Abstract: A modular conveyor, comprising a plurality of modules successive in transport direction, each comprising a body part with a transport surface for transporting products thereon, which body part during use is hingedly coupled via a hinge pin to the body part of a successive module. The successive modules are adjustable from an assembly position to an operative position. In the working position the hinge pin can be introduced from outside of the body parts into a receiving space formed by the successive modules or can be taken out of that receiving space to outside of the body parts due to that the hinge pin is released by the body parts to move in longitudinal direction and/or transverse direction of its longitudinal axis. In the operative position the hinge pin is retained in the receiving space formed by the body parts of the successive modules due to that the movement of the hinge pin both in longitudinal direction and in transverse direction of its longitudinal axis is limited by the body parts.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously producing products in a single production system are disclosed. The method may be used to produce different fluent products and other types of products including assembled products. In some cases, the method includes providing a plurality of articles which are components of the products to be produced. The method further involves providing a system that includes a workspace, a plurality of unit operation stations, and a plurality of vehicles for the articles. At least some of the vehicles may be independently routable around at least a portion of workspace which is trackless. The method further includes simultaneously sending one article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a product is performed and another article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a different product is performed.

Abstract: A conveyance method of conveying a conveyance target object by loading the conveyance target object on a slider, wherein the slider is connected to a ball nut threadably engaged with a ball screw shaft, includes a step of rotating the ball screw shaft by an electric motor, a step of applying a braking force which is a rotation resistance to the ball screw shaft by a non-electric resistance changing unit, and a step of setting at least one of a driving force of the electric motor and the braking force of the resistance changing unit so that the slider will stop when a predetermined external force acts on the slider during conveyance and changes the slider to an overload state regardless of the presence/absence of the conveyance target object loaded on the slider and a weight of the conveyance target object.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying and supporting a chain includes a frame member having a first slot and a second slot spaced apart from each other along the frame member and a liner configured to support the chain relative to the frame member. A first fastener and a second fastener are spaced apart from each other and extend from the liner toward the frame member such that the liner is installed onto the frame member by moving the first fastener into the first slot and sliding the liner along the frame member until the second fastener is aligned with the second slot and can be moved into the second slot.

Abstract: A component supply device configured to output a predetermined number of components to be used in a work operation includes a fixing plate having a via-hole through which the components pass, the fixing plate being fixed to a housing, a movable plate having a storage hole penetrating through the movable plate in an up-down direction and having a size that allows the predetermined number of components to be stored, the movable plate being laminated on a top side of the fixing plate and configured to move such that the storage hole moves relative to the via-hole in a direction parallel to a top face of the fixing plate, a controller configured to control an operation of the movable plate, and an elastic member placed on a top side of the movable plate and configured to elastically deform in a direction parallel to a top face of the movable plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction includes an engagement plate for positive engagement with the case. The engagement plate has a planar face and a vacuum source for vacuum attachment to a case outer surface face. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the plate in the transport direction and for rotating the plate a selected angle from the transport direction. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is for conveying cases from an upstream end to one of a first downstream end and a second downstream end. The apparatus includes a conveyor and a diverter assembly that receives the case and dispenses the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end. The diverter assembly is pivotable to thereby direct the case toward the first downstream end or the second downstream end, and the diverter assembly is configured to clamp the case to thereby stop conveyance of the case as the diverter assembly pivots and also pivot the case to clear an obstruction presented by an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: Device for delivery of sorted elements for feeding a downstream work station that includes a downward drop that brings the elements, a one-at-a-time processor that receives the elements from the drop, an upward conveyor branch that extends from the processor and that receives the elements therefrom, and an ejector that is located in the area of the upward conveyor branch. The device includes at least one viewing unit that is positioned to monitor the elements in the area of the processor, such as a camera.

