Operating Means On Platform Patents (Class 182/148)
  • Patent number: 7849971
    Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sky Climber, LLC
    Inventors: George M. Anasis, Robert E. Eddy, Gary E. Ingram, Jean-Francois DeSmedt
  • Patent number: 7760497
    Abstract: The hoist control cooling system for preferentially cooling components of a variable frequency drive that is controlling a hoist motor. The cooling system includes an inverter temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a cooling system controller, an inverter cooler, and an ambient cooler. The inverter temperature sensor measures the temperature of the inverter and generates an inverter temperature signal. The ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air in the sealed control enclosure and generates an ambient temperature signal. The cooling system controller communicates with the inverter temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor by receiving the inverter temperature signal, the ambient temperature signal, and generating both an inverter cooling signal, and an ambient cooling signal. The inverter cooling signal controls the cooling of the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sky Climber LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Eddy, Gary E. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20100133043
    Abstract: A platform for an aerial lift enables unobstructed access to a work area adjacent the platform. The platform includes a floor structure with front and rear sides and ends, and a safety rail disposed along at least the front side. The safety rail includes an entry gate. A lift gate is pivotably attached to the safety rail and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The lift gate includes a gate rail extending along the rear side of the floor structure and a pair of lift rails connected between the gate rail and the safety rail. The gate rail is pivotable relative to the lift rails between an extended position and a retracted position. In this manner, the lift gate can be raised without the gate rail impacting the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip John Black, Christopher A. Haught, Ignacy Puszkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20100051386
    Abstract: A surgeon lift comprising a base, wheels attached to the base, each wheel comprising a locking mechanism, a cylinder supported on the base, a platform operatively connected to the cylinder, a lifting mechanism for adjusting the height of the platform relative to a horizontal surface, a connector for operative attachment of the surgeon lift to a surgical table, the surgical table comprising an assembly comprising a power source for receiving the connector, and one or more controllers for automatically controlling the position of the lift relative to the surgical table in the x, y, and z dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Miriam Machovic Basic, Howard S. Mellin, Faranak Sarbaz
  • Patent number: 7631730
    Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sky Climber, LLC
    Inventors: George M. Anasis, Robert E. Eddy, Gary E. Ingram, Jean-Francois DeSmedt
  • Publication number: 20090260920
    Abstract: A safety device for an aerial lift (10) having a basket (20) with controls (23) which permit an operator to manoeuvre the basket (20), and a foot operable safety switch (24) which activates the controls (23), the safety device comprising an auxiliary safety switch (24) operated by a trip cord (27) arranged proximate to the controls (23) and which is connected in series with the foot safety switch (24) so that in the event that the cord is distorted the auxiliary switch (26) prevents activation of the control panel (23) and may additionally operate an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Cummings
  • Patent number: 7546902
    Abstract: Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein comprise a personnel lift apparatus for raising or lowering a standing person between two or more elevations or from a base elevation to a raised elevation. A moveable lift platform rides within a track provided on a pair of substantially upright side rails. The platform is connected by a flexible metallic cable to an electrically operated winch. The personnel lift eliminates steps and ladders on recreational items or any equipment requiring climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Victor Schwertner
  • Patent number: 7523809
    Abstract: An elevator car (2) comprises a cover (14; 40) extending over at least a portion of the top surface of the car (24). The cover (14; 40) is mounted on a resilient support (28, 42). The car (2) further comprises means (32; 44) for detecting displacement of the cover corresponding to the weight of a person being applied to the cover. If such displacement is detected, normal operation of the car (2) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Andrés Monzón-Simón, Julián Cabañas Falcón, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Antonio De Miguel Urquijo, Francisco Luis Sanz Delgado, Herbert Horbrügger, Peter Leo Herkel, Dirk Heinrich Tegtmeier
  • Publication number: 20090078502
