Plural Elements Patents (Class 254/286)
-
Patent number: 11332347Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the length of a support sling includes a set of pulleys and may be useful, for example, to allow a moving device to keep an object level when being transported.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Richardson Capax, LLCInventor: Christopher L. Richardson
-
Patent number: 11009022Abstract: A method of balancing a beam pumping unit can include securing counterweights to crank arms, thereby counterbalancing a torque applied at a crankshaft at a maximum torque factor position due to a polished rod load and any structural unbalance. A well system can include a beam pumping unit including a gear reducer having a crankshaft, crank arms connected to the crankshaft, a beam connected at one end to the crank arm and at an opposite end to a rod string polished rod, and counterweights secured to the crank arms, and in which a torque applied at the crankshaft at a maximum torque factor position due to weights of the crank arms, the counterweights and wrist pins equals a torque applied at the crankshaft at the maximum torque factor position due to a load applied to the beam via the polished rod and any structural unbalance.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Clark E. Robison, Alexander D. King, Bryan A. Paulet, Behrouz Ebrahimi, Milo B. Woodward, Jeremy M. Gomes
-
Patent number: 10919740Abstract: An adjustable length winch apparatus is disclosed. The adjustable length winch apparatus comprises a first motor, a first drum, a second drum, and a shaft. The first motor is configured to rotate the first drum and the shaft on an axis. The second drum is adapted to be rotated by the shaft on the axis. The shaft and the second drum are configured to adjust the distance between the first and second drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R Hall, Jerome Miles
-
Patent number: 10737915Abstract: A lifting apparatus for raising and lowering objects has two frame assemblies positioned one above the other, so as to be mutually parallel, with respect to a vertical direction, the lower frame assembly suspended on the upper frame assembly using lifting traction means, such that the lower frame assembly can be drawn up towards the upper frame assembly by winding the lifting traction means, and the lower frame assembly can be lowered relative to the upper frame assembly by unwinding the lifting traction means. The lifting apparatus has oblique traction means extending between the frame assemblies that can be wound and unwound using a tensioning device, two of which mutually intersect such that the lower frame assembly is stabilized, relative to the upper frame assembly, in at least one deflection direction transverse to the vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Mohr Lizenz Verwaltungs GmbHInventor: Christoph Mohr
-
Patent number: 10441375Abstract: A medical instrument according to the present invention includes an end effector that fulfills a predetermined function, a motor unit that generates power for driving the end effector, a transmission member that is connected to the end effector and the motor unit so as to transmit the power to the end effector, a tension holding portion that has a tension generation portion and a tension pulley which is connected to the tension generation portion and which comes into contact with the transmission member the tension pulley being configured to move such that tension applied to the transmission member in a predetermined magnitude, and a switch that can fix a position of the tension pulley.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Mitsuaki Hasegawa, Toshihiro Yoshii
-
Patent number: 10328572Abstract: A device is provided that includes a plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a plurality of actuators to actuate the plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a controller to cause at least one of the plurality of actuators to adjust positions of at least one of the plurality of hardware segments to correspond to a particular arrangement, to determine physical parameters of the device responsive to the adjustment of the positions, and to generate an identification code for the device based on the physical parameters. The physical parameters may include one or more of electrical parameters of the plurality of actuators or mechanical parameters of the plurality of actuators.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Garratt Gallagher
-
Patent number: 9908750Abstract: Hoist systems are provided. In one embodiment, a hoist system includes a lower platform, an upper platform, a plurality of flexible members, and a plurality of hoists. The upper platform has a plurality of rotatable support arms. The flexible members connect the rotatable support arms to the lower platform and can be extended and retracted using the plurality of hoists. If desired, the upper platform includes a plurality adjustable length support arms, and actuators may be used to extend and retract the support arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: PAR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Albert J. Sturm, Jr., Michael Hennessey, Mark Guterman
-
Patent number: 9909713Abstract: A garage lift system which aids in lifting and storing various objects such as ATV's within an enclosed area. The garage lift system generally includes a frame adapted to be secured between a floor and a ceiling utilizing upper mounts and lower footings. The frame includes a guide rail extending horizontally between two or more vertical supports. A drive assembly is provided which includes a motor driving a pair of reels. The reels are wound with cables, with a first cable extending downwardly to connect to a first end of a lift member and a second cable extending along the guide rail and through a pulley wheel prior to extending downwardly to connect to a second end of the lift member. Various objects such as vehicles may be positioned on the lift member and the drive assembly utilized to raise or lower the lift member.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Brock Lift, LLCInventor: Scott R. Brockie
