Abstract: A method of leveling a parked freight trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising: (a) positioning a portable stabilizing device at least partially underneath a forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (b) positioning a lift associated with the portable stabilizing device to bear weight of the forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (c) reorienting the parked freight trailer so a floor of the parked freight trailer goes from a substantially non-parallel orientation to an approximately parallel orientation with respect to a floor of the loading dock by repositioning at least one of the jack and a landing gear of the parked freight trailer; and, (e) maintaining the lift in a weight bearing position while goods are at least one of unloaded from or loaded onto the parked freight trailer.

Abstract: A processing platform for display panel, comprising a bracket; a platform base having two end portions to which a rotation shaft is fixed, wherein the rotation shaft is rotatably connected with the bracket, and the rotation shaft and the platform base rotate about the rotation shaft as an axis; a platform being connected to the platform base by a telescopic mechanism which can make the platform move in a direction of approaching the platform base or deviating from the platform base, and having a surface which is away from the platform base and on which an suction structure for sucking the display panel is disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering vehicles, loads or the like, with a support (17) which is movable up and down and on which support (17) a load receiving means (18) is provided, wherein the load receiving means (18) has at least one supporting arm (21) which is mounted on the support (17) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (22), and with a locking device (37), which locking device (37) fixes the supporting arm (21) in an adjusted position with respect to the support (17), wherein the locking device (37) is released in the lowered state of the support (17) and, when the support (17) is raised, is locked and secures the adjusted pivoted position of the supporting arm (21) with respect to the support (17), wherein the locking device (37) comprises at least one actuable adjusting device (38) which is effective for the positioning of the supporting arm (21) in a pivoted position with respect to the support (17) and is automatically transferable into a locking position and

Abstract: An electric charging system for charging electric vehicles is particularly adapted for use in a parking garage. Parking spaces in the garage are fixed with a charging station so that the vehicles may be charged while they park at the garage. The power cable which connects to charge the vehicle battery is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. Information concerning the power charge is automatically transmitted to the payment station at the exit gate. A point of sale (POS) module is mounted for communication with the power cable. The point of sale (POS) module and the connector are easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle terminal. A retractor for extending and retracting an overhead power cable employs a drive wheel and a clutch which are electronically controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle display device and method for elevating and rotating a vehicle configured to fit in a single car parking space, while simultaneously displaying messages through a connected electronic message display. The vehicle display device has a turntable allowing for three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation of the vehicle. The electronic message display can present multiple messages that are customizable and easily modified.

Abstract: A vehicle lift includes a carrier and a pair of arms. The arms comprise a pair of segments and an adapter pilot slidably disposed in one of the arm segments. The arm segments are slidable relative to each other and define slots to accommodate sliding of the adapter, providing various positions for the adapter along the length collectively defined by the arm segments. The adapter pilot is configured to receive an adapter to engage a vehicle. The arms are pivotable relative to the carrier and present a low profile to provide clearance for low vehicles. The carrier comprises a low profile superstructure. The superstructure includes a pair of substantially horizontal plates with substantially vertical web members extending between the substantially horizontal plates. The superstructure further includes a yoke portion pivotally coupled with the arms.

Abstract: Wireless portable vehicle lift system incorporating one or more enhanced communication and/or control features. The lift system can incorporate enhanced touch screen-enabled functionalities, enhanced multi-processor architectures, and/or enhanced emergency stop features.

Abstract: An exemplary mounting arrangement for an elevator machine comprises a first portion (32) and a second portion (34). The first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a lifting system (11) for lifting loads, particularly vehicles, in which for lifting a load (14), the lifting movement is initiated by a starting phase, and lifting devices (12) are individually driven in the starting phase. Load holding means (18) of the lifting devices (12) are raised until a pre-set minimum load is detected by the pressure sensor (24), and the load holding means (18) are raised by a pre-selectable displacement distance in a load recognition phase of the lifting process following the starting phase, and after the pre-selected displacement distance is passed through, a load inquiry is carried out and the determined load is stored as a reference value for the further lifting process.

Abstract: An elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc.

Abstract: A cantilever parking lift system having columns and a platform includes a lift mechanism employing a vertically movable dynamic cross chain sheave assembly positioned adjacent a column, a vertically movable static cross chain sheave assembly positioned adjacent a second column, a cross chain extending from the first base and functionally engaged with the dynamic cross chain sheave assembly and static cross chain sheave assembly and to a block assembly housed in a base, wherein the block assembly is movable along a length of the first base and operable to raise the dynamic cross chain sheave assembly, and wherein the cross chain extends beneath and transversely across the platform. An actuator is positionable in the base, rather than in or around the vertical column.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: A pit platform (10) within a pit (11) located in a floor, having a deck (12) that can be raised and lowered by a lifting means (14) between a raised position in which the deck is substantially level with the floor and a second position in which the deck is beneath the level of the floor. The deck is supported by a plurality of cables (18) controlled by the lifting means to effect substantially vertical movement of the deck within the pit. A method of moving the deck between the raised and second positions is also described. The pit platform has particular application to a workshop, enabling workers standing on the platform to position themselves at a comfortable height below a vehicle that is being worked upon. In the raised position the platform provides a safety cover for the pit.

Abstract: A car lift for motor vehicles, having at least a first and a second lift element, each having at least one hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly (9, 9?, 10) for lifting motor vehicles, with each cylinder/piston assembly including an inlet (9a, 9a?, 10a) for feeding and an overflow for draining hydraulic fluid when the motor vehicle is raised. The first cylinder/piston assembly (9, 9?) is embodied as the master assembly, by its overflow being connected in a fluid-guiding fashion to the inlet (10a) of the second cylinder/piston assembly (10) embodied as a slave assembly. At least one of the cylinder/piston assemblies (9, 9?, 10) has an overflow channel (9c, 10c) arranged and embodied such that only in an area of the end position at maximally raised or maximally lowered vehicles the inlet (9a, 9a?, 10a) of the cylinder/piston assembly is connected in a fluid-conducting fashion to the overflow channel (9c, 10c).

Abstract: The present invention proposes an elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc.

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

Abstract: A platform lift for a vehicle suitable for supporting and vertically moving platforms, beds, shelves and the like. The platform lift has at least a first platform suspended by a plurality of tension members, such as cables, and guided by a plurality of columns so that the first platform is movable vertically between a first platform stowed position and a first platform ready position. All of the columns supporting the platform are to one side of a center of the first platform. The platform lift includes a slack sensor and fall protection. The platform lift can include a second platform.

Abstract: A lifting platform for motor vehicles has at least one extendable lifting column that is formed by a tubular jacket and a lifting cylinder unit arranged at least partially therein. The upper end of the lifting cylinder unit supports a load receptacle. The tubular jacket and the lifting cylinder unit are air-tightly connected to one another and form a compressed air storage chamber between the inner wall of the tubular jacket and the outer wall of the lifting cylinder unit. The compressed air storage chamber is provided with a compressed air supply connector and, in the upper end area, with a compressed air outlet connector. The lifting device is preferably an underfloor lifting platform with hydraulic cylinders. A check valve is arranged in the filling direction upstream of the compressed air supply connector.

Abstract: A motor vehicle or marine lift utilizes diagonally offset support columns. The columns face one another and are arranged along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle or vessel at a non-perpendicular angle. A respective pair of pivoting asymmetric support arms are connected to each column for moving upwardly and downwardly along the column to raise and lower a motor vehicle or marine vessel mounted thereon.

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: An automobile service lift includes a plurality of generally vertical posts, each of which has a carriage moveably mounted thereon. Each carriage has an outrigger which extends outwardly from the carriage and supports a portion of the weight of a vehicle positioned on the lift. Each outrigger is pivotable relative to the respective carriage about a generally horizontal axis. Each carriage further includes an adjustment mechanism for selectively pivoting the respective outrigger to compensate for any deflection of the outrigger due to the weight supported thereon.

Abstract: Vehicle lifting device comprising a number of columns, guides on each column for guiding a carriage for substantially vertical displacement along the column, which carriage bears vehicle supports. Lifting supports engage on the columns and the carriage. The lifting supports are connected to a motor, and a synchronization system for causing the carriages of all columns to run synchronously. The lifting supports of each column are provided with their own motor.

Abstract: A description is provided of a volumetric operating system (10) for scissors-type vehicle lifts, comprising a plurality of cylinders (16, 18, 20, 22) for movement of the vehicle lifting runways (12, 14), of which the main cylinders (16, 22) receive the operating fluid directly from supply means (24, 28, 30), and the secondary cylinders (18, 20) receive the operating fluid from the outlet (32, 34) of a respective one of the main cylinders (16, 22), wherein with each runway (12, 14) there is associated at least one of the said main cylinders (16, 22), and at least one of the said secondary cylinders (18, 20). Preferably, the outlet of each main cylinder (16, 22) which is associated with one of the runways (12, 14) supplies a secondary cylinder (18, 20) which is associated with the other runway (12, 14).

Abstract: A lift for vehicles comprises two parallel ramps for loading the vehicles which can be actuated so as to move vertically. The ramps have concurrent ends which are rigidly coupled to the cross-member of a portal-like frame, with the cross-member being actuatable with a vertical translational parallel motion by way of corresponding actuation along a pair of posts. Corresponding grid-like frames, with rods hinged in a scissor-like arrangement for the constant resting of said ramps on a resting surface and/or floor, are provided below each ramp.

Abstract: A vehicle lift, a vehicle lift overhead assembly and a method for assembling a vehicle lift utilizes mounting configurations on each of the end of a cross member of the overhead assembly and a bracket for attachment to the upright column of the lift, with at least one of the mounting configurations including a plurality of mounting patterns which allow the member to be attached to the column by the bracket at any of a plurality of orientations relative to the column. The plurality of mounting patterns may include holes, pins or any feature capable of cooperation with complementarily shaped features to orient and secure together the components of the overhead assembly, such as slots, clamps and other similarly functioning structures.

Abstract: A free link system including a drive assembly mounted along an imaginary longitudinal center line of a rectangular base, the drive assembly including two identical units provided on opposing ends of the base; a main platform that is raised and lowered by operation of the drive assembly; and a guide frame mounted to the base extending perpendicularly to the same, the guide frame being provided on one long end of the base and acting to guide the movement of the main platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing successive segments of a segmented dock. A suspension structure is connected to a previously installed segment of dock. The suspension structure includes a frame rotator for rotating a dock frame from an inverted position atop the previously installed dock segment to an extended position substantially parallel to the previously installed dock segment. The suspension structure suspends the frame in place while decking is added to the frame. Once the decking is installed, the person installing the dock may move onto the suspended segment in order to sink support poles from the suspended dock segment.

Abstract: A description is provided of a vehicle lift (10) of the type with four columns, in which the vertical movement of the cross-beams (14) and of the runways (16) along the columns (12) is controlled by means of two pistons (18), each of which is accommodated inside a respective cross-beam (14), of which it controls the movement. The lift (10) provides considerably simplified assembly, and the possibility of replacing or displacing the runways (16).

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: 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 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: An apparatus is provided for storing vehicles. A vertical support structure is mechanically coupled to a horizontal support structure. Multiple support platforms are provided, including at least an upper vehicle support platform and a lower vehicle support platform. At least one lift arm is pivotally coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. A collapsible linkage connection is provided between the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform. A lower vehicle support platform is suspendable below the upper vehicle support platform by the collapsible linkage connection. A control system is utilized to operate the at least one lift arm in order to move the apparatus between modes of operation. In a first vehicle loading position, the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform are in a down position with the upper vehicle support platform directly above the lower vehicle support platform.