    Abstract: A working platform (1) for aircraft maintenance has two chassis (3a, 3b), a working stage (5) and two height-adjustable support means (4a, 4b) connecting the working stage (5) to the chassis (3a, 3b). The working surface of the working stage (5) is assembled from at least two mutually separable segments (_b 5a, 5b, . . . ), wherein a first (5a) of the segments is supported by the first chassis (3a) and the first height-adjustable support means (4a) and a second (5b) of the segments is supported by the second chassis (3a) and the second height adjustable support means (4b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Knurr
  • Publication number: 20090071751
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a vertically and horizontally-controlled, retractable aerial platform mountable on the bed of a vehicle for supporting a person or materials. The aerial platform includes a base, at least one support arm, a first support member, a second support member, a platform, and actuation means. The aerial platform may further include a collapsible frame. The aerial platform is vertically and horizontally-controlled, allowing a workman to adjust both the height and extension distance of the platform so that work functions can be readily performed. The aerial platform is portable, compact and suitable for use in a variety of commercial vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: PERMACORP INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: FRANK SCHMIDT, MANFRED SCHMIDT, NORMAN RUST
  • Patent number: 7383922
    Abstract: A load stopping system for mechanically stopping a load in a relatively slow and controlled manner using rotational and frictional forces. The system includes a glide rod, a guide collar that moves longitudinally over the glide rod, two vertically mounted friction rods mounted on opposite sides of the glide rod, a friction collar that moves longitudinally along each friction rod, and a support platform coupled to each friction collar and to the guide collar. The glide rod includes a spiral fluted vane along its entire length upon which the guide collar rides when a force is placed on the support platform. The friction rod and collars use friction to control the movement of the support platform along the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventors: William H. Richey, John Bolding
  • Patent number: 7370725
    Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Gary R Dornfeld
  • Patent number: 7281609
    Abstract: An elevator car includes a cross-head portion and a balustrade mounted to the cross-head portion. The balustrade is moveable from a retracted position for normal operation of the car to a deployed position for inspection operation of the car. The car further includes a second retractable safety device also mounted to the cross-head for preventing or limiting movement of the car. The balustrade includes at least one control for operating the elevator car during the inspection operation, the control being arranged so that the control cannot be operated when the balustrade is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Andres Monzon, Antonio De Miguel Urquijo, Jose Godino, Julián Cabañas Falcón, Jose Caballero
  • Patent number: 7222697
    Abstract: An elevator is described, comprising a first series connected pulley set installed in a fixing frame, a carriage located below the first series connected pulley set, a second series connected pulley set installed on the top of the carriage, a rotary wheel installed in the carriage and a steel rope. The steel rope connects the first series connected pulley set, the second series connected pulley set and the rotary wheel, so that the gravity load of one pulley set can belowered to decrease the pulling force of the steel rope to enhance the safety of the elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 7004288
    Abstract: The invention provides a lift apparatus for use with a ladder having two spaced upright stringers and a plurality of horizontal rungs bridging the stringers and spaced at a distance vertically from one another. The lift apparatus comprises a frame, a prime mover mounted on the frame and having a rotatable output shaft, at least one pair of sprocket systems space apart vertically from each other. At least one of the sprocket systems is operatively coupled with the output shaft of the prime mover. Endless driving force transmitting mechanism can pass around the pair of the sprocket systems. Controller is provided for controlling the prime mover in such a manner as to selectively rotate the output shaft thereof in forward or reverse direction, or stop it. Operating mechanism is provided for causing a plurality of gripper elements to be engaged with the corresponding rungs of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ryo Keiso Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Araki, Junichi Morishita, Tsuyoshi Kawazoe
  • Patent number: 6702064
    Abstract: A lifter includes a beam tiltably secured on top of an elevator for supporting an object to be elevated. A base is secured on top of the elevator, and a seat secured to the beam and having one end rotatably secured to the base with a shaft. A bracket and a spring may resiliently support the shaft in the seat. A plate is secured on the seat, a board secured to the beam and rotatably secured on the plate, and a spring biased pin may position the board to the plate at the required angular position. One or more posts and arms may be attached to the beam for supporting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chin Piao Huang
  • Publication number: 20040035636
