Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170369248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (10.1), in particular in the form of a suspension conveyor, said device comprising one or more trolleys (11) which are movably mounted on a trolley track (15) in a trolley track direction and on each of which a device (18, 19) hanging downwards for receiving transported goods is arranged. To achieve a simple construction and operation, the device (18, 19) for receiving transported goods forms at least one flexible material web (18) that is planar when open and that can be fastened at both ends (19) to the trolley (11), forming a carrying loop hanging downwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Roberto FENILE
  • Publication number: 20170369249
    Abstract: Provided is a driving force transmission device including: an actuator (22) that, in a case where one of a first annular gear (11), a second annular gear (14), and a carrier (16) is an input member, another one is an output member, and the remaining one is a rotational member, causes one of the input member and the output member to rotate integrally with the rotational member. When driving force is inputted from the drive source to the input member and input member is rotated unidirectionally, the rotation direction of the output member in the case where one of the input member and the output member rotates integrally with the rotational member is reversed with respect to that in a case where one of the input member and the output member does not rotate integrally with the rotational member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Takuji Uesugi, Yuji Nakayashiki, Taku Fukita, Akira Kuroda, Masao Umezawa, Yoshihiro Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20170369250
    Abstract: A method for filling the pockets of a transport device in the form of a suspension conveyor that includes one or more trolleys which are movably mounted on a trolley track in a trolley track direction and on each of which a pocket hanging downwards for receiving transported goods is arranged, the pocket being formed by at least one flexible material web that is planar when open and that is fastened at both ends to the trolley, forming a carrying loop or transport loop hanging downwards. The material web is releasably fastened by at least one end to the trolley. The method further includes the steps: a) advancing a closed pocket, b) opening the pocket by releasing the fastening of the at least one end of the material web to the trolley, c) filling the opened pocket with goods to be transported closing the pocket by fastening the at least one end of the material web to the trolley, and e) transporting away the filled and closed pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Roberto FENILE, Erich KÄLIN
  • Publication number: 20170369251
    Abstract: A conveying member for a conveyor includes a conveying element with a main surface, and a roller mechanism having a roller holder and at least one roller with a physical roller pivot. The roller holder can interact with an actuating device, is arranged on the conveying element and is designed such that the roller pivot is movable relative to the main surface of the conveying element between a first position and a second position. In the first and second positions of the roller pivot, the roller projects partly beyond the main surface of the conveying element. In the first position of the roller pivot, the roller assumes an arrested position in which rotation of the roller is arrested, and in the second position of the roller pivot, the roller assumes a freewheel position in which the roller rotates freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Weber, Carl Conrad Mäder, René Moor
  • Publication number: 20170369252
    Abstract: A conveyor comprises a helical conveying path having an upright central axis, a frame and an endless conveying member for transporting a product through the conveying path which conveying member is displaceable with respect to the frame. In a central portion of the conveying path, as seen in radial direction from the central axis, the conveying member is provided with an upwardly directed supporting surface for supporting a product. The width of the supporting surface in radial direction from the central axis is smaller than 10% of the distance between the central axis and the supporting surface. At opposite sides of the supporting surface the conveying path is free from obstacles at the height level of the supporting surface. The conveyor is provided with a helical guide for guiding the conveying member along the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Publication number: 20170369253
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a desired gap between articles within a continuously flowing train of articles. Various embodiment methods may include operating a material handling system including a plurality of conveying units, by generating motion profiles for a plurality of articles to provide a pre-determined gap between the articles, and controlling the plurality of conveying units to move each article in accordance with its motion profile as the plurality of articles move through the material handling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Raymond R. Neiser, Brian J. Resnick, Ralf Buerkle
  • Publication number: 20170369254
    Abstract: The row-grouping device for moving rows of products relative to a stationary or moving base consists of two guide tracks of a linear transport system, said guide tracks circulating on both sides of the base and having individually driven drivers. In each case two successive drivers are connected to one another in pairs by a joint rod, and in each case two pairs of drivers positioned opposite from one another on the guide tracks are connected to one another mechanically in a transverse direction over the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Rotzinger AG
    Inventor: Christian MULLER
  • Publication number: 20170369255
    Abstract: A plant for immersion treatment of vehicle bodies may include at least one skid configured to support a body; at least one process liquid tank; a line configured to convey the at least one skid above the at least one tank; and/or a device configured to overturn and immerse, inside the at least one tank, the body on the at least one skid positioned over the at least one tank using the conveyor line. The at least one skid may include a base part and a support part. The support part may be supported rotatably on the base part using a rotatable shaft with axis arranged transverse to a direction of movement of the at least one skid on the conveyor line, so that the support part is rotatable between a first upper position and a second position for immersing the body in the at least one tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Valerio IGLIO, Paolo COLOMBAROLI, Giampaolo COVIZZI
