Multiple Lifters (e.g., Vehicle Lifts) Patents (Class 254/89R)
  • Patent number: 6142447
    Abstract: The translation block with disengaging nut (15) comprises a translation body (4) which serves as a housing for the nut (15) and which slides along the guide element (7) surrounding the screw. The interior unit comprises the nut (15) formed of two mechanically identical pieces (29, 30) which are attached to the screw (13) and separated by an elastic restraint, and an immobilizing-release device (18) cooperating with blocking grooves (42) on the nut, comprised of two flanges (20, 21) each pivoting on an axle parallel to the screw, elastically joined to the nut and released through the action of a pneumatic force. This invention is of interest to manufacturers of storage devices, for example, screw-mounted lifting mechanisms for vehicle transport trailers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lohr Industries
    Inventors: Andre Jean-Luc, Brion Serge
  • Patent number: 6073915
    Abstract: A motorcycle jack including a support assembly (SA) for engagement with a first part (S) of a motorcycle and a lifting assembly (LA) for engagement with a second part (S) of the motorcycle, the first and second parts being on opposite sides of the motorcycle. The lifting assembly (LA) is adjustable between an initial position in which both motorcycle wheels (W) are in contact with the ground and a lifted position in which one motorcycle wheel is raised above the ground (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Roger Taylor, Michael Coward
  • Patent number: 6050573
    Abstract: An automatic leveling system for a vehicle includes four leveling jacks coupled to a vehicle and extendible into contact with the ground to stabilize the vehicle. A level sensor calculates the location of a plane defined by the chassis of the vehicle, and downloads the information regarding the location of the plane to an onboard computer. The computer calculates the difference between the present location of the chassis plane and a plane which is level. The computer determines which of the leveling jacks need to be extended, and the proportion of extension required by each jack to activate the jacks in unison to level the vehicle. The computer further determines the proportions of flow that are needed to actuate the jacks in unison. To achieve the desired proportional flow, solenoid valves in a manifold coupling the jacks to a source of fluid are operated at varying frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kwikee Products Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 6027100
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting modular furniture including panels to allow access to a floor for reflooring or the like, and suitable for supporting a panel end while providing a clear space under said panel end. The apparatus has a bridge member capable of spanning a distance of several feet and end supports engageable with outer end portions of the bridge member for supporting it clear of the floor. A carrier slidably mounted on the bridge member between its end portions has a support which is connectable to a lifting jig engaged with the panel end. A tensioning or jacking device is provided for applying force to the support so that the panel end may be supported while allowing access to a floor area between said end supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Jean-Guy Dube, Kamal Roy Nandram
  • Patent number: 5727656
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a small vehicle lift having two vertical columns securely mounted to the floor. A first vertical column includes a motor for operating a set of pulleys housed within both first and second vertical columns. The pulleys and cables manipulate a first and second mounting bracket housed within interior tracks of the first and second vertical columns. The mounting brackets are manipulated in a vertical direction within the interior tracks. Linear arms are pivotally secured to the mounting brackets. The linear arms comprise a first member housing a telescoping second member therein. The configuration of the first and second members are such as to accommodate the weight of a wheeled vehicle thereon. On a distal end, opposite from the mounting bracket, is mounted a trough. The trough is pivotally connected to the second member and is of sufficient width to accommodate the tire width of a wheeled vehicle. The trough includes raised borders defining the side wall perimeter of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Jennaro A. Gaudioso, Gene L. Michaels
  • Patent number: 5680731
    Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating level placement of a portable building on a support surface includes a foundation leg movable relative to the building and adjustable from inside the building. The length of the foundation leg which extends below the building to the support surface is determined by selectively engaging a bracket in slots in the foundation leg. An adjusting plate is coupled to the bracket and a threaded member is coupled with the adjusting plate. When the bracket engages a slot, the threaded member may be manually adjusted to raise and lower the foundation leg. A portable building adapted for level placement on a support surface may include a plurality of foundation legs and a corresponding number of locking devices for raising and lowering the foundation legs relative to the floor of the building. Each locking device includes a bracket, an adjusting plate and a manually operable member coupled with the adjusting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: PTMW, Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman B. Guy
  • Patent number: 5678253
