Fluid Actuated Ram Patents (Class 212/261)
  • Patent number: 5240366
    Abstract: A loader vehicle comprising, a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with ground engageable propulsion means, an operator's compartment and a boom assembly which is pivotally mounted, at an inner end thereof, on the body, adjacent the rear end thereof, for movement between a raised position and a lowered position in which the boom assembly extends forwards alongside the operator's compartment and a material handling implement carried on an outer end of the boom assembly is disposed forward of the front end of the body wherein the boom assembly comprises a lift arm assembly which extends forwards along one side only of the operator's compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Joseph C. Bamford
  • Patent number: 5197615
    Abstract: A crane comprising a rigid column pivotally mounted on a support structure, an arm section connected to the column and comprising two arm portions which extend substantially parallel with one another, a maneuvering device which acts between the arm portions, a rocker arm which is mounted for pivotal movement in one plane on the end of the arm section distal from the column and the free end of which rocker arm is intended to carry a lifting device, tool or the like, wherein the other ends of the mutually parallel arm portions are mutually spaced apart and are connected with a yoke for pivotal movement in the aforementioned plane. The invention is characterized by a carrier arm which is connected at one end thereof to the column for pivotal movement in the aforementioned plane and the other end of which carrier arm is connected to the arm section for pivotal movement in the aforementioned plane by a journal shaft separated from the journal shafts of the parallel arm portions on the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Mo-Trac Gunnarson & Larsson Handelsbolag
    Inventor: Wiking Gunnarson
  • Patent number: 5188247
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus that permits an object to be precisely lifted in a highly safe manner along a number of selected paths. The object to be lifted can be vertically raised along selected transversely spaced paths by vertically raising the lifting arms of the apparatus and can alternatively, or simultaneously, be pivotably lifted by imparting a pivotal, upward movement of the lifting arms relative to the base assembly. The cable or chain which actually lifts the engine is connected to a carriage that reciprocates along tracks which transversely span the lifting arms. In this way the lifting path can be varied either to the right or left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Keith Jastrow
  • Patent number: 5082127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible lift trolley capable of occupying a compact collapsed position and a deployed in-use position. In accordance with the invention, the collapsible lift trolley comprises a base unit having a turnable wheel, two longitudinal stringers with an end hinged to the base unit to form a support frame when in the deployed position, a support rod upraised from the base unit, a lift arm having an end bent to be hinged on top of the support rod and the other end engaging a hook and a jack interconnecting the support rod and the lift arm for swinging the lift arm relative to the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Tai Lio Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeng-Shiung Huang
  • Patent number: 5076448
    Abstract: The crane having a generally trapezoidal frame with a caster wheel at each corner. A mast is mounted on the front of the frame with a brace between each rear corner and top of the mast. Spring loaded pins are used for these connections. A lifting ram is pivotally connected to the mast and to a telescopic boom pivoted on the mast. The frame has a socket on each side and a telescopic leg including inner and outer tubes is mounted in each socket. A spring loaded pin fixes the tubes relative to each other. The end of each leg has a wheel. Each leg can pivot relative to its sleeve to enable raising the leg to position the distal end near the mast. The legs can be disconnected from the sleeves and a locking device prevents removal of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5064334
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a large tractor wheel includes a frame defined by feet and a post, which carries a bracket for rotation around the longitudinal axis of the post; a boom pivotally connected at one end to the bracket for rotation around a horizontal axis; a plate on the bracket for supporting a jack in engagement with the boom so that the latter can be raised and lowered; and a clamp suspended from the outer free end of the boom for raising and lowering a wheel, the clamp being defined by (i) a pair of scissor jaws with roller bearings on the bottom opposing ends thereof for engaging the opposite sides of a wheel rim or (ii) a fixed C-shaped jaw with roller bearings on the bottom and side thereof for engaging one side and rim of a wheel, and an inverted L-shaped jaw adjustably connected to the top arm of the fixed jaw for straddling the top of a tire, with a bearing on the bottom free end thereof for engaging the other side of the tire and holding the wheel in the C-shaped jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Lorne A. Cooley
  • Patent number: 5029717