-
Patent number: 9676097Abstract: A device is provided that includes a plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a plurality of actuators to actuate the plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a controller to cause at least one of the plurality of actuators to adjust positions of at least one of the plurality of hardware segments to correspond to a particular arrangement, to determine physical parameters of the device responsive to the adjustment of the positions, and to generate an identification code for the device based on the physical parameters. The physical parameters may include one or more of electrical parameters of the plurality of actuators or mechanical parameters of the plurality of actuators.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Garratt Gallagher
-
Patent number: 9527707Abstract: A lawn mower lift is provided for lifting one end of a lawn mower to enable a person to gain access to the underside of the lawn mower to perform maintenance or repair tasks on the lawn mower. The lawn mower lift includes first and second upstanding post members having a support rail extending between the upper ends of the post members. A horizontally disposed wheel is vertically slidably mounted on each of the post members for supporting a pair of wheels of the lawn mower thereon. A winch is mounted on the support rail and has a pair of winch cables secured to the wheel supports. The winch, when operated in a first direction, raises one end of the lawn mower. The winch, when operated in a second direction, lowers the lawn mower.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Inventor: Thomas T. Fehringer
-
Patent number: 9371182Abstract: An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: GLP systems GmbHInventors: Robert Hecht, Andre von Froreich
-
Patent number: 8955648Abstract: A dumbwaiter is provided. The dumbwaiter includes an elevator mechanically coupled to a left glide and a right glide. The left glide is immediately adjacent to and located between a pair of left guides, and the right glide is immediately adjacent to and located between a pair of right guides. A strap is used for raising and lowering the elevator. As the glides are bound between respective pairs of guides, the elevator is protected from vibration. Thus, the dumbwaiter of the present invention may be suitable for being used in a mobile setting, such as a motor home in transit, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: Ronald Kenneth Weller
-
Patent number: 8910922Abstract: A portable crane for installing and removing windows. The portable crane for installing and removing windows includes a wheeled base with a platform having front and rear ends; a boom support assembly removably fastened to the wheeled base; and a boom assembly supported by the boom support assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventor: Roger D. Erickson
-
Patent number: 8851238Abstract: Apparatus for raising and lowering objects. In accordance with some embodiments, a winch motor is adapted to rotate a winch member in opposing first and second directions to wrap/unwrap a portion of a cable on/from the winch member to raise and lower a lifting platform assembly, respectively. A tension detection switch assembly includes an on/off switch connected to the winch motor and a biasing member which exerts a bias force upon the winch member to nominally deflect the winch member to a first position which sets the switch to deactivate the winch motor in an absence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly. A presence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly deflects the winch member to a second position which sets the switch to facilitate activation of the winch motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
-
Publication number: 20140124718Abstract: A method is provided for compensating measuring errors for handling equipment with a drive carrier that includes a carrier part and driven drums for moving the steel cables arranged thereon and including a handling receptacle in which the handling receptacle is suitable for picking up loads and is connected to the carrier part by deflection pulleys via the support cables a id a controllable lever mechanism that is at least connected to at least two support cables and with at least two force sensors that capture the forces of at least two support cables and a monitoring device that monitors the forces of the at least two force sensors. An adjustment angle of the controllable lever mechanism is captured by sensors and a correction of the cable forces based on the captured adjustment angle is carried in the monitoring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: TECSIS GMBHInventors: Hartmut Fürniss, Drazen Rot
-
Patent number: 8616527Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist using a friction wheel to maximize horizontal movement of a load to be lifted while preventing a wire from deviating from a winding orbit while being wound on a wire drum, the friction wheel having a simplified configuration and being designed to stably support horizontal and vertical movable guide rollers. The hoist includes a single friction wheel on which a wire at a winding side is wound, a wire drum on which the wire at a drawing side is wound, a driven friction wheel through which the wire is guided from the friction wheel to the wire drum, vertical and horizontal stationary guide rollers and vertical and horizontal movable rollers for guidance of the wire, a movable roller mount to horizontally reciprocate the horizontal and vertical movable guide rollers, and upper and lower sheaves to guide the wire to the friction wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: KG Inc.Inventor: Duck-Rae Cho
