Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus of flat construction for vehicles comprising a first bearing with a rotation axis, a strut arranged to be pivotable around the rotation axis, a carrier arm that has a second bearing in common with the strut; the strut dividing the carrier ann into a first and a second carrier arm section, the second carrier arm section forming a triangle with the strut and the base frame, a guide that has a fourth bearing arranged on the guide for receiving the second carrier arm section, which guide can move back and forth on the base frame, a load receiver arranged on a fifth bearing at a free end of the first carrier arm section, at least one lifting unit that acts on the carrier arm, and a parallelogram guide with which the load receiver is aligned horizontally, in which a resultant force acting on the load receiver runs along a straight line extending between the first and fifth bearings or is situated outside a movement space of the scissors arrangement circumscribed by the f

Abstract: A multiple boom lifting arrangement includes a plurality of preferably four carriages, each carriage having a boom with its lower end portion pinned to the carriage. Two of the carriages are placed on a common travel path with the upper end portion of their respective booms being pinned. This provides two spaced apart pairs of carriages and booms for lifting. A horizontal beam extends between the first pair of booms and the second pair of booms being attached to the pinned connection of each pair of booms with a sling. A powered motor-driven winch is used to power a cable that is wound between sheaves on the lower end portions of a pair of booms that are connected together. During use, the winches are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously operated to elevate the first pair of the booms and the second pair of booms at about the same time so that the horizontal beam that spans in between the pinned connections of-the first and second pairs of booms is elevated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jack, the jack comprises a base for placing on the ground and an elevator mechanism which bears against the base via a leg (1) linked to the base by a device so that the leg can pivot on the base about a horizontal axis X′X and can slide on the base along the axis, the jack being characterized in that the base (5) has a longitudinal rig (5b) with a rounded top projecting above the base, the rib defining the axis, the leg (1) is provided at its bottom end with a slide (8) made of a block of synthetic organic material engaged in the bottom end and held to the leg by a device, the slide being shaped so as to be capable of fitting astride the rib of the base with the ability to pivot on the rib about the axis and to slide along the rib, and a link device (9, 10, 12) is established between the leg and the base to hold the slide on the rib. The invention applies in particular to a jack for lifting a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for supporting the nose of an unfettered trailer disposed on a surface adjacent a loading bay, including the steps of 1) providing a supporting assembly movable along the surface relative to the nose of the trailer, and also movable between a stored, collapsed position wherein the supporting assembly does not interfere with movement of vehicles over the surface, and a raised, engaging position in which a portion of the supporting assembly is disposed vertically above the surface and engages and supports the nose of the trailer; 2) moving the supporting assembly along the surface and relative to the nose of the trailer with the supporting assembly in the stored position, 3) sensing the nose of the trailer with a sensor that is movable with the supporting assembly relative to the nose of the trailer, and 4) in response to the sensor sensing the nose of the trailer, automatically moving the supporting assembly from the stored position to the raised engaging position to support the nose of the trailer.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic valve for a camera dolly includes Teflon inserts around a valve pin to reduce vibration and noise. The ratio of movement between the boom control, which controls the up and down movement of the arm on the camera dolly, and opening and closing of the hydraulic valve, is increased to reduce the sensitivity of the valve to boom control movement. The boom control includes ready up and ready down detents which provide the user a tactile indication of where to position the boom control for immediate up or down movement.

Abstract: A jack with a leg (1) and a supporting arm (2) articulated together by an articulation (3). The leg rests against the ground (5) by way of a foot (4). The supporting arm is articulated by another articulation (18) at the other end of the supporting arm to a load-support plate (19). The plate supports the vehicle as it is lifted by way of an innermost section (20) located preferably between the sill ridge (21) and the midline, and below the bottom (22), of the vehicle. The plate has a bodywork catch (25) with a bent-up section (26). The bent-up section comes to rest against the outside (23) of the sill (24) when the jack is used and is raised by a spring (28). Adjusting arms (9& 10) are articulated to the leg, to the supporting arm, and to each other, constituting a parallelogram linkage. One end (17) of the supporting arm projects beyond its articulation (7) to its associated adjusting arm (9).

