Abstract: A completion method isolates a lower zone while circulation at high rates takes place above to clean debris out of the wellbore. Pressure fluctuation sensitive equipment in a lower completion is isolated with a tubing valve during circulation. This further prevents debris from clogging inlet pressure passages to equipment below the isolation valve during circulation to get the debris out. After circulation the packer is unset and the tubing valve is opened and a wellbore filter tool directs well fluids through a screen and captures the debris as the string is pulled toward the surface.

Abstract: A locking device for locking an exchangeable unit in an insertion opening of an associated housing, particular in maritime mineral oil or mineral gas extraction, comprises locking elements adjustable between an insertion opening and a locking position, wherein in its insertion direction the unit can be inserted into the insertion opening, and is locked in the locking position within the insertion opening and relative to the housing. The locking elements are formed as thread segments spaced apart by insertion gaps in the circumferential direction and arranged on the outer side of the unit and being aligned with the insertion opening, said thread segments being arranged in the insertion opening at a gap and being in thread engagement in the locking position.

Abstract: A horizontal tree has a lateral passage extending from its bore. A tubing hanger having a lateral passage lands in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has an orientation guide mounted to it. A retractable pin is mounted in the sidewall of the tree. The orientation guide on the tubing hanger engages the pin to rotate the tubing hanger as it is being landed.

Abstract: A submersible process environment for sub-sea processing is provided. Such environment can include a modular encapsulated unit having an interior volume and one or more processing units disposed therein, a first valve in fluid communication with the interior and exterior of the unit, and a second valve in fluid communication with the interior and exterior of the unit. The first valve and the second valve can be in fluid communication with the processing unit, and the processing unit can receive a fluid from the first valve and discharges the fluid to the second valve.

Abstract: A ball release tool includes: a tubular body including an upper end, a lower end, an inner bore defined by an inner wall surface and extending from the upper end to the lower end; a pocket in the inner wall; a slidable sleeve carried by the tubular body and including a throughbore positioned in line with the tubular body inner bore, the slidable sleeve moveable along the inner bore from a first position substantially covering the pocket to a second position exposing the recess to the inner bore; a check valve in driving communication with the sleeve, the check valve selected to permit flow of fluid through the inner bore from the upper end to the lower end, but to act against flow from the lower end to the upper end and, when resisting flow, operable to drive the sleeve upwardly toward the second position, and a ball positionable in the pocket to be either held in the pocket behind the sleeve or released into the inner bore when the sleeve exposes the pocket.

Abstract: A valve (136, 136?, 136?, 200) adapted to replace an existing valve of a wellhead (114). Valve (136, 136?, 136?, 200) can have similar dimensions as the existing valve it replaces to utilize existing wellhead connections. In one embodiment, a replacement bypass master valve (136) incorporates a fluid bypass pathway (168) to enable communication and conveyance of a production enhancing fluid (132) from a location external to the well through small diameter tubing (126) to a specific downhole location independent the position of a flow control member in interior chamber (166). Replacement bypass master valve (136?) can include anchor seal assembly (122?) disposed in locking profile 180 of upstream inlet bore (162) to enable communication from fluid bypass pathway (168) to lower injection conduit (128). In another embodiment, replacement valve (200) includes a groove in gate (208) sealingly receiving capillary injection tubing (204) when in a closed position.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method are also described.

