Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile elevating device. A platen of an automobile elevating device comprises a supporting plate, wherein the supporting plate has at least one first folded-back structure passing through front and back end parts; two wing sides of the supporting plate have a reinforcing structure formed by bending side edges of the supporting plate, and the reinforcing structure is located on a bottom surface of the supporting plate, wherein a last segment of the reinforcing structure is a horizontal structure and the last segment of the reinforcing structure abuts against the bottom surface of the supporting plate; two wing sides of the supporting plate have a reinforcing structure formed by bending side edges of the supporting plate, and the reinforcing structure is located on a bottom surface of the supporting plate, and a second folded-back structure is provided on a vertical wall of the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A quick attachment arm is provided for securing to an elevated and structurally supporting location. A multi-sided and compressible pair of bands are constructed of a spring-loaded material attached around a perimeter of a tubular cross section supporting location. A member extends form the band and, at a remote end of the member, an elongated arm is pivotally supported to and extends from the member, the arm adapted to supporting a weighted article placed thereupon.

Abstract: A modular automobile lift is arranged in a compact bundle for the purpose of transportation of the modular automobile lift to a lift assembly site. The modular automobile lift includes a pair of separate runways meant ultimately for the support of an automobile and a pair of cross beams meant ultimately for the lifting of the pair of runways by means of lift columns. Each runway is constructed and arranged in separate runway segments and meant to be connected together at the lift assembly site. The bundle further includes at least a mounting member with each runway being formed at the lift assembly site by securing the separate runway segments in series by means of the mounting member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vehicle wheel alignment service procedure and an for acquisition of vehicle measurements, which imparts a gravity-induced rolling movement to a vehicle on a vehicle support structure to transition the vehicle from a first vehicle support surface over a descending roll ramp to a resting position on a second vehicle support surface.

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: A first apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a support structure and a support movably mounted on the support structure. At least one locating member and clamping mechanism are mounted to the support structure and the support. The clamping mechanism engages the locating member so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the support structure. A second apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a bearing surface and a support movably mounted on the bearing surface. A first locating member is positioned underneath the bearing surface, and a shaft is mounted to the underside of the support and extends through the bearing surface and the locating member. When an actuator is retracted, the first locating member bears against the bearing surface so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A deflection resistant combination slip plate and turn plate assembly for support the steered wheels of a vehicle on a precision planar surface resistant to deflection and distortion. The slip plate and the turn plate are supported on an underlying surface by bearing assemblies, and establish a upper planar surface with the turn plate disposed in a cutout region of the slip plate. Each plate is configured for limited translational movement relative to the base plate surface on which it is supported, while the turn plate is further configured for rotational movement about a central axis. Translational movement of the plates is synchronized. Spacing between the slip plate and turn plate is minimized, and supporting means are provided to maintain the slip plate and turn plate in vertical alignment under load.

Abstract: A first apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a support structure and a support movably mounted on the support structure. At least one locating member and clamping mechanism are mounted to the support structure and the support. The clamping mechanism engages the locating member so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the support structure. A second apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a bearing surface and a support movably mounted on the bearing surface. A first locating member is positioned underneath the bearing surface, and a shaft is mounted to the underside of the support and extends through the bearing surface and the locating member. When an actuator is retracted, the first locating member bears against the bearing surface so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a vehicle onto a service lift having a pair of runways for receiving the wheels of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a machine vision wheel alignment system including an image sensor, a processor, and a display provides a visual display of the vehicle and the runways to guide an operator of the vehicle to drive the vehicle wheels onto the runways. In other embodiments, a pair of runway targets and a vehicle target are viewed by a pair of image sensors of a machine vision wheel alignment system. Image signals from the image sensors are processed to determine respective positions of the runways and to monitor a position of the vehicle relative to the runways, and a visual reference is displayed to guide an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A first apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a support structure and a support movably mounted on the support structure. At least one locating member and clamping mechanism are mounted to the support structure and the support. The clamping mechanism engages the locating member so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the support structure. A second apparatus for supporting a wheel of a vehicle includes a bearing surface and a support movably mounted on the bearing surface. A first locating member is positioned underneath the bearing surface, and a shaft is mounted to the underside of the support and extends through the bearing surface and the locating member. When an actuator is retracted, the first locating member bears against the bearing surface so that the support is held in a predetermined position relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a vehicle onto a service lift having a pair of runways for receiving the wheels of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a machine vision wheel alignment system including an image sensor, a processor, and a display provides a visual display of the vehicle and the runways to guide an operator of the vehicle to drive the vehicle wheels onto the runways. In other embodiments, a pair of runway targets and a vehicle target are viewed by a pair of image sensors of a machine vision wheel alignment system. Image signals from the image sensors are processed to determine respective positions of the runways and to monitor a position of the vehicle relative to the runways, and a visual reference is displayed to guide an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.