Abstract: A vehicle jack of the type known as "Y-jacks". It has a base plate (1) with perforated fins that receive and fix, in a particular way, the protruding necks on the wings of the jack body. A nut (13) is secured to the end of the body, with easy entrance into the end and fixed by some lugs (14) which are bent over the central portion of the nut. The arm (3) of jack also has two protruding necks towards the interior, on which a cross member is received, formed by a part with a U-shaped section whose wings or sides clasp on to the necks, are made with U-shaped openings. The base of the cross member is controlled by a special easy entrance holder plate on the housing on the arm. An arm (30) of a specially designed shape acts in combination with a holder plate-cross member, whose seating for the vehicle has a metal insert. This holder plate-cross member is provided with an external retainer on which the end of the screw spindle is supported.

Abstract: A camera dolly has an upper arm pivotable on a lower arm. Chains and sprockets within the lower arm raise the upper arm when the lower arm is raised by a hydraulic actuator. Leveling rods maintain a camera platform in a level position as the arm is raised and lowered. A center plate in the lower arm and a brace plate in the upper arm increase the strength and stiffness of the arm. The ratio between the lower sprocket and upper sprocket within the lower arm is greater than 2:1, providing additional arm travel. A structural tube in the upper arm section provides a secure attachment point for a leveling head.

Abstract: A multiple boom lifting arrangement includes a plurality of preferably four carriages, each carriage having a boom with its lower end portion pinned to the carriage. Two of the carriages are placed on a common travel path with the upper end portion of their respective booms being pinned. This provides two spaced apart pairs of carriages and booms for lifting. A horizontal beam extends between the first pair of booms and the second pair of booms being attached to the pinned connection of each pair of booms with a sling. A powered motor-driven winch is used to power a cable that is wound between sheaves on the lower end portions of a pair of booms that are connected together. During use, the winches are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously operated to elevate the first pair of the booms and the second pair of booms at about the same time so that the horizontal beam that spans in between the pinned connections of the first and second pairs of booms is elevated.

Abstract: A wall jack apparatus includes a base assembly which includes a central arm support portion. A telescopic lift arm assembly includes a proximal lift arm end which is pivotally connected to the arm support portion at a relatively low first connection position. A telescopic push arm assembly includes a proximal push arm end which is pivotally connected to the arm support portion at a relatively high second connection position. The distal lift arm end of the telescopic lift arm assembly is pivotally connected to a pivoting portion of the telescopic push arm assembly between the proximal push arm end and the distal push arm end. A clamping assembly is pivotally connected to the distal push arm end. The base assembly further includes a plurality of legs is connected to the arm support portion. A plurality of feet are connected to the legs.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus is used in combination with an engine crane to transport an internal combustion engine for servicing from the engine compartment of a van or similar vehicle. The mounting apparatus is rigidly secured to a free end of the boom of a mobile crane. A face plate is provided with openings for bolting to the engine using spacers to maintain a space relation between the face plate and the engine extending from the face plate towards the engine is a stabilizer arm to maintain a stable attitude of the engine during its movement to and from the engine compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of replacing the wheels of a railroad car while the railroad car is at rest on rail tracks. Most advantageously, the rail car need not be uncoupled from adjacent cars. The method also has the advantage that rail cars are jacked at the coupler thereby making the method applicable to all types of cars including grain and oil cars which cannot be jacked in their midsections. The method comprises the steps of: releasing the wheel to be replaced from the rail car; transverse insertion of a jack between the rails and the underside of the coupler; actuating the jack to lift the rail car supported upon the underside of the coupler; removing the wheel to be replaced; replacing the wheel; actuating the jack to lower the rail car onto the replaced wheel; securing the replaced wheel to the rail car.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer safety stand may be positioned adjacent the front of a loading bay a predetermined distance away from a dock. The stand in one position engages adjacent the kingpin of an unfettered trailer. It has a top and bottom and has located proximate its bottom a base having pivotally attached thereto at least one lifting arm and at least one stabilizing arm. The arms have pivotally attached therewith a support which moves from a first position wherein the support is disposed substantially within the base and the safety stand lays substantially flat in the loading bay to a second position wherein the support is disposed adjacent the kingpin. The arms are engaged with a drive to drive the support from the first position to the second position locating the mechanism adjacent to the kingpin of the tractor trailer. The collapsible safety stand in use prevents nose diving of the trailer when the trailer is being loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided that is especially suited for mounting on a towing vehicle and for lifting a vehicle. The invention comprises an L-shaped member with a boom leg. The L-shaped member pivots on a base frame pivot and an upper pivot. Linkage arms hingeably connect the upper pivot to a camming crank. The camming crank has a forward direction of rotation and a rearward direction of rotation, and an actuator pivot. In the forward direction of rotation, a force means rotates the camming crank about the upper frame pivot, causing the linkage pivot of the camming crank to pull the linkage arms, so that the linkage arms tilt the L-shaped bar and so raise the boom leg. In the rearward direction of rotation, the force means rotates the camming crank in the opposite direction about the linkage pivot, pushing the linkage arms so that the linkage arms tilt the L shaped bar, lowering the boom leg. The force means can be an extending and retracting actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder and piston.

