Abstract: A linear delta system includes a support frame, rails mounted to the support frame, linear actuators, each linear actuator configured to translate along a longitudinal length of a respective rail, pairs of parallel rods each coupled to the linear actuators, a platform coupled to a longitudinal end of each of the pairs of parallel rods opposite the respective linear actuator, and an object coupled to the platform. Longitudinal axes of the rails are oriented parallel to each other and lie within a common plane or an uncommon plane. A method of forming a linear delta system includes mounting rails to a support frame, the rails having longitudinal axes that are parallel to each other and lying within a common plane, coupling a linear actuator to each of the rails, coupling a pair of parallel rods to each linear actuator, and coupling a platform to the pairs of parallel rods.

Abstract: A toilet lifting device facilitates lifting of a toilet when replacing a toilet fixture. The device includes a base and a pair of legs extending from the base. The legs are coplanar with the base and spaced apart wherein the legs are configured for positioning on opposite sides of a foot of a toilet. A jack is coupled to the base on an upper surface of the base. Each of a pair of arms is coupled to and extends from the jack. Thus, the operation of the jack selectively lifts the arms away from the base and the legs.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus comprising a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support with a receiving buckle so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered. The apparatus further comprising a telescoping support column and horizontal support for holding a first and second positioning arm. The positioning arms further comprising locking pivots for extending and retracting. Patient repositioning is effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a fabric gripper secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus can further be mounted to either a ceiling or a wall or can comprise a swiveling support column.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer system includes a bracket rotatably supported on a support part, a rotary drive mechanism provided on the support part in order to rotate the bracket, a workpiece support arm swingably and axially supported on the bracket, a swing drive mechanism provided on the bracket in order to swing the workpiece support arm, and a workpiece retainer provided on a tip end part of the workpiece support arm and retaining a workpiece that is to be transferred, the workpiece being inclined by operation of the swing drive mechanism when the rotary drive mechanism is operated so that a center of gravity of the workpiece comes on the vicinity of an axis of rotation of the rotary drive mechanism. This reduces the rotational load on the rotary drive mechanism, and since a small size and a reduction in weight can be achieved for the system, the workpiece transfer system and method enables a single worker to easily give a workpiece an inclination and inversion attitude change.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus for moving a manhole cover comprising a lever having an engaging end, a linkage connected to the engaging end of the lever, and at least one magnet connected to the linkage and engageable with the manhole cover, wherein the lever provides leverage for moving the manhole cover. The at least one magnet may be selectively engageable with the manhole cover and may further have an interface surface. The at least one magnet may have a handle moveable between an engaged position, wherein a magnetic flux is emitted through the interface surface of the at least one magnet, and a disengaged position, wherein substantially no magnetic flux is emitted through the interface surface of the at least one magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a manhole cover comprising a lever having a first lever arm pivotally connected to a second lever arm by a hinge for movement between a collapsed position, wherein the first lever arm is substantially parallel to the second lever arm, and a plurality of operative positions, wherein the first lever arm extends at a non-parallel angle with respect to the second lever arm. A linkage is connected to an engaging end of the lever, and at least one magnet is connected to the linkage and engageable with the manhole cover.

Abstract: A portable patient lift has spreadable support legs with a feature that enables the legs of the lift to operate in a first range of motion during operation, and a second range of motion for compact folding.

Abstract: An LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles includes a rotary column with a lift body, a support arm mounted to the lift body, an actuating cylinder hingedly connected to the support arm, and a kingpin connected to the support arm. The actuating cylinder and the kingpin are both attached to a rotating plate that rotates in response to the actuating cylinder. The rotating plate is connected to a clamping device that selectively clamps an LPG tank which, in turn, rotates in response to the actuating cylinder so that it can be inserted in an automobile trunk whose opening is smaller than the length of the tank.

