With Load-handler Patents (Class 212/338)
  • Patent number: 11072494
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin elevator, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin elevator. The bin elevator is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Ingvar Hognaland
  • Patent number: 7546929
    Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Marine Travelift, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wierzba, John E. Braun
  • Patent number: 6651968
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible engine support apparatus. The device is attachable to the fender or firewall of the vehicle and is mountable either transversely or longitudinally above the engine compartment. A pair of primary load bearing metal angles are secured on opposite sides of the open engine compartment on either the fender or firewall. A pair of upstanding posts approximately centrally positioned on the upward facing surface of the angle, each of the upstanding posts including connection means adapted to lockingly receive horizontal support bars. A central connector allows for adjustment of the spacing between the metal angles. A flexible, adjustable attachment means depends from the central connector, the attachment means adaptable for engagement with the main engine hold. Adjustment of the attachment means to a desired tension ensures a high degree of positional stability of the engine when performing major repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred D. Reyes
  • Patent number: 6315138
    Abstract: An overhead support system. A riding surface is located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported by a tension element. A plurality of spherical elements are positioned between the riding surface and overhead cart and are attached to either the cart or the riding surface. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the riding surface while carrying the load in the horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments the riding surface is an array of spoked rimless wheels. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is a slot track, or the riding surface may be a combination of the array and slot tracks. In other preferred embodiments a hoist assembly is used to raise and lower the load. In a preferred embodiment the hoist assembly is located below the riding surface. In another preferred embodiment, the hoist assembly is located above the riding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Donald J. Dyson
  • Patent number: 6079578
    Abstract: An overhead support system. A riding surface is located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported by a tension element. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the riding surface while carrying the load in the horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments the riding surface is an array of spoked rimless wheels. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is a slot track, or the riding surface may be a combination of the array and slot tracks. In preferred embodiments casters are mounted on the top of the riding surface to permit easy horizontal movement of the cart over the casters. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is flat and casters are mounted on the bottom of the overhead cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Donald J. Dyson
  • Patent number: 5456371
    Abstract: The lifting bridge is used to install and remove motor vehicle parts and is provided with a support frame (1), which has support straps (7) with support feet (5, 6), by which the support frame can be supported at the edges of an engine space opening (43) of the car body, at both ends of a telescopically extendable support rail (8, 18). The support frame is provided with two lifting devices (10), which are guided individually displaceably on the support frame (8, 18) and each has a lifting member (12), which can be raised and lowered by a rotating actuation and can be stopped in its position by automatic interlocking. The support frame (1) consists of two telescopically extendable support rails (8, 8', 18, 18'), which extend in parallel to and at laterally spaced locations from one another, and on which the lifting devices (10) are guided by means of guide tubes (11) in a positive-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Horst Klann