Abstract: A pneumatic post sleeve (10) has an insert (21) for receiving a test rod (20). In order that the test rod (20) always arrives in the same orientation and position—regardless of any rotation of the pneumatic post sleeve (10)—the insert (21) is rotatable in the pneumatic post sleeve (10) about the longitudinal axis (17) of the sleeve tube (11), wherein the centre of gravity of the insert (21) together with the test rod (20) is located outside the longitudinal axis (17). As a result of its weight, the test rod (20) always takes up the lowest position. In order to improve precision, it is expedient for the insert (21) to be provided with a magnet (30) or with a magnetizable material close to the sleeve tube (11). The pneumatic post station (41) then has a horizontal reception tube (42), on the outside of which a permanent magnet or electromagnet (31) is provided, which is located opposite the magnet (30) in the case of a received pneumatic post sleeve (10).

Abstract: A system for transporting a carrier vehicle using linear motors comprising a linear motor housing shaped to hold one or more linear motors includes a rectangular top plate. A left side plate is connected adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate and a right side plate is connected adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate. The linear motor housing further includes a plurality of coupling components operable to couple the linear motor housing to one or more adjacent linear motor housings in a manner that facilitates continuous propulsion of the carrier vehicle across the rectangular top plate of the linear motor housing and rectangular top plates corresponding to the one or more adjacent linear motor housings.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a transfer apparatus includes a gripper, a first driving mechanism, an elastic passive joint part, a conveyor, a second driving mechanism, and base. The gripper grips an article. The first driving mechanism linearly moves the gripper in at least two directions including a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The elastic passive joint part is interposed between the gripper and the first driving mechanism, and operates in accordance with an operation of the gripper. The conveyor conveys the article. The second driving mechanism linearly moves the conveyor in the at least two directions, and is connected to the conveyor. The base supports the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism.

Abstract: A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety.

Abstract: An assembly (100) and method for bottoming feeding sheets from a stack of sheets to a top-feed sheet feeding mechanism (F) on a device (P), such as a copy machine. The assembly (100) includes a sheet feeder (200), a transport arm (300), and a final height adjustment block (420) translatably attached to and extending along the distal end (302) of the transport arm (300) for limited transverse (T) translation relative to the machine direction (MD).

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a sheet feed tray. The sheet feed tray includes a first guide and a second guide. The first guide has a first end portion. The first end portion has a first area located in a central portion in a width direction, and a second area located closer to one end in the width direction than the first area. The first end portion is inclined such that the first area is downstream of the second area in the sheet conveying direction. The second guide has an upper end portion located downstream of the first end portion of the first guide in the sheet conveying direction and above the first end portion. The upper end portion has a third area located in a central portion in the width direction and a fourth area located closer to an end in the width direction than the third area.

Abstract: A positioning and conveying device includes an endless conveyor belt which runs around two rollers mounted to a frame. The outer surface of the roller is defined by a plurality of roller segments which complementary cover the perimeter. The segments are individually movable in the axial direction for laterally moving the conveyor belt relative to the frame. The device includes at least one actuator assembly including a controllable magnetic actuator mounted at either end of the roller. At either end of the segments a ferromagnetic counterpart is mounted to cooperate with the respective magnetic actuators to move the respective segments in the axial direction. Each magnetic actuator comprises an electromagnet. Each ferromagnetic counterpart is arranged on a radial inner side of the associated segment. During rotation of the roller the roller segments and the associated counterparts follow a circular trajectory during a part of which they face the corresponding electromagnets.

Abstract: A conveying device includes a first guide section, a second guide section, and an urging section. The second guide section has a guide center portion and pivots about the guide center portion. The second guide section is pivotable between a guide position and a separation position. The guide position is a position in which the second guide section is located when a conveyance path of a sheet is formed between the second guide section and the first guide section. When the second guide section is in the guide position, the urging section urges the second guide section in a first pivot direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus performs printing of a plurality of copies of a document in response to execution of a printing job. Each copy includes a plurality of sheets. The image forming apparatus includes a first ejection tray; a second ejection tray; and a first sensor; and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to: start sheet ejection to the first ejection tray; switch a sheet-ejection destination to the second ejection tray in response to detecting that the first ejection tray is at a full level during printing of a first copy; calculate an amount of vacant space of the second ejection tray in response to completion of the printing of the first copy; and perform printing of a second copy to the second ejection tray or to suspend the execution of the printing job, based on the amount of vacant space.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer section including a transfer body that transfers an image onto a sheet in a transfer nip; a belt position correction section that performs operation of correcting misalignment of a position in an axial direction of a transfer belt in the transfer nip; a sheet conveyance member that is provided on the upstream side of the transfer nip in a sheet conveyance direction and conveys the sheet; and a hardware processor that controls the sheet conveyance member so as to displace the sheet along a width direction of the sheet. The hardware processor controls displacement of the sheet conveyance member so as to follow the position in the axial direction of the transfer belt at the transfer nip.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a position detector configured to detect a position of a side end portion of a conveyance target medium, a position adjuster configured to move in at least one of a width direction of the conveyance target medium and a rotation direction of the conveyance target medium within a plane of sheet conveyance, while conveying the conveyance target medium, and adjust a position of the conveyance target medium, according to the position of the side end portion of the conveyance target medium detected by the position detector, a transfer rotary body disposed downstream from the position adjuster in a sheet conveying direction and having a receiver mounted on the rotary body to receive the conveyance target medium, and circuitry configured to change a rotation speed of the transfer rotary body according to the position of the conveyance target medium after adjusted by the position adjuster.