Abstract: A vehicle lift that includes a pair of front platforms and a pair of rear carrying arms may be used to quickly and easily lift a vehicle.

Abstract: A lift assembly installable on a vehicle. The lift assembly includes a support structure securable to the vehicle, a pair of parallel vertically extending geared tracks and a vertically moveable drive assembly. The drive assembly includes (a) a mounting structure; (b) a selectively reversible motor; (c) a pair of gears; and (d) a moveable first tread. The gears are engaged with the tracks and rotatably supported on the mounting structure. The gears are also drivingly coupled with the motor wherein operation of the motor selectively raises and lowers the mounting structure relative to the support structure. The moveable first tread is secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to support an operator whereby raising and lowering the mounting structure raises and lowers an operator positioned on the first tread. In some embodiments, the lift assembly includes water-resistant foot-operable switches to control the raising and lowering of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A lifting device has a lifting track mounted on a wall and a carriage with a lift frame movable along the track. A dolly with wheels at opposing ends is arranged to support various cargo thereon including personal vehicles such as motorcycles or snowmobiles or other comparably sized objects. The lift frame of the carriage has lift forks arranged to be received a wheel track of the dolly which receives wheels of a personal vehicle thereon. Guide flanges alongside the lifting track are engaged by upper and lower guide followers to prevent binding of the lift frame along the lifting track. The dolly includes longitudinal rails mountable at different lateral distances to accommodate different vehicle wheel configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric public transit system, comprising electric driven buses with a cassette battery set and bus-mounted control system, a charge station and a loading and unloading apparatus. When said bus needs change the cassette battery set, said loading and unloading apparatus takes said cassette battery set from said bus and then replace with a charged cassette battery set. Both said charge station and said loading and unloading apparatus are equipped with their control systems, respectively, which can intercommunicate with said bus-mounted control system. In the present invention, the cassette battery sets are charged during power consumption valleys of the power grid, and therefore, the transit system can save energy and benefit the environment.

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: An apparatus for transferring vehicles onto a conveyer comprises: a front wheel supporting means (6) on an elevator (5), which is provided with a pair of front and rear wheel supporting arms (29a, 29b) that freely open and close in a horizontal direction between a closed posture supporting front wheels (Wf) at a predetermined position in terms of the convey direction and an opened posture releasing the front wheels (Wf) to the convey direction; a rear wheel supporting means (7) on the elevator (5), which is provided with a wheel supporting plate (38) that supports rear wheels (Wr) without determining the position thereof in terms of the convey direction and can switch its posture between a horizontal posture and a front-down tilted posture in terms of the convey direction; and a posture switching means (40) that changes the wheel supporting plate (38) of the rear wheel supporting means (7) to the tilted posture, at least when the elevator (5), supporting a vehicle (C) with the wheel supporting arms (29a, 29b)

Abstract: An upper and lower path switching device for a traveling body for transportation has an elevating guide rail supported horizontally by an elevating body, upper fixed guide rails which are connected to the elevating guide rail at a lifted position of the elevating body, and lower fixed guide rails which are connected to the elevating guide rail at a lowered position of the elevating body. The elevating guide rail is supported movably vertically in a predetermined range with respect to the elevating body. Receiving members are provided for receiving the elevating guide rail at a level at which the elevating guide rail is connected to the lower fixed guide rails before the elevating body reaches a lower limit of an elevation path of the elevating body.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.

Abstract: A utility lift may include a base frame, an upper plate and a plurality of support arms engaged with the base frame and the upper plate. The support arms may include first and second support arms adjustably engaged with the upper plate and third and fourth support arms adjustably engaged with the base frame. An exemplary embodiment may also include a power source connected to an engagement member, where the power source can be adapted to manipulate the engagement member and the engagement member can engage the plurality of support arms.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for weighing an aircraft has a plurality of weight scales, each scale being adapted to be supported by a support surface in a position for receiving landing gear of an aircraft thereon. At least one riser supports at least one scale above the support surface, and the height of each riser is selected to position an aircraft on the scales in a level attitude while a weight of the aircraft is being supported by the landing gear on the scales. At least one scale may be recessed in the support surface, and the height of each riser may be adjustable.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting platform, in particular a column lifting platform, for motor vehicles, having at least one column which is fixedly anchored on the ground, having a lifting carriage which is guided in a vertically movable fashion on the respective column, having at least one longitudinally adjustable load-bearing arm which is articulatedly fastened to the lifting carriage and which has end-side supports, having a drive unit which is mounted at the top end of the respective column and having a gear train which is kinematically coupled to the drive unit and to the lifting carriage, characterized in that a guide rail which is aligned axially parallel to a load bearing spindle is fastened to the column, a rail head of which guide rail is engaged around with a sliding fit by a guide element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a running rail for a lifting platform, having at least one module carrier 1 which is connected to at least one lifting unit 2 in order to apply a force which at least assists the lifting process, and at least one module insert 3 which is connected to the module carrier 1 wherein the running rail has a high degree of modularity and variability and as a result has a high degree of flexibility of the field of use of the lifting platform.