  • Publication number: 20170369256
    Abstract: A method for delivering items in a pneumatic delivery system includes receiving delivery information corresponding to an item to be delivered from a first workstation of a plurality of workstations to a second one of the workstations, configuring a first one of a plurality of blowers and a corresponding workstation diverter corresponding to the first workstation to create a path from the first workstation to the first blower, operating the first blower to generate suction drawing the item to the first blower, configuring a subset of the plurality of diverters of the system to create a continuous path from the first blower to the second workstation and routing, when the first and second workstations are in separate subsystems of the pneumatic delivery system, the item through an inter-subsystem exchange unit so that the item is delivered to the second workstation using only the first blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Namquoc Nguyen, William Powder
  • Publication number: 20170369257
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protective wear cover which may be utilized in a metering device housing to protect the housing in an area which may be subjected to high impact by product flow. The protective wear cover may be installed inside the metering device housing at the venturi induction zone. The protective wear cover may be manufactured from a highly wear resistant material. The shape of the protective wear cover may be suited to conform to the metering device housing in the protected area to ensure a tight fit and negligible effect on air flow. This protective wear cover may therefore serve as a sacrificial barrier which prevents wear on the metering device housing and may be periodically replaced when worn. Replacing the protective wear cover negates the need to replace the whole metering device housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ethan Curtis Stephen Bent, Martin J. Roberge, Dennis George Thompson
  • Publication number: 20170369258
    Abstract: A system and process for mixing and distributing building materials. This system and process can also include a way or a means or calibrating the mixing of these materials. This system and process can also include a system for tracking the materials that flow through the system, and for controlling the type of material used in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: PUMP TRUCK INDUSTRIAL LLC
    Inventors: Stephen K. DEGARAY, Peter LARSEN
  • Publication number: 20170369259
    Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Tim Criswell
  • Publication number: 20170369260
    Abstract: Wheel chock systems for use at loading docks and other locations are described herein. In some embodiments, the wheel chock systems can include a wheel chock assembly that is positionable in contact with a vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. The wheel chock assembly can include a sensor target, and a corresponding sensor can be mounted to, for example, an outer wall of the loading dock or a wheel chock storage cradle mounted to the outer wall. In operation, the sensor can emit a wireless signal (e.g., an electromagnetic signal) that is reflected off of the sensor target and received back by the sensor when the wheel chock has been positioned in a blocking relationship relative to the vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at the loading dock. The sensor can be operably connected to a loading dock signal system (e.g., a signal light system) that displays appropriate signals to loading dock personnel based on detection of proper wheel chock placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Day
  • Publication number: 20170369261
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a bottom plate, a side restriction member extending in a sheet conveying direction, drive roller rotatable about a first axis substantially orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, and a driven roller facing the drive roller and rotatable about a second axis inclined relative to the first axis. The driven shaft includes a shaft portion and an elastic portion. The shaft portion integrally includes a first extending portion, a second extending portion, and an intermediate portion located therebetween. The elastic portion is fitted over the intermediate portion. The first extending portion includes a first protruding portion. The second extending portion includes a second protruding portion. A first distance from the second axis to an outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion is greater than a second distance from the second axis to an outer peripheral surface of the second protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Tetsuya Morita
  • Publication number: 20170369262
    Abstract: A system and control method are provided for determining an amount of a product dispensed from or added to a product formation. At defined intervals, a mark is projected with a light source imager onto an aspect of the product formation that changes as the amount of product is depleted or added to the product formation. A digital image is taken of the aspect of the product formation that captures the projected mark and is transmitted to a digital imager processor, wherein a feature of the projected mark is analyzed that changes as the product formation decreases or increases in size as the product is dispensed or added. The analyzed feature is compared with a predetermined value of the feature at a predefined size of the product formation to determine an actual amount of the product on the product formation, or amount of product depleted from or added to the product formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan Green
  • Publication number: 20170369263
    Abstract: In an example, a print media transport apparatus comprises a plurality of pallets having a self-propulsion mechanism, and being to support print media. The pallets may circulate on an endless track comprising a printing zone, a descending zone and an ascending zone. A controller may control the self-propulsion mechanisms of the pallets such that a pallet on the descending zone is at least partially supported by another pallet which is ahead on the track, and a pallet on the ascending zone is at least partially driven by pallet which follows on the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HP SCITEX LTD.