Abstract: A bushing for a web material roll including a body sized to be fitted into the web material roll; the bushing further including a wall extending across the central cavity of the web material roll when the bushing is in the central cavity of the web material roll and defining an opening for receiving a roll support therethrough, the opening being bordered by a roll support contacting surface, the bushing having one or more bearing surfaces for contacting the roll support and supporting the web material roll, the one or more bearing surfaces including at least the roll support contacting surface bordering the opening. A web material roll, a web material roll retention assembly and a method for placing a web material roll in a web material roll dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing printed laminates or elastic printed laminates are disclosed. The printed laminates may have a first extensible material and a second extensible material. The first extensible material may have a plurality of repeating graphic sets each having a repeating graphic set length. The first extensible material may have a first strain and the second extensible material may have a second, different strain. The second strain may be constant. The first strain may be variable to correspond to the repeating graphic set lengths to a predetermined laminate pitch. The first and second extensible material may be joined together at a point of joinder. An elastic member, such as a plurality of elastic strands, for example, may be positioned intermediate the first and second extensible materials to form an elastic laminate.

Abstract: A web tension adjustment device includes a pair of guide rollers and a dancer roller. The two guide rollers are spaced at least in a gravity direction and guide continuous paper in transfer. The dancer roller moves within a moving range along a guide shaft extending in a direction intersecting a rotation axis distance direction of the pair of guide rollers at an acute angle, rolls on the continuous paper transferred between the pair of guide rollers and gives tension to the continuous paper, the tension corresponding to an amount of moving from a position between the pair of guide rollers along the guide shaft.

Abstract: A medium processing device includes a discharge member, a discharge tray, a shift part and a control part. The discharge member is configured to discharge a medium from a discharge position in a discharge direction. On the discharge tray, the medium is stacked. The shift part is configured to vary a relative position of the discharge position and the discharge tray in a shift direction perpendicular to the discharge direction to shift a shift position where the medium is stacked on the discharge tray. The control part is configured to control the shift part so as to shift the shift position for each medium bundle containing a plurality of the mediums. The control part calculates a thickness of the medium bundle, and when the calculated thickness exceeds a first threshold value, the control part makes it possible to select a number of the shift position from a plurality of candidates.

Abstract: A folding apparatus includes a folding device to fold a sheet bundle, an additional folding device, a conveyer, and control circuitry. The additional folding device includes a pressure roller disposed downstream from the folding device in a sheet conveyance direction and configured to press the sheet bundle after the folding device folds the sheet bundle and a sheet support member disposed opposite the pressure roller via the sheet bundle. The conveyer conveys the sheet bundle to a position at which the additional folding device presses the sheet bundle and hold the sheet bundle at the position. The control circuitry causes the additional folding device to perform additional folding processing on a first position of the sheet bundle, the conveyer to move the sheet bundle to a second position different from the first position, and the additional folding device to perform the additional folding processing at the second position again.