Abstract: A stove loading mechanism to assist a person in lifting and moving heavy and/or awkward loads, such as loading logs into an outdoor wood boiler. A fork assembly for holding the log can easily be raised and lowered from the ground and latched at any height by means of a jack mechanism.

Abstract: A slat replacement system for removing damaged slats and inserting new slats in an animal pen. The slat replacement system includes a base assembly for resting on a floor of the animal pen. A frame member is rotatably coupled to the base assembly. A motor assembly is operationally coupled to a drive assembly and is coupled to the frame member. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the base assembly for rotating the frame member with respect to the base assembly. A lifting assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame member and operationally coupled to the drive assembly for pivoting the lifting assembly with respect to the frame member for lifting and moving of one of the slats. A control assembly is operationally coupled to the drive assembly for controlling rotation of the frame member with respect to the base assembly and pivoting of the lifting assembly.

Abstract: A transportation cart primarily for transporting deceased animals through the alleyways of a barn has a swivelling mast and boom mounted on the front section of a frame driven by powered wheels with a slide panel attached to the mast below the boom over which the object can slide as it is pulled by actuating a winch to be carried. A coupling is provided between the front frame section and a rear frame section with castor wheels for providing side to side movement of the rear frame section relative to the front frame section transverse to a longitudinal center line to provide ballast when the lifting is to one side and to provide manoeuvrability. The boom has an inner end mounted on the mast for pivotal movement about a transverse axis such that an outer end of the boom can be raised and lowered and the slide panel is movable from its inclined slide position below the boom to a raised stored position attached to an underside of the boom.

Abstract: A mobile hydraulic hoist unit which is readily maneuverable to a position straddling a load and then conveniently operated to lift and securely transport such load over a variety of terrains and surfaces and to safely and accurately deposit that load at a specific location. The hoist unit comprises a generally “U” shaped base frame having spaced side members provided with multi-terrain wheel assemblies, a closed forward end having a hitch member for releasable attachment to a towing vehicle, a rearwardly open center section adapted to receive and straddle the load, a power cylinder, a boom operated by the power cylinder for lifting and securely holding the load in a transport position during movement of the hoist unit and for accurately depositing the load at the desired destination.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus having an adjustable length vertical section with three legs thereon to engage the ground. A concave saddle is affixed to the upper end and an adjustable combination of lifting member and handle are removably attached thereto. The end of the lifting member is coupled to the object to be lifted and moved.

Abstract: A slat replacement system for removing damaged slats and inserting new slats in an animal pen. The slat replacement system includes a base assembly for resting on a floor of the animal pen. A frame member is rotatably coupled to the base assembly. A motor assembly is operationally coupled to a drive assembly and is coupled to the frame member. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the base assembly for rotating the frame member with respect to the base assembly. A lifting assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame member and operationally coupled to the drive assembly for pivoting the lifting assembly with respect to the frame member for lifting and moving of one of the slats. A control assembly is operationally coupled to the drive assembly for controlling rotation of the frame member with respect to the base assembly and pivoting of the lifting assembly.