    Inventors: Alex Veis, Yuval Dim
  • Publication number: 20170369264
    Abstract: Web-wound rolls with a web edge treatment with microspheres and processes to make the same are provided. The web-wound rolls include a substrate web having at least two web edges. One or more stripes of coated material are disposed adjacent to one or both of the web edges. The substrate web is wound upon itself in multiple revolutions about a central core, and each revolution is held substantially separate from the next by the one or more stripes of coated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yuko Yoshida, Yorinobu Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20170369265
    Abstract: Splicing method and unit for a packaging machine, whereby a first film is spliced to a second film which is a spare film. The splicing is performed by means of an adhesive element with two opposing adhesive surfaces, one for each film, and a longitudinal adhering element. First an adhesive surface is adhered to the adhering element and said adhering element moves so that the other adhesive surface comes into contact with the second film and adheres to it. Then the adhering element is separated from said second film, the adhesive element being adhered to said second film, and the first film is caused to come into contact with said adhesive element already adhered to the second film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Aritz MURGIA MENDIZABAL, Juan Jesús URCELAY EZQUIBEL, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
  • Publication number: 20170369266
    Abstract: A machine for quickly and efficiently rolling carpet runners or mats after laundering, for storage, transport and reuse may include a set of belts for generally horizontal travel and an interacting set of belts for generally vertical travel and guide means for directing the leading edge of a carpet runner from engagement with the horizontal belts to engagement with the vertical belts. An assembly including a plurality of arcuate fingers cooperates with the belts to guide the leading edge of a carpet runner into the beginning of a roll and to assist in formation of a tight compact roll of carpet. The machine may include means for driving the belts, means for retracting the finger assembly from a completed rolled carpet runner, and controls for the means. The machine may include a safety apparatus including a light curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Kufre Effiong Akpan
  • Publication number: 20170369267
    Abstract: A horizontal-pull coating film transferring tool may include a supply reel, a transfer head, a take-up reel, and a power transmitting mechanism. The tool may also include a base member, wherein a transfer head is attached and a rotation locking member having a supply reel engaging pawl able to lock rotation of the supply reel is disposed. The base member may be supported so as to be able to rotate. Through an elastic return mechanism, a rotational lock of the supply reel is released through rotation of the base member when the transfer head is pressed and the rotation of the supply reel is locked through the base member returning to an original position. A rotation supporting shaft for the supply reel and the take-up reel is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of a pressing edge portion on the front end in the transfer head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi FUJISAWA
  • Publication number: 20170369268
    Abstract: A coating film transfer tool may include a supply reel, a transfer tape, a transfer head, a winding reel, and a power transmitting mechanism. The tool may include a base member having the transfer head and a rotation restraining portion capable of directly restraining rotation of the supply reel. The base member may be rotatably supported between the transfer head and the rotation restraining portion by a base member supporting shaft. The tool may include a resilient restoring mechanism interposed between the base member and the housing. The base member may rotate and restraint of rotation of the supply reel is released when the transfer head is pressed against a transferred surface, and the base member is restored to an original position by the resilient restoring mechanism to restrain rotation of the supply reel when pressing of the transfer head is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryo NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170369269
    Abstract: An example device is provided in accordance with the present disclosure, which may be used for example for producing printed articles from printed sheets on which are imposed multiple pages of a printed article to be produced. The example device comprises a sheet feeder, a sheet path for the advance of a plurality of printed sheets fed by the sheet feeder, a cutter on the sheet path to cut the printed sheets in a direction perpendicular to the sheet advance direction, to form at least two sheet portions, and a folder on the sheet path downstream of the cutter, to fold the sheet portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Lior Joseph, Avihay Menashe, Yossi Adam
  • Publication number: 20170369270