    Abstract: A ground-movable load-lifting vehicle for lifting a load over ground. The vehicle comprises a platform bed, a ground-movable carriage, and an extendible scissor linkage assembly supporting the platform bed spacedly over the carriage. A hydraulic ram system enables power extension of the scissor linkage assembly against the bias of a load supported by said platform bed. The carriage further includes peripheral ground-engageable pivotal casters, rotatably mounted to the carriage in spaced apart fashion, and a pair of ground-engageable drive wheel assemblies, mounted for relative movement to a central portion of the carriage, wherein the drive wheel assemblies provide omnidirectional displacement capability for this load-lifting vehicle. A power unit, controlled by an electronic circuit, powers both the hydraulic rams of the scissor linkage assembly and the drive wheel assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Romain Julien
  • Patent number: 6543578
    Abstract: A control system for three mechanisms of a machine may include a pair of pivotable or rotatable structures and a telescoping or longitudinally urgeable structure that are coupled to a single handgrip and contained within a single structure. The control structures may simulate corresponding structures of an aerial platform on which they may be mounted, and provide motions in the same directions of the corresponding structures. Switches are activated upon urging of a handgrip, and springs may be provided to return the control to its neutral position. An aerial platform, a crane, or any other mobile machine may employ the control device and include corresponding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Safety Dynamicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Merz
  • Patent number: 6471004
    Abstract: A self locking basket assembly has a basket extending from a base platform, and a gate system for releaseably securing a worker within the cage. The gate system includes a gate operatively mounted on a pivotable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is opened by moving the gate in a rearward direction at an angle to a plane defined by the base platform and thereafter pivoting the gate about a hinge mechanism to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: bil-jax, inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Stringer, Jason C. Pickles
  • Publication number: 20020100637
    Abstract: A self locking basket assembly has a basket extending from a base platform, and a gate system for releaseably securing a worker within the cage. The gate system includes a gate operatively mounted on a pivotable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is opened by moving the gate in a rearward direction at an angle to a plane defined by the base platform and thereafter pivoting the gate about a hinge mechanism to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew D. Stringer, Jason C. Pickles
  • Patent number: 6401864
    Abstract: A stabilizing system includes at least one outrigger assembly. Each outrigger assembly has a pivotable first leg operably connected to a second leg. At least one locking mechanism is operatively mounted to the pivotable first leg and the second leg. At least one sensing mechanism is connected to the first leg for detecting when the first and second legs are in a stabilized position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: bil-jax, inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Stringer, Peter W. Freund
  • Patent number: 6378652
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a mobile crane work platform comprising a telescopic mast with a base section, and a plurality of vertically movable sections, the work platform being connected by an articulated arm assembly to the highest deployed movable section of the mast, the telescopic mast being collapsible to a lowered position and extensible to a deployed position. The articulated arm is connected to the highest movable section laterally of the axis of the mast so that the arm is outside of a space between the mast and the work platform when in the lowered position to thereby minimize the horizontal length of the lifting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Grove U.S.L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Albert
  • Patent number: 6297744
    Abstract: An aerialift warning system and method for use on aerialift equipment to warn the aerialift operator to fasten his/her safety lanyard and to warn persons within the zone of danger below the aerialift boom/basket of the impending danger posed by the descending boom/basket. The system includes a warning module and a speaker. The warning module includes a driver circuit for receiving a boom movement input signal and for asserting an up motion or down motion signal, and a processing circuit for receiving the up motion and down motion signal. The processing circuit contains an execution program to assert one or more warning messages contained in an audio warning circuit. The asserted one or more messages from the audio warning circuit are sent to a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: Paul D. Baillargeon, Gabor L. Szakacs, Kevin M. Klughart
  • Patent number: 6253878
