Abstract: The invention is a lifting floor system. An underfloor support structure is divided into a number of partitions, and each partition is equipped with one or more lifting devices. A frame nests removably inside each partition, each frame having a floor piece at the top and a sub-floor piece at the bottom. The one or more lifting devices lift the frames from within the partitions, exposing usable space between each floor piece and sub-floor piece. The space is preferably large enough to store large items such as household appliances and furniture. The underfloor support structure is preferably modular and flat packable. The frames may have organizational features, such as shelves, hanging rods, or slide-out floors.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system is operable to selectively raise and lower an elevator car. The system raises and lowers the elevator car by actuating a hydraulic jack. The system retracts a hydraulic jack that is fixed to an upper portion of the hoistway by pressurizing hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic jack via a hydraulic fluid pump. When retracting the hydraulic jack the elevator car travels upward. An accumulator usable with the system is operable to store energy during the downward travel of the elevator car for later use during the upward travel of the elevator car.

Abstract: There is provided a double-compression, pneumatic-driven popping apparatus for making chip-like snack foods. The apparatus includes a first and second popping machine sections, each having a pneumatic-driven compression cylinder; and a mold plate coupled to the pneumatic cylinder and responsive to urging of the first pneumatic cylinder. A ring mold is located between the first and second machine sections and is subjected to compression by the first mold plate and the second mold plate. The apparatus has a pneumatic drive system including a compressed gas vessel, and a controller configured to control the pneumatic-driven compression cylinders independently through fast-acting control valves. During use, the apparatus applies pneumatic double-compression in a controlled manner such that a time interval between the first and the second compression steps is in the range of milliseconds, to produce a chip-like snack food product.

Abstract: A multi-lift mast for a forklift has hydraulic circuitry that provides free lift and negative lift capabilities for the forklift. The mast comprises a stationary member, at least one extensible member slideable on the stationary member and a carriage slideable on an extensible member. The extensible mast members are raised and lowered by double acting hydraulic actuators extending between the stationary member and an extensible member. The carriage is raised and lowered by a positively connected double acting carriage hydraulic actuator extending between an extensible mast and the carriage. The circuitry employs identical pairs of counterbalance valves controlling the supply and exit of hydraulic fluid for the bore and rod ends of the actuators, set to cause the carriage to fully extend before the extensible mast members extend, providing free lift, and set to cause the extensible mast members to fully lower before the carriage lowers.

Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.

Abstract: A load weight measuring device for a multi-stage mast forklift truck has a mast assembly, an oil passage, a flow regulator valve, a pressure sensor, a detecting device, a memory, a selector, and a calculator. The mast assembly has a lift bracket for receiving a load weight, a multi-stage mast unit having masts, and a multi-stage lift cylinder unit having lift cylinders each having an oil chamber for raising the lift bracket along the masts. Hydraulic oil flows in the oil passage. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of hydraulic oil and outputs a pressure signal. The detecting device detects a state which stage of the lift cylinder raises the lift bracket and outputs a detection signal. The memory stores predetermined parameters from which the selector selects the parameter based on the detection signal. The calculator calculates the load weight based on the selected parameter and the pressure signal.

Abstract: Lifting device for the assembly of a wind turbine of which the top part of the tower (21) is fixed to the supporting structure (32) located above the upper platform (31) of the lifting device (3). The sections (221) of the lower part (22) of the tower are then installed, in such a way that the lifting device (3) is embedded in the anchoring beams (225) of the lower part (22). 10.In order to lift the upper part (21) of the tower, the upper platform (31) is separated from the lower platform (33) using cylinders (34) between said platforms, the upper platform (31) is fixed to the anchoring beams (225), the lower platform (33) is freed from the anchoring beams (225), the platforms (31, 33) are brought closer together and the lower platform (33) is anchored to said beams (225). Continuing successively until the flanges (211, 222) of the parts (21, 22) of the tower make contact.

Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. A scissors-like brace selectively locks the front door of the lift car to the support base when the lift car is elevated. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.