    Abstract: A crane or lifting device includes a base assembly with a telescopic and rotatable column mounting a boom assembly including a telescopic boom arm. A strap is connected at one end thereof to the base assembly, extends through the boom arm, and is connected at another end thereof to a hook for engaging a load. An extensible/retractable jack assembly innerconnects the column and the boom arm for raising and lowering the boom arm. The crane can be mounted in an automobile trunk for raising and lowering the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: James L. Chambers, James W. Norris
  • Patent number: 5016767
    Abstract: A boom articulation mechanism for interconnecting and displacing a pair of boom members. The mechanism comprises a connector link having a pair of opposed external boom pivot connections. Each of the booms has a pivot end connected spaced apart to a respective one of the external pivot connections. The connector link also has a pair of internal cylinder pivot connections spaced apart closer than the external pivot connections. The external boom pivot connections and the internal cylinder pivot connections are disposed on parallel axes spaced apart a distance not greater than the distance between the external boom pivot connections less the distance between the cylinder pivot connections. A first hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at one end to a first of the booms, and has a piston rod end connected to an associated one of the internal cylinder pivot connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Posi-Plus Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Thibault
  • Patent number: 5014863
    Abstract: The possibility of the end 26 of a boom 20 of a vehicle mounted crane being moved downwardly into engagement with part of the crane or the vehicle on which it is mounted and causing damage thereto during elevation of a mast 18 for the crane from a stowed position (FIG. 2) to an elevated position (FIG. 1) is avoided in a construction wherein the mast 18 is formed of a parallelogram linkage including rigid links 60 and cylinders 72 which assure that the attitude of the boom 20 relative to a base 10 for the crane will not change during elevation of the mast 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Iowa Mold Tooling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James Vlaanderen
  • Patent number: 4993911
    Abstract: A mobile crane is disclosed, particularly adapted for a towing truck, as including a boom which may be extended or retracted in length and angularly related for lifting and towing purposes by a pair of hydraulic rams, which are specifically oriented for their full extent of movement at an acute angle relative to the plane of the bed of the truck upon which the hydraulic rams are pivotally secured. Extension and retraction of the boom is provided by a hydraulic ram mounted within the boom and arranged when activated to extend the boom outwardly during the pick up of a load and the retraction prior to towing of the load. The boom is pivotally mounted on a mast structure which is braced against a pivot structure secured to the bed of the truck and to which the hydraulic rams are pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Grant Wrecker Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Grant
  • Patent number: 4975017
    Abstract: An arch structure serves to pivotally connect a grapple to a main frame of a tractor, an articulated wheel vehicle, or the like. An imaginary longitudinal axis extends substantially centrally with respect to the vehicle in forwardly and rearwardly extending directions. A winch has a casing that is mounted on the rear of the vehicle's main frame, and has a winch shaft that extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The arch structure is pivotally connected to the vehicle's main frame by means that includes a pair of side arms for detachable connection to the main frame of the vehicle, with means on the side arms for pivotally supporting the arch structure including a pivot pin connected to each of the side arms and in alignment with each end of the winch shaft. The arch structure includes spaced leg members, the lower ends of which are mounted on pivot pins arranged such that the pivot point of the arch structure is coaxial with but not connected to the axis of the winch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Alexander L. Brigden
  • Patent number: 4969562
    Abstract: An apparatus for supressing vibration and quaky movements of a pivotally mounted boom on a mobile crane. The boom is supported for pivotal movement by a hydraulic cylinder which is subjected to abrupt forces when the crane is in motion. A hydraulic circuit is constructed to prevent such forces from damaging the hydraulic cylinder and vehicle body of the crane. The circuit is selectively operative to place the hydraulic cylinder in either a working or travel made. The circuit includes an accumulator and three change-over valves to control the flow of fluid in the hydraulic cylinder during the work and travel modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventor: Yoshimi Saotome
  • Patent number: 4967917
    Abstract: A jib derricking gear for a jib crane having a boom and a jib for hoisting work extended from the boom head of the boom comprises a pair of jib derricking cylinder actuators. Load on the jib is distributed to the pair of jib derricking cylinder actuators, so that each jib derricking cylinder actuator may be such as having a cylinder having a comparatively small diameter. The jib derricking cylinder actuators are combined with the jib so that the jib derricking cylinder actuators function as compression members. The thrust of the jib derricking cylinder actuator is doubled by a tackle. The jib derricking cylinder actuators and the associated jib supporting members are disposed so that the jib derricking cylinder actuators and the associated jib supporting members will not interfere with a hoist rope for hoisting work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yukio Koizumi, Shunsuke Yokoyama, Takahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4966290
