Abstract: An apparatus for operating a vehicle lift comprises at least one lifting assembly, a control unit, and a control pendant. The control pendant is configured to remotely control the motion of the vehicle lift through the control unit and to permit the lifting of a vehicle by the push of a single button on the control pendant and/or positioning of lift features in preparation for lifting a particular vehicle by the push of a single button. A menu screen and a plurality of menu buttons may be used together by a user to select one vehicle profile from a plurality of vehicle profiles. The selected vehicle profile may correspond to the vehicle being lifted and provides specific data with respect to how the at least one lifting assembly and/or the lift features should be moved for the particular vehicle being lifted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsing jack stand for lifting off road vehicles, heavy equipment, boats, recreational vehicles, trailers, etc. The invention has a saddle for receiving an axel of a piece of equipment that is to be lifted by the stand. The saddle is adjustable in height and is supported above the ground by an upright member mounted on a base, with a brace member helping to support the upright member on the base. The collapsing jack stand is designed to be pivoted downward and folded into a flattened configuration when not in use, making it easy to store in a limited space. Only one bolt must be removed to collapse the jack stand.

Abstract: Ground care maintenance systems, lift adapters for turning standard vehicle lifts into ground care maintenance or turf lifts, and methods for converting vehicle lifts to ground care maintenance or turf lifts are disclosed. The ground care maintenance system includes a two post pivoting arm lift and a lift adapter configured to couple to the two post pivoting arm lift. The lift adapter including four arm covers and two adapter members each coupled to two arm covers. The method for converting a vehicle lift to a ground care maintenance or turf lift and the turf lift back to the vehicle lift are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for methods and systems for automating the operation of vehicle lifts in the servicing of automotive vehicles. The lifts may be motorized mobile column lifts and/or fixed lifts, including two-post lifts with swing-arms and a variety of drive-on lifts. Motorized mobile lifts have a motorized transport mechanism. A guidance system first assigns available motorized mobile lifts to the axled wheels of a vehicle and then directs their transport mechanism for transporting them to their engagement locations. It also guides the engagement of both the motorized mobile lifts and the fixed lifts in the service center. A number of technologies may be used for this purpose, including sensors onboard the vehicles and/or the lifts and/or the service center. A computer vision pipeline may also be utilized to assist in the process. Machine learning may also be employed. Techniques are also extended to autonomous vehicles as well as interfacing with fleet management software.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vehicle traction apparatus and radiation imaging check systems. One illustrative implementation may comprise two parallel tracks, two sets of traction mechanisms and a driving unit, wherein the tracks are disposed on a ground. The two sets of traction mechanisms may be respectively disposed on the two tracks. Further, the driving unit may be adapted for driving the two sets of traction mechanisms to synchronously move along the two tracks. In some embodiments, each of the two sets of traction mechanisms includes a body, a cantilever, a lifting driving mechanism and a wheel supporting assembly, and may include features such as the body being mounted on the track, the cantilever being disposed parallel to a direction of the tracks, and/or both ends of the cantilever being respectively connected with the lifting driving mechanism and the wheel supporting assembly.

Abstract: A method for storing an empty trailer chassis includes positioning a trailer chassis between a first and a second vertical storage rack and lowering first and second stabilizing beams along the vertical storage racks toward the trailer chassis. The first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys are attached to the respective first and second stabilizing beams and a spreader extends between the first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys. The spreader contains a chassis clamping mechanism that forms a downward-facing portion of the spreader. The chassis clamping mechanism is disposed below the first and second stabilizing beams. The method further includes engaging the trailer chassis with the chassis clamping mechanism. The first and second stabilizing beams are above the trailer chassis when the chassis-clamping mechanism has engaged the trailer chassis.

Abstract: A jack assembly includes a base, a support platform, a pair of links connecting the base to the support platform and an actuator connected between the base and the support platform. The actuator is operable to move the support platform between lowered and raised positions. The actuator may be coupled to a power assist cylinder which utilizes pressurized compressible fluid to assist in lowering the support platform. A safety lock system includes a lock bar pivotally connected to the support platform and one or more pockets on the base positioned to receive a free end of the lock bar to retain the support platform in a selected raised position. A preferred support platform includes trays which receive contact blocks selected from a set of varied contact blocks. A portable automobile lift comprises a pair of the jack assemblies in combination with a portable power unit.

Abstract: A method (100) for handling chassis is disclosed. The method (100) can include: providing (110) a multi-level structure including a plurality of levels including a first level with an opening to receive a chassis and a second level; locating (120) a plurality of shelves adjacent to the opening including a port shelf and a starboard shelf, each configured to receive a chassis; and providing (130) an transfer mechanism configured to pick a chassis and place it on one of the plurality of shelves. The method allows compact storage, stacking and retrieving and inventorying of chassis, for enhanced logistics.

Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.