Abstract: A multiple boom lifting arrangement includes a plurality of preferably four carriages, each carriage having a boom with its lower end portion pinned to the carriage. Two of the carriages are placed on a common travel path with the upper end portion of their respective booms being pinned. This provides two spaced apart pairs of carriages and booms for lifting. A horizontal beam extends between the first pair of booms and the second pair of booms being attached to the pinned connection of each pair of booms with a sling. A powered motor-driven winch is used to power a cable that is wound between sheaves on the lower end portions of a pair of booms that are connected together. During use, the winches are simultaneously or nearly simultaneously operated to elevate the first pair of the booms and the second pair of booms at about the same time so that the horizontal beam that spans in between the pinned connections of the first and second pairs of booms is elevated.

Abstract: An exchange power hand tool includes a power section having a motor encased in a housing and two tool sections, respectively serving as a wrench and a jack actuator, alternately and exchangeably engageable with the power section to be driven thereby so as to provide one power hand tool with two functions. The power section has an output pinion mounted on the motor spindle to be engageable by a driving gear chain of the tool sections for transmission of torque from the power section to the tool section for selectively performing wrenching operation or jack actuation.

Abstract: A dolly has a wheeled body (10) with an upwardly-opening recess therein within which is received a rotatable base unit or turret (24) containing the hydraulics for raising and lowering a boom arm (26). The boom arm may be positioned either facing forwardly of the body (10) or laterally of the body. In each case, the boom arm is received within an aperture (30,32,34), the apertures being suitably sized to allow the boom arm to be lowered to a position below the horizontal. The base unit (24) may be lifted out of the recess, and may be used with another body of a different size.

Abstract: A post/stake removing tool with at least two base support angles from the ground for the fulcrum lever to pull on the post/stake near or at the angle the post/stake are inserted. The fulcrum is pivotably attached to the support and the jaw is pivotably attached to the lever arm. The jaw is a diamond shaped aperture for grabbing the post/stake in four places. A fulcrum/lever is also used to remove heavy or stuck manhole covers. A combination hook and jack lifting head apparatus is attached to the lever arm for manual use or for lifting with a jack.

Abstract: A conventional hydraulic engine hoist equipped with a pair of support arms attached to the frame members of the hoist. One of the support arms is fixedly attached to a vertical frame member and the other support arm is attached to a horizontal fame member. The first support arm has a series of pins mounted thereon, and the second support arm has a forked end which cooperates with the pins to prevent the horizontal frame member from moving downward.

Abstract: An electric driving unit is provided with a bracket. A slide plate is mounted on the bracket for sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to an axis of an output shaft of the electric driving unit. A first pivot holder is secured to one of side walls of the slide plate. A second pivot holder is mounted on the other side wall such that the second pivot holder can be adjusted in an advancing and retracting manner with respect to the first pivot holder. The first and second pivot holders are arranged such that they can hold opposite ends of any pivot shaft for various jacks even if the length of the shaft is different. With this arrangement, it is possible to provide an electric power tool for driving a jack which can be used for various types of jacks having pivot shafts of different lengths.

Abstract: An improved frame-type, manually-operated hydraulic car jack consists of a base, a pressure release valve, a socket, a lever, a hydraulic oil cylinder, a piston, a pair of pulling bars, a pair of links, a pair of pushing bars, a load-engaging head and a locking rod. A pair of horizontally aligned holes which have a diameter slightly larger than that of the locking rod are defined in the pushing bars. When the car jack is driven to lift a car supported by the car jack to a desired level, the locking rod is inserted into and extended through the holes on the pushing bars thereby to prevent an unintentional lowering of the car jack and the car.