Abstract: An anchor handling/tug/supply (AHTS) vessel is employed to engage conductor casings with the seafloor. The conductor casings initially penetrate the seafloor to a first depth under their own weight. The conductor casings may optimally be further engaged with the seafloor to a second depth by the application of suction to the interiors thereof or by the use of a drop hammer. The conductor casings are driven to grade by a hydraulic pile driving hammer deployed from the deck of the AHTS vessel the previously deployed conductor casings to grade before being recovered to the deck of the AHTS vessel.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage sweep providing good soil action without ridges in the soil surface at both high and low speed operation in different soil conditions. Wings extending outwardly and rearwardly from a leading nose portion include non-flat soil contacting surfaces defining opposed outwardly and upwardly directed surfaces converging in the forward direction. The surfaces, which can be concave upwardly and outwardly, define soil throwing action that progressively increase in the rearward direction. A shallow sweep leading area provides greater upward soil lift and lesser outward soil throw compared to trailing areas. At high speeds, the leading area provides vertical lift and substantial outward throw of soil, and at lower speeds the progressive action surfaces provide additional outward throw of soil to facilitate necessary soil mixing action.

Abstract: An object is to improve accuracy of tightening torque and to shorten time necessary for fastening a screw in an impact type screw fastening device that uses an electric motor as a rotation driving source. A control method for the impact type screw fastening device that uses an electric motor as a rotation driving source includes the steps of driving the motor to rotate by supplying current to the motor intermittently so that torque exerted on a load by rotation of the motor becomes like pulses on the time axis, and controlling the current of every time of each pulse so that an increment of every time of each pulse of the torque after the torque reaches a target approach torque TQN that is a first set value becomes smaller than that before it reaches the target approach torque TQN.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drive assembly for a drill rod having an outer tube and an inner rod extending at least in sections inside the outer tube, comprising a first gear unit having at least a first drive unit for driving the inner rod in a rotating manner and a second gear unit, which is offset to the said first gear unit in the longitudinal direction of the drill rod and has at least a second drive unit for driving the outer tube in a rotating manner. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the second drive unit to be spaced from the second gear unit and for the second drive unit to be arranged adjacent to the first drive unit on the first gear unit.

Abstract: A power tool can include a gear case, a motor having first and second sets of lead wires, a housing assembly, and a field case. The field case may include a front portion configured for engaging the gear case and a rear portion. The housing assembly may include first and second generally symmetrical housing segments configured for engaging the field case and forming a mid-handle grip. The first set of lead wires may be routed through the front portion of the field case directly to a trigger switch assembly. A method for assembling a mid-handle power tool is also provided and may include routing lead wires through a ventilation path between the field case and trigger assembly.

Abstract: A fluid driven tool has an outer housing and an inner motor housing nested in the outer housing and defining a cavity therebetween that has a first end with a first exhaust passageway and a second end with a second exhaust passageway. The inner motor housing has a motor chamber with an inlet port for a fluid driven motor and fluid inlet, and an inlet manifold disposed in the cavity. The inlet manifold has a recessed portion with a surrounding seal that engages the inner motor housing and connects the fluid inlet to the at least one inlet port of the inner motor housing. An inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner motor housing have portions that mate upon nesting the inner motor housing in the outer housing and provide reinforced areas for clamping regions of the outer housing located over the reinforced areas.

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun that comprises a shaped charge holder, two or more shaped charges, slots formed to receive the shaped charges, and an impedance barrier disposed between adjacent shaped charges. The impedance barrier can comprise a gap formed in the shaped charge holder, where the impedance barrier runs across the shaped charge holder. The impedance barrier can be a void formed on the surface of the shaped charge holder, or can include shock attenuating material therein, such as wood, cork, cotton, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

Abstract: Measurements are made continuously with a seismic while drilling (SWD) system and the measured data are stored in a working memory of a downhole processor along with quality control (QC) measurements. The QC data are analyzed and based on the analysis, portions of the data in working memory are recorded in permanent memory for retrieval. Alternatively, QC measurements are made substantially continuously predictions are made when data quality for SWD measurements are likely to be good. Recording of SWD data are then started based on the prediction.

Abstract: An expandable underreamer apparatus disposed on a distal end of a drillstring and configured to drill a formation includes a substantially tubular main body adjacent a cutting head, the main body providing at least one axial recess configured to receive an arm assembly, and the arm assembly configured to translate between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the arm assembly, and a plurality of wear indicators imbedded in at least one arm assembly and positioned behind the cutting elements with respect to a direction of rotation of the arm assembly, wherein the wear indicators are configured to provide an increased torque to the drillstring upon contacting the formation.