Abstract: A portable automobile lift includes a plurality of portable lifting columns and a portable power unit. Each lifting column includes a column base, a post extending upwardly from the column base, a lifting carriage moveably mounted on a forward side of the post, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the lifting carriage for movement of the lifting carriage along the post. Each column base comprises a respective base plate connected to a lower end of the respective post. The base plate anchor bolt receiving holes extending therethrough for receiving respective anchor bolts. Each column base further includes a pair of wheels positioned to engage a ground surface rearward of the base plate for ease of portability of the columns. The lift also includes a safety lock assembly that automatically engages during upward movement of the lift to prevent unintentional lowering or falling of the lifting carriage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack an include an elevation assembly and a guide bracket. The elevation assembly includes a threaded member and an elongated support member, with the elongated support member configured to threadedly engage and rotate relative to the threaded member. The guide assembly includes a guide bracket configured to engage the threaded member such that the threaded member moves with the guide assembly as the guide assembly moves along a path defined by a longitudinal axis of the elongated support member. This movement raises or lowers a vehicle positioned on the jack. Various embodiments address the assembly of a vehicle jack by engaging a threaded member with an elongated support member and a guide bracket. Rotation of the elongated support member about its longitudinal axis causes the threaded member to move the guide bracket along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly for vertical lift systems for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles, the lift system comprising a frame extending upward from a base and at least one platform that is raised vertically within that frame responsive to a lift mechanism upon which a vehicle is parked, the fall prevention assembly comprising a series of metal bars of sufficient size and strength to resist bending attached to the base of the unit and extending upward through a series of bushings mounted strategically on each platform usually at the corners. These bushings can be designed with ridges or teeth inside. As long as the platform or platforms remain level and in proper alignment with the lifting system and within the frame the bushings simply move up and down along the metal bars. In the case of the failure of a lifting means the platform or platforms would become unlevel or tilt and the bushings would bind upon the metal bar.

Abstract: A lift device of platform type for miscellaneous loads, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a pair of vertical uprights (2) to rest on the floor, a load carrying platform (4) slidable along said uprights (2), a drive system for said platform comprising actuators associated with the two uprights (2), and a torsion bar (6) applied to said platform to ensure that this latter is also horizontal when an unbalanced load is present, characterised in that at least one sprocket wheel (14) is applied to said torsion bar (6) and cooperates with a stop pawl (16) elastically engaging the teeth of said sprocket wheel (14) and disengageable from it during the descent phase of said platform (4).

Abstract: A device for storing goods, in particular vehicles, the goods being stored on at least one platform and the platform being guided on guides over a traverse path and a guide for traverse being provided. By the cooperation of the safety device arranged on the guide or device and the platform the platform is protected against undesired movement. The safety device is indicated by at least one locking unit and at least one locking element. The locking unit is rotatable and supported in such a way that the center of gravity of the locking unit is arranged off-center.

Abstract: A lift with a multiple locking position safety leg includes a lift bed for engaging in objects to be lifted together with a fluid cylinder to be connected to the lift bed and extendable and retractable to move the lift bed between two extreme positions including a fully lowered position and a fully raised position. A latching mechanism is provided for holding the lift bed in any of a plurality of positions between the extreme positions and includes a plurality of vertically spaced latches operated by gravity to move to latching positions, one for each of the plurality of positions, and a single actuator for simultaneously moving and holding each of the latches against gravity from the latching positions to allow the lift bed to be moved to the fully lowered position. Also disclosed is a kit for retrofitting existing lifts with the safety leg.

Abstract: A lift having a safety lock system includes a mast that may be supported by a base, and a frame that can be lifted or lowered along the mast. The safety lock system includes a first support beam that is located adjacent to the mast and a second support beam that is located opposite the first support beam relative to the mast. The safety lock system also includes a first lock and a second lock. Each of the first lock and the second lock are operable between a plurality of locked positions and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first lock is engaged with the first support beam to lock the lift frame to the first support beam, and the second lock is engaged with the second support beam to lock the lift frame to the second support beam. Each of the first lock and the second lock can be placed in the unlocked position, wherein the lift frame can be freely lifted or lowered relative to the mast.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated vertical vehicle lift for working under the vehicle or for storing one vehicle over a second vehicle. The vehicle lift utilizes four large U-shaped columns which house most of the moving parts. Particularly, cables traverse through the columns and around pulleys attached to cross members supporting the vehicle ramps. A hydraulic cylinder under a ramp pulls the cables around the pulleys causing the cross members and ramps to elevate. The orientation of the cables and pulleys direct the force generated while elevating and suspending a vehicle straight down from the internal top center of each column. This directional force provides a stable vehicle lift and the columns and ramps shield the moving parts from operator contact and protect the parts from exposure thereby increasing their useful life of the lift.

Abstract: A lifting platform for vehicles having at least one column, at least one support arm shiftable on the column by vertical guides and having supports. The lifting platform also includes a prime mover having switching and control elements and a transmission disposed between the prime mover and the associated support arm, the transmission having at least one flexible traction cable coupled to a rotating member positioned at the upper end of the respective column and to the associated support arm.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly for vertical lift systems for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles, the lift system comprising a frame extending upward from a base and at least one platform that is raised vertically within that frame responsive to a lift mechanism upon which a vehicle is parked, the fall prevention assembly comprising a series of metal bars of sufficient size and strength to resist bending attached to the base of the unit and extending upward through a series of bushings mounted strategically on each platform usually at the corners. These bushings can be designed with ridges or teeth inside. As long as the platform or platforms remain level and in proper alignment with the lifting system and within the frame the bushings simply move up and down along the metal bars. In the case of the failure of a lifting means the platform or platforms would become unlevel or tilt and the bushings would bind upon the metal bar.