-
Patent number: 8613428Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include: a funnel-shaped drum having a constant diameter portion and a gradually increasing diameter portion; a cable management system adapted to position a cable in a single layer in a tray; a beam clamp tube receiver adapted to allow a tube to slide relative to a beam and be secured to the beam; a cable keeper and a slack line detector adapted to maintain cables in position about a drum upon loss of cable tension; a horizontally oriented low profile cable adjuster adapted to adjust the length of a cable; an overspeed braking mechanism; a fleet pivot arm pivotable on the end of a tube so as to guide cables along a desired fleet angle; and/or a pull-type load sensor connected between a tube and a drum adapted to sense changes in a load force and adjust movement of a load.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
-
Patent number: 8511645Abstract: An anti-kinking transmission and guiding system is described, comprising at least one first and second cable running mutually parallel along an axis (X-X) and subtended between a respective winding and unwinding system and at least one output guiding and transmission assembly of such cables, at least one anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables being interposed between the winding and unwinding system and the output guiding and transmission assembly, such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly of such cables and such output guiding and transmission assembly being rotating around such rotation axis (X-X), a rotation of such anti-kinking guiding and transmission assembly around such rotation axis (X-X) being adapted to perform a winding shaped as an helical cylinder of such cables along such rotation axis (X-X) without contact or rubbing points between such cables.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: CE.S.I. Centro Studi Industriali di Taddei Simona Maria & C. S.A.S.Inventor: Franco Taddei
-
Publication number: 20130186013Abstract: In certain embodiments, a tower lifting system comprises a primary lifting system and a secondary lifting system. The primary lifting system includes a lift cap configured to support a tower section to be lifted, the lift cap having a first plurality of hoists, and a lift pole coupled to the lift cap, the lift pole having a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section to be lifted from within a previously lifted tower section. The secondary lifting system comprises a second plurality of hoists configured to raise the tower section to be lifted to the lift cap from a tower foundation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
-
Publication number: 20130121801Abstract: A system for positioning a trailer mounted coiled tubing tensioner either in a first stowed position on the deck of a transport trailer or in a second position resting on an elevated rig floor of a drilling rig is described. The system for selectably elevating a coiled tubing tensioner from its first stowed position to its second position on the rig floor of a drilling rig includes the cooperative operation of the coiled tubing tensioner and its frame, multiple pivotable swing arms attached to the trailer at one end and the tensioner frame at the other end, an elevatable mast, a crown block, a drawworks winch, a top drive, a pair of tensioner lifting winches and multiple lifting lines deployed from the mast and reeved through sheaves mounted on the tensioner frame and the top drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: RRI Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Tommie C. Gipson
-
Publication number: 20130001488Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
-
Patent number: 8322692Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
-
Patent number: 8317159Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include: a funnel-shaped drum having a constant diameter portion and a gradually increasing diameter portion; a cable management system adapted to position a cable in a single layer in a tray; a beam clamp tube receiver adapted to allow a tube to slide relative to a beam and be secured to the beam; a cable keeper and a slack line detector adapted to maintain cables in position about a drum upon loss of cable tension; a horizontally oriented low profile cable adjuster adapted to adjust the length of a cable; an overspeed braking mechanism; a fleet pivot arm pivotable on the end of a tube so as to guide cables along a desired fleet angle; and/or a pull-type load sensor connected between a tube and a drum adapted to sense changes in a load force and adjust movement of a load.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
-
Patent number: 8209799Abstract: A gap protection device for an examining table includes a guide rail, a protecting chain and a rigid rope. The guide rail is fixed onto the non-moving part of the examining table. One end of the protecting chain is fixed onto the body of the examining table and is movable along the guide rail so as to cover the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table. The two ends of the rigid rope are respectively connected to the two ends of the protecting chain. When the examining table is moved, the closed loop formed by the protecting chain and the rigid rope circulates synchronously under the drive of the examining table, such that the protecting chain covers the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hong Shang, Ning Tao Yang, Xiang Zhang, Ping Zhu
-
Patent number: 8136794Abstract: A winch with adjustable arms allowing the length to be adjusted. The winch can have a very thin drum to allow it to fit in confined spaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Vizio Inc.Inventor: James Kempf