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved yarn package and a method winding a package of high Young's modulus yarn. The package has a low normalized standard deviation in unwinding tension and hence is very suitable for converting into a range of yarn constructions and particularly medical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Evert Florentinus Florimondus DE DANSCHUTTER, Herbert RABE, Carsten GOERKE
  • Publication number: 20170369271
    Abstract: A wire processing system includes a tray having at least one tray surface configured to sequentially receive a first wire and a second wire from a wire feed system of a wire processing machine. The tray surface has a surface feature configured to provide a wire-to-surface coefficient of friction between the tray surface and the first wire higher than a wire-to-wire coefficient of friction between the first wire and the second wire laying on top of the first wire. The wire-to-surface coefficient of friction reduces movement of at least a portion of the first wire relative to the tray surface during movement of the second wire relative to the first wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Bradley J. Mitchell, Nick S. Evans, Damien O. Martin, Aphea Ann Thornton, Eerik J. Helmick
  • Publication number: 20170369272
    Abstract: A wire processing system includes a tray having at least one tray surface configured to sequentially receive a first wire and a second wire from a wire feed system of a wire processing machine. The tray surface has a surface feature configured to provide a wire-to-surface coefficient of friction between the tray surface and the first wire higher than a wire-to-wire coefficient of friction between the first wire and the second wire laying on top of the first wire. The wire-to-surface coefficient of friction reduces movement of at least a portion of the first wire relative to the tray surface during movement of the second wire relative to the first wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Eerik J. Helmick, Bradley J. Mitchell, Nick S. Evans, Damien O. Martin, Aphea Ann Thornton
  • Publication number: 20170369273
    Abstract: A reel has a spool member on which the linear material is spooled, an electric motor that rotates the spool member, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor. The controller monitors an unwound length of the linear material based on sensed rotation of the spool member by one or more sensors. The controller causes the electric motor to wind the linear material around the spool member, for example, upon detection of a pulling force on the linear material over a pull distance within a predetermined range, but, for example, does not trigger the winding of the linear material if the pull distance is greater than the predetermined range. The controller can cause the electric motor to stop winding of the linear material upon detection of a force on the linear material that holds the linear material in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: James B.A. Tracey, Joseph M. Hill, III, Johnathan R. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20170369274
    Abstract: A strap may be removably attachable to a container. The strap may include a retractor having an opening, a retraction spring and a brake. The strap may further include a strip of flexible material attached to the retraction spring and extending through the opening of the retractor. The strap may also include clips attaching the retractor and distal end of the flexible material to the container. The strip of flexible material may move from a fully retracted position, where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is nearest the retractor, relative to the entire length of the strip of flexible material, to an extended position where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is furthest from the retractor. The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: William F. Joyner
  • Publication number: 20170369275
    Abstract: Processes, apparatuses, and systems associated with usage and contextual-based elevator operations management are disclosed herein. The operations management system may have the capability to learn and to constantly adapt to usage patterns on a temporal basis through continuous monitoring of elevator journeys. In embodiments, an elevator journey may include a start and termination floor for an individual. This data may be used to predict patterns of usage and maybe used, for example, to optimize the number of elevators operational at any time, determine the optimal parking position of each elevator, and/or determine an efficient allocation of elevators to groups or related floors. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ruchir Saraswat, Nicholas P. Cowley, Richard J. Goldman
  • Publication number: 20170369276
    Abstract: A conveyance system includes a machine having a motor; a source of AC power; a drive system coupled to the source of AC power, the drive system to provide multi-phase drive signals to the motor, the drive system including: a first drive having a first converter and a first inverter, the first convertor including a first positive DC bus and a first negative DC bus; a second drive having a second converter and a second inverter, the second convertor including a second positive DC bus and a second negative DC bus; wherein the first positive DC bus and the second DC positive bus are electrically connected and the first negative DC bus and the second negative DC bus are electrically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ismail Agirman, Jeffrey M. Izard, HanJong Kim