Abstract: A system for preparing a slurry in-transit including a first cuttings storage vessel disposed on a transport vehicle, a module configured to operatively connect to the first cuttings storage vessel, and a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the first cuttings storage vessel, the module including, a grinding device configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids and reduce particle size of drill cuttings, wherein the system is operated while the transport vehicle is moving. A method of operating an in-transit slurrification system including using a first vessel disposed on a moving transport vehicle for cuttings storage, and operating the first vessel in a slurrification process while the transport vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A method to recover a lost circulation material from a drilling fluid used in a drilling operation comprising the steps of: directing a drilling fluid containing a lost circulation material into a drill string positioned in a well bore, the lost circulation material having a magnetic property; recovering the drilling fluid containing at least a portion of the lost circulation material from the well bore; and magnetically separating the lost circulation material from the drilling fluid.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two ore more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface. The modular base assembly also includes a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly. Furthermore, the modular base assembly can also include a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly.

Abstract: An auger and hole stabilization combination system includes an auger bit that has a bottom end, a top end, and at least one boring blade positioned between the top and bottom ends. A cylinder has an upper end and a lower end. The cylinder has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the auger bit. A coupler releasably couples the auger bit to the cylinder. The auger is extended into a ground surface and the cylinder retained within a hole dug by the auger while a post is placed in the hole.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a mining device can include a first housing portion and a second housing portion where relative movement between the first and second housing portions can extend and/or retract a cutting member with respect to the mining device. The mining device can further include a cable which can be mounted to the second housing portion where the cutting member is mounted to the cable and can be radially extended with respect to the first and second housing portions when the second housing portion is moved relative to the first housing portion along an axis. As the cutting member is extended, it can contact the sidewalls of a subterranean shaft to loosen material therefrom.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit having a cleaning nozzle for cleaning cutting elements on the face of the drill bit. A notch is included on the nozzle face for directing an elongated and coherent fluid flow from the nozzle outlet to the cutting element face. The nozzle face may include more than one notch for cleaning elements disposed in locations around the nozzle. The nozzle may be at the ends of a row of cutting elements, or disposed in the middle of a row of cutting elements.

Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body having at least one blade thereon, at least one cutter pocket disposed on the at least one blade, at least one cutter disposed in the at least one cutter pocket, hardfacing applied to at least a selected portion of the drill bit is shown and described. The hardfacing includes a first hardfacing layer disposed on the selected portion of the drill bit, a second hardfacing layer disposed on the first hardfacing layer, wherein the first hardfacing layer has a hardness different than a hardness of the second hardfacing layer.

Abstract: A battery powered shuttle car (10) incorporates features and components that facilitate use and operation and effect efficient application in a mining environment. The shuttle car (10) incorporates at least one battery (20) that is secured to the vehicle frame (11) between one of a left front wheel (17) and a left rear wheel (17) or the right front wheel (17) and the right rear wheel (17). A battery change-over mechanism (51) facilitates battery replacement. Additionally, the shuttle car (10) may be provided with an integral discharge end (81) having a substantially fixed height (82). A full load indicator mechanism (83) provides an indication when the conveyor (16) is substantially full to maximize use and operation of the shuttle car (10).

Abstract: A system for providing an automated axial force to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wheelchair. An electronic transmission control receives one or more input signals generated by throttle position or other variables. The microprocessor generates an output signal that adjusts the axial force applied to a CVT thereby automatically adjusting the input to output ratio. The invention also provides a manually-controlled variator is designed for use on a wheelchair. The manual shifter hydraulically adjusts an axial force imparted on a variator in communication with a wheelchair wheel and a hand rim. Application of the axial force causes the hand rim input and wheelchair wheel output ratio to change, permitting a wheelchair operator to manually adjust the input to output ratio to more easily operate the wheelchair.