Abstract: A davit arm system includes a base that supports a davit arm and engages an underlying ground surface. The system components are preferably designed for arrangement in alternative ways to accommodate different installation environments, and/or for packaging in a bag that may be carried by a single person. The relative positions of the components are preferably adjustable relative to the base to further accommodate different applications. Yet another desirable option is to mount the davit arm on the support base in a manner that allows rotation about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A winch is preferably mounted on the davit arm in a manner that counterbalances the davit arm relative to its vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A hoist pivotally connecting mast 1 to lifting arm 2, by a mechanism comprising a link 5 pivoting about a fixed pivot 8 on the mast 1 and a moving pivot 6 on the lifting arm 2. A restraining link 9 between a pivot 10 on the mast 1 and actuator attachment point 11 on the lifting arm 2 restricts the movement of link 5. The second link 9 acts as a stabilizer allowing the pivot 11 on the lifting arm 2 to move only through a set arc, determined by the length of the link 9 and the position of the pivot 10 on the mast 1. With the moving pivot according to the invention, the spreader bar attachment point 7 has a greater traveling distance than if it were simply pivoted about pivot 8 as with conventional hoists.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus capable of standing alone and allowing erection by consumers is provided for use beside a bed and/or a bathtub to hoisting a patient. When the hoisting apparatus is designed for use at a patient's bedside, it includes three legs arranged in the form of a letter T. And, when the hoisting apparatus is designed for use beside a bathtub, it includes at a lower end two legs arranged in the form of a letter L, and at a higher position a rest mechanism for resting on a top of the bathtub. The two lower legs and the higher rest mechanism also provide a T-shaped support to the hoisting apparatus. The hoisting apparatus also includes a pivoted-arm mechanism capable of turning sideward as well as upward and downward, and a hanger pivotally connected to a front end of the pivoted-arm mechanism.

Abstract: A hoist kit for vehicles such as pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is described. The hoist kit engages a standard receiver hitch and when erect allows loading of the vehicle and optionally an attached trailer. The hoist when erect also can be used to lift or winch within all points 180 deg. behind vehicle to which it is engaged. Additionally, when used with a vehicle having a tailgate the hoist does not interfere with the normal operation of the tailgate. The hoist also features structural supports that are deployed to contact the ground thereby reducing the stress on receiver hitch and some structural members of the hoist.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling cargo that includes a motorized electric pallet truck (12) to which a tower (30) having two or more legs (32) is attached, the tower (30) includes a transverse member (34) connected to the two or more legs (32), and at least one mast (36) that extends from the transverse member (34) opposite the two or more legs (32), the mast (36) includes a chamber therein, at least one mechanical arm (40) is operably attached to the mast (36) and includes at least one pneumatically operated device (44) having lifting capability and an electric pump (50) is electrically connected to the electric power supply of the pallet truck (12) and provides pneumatic pressure to the interior of the tower (30).

Abstract: The invention provides a lifting apparatus with variable and independently selectable height and reach which comprises a base supporting a lifting structure. The lifting structure comprising two upwardly extending variably extendible support structures, an arm having a proximal end portion and an intermediate portion, which are pivotally connected to an upper end portion of respective ones of said variably extendible support structures; and a load support structure depending from a distal end portion of the arm.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning and removably supporting cargo on the exterior of a vehicle, wherein the cargo is preferably mounted on a mobile carrier assembly such as a hand truck. A hoist assembly includes a winch and lifting cable and is concurrently supported, along with the mobile carrier, on a base which is removably secured to a hitch structure mounted on the vehicle. A support assembly is secured to the base and is structured to independently but concurrently support both the hoist assembly and the mobile carrier, with or without the cargo thereon. Upon removal of the mobile carrier from the vehicle, the cargo supported thereon can be transported over the ground or other support surface to an intended location for use without requiring repeated loading and unloading of the cargo from the mobile carrier.

Abstract: A portable hoist has a U-shaped base, a tail assembly with at least a tail leg, an adjustable, telescoping mast secured to the base, a transverse lifting beam secured to the top of the mast and having a roller at each end, and a lifting system attached to a lower portion of the mast and adjacent the base. The lifting system has a winching mechanism and a lifting cable that extends vertically from the winching mechanism to one of the rollers of the lifting beam, across to the second roller and downwardly ending in a free end.

Abstract: A portable hoist has a U-shaped base, a tail assembly with at least a tail leg, an adjustable, telescoping mast secured to the base, a transverse lifting beam secured to the top of the mast and having a roller at each end, and a lifting system attached to a lower portion of the mast and adjacent the base. The lifting system has a winching mechanism and a lifting cable that extends vertically from the winching mechanism to one of the rollers of the lifting beam, across to the second roller and downwardly ending in a free end.