Abstract: A fork positioner, usable alternatively either as an attachment to an existing load-lifting carriage with forks, or as part of the original equipment of a load-lifting carriage, has a pair of elongate hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies mountable in an interconnected parallel relationship between an upper transverse fork-supporting member and a lower transverse member of the carriage. Each of a pair of fork-positioning guide members has a fork-engagement surface movable by a respective piston and cylinder assembly and connectable thereto so that the fork-engaging surfaces face substantially perpendicularly away from an imaginary plane containing the respective longitudinal axes of the piston and cylinder assemblies. An exemplary carriage mounting the fork positioner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A telescopic lifting assembly designed particularly for the hydraulic height adjustment of a medical treatment table includes two antiparallel juxtaposed linear drives (2, 3) connected functionally one behind the other in the direction of actuation (1) whereby the inner components (6) are connected to a coupling piece (7) which is provided with guide surfaces (14) cooperating with the outer components (5) in the direction of actuation (1). A secure and stable guiding mechanism is made possible thereby along the entire lifting range.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor that includes a frame, a carriage, and a drive mechanism. The frame includes a vertical support member, and the carriage is coupled to the frame to carry a load. The carriage is mounted for movement along the vertical support member. The drive mechanism includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator includes a cylinder and a rod that extends from the cylinder to raise the carriage. The second actuator includes a cylinder and a rod each having lengths greater than lengths of the cylinder and rod of the first actuator. The rod of the second actuator extends from the cylinder of the second actuator to raise the carriage and the cylinder of the first actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift, having hydraulic pump means and first and second hydraulic cylinders each having a piston member therein, each operatively coupled to a respective side edge of a platform to permit raising and lowering of the platform. A positive displacement valve is further provided, with the hydraulic platform lift and comprises a pair of juxtaposed cylinder members, each containing a longitudinally-movable piston, such pistons operatively coupled to each other so that movement of one piston causes an equal movement of the other. The positive displacement valve is adapted, when the pump means provides pressurized hydraulic fluid via a respective aperture to a first side of each of the pistons, to cause the pistons to be displaced an equal distance causing an equal egress of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder members via a respective aperture.

Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.

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 lifting device for a transfer system, in particular for a transfer system with a pneumatic drive, raises and/or lowers transported goods. The lifting device has at least two lifting pistons (3), whose movements are synchronized by means of a synchronization device (8, 9, 14).

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 hydraulic power unit for use in conjunction with an elevator construction having an elevator car operably connected to a pair of hydraulic rams comprises a chassis having a floor and a sidewall forming a hydraulic fluid sump region. The hydraulic rams are mounted to the floor in the sump region. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is supported by the chassis, which also supports a pump/motor unit for the rams. Leveling feet mounted to the chassis allow the power unit to accommodate a variety of conditions in the hoistway pit.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for use in conjunction with an elevator construction having an elevator car operably connected to a pair of hydraulic rams comprises a chassis having a floor and a sidewall forming a hydraulic fluid sump region. The hydraulic rams are mounted to the floor in the sump region. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is supported by the chassis, which also supports a pump/motor unit for the rams. Leveling feet mounted to the chassis allow the power unit to accommodate a variety of conditions in the hoistway pit.

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: In a motor vehicle including a load receiving bed, a chassis .includes a generally horizontal base, from which there extends a pair of legs, and four hydraulic cylinders, associated lines, associated valves, and a flow restriction device are provided for moving the load receiving bed between a raised transport position and a lowered position against a surface upon which the vehicle is resting. A tail gate is pivotally attached to a rear portion of the load receiving bed.