    Abstract: A vehicle for manipulating large diameter pipe includes a vehicle frame assembly which supports an auxiliary pipelayer frame. The pipelayer frame supports various components for manipulating the pipe, including a boom arm and a fluid cylinder for raising and lowering the boom arm. During transportation of the vehicle, certain components must be removed from the vehicle to make the vehicle conform to width and height restrictions. Normally, the boom arm and the fluid cylinder would be removed. The subject invention provides for storage of the fluid cylinder on the vehicle during transportation, without the necessity to disconnect fluid lines. Considerable time and effort is saved during dis-assembly and re-assembly of the vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Ejchler, Derrell G. Jones
  • Patent number: 4953720
    Abstract: A crane comprises a base, a driving body for driving and controlling the crane disposed on the base rotatable in a horizontal plane, an articulated arm attached to the driving body pivotable in a vertical plane, and a clutching means for clutching the construction elements. The arm is folded and extended in a vertical plane. The clutching means is tiltably and detachably connected to a forward end of the arm. The crane further comprises a fixing means tiltably and detachably connected to the forward end of the arm as a substitute for the clutching means. The fixing means is capable of being fixed to the construction, so that the driving body can be moved while the fixing means is fixed to the construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Okano, Tadayoshi Honda
  • Patent number: 4953723
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping quaky movements of a mobile type crane includes the prohibition of the formation of a closed damping circuit through the opposing oil chambers of a boom uplifting cylinder in working mode or a crane operation in travel mode of the crane, enhancing safety in crane operation while ensuring effective quake damping action in vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yoshimi Saotome, Kiyotsuna Kuchiki, Tsuyoshi Katada
  • Patent number: 4948326
    Abstract: A load lifting attachment suitable for mounting on a truck or other vehicle frame which can handle, load, unload, lift and transport various loads including containers and pallets. The attachment is pivotally mounted behind a truck cab by mounting on a pair of support beams which in turn are pivotally mounted to the truck frame. The attachment is pivoted to a raised position away from the rear of the truck frame when not in use permitting unimpeded connection of a trailer or the like to the truck frame by a fifth wheel or other trailer attaching device. When not in use, the load lifting attachment may be secured to the truck cab. When in use, the attachment is pivoted to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Henry Bedard
  • Patent number: 4946182
    Abstract: A towing hitch which includes three or more power cylinders to effect adjustment of the hitch along a central axis in horizontal and vertical directions to accommodate road or site conditions. The hitch may also be used as a rear end jack for the towing vehicle to provide access to the rear tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Weber Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Randall Weber
  • Patent number: 4946051
    Abstract: A crawler crane made up of a crane frame and body on tracks, a telescoping boom projecting from the body, a fixed-length A-frame boom with rotatable arms, a mechanism for lifting the telescoping boom and a device for extending the telescoping boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: John O. Cliff
  • Patent number: 4925039
    Abstract: A portable folding crane which includes an elongated base member having first and second axial extremities and first and second elongated telescoping legs. Each of the legs has first and second axial extremities and each of the first axial extremities is pivotally connected proximate to respective axial extremities of the base member. A telescoping column member has first and second axial extremities and the first axial extremity of the telescoping column member is pivotally connected to the base member. A boom member has first and second axial extremities and the second axially extremity of the telescoping column member being the first axial extremity of the boom member are pivotally connected. Apparatus for urging the boom member to pivot with respect to the column member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: James Macris
  • Patent number: 4895263
    Abstract: The machine comprises, above a rotating frame, a mast which is foldable into two elements, a jib pivoted at the top of mast and a jib head member for the placing of loads, pivoted at the end of the jib. Straightening and holding in working position is assured by a unit comprising at least one counterbrace, a tie connected to a foot of the jib head member, a set of posts, a back holding cable, and a first double-acting jack associated with a system of connecting rods pivoted on the mast elements. Another double-acting jack connects the jib to the foot of the jib head member to make the machine work at different radii. The machine can be used for holding, lifting and placing loads on small-building construction sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Potain, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Jean C. Saint Gerand