Abstract: A portable hoist system includes a base assembly which includes a pintle. Slidably mounted over the pintle is a hoist support assembly. The hoist support assembly includes a substantially vertical tube which is connected at its top portion to a support arm. The support arm is supported with respect to the substantially vertical tube by an angled brace member. On the top of the support arm is located a lifting strap control assembly. The lifting strap control assembly includes a windlass and a guide bar.

Abstract: A combination of an all terrain vehicle and a hoisting device for use therewith, the all terrain vehicle including a frame, a body mounted on the frame and wheels, the hoisting device comprising a hoisting device frame having at least one member extending rearwardly therefrom for securement to the all terrain vehicle, a boom having first and second ends with the first end of the boom being secured to the hoisting device frame, the boom being capable of being raised and lowered, and a support platform located at the second end of the boom. The combination is useful in activities such as hedge maintenance, window washing, and the like. The arrangement is relatively inexpensive and may be used with any suitable ATV.

Abstract: A multipurpose body-turn-over apparatus mainly including an elevator, a driving mechanism, ropes, a net, suspension fittings, a vibrator, and a controller. The controller sets operating time and speed, and time pause at reverse of the apparatus, and the elevator is adjustable in height. The driving mechanism drives a displacement shaft of the driven assembly to move or rotate, so that ropes hanging from two ends of the driven assembly to connect the net are alternately pulled up and lowered, helping a patient lying on the net to regularly turn over or lie on side to avoid bedsore, or do rehabilitation exercises. The vibrator may alternately pull and lower ropes connected to two sides of the net at high frequency. The apparatus may be designed into heavy-duty or light models to meet different requirements and can be freely moved for use with different sickbeds.

Abstract: A support system for a radiation treatment system includes a rotatable extension arm extending from a vertical shaft and a rotatable counterbalance extending diametrically opposed to the extension arm from the vertical shaft. The vertical shaft is rotatably supported by a support base. The support base may include a damping mechanism to damp the rotational motion of the vertical shaft relative to the support base, wherein the damping force is preferably proportional to the velocity of the vertical shaft. The radiation treatment system is suspended from a cable extending from a distal end of the extension arm. The extension arm can be formed from a first arm extending from the vertical shaft and a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm in order to permit the radiation treatment system to be moved in horizontal direction. The cable supporting the radiation treatment system can be coupled to a vertical counterbalance weight to allow the vertical position of the radiation treatment system to be adjusted.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention features a base structure and a main column vertically attached to the base structure, the main column having a mounting plate affixed above the base structure, the mounting plate adapted to attach to an engine. A rod is connected to the plate and positioned through the main column, the rod having a terminal handle opposite the plate to provide rotational movement to the plate. A boom is horizontally and pivotally attached to a top of the center beam. A trolley assembly is attached to the boom, a position of the trolley assembly along the boom controlled by a cable joined to a motor on the boom. A piston and cylinder assembly fixedly attached between the main column and boom.

Abstract: A device for use in raising a wall, includes a footing member, an upright member, having a first end and a second end, a pulley, a flexible cable, the flexible cable having a first end and a second end, a cable guide member, a cable guide offset member, the cable guide offset member having a first end and a second end, and a wall engaging member. The upright member first end is fixed to the footing member and extends in a substantially vertical direction from said footing member. The footing sits on a floor or other generally horizontal surface. The cable guide member is secured to the cable guide offset member first end, and the cable guide offset member second end is fixed to said upright member second end. The flexible cable has its first end secured to the pulley, and its second end secured to the wall engaging member, and is supported between its two ends by the cable guide member.

Abstract: An improved lift mechanism that is portable and towable, and has a telescopic and angularly adjustable load carrying boom, four telescopic support legs with pivotable wheels thereon, and a low center of gravity frame of a two part construction pivotally connected together and having a tilt indicator warning thereon.