    Abstract: An adjustable flooring structure for a pool includes a platform and three groups of hydraulic cylinders. The first group of cylinders is vertically mounted to the platform and is extendable between a minimum first length and a maximum first length for lifting the pool from a minimum height to an intermediate height. The second group of cylinders is pivotally mounted to the platform and movable between a horizontal disposition and a vertical disposition for lifting of the platform. The second group of cylinders is extendable between a minimum second length and a maximum second length for lifting the platform from the intermediate height to the maximum height when the second group of cylinders are vertically disposed. The third group of cylinders are pivotally mounted to the platform and are pivotally mounted to the second group of cylinders for moving the second group of cylinders between the horizontal disposition and the vertical disposition when the platform is at the intermediate height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: William H. Baker
  • Patent number: 5671567
    Abstract: An improved facility for supporting the main landing gear assembly and the nose wheel assembly of a commercial jetliner is quickly adjustable so as to be able to accommodate different aircraft models. The facility includes a nose wheel lift platform system that includes an elongated pit, a support platform that is supported in the pit and is adapted to support an aircraft's nose wheel assembly, and a number of spacer blocks for covering portions of the elongated pit that are not covered by the support platform. The support platform is mounted on a trolley which is equipped to move the support platform up or down as well as lengthwise along the pit. The spacer blocks are slidable along the upper opening of the pit. By moving the trolley beneath a spacer block and engaging the spacer block with the support platform, an operator can move the spacer blocks with the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril J. Silberman, David E. Carlson, Michael P. Crelly, Gary M. Hassebroek, Mark A. McCorkell, C. Andrew Cheng, Richard H. Eide
  • Patent number: 5588506
    Abstract: An aircraft maintenance elevation system comprising a plurality of elevator platforms and a plurality of electro-mechanical drive assemblies which are coupled to and operable to selectively raise and lower respective ones of the elevator platforms. The elevation system further includes a control device which is electrically connected to the drive assemblies and is operational in a first mode wherein the elevator platforms may be raised and lowered independently of each other and a second mode wherein the elevator platforms may be simultaneously raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Ray W. Born
  • Patent number: 5536132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: J.B. Hunt Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Knott
  • Patent number: 5518220
    Abstract: A lifting device for a load, such as a vehicle, includes a substantially vertical column forming a frame and a lifting device movable along the column under the action of a rotation control of a threaded ball driven by a driving unit, a reversible-type nut, such as a ball nut, for moving along the threaded rod, and a friction unit capable of creating, during a control of a down movement of the lifting device, a resistance torque of a modulus at least equal to a torque generated by the load resting on the lifting device. The lifting device also including a device capable of overcoming the friction unit during a control of an up movement of the lifting device and a load-dividing unit for transmitting, at a level of the friction unit, only a proportional part of the load lifted by the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: SEFAC Equipement (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Frelet Bertrand, Montcel Michel, Wafflard Serge
  • Patent number: 5425530
    Abstract: An apparatus which simultaneously lifting either the front or the rear wheels of a vehicle, including a pair of screw-type jacks, a drive assembly including an input shaft mechanically coupled to a pair of output shafts, each of the output shafts being connected to a respective one of the jacks, whereupon rotation of the input shaft will produce a simultaneous rotation of the output shafts with an accompanying simultaneous actuation of the jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Paul A. Daurte
  • Patent number: 5362196
    Abstract: Lift forks for use in lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdoor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes. The lift forks are attachable to tool bars. The lift forks are movable along the tool bars and are also movable transversely of the tool bars so that the lift forks can engage the wheels of a vehicle to be lifted even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the lift forks cause the vehicle to be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: TRLI, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Beattie, Jimmie D. Sinden
  • Patent number: 5354034
    Abstract: A foldable jack system for lifting a car during the changing of a tire comprising a lower support bar formed of separable halves, each half having an intermediate end with hinge attachments formed of spaced holes mutually alignable to receive a bolt for coupling the halves, each half having a support block at its exterior end with a vertical recess at its upper end and a support plate at its lower end; an upper support bar formed of separable halves, each half having an interior end with a hinge attachment formed of spaced holes mutually alignable to receive a bolt for coupling the halves, each half having a jack block at its exterior end with a vertical aperture extending therethrough; a hook extension secured to each half of the upper support bar; a pair of rigid bars, each rigid bar having a lower end received in the recess of its associated support block and a series of teeth facing in a common direction; activating mechanisms including a jack crank for each jack block for raising and lowering the jack bl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis Simko
  • Patent number: 5322265