Abstract: An earth-moving machine is provided with a first actuator cylinder, which can impart to a lifting arm oscillation around a corresponding pivoting shaft, and with a second actuator cylinder, which can maintain a loading unit in a pre-determined angular position during oscillation of the lifting arm itself; the first and the second actuator cylinder being disposed adjacent and parallel to one another, and being connected mechanically to one another in order to increase the resistance of the second actuator cylinder to the load generated on the second actuator cylinder itself by the lifting arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for use with a truck or trailer, having hydraulic pump means and first and second hydraulic cylinders each having a piston member therein, each operatively coupled to a respective side edge of a platform to permit raising and lowering of the platform. A positive displacement valve is provided, alone and in combination with the hydraulic platform lift, which permits powered raising and lowering of the platform, and comprises a pair of juxtaposed cylinder members, each containing a longitudinally-movable piston, such pistons operatively coupled to each other so that movement of one piston causes an equal movement of the other, each cylinder member having a pair of opposite ends, one end of which having an aperture to permit ingress of hydraulic fluid from the pump means and another aperture at an opposite end to permit egress of hydraulic fluid from a corresponding cylinder member to one of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: The hydraulic or pneumatic drive for lifting and lowering loads, in particular for lifts, has a working cylinder (11) forming a pressure chamber (14) connected to a pressure fluid source (39) and subjected to a pressure fluid. It also has a lifting piston (1) tightly guided in the working cylinder and a guide rod (15) arranged in the working cylinder. The guide rod (15) projects into the interior of the lifting piston (1) which tightly encloses the guide rod (15). The end (4) of the lifting piston (1) which projects into the pressure chamber (14) forms an annular face (5) which is subjected to pressure fluid. The interior of the lifting piston (1) forms an additional pressure chamber (7) subjected to pressure fluid and which is connected to its own pressure fluid source (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing a telescopic ram in a hydraulic elevator in which two or more pistons and a cylinder are simultaneously extended from and retracted into a foot portion mounted at the bottom of an elevator shaft includes a connecting cable which is fixed on one end to the shaft wall and on the other to one of the pistons and the cylinder and is deflected over a roller used for the synchronization. The connecting cable is a sheathed synthetic fiber cable.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system having a configuration without a machineroom is disclosed. The hydraulic elevator system includes a valve assembly that is separated and remotely located from the pump and fluid tank. This arrangement permits the valve assembly and an electronic controller to be located in a cabinet outside of the hoistway, and the other hydraulic components, such as a tank and pump, to be located in the hoistway.

Abstract: A derrick comprises equipment (41) for movement of a pipe line/drill stem (13) or a pipe section (29) axially in the derrick (12), and equipment (65) for turning of same about its longitudinal axis, together with equipment (31) for installing pipe sections (29) in the derrick (12) and withdrawal of pipe sections (29) from the derrick (12). The equipment comprises an aggregate (41) of axially extendible/contractible hydraulic cylinders (42a-42c, 43a-43c, which are arranged in groups (42, 43, 44) in the aggregate (41) in two or more vertical rows, with an intermediate vertical guide for the pipe line/drill stem (13) or for the pipe section (29). The rows of cylinders are mutually rigidly connected via bridge portions (45′, 45″, 45′″), which separately form a fastening for at least one end of a group of cylinders. Each bridge portion is provided with a laterally opening recess (46) for sideways installation/withdrawal of a pipe section (29) in the guide between the rows of cylinders.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor detects whether a piston is at the lowest position. The sensor is not affected by the environment or damaged by contact with other objects. The sensor is located in the bottom of a mast cylinder, transmits ultrasonic waves to the bottom of a piston and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the piston. The sensor then outputs electric signals based on the received ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic sensor is electrically connected to a transmitter-receiver, which, in turn, is electrically connected to a controller. The transmitter-receiver includes an ultrasonic wave generator and sends ultrasonic wave transmitting signal having a predetermined frequency to the ultrasonic sensor based on control signals from the controller. The controller measures time from when it outputs the ultrasonic wave transmitting signal to when the sensor receives a reflected wave. The controller then compares the measured time with a threshold value thereby judging whether the piston is at the lowest position.

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 pneumatically operated elevator has a pair of elongated vertical tubular cylindrical shafts and horizontally extending cross-over shafts extending between the vertical shafts adjacent their upper and lower ends to provide a substantially closed system. A cab is disposed within one of the vertical shafts, and a fan in at least one of the cross-over shafts moves air between the ends of the shafts to produce a pressure differential above and below the cab to cause the cab to move upwardly and downwardly in the one shaft. At least one vent is provided to admit air into at least one of the shafts to compensate for leakage from the shafts.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift system including a master cylinder, a plurality of slave cylinders, a yoke interconnecting the master and slave cylinders, and a plurality of lift cylinders each in fluid communication with one of the slave cylinders. The extension of the master cylinder moves the yoke, which causes the simultaneous coordinated movement of the slave cylinders. Equal volumes of hydraulic fluid are forced out of, or permitted into, each of the slave cylinders and into, or out of, the lift cylinders, thus extending the lift cylinders in simultaneous coordinated movement. When the cylinders are vertically arranged to support, for example, a work surface, the work surface remains level throughout the range of vertical movement.