  • Patent number: 4892201
    Abstract: A telescopic outrigger is swivel mounted and disposed so that it can be moved in the longitudinal direction in an jib trough. When the telescopic jib is in its horizontal or slightly inclined operating position, it is situated in the jib trough. In order to achieve a steep operating position, it is moved lengthwise in the jib trough in the direction of the jib tip, and is raised up about a pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: VEB Schwermaschinenbaukombinat Takraf
    Inventors: Harry Hellwig, Klaus-Dietrich Sturm
  • Patent number: 4861221
    Abstract: A lifting and towing attachment for use on a trailer cab having a conventional fifth wheel coupler, the attachment readily converting the cab for use in lifting and towing a disabled vehicle, particularly large vehicles such as dump trucks, buses, or other trailer cabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Michael Krisa
  • Patent number: 4861224
    Abstract: An aerial lift having means for sensing a combination of the load placed on the upper end of the upper boom and the relative position of the upper boom with respect to horizontal and for generating a signal or interrupting supply of hydraulic fluid to the upper boom lift cylinder in the event the moment on the upper boom exceeds a selected moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Hi-Ranger, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4828125
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining a tool attachment in a knuckle boom crane, preferably for forest machines, on a constant level above the ground. The knuckle boom comprises a main boom which can be raised and lowered by means of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (4), and an outer boom pivotal relative to the main boom my means of a likewise double-acting hydraulic cylinder (6). To ensure the vertical adjustment of the tool attachment, the lift cylinder (4) is connectible to the outer boom cylinder (6) via a compensator (21) in such a manner that an amount of hydraulic fluid which is proportional to the amount of hydraulic fluid which upon activation of the outer boom is pressed out from the lifting or the lowering side, respectively, of one of the cylinders (4, 6), is pressed into the lowering or the lifting side, respectively, of the other cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Osa AB
    Inventor: Olle Svedaker
  • Patent number: 4775029
    Abstract: A collapsible boom lift comprised of upper and lower telescoping boom assemblies. The upper boom is pivotally connected to an upright support member which is pivotally connected at its lower end to the lower boom. The upright support member is maintained plumb during raising and lowering of the lower boom, and the operator's platform, carried at the end of the upper boom, is maintained level during raising and lowering the upper boom. The upright support member is always positioned within the perimeter of the chassis of the boom lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. MacDonald, John F. DeStefan
  • Patent number: 4770271
    Abstract: A transportable, articulated-arm crane comprising three hydraulically actuated members; the third member, considered from bottom to top, is articulated with a platform able to support persons and/or other objects; the articulated arms have a lever structure that is rendered lighter and reinforced by a struts designed so that the machine has considerably reduced dimensions when in the completely lowered position against the bed of the vehicle transporting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Jacques Tranchero
  • Patent number: 4757875
    Abstract: A vehicular low profile self propelled aerial work platform assembly having a turntable positioned in a horizontal plane in close proximity to the axles of the vehicle. A parallelogram linkage is provided between a superstructure support frame carried by the turntable and a riser frame assembly to which one end of a telescopic boom assembly is pivotally connected, the aerial work platform being mounted on the outermost end of the telescopic boom assembly. A counterweight is detachably connected to the support frame and is formed with a trough aligned with a similar trough provided in the support frame, the parallelogram linkage includes a pair of tubular arms which extend through the troughs when the work platform is in the lowermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Kidde, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Hade, Jr., Robert D. Backer
  • Patent number: 4749324
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for lifting and positioning construction material such as building logs. The apparatus includes a frame having a pair of interconnected parallel beams. A pair of large fixed axis wheels are attached to one end of the frame while a pair of smaller swivelable wheels are connected to the other end of the frame. A winch is connected to a beam which extents over the frame at various elevations. A grasping mechanism is attached to the winch for holding the construction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Arthur Rulison
  • Patent number: 4727995