    Abstract: An elongate tower lifting apparatus including clamps for frictionally clamping to each leg of a tower, jacks for operably engaging and lifting the clamps and a jack control system for controlling the lifting and lowering of the tower. The clamps are connected by cross braces and include structure to snugly and nestingly engage a tower leg. A method is described using the lifting apparatus to lift a tower subsequent to loosening a nut restraining each tower leg to allow placement of a cushioning pad between a foot of each tower leg and a supporting concrete platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Communication Equipment Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin L. Keuck
  • Patent number: 5297908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Knott
  • Patent number: 5207296
    Abstract: A safety lock system for use in lift apparatus to prevent tool bar members from lowering from an elevated position. The system includes vertical racks secured to tool bars, locking members, and lock release devices for simultaneously releasing the locking members from the locked position to a released position. The lock members can be released from one location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: TRLI, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Beattie, Jimmie D. Sinden
  • Patent number: 5193784
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus (30) configured with independent lifting means at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis of a base (40) is provided. Slidable transverse support combined with an ability of the lifting means to tilt longitudinally causes the apparatus to be particularly suitable for lifting two wheeled vehicles such as a motorcycle (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Donald J. Obernberger
  • Patent number: 5190122
    Abstract: A safety interlock system is provided for enabling ascend or descend interrupt of an automotive lift platform. A interface of negative rake sinusoidal shaped surfaces is employed together with an assembly for selectably placing such surfaces against each other during descent interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Andvantage Lift Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Fletcher, James Myers
  • Patent number: 5186282
    Abstract: A support platform for a person in a wheelchair is disposed at ground level and mounted on the top of a movable support frame within a hole in the ground. The movable support frame is surrounded by a fixed frame having guide rollers for guiding the movable support frame in its vertical movement. A U-shaped handrail, which is not above the ground when the handrail is in its lowermost position, moves upwardly initially relative to the support platform. When the handrail has been moved upwardly a first predetermined distance by a drive arrangement, the drive arrangement then causes the movable support frame to move upwardly with the handrail to transport the person in the wheelchair on the support platform from the ground level position to a raised position at which the support platform is level with a surface of a building to enable the wheelchair to be rolled to the surface of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Aging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Everhard, Alan L. Everhard, Roy K. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5156238
    Abstract: A portable surface lift for a vehicle and retractable spring-loaded wheels attached to the lift for rolling the lift over a garage floor surface when the vehicle is not lifted on the lift. The lift has various adaptor pads for contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle, and a hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the vehicle on the lift. The spring-loaded wheels extend and raise the lift from the floor for movement when a vehicle is not on the lift, and retract to allow the lift to rest on the floor when the vehicle is lifted. Three towing mechanisms are provided for moving the lift: a bar that can be attached to an automobile floor jack, a towing dolly, and a towing apparatus. The towing apparatus allows a towing bracket on the end of the lift's base to be reached beneath a long luxury vehicle. The lift may be rolled under and from a stationary vehicle, and has a safety locking mechanism for securing the lift in various raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5145154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Romain Bastille, Adelard Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 5015146
    Abstract: A vehicle display lift has a vertical mast containing a hoist mechanism which raises and lowers a movable carriage. A cantilever support member connected to the carriage extends outwardly from the mast and has a vehicle support frame on its outer end which receives and supports a vehicle. A low ramp allows the vehicle to be driven onto the support frame at ground level whereupon the hoist mechanism is activated so that the carriage is lifted and guided within the mast causing the vehicle support frame and vehicle to be elevated. The location of the vehicle on the pivotally attached vehicle support frame is such that the center of gravity is forward of the pivot thereby forcing the frame and vehicle to tilt forward as they are elevated until a predetermined tilt angle is achieved at which time the tilting action stops as the elevation continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Loadmaster Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger M. Barnes, Stephen L. Comparato
  • Patent number: 5009287
    Abstract: A lift for vehicles in service stations, repair centers and the like to lift such vehicles for the repair and servicing thereof. The vehicle lift includes a support for engaging the vehicle to be lifted, a power cylinder for lifting, supporting and lowering the support, and a pair of vertically extending columns for supporting and guiding the support during lifting, supporting and lowering of the vehicle. The columns include a first pair of channels inwardly facing towards one another and a second pair of channels integrally attached to the first pair and outwardly opening away from one another for balancing the rotating forces on the inwardly facing channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: George N. Starr
