are again pressurized further raising the tank. The steps are repeated until the tank is lifted to the desired height. Bags may also be placed under the floor after the wall or rim of the tank is lifted. This does not require cutting holes or welding of supports on the wall or floor.

Abstract: A pneumatic sit/stand device which is preferably used in assisting an invalid or physically disadvantaged person in rising from, or being seated in, a chair. The sit/stand device includes an inflatable bag having two or more cavities which inflate sequentially to help stabilize the person as he is raised from or lowered into a chair. Rear and side wall cavities inflate first to provide stabilization and push the person forward so that his feet contact the floor. A center cavity then inflates to lift and thrust the person into a standing position. The side walls help prevent the person from tilting or leaning from one side to another as air pressure equalizes the bag. The device can be used alone by the physically disadvantaged person or in conjunction with an attendant whose duty is to assist the person in sitting or standing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed having a base, a mattress, and a system for moving the mattress up and down for helping a person make the bed, and can be preferably adapted in a guest room of hotels or the like. The present invention provides a bed comprising a base, a mattress provided on a top face of the base, a pair of inflatable means provided between the mattress and the base, and an air-supplying tube connected with said inflatable means, wherein one of the inflatable means is laid on one side of the top surface of the base, while the other is laid on the other side of the top surface of the base, and each inflatable means is independently connected to an air-supplying means through the air-supplying tube.

Abstract: The foodstuff-displaying refrigerator unit comprises a box-like container, having an enclosure upwardly opening through a top mouth. A door aperture is defined about a side wall of the container. A vegetable-supporting platform is freely mounted into the enclosure for vertical movement therethrough. A pallet is supported by a first conveyor, itself resting on the container flooring. Inflatable balloons are provided between the pallet and the platform, for power lifting the platform. An air compressor feeds air into the balloons, and furthermore cools the air within the container enclosure beneath the platform. The top layer of foodstuff supported by the platform can thus be adjusted by the inflatable balloons, to remain substantially about the plane of the top mouth of refrigerator enclosure, to facilitate inspection of and access to the foodstuff independently of the level of progressive attrition of foodstuff from successive foodstuff withdrawal by customers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed having a base, a mattress, and a system for moving the mattress up and down to help a person to make the bed, which can be preferably adapted in a guest room of hotels or the like. The present invention provides a bed comprising a base, a mattress provided on a top face of the base, at least one inflatable means provided therebetween, and an air-supplying tube connected with a part of the inflatable means, wherein the inflatable means has a plurality of inflatable parts and a plurality of non-inflatable parts, each non-inflatable part is alternatively provided between the inflatable parts so as to communicate to each other to make a loop around an outer peripheral portion of the top face of the base.

Abstract: A method of lifting storage tanks by using pressurized bags and support members. Lifting the tank allows for visual inspection under the tank for corrosion to prevent leakage of environmentally hazardous chemicals stored in the tank. The lifting bags are placed under the tank, inflated, and support timbers placed under the raised tank. The bags are then deflated allowing the tank to rest on the support timbers. The deflated bags are raised by placing support timbers under the bags. The bags are again pressurized further raising the tank. The steps are repeated until the tank is lifted to the desired height. Ground suction is broken by raising one side of the tank with the lifting bags, placing supports as far as possible under the tank rim and depressurizing the bags to rock the other side of the tank off the ground. A fulcrum method is also applied to use the partial weight of the tank as a leverage force to alternately raise opposite sides of the tank.

Abstract: A conveyor for large cylindrical bodies such as paper rolls, includes an elongate track defined by a channel member and a beam mounted within the channel member. The beam defines a pair of rolling surfaces upon which a short length carriage runs longitudinally of the beam. The carriage has an upper surface for receiving the roll and transporting the roll in a direction longitudinal of the axis of the roll. The carriage is pulled longitudinally of the track by a cable driven by an air motor positioned at one end of the track. A portion of the track can be lowered for an initial raised position in which the carriage is above the side edges of the track to a lower position so the roll can be simply rolled onto the carriage. The lower position is achieved by deflating an elongate air bag inside the channel and underneath the beam. A second carriage can be positioned on the track for transporting the roll from a used position to a discharge position.

Abstract: In an inflatable lifting device comprising an upper platform to support a load, a lower base platform and a flexible, fluidtight diaphragm interposed between the two platforms for inflation to lift the load, the improvement comprising a diaphragm of truncated conical configuration. In some practices of the invention, two such diaphragms are effectively stacked on top of each other to increase the jacking height of the device. Constructuion of the conical diaphragm provides approximately uniform strength of the diaphragm around its entire periphery. Safety means are provided to prevent over-pressurization of the diaphragm at its maximum lifting height. Means are also provided to prevent collapse of the loaded device in the event the fluid supply line should inadvertantly be disconnected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a work object including a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a supporting surface, a platform for receiving the work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to the supporting surface of the vehicle, an inflatable reservoir disposed between the supporting surface and the platform, and a system for selectively inflating the reservoir to move the platform and thus the work object borne thereby to a suspended position cushioned against damage during transport by the vehicle.

Abstract: A spacer system of variable height comprises two longitudinal upper members and three transverse lower members. Each of the longitudinal and transverse members includes plural groupings of adjacent slots of varying depth. The upper longitudinal members each have three spaced apart groupings of adjacent slots with two slots of varying depth in each grouping while the transverse lower members each have two groupings of adjacent slots with three slots of varying depth in each grouping. The slots in the upper longitudinal members open in a downward direction and interlockingly and releasably engage the slots in the lower transverse members which open in an upward direction. Variable height of the spacer system depends upon which slot of each grouping in the longitudinal members interlocks and releasably engages a given slot of each grouping in the transverse members.