Abstract: An engine controlling device and method for a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine and a motor-generator as driving sources and has an electric-vehicle (EV) drive mode in which the vehicle is driven using only the motor-generator as a driving source and a hybrid (HEV) drive mode in which the vehicle is driven while including the engine as a driving source. When the vehicle is in a stopped state while the driving force of the engine is not being used, the device estimates a minimum driving torque required for starting the vehicle from the relationships among a brake torque, a motor-generator torque and a vehicle speed during a transitional period of a brake-pedal releasing operation. Based on the estimated minimum driving torque, the device determines prior to pressing of the accelerator pedal whether it is necessary to use the engine for a driving force of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a parallel hybrid powertrain (1) of a vehicle having one internal combustion engine (2) and one electric motor (3). The electric motor is located in the drivetrain between an output and the internal combustion engine. Between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, a frictionally engaged shifting element is provided, while between the electric motor and the output, a starting element (6) having a hydrodynamic torque converter (6A) and a converter lock-up clutch (6B) is disposed. A target output torque to be applied to the output is dependent on the slippage of the starting element. During a starting phase of the internal combustion engine via the electric motor, an input torque produced by the electric motor is directed at least in part via the torque converter and in part via the converter lock-up clutch.

Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a wheel; a carrier that rotatably supports the wheel; an arm (90) that is coupled with a vehicle body, and that extends into the wheel; at least one link that is coupled with the carrier so as to be pivotable about a first shaft substantially parallel to a wheel rotation axis and coupled with the arm so as to be pivotable about a second shaft substantially parallel to the wheel rotation axis, the at least one link extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; and at least one of an elastic element and an attenuation element that is arranged between the carrier and the link.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive control system has a first clutch interposed between an engine and a motor/generator, a transmission including several gear position clutches arranged between the motor/generator and a drive wheel, and a controller. The controller selectively starts the engine using torque from the first clutch during a mode drive change from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive mode. When an engine start command occurs during the drive mode change, the controller selects the engaged gear position clutch that has the maximum torque transfer capacity from the engaged clutches constituting a vehicle running gear occurring during an engine starting process as a second clutch to be controlled. Then the controller executes a slip control of the second clutch when the first clutch is being connected to start the engine during the mode change from the electric drive mode to the hybrid drive mode.

Abstract: A release outlet (52) of a release pipe (51) of a relief valve (50) is provided in the vicinity of an exhaust outlet (170) of a fuel cell box (39) in a space between a sub-frame (22) and the fuel cell box (39). A ventilating inlet (130) is formed on a front wall (120) of the fuel cell box (39). A fan (180) can send outside air into the fuel cell box (39). A ventilation flow of the outside air which is sent into the fuel cell box (39) passes through and ventilates the fuel cell box (39) so as to cool a fuel cell stack (38). Exhaust air is exhausted rearward from the exhaust outlet (170) of an exhaust duct (160). The release pipe (51) and the release outlet (52) are heated by the exhaust air. Therefore, heating the release pipe (51) and the release outlet (52) can prevent the release outlet (52) from being blocked by snow or ice.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a cab mounted to the chassis, and a hood positioned adjacent the cab. A hood mount assembly is disposed between the cab and the hood. The hood mount assembly allows the cab to slide in first and second directions relative to the hood and rotate in first and second directions relative to the hood.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection.

Abstract: A power-assist system and method for a bicycle, comprising three main sections, namely: a motor section, a speed-reducing section, and a power-assist section. It is capable of operating in four modes, namely: a) the power-assist pedaling mode (where the bicycle rider is pedaling to supply power and the power-assist section is also providing power); b) the pedal only mode (where power is supplied solely by pedaling the bicycle; c) the power-assist only mode (where the bicycle rider is not providing any power by pedaling, and all the power is supplied by the power-output section); and d) a coasting no-power mode where the bicycle is traveling with the pedal section stationary, and no power is being delivered either by the pedal section or the power-assist drive system.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.