    Abstract: An ergonomically adjustable machine operator platform includes a worker support surface which includes a top surface and a bottom, a plurality of support legs disposed on a floor, wherein each support leg includes an external threaded surface portion, a drive member operably connected to each support leg and having an inner threaded bored surface therethrough which is configured to be complimentary threaded to the external threaded surface portion in a manner to permit axial movement along the support leg and wherein the drive member includes a bearing support surface disposed adjacent the bottom. The drive member further includes an exterior sprocket surface extending generally radially from the drive member, and a rotating device connected to the external sprocket surface for rotating the drive member to cause axial movement along the support leg to vertically move the worker support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Dale Wells
  • Patent number: 6174124
    Abstract: A multi-task capable work assist vehicle is designed for transporting an operator and items to be handled by the operator and for elevating the operator with such items supported upon a load tray elevated with the operator. Preferably the load tray is mounted for positioning along a telescoping mast which supports and elevates the operator. A load deck or load platform is provided on a body of the vehicle in addition to the load tray so that items such as packages, tools, parts, merchandise and the like can be carried by the vehicle. Load shelves may also be provided adjacent the load deck to add flexibility and capacity to the load carrying capability of the vehicle. Uses of the vehicle include order picking, in-house service maintenance, stock management, cargo delivery and the like. It is designed to be compact in size and highly maneuverable for use in narrow storage aisles and tight quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest A. Haverfield, Timothy S. Quellhorst, Donald E. Luebrecht, Kevin A. Gilliland, Michael P. Gallagher, Thomas L. Bidwell, Harold A. Stammen, William J. Heidemann, Paul J. Leasor, Leif A. Norland, Thomas W. Linn, Joe H. Knapschaefer, Rob J. Stauffer, David B. Smith, John McClusky
  • Patent number: 6170606
    Abstract: A mobile machine which carries the operator of the machine is equipped with a control which has a shape, geometry and motion analogous to that of the machine and which causes machine motion analogous to the motion imparted to the control by the operator. The analog control may be applied on mobile equipment including aerial work platforms, forklifts, front end loaders, backhoes, earth movers, bulldozers, diggers, trenchers, agricultural equipment, mining machinery, and other operator controlled vehicular equipment by tailoring the shape, geometry and motions of the control to be analogous to those of the machine being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Safety Dynamicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Merz
  • Patent number: 6095284
    Abstract: An elevatable stand construction 10 for physically challenged hunters which includes a ladder style main framework member 20 supported in an upwardly angled disposition, a chair style platform member 30 slidably disposed on the main framework member 20, and a mechanized unit 13 for moving the platform member 30 in an up and down fashion relative to the main framework member 20. The mechanized unit 13 may comprise a manual version 40 or a motorized version 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Elwaine Smith
  • Patent number: 6095286
    Abstract: A personnel lift (20) having adjustable side-to-side shim assemblies (38a-d) used in conjunction with a series of slide blocks (39, 40) in the mast of the personnel lift. The mast of the personnel lift includes a number of nested columns (24a-e) that extend to lift a person and an aerial work platform (22) to a desired height. The shim assemblies (38a-d) and slide blocks (39, 40) are used to maintain the nested columns (24a-e) in proper alignment, and the shim assemblies (38a-d) are adjustable to account for wear. The adjustable features of the shim assemblies (38a-d) are accessible when the columns are fully assembled, which allows the shim assemblies (38a-d) to be adjusted without requiring that the mast be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Citron, Ronald A. Teter, John Busuttil, Matthew G. Kraemer, Ronald L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6065565
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a generator assembly having a power source operable to power a generator. The generator is connected to a battery assembly having one or more batteries. The battery assembly is operably connected to a drive system, such as an electric drive propulsion assembly and/or an electric or hydraulic positioning assembly. A selector is operably connected to the generator assembly to select either the battery assembly or both of the generator assembly and the battery assembly to power the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ignacy Puszkiewicz, Richard G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6050365
    Abstract: A scissors-type work platform lift machine includes a mobile chassis having rear stationary wheels and front steerable wheels, a scissors lift mechanism mounted at a lower end on the chassis, a work platform mounted on an upper end of the lift mechanism, and an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement for operating the lift mechanism between retracted and expanded conditions so as to move the work platform between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Zefer Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Enoch L. Newlin
  • Patent number: 6019190