Abstract: Parallelogram lift for motor vehicles, comprising a pair of base longitudinal members (2), a pair of runways (12) and at least two pairs of arms (14, 14?) hinged to said longitudinal members (2) and to said runways (12) and associated with members (30) for varying the inclination of said arms (14, 14?) to said longitudinal members (2) and to said runways (12), wherein each longitudinal member (2) comprises a fixed base (4, 6) anchored to the floor, and a counter-base (8) slidable axially relative to said fixed base and carrying said arms (14, 14?) hinged thereto, and also comprises for each longitudinal member (2) an auxiliary arm (22) hinged at its lower end to a support (26) fixed to the floor in alignment with said longitudinal member and pivoted at its upper end to the central point (20) of the adjacent main arm (14), the length of said auxiliary arm (22) between its pivotal axes (24, 20) being equal to one half the length of said main arms (14, 14?).

Abstract: An improved wheel alignment turntable for supporting a wheel of a vehicle. Embodiments include a turntable having a base, and a top plate for receiving the vehicle wheel, the top plate being mounted to an upper surface of the base for rotational and translational movement relative to the base. A pair of paddles, removably adjustably attachable to the base, engages a peripheral wall of the top plate for maintaining the top plate in a predetermined position relative to the base while the vehicle wheel is being positioned on the turntable. The paddles are easily removable when the wheel is supported on the turntable. A plurality of slide pads are removably mounted to a lower surface of the base, for enabling sliding motion between the turntable and a surface of a lift without damaging paint on the surface of the lift. The slide pads are stackable against one another for adjusting height of the turntable relative to the lift.

Abstract: A lift apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, a lift apparatus may comprise a support frame and a platform movably coupled to the support frame. Further, the platform may comprise at least one roller and a transmission connected to the at least one roller of the assembly, wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes the platform to move relative to the support frame. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of moving a wheelchair lift. Particularly, a wheelchair may be positioned such that at least one wheel of the wheelchair contacts a drive mechanism of a platform, wherein platform is positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform to move relative to the initial position.

Abstract: A vehicle support system runway with a movable surface for supporting the wheels of a vehicle in such a manner as to permit a limited range of translational motion about a centered position, having an automatic centering and locking system. The centering and locking system is configured to releasably secure the movable surface in a locked configuration at a centered position, in response to a remote command.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a portable vehicle lift for elevating a motor vehicle. The lift includes spaced apart beams which are positioned under the vehicle, each beam has a plurality of hinged strut pairs, each with associated threaded collars. Strut pairs are moved together or apart by directionally rotating a threaded shaft through the threaded collars. Supplemental lift springs may be positioned along the shaft to selectively engage and urge the strut pairs during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting automotive tires is provided having a hanger pin adapted to fit through the mount hole of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus is intended to be installed on an automotive hoist at a height approximately the same as that of a tire of a vehicle disposed on the hoist. A worker removing a wheel from the vehicle disposed on the hoist can thus hang the wheel on the apparatus without significantly bending at the waist.

Abstract: A device for supporting the wheels of vehicles in general during their attitude check, comprising a horizontal plate (8) which is supported in such a manner as to enable it to undergo rotation and translation within the plane in which it lies, about a position known as the zero position, and means able to disable the mobility of said plate, said means comprising a lower central appendix (11) which is rigid with the plate, and with which there is associated an automatic centering, retention and release system, which is activated and deactivated by a remote command.

Abstract: The invention is a lifting device, particularly for lifting a motorcycle or similar vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base member adapted to support the apparatus on a level surface, a support beam extending laterally from the base member, a lifting column attached to the far end of the support beam and projecting vertically from the support beam. The lifting apparatus is in engagement with the lifting column, and is adapted to be raised and lowered along the column. The lifting apparatus is configured with detachable mountings for engaging a motorcycle or similar vehicle as well as a mechanism for supporting the motorcycle's kick stand.