-
Publication number: 20120061544Abstract: The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: INSPIRE INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: James C. Boda, Robert T. Schofield
-
Patent number: 8056883Abstract: A manual storage lift system for efficiently hoisting articles to a raised position for providing temporary or permanent storage for the articles. The manual storage lift system generally includes a drive unit including a mounting plate mounted on a vertical surface, a shaft rotatably connected to the mounting plate, a spool coaxially positioned along the shaft, wherein the spool rotates independently of the shaft, at least one elongated member wound upon the spool, a hand crank connected to the shaft for winding or unwinding the at least one elongated member upon the spool and a brake assembly mounted to the drive unit, wherein the brake assembly includes a torsion spring. A first force applied with the hand crank in a rotational direction upon the torsion spring lessens a tension of the torsion spring allowing the torsion spring and the spool to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Scott Brockie
-
Patent number: 8033528Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include a substantially rectangular tube, a motor operably connected to first and second traction drives and a rotatable drum and structurally connected to one end of the tube, a head block fixed to the opposite end of the tube, and a plurality of loft blocks positionable at an infinite number of locations within the tube. An elongate member attached on one end to the drum can be routed through a generally horizontal path from the drum to the first and second traction drives, the head block, and the loft blocks, and then through a generally vertical path from the loft block to an attached article. The elongate member can be wound about the drum to raise the article, and unwound from the drum to lower the article. The system can further include a load-side braking mechanism. The tube can include a compressible material adapted to absorb at least a portion of a horizontal load placed on the lift system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
-
Patent number: 8006956Abstract: A building structure for covering a large object with a cover comprising: multiple frames, each frame being part of a building structure); at least one motor suspended from at least one of said plurality of frames and connected to one or more spools; and an arm lifting structure suspended from the frame and comprising: at least two arms; a plurality of lifting connectors, each attached on one end to an arm on a first end and attached to one of the spools on a second end; and at least one fastening roller member mounted to each arm for temporarily securing the cover to the arms. Alternate embodiments of the building structure include laterally and/or longitudinally translating motors and/or guides for ensuring that the arms are raised and lowered straight up and down.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventor: Fred V. Payne
-
Patent number: 7975987Abstract: A lifting reel with a four-line wire structure includes a fixed body fixed to a ceiling of a structure, first and second drums installed to the body at a predetermined interval and rotated by a driving motor, wires respectively connected to the first and second drums, and first, second, third and fourth guide rollers arranged on a top of a lifting body at regular intervals and suspended on the wires to form a four-line wire. A wire-twisting prevention device is installed between an end of the wire connected to the first drum and an end of the wire connected to the second drum so as to connect both wires with each other. The wire-twisting prevention device includes bearings installed to the ends of the wires to be rotatable, respectively. The bearings prevent the wires from being twisted while the wires are wound around or unwound from the drums.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Jeong-Hun Shin
-
Patent number: 7963505Abstract: In one embodiment, a self-elevating platform lift for moving objects between a first level and a vertically-elevated second level is provided. The platform lift comprises: (A) a platform for supporting the objects; (B) a plurality of lift lines for connection at the second level and for moving the platform; and (C) a motor connected to move with the platform and wherein the motor operably is connected to the lift lines for moving the platform between the first and second levels while being supported by the lift lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventors: James E. Taylor, Tommy W. Taylor
-
Publication number: 20110127477Abstract: A hoist system includes a drive system and a shaft in rotatable connection with the drive system. The hoist system also includes a flexible first hoist member operatively connected to the shaft at a first longitudinal position thereon so that it can be wound around the shaft or unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. The first hoist member extends from the shaft in a first direction. The hoist system also includes at least a second flexible hoist member operatively connected to the shaft at the first longitudinal position so that it can be wound around the shaft or unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. The second hoist member extends from the shaft in a second direction, different from the first direction, so that the first hoist member and the second hoist member are wound around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft in a first or forward direction and are unwound from around the shaft upon rotation of the shaft in a second or reverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: MATTHEW PAUL KOKOLIS