Abstract: Technology is provided for a cable management spool assembly. The cable management spool assembly includes a spool and one or more arcuate covers. The spool includes a flange portion having a first side configured to confront a mounting surface and a second side opposite the first side. A drum portion extends from the second side of the flange portion and one or more latches extend away from the first side of the flange portion. The latches are positioned to engage one or more corresponding mounting features of the mounting surface. The arcuate covers are coupled to the spool and are pivotable between an open position where a cable may be wound on the drum portion and a closed position where the cable is retained on the drum portion.

Abstract: A spool endform assembly includes an endform with a central collar that are configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The spool endform assembly further includes a mount sub-assembly configured to be mounted in a fixed orientation on a mounting structure (such as movable arm). The spool endform assembly is further configured to permit misalignment of the fixed orientation of the mount sub-assembly relative to the rotational axis of the endform and central collar. In embodiments, controlled movement of the mounting structure can be used to connect the spool endform assembly to a rotatable mandrel of a wire winding spool and disconnect the spool endform assembly from the rotatable mandrel. By permitting misalignment of the fixed orientation of the mount sub-assembly relative to the rotational axis of the endform and central collar, the spool endform assembly makes it easier to connect the spool endform assembly to the rotatable mandrel and to disconnect the spool endform assembly from the rotatable mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable spool arrangement for use in automated cable winding applications, said cable spool arrangement comprising a first core half and a second core half, each one of the first and second core halves comprising an outer wall having a conical section, wherein each one of said first core half and said second core half comprises a connecting arrangement configured to connect said first core half and said second core half together, and comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess. The present invention also relates to a stackable cable spool half.

Abstract: Described herein is a fish tape reel comprising a housing with two side shells coupled together. The housing defines an internal cavity. An internal portion of the housing defines a plurality of flat gripping portions and a plurality of finger notches. The housing comprises a plurality of tabs in the internal cavity, the tabs interfacing against an inner annular portion that is coupled to the handle when the handle rotates around the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and directing a guidewire used to guide an instrument is provided and includes a spool. The spool receives the guidewire and a spool wire. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the guidewire and the spool wire around the spool. The apparatus also includes a wire connector that operatively couples the spool wire and the guidewire together. The apparatus further includes a housing that houses the spool. The housing includes first and second apertures. The first aperture is sized to prevent the wire connector from passing through the first aperture but allow the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the first aperture. The second aperture is sized to allow the wire connector and the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the second aperture. The first and second apertures merge together such that the guidewire and the spool wire may move between the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A retractor device includes a housing including a back plate, a faceplate spaced apart from the back plate, and a sidewall extending between the back plate and the faceplate. The retractor device also includes a rotatable reel inside the housing, a spring biasing rotation of the rotatable reel in one direction, a tether wound around the rotatable reel, and an end fitting coupled to an end of the tether. A retainer of the housing is in contact with the end fitting when the end fitting is in the retracted position. The retractor device also includes at least one bearing inside the housing proximate to the retainer, and first and second extension openings in the sidewall of the housing on opposite sides of the retainer. The tether is configured to engage the bearing when the tether is extended through one of the first and second extension openings.

Abstract: A first engaging part is located on an outer surface of a cord reel and protrudes in a first direction orthogonal to a rotation axis of the cord reel. A second engaging part is located on the outer surface of the cord reel at a position different from the first engaging part in a second direction along the rotation axis. A holder base has an opening through which the cord reel can be inserted in the second direction. One or more notches are formed along the outer periphery of the opening of the holder base and allows the first engaging part to pass therethrough in the second direction. When the cord reel is attached to the holder, the holder base is disposed between the first engaging part and the second engaging part in the second direction.