Abstract: A new and improved attachment device for motor cranes with a securement portion having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. The apertures align with apertures formed in the motor crane for securement thereto. An intermediate portion extends downwardly from the securement portion. An extension portion is integral with the intermediate portion. The extension portion has an aperture formed therethrough. A hook portion is rotatably and pivotally coupled with the aperture formed through the extension portion. A chain securement portion is adapted for coupling with hook portion. The chain securement portion is also adapted for securement to the engine.

Abstract: A light weight, quiet and emergency safe, portable "jaws of life" spreading tool actuated by an electric motor. Full high torque at any position, with selectable spreading or cutting motions under high loads is achieved by the use of a rotary, multiple stage, speed reducing gearbox driven by the motor. The gearbox contains an input stage from the electric motor running on a 12 volt DC power supply, and a compound planetary output stage. The arms or jaws of the device are separately driven by the planetary or spindle gears and, for convenience, are attached to external rings on the gears, by heavy duty pins. The arms or jaws are removable for interchanging between cutting and spreading configurations, or replacement with general purpose arms capable of both cutting and spreading operations.

Abstract: A jack includes two cylinder disposed on a base and actuated respectively for elevating vehicles having either lower or nigher base. A slide is slidably engaged on a larger cylinder and secured to a smaller cylinder so as to be moved upward by the smaller cylinder. Two pairs of levers are pivotally coupled between a support and the slide and a pair of links pivotally couple the levers to the larger cylinder. The support is elevated when the slide is moved upward by the smaller cylinder, and the support is further elevated when the larger cylinder is actuated.

Abstract: A bed having a lifting apparatus for raising and lowering an object, such as a person, onto and off the bed, and a stabilizing leg for stabilizing the bed against transverse tipping forced induced by the operation of the lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus is pivotally attached to the bed by a boss and has a jib for attachment to the object. The jib being able to be moved between stops for the transfer of the object onto the off the bed. Reinforcement is provided to inhibit excessive deflection of the bed so as to maintain an axis of pivot of a mast of the lifting apparatus disposed substantially vertically. Various reinforcing arrangements are proposed for beds of differing purpose and construction. A spigot carrier is provided for mounting the mast onto a boss of the bed and has bearings for acting in relation to axial and radial forces from the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A jack apparatus for lifting an object along a substantially vertical path includes a base structure including a guide structure and an axle, a first member having a first end and a second end and a midsection, and constrained at the first end to slide along the guide structure and adapted at the second end to engage the object, the first member having a certain length, a second member pivotally connected to the midsection of the first member and extending a distance substantially half the certain length to pivotally connect to the axle, a drive mechanism for propelling the first end of the first member along the guide mechanism toward the axle to swing the first member progressively toward a vertical position, thereby lifting the object engaged at the second end of the first member. The drive mechanism is preferably a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A scissor jack includes a base, an oil reservoir, a pumping unit, an oil pressure cylinder, two lift arm units, a connecting rod provided between a lower arm of each lift arm unit and the top of a piston rod of the oil pressure cylinder, a handle provided to operate the pumping unit to send the oil in the reservoir to the oil pressure cylinder to move the two lift arm units up for lifting an object on the jack, two rollers fixed at both ends of a shaft sustained at an intermediate portion of each lower arm to sit on the ground when the lift arm units are lowered down to the lowest position to roll on the ground, and a spring being provided between an upper arm and each lower arm for stabilizing going-down movement of the lift arm units.

Abstract: A portable surface lift for a vehicle and a pair of manually retractable wheels respectively attached to a mid-portion of opposite sides of the lift for rolling the lift over a garage floor surface when the vehicle is not lifted on the lift. The lift has fixed pads for contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle, and a hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the vehicle on the lift. Arms are pivotally attached to opposite sides of the lift with a wheel at the end thereof for manual movement between a wheel-retracted position and a wheel-extended position. The wheels remain in the extended position by an over-center pivoting design. Two towing mechanisms are provided for moving the lift: a towing bar that can be attached to a towing bracket on an end of the lift, or a wheeled towing dolly having a clevis and securing pin for attachment to the towing bracket. The lift has a safety locking mechanism for securing the lift in various raised positions.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a base frame, a mattress frame and linkage for mounting the mattress frame for relative movement with respect to the base frame. A mechanical jack is operatively connected to the base frame and the linkage for moving the mattress frame between high and low positions. A mechanical jack includes an enclosure. A bearing supports a ram within the enclosure for extension and retraction. A drive plate and a hold plate define apertures through which the ram extends. A drive bar is shifted by rotation of an actuator shaft to lock the drive plate to the ram and extend the ram from the housing. The drive spring resiliently biases the drive plate to an unlocked or return position. A hold spring biases the hold plate to a locked position to prevent return movement of the ram into the enclosure. A release bar is shifted into engagement with the hold plate upon reverse rotation of the actuator shaft to release the plate and permit lowering of the ram into the enclosure.