Abstract: An airbag device 4 for pedestrian structured to drain water in a case to a cowl includes a case 8 for storing an airbag 5 in a folded state, an inflator 9 for inflating the airbag 5, and a lid 10 which closes an opening 3a of a hood 3, which allows passage of the airbag. Discharge passages 9 for draining water which has intruded into the case 8 to a cowl louver 2 are formed at both ends of the case 8 in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive circuit for a work vehicle including a positive displacement flow divider positioned intermediate a hydraulic pump and a plurality of hydraulic motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drivetrain for a motor vehicle which has a first and a second axle and a chassis. The drivetrain comprises a drive unit which is mounted to the chassis in the region of the first axle and has an output shaft. Further, the drivetrain comprises a propeller shaft arrangement which is connected to the output shaft and to an input member of a differential which is mounted to the chassis in the region of the second axle. The propeller shaft arrangement comprises at least a first propeller shaft section and a second propeller shaft section which are connected to one another by means of an articulated joint. The propeller shaft arrangement is mounted to the chassis in the region of the articulated joint. The second propeller shaft section of the propeller shaft arrangement is connected rigidly to the input member of the differential. The second propeller shaft section is mounted in the region of the articulated joint and is designed to resist bending moments around the second axle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering motor arrangement having at least one steering motor, and with at least two steering circuits, each having a steering valve that interrupts a path from a pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement in the neutral position and releases a path from the pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement on a movement out of the neutral position. It is endeavored to simplify the embodiment of such a steering. For this purpose, the steering valve (5a, 5b) has two end positions, one on each side of the neutral position, in which positions a path from the pressure supply (15, 21) to the steering motor arrangement (2) is interrupted.

Abstract: A rotational speed superimposing device for a vehicle steering system has an input shaft with an output shaft, which is oriented toward the input shaft in the axial direction thereof, and has a supporting arrangement, which positions the input shaft and the output shaft so that they are at least, in part, rotationally mounted. An auxiliary drive provided with a rotor, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a wave generator, such as an oval disk on whose periphery an external toothed flexible ring is directly or indirectly mounted, this external toothing engaging in an internal gear at least at two opposite peripheral points. The supporting arrangement is fixed to the vehicle body. The output shaft is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the internal gear, and the input shaft is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the external toothed flexible ring. The input shaft and the output shaft are mounted so they freely rotate independently of one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic lens configuration permitting the production of an acoustic field from low frequency ultrasound waves with predictable regions of energy concentration. The lens comprises at least three adjacent convex surface contours. Each surface contour corresponds to an arc of an ellipse. The first surface contour is within the center of the lens and is flanked by two adjacent contours. The flanking contours correspond to arcs from two symmetrical ellipses having semi-latus rectums at least equal to the semi-latus rectum of the ellipse to which the first, central, contour corresponds. The contours of the lens are arranged such that the flanking contours extend past the first contour by positioning the contours so that if the ellipses to which they correspond were drawn the ellipses of the flanking contours directly adjacent to the first contour would have their centers aligned on a plane parallel to and not below the major or minor axis of the ellipse of the first contour.

Abstract: A double-flow exhaust system for an internal-combustion engine, having exhaust-gas-carrying pipes and at least one muffler and catalyst housing. A separate end muffler is provided for each exhaust line, on which the end mufflers are both fluidically connected by at least one preferably mountable connection pipe.

Abstract: A plurality of pellets include at least one of a snythetic, biomass, mineral, or polymer based material. The pellets can have a specific gravity of about 0.01 to about 0.3 g/cm3 and are dimensionally stable, substantially dust-free, substantially non-hygroscopic, and resistant to settling and compression.