Abstract: A mobile machine for lifting massive objects which includes a primary hydraulic cylinder whose piston chamber is hydraulically connected on a high pressure end thereof to a high pressure end of one or more secondary hydraulic lifting cylinders for operation of the lifting cylinder(s) in unison to lift the object. The total maximum effective volume of the piston chamber(s) of the secondary cylinder(s) is at least equal to the maximum effective volume of the piston chamber of the primary cylinder. The sum total effective cross-sectional area of all of the secondary cylinder piston chambers is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the primary cylinder chamber to provide an output lifting force of the secondary cylinder(s) which is greater than the input force applied to a piston rod of the primary cylinder necessary to transfer hydraulic fluid from the primary cylinder to the secondary cylinder(s) to produce the enhanced output lifting force.

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 platform lift for trucks, having hydraulic and electrical circuitry to provide automated, or automated with manual override, platform levelling capability in the event the truck is tilted. Three embodiments are claimed where levelling may be accomplished in three separate ways; a first embodiment where levelling is accomplished by stopping one side of the platform and allowing the other side to "catch up", a second embodiment where levelling is accomplished by reversing the direction of movement of one side relative to the other to allow rapid levelling, and a third embodiment where the rate of movement of one side is slowed relative to the other, to allow the other side to "catch up" and thereby level the platform.

Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Abstract: A multi-stage hydraulic ram assembly for the accumulator drive system of an elevator assembly includes a plurality of piston-cylinder arrangements connected hydraulically in parallel and mechanically in series. The piston-cylinder arrangements are disposed in substantial side-by-side relationship, constituting adjacent or successive stages of the ram assembly. A bracket is fixed to one of the cylinders and is slidably connected to the adjacent cylinder, for interconnecting adjacent cylinders of the piston-cylinder arrangements, and a drive system is provided for operating the ram assembly. Steps are taken to control the direction and speed of movement of adjacent stages of the assembly, and to ensure that all of the stages of the assembly move at substantially the same speed.

Abstract: A twin post, telescoping jack hydraulic elevator system has a pair of dynamic sensors to determine when the jacks are out of synchronization, by determining any relative differences in height between the two intermediate cylinders. The elevator also includes static sensors to determine if one or both intermediate cylinders are more than a predetermined distance away from their normal positions when the car is stopped at each floor. The controller actuates a resynchronization if the distance between the intermediate jacks exceeds a first threshold, and shuts down the elevator if the distance exceeds a second threshold or if resynchronization demands are issued too often. Preferably, the static sensors are positioned to detect the seal housing at the top of the intermediate cylinder, which projects outwardly from the cylinder.

Abstract: Water driven robots are provided which can be used for moving different objects at different controlled directions and frequencies to obtain energy and power from the flow of a liquid, such as water. A container (10) contains a siphonic outlet which is capable of converting relatively low continuous flow of water, entering through its inlet (17), to a relatively high intermittent pulsating flow of water, ejected from its outlet (23). Such flow is used for moving the robot as follows: During each cycle, water fills the container so that its weight increases, causing the container to move down and move a pulley (65) or other object (73). When the container's liquid level reaches the inlet of the siphon, it rapidly drains and becomes lighter, thereby resulting in a return of the weight. Thus a continuous inflow of liquid causes the container to oscillate vertically and provides force, energy, and power for operating such robots, for controlling their motion, and for operating work loads connected to the robots.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically removing a thin sheet of material, such as food dough, from a stack of such sheets and depositing the sheet on a moving conveyor in a desired orientation so that a food filling may be automatically placed on the sheet of material. The apparatus picks up the thin sheet with suction nozzles, carries the thin sheet to the conveyor where pressurized air is delivered to the nozzles to release the thin sheet from the suction nozzles. A combined hydraulic-pneumatic lifting mechanism is provided to incrementally lift the stack of thin sheets to the pick-off apparatus.