Abstract: A light weight, quiet and emergency safe, portable "jaws of life" spreading tool actuated by an electric motor. Full high torque at any position, with spreading or cutting motions under high loads is achieved by the use of a rotary, multiple stage, speed reducing gearbox driven by the motor. The gearbox contains an input stage from the electric motor running on a 12 volt DC power supply, and a compound planetary output stage. The arms or jaws of the device are separately driven by the planetary or spindle gears and, for convenience, are attached to external rings on the gears, by heavy duty pins.

Abstract: An automotive jack in which an upright leg is provided with a U-shaped cross-section and has a foot connected to an end of that leg. A supporting arm is connected to the leg at a pivot with a horizontal axis, whereby the supporting arm is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The jack is actuated through a thread and nut device which is pivotally connected to the leg and the supporting arm. The U-shaped cross-section of the leg has an open end and two sides connected by a convex base portion in the cross-section of the leg and throughout substantially the length of the leg when viewed from outside the leg.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a lifting device is provided for facilitating installation and removal of a plurality of vehicle parts base and a boom pivotally comprises a castered mounted to the base through a horizontal axis of rotation by a mast. A hydraulic jack mounted to a between the base and the boom effects pivotal movement of the boom between upper and lower positions. A receiver is rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis of rotation to a rear portion of the boom. A tie rod pivotably mounted to and between the mast and the receiver guides the receiver through rotational movement and maintains the same in a horizontal condition as the boom moves between the upper and lower positions. The receiver is adapted to interchangeably mount on a vertical axis of rotation one of a plurality of vehicle part attachments, such as a cradle attachment, a flywheel attachment or a clutch attachment adjustably mounting through vertical and horizontal axes of rotation a starter, a flywheel or a clutch, respectively.

Abstract: An electric hydraulic jack/air pump includes a base on which a hydraulic assembly, an air pump assembly, and a transmission assembly are mounted. The hydraulic jack assembly includes a first cylinder for effecting a lifting function upon reciprocating motion of a first piston. The air pump assembly includes a second cylinder for effecting an air-filling function upon reciprocating motion of a second piston. The transmission assembly includes a motor electrically connectable to a power source, a shaft driven by the motor, a wheel eccentrically mounted on the shaft, and a ring securely mounted around the wheel. The first and second pistons are respectively connected to the ring to effect the lifting and air-filling functions.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device is used to lift a chassis part, such as a gearbox, and includes a mobile base and an upright prop which extends upwardly from the mobile base and which has a top end that is provided with a stationary pivot seat. A connecting bar is used to support the chassis part thereon. A driving crank arm has one end which is hinged to a first hinge point on the pivot seat and the other end hinged to a first hinge point on the connecting bar. A driven crank arm has one end hinged to a second hinge point on the pivot seat and the other end hinged to a second hinge point on the connecting bar. The pivot seat, the driving crank arm, the driven crank arm and the connecting bar cooperatively form a parallel crank four-bar linkage. A hydraulic cylinder has one end pivoted to the upright prop and another end pivoted to the driving crank arm. The hydraulic cylinder is operated so as to pivot the driving crank arm toward or away from the upright prop in order to adjust the height of the connecting bar.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension control system that is especially applicable to an aircargo transport loader which is adapted for storage in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The suspension control system utilizes sensors to monitor the clearance between the vehicle and an underlying or overlying surface such as the ramp leading into a cargo hold or the roof of the cargo hold. The sensors relay information concerning clearance to a central control where the necessary suspension adjustments are made to allow the vehicle to avoid a clearance problem once travel is continued after stopping for the suspension adjustment. The system allows for suspension adjustments to be made either automatically or manually. The invention also includes an under deck support system which allows for limited pitch, yaw, roll and side to side adjustments to be made to the deck with respect to the underlying base frame.