    Abstract: A tractor crane includes a boom having a root end adapted for pivotal mounting on a tractor, a load end which is adjustable in position relative to the root end, strut connector intermediate its ends, and load attachment device at or near the load end of the boom for attaching a load thereto. The crane further includes a strut having an upper end pivotally connected via the strut connector to the boom about an axis transverse to the boom and parallel to the pivotal axis at the root end. The strut also has a lower end with a mounting device for connection of the lifting arms of the three-point hitch of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Peter Povall
    Inventor: Franklin S. Louw
  • Patent number: 4700851
    Abstract: A lightweight, self-powered, transportable crane assembly is disclosed which includes a frame that can be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the bed of a transport vehicle or carrier, such as a pick-up truck or trailer. The frame assembly also includes stabilizing legs which can be extended laterally from the frame assembly to stabilize the crane during use and further to allow the crane assembly to be self supporting apart from the truck or trailer. The crane assembly also can be coupled to a ballast structure such as a water tank or the like, to permit its use apart from the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventors: Richard J. Reeve, George I. Noah
  • Patent number: 4693384
    Abstract: An articulated arm-type excavator machine has a boom which has a trolley track affixed onto its underside. A trolley member from which a pulley block can be suspended travels along this track, and is urged into an operator-selected position by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. A power winch is mounted on the overcarriage of the machine and a lifting cable runs from the winch, over the pulley block, to a lifting hook or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Gilmore Transportation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Gilmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4692084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting apparatus, especially a barrel tilter, which is preferably raisable and movable by means of a low lift truck (4). To eliminate the need for power units in each of the lifting apparatuses, the lifting apparatus (1, 37, 45, 50) comprises a base member (2) onto which a low lift truck (4), preferably a lift truck by means of which the lifting apparatus is raisable and movable, can be driven to weight the base member (2) from above, and a lifting unit (3) movably connected to the base member (2) is so arranged in relation to the base member (2) that the parts of the truck (4) which are to perform lifting are positioned beneath the lifting unit (3) when the truck (4) has been driven onto the base member (2), whereby the lifting unit (3) can be operated by the parts of the truck (4) adapted to perform lifting to impart lifting movements to the lifting unit (3) while the base member (2) is weighted by the truck (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Bertil Persson
  • Patent number: 4674638
    Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle comprises a vehicle chassis, wheel assemblies enabling vertical and angular deflection of the chassis relative to the terrain during vehicle movement, a telescopic crane boom pivotally mounted on the chassis and capable of limited reciprocable angular deflection relative to the chassis as the vehicle moves a hydraulic boom hoist cylinder to raise and lower the boom when the vehicle is stationary, and a deflection reduction system connected between the chassis and the boom to reduce or eliminate bouncing and porpoising of the chassis relative to the terrain as the vehicle moves. The deflection reduction system includes a resilient spring and a damping system in the form of a piston/cylinder for compressed gas to reduce the speed of spring motion as rapidly as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Kobe Steel Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry J. Oliphant
  • Patent number: 4666049
    Abstract: An articulated arm-type excavator machine has a hydraulically actuated main boom and a side boom which is detachably mounted at its proximal end to the side of the tractor of the machine, and at its distal end to a trolley arrangement on the underside of the main boom. The detachable sideboom arrangement permits the machine to be employed either as an excavator or as a sideboom lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Gilmore Transportation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Gilmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4660729
    Abstract: A boom overload protection apparatus generally used in the protection of derrick-type hydraulic equipment having a boom or power arm for lifting or maneuvering heavy objects. A sensing rod is longitudinally connected to said boom in such manner as to sense boom overload relative to a predetermined allowable degree of flex. As boom overload is sensed, the sensing rod mechanically actuates a sensing valve through tensional or compressive forces applied thereto. The sensing valve, in turn, releases the fluid pressure in pressure release lines connected to overstress valve means. This release of fluid pressure actuates the overstress valve means which is connected in controlling relation to each hydraulic cylinder and winch drive to thereby disable boom stress-inducing operation of the same until such over-stress condition may be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Hugh E. Carbert
    Inventor: Ralph E. Carbert
  • Patent number: 4658970