-
Patent number: 7909307Abstract: A winch with adjustable arms allowing the length to be adjusted. The winch can have a very thin drum to allow it to fit in confined spaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLCInventor: James Kempf
-
Publication number: 20110042634Abstract: A rigging system for raising and lowering a load includes at least one tether suspended between first and second spaced apart connection points. A hoist apparatus is selectively movable along the at least one tether and is coupled to the load so that movement of the hoist apparatus causes the raising and lowering of the load. The hoist apparatus can include drive pulleys and guide pulleys. A connection apparatus for connecting a tether to a fixed surface includes a base plate, a spring mechanism, at least at least one end plate, and a bushing member coupling the second end of the spring mechanism to the end plate. Tension on the tether causes the spring mechanism to compress and reduce distance between the end and base plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Richard William Boychuk
-
Patent number: 7882936Abstract: A sheave support apparatus for an elevator includes a car frame and a sheave support member. The car frame supports a car, and has a beam extending in a horizontal direction. The sheave support member rotatably supports a pair of sheaves around which cables pass, and is attached to the beam to extend in the horizontal direction in a state of crossing the beam of the car frame. The sheave support member includes a first support beam and a second support beam. The first and the second support beams are fixed to the beam of the car frame in a state of holding the beam therebetween from above and below. The sheaves are supported between respective end portions of the first support beam and respective end portions of the second support beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yosuke Murao, Kazuhiro Izumi, Tsutomu Mishiro
-
Patent number: 7874544Abstract: A lifting device comprises at least two multi-stage masts and a cable mechanism. Each multi-stage mast comprises a first length and a second length that is longer than the first length. Each multi-stage mast further comprises a plurality of stages, such that at least one stage of a mast is vertically movable with respect to at least one other stage. The cable mechanism comprises a spool and at least one cable that is coupled to the spool and arranged with respect to the multi-stage masts so that when each cable is wound onto the spool, each mast simultaneously and in unison changes length in a direction from the first length to the second length, and when each cable is unwound off the spool, each mast changes length simultaneously and in unison in a direction from the second length to the first length.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Dana Monroe
-
Patent number: 7866632Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
-
Publication number: 20110001101Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
-
Publication number: 20100308290Abstract: An integrated hoisting system includes a base structural component (BSC) assembled on a structural aperture and containing an opening compatible with a structural aperture. The integrated hoisting system further includes a plurality of primary hoisting components affixed to the BSC, wherein each primary hoisting component is disposed in an opposite diagonal corner on said BSC, and further includes a winch drum and at least one lead sheave and a plurality of load path assemblies, each containing a plurality of sheaves. The system further includes a plurality of hoisting lines, a plurality of termination components affixed to said BSC, each termination component including a monitoring unit and a load cell assembly for terminating the hoisting line, and a device configured to control the operation of the integrated hoisting system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Martin H. McGuffin
-
Patent number: 7775506Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include a substantially rectangular tube, a motor operably connected to first and second traction drives and a rotatable drum and structurally connected to one end of the tube, a head block fixed to the opposite end of the tube, and a plurality of loft blocks positionable at an infinite number of locations within the tube. An elongate member attached on one end to the drum can be routed through a generally horizontal path from the drum to the first and second traction drives, the head block, and the loft blocks, and then through a generally vertical path from the loft block to an attached article. The elongate member can be wound about the drum to raise the article, and unwound from the drum to lower the article. The system can further include a load-side braking mechanism. The tube can include a compressible material adapted to absorb at least a portion of a horizontal load placed on the lift system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
-
Patent number: 7703750Abstract: A storage apparatus is disclosed. The storage apparatus comprises a mounting mechanism, a hoist system and a storage member. The hoist system, which is attached to the mounting mechanism, comprises at least one pulley. A hoist wire is disposed within each of the at least one pulleys. A hoist wire mount receives a first end of each of the hoist wires and also includes a power source. Finally, the storage member is affixed to a second end of each of the hoist wires.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: The Design Society, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krengel, Joseph Hudson, Paul Hatch, Troy Livingston
-