Abstract: A lift device for lifting the front or rear of a snowmobile. The lift is actuated by a pivoted handle bar, controlling a snowmobile chassis-engaging bracket through a parallelogram linkage. A non-hydraulic ram is connected to the parallelogram linkage wherein fluid pressure inside the ram cylinder builds up as the piston rod thereof retracts concurrently with the lowering of the raised snowmobile under the load of the descending snowmobile. A releasable lock about the inner end of the handle bar maintains the ram in loaded condition, until a vehicle is to be lifted. The power assist ram reduces by up to 90% the effort needed to pivot handle bar to lift the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered lift system for raising and lowering lift platforms of relatively large area employs two sets of hydraulic cylinders hydraulically connected in parallel in a closed loop system to a main system pump via a directional control valve. The piston rods of both sets of cylinders are mechanically connected to the lift platform, but the mechanical interconnections between the rods of one set of cylinders and the lift platform differ from those employed between the rods of the other set of cylinders and the lift platform. The differing types of mechanical interconnections establish a mechanical advantage of one set of cylinders which is substantially constant throughout a working stroke while the mechanical advantage of the other set of cylinders is variable over the stroke, the parallel hydraulic connections of the cylinders distributing the fluid supplied by the pump to maintain a common equal pressure at all cylinders.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device for sequentially lifting the respective support frames, axles and wheels of a wheeled irrigation system, in order to pivot the wheels in a transverse or longitudinal orientation with respect to the respective axles for deploying the irrigation system in a field. The hydraulic lifting device includes an upward-standing support frame adapted for attachment to the three-point support system of a tractor, a carriage attached to the support frame in vertically sliding relationship, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the support frame and carriage for raising and lowering the carriage with respect to the support frame, upper and lower lifting member sleeves secured to the carriage and a detachable lifting member carried by the lifting member sleeves for engaging the respective axles and raising and lowering the axles and wheels.

Abstract: Hydraulic apparatus including a hydraulic fluid flow control cartridge for controlling hydraulic fluid flow between a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic fluid pump and between the hydraulic fluid pump and the hydraulic cylinder, and for permitting relief of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the reservoir in the event the hydraulic fluid pressure in the pump exceeds a selected pressure.

Abstract: A freight transportation system is provided and comprises a loading station, an unloading station and a vehicle moveable therebetween to transport freight. The vehicle includes a lower platform for carrying freight and a pair of doors moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the doors constitute side walls to prevent removal of the freight from the vehicle. In the open position, the doors are located to facilitate removal of the freight from the vehicle. The unloading station includes a door moving mechanism for moving the doors of the vehicle to the open position upon its arrival at the station. A freight removal device moves the freight off of one side of the platform when the doors are moved to the open position.

Abstract: A scissor frame lift for pivotally moving a dump body hingedly secured to a truck frame comprising upper and lower frame assemblies having the rearward ends thereof pivotally secured together and which are pivotally moved relative to one another by a hydraulic cylinder operatively interconnecting the upper and lower frame assemblies. The lower frame assembly includes a pair of elongated frame members, the forward ends of which are operatively pivotally or rotatably secured to mounts secured to the frame members of the truck frame. The upper frame assembly includes a pair of frame members, the forward ends of which are operatively connected to mounts secured to the runsills of the truck body. The distance between the rearward ends of the frame members of the lower frame assembly is substantially less than the distance between the frame members of the truck frame and is substantially less than the distance between the forward ends of the frame members of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: An improved scissors-type hoist for dump truck bodies comprises an upper frame and a lower frame pivotally connected at a scissors axis. One end of the upper frame opposite the scissors axis is pivotally attached to the dump body, and one end of the lower frame opposite the scissors axis is pivotally attached to the truck chassis. A force multiplying power hinge assembly comprises an elongated guide link pivotally attached at one end to the lower frame and a lift link pivotally attached at one end to the upper frame, the other ends of the guide link and lift link being pivotally connected together. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at one end of the lower frame and at the other end to the pivotally connected guide and lift links.

