Patents Examined by Angela Caligiuri
  • Patent number: 8517346
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing a spare tire is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a hoisting device mountable to the underside of a vehicle. A tether is provided having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the hoisting device so that the first and second portions of the tether depend from the hosting device when it is mounted to the underside of a vehicle. A coupling member attached to the first portion of the tether permits an operator to attach the tether to the tire. A removable guard lays over at least part of the hub-facing wheel portion to cover one or more of the plurality of lug apertures such that the second portion of the tether cannot enter the plurality of lug apertures when the hosting device raises the spare tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Shiro Kugo
  • Patent number: 8517192
    Abstract: A bridge or gantry crane, in particular for handling ISO containers, includes a crane cart that can move along a crane support in the direction of travel of the cart. The cart supports at least one mast that can move in a vertical lift and lowering direction, and a load supporting means for containers being suspended at the mast. In order to optimize the handling rate of a bridge or gantry crane, at least one second mast is provided including a second load supporting means disposed behind and at a distance from a first mast as seen in the direction of travel (K) of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann
  • Patent number: 8511646
    Abstract: A coupling assembly separably couples a vertical support formed of an anchor pole, a vertical post and a mast to a helicopter. A top rail is pivotally coupled to an upper extent of the vertical support. A coupling plate is coupled to the vertical support. A winch is attached to the coupling plate. The top rail has ends with interior and exterior sheaves rotatably coupled to the ends of the top rail. A cable has a distal end positionable over an engine of the helicopter and adapted to be attached thereto. The cable has a proximal end attached to the winch for withdrawing and extending the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Richard R. Woodard
  • Patent number: 8511489
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Manitowoc Cranes, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky, John M. Lanning
  • Patent number: 8490802
    Abstract: An overhead conveying vehicle is arranged to contain and convey a suspended FOUP including a lid that is removably provided on a side surface thereof. The overhead conveying vehicle includes a conveying vehicle body, a hoist mechanism, a lid drop preventing member, and a power transmitting mechanism. The hoist mechanism is provided at the conveying vehicle body and is arranged to raise and lower the FOUP. The lid drop preventing member is arranged in close proximity to a front surface of the lid. The power transmitting mechanism retracts the lid drop preventing member away from the front surface of the lid when the FOUP is being raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Honda, Takanori Izumi
  • Patent number: 8474633
    Abstract: Methods for moving a starting motor or a torque converter within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine are provided. A removal apparatus, which includes a lifting fixture attached to a beam pivotally mounted on a mast, is secured within the auxiliary compartment. To move the starting motor, a plurality of lifting hooks on the lifting fixture are attached to the starting motor, and the lifting fixture and the starting motor are hoisted. To move the torque converter, a pair of lifting lugs on the lifting fixture is attached to the torque converter, and the lifting fixture and the torque converter are hoisted. Methods are also generally provided for securing a removal apparatus within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
  • Patent number: 8469209
    Abstract: A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold