Includes Sustaining Fluid Ram Patents (Class 187/215)
  • Patent number: 9926683
    Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: VERSABAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Khachaturian, E. John Greeves
  • Patent number: 8684141
    Abstract: A device for lifting vehicles and other objects may include a first tubular body and a second tubular body. The second tubular body is mobile in relation to the first tubular body in a longitudinal direction of the first tubular body. A first receiving chamber for a first fluid medium is provided in the interior of the first tubular body. A second receiving chamber is provided for the first fluid medium and a line connection provides fluid communication between the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. The line connection extends through at least a portion of the first receiving chamber. According to various aspects, the device includes a supply line configured to supply a second fluid medium, different from the first fluid medium, to the first receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Herrmann AG
    Inventor: Johannes Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8297410
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Hew Cosmo McDonald
  • Patent number: 8256577
    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. The lift also includes a portable power unit for providing hydraulic fluid to the actuators. The power unit is mounted on a cart for easy transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dannmar Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Kritzer
  • Publication number: 20110000745
    Abstract: A motorcycle lift for a wash service bay which is specifically adapted for cleaning motorcycles is provided. The lift includes a lift bed having guide rails and supports for holding a motorcycle on the lift bed. At least one actuator is provided connected to the lift bed and are recessed in a well below the ground level of the wash service bay so that the motorcycle can be moved along the ground level onto the lift bed, where it is then secured in position. Preferably, there are a plurality of actuators that are staged cylinders connected in series for coordinated lifting of the lift bed to raise the motorcycle to an elevated position, to allow easier access for washing and waxing or other cleaning. The actuators are connected to a controller for controlled raising and lowering of the lift bed between a first, ground level position, for loading and unloading the motorcycle, and a second, raised level which provides easier access for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Good
  • Patent number: 7770695
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Harding Steel, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Myers
  • Patent number: 7665944
    Abstract: A method for lifting, stacking or otherwise manipulating a length of pipe is provided which includes the steps of providing a longitudinally orientated base frame; providing a movable carriage supported on the base frame, and providing a pipe lifting structure mounted to the carriage for independently supporting a length of pipe in a longitudinal position with respect to the base frame. The pipe lifting structure has first and second telescopically extendable lifting arm assemblies that are pivotally mounted to a longitudinally orientated pipe trough for supporting a length of pipe in the pipe trough. A means for pivotally raising and lowering the lifting arm assemblies and thereby said pipe trough and support length of pipe is provided. The method includes providing means for pivotally raising and lowering the lifting arm assemblies remotely located from the pipe lifting structure. Hydraulic cylinders and rams are provided to move the lifting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Perry J. Guidroz
  • Publication number: 20090321189
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a lifting device, particularly for motor vehicles, having a lifting unit and load-bearing functional elements, such as travel rails, stators, support arms, or the like. These load-bearing functional elements are made of extruded light metal hollow profiles having integrally formed reinforcements, whereby less expensive production as opposed to a conventional steel construction is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Winfried Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080314689
    Abstract: A device for lifting vehicles and other objects may include a first tubular body and a second tubular body. The second tubular body is mobile in relation to the first tubular body in a longitudinal direction of the first tubular body. A first receiving chamber for a first fluid medium is provided in the interior of the first tubular body. A second receiving chamber is provided for the first fluid medium and a line connection provides fluid communication between the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. The line connection extends through at least a portion of the first receiving chamber. According to various aspects, the device includes a supply line configured to supply a second fluid medium, different from the first fluid medium, to the first receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Herrmann AG
    Inventor: Johannes Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20080185230
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Hisashi Kyotani
  • Patent number: 7334664
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Klaus Auto-Parksysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Fäβler
  • Patent number: 7198135
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: autop Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Naber
  • Patent number: 7143869
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: IGS, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Chance
  • Patent number: 6817449
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Berends
  • Patent number: 6811000
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Tebaldo Granata
  • Patent number: 6634462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Choi Byeong-Ho
  • Publication number: 20030121726
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Berends
  • Patent number: 6571919
    Abstract: An in-ground lift assembly that is easy to maintain, because the cylinder unit is easily removed from the lift simply by removing a portion of the movable frame near the top of the lift and then lifting the cylinder unit out of the lift intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Stewart
  • Patent number: 6279685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hydra-Lift Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eduard Kogan, William S. Ward
  • Patent number: 6257371
    Abstract: A lifting platform for double-tracked vehicles comprising two horizontal vehicle supports including support elements for the vehicle wheels. Also included are lifting elements for synchronously lifting and lowering the vehicle supports, a liftable and lowerable floor compensation formed of slip-proof plate members capable of providing support which cover the recess or space for the vehicle supports in the foundation or continuous footing when the vehicle supports are in their lifted position, and an axis elevator shiftable between the two vehicle supports in longitudinal rails. For completely covering not only the vehicle supports but also the axis elevator when the lifting platform is extended or retracted, the continuous footing is provided with a space for at least partially accommodating the lowered axis elevator, and the floor compensation is designed to also cover this space when the vehicle supports are in their lifted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Maha Mashinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Wanner
  • Patent number: 6027290
    Abstract: An assembly for use on a road vehicle, consisting of an additional thin deck (4) vertically movable along a plurality of upright posts (8, 9) most of which are collapsible and stowable in an inoperative position within the body of the additional deck (4), and a drive member (7) secured to the additional movable deck for actuating same when required to provide wither a second vertically movable loading deck or, once the posts have been stowed away, a normal free cargo space. The assembly is of interest to all road hauliers and particularly to body mounting businesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Andre
  • Patent number: 5979605
    Abstract: A service area is provided with a service area floor having a service pit sunken therein. A service lift is then provided within the service pit, and the service lift includes a service platform which is adjustable between a lowermost height to an uppermost height substantially equal to the height of the service area floor. Service personnel situated on the service platform within the service pit may thus actuate the service platform to various heights within the pit to allow comfortable servicing of the underside of a vehicle without the need to crouch or resort to the use of stepladders. The service platform can also be lifted to its uppermost height to effectively close the service pit, thereby enhancing the safety of the service area. The service lift most preferably uses air springs to effect the actuation of the service platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Popp
  • Patent number: 5690462
    Abstract: A parking device including a base frame, a top frame, four cylindrical poles mounted between four corners of the base and top frames, each of the cylindrical poles having two tubular members slidably mounted thereon, an upper platform fixedly mounted on the tubular members at an upper position, a lower platform fixedly mounted on the tubular members at a lower position, a plurality of first hydraulic cylinders mounted on a bottom of the top frame and drivingly connected with the upper platform, a plurality of second hydraulic cylinders mounted mounted on the base frame and drivingly connected with the lower platform, and a positioning device having a casing mounted on each of the tubular members, solenoid fitted within the casing, a plunger fitted within the casing and a spring arranged between the solenoid and the plunger, the plunger being forced by the spring to go partly into a tube radially arranged within each of the poles through the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: James Fan, Che Kao Chang
  • Patent number: 5450928
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Sugiyasu Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Isogai