Abstract: A storage platform and lift apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms; four cables; a plurality of elongated brace members; four elongated vertical members, each having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a drive axle. A pulley wheel is rotatably coupled to two vertical members, while the other two vertical members support a drive axle which contains the four cables. A plurality of brace members support the vertical members in an upright, stable position. Upper and lower gear assemblies, in combination with the four cables extending outwardly away from the drive axle and coupled to the platforms, provide means to raise and lower the platforms to any desired height for either short- and long-term storage of machinery, equipment, and the alike.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive mechanism for a vertical conveyor. The conveyor comprises a pair of upright supports or columns and a carriage to support a load or cargo is guided for vertical movement on the columns. The drive mechanism includes a pair of first hydraulic cylinder units and a pair of second hydraulic cylinder units that preferably have twice the length of the first cylinder units. The first or shorter cylinder units are connected between a movable cross beam and the carriage, while the second cylinder units are connected between the movable beam and the upper end of the frame. At a lower level both the first and second cylinder units are in an extended condition, while at an upper level both cylinder units are retracted.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved wheeled, light-weight lift which meets standards for airline ground support vertical lift devices, specifically being capable of use on airport tarmacs in winds up to 90 mph. On and off-loading ramps are provided which are rotatable between an upright stored position and a horizontal working position. The ramps comprise a bridge structure supporting a plurality of louvred deck plates. Each louvre is linked to the others so as to remain oriented horizontal regardless of the ramps position for minimizing their aerodynamic profile and overturning moment. Outriggers are extendible from the frame so as to increase its base dimensions and thus the moment needed to overturn the lift. The outriggers retract into the frame to minimize storage. The outriggers are horizontally movable along their longitudinal axis to minimize the deployment space required.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting apparatus utilizing a lifting beam vertically movable within a frame preferably including pile members defining a watercraft receiving slot. The lifting beam is vertically movable to contact preferably the lower surface of the watercraft for moving it upwardly. The movement of the lifting beam is powered by a main drive connected through the lifting apparatus by two winching and cable devices. First an outer winch powers retraction and extension of an outer cable connected through a pulley configuration to the distal end of the lifting beam. Also an inner winching device is operable to extend and withdraw an inner cable operatively connected through a pulley configuration to the proximate end of the lifting beam to assure that the lifting beam is lifted vertically in a horizontal orientation to facilitate lifting of the watercraft such as for cleaning and/or storage thereof.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval crane system that includes a tower having a pair of spaced columns and a tower drive mechanism for moving the tower horizontally along a floor between storage racks. A carriage is coupled to a carriage drive mechanism for vertical movement between the columns, and a shuttle is coupled to a shuttle drive mechanism on the carriage for moving the shuttle horizontally from the carriage in directions lateral to direction of movement of the tower along the floor. At least one of the drive mechanisms, and preferably all of the drive mechanisms, include primary and secondary drive arrangements, and facility for selectively alternately connecting one or the other of the primary and secondary drive arrangements to drive the tower, carriage or shuttle.

Abstract: A fallproof safety parking apparatus including a main body having a transverse beam and a lateral beam on which a detector and a detecting means are respectively disposed beside driving chains. The detector has a resilient pressing rod and the detecting means has a resilient pressing post for abutting against the chains without affecting the operation thereof. In case any section of the chains is broken apart, the resilient pressing rod of the detector or the resilient pressing post of the detecting means immediately bounds out from the broken section of the chains to actuate a microswitch of the detector or detecting means, making a fallproof means powered off. At this time, a brake block of the fallproof means is inserted into an insertion hole of a fixing lever of the main body and locked therein so as to instantaneously prevent an upper parking platform from straightly falling down. Two pairs of steel cables are disposed on the beams of the main body to help in holding the upper parking platform.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a vertical main post mounted on a dock, the lower end of the main post inserted into a body of water adjacent the dock and with the lower end spaced above the floor of the water. A frame includes an outer guide post having a base mounted on the water floor with an upper end above the water level; the frame connected by a single member to the main post. A platform unit for supporting a small boat is slidably connected at both ends to the main post and the guide post, and a cable and winch unit is interconnected among the foregoing elements for effecting a level lifting and lowering of the platform unit into and out of the water.

Abstract: A stand for the storage of two-dimensional workpieces, as parts of an automobile which are manufactured by presses, made up of individual stacking columns exhibiting movable jacks which are disposed in a stacking profile. The stacking profile is detachably connected to a protective profile.