  • Patent number: 4960264
    Abstract: A two-part jack system includes a mechanical jack stand with a ratchet mechanism and a ratchet release, and a power unit that may be selectively aligned with and attached to the jack stand for raising or lowering it. A unitary control mechanism carried by the power unit is adapted to selectively lock the power unit in an aligned position relative to the jack stand, and also to selectively release the ratchet release of the jack stand. A locking mechanism is carried in part by the jack stand and in part by the power unit. The unitary control mechanism has three different operating positions. In one operating position the locking mechanism is kept locked while the ratchet release is left in an unreleased state; in a second operating position the locking mechanism is kept locked while the ratchet release is released; and in the third operating position the locking mechanism is held in an unlocked condition while the ratchet release is left in an unreleased state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry H. Arzouman, Clyde E. Slay
  • Patent number: 4942828
    Abstract: A carrier platform transports motor vehicles to be manufactured through assembly, test and other work stations. The platform remains with the motor vehicle at the assembly, test or other work stations and enables free access to the underside of the floor-pan of the vehicle and to the contact areas of its wheels for checking and measuring loads that actually occur at these areas. Support plates on the platform for the wheels of the vehicle are fashioned so as to simultaneously function as safety devices during the testing procedure. When horizontally positioned the support plates engagingly support the four wheels of the vehicle. During certain tests these support plates are vertically positioned and function as safety devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Carl Schenck AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Walz, Klaus Hildebrandt, Udo Willgerodt
  • Patent number: 4934487
    Abstract: A vehicle lifting system includes a pair of parallel posts upstanding from a horizontal base and each having a rectangular cross section. A carriage is vertically movably supported on each post. Two swing arms, i.e. a long arm and a short arm, are horizontally rotatably supported on each carriage. Each arm has one end connected to the carriage, while the other end thereof is provided with a vehicle support. The posts define therebetween an open space in which a vehicle can be received to rest on the vehicle supports. Each carriage is supported on that side of the corresponding post which faces one side of the system through which the vehicle is moved forward thereinto, so that the open space and hence the system may have an effective width which is equal to the distance between the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Sugiyasu Industries, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Isogai
  • Patent number: 4930937
    Abstract: A traveling culvert/tunnel forming structure including upright waler assemblies positioned in transversely spaced relation on each side of said forming structure, the waler assemblies being adapted to receive forms on outside surfaces thereof. Horizontally adjusted header assemblies are supported at opposite ends by the spaced upright waler assemblies. Collapsible braces are disposed between the upright waler assemblies enabling the upright waler assemblies to move towards and away from one another. Multi purpose mounting brackets are mounted in rows on the upright waler assemblies which brackets are positioned inwardly from the waler assemblies. Rows of casters are swivelly mounted on the brackets inside of the rows of upright waler assemblies beneath the header assemblies. A pair of rows of leveling jacks are provided for elevating the forming structure and its casters out-of-contact with a ground supporting surface. The leveling jacks each have an upstanding jack shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Symons Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Fulton
  • Patent number: 4875660
    Abstract: This telescopic tube is formed of a first and of a second continuous bands wound in a spiral and in a helix, respectively, with the turns of each band lying flat against each other in the retracted position of the tube. The turns of the respective bands are normal to one another. To extend the tube, the turns of the first band are spaced from each other, and the turns of the second band are inserted between the spaced turns of the first band, so as to act as spacers for the latter turns. A mechanism is described to cause extension and retraction of the tube which is mainly used as a push actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre Laforest
  • Patent number: 4825977
    Abstract: A system for lifting an automobile for repair thereof includes a pair of opposed posts. Each post is provided with a vertically movable carriage having arms installing section which projects in a direction parallel to the direction from which an automobile is driven into the system. A pair of swing arms are pivotally connected, at their inner ends, to each installing section. A lock gear is connected to the inner end of each arm. A disk normally engages the gear to fix the arms in their horizontal positions. The disk is connected to a vertical rod extending through a mount connected to the installing section. The rod is vertically movable. When the carriage is lowered and the rod comes into contact with a floor, the arms are unfixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Sugiyasu Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Isogai
  • Patent number: 4805875