Abstract: A camera platform is positioned on the upper end of a lifting mechanism formed by a pair of driving cranks where the outer end of the second crank is connected to the camera platform and the inner end thereof is connected to the inner end of the primary crank. The lower end of the primary crank is pivotally mounted on a mobile chassis which includes a hydraulic system for actuating movement of the primary crank. The inner ends of the primary and secondary cranks are connected by a gear train that provides a two-to-one ratio to multiply the angular movement of the first driving crank to generate movement of the second driving crank in an opposite direction but at twice the angular magnitude of movement. The transmission of angular movement upon actuation of the hydraulic system is accomplished by a double jointed parallelogram system forming the driving cranks and connected to the drive gearing.

Abstract: A lifting device (10) for facilitating installation and removal of a plurality of vehicle parts comprises a castered base (12) and a boom (14) pivotally mounted to the base (12) through a horizontal axis of rotation by a mast (46). A pneumatic jack (70) mounted to a between the base (12) and the boom (14) effects pivotal movement of the boom (14) between upper and lower positions. A receiver (16) is rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis of rotation to a rear portion (104) of the boom (14). A tie rod (122) pivotably mounted to and between the mast (46) and the receiver (16) guides the receiver (16) through rotational movement and maintains the same in a horizontal condition as the boom (14) moves between the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift mechanism for raising and lowering heavy loads such as a camper shell above the cargo area of a truck includes a generally planar U-shaped lower base frame attachable to the truck and a substantially identical plan-view shape upper load support frame for attachment to the camper shell or other load. Two identical X-shaped scissors jack-like, lifting structures comprised of two crossbeam members pivotably joined to one another at their centers, and pivotably joined at their forward ends to vertically aligned positions in an upper and lower side frame member, are spread apart by a hydraulic powered cylinder pivotably fastened at one end to a side rail of the base frame and pivotably fastened at the other end to a crossarm, to raise the load support platform.

Abstract: An article handling/supporting apparatus having a frame, a resolvable base attached to the frame, a turntable assembly mounted to the base, a main boom pivotally connected to the turntable assembly and a main article supporting arm pivotally connected to the main boom. Upon the release of a plurality of locking mechanisms, the turntable assembly is free to rotate while the main boom and the article support arm are free to move up and down. Once an operator has positioned the article handling/supporting apparatus in the desired location, the operator, by the release of a single button, can lock all of the movable components of the apparatus. In addition, fine adjustment of the components can be made from a single location by an operator even after the components have been locked in place.

Abstract: A device for realignment of sidewalk sections displace by settling or tree root lifting, where a hazardous step exists at a joint or crack. A rigid beam is laid longitudinally on the sunken section, with cross beams reaching to the section sides. Hooks are suspended from the ends of the cross beams, and hooked under the edges of the slab. The hooks are shaped for stability, not requiring clamping on, or boring into, the slab. A jack lifts one end of the main beam, raising the hooks, and lifting one end of the slab, with evenly distributed force to avoid cracking the concrete. Fill-dirt is thrown under the raised section to restore vertical alignment. The device is operable by one person. It pivots the slab in a vertical plane, guiding accurate return to position.

Abstract: A lift mechanism is provided for lifting vehicle wheels in horizontal orientation through use of a fluid actuator driven parallelogram linkage. The fluid actuator includes an adjustabale stop for setting the extent of the wheel lift travel below a fixed amount set by a stop carried between the linkage and the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling or extracting ts brush, plants and the like. The apparatus has a frame for attachment to the standard three-point hitch mechanism of a tractor and a puller assembly pivotally attached at an elevated end to the frame. The apparatus and method uses the leverage principle to extract plants while the tractor is driven forward. The apparatus has a back member, a foot portion including toe and heel sections, a movable jaw, a sharpened engagement plate, plant guide tangs, and meshing fingers. The apparatus and method imparts both vertical and horizontal forces to the plant during the extraction process.

Abstract: A scissor frame lift for pivotally moving a dump body hingedly secured to a truck frame comprising upper and lower frame assemblies having the rearward ends thereof pivotally secured together and which are pivotally moved relative to one another by a hydraulic cylinder operatively interconnecting the upper and lower frame assemblies. The lower frame assembly includes a pair of elongated frame members, the forward ends of which are operatively pivotally or rotatably secured to mounts secured to the frame members of the truck frame. The upper frame assembly includes a pair of frame members, the forward ends of which are operatively connected to mounts secured to the runsills of the truck body. The distance between the rearward ends of the frame members of the lower frame assembly is substantially less than the distance between the frame members of the truck frame and is substantially less than the distance between the forward ends of the frame members of the lower frame assembly.