Abstract: A system includes a frame and a first pair of rollers coupled to a first side of the frame. The first pair of rollers is configured to support a first end of a pipe reel. The system also includes a first cradle disposed longitudinally between the first pair of rollers and a second pair of rollers coupled to a second side of the frame. The second pair of rollers is configured to support a second end of a pipe reel. The system also includes a second cradle disposed longitudinally between the second pair of rollers, a pipe guide coupled to a third side of the frame between the first and second sides, a pipe brake coupled to the frame, and a pipe re-spooler coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A control system of an elevator can be communicated with by a mobile control device to execute a maintenance and/or installation for the elevator. The control system includes a receiving element for receiving a request to establish a communication connection from the mobile control device, at least one processor to perform a first identification whether the mobile control device is authorized to communicate with the elevator, the at least one processor to perform a second identification whether a user of the mobile control device is authorized for using this mobile control device and/or for servicing this elevator, the at least one processor for matching a right of access of the mobile control device to the elevator depending on results of the first and the second identification, and a communication element to establish the requested communication connection according the matched right of access of the mobile control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator service request and offline authentication of an elevator service request, and belongs to the field of elevator technologies. An authentication system for an elevator service request according to the present invention comprises: a receiving module configured to receive a sent authorized digital certificate and a sent elevator service request command; and an offline verification module configured to verify the authorized digital certificate in an offline mode to implement authentication of the elevator service request command, wherein the elevator service request command is generated by a personal mobile terminal, and the authorized digital certificate is acquired from a digital certificate management device by the personal mobile terminal. In the present invention, authentication of an elevator service request can be implemented offline, and passenger experience for an elevator service request is desirable.

Abstract: Authorization management and authorization requesting for an elevator service request, and belongs to the field of elevator management technologies. An authorization management apparatus for an elevator service request according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive authorization request information from one or more personal mobile terminals, wherein the authorization request information comprises an elevator identifier of a corresponding elevator of an elevator system acquired by a corresponding personal mobile terminal and a terminal identifier of the personal mobile terminal mapped to the elevator identifier; and an authorization management unit configured to determine, at least according to a mapping relationship between the elevator identifier and the terminal identifier in the authorization request information, whether the authorization request information from the corresponding personal mobile terminal is allowed to be authorized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to authorization management for an elevator service request, and belongs to the field of elevator management technologies. An authorization management apparatus for an elevator service request according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive authorization request information from a personal mobile terminal; a selecting unit configured to select an authorization mode from at least two of three authorization modes; and an authorization management unit configured to determine, at least based on the selected authorization mode, whether the authorization request information from the personal mobile terminal is allowed to be authorized. In the present invention, the authorization management can be implemented flexibly and conveniently.

Abstract: A cable brake includes a pair of brake shoes having braking surfaces facing one another and between which a brake cable is guided. A first brake shoe is movable between a braking position, pressing the cable against the braking surface of the other brake shoe, and a release position, releasing the cable between the brake shoes. A releasable retaining device retains the first brake shoe in the release position, and/or a reset device switches the first brake shoe from the braking position to the release position. Two rotatably mounted pivot arms connected to the first brake shoe are arranged in a parallelogram with one side oriented in parallel with the cable guidance direction. A switchable electromagnet of the retaining device holds the first brake shoe in the release position. The brake shoes, pivot arms, retaining device and reset device are arranged in a housing connected to an elevator car.

Abstract: An elevator system arranged in an elevator shaft of a building in the construction phase grows with the building using a lifting process. The system includes a machine platform with an elevator drive machine and an elevator car suspended on the machine platform by a carrier. The elevator car is raised during the lifting process by a lifting device. The elevator system also includes an assembly platform that can be mechanically moved in relation to the machine platform along the elevator shaft. The lifting device includes a drive arranged on the machine platform and is also used to move the assembly platform.

Abstract: A transport system in a structure includes a car and a plurality of motor modules. The car is constructed and arranged to move along a lane generally defined at least in-part by the structure. The plurality of motor modules are distributed along the lane and are constructed and arranged to propel the car. Each one of the pluralities of motor modules include an embedded power module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a lifting tube that has a tube interior and can be shortened by applying a vacuum to the tube interior, and having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the tube lifter, which suction grip device can be supplied with a vacuum through the tube interior, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means including a control valve which is adjustable between a closed position and an open position, in the open position a flow path from the surroundings to the lifting tube port being open, and in the closed position said flow path being substantially closed, and a control mechanism comprising a manually actuable operating element being provided for adjusting the control valve.