  • Publication number: 20170369277
    Abstract: An assembly 28 for actuating and controlling braking of a car of an elevator system is provided. The assembly includes at least one braking device 20 mounted on the car, supported between the car and a hoistway for movement with the car within the hoistway, and configured to apply a braking force to the car. The assembly also includes at least one corresponding actuator 34 supported by the hoistway and configured to selectively engage the braking device to prevent movement of the car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Richard N. FARGO, Xiaodong LUO, Enrico MANES
  • Publication number: 20170369278
    Abstract: A system and method that processes a destination to derive a target floor based on receiving an elevator call that indicates a source floor and the destination. Further the system and method causes an elevator to travel between the source floor and the target floor in response processing the destination and performs at least one of a plurality of wayfinding operations upon arrival of the elevator at the target floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ashley Chapman, Bradley Armand Scoville, Eric C. Peterson, Paul A. Simcik
  • Publication number: 20170369279
    Abstract: The invention discloses: —a drive belt safety device (20) including a belt retaining portion (22) and a wedging portion (24) operably coupled to the belt retaining portion (22), wherein the wedging portion (24) includes a geometry configured to wedge between a drive belt (16) and a pulley (12, 14); and —a method of securing a drive belt system (10), the drive belt system (10) comprising a pair of pulleys (12, 14) configured to rotate and a drive belt (16) disposed around each of the pulleys (12, 14), the method comprising the steps of placing at least one drive belt safety device (20) adjacent to a pulley (12, 14), and securing a portion of the drive belt (16) to the at least one drive belt safety device (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Stephen Curl, Keith Browse
  • Publication number: 20170369280
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a first elevator car (14A) supported for vertical movement in a lane (11, 13, 15, 17) of a hoistway (11). A second elevator car (14B) is configured to operate and move vertically in the lane (11, 13, 15, 17) below the first elevator car (14A) independently thereof. At least one buffering device (34) is supported on at least one of the elevator cars (14) to absorb energy upon contact between each buffering device (034) and the other elevator car (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Randall Keith ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20170369281
    Abstract: An elevator cable management system is described to provide constraints on cable movements at a point between the top and bottom of an elevator track. The system may include a moving retainer bar with a cradle on top of an elevator car, and a fixed retainer bar that retains cables when the elevator car is above the fixed retainer bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Dirk Miseur, Nicolas van der Linden
  • Publication number: 20170369282
    Abstract: A termination assembly (28) for an elevator belt (16) includes a termination body (40) and a fixed wedge (48) secured to the termination body (40) and having a plurality of fixed wedge surfaces (52). A moving wedge (56) is located in the termination body (40) and has a plurality of moving wedge surfaces (60) interactive with the fixed wedge surfaces (52). When an elevator belt (16) is inserted into the termination body (40) between the moving wedge (56) and the termination body (40) and a tension load is applied to the elevator belt (16), the moving wedge surfaces (60) are urged to move relative to the fixed wedge surfaces (52) to apply a contact pressure to the elevator belt (16) thus retaining the elevator belt (16) at the termination body (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Richard J. Ericson
  • Publication number: 20170369283
    Abstract: The invention is an elevator. The elevator is driven by a rack and a chain. The elevator also comprises a transportable frame, a floor, and an elevator shaft. The purpose of the invention is, by using a rack and chain lifting device to drive the elevator, to allow the elevator to be driven from the bottom. Driving the elevator from the bottom makes the structural integrity of the elevator box unnecessary, so that the elevator box can be replaced with an elevator box façade and a fabric door, making the elevator lighter and more economical. In addition, the design of the elevator allows for adjacent doors, battery power, and voice control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jackson Priddis, Andrew Priddis, Eimi Priddis
  • Publication number: 20170369284
    Abstract: Truck container lift systems are disclosed. Truck containers having at least one secure compartment are also disclosed. Methods of making and using truck container lift systems and truck containers having at least one secure compartment are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Roger Donald Dorminey, Randall George Martin, James William Scott