    Abstract: A mobile crane comprises a vehicle chassis mounted on balloon tires, a crane boom pivotally mounted on the chassis, and a double-acting boom hoist cylinder connected between the chassis and the boom for raising and lowering the boom. As the mobile crane traverses rough terrain or accelerates or decelerates, its mass causes the chassis to deflect (bounce or porpoise) relative to the terrain. A deflection reduction system, which presupposes that the boom is unrestrained and free to pivot (deflect) relative to the chassis, comprises a deflection reduction module mechanically mounted on the outside of the boom hoist cylinder and selectively operable valves for hydraulically connecting the module thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Kobe Steel Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry J. Oliphant
  • Patent number: 4653656
    Abstract: A load lifting crane for raising the load at a site and moving the load in a substantially horizontal direction to a remote site where the load is lowered. The crane includes a base support member which has a pivotally supported vertically extending mast carried thereon. A substantially horizontally extending boom is carried by the upper end of the mast for pendulous movement. An actuator strut is connected between the upper end of the mast and the base support member so that by selectively varying the length of the actuator strut, the mast is pivoted for shifting the boom. As the boom is shifted, it is shifted in a substantially pendulous movement relative to the mast thereby moving the load-carrying end of the boom substantially horizontally after lifting the load off of a site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: James T. Triplett
  • Patent number: 4621741
    Abstract: A portable, readily disassembleable, roof hoist mounted on the roof of a building for lifting heavy products, such as heavy rolls of roofing to the roof wherein a first, base, A-frame is disposed transversely to the edge of the roof with the ends of its legs adjacent an edge of the roof, and lies with its apex rearward on the roof, free of any securement to the roof. A second, generally vertically disposed A-frame has its leg ends releasably pivotally connected to the leg ends of the first A-frame for fore and aft vertical swinging movement of its apex from a position above a location spaced substantially inboard of the edge of the roof to a position substantially outboard of the edge of the roof. An elongate forwardly extending hydraulic cylinder has a cylinder rod pivotally releasably connected to the apex of the second A-frame, and its opposite end is pivotally releasably connected at the apex of the first A-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventor: Charles W. Boon
  • Patent number: 4606155
    Abstract: Disclosed is an Angle Drilling Apparatus for mobile rotary drills and the like having a mast tower for operating and supporting the drill string. A transferable and adjustable lower pivot support is provided in combination with the normal mast raising cylinders and a unique upper mast support strut. The upper mast strut is slideably attached to the mast and provides support to the mast closer to the top of the mast as the mast is deployed at an angle for angle drilling. The adjustable lower pivot support allows drilling to be accomplished closer to the support base and more nearly at the point of vertical drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Ronald F. Bukovitz, J. David Anthony
  • Patent number: 4582206
    Abstract: A hoist for controllably lifting, holding or lowering an object from a mobile aerial device having an articulated or extendable boom supporting a man-lifting platform. The hoist has an adjustably positioned housing and positioning plate mounted to a shaft. The shaft is secured to the boom of the mobile aerial device, in proximity to the man-lifting platform. An elongated jib with sheave at one end is supported by the housing and may be linearly positioned in relation to the hoist housing. The housing may be manually positioned in relation to the positioning plate, and the positioning plate may be rotatably positioned in relation to the mobile aerial device boom by fluid control means. A rotary fluid motor is adapted to turn a drum about the hoist shaft and controllably wind or unwind a line about the drum. The line extends from the drum about a sheave rotatably secured to one end of the jib, and is of a length sufficient to extend to the object to be moved by the hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Leonard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4573592
    Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle comprises a vehicle chassis, resilient terrain-engaging wheel assemblies connected to the chassis and enabling vertical and angular deflection of the chassis relative to the terrain during vehicle movement, a telescopic crane boom carried by the chassis, a pivot pin for connecting the boom to the chassis and enabling limited reciprocable angular deflection of the boom relative to the chassis as the vehicle moves across supporting terrain and a hydraulic boom hoist cylinder to raise and lower the boom. A deflection reduction system is connected between the chassis and the boom to reduce or eliminate vertical and angular deflection (bouncing and porpoising) of the chassis relative to the terrain which tends to occur in response to dynamic loads imposed on the vehicle axles by movement across uneven terrain or by acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventor: Larry J. Oliphant
  • Patent number: 4565291