Abstract: A load assembly for use with an aircraft includes a support sub-assembly and a lifting sub-assembly. The support sub-assembly is configured for removable coupling to a structural member of the aircraft. The structural member has a first interior position and a second interior position. The support sub-assembly extends between the first interior position and the second interior position. The lifting sub-assembly is movably coupled to the support sub-assembly. The lifting sub-assembly is movable along the support sub-assembly between the first interior position and the second interior position and configured to lift or lower a load, and to support the load as the lifting sub-assembly moves along the support sub-assembly between the first interior position and the second interior position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control stand for controlling a crane, an excavator, a crawler, or a similar construction machine having a seat, a plurality of control element actuable from the seat for inputting control commands, at least one display apparatus for displaying information, and a control unit for generating adjustment signals in dependence on input control commands and/or for providing information to the display apparatus. The invention further relates to a crane having such a control stand that can in particular be configured in the form of a crane operator's cabin. It is proposed in accordance with a first aspect of the invention to configure the control elements and/or the display apparatus of the control stand and various further auxiliary units as individually configurable and to save and to reinvoke personal pre-settings when the control stand or the crane is to be controlled by a certain machine operator.

Abstract: A retractable warping winch with a supporting housing, adapted to be stably fixed to a deck of a vessel at an opening thereof, and a bell, including a base and a drum integral to each other. The bell is movably supported by the housing so that it can vertically shift therein between an extracted working position and a retracted rest position. The winch also includes a driving mechanism to rotate the bell, including a motor and a transmission. The driving mechanism includes a drive hub mounted in the housing. The base of the bell is mounted in the drive hub to be rotatably integral therewith and free to axially shift with respect thereto. The drive hub is mounted in the housing to be rotatably free and axially constrained thereto. The motor is mounted on the housing, externally and laterally thereto.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: An affordable tension device for maintaining tension on a wire rope of a cable-based lifting system is provided. The tension device has an elongated casting weight adapted to govern the casting weight as it rides along a predetermined wire rope for maintaining tension thereon. The tension device provides a clevis with a sheave for operatively associating with the tension wire rope.

Abstract: A pulley block may include an alpha pulley block including an alpha connector, a beta pulley block including a beta connector, wherein the alpha pulley block is coupled to the beta pulley block when the alpha connector is coupled to the beta connector. At least one of the alpha connector and the beta connector may comprise magnets.

Abstract: A pulley system includes a cord and a pair of stages coupled at a pivot point, the stages being independently rotatable about a stage axis. A first pulley is attached to the stages at the pivot point. Two additional pulleys are attached to one of the stages. Braking elements are attached to one of the stages and engage the cord when an uneven tension is applied.

Abstract: An exemplary lifting platform for motor vehicles has four supporting arms that are pivotally mounted on a lifting device, especially on two lateral lifting columns, and the free ends of which are movable under support points of a motor vehicle being raised. The supporting arms form a first pair and a second pair of supporting arms. At least the supporting arms of the first pair of supporting arms are adjustable in length and are implemented in the form of rigid supporting arms, which are pivotable solely about their articulation points on the lifting device. The supporting arms of the second pair of supporting arms are in the form of double-jointed arms having an additional articulated joint and, in the retracted state, are typically at least twice as long as the supporting arms of the first pair of supporting arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for repositioning heavy loads. Apparatus features an operator handle capable of positioning a lifting tongue under a load to be repositioned. The apparatus further features a set of motor driven wheels that engage the floor or other surface with the aid of friction or other traction means to propel the load forward or backward. Downward pressure on the operator handle while the lifting tongue is positioned under the load increase the motor driven wheels traction. The system further features rolling elements integral to the floor to further aid repositioning of the load as well as mechanical engagement means between the motor driven wheels and the floor where adequate friction between the same is not possible. The apparatus further features an addition set of unpowered wheels that may be alternately repositioned for engagement with the floor so as to lift the motor driven wheels out of contact with the floor to aid in orienting the apparatus with the load.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel having an axle, and a constant force mechanism coupled to the wheel. The constant force mechanism includes a horizontal support, a horizontal carriage associated with the horizontal support, a vertical support oriented perpendicular with respect to the horizontal support, a vertical carriage associated with the vertical support, and a rigid arm that is pivotally coupled with the horizontal carriage, the vertical carriage, and the axle. The rigid arm is coupled with the vertical carriage at a point intermediate where the rigid arm is coupled with the horizontal carriage and the axle. The horizontal carriage is capable of being urged along the horizontal support, and the vertical carriage is capable of being urged along the vertical support.