Abstract: A restrainable manhole, handhole cover and open/close device therewith provides vertical pads at predetermined positions along a bottom edge of a manhole/handhole cover, which are integrally molded with a cover body. This forms an inclined a third edge which is longer than an inner diameter of a manhole/handhole neck such that it can prevent the cover body to bounce up and displace when being overlaid by a vehicle. Furthermore, a plurality of pre-molded flat plates are provided on predetermined locations perpendicular to the neck. A pre-punched hole is provided for each flat plate for accepting the vertical pad of the cover body for restraining the cover body in its position at the same time the cover body is overlaid by a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose body-turn-over apparatus mainly including an elevator support, a cantilever elevator fixed to the elevator support, a driving mechanism mounted on the cantilever elevator, and a controller for setting operating time and speed, reverse, and pause of the driving mechanism, as well as adjusting height of the elevator support. The driving mechanism drives a driven assembly to reciprocate, so that ropes hanging from two ends of the driven assembly to connect a net thereto are alternately pulled up and lowered, causing a patient lying on the net to turn over regularly to avoid bedsore due to lying on bed for a prolonged time. Means other than the net may also be selectively connected to the ropes to help patient do rehabilitation exercises or complete skeletal traction. The apparatus may be designed into heavy-duty or light model to meet different requirements and can be freely moved for use with different sick beds.

Abstract: A combination engine hoist and stand for lifting and supporting an engine includes a variably oriented "H" shaped multi hinged base with frame extension capability mounted on casters and a combined hoist and stand vertical column located on the base for communicating with and supporting both a hoist and a stand via a collar disposed therebetween. The hoist includes a boom and a hoist column, the boom pivotally attached to the hoist column and the hoist column attached to the stand column via the collar. The boom is manually adjustable for length via extension elements and the boom height is adjustable by activating a hydraulic jack. A wire rope depends from the outward extending end of the boom and is manually adjustable for length by operating a winch. The boom alone or the entire hoist is removable from the stand as desired. The stand includes a stand column and a shaft that pivotally and slidably communicates with the collar on the stand column and also includes a plate for attachment to an engine.

Abstract: A hoisting system for lifting construction items at a construction site that includes a base assembly, a telescoping pole assembly carried on the base assembly, a slidably positionable line guide assembly slidably mounted to the telescoping pole assembly, a hoisting line assembly having a hoisting line threaded through a guiding aperture of the line guide assembly, and a ratcheting winch assembly mounted onto the telescoping pole assembly and including a take up reel upon which a length of the hoisting line is wound.

Abstract: A lifting system for removing and installing equipment on aircraft. The lifting system comprises a base and a lifting assembly supported by the base. The lifting system also comprises linear outriggers and at least one offset outrigger. The linear outriggers and the at least one offset outrigger are connectable to the base to provide additional stability for the lifting system during operation. The lifting assembly includes a boom having telescoping sections. The boom may be tilted about a horizontal axis relative to the base and rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base for increased maneuverability around and increased access to the aircraft.

Abstract: A portable crane assembly is disclosed including a support that can be selectively coupled to and decoupled from a transport dolly. The support includes a plurality of legs that can support a crane boom independently of the dolly. The transport assembly is used to transport the support and boom independently of other items that require movement such as a transformer.

Abstract: A locking system for extension members on portable lifts or the like has a wedge block with a jaw face on one side and a sloped wedge face on the opposite side engaging a complementing fixed sloped face so that when the wedge block is moved upwardly the complementing faces cause the wedge block to also move horizontally into clamping position by way of the jaw face. The wedge block is moved upwardly responsive to turning of a screw threaded into the block.

Abstract: A swing-up stabilizer for a portable lift has a bracing strut with a pivoted locking mechanism at its upper end including a locking plate on the strut which is spring biased into a tilted locking position biting the strut when the stabilizer is in an active ground engaging position or swung into a raised storage position located past an "at center" position whereat the strut is aligned with a pivotal connection between the strut and stabilizer.