Abstract: A scissor jack of the type which is mountable on and usable in conjunction with a conventional automotive vehicle lift to permit a selected axle of the vehicle to be elevated relative to the lift. The invention provides a gravity activated locking mechanism which includes a plurality of lock keys of different widths. The keys fall individually into a lock position as the jack rises incrementally in height, to prevent unintended lowering of the jack at any height or any time during the lifting process.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hoisting cushion with two reinforced walls that are manufactured of rubber or of a rubber-like material. The walls of the press (a) are linked around the full extent of the edges and define an hermetically sealed inner space that is accessible via a nipple, and (b) reveal on their external surface a fairing which is sited outside of the reinforcing.

Abstract: An inflatable bag (17) for use in exhaust powered tippers is constructed from blanks of flexible air tight material using a side wall template (10) and end wall templates (11, 12). The blanks are made so that the finished bag when fully inflated assumes an oblique cone-like shape (17) with rounded ends (19, 20). The side wall material is preferably a fabric having waft and weft fibres of uniform tensile strength so that the tension in the side wall is in the longitudinal direction as the bag inflates in order to reduce the tendency of the bag to rotate on its couplings. The invention can be provided in kit form where the bag is coupled for limited movement to load transmitting end plate (21, 22) for retro fitting the bag to a vehicle.

Abstract: A level-variable supporting apparatus is provided, which is so constituted that: a reversible swelling and contractive substance, which, with a prescribed temperature defined as the boundary, absorbs a swelling solution and then swells at a range of temperature on one side and discharges the swelling solution and then contracts at a range of temperature on the other side, is contained in liquidtight container which is expandable and shrinkable in prescribed directions; a liquid guiding portion to supply the swelling solution to the container and discharge it from the container, and a heating means to heat the substance are provided; and the swelling and contraction of the substance due to the change in the temperature of the substance with the prescribed temperature as the boundary causes the container to expand and shrink in the prescribed directions, thus leading to the change of the supporting position of a supported object supported by the container.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack comprising flat sheets of an elastomeric material with no cords therein peripherally held in place by rigid framing members. The jack also includes a valve for communicating with the interior of the sheets. A source of aeroform fluid is utilized for inflating the jack to an enlarged shape to lift a car sufficiently for changing a tire.

Abstract: An automatic direction changing apparatus for a vehicle in which an air tube is mounted at the bottom of the vehicle body and the air tube is expanded to lift the vehicle to a predetermined height from the ground surface and the vehicle body can be moved right or left. The vehicle body when lifted can be turned with any rotational angle clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the vehicle is capable of moving or turning on a narrow road, in a blind alley, and in a crowded parking lot. It also allows the vehicle to be pulled out of a muddy road if it is stuck and can be utilized to lift the vehicle for repairs or to replace the tires. The apparatus is comprised of means for moving to the right or left, means for turning clockwise or counterclockwise, and lifting up means for lifting the vehicle body to a predetermined height from the ground surface.

Abstract: The low-pressure hoisting air cushion has an airtight chamber the walls of which (20) consist of a coated fabric which is elastic. Inserted into a hole (22) of the wall is a nozzle (24) of a valve. It consists of a tube socket accessible from the outside (26) and a ring-fastener (28) fitted internally. A compensation ring (34) is fitted between the ring-fastener (28) and the wall (20). It has a greater diameter than the ring-fastener (28) and is joined on one side to the ring-fastener (28) and to the wall on the other side (20) in such a way via a ring shaped joining area that there is created between both of them a circular shaped compensation zone (36) to which the compensation ring (34) is not attached on either side (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible robot arm structure utilizing an elongate skeletal frame member which can be controlled to assume any of a number of curved shapes as in the performance of automated operations. The arm functions somewhat like the body of a snake or an elephant's trunk. The skeletal frame defines a plurality of similar elemental segments disclosed in the form of disc-like structures as well as turns in a helical loading configuration. The helical form includes interleaved flexible helix members interconnected in a chain-link form. Displacement of sections in the arm is accomplished by the action of two separate mechanisms. A deflection mechanism provides power to flex or curve an arm section while a distribution mechanism distributes the curvature along the length of the arm to seek a smooth, circular curve. Illustrative embodiments use hydraulic actuators integral with the frame; however, equivalents are disclosed. The resulting arm is a highly repetitive, mechanical structure.

Abstract: Cargo-transporter, particularly of the trailer type, having a loading floor, in which a loading floor portion situated directly behind another elevated loading floor portion but in front of the wheel assembly, includes a lifting platform having a lifting height corresponding to the difference in the loading floor levels. An apparatus for guiding and lifting the platform is accommodated in a space below the platform. The transporter is of the self-supporting type. The lifting platform is vertically movably guided and has a length substantially corresponding to the length of the elevated loading floor portion. A guiding and elevating apparatus is accommodated in a cup-shaped housing secured against a transporter bottom and having a height corresponding to the lifting height of the platform. The lifting platform is provided at its end edge remote from the elevated loading floor portion with a downwardly extending skirt extending in the lowered position of the lifting platform to be adjacent the housing bottom.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semitrailer move over the highway.

Abstract: A horizontally elongated lifting and anchoring assembly (to be used in pairs) for transverse disposition beneath a vehicle body to be engaged and lifted relative to a floor surface, the assembly being floor mounted for lateral shifting relative thereto. The assembly includes an upper elongated longitudinally extending lift member supported at its longitudinal mid-portion through the utilization of an air bag assembly and each end of the lift member includes a stand slidable therealong and provided with a clamp assembly for clamp engaging a corresponding vehicle body side pinch weld area. Also, floor stands are provided for each end of the lift member and are slidably engageable therewith and anchorable relative to floor anchored rails between which the lift assembly extends.