    Abstract: The disclosed jack assembly has an elongated structural beam of sufficient length to extend between and beyond the two rails of a railroad track to be supported on top of the rails. A compact power lift cylinder, in the form of a multiple-sleeve power cylinder, is connected to the beam; and a car engaging plate is coupled to the power lift cylinder, to be moved in a direction transverse to the beam. The silhouette of the beam, power lift cylinder and plate is low, when the power lift cylinder is contracted, to allow them to be fitted with clearance to a lifting position, under a railroad car with the beam extended across the track rails and the car engaging plate vertically aligned under the railroad car frame. The power lift cylinder has a power stroke sufficient to lift the overlying railroad car enough above the rails to remove the railroad car completely from one wheeled truck assembly, for replacement or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Trailer Train Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Jackson, Jagdish Shah, Robert E. Graham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4783934
    Abstract: A roof assembly exemplarily for use in outdoor theatrical and musical productions comprises a roof trusswork elevated by means of a plurality of telescoping legs. The legs are raised in unison so that the roof trusswork maintains the same orientation throughout a raising or lowering operation. A clamping or locking mechanism is provided for rigidifying the entire structure upon the raising thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: United Production Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Langhart, Michael H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4781510
    Abstract: Insulation board feeding apparatus feeds successive boards from a pallet stack to a grooving machine to make pre-formed duct sections. The apparatus includes a cable driven elevator assembly, a reciprocating transfer carriage with a plurality of pivotable board-engaging fingers which is reciprocated by an air cylinder, and a guide assembly comprised of two non-driven rollers. The machine of the present invention is simpler, more reliable and less expensive to manufacture than its predecessors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Manville Service Corporation
    Inventors: Harvell M. Smith, Robert R. Coleman
  • Patent number: 4776569
    Abstract: A stationary twin column hoist to be used for raising vehicles, in which each column is fitted with a height-adjustable carriage, this carriage having two carrier arms which can be adjusted for length and which can be spread apart relative to each other, these being used to support the vehicle. In order to simply work that is carried out on the body of such a vehicle the present invention proposes that the pairs of rotating arms be connected with the carriages by an adjusting system each of these adjusting systems being pivotable about a common horizontal axis. Addition holding devices are provided so as to ensure the additional security of the vehicle. Using the present invention it is possible to convert existing twin column hoists without any major expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Michael Nestel-Eichhausen
  • Patent number: 4767098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lift assembly for handling a heavy goods container such as used in marine cargo and highway transportation. The lift assembly includes two right hand sub-assemblies and two left hand sub-assemblies, which, when connected together, form an open space frame adapted to receive the container. Quick release connectors are provided for hingedly connecting the sub-assemblies together. There are links, connected to the sub-assemblies and adapted to cooperate with the container, for supporting the container above the ground. The lift assembly includes lifters for raising and lowering each right hand and left hand sub-assembly, thereby raising and lowering the container as required. By differentially adjusting the lifters, the container may be moved (swayed) sideways and fore and aft to position or romove accurately the container on or off a transportation vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Stinson Containermate Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Stinson
  • Patent number: 4763761
    Abstract: A lifting device for lifting automobiles and similar loads wherein substantially equal loads are applied to both sides of the load and wherein an additional force is applied to the heavier side when the load is unevenly distributed. All power and compensating lines are connected over the load, leaving the area under the load free and available for auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventors: Millard F. McKinsey, David L. Knoebel, Jesse A. Cram, Larry N. Kilburg
  • Patent number: 4724875
    Abstract: A vehicle-servicing trailer is attachable to a pulling vehicle for transporation to the intended servicing site, the trailer having a hydraulically controlled lift apparatus, ramps on opposite sides of the trailer for advancement of a vehicle to be serviced onto the trailer, and outriggers are stationed at the four corners of the trailer to cooperate in supporting a vehicle on the trailer. When the vehicle is loaded on the trailer via the ramps, the lift is activated to raise the track members and vehicle to be serviced so that the underside of the vehicle is accessible, and outboard extensions on the track members enable a service man or operator to gain access to the engine compartment and interior of the vehicle. A movable dolly is positioned centrally of the trailer to permit the operator to slide beneath the vehicle and to perform necessary servicing operations, such as, oil changes and lubrication jobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Porta-Lube, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell Baldwin, Harley D. Longan, Dudley R. Seifert, Stanley A. Williams
  • Patent number: 4715477