    Abstract: A work assist vehicle includes a self propelled, steerable body having a chassis and a drive mechanism supported on the chassis; a mast assembly coupled to the body; and, a personnel compartment attached to the mast assembly and being movable by the mast assembly toward and away from the body. The body further includes a cover adapted to extend over a portion of the chassis and a weight sensor assembly coupled to the chassis and the cover. The weight sensor assembly is capable of detecting if someone or something is located on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Luebrecht, Kevin A. Gilliland, Matthew P. Ranly, Harold A. Stammen, William J. Heidemann, David B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5992572
    Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprising a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from said body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast and provided with a rail member that extends from the mast and around the sides. A pair of gate members, which are pivotally attached to the rail member and to the floor of the compartment, are movable from a closed position to an open position wherein said gate members extend into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gilliland, Thomas L. Bidwell, Eugene G. Bruns, Bradley A. Burns, Joseph H. Knapschaefer, John F. McClusky, Lief A. Norland, Daniel L. Sherman, David B. Smith, Harold A. Stammen, Robert J. Stauffer, Donald E. Luebrecht, Ronald A. Grisez, William J. Heidemann
  • Patent number: 5950760
    Abstract: A scaffolding system for use on an inclined surface, such as inside a ship cargo hold. The scaffolding system includes a scaffold pole and a support bracket that secures the scaffold pole to a support surface. The support bracket is only in place temporarily and is removed once the work is finished. A swivel foot is coupled to the scaffold pole. The swivel foot is configured to pivotally align with the inclined surface. A preventer is attached to the scaffold pole, and uses the support surface to prevent the scaffold pole from sliding along the inclined surface, and to provide additional lateral support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Morrison
  • Patent number: 5890559
    Abstract: A personnel lift (20) including a three-wheeled transport in which a rear or transport wheel (30) is connected to a lever arm or handle (32) that is designed to raise and lower the transport wheel (30). Pulling the handle (32) downward drops the transport wheel (30) to ground level raising the support legs (34) off the ground. Raising the handle (32) lifts the transport wheel (30) off the ground, dropping the support legs (34) onto the ground. An electric interlock system is utilized to prevent the vertical lift assembly (24) of the personnel lift (20) from being used when the support legs (34) are not on the ground. The electric interlock system includes three switches (89, 104a, 104b), all of which must be closed in order for the aerial work platform (22) to be elevated. Two of the switches (104a, 104b) are operated by the support legs (34). The switches (104a, 104b) in the support legs (34) are closed when the support legs are in full contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Busuttil, Bradley K. Allen, Tracy L. Keller
  • Patent number: 5875869
    Abstract: A personnel lift (20) including a three-wheeled transport in which a rear or transport wheel (30) is connected to a lever arm or handle (32) that is designed to raise and lower the transport wheel (30). Pulling the handle (32) downward drops the transport wheel (30) to ground level raising the support legs (34) off the ground. Raising the handle (32) lifts the transport wheel (30) off the ground, dropping the support legs (34) onto the ground. An electric interlock system is utilized to prevent the vertical lift assembly (24) of the personnel lift (20) from being used when the support legs (34) are not on the ground. The electric interlock system includes three switches (89, 104a, 104b), all of which must be closed in order for the aerial work platform (22) to be elevated. Two of the switches (104a, 104b) are operated by the support legs (34). The switches (104a, 104b) in the support legs (34) are closed when the support legs are in full contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Busuttil, Bradley K. Allen, Tracy L. Keller
  • Patent number: 5850892
    Abstract: A personnel lift (20) having adjustable side-to-side shim assemblies (38a-d) used in conjunction with a series of slide blocks (39, 40) in the mast of the personnel lift. The mast of the personnel lift includes a number of nested columns (24a-e) that extend to lift a person and an aerial work platform (22) to a desired height. The shim assemblies (38a-d) and slide blocks (39, 40) are used to maintain the nested columns (24a-e) in proper alignment, and the shim assemblies (38a-d) are adjustable to account for wear. The adjustable features of the shim assemblies (38a-d) are accessible when the columns are fully assembled, which allows the shim assemblies (38a-d) to be adjusted without requiring that the mast be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Citron, Ronald A. Teter, John Busuttil, Matthew G. Kraemer, Ronald L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5803204