  • Publication number: 20170369285
    Abstract: A tool lifting device has: arms connected to pivot relative to one another; and a load bearing pin secured to a first arm of the arms, the arms having a closed position where the load bearing pin is supported by, and spans a tool receiving gap defined between, the arms. A tool lifting device has: arms connected to pivot relative to one another; a load bearing pin supported by one or more of the arms, the arms having a closed position where the load bearing pin extends across a tool receiving gap defined between the arms; and a pivot lock for restricting the arms from pivoting relative to one another in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Marcus Albert J. RANGER
  • Publication number: 20170369286
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for weighing the hook load of a crane, wherein different measurement accuracies can be set at the apparatus, comprising at least one measurement device, at least one retaining pin, and at least one coupling section. The invention is additionally directed to a hook block and to a crane having a corresponding apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stefan Windbacher, Julian Wehrstedt
  • Publication number: 20170369287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring the safety of a crane, in particular of a revolving tower crane having a revolving deck, wherein the crane has a sensor system and a crane control, and wherein furthermore at least one tilt sensor is provided. In accordance with the invention, the at least one tilt sensor is attached to the revolving deck of the revolving tower crane, with the monitoring of the crane safety taking place at least during the putting up and/or taking down of the revolving tower crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jacek KRUPINSKI
  • Publication number: 20170369288
    Abstract: Systems and methods for object guidance and collision avoidance are provided. One system includes a location sensor disposed on a movable crane. The system also includes a plurality of sensors disposed on a plurality of objects within a facility. The system further includes a controller having a receiver for monitoring signals transmitted from the location sensor disposed on a movable crane and the plurality of sensors disposed on a plurality of objects within the facility. The controller is configured to generate a travel path for the movable crane to move an object coupled with the movable crane based on the one or more intersection regions and generate an output signal to an alarm device to provide an alert, when at least one object of the plurality of objects is within a predetermined proximity of at least the object being moved by the crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan FULTON, Whitney LOUBIER, Shibin MATHEW, Wei MI, Andrew PINION
  • Publication number: 20170369289
    Abstract: An expandable car jack including a base with a first base extension member and a second extension member rotatably, removably, and directly coupled to one another, the first and second base extension members operably configured to rotate with respect to one another to define a planar lower support surface forming an x-shape or a substantially perpendicular configuration. The expandable car jack may also include a plurality of hinged members supported by the base, wherein the plurality of hinged members define a lifting surface and are coupled together with a screw, the screw operably configured to rotate, expand and contract a width separating the plurality of hinged members, and place the lifting surface at a plurality of raised height positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: James Alford Flippin
  • Publication number: 20170369290
    Abstract: A self-contained electric double-acting hydraulic cylinder jack for lifting objects is provided, comprising a vertically elongated upper housing section and lower housing section, which are slidably assembled on each other to form a self-contained assembly, a hydraulic electric linear actuator placed between the upper housing and lower housing sections, which actuator comprises an integrated motor, pump, valve, and double-acting cylinder, an on-board battery for supplying power to the hydraulic electric linear actuator, and a momentary on-off-on toggle switch conjugated in electrical connection with the battery to actuate the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dan Kennicutt
  • Publication number: 20170369291
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus and lifting system for lifting a shipping container (14) are disclosed. The lifting system uses four lifting apparatus one in each corner of the container (14). Each apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder (16) which is attached to a frame (24). A locking member (40, 90) also attached to the frame (24) engages the base corner block (44) of the shipping container (14) and locks thereto. There is also a container frame engaging member (60) which presses into engagement with the frame of the container (14) above the base corner block (44) but below the upper corner block (44). When the hydraulic cylinder (16) extends the container (14) is lifted and the container frame engaging member (60) presses into engagement with the frame of the container (14) locking the lifting apparatus onto the container (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Glen Quickfall, Graeme Parkins