Abstract: A cable lift includes a platform supported on posts and raised and lowered by cables. Yoke ends support the platform on the posts by means of dogs which project into openings in latch plates on said posts. The dogs are retracted in order to lower the platform. In the event of a slack cable condition, a slack cable actuator moves the dogs back into contact with the latch plates.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a safety lock device for an automobile lift having a lifting carriage slidably connected to a post and supported by a flexible lifting member, such as a chain or cable. The safety lock device comprises a ratchet lock mechanism which prevents inadvertent lowering of the carriage and a fail-safe mechanism which automatically engages the ratchet lock in the event that the flexible lifting member should fail or otherwise become slack while the ratchet lock is disengaged. The ratchet lock mechanism includes a ratchet track connected to the post and a ratchet pawl connected to the lifting carriage. When the ratchet pawl is in the track engaging position, the pawl allows the lifting carriage to move upward but prevents it from moving downward. The pawl is moved into the release position by a release lever pivotally connected to the ratchet pawl.

Abstract: A twin post lift has a master and slave cylinder system in which the maser and slave cylinders each drive a lifting carriage, and each of the lifting carriages is mounted within, and is restricted to longitudinal travel within, an upright member. In the event that there is a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system under load, it is important that the lift be prevented from descending unexpectedly, or uncontrolledly. The upright can be manufactured in the form of a roll formed channel section. The legs of the channel section are formed to define guides for guide followers mounted on the lifting carriage, thereby restraining the travel of the lifting carriages to travel in the vertical direction. The lifting carriage has a rack formed on its back face. The rack is nested within the upright member and is not visible in use. The back of the channel is formed with an outwardly protruding step to accommodate the rack.

Abstract: A lift for a vehicle comprising a displaceable support device moveable between a first inground position to a second above ground position for supporting the vehicle, scissor mechanism associated with the displaceable support device for lifting the displaceable support structure and the vehicle, support frame member disposed inground, the scissor mechanism contained in the support frame member where the displaceable support device moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in lifting a vehicle from a substantially flat surface. The apparatus includes a pair of levers, each having a first lever and a second lever pivotally joined together cris-crossing one another and operable in a scissor-like motion between a collapsed position and a lifted position. A lifting platform is operatively coupled to the levers for supporting a vehicle thereon. A lifting mechanism is operably coupled to the levers for operating them between the collapsed position and the lifted position and thereby raising and lowering the lifting platform. An extendable, one-way incrementally lockable safety strut is pivotally connected to the first lever at a point along its upper portion and the other end of the safety strut is pivotally connected to the second lever at a point along its lower portion.

Abstract: A hoist lifting apparatus for vehicles has a pair of spaced posts and a carriage slidably mounted for vertical movement in each post and secured to load bearing arms for supporting a vehicle. A locking assembly is pivotally mounted on each carriage for locking it in a selected, raised position. The post has a wall facing the carriage with a series of vertically spaced openings, and a locking arm pivotally mounted on the carriage is biased into successive openings as the carriage is raised. Once the desired height is reached, the carriage is lowered slightly in order to lock the arm in a selected opening. A release cam is pivotally mounted on the locking arm and acts to release the locking arm from the selected opening when the carriage is raised slightly from a locked position. A bypass member holds the locking arm in the retracted position as the carriage is lowered after release of the lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting containers to elevated positions for charging or discharging of a fluent material. The lifting apparatus includes a support member for the container. This support member may include an integral means for inverting the container. The support member is fastened to a carriage member which is movably guided interior of an elongated tubular column member. The carriage member is elevated or lowered by a lifting means which is mounted interior of the column member. The lifting means is connected to the carriage member by a pivoted link member. In the absence of tension on the lifting means, the link member will stop any uncontrolled lowering of the carriage member to a lowermost postion in the column member. The column member is attached to a base member. A second embodiment of the apparatus discloses additional attachment of the second end of the column member to a support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lift used for automobile maintenance, which has a novel link mechanism consisting of a smaller number of parts required to have significantly high precision, and is manufactured at a relatively low cost. The lift allows a mechanic to check and repair a lower portion of a vehicle in a standing attitude. The link mechanism of the invention has a smaller number of joints, thus effectively preventing excessive looseness of the lift even after long-term use. The lift of the invention includes a pair of base elements placed in a pair of pits, a pair of tables for supporting a lower body frame of a vehicle other than four wheels, and a pair of link mechanisms where a long arm crosses and is fixed to a short arm at a position in the middle of the long arm via a center shaft. Each short arm is integrally fixed at a first end thereof to a connection shaft, which is rotatably attached to one side of the base elements.