    Abstract: A clamshell cage assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a portable personnel lift. The personnel lift may be either a jib boom lift or a lift having a multi-sectional telescoping mast. The clamshell cage assembly has an upper and mid-level safety rail, portions of which pivot to a raised position which facilitates easy entry into the cage wherein the user does not have to stoop or use either hand to hold the cage open. The movable section of safety rail is then pulled downwardly by the user once he has entered the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: UpRight, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. White, Alan E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5755306
    Abstract: An outreach mechanism (34) for an aerial work platform (22) on a personnel lift (20). The outreach mechanism (34) is designed to attach an aerial work platform (22) to the upper section (24A) of a vertical lift assembly (24) of a personnel lift (20). The outreach mechanism (34) includes scissors-like arms (38, 40) that extend between the aerial work platform (22) and the upper section (24A) of the vertical lift assembly (24). The upper ends of the arms (38, 40) are pivotally attached to the aerial work platform (22) and to the vertical lift assembly (24) at pivot points (46, 48). The lower ends (50, 52) of the arms (38, 40) slidingly engage channels (42, 44) attached to the aerial work platform (22) and to the upper portion of the vertical lift assembly (24). One of the lower ends (50, 52) of the arms (38, 40), namely, the lower end (50) of the arm (38) mounted in the channel (42) adjacent the aerial work platform (22), is affixed to a continuous chain (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Kraemer, John Busuttil
  • Patent number: 5722505
    Abstract: A man-lifting platform for mounting on an aerial boom comprising a frame adapted to be pivotally connected to the distal end of the aerial boom. The frame has a pair of sleeves on opposite sides thereof and a pair of rods in the sleeves. The rods are secured to the man-lifting platform and generally parallel fashion. A power cylinder is connected between the frame and the man-lifting platform whereby the man-lifting platform may be moved the length of the rods by actuation of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Teco, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Grabner, Patrick M. DeLaney
  • Patent number: 5645142
    Abstract: Apparatus for braking relative vertical movement between two vertical members includes a ramp mounted on one of the members to oppose a vertical face on the other. If the ramp member accelerates downwardly a wedging roller is wedged between the ramp and the vertical face. This roller is on a slide rod which normally compresses a spring carried at the bottom of the ramp, but downward acceleration on the ramp results in expansion of the spring and movement of the wedging roller into wedging position to stop the acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Genie Industries
    Inventors: Matthew G. Kraemer, Richard M. Curtin, Paul K. Smith
  • Patent number: 5636705
    Abstract: The scaffolding comprises a post having a plurality of vertically aligned and equally spaced studs protruding on one of its surfaces. A frame supporting a work platform can move along the post, a sleeve being attached to the frame for guiding it along the post. The sleeve, the frame and the work platform partially surround the post. A lifting apparatus, installed on the sleeve, comprises a rotatable endless screw which is parallel to the post and which has a peripheral and helical flange which bears on the studs. An engine, an electric power drill or a manual handle will rotate the endless screw via one or two speed reducers. The rotation movement of the endless screw will result in the axial displacement thereof along the post, carrying the frame and work platform along with it. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a work platform which is supported at both of its ends by a lifting apparatus movable along a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Andre St-Germain
  • Patent number: 5586616
    Abstract: A scaffold adapted to be used with a forklift truck. The scaffold may be rotated manually 360 degrees by a worker after being lifted by the forklift. The unit is simple in construction, inexpensive, safe and easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Nick Ksenych
  • Patent number: 5555953
    Abstract: A scaffolding system which is attached to a prime mover such as a front end loader or forklift and has "Wings" or platforms extending outward from a "Center Frame" or platform and rotating in relation to it. The surface of the "Wings" upon which workmen stand is made up of individual steps. The tread of each step remains in a horizontal position during "Wing" rotation by using the principle of parallel arms. The "Center Frame" or platform can rotate in relation to a "Base Frame" to level the working surface despite the prime mover sitting on a sloping surface. All working surfaces are equipped with necessary guard rails. Hydraulic controls and emergency shut down switches are located for safe operation by all workmen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Gary R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5497851