Abstract: A lifting device, for use in connection with a motor-cycle or similar vehicle, comprises a generally H-shaped base (10) mounted upon a support-beam (14) associated with a lifting-column (15) and lifting-beam (16). The lifting-beam (16) supports a lifting-assembly of generally T-shape, comprising a first beam (22) and a second beam (23). The beam (22) is of hollow rectangular section and adapted to receive front and rear mountings to support a motor-cycle or similar vehicle. A first set of mountings (24, 25) is adapted to support a motor-cycle beneath its chassis, while a second set of mountings (26, 27) is adapted to support a motor-cycle beneath its tires or wheels. The device includes a bracket-and-clamp assembly (18, 19, 20) to receive and support the vehicle's own side stand.

Abstract: A service vehicle and methods of manufacturing and operating the same to provide lubrication services. In one embodiment, the service vehicle includes: (1) a service vehicle chassis having a cab and a rear frame, (2) first and second ramps coupled to, supported by and movable in tandem with respect to the rear frame between a vehicle loading position and a vehicle servicing position, the first and second ramps laterally separated by a given distance and (3) a used lubricant collection tank, coupled to and supported by the rear frame at a location between the first and second ramps, that receives used lubricant draining from a lubricant sump of the service vehicle.

Abstract: A stanchion for a transport vehicle formed of a rectilinear body (1) suspended by its upper extremity (2) from an upper linear longitudinal structure (4) integral with the vehicle carriage which can be immobilized while in a working position along a carriage or a chassis of the vehicle. The rectilinear body (1) comprises an upper mechanism (3) for displacement along the upper longitudinal linear structure (4) integral with the vehicle carriage, a mechanism (11) for immobilizing the rectilinear body (1) in working position and a mechanism (6) for raising or lowering the rectilinear body (1), using a motorized force to move a movable support element (7) translationally along the rectilinear body (1), which can be immobilized in a supporting position.

Abstract: The lifting apparatus can be used to lift various types of vehicles. In one embodiment, the apparatus has two posts that are spaced apart from each other. Each post has a lifting member that is capable of traversing up and down along the post. Each lifting member has two lifting arms that extend therefrom. Each lifting arm includes an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The lifting arm is pivotally coupled to the lifting member. The inner end portion and outer end portion of each lifting arm are telescopically coupled so that the lifting arm length can be extended or shortened as necessary. One version of the lifting arm has a pad at the outer end thereof, which pad contacts the vehicle chassis. Another version of the lifting arm has a tire fork adapter coupled to the outer end thereof. The tire fork adapter engages the tires of a nonroadworthy vehicle, such as turf equipment. The tire fork is provided with prongs that are located underneath the vehicle tire.

Abstract: A versatile tiltable vehicle lift capable of supporting a vehicle at a desired height. In its lowermost position, the lift tilts downwardly, thereby enabling a vehicle to be driven onto the lift. The tiltable feature of the lift eliminates the requirement that the device be retractable below floor level. The tiltable vehicle lift has an upper treadway frame for receiving and supporting a vehicle. An elevation means, typically a hydraulic cylinder, is pivotally connected between the rearward legs and the treadway frame. The tiltable vehicle lift is provided with a locking mechanism that safely maintains the vehicle lift at a desired height. The locking mechanism is comprised of an upper lock bar and a lower lock bar which may be engaged at any desired height of the vehicle lift. A means for disengaging the locking mechanism is provided so that the vehicle lift may be lowered.

Abstract: An electrically driven car lift apparatus for use in a private garage is provided which operates on standard household electrical power. The lift apparatus is driven by two screws, one being directly connected to an electrical driving device with a transmission carrying rotational force to turn the second screw. The direct mounting of the electric drive device to the lift apparatus reduces the necessary area required to operate the lift apparatus and creates a convenient design for use in a typical space-restricted private home garage.

Abstract: An aircraft maintenance elevation system comprising a plurality of elevator platforms and a plurality of electro-mechanical drive assemblies which are coupled to and operable to selectively raise and lower respective ones of the elevator platforms. The elevation system further includes a control device which is electrically connected to the drive assemblies and is operational in a first mode wherein the elevator platforms may be raised and lowered independently of each other and a second mode wherein the elevator platforms may be simultaneously raised and lowered.

Abstract: A lift-assist device is provided for securely clamping a wheelchair and then elevating and forwardly tipping the wheelchair to assist the occupant in rising from it to a standing position. The device operates with any conventional wheelchair design, the device having adjustment mechanisms to accommodate wheelchairs of varying size. The device eliminates the need for lift-assist wheelchairs to have their own integral lifting mechanisms which in the past have made such wheelchairs cumbersome and heavy. The present device is conveniently portable and much less expensive than wheelchairs with integral lift-assist mechanisms. Thus, the present invention provides wheelchair-bound persons with greater mobility than was previously available by greatly improving the usefulness of conventional non-lift-assist wheelchairs, which can now be given lifting assistance by the present invention in a variety of settings.