Publication number: 20100051888Abstract: In one embodiment, a self-elevating platform lift for moving objects between a first level and a vertically-elevated second level is provided. The platform lift comprises: (A) a platform for supporting the objects; (B) a plurality of lift lines for connection at the second level and for moving the platform; and (C) a motor connected to move with the platform and wherein the motor operably is connected to the lift lines for moving the platform between the first and second levels while being supported by the lift lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: James E. Taylor, Tommy W. Taylor
-
Publication number: 20090320206Abstract: A lifting column comprising two or more telescopically arranged column elements, where each column element comprises at least two column sub-elements arranged symmetrically on either side of a first vertical plane, one set of sub-column elements closer to the plane than the other set of sub-elements, where the outer sub-elements are slidingly connected to adjacent inner sub-elements by means of guiding sledges, and further where each column sub-element comprises at least two pulley wheels, one up-per and one lower, and further where one first continuous flexible member runs from an upper pulley wheel of a first sub-element to a lower pulley wheel on an adjacent sub-element, so that the first flexible member runs on the upper or lower pulley wheels of the innermost sub-elements on either side of the vertical plane, and that the flexible member is shortened or lengthened by rolling at least one end of the flexible member around a drive wheel on a rotatable axle of an actuating motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Dick Daniel Dyreby, Mogens Soele Eriksen
-
Publication number: 20090315006Abstract: A winch with adjustable arms allowing the length to be adjusted. The winch can have a very thin drum to allow it to fit in confined spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP L.L.CInventor: James Kempf
-
Patent number: 7621506Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
-
Patent number: 7527242Abstract: A storage facility has a frame having a pair of first and second opposed parallel spaced apart elongated frame elements. The frame members each include means for attaching the frame to a horizontal ceiling. A cable support element is positioned at each end of each frame member. An elongated rotatable shaft has a first end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member, and a second end connected to an intermediate location on the first frame member. A drive mechanism is connected to the shaft to control the rotational position of the shaft. A number of cable portions each have a first end secured to a respective end portion of the shaft. Each cable portion has an intermediate portion received by a respective cable support member, and a free end extending downwardly from the support member. A platform is connected to and supported by the free ends of the cables, and operates to elevate or lower in response to rotation of the shaft by the drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Kevin B. Shaha
-
Patent number: 7416169Abstract: The invention proposes a hoisting-cable drive for a mobile crane, which hoisting-cable drive uses a single bottom-hook block (15) instead of a known double bottom-hook block. However, to prevent this single bottom-hook block (15) from tilting in the two cable lines (9, 10), for example due to possible variations in the elongation of the two cable drives, the hoisting-cable drive according to the invention comprises a kinematic force equilibrium device (17, 21), which can equalize such differences. To this effect, another embodiment of the hoisting-cable drive according to the invention uses a hoisting-cable load pickup (21) within each cable line arrangement so that the rotary speed of the winches (7, 8) can be varied, taking into account any load differences in the individual hoisting-cable lines (9, 10). Furthermore, the invention also proposes that the rotary speed of the winches (7, 8) be adjusted, taking into account the geometric winch states and crane states.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Terex Demag GmbHInventors: Ingo Noeske, Alfons Weckbecker, Axel Beckmann
-
Patent number: 7165759Abstract: The line system on a drilling rig is arranged to place the dead line clamp at the upper end of the derrick. A dead line anchor sheave is preferably located to accept wraps of the dead line to insure reduced load on the dead line clamp. The anchor sheave is preferably lockable to prevent rotation and releasable to rotate the anchor sheave for line feeding from a reserve line reel for maintenance operation. A load sensor is optionally provided to sense dead line load for sensing associated hook loads on the traveling block. An motor is provided, as an option, to rotate the anchor sheave for line feeding maintenance operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventor: Walter Thomas Welsh
-
Patent number: 6926259Abstract: The invention is a hoist system for use on a drilling rig made of a tubular mast with a front, back, and top side, a splittable block connected to the mast top side, a trolley with a trolley top and bottom side, wherein the trolley's top side is connected to the splittable block and wherein the trolley is removably secured on the mast's front side, a gripper connected to the trolley bottom side for gripping a load, a hoist cable passing through the splittable block and connected on one end to a hoist cable winch, and a hoist cable winch adapted to pull the hoist cable over the mast top side and through the splittable block to move the trolley relative to the tubular mast and lift the load.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Itrec B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Adriaan Jan Rodenburg
-
Patent number: 6840326Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Fastorq LLCInventor: Al Joseph Shiyou