    Abstract: A lifting platform for elevating workers and materials during construction includes a load supporting deck (12). The deck is supported on a pair of intersecting channels (24). The channels are rotatable about a pin (28) which extends through upper and lower plates (30, 32). A disk shaped member (26) is supported on a lower support frame portion (48). The channels (24) are connected to brackets (40) which include a tab portions (42) which extends beneath the lower face (32) of the of the disk shaped member and is slidably positioned therewith. The platform is rotatable about the disk shaped member and can be fixed in a selected rotational position. The platform may be raised by the lower support frame portion using conventional lifting forks (64) of a forklift truck (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Safety Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Walcher, Arthur C. Herner
  • Patent number: 5487446
    Abstract: An apparatus for self-adjusting the height of an outrigger attachable to scaffolding comprising a support having a back wall and side walls with a plurality of apertures located along the length of the back wall, the exterior of the back wall having clamps for removable coupling with tubular scaffolding. The apparatus further includes a vertically disposed angle iron positioned parallel with the support on the side there opposite from the clamps and having coupled thereto at its upper and lower ends a wheel carriage for riding within the support. The apparatus further includes an outrigger platform extending forwardly from the angle iron and secured thereto for supporting an operator standing on the platform. The apparatus further includes motion imparting means to move the platform with respect to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventors: Eric T. Patnode, Brian J. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5390104
    Abstract: An adaptive control man-augmentation system controls the movement of a suspended work station. A support structure, usually mounted on a chassis, has an extendible boom and a work station at the end of the boom. A directing member pivots in accordance with operator movements and the pivotal movement is resolved along three axes, normal to each other and at any point in time having a fixed but readily alterable relationship the boom. Resolving of the movement provides signals for moving the boom so as to move the work station to any desired location and orienting the work station, in response to operator movements. The position of the work station and other selected functional system are monitored. The signals are continuously processed and outputs adapted with respect to situation variables to produce immediate and accurate operational responses of the workstation to match operator requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Francis M. Fulton
  • Patent number: 5370206
    Abstract: A driving system for elevators includes a cab, a pair of chain suspenders on the bottom of the cab and suspended from the roof of a building, a synchronized transmission device having a plurality of gears and chain wheels of different diameters, connected on one hand with a d/c motor and on the other hand via a pair of shafts and driving chains with chain suspenders, a plurality of retarders coupled with respective suspenders and a set of counter weights adjacent the cab and supported by a pair of pulleys on the roof of a building. This disclosure has been characterized in the structure of the synchronized transmission device which is designed as a labor saving mechanism, in addition to the installation of the retarders and the set of counter weights the cab can be operated by a d/c motor or by manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Ping Chao
  • Patent number: 5337858
    Abstract: A lift has a base frame supported on a pair of screw jacks and a pair of support legs when a multi-stage mast on the lift is to be raised. The support legs are slide mounted in guides and each is downwardly biased away from a control switch on the base frame so that the switch is open unless the leg is loaded by the weight of the lift. A transport carriage is mounted to roll on sloped tracks on the base frame and is connected to the base frame by a hydraulic cylinder unit which functions when activated to pull the carriage downwardly into ground engagement to take the load of the lift from the jacks and support legs. A control circuit prevents the mast from being raised while the lift is supported on the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Genie Industries
    Inventors: Willi B. Neubauer, Paul K. Smith, Philip J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5310018
    Abstract: An improved scaffold of the lift type having a base and a working platform on top of the base. Vertical support posts are provided at the corners of the base passing through guide means at the corners of the platform. Cooperating drive means on the platform and posts are used to raise or lower the platform on the posts relative to the base. A motor on the platform selectively operates the drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Jean J. Lahaie
  • Patent number: 5273132
    Abstract: An aerial lift vehicle, having a compact configuration and separable into several parts for storage, comprising a body having wheels, a detachable vertical post, and a platform attached to the upper portion of the vertical post, and vertically movable corresponding to the telescopic movement of the vertical post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi Aichi Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sasaki, Hideaki Tamura, Yoshihiko Sakuma