  • Publication number: 20170369292
    Abstract: A cargo container lift truck includes a body having a bottom, the body including drive wheels and at least one turning whee l at the bottom, a lift nose capable of going up and down along the body, the lift nose including a lift body that goes up and down along the body, and fork levers disposed at two sides of the front of the lift body, the bottom of the fork levers having support rods to hold up a cargo container. A movement drive device drives the drive wheels, and a lift drive device drives the lift nose up and down. The body further includes a pivotable handle, the handle including buttons that control movement of the body forward and backward, and control raising and lowering of the lift nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Zhoumin Ni, Guangwei Wang
  • Publication number: 20170369293
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a vehicle body (6); a mast (8) that extends substantially vertically and is rigidly connected to the vehicle body (6) or hinged to the vehicle body (6), the mast (8) being associated with a load-carrying apparatus such that said apparatus can be moved upwards and downwards on said mast, which load-carrying apparatus comprises at least one load-receiving means for receiving a load that is to be transported; and an outrigger (9), the longitudinal axis (L) of which extends between a first fastening point (9a) on the vehicle body (6) and a second fastening point (9b) on the mast (8), the second fastening point (9b) being associated with a vertically upper side of the mast (8). In this case, the outrigger (9) is associated with an apparatus for reducing vibrations (9d) which is designed to reduce vibrations acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the outrigger (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell, Carsten Schöttke, Ernst-Peter Magens
  • Publication number: 20170369294
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a chassis (6), which is supported by at least two front wheels (2) and by at least one rear wheel (3) on the ground (4), a mast (8) for a load-carrying apparatus (36), which is arranged in an upright position thereon in a mast support region (54) of the chassis (6), wherein the front wheels (2) are rotatably arranged on wheel arms (50, 50) that protrude forwards from the mast support region (54) of the chassis (6), and means (62, 64; 162, 164; 262, 264) for suppressing and reducing vibrations, wherein at least one of the wheel arms (50, 50), preferably both wheel arms (50, 50), is/are split into at least two wheel arm portions (50a, 50b), which are mounted by means of a bearing arrangement (56; 156) so as to be able to perform movements relative to one another, wherein the means for suppressing or reducing vibrations are designed or operable to influence relative movements of the wheel arm portions (50a, 50b), in order to ensure that any impacts owing to
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ernst-Peter Magens, Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell, Carsten Schöttke
  • Publication number: 20170369295
    Abstract: A manipulator for transporting a load laterally with respect to a vehicle includes a support frame adapted for mounting on a vehicle. A movable guide is supported by the support frame for lateral translation with respect to the support frame. A carriage which is capable of supporting a load engaging attachment for supporting a load is supported by the guide for translation with respect to the guide in the lengthwise direction of the guide. The carriage can translate with respect to the guide in the lengthwise direction of the guide at the same time that the guide is translating laterally with respect to the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward Tygard
  • Publication number: 20170369296
    Abstract: A mounting rib for an elevating platform, the rib designed and configured to insert through a slot in the sidewall of the elevating platform. The rib is composed of a T-shaped and two L-shaped components, wherein the T-shaped component inserts through the slot and the L-shaped components are attached on the exterior of the platform. Also, a corner-mounted rib for an elevating platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. McKinney, Kyle E. Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20170369297
    Abstract: A method for handling a container having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising: moving at least one handling unit along a path; feeding the container to the at least one handling unit to be retained and advanced along the path; filling the container with a pourable product by activating a filling device of the at least one handling unit; pressurizing the container via a pressurization circuit of the filling device as the container is advanced along the path; and applying a label to an outer surface of the container after pressurizing the container but before filling the container with the pourable product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Roberto ZONI, Annalisa MALFATTO