Abstract: A lift device comprises a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, a linear actuator, and a lift controller. The base has a plurality of wheels. The retractable lift mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load. The work platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The lift controller is configured to monitor at least one lift characteristic associated with the linear actuator and to determine whether an actuator failure has been detected based on the at least one lift characteristic associated with the linear actuator.

Abstract: A lift device comprises a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, a linear actuator, and a lift controller. The retractable lift mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The linear actuator comprises a central screw rod, an electric motor configured to provide rotational actuation to the central screw rod, and a nut assembly configured to translate the rotational actuation of the central screw rod into linear motion. The lift controller is configured to receive a lift command from an operator, monitor at least one lift characteristic associated with the linear actuator, and selectively inhibit the lift command.

Abstract: A lift device includes a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, and a lift controller. The retractable lift mechanism is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load and is coupled to and supported by the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The linear actuator has an electric motor and an electromagnetic brake. The lift controller is in communication with the linear actuator and is configured to determine the load supported by the work platform based on the actuator force applied to the work platform and the height of the work platform.

Abstract: A lift device comprises a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, a linear actuator, and a lift controller. The base has a plurality of wheels. The retractable lift mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load. The work platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The lift controller is configured to monitor at least one lift characteristic associated with the linear actuator and to determine whether an actuator failure has been detected based on the at least one lift characteristic associated with the linear actuator.

Abstract: A lift device includes a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, and a lift controller. The retractable lift mechanism is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load and is coupled to and supported by the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The linear actuator has an electric motor and an electromagnetic brake. The lift controller is in communication with the linear actuator and is configured to determine the load supported by the work platform based on the actuator force applied to the work platform and the height of the work platform.

Abstract: A fully electric lift device includes a base assembly, a lift assembly, a platform assembly, tractive elements, an energy storage device, and a control system. The lift assembly is coupled with the base assembly and is driven by an electric linear actuator for a lifting function. The platform assembly is positioned at a top of the lift assembly and can be raised or lowered as the lift assembly performs the lifting function. The tractive elements are rotatably coupled with the base assembly and can be driven by an electric wheel motor to perform a driving function. The control system includes a controller that operates the electric wheel motor and the electric linear actuator to perform the driving function and the lifting function using power drawn from the energy storage device. The lift assembly and the tractive elements use only electrical energy to perform the lifting and driving functions.

Abstract: A fully-electric scissor lift comprises a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, a linear actuator, and a battery. The base has a plurality of wheels. The retractable lift mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load. The work platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The linear actuator has an electric lift motor. The battery is configured to apply power to the electric lift motor. The fully-electric scissor lift is completely devoid of moving fluids.

Abstract: A lift device comprises a base, a retractable lift mechanism, a work platform, a linear actuator, and a descent control mechanism. The base has a plurality of wheels. The retractable lift mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The work platform is configured to support a load. The work platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lift mechanism. The linear actuator is configured to selectively move the retractable lift mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position. The linear actuator has an electric motor. The descent control mechanism is configured to reduce a speed at which the retractable lift mechanism is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A load sensing system measures lift cylinder pressure and platform height to estimate platform load. The system functions to prevent overload and is designed to comply with regulatory requirements. The system provides the advantages of a force-based approach using simple, lower cost pressure-based measurement components.

Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: A control lever for heavy machinery includes a proximity sensor for reducing the likelihood of inadvertent activation of the heavy machinery components. The proximity sensor is disposed adjacent an operating position of the control implement and detects when an operator's hand is in an operating position on the control implement in accordance with a capacitance of the operator's hand. The sensing circuit outputs an activate signal to a controller circuit for controlling the heavy machinery components when the operator's hand is in the operating position on the control implement. As a consequence, the operator is not required to perform excessive operations to effect control of the heavy machinery and has both hands available for machine operation.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: A control lever for heavy machinery includes a proximity sensor for reducing the likelihood of inadvertent activation of the heavy machinery components. The proximity sensor is disposed adjacent an operating position of the control implement and detects when an operator's hand is in an operating position on the control implement in accordance with a capacitance of the operator's hand. The sensing circuit outputs an activate signal to a controller circuit for controlling the heavy machinery components when the operator's hand is in the operating position on the control implement. As a consequence, the operator is not required to perform excessive operations to effect control of the heavy machinery and has both hands available for machine operation.