    Abstract: The hydraulic lifting provision for the mounting of a crane jib comprises two lift provisions disposed successively at a distance, where each lift provision comprises two base frames rising up from the trailer and disposed at a distance from each other and in each case a tiltable lift arm is disposed at the free end. The free ends of the lift arms are in each case hingedly connected via a cross-frame, where the support for the crane jib is disposed in each case on the cross frame. The cross frames with the supports disposed thereon are tiltable to the side by way of a different operating action of the hydraulic cylinders engaging them. In addition, the supports are constructed shiftable to the sides along the cross-frames by way of a corresponding disposition of additional hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: Prabhakar R. Khirwadkar
  • Patent number: 4561552
    Abstract: An attachment jib for supporting various working devices, such as a pipe manipulator, includes a support base which can be rigidly coupled removably with existing elements on the nose block of a telescopic crane boom. The jib includes telescopic sections and its base section is pivotally mounted on the support base and is luffed by power cylinders on such base through a wide angle. The jib contains another power cylinder to control extension and retraction of its fly section carrying the working device. An optional work support platform pivotally connected to the support base may be used either with or without the jib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Kidde, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Sterner
  • Patent number: 4544071
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for maintaining a predetermined mast-boom working angle of a pendant supported boom substantially constant during extension and retraction of the boom. One embodiment of the invention includes control means connected between the boom and the mast for detecting slight angular changes and actuating power means for paying out or drawing in sufficient pendant to return the mast-boom angle to a predetermined angle. Another embodiment utilizes electrical controls having a first potentiometer capable of detecting linear changes in the effective boom supporting length of the pendant and another potentiometer for detecting linear changes in the length of the boom, said potentiometer sending output signal ratios which vary from a predetermined output signal ratio for actuating power means that takes up or pays out sufficient pendant to return the boom to the predetermined mast-boom working angle and returns the output signal ratio to said predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Darwin N. Poock
  • Patent number: 4543030
    Abstract: A fifth wheel wrecker hoist is illustrated having apparatus which affords longitudinal adjustment between the fifth wheel and the boom which includes a longitudinal guide having a plurality of spaced openings for use in connection with a support carried by the fifth wheel having a retractable plunger for engaging one of the openings respectively for positioning the boom in a desired adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventor: Wallace H. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4523684
    Abstract: A crane tool attachment is provided for removable mounting to the arm of a backhoe from which the bucket has been removed. A frame is fittable on the backhoe arm at its outer end and is fastened thereto. A sleeve is mounted to the frame so as to be directed substantially parallel to the backhoe arm, and a boom is insertable through and moveable along the sleeve. The inner end of the boom is connected to a hydraulic cylinder disposed along the backhoe arm normally for pivoting the bucket when in place, for moving the boom along the sleeve. A hydraulically-powered winch with a cable is mounted to the sleeve and is connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure within the backhoe machine. A pulley is mounted for rotation at the outer end of the boom for passage of the cable therearound, and a hook is connectable to the free end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventor: Jerry Baisden
  • Patent number: 4518090
    Abstract: A crane or the like (e.g. an access platform or excavator), having a boom wherein the boom is lifted or lowered by one or more hydraulic rams or the like, the or each ram acting on a cradle on which the boom rests and in which it is free to move, the cradle being linked to the platform or the base of the crane or the like, at a point between the foot of the ram(s) and the foot of the boom or at the foot of the boom. This arrangement has the advantage that the boom stresses during lifting are evened out, and expensive accurate machinery of the boom pivot holes are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Coles Cranes Limited
    Inventor: William R. Thomasson
  • Patent number: 4503983
    Abstract: This invention relates to the hoist means employing the principle of the scissor action between a pair of the structural frames pivotably coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4493426
    Abstract: An attachment jib for supporting various working devices, such as a pipe manipulator, includes a support base which can be rigidly coupled removably with existing elements on the nose block of a telescopic crane boom. The jib includes telescopic sections and its base section is pivotally mounted on the support base and is luffed by power cylinders on such base through a wide angle. The jib contains another power cylinder to control extension and retraction of its fly section carrying the working device. An optional work support platform pivotally connected to the support base may be used either with or without the jib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Kidde, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Sterner