Abstract: An example embodiment of an acoustic treatment for an engine having at least one engine component extending substantially therefrom includes a base layer having a first base surface and an opposing second base surface. The first base surface is configured to mate with an exterior surface of the engine. The example embodiment also includes a secondary layer having a secondary layer mating surface and an opposing secondary layer outer surface. The secondary layer mating surface is configured to mate with the second base surface at a mating interface. The interface provides a pass-through location for the at least one engine component.

Abstract: An acoustic equipment mat is formed by arranging plural grain pieces of inexpensive silica gel in a single layer. When the mat is disposed under an acoustic equipment, the grain pieces have their upper ends in point contact with a bottom or the like of the acoustic equipment and have their lower ends in point contact with the underlying floor or the like. Hence, the mat 1a is notably reduced in the area of contact with the acoustic equipment or the like, so as to reduce the reflection of vibrations. In addition, the mat 1a is capable of extremely quickly dissipating, in the atmosphere, the vibrations directly propagated to the upper-end side thereof and the vibrations indirectly propagated thereto as reflected by the lower-end side thereof.

Abstract: Resonator arrangement in an acoustic muffler for a refrigeration compressor having a shell (1), inside which is mounted an acoustic muffler comprising a hollow body (10) defining at least one dampening chamber (13), which carries a gas inlet duct (20) and a gas outlet duct (30), each presenting a respective length and having a respective wall thickness, at least one of the gas inlet and gas outlet ducts (20, 30) carrying, extending along at least part of its length, a respective plurality of tube type resonant ducts (40), each resonant duct (40) presenting a first end (41), open to the interior of the respective gas duct (20, 30) and a second end (42), opposed to and spaced from the first end (41), each said resonant duct (40) being dimensioned to present a determined length and a determined diameter, which are calculated to define a certain reactive impedance and a certain dissipative impedance for the acoustic muffler, in a determined frequency band.

Abstract: A vehicle lift device and method are provided wherein the lift device has upper and lower platforms that may receive vehicles for parking or storage. The lower platform may be selectively raised or lowered between two levels of a parking structure. The upper platform is mounted on telescoping supports. When the car lift device is raised to place the lower platform at the upper level of the parking structure, the telescoping posts retract allowing the upper platform to lower, thereby providing clearance between the upper platform and a ceiling of the parking structure. The posts retract by the weight of the upper platform, and no hydraulic assist is required. When the lift device is lowered to place the lower platform at the lower level of the parking structure, the upper platform engages the floor of the upper level of the parking structure and thereby covers the opening in the floor. The telescoping posts then extend as the lower platform travels to its lowered position at the lower level.

Abstract: An energy recovering system of a hydraulic lift device for a battery operated industrial truck. With the system, working oil can be supplied to other hydraulic actuators while energy recovering operation is performed by the hydraulic lift device, and energy recovering efficiency is increased. A hydraulic motor (6) is disposed in a fluid path for recovering pressurized working fluid from a lift cylinder (1) via a control valve (10) to a working fluid reservoir tank (8) so that the hydraulic motor (6) is driven by the pressurized working fluid returning from the lift cylinder (1). The hydraulic motor (6) is connected to an electric motor (4) for driving a hydraulic pump (3), which supplies pressurized fluid to the lift cylinder (1), by means of a one-way clutch (7) which performs torque transmission only from the hydraulic motor (6) to the electric motor (4).

Abstract: An energy recovering system in a hydraulic lift device of a battery operated industrial truck. With the system, working oil can be supplied to other hydraulic actuators while energy recovering operation is performed by the hydraulic lift device, occurrence of pressure pulsation in the working oil can be prevented, and energy recovering efficiency is increased. The hydraulic lift device comprises a lift cylinder (1) for lifting a fork F, an electric motor (4) rotated by power supply from a battery (5), a hydraulic pump (3) for supplying pressurized oil to the lift cylinder (1), a control valve (14) disposed in a pressurized oil supply path (23), and a controller (17).