    Abstract: A device for temporarily fixing a horizontal swing arm used for a car lift apparatus includes a horizontal hollow cylinder connected to the swing arm at its one end portion, a horizontal cylindrical solid rod having one end slidably and rotatably supported in the other end portion of the hollow cylinder, and a cylindrical vertical rod extending through a horizontal bracket projecting from a carriage to which is connected the swing arm and which is connected to a post for vertical movement. The horizontal hollow cylinder and the horizontal cylindrical solid rod are located along the outside of the horizontal swing arm and in alignment with each other. The vertical rod is rotatable about its vertical axis as well as vertically movable. The horizontal rod is connected to the vertical rod at its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Sugiyasu Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4706936
    Abstract: With a lifting and depositing device for portable box-like articles, in order to be able to operate their rack and pinion jacks manually and with ease by crank assemblies, each crank assembly has a haft-like crankcase, which has at one end a rotatable crankshaft and at the other end a rotatable drive shaft, which can be connected with an adjacent rack and pinion jack having a winch housing. The crankshaft and drive shaft are operatively connected with each other so that the latter is driven by the former. The crankcase can be connected with an adjacent winch housing and be pivoted into different work positions as well as fixed in such positions on the winch housing. Thus, the operation of the rack and pinion jacks is especially simplified in their top and bottom end positions on the uprights of the lifting and depositing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Haacon Hebetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Riedl
  • Patent number: 4679660
    Abstract: In a car lift apparatus including a pair of spaced apart posts each having a vertically-movable carriage, a pair of swing arms pivotally connected to the carriage for swinging movement each comprises a hollow support arm element connected to a pivotal pin of the carriage and a telescopic hollow arm element supported by and slidable in the former arm element. The latter arm element has a hollow cylinder therein, while the former arm element includes a hollow piston rod therein which has one end thereof in the cylinder. A piston is connected to the end of the piston rod in the cylinder. The hollow piston rod is connected, at its other end, to an air compressor located outside the lift apparatus. The piston rod is also connected, at its same end, to the carriage by means of a chain which engages a portion of the pivotal pin, to which is connected the support arm element, at a portion of the middle section of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Sugiyasu Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4641813
    Abstract: A system of jacking apparatus includes an extendible jack stand with a ratchet for latching it in an extended position, and a power unit which can be selectively engaged with or disengaged from the jack stand. The power unit includes a screw-driven scissors which is interposed between upper and lower plates of the jack stand for raising the jack stand.The jack stand has a ratchet plate whose lower end protrudes in an exposed location where it can be engaged by a ratchet release member in the power unit.The power unit is also independently usable as a jack, having a pivotally supported flip-top cover which can be placed over the top of the scissors for engaging and supporting a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 4600085
    Abstract: A platform lift mechanism for theaters, concert halls, etc. The lift device is a module or modules formed of four segments telescopically, vertically extendable or retractable relative to each other, except for a fixed base segment. The platform is secured to the uppermost segment. The second segment carries a rotatable nut adapted to raise and lower an elongated complementary screw secured at its upper end to the third segment. When four modules are used, a synchronizing chain is provided to actuate all modules synchronously. A brake and a motor are provided, either for each module or for all of them. A motor control is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre LaForest
  • Patent number: 4599034
    Abstract: A lightweight, movable lift usable in pairs for lifting and rotating vehicles to allow easy access to their undersides and engine compartments. A frame and upright slidably support a carriage which is moved up and down the upright by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, compressed air cylinder or mechanically operated jack screw. A vehicle support rack is connected to the underside of each end of the vehicle and to a journal such that the journal is substantially aligned with the center of gravity of the vehicle. The journal is rotatably borne by the carriage as it moves up and down the upright, whereby the vehicle may be easily rotated once it has been lifted a sufficient distance. A follower mounted an appropriate distance radially from the center of rotation of the journal is received and controlled by a follower track mounted on the upright to rotate the vehicle as it is lifted. The lift allows the vehicle to be rotated a full 90 degrees when lifted for easy access to its underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventors: Donald L. Kennedy, John P. Kennedy, Peggy Kennedy, executrix
  • Patent number: 4589630
    Abstract: A system of jacking apparatus includes an extendible jack stand with a ratchet for latching it in an extended position, and a power unit which can be selectively engaged with or disengaged from the jack stand. The power unit includes a screw-driven scissors which is interposed between upper and lower plates of the jack stand for raising the jack stand.The jack stand has a ratchet plate whose lower end protrudes in an exposed location where it can be engaged by a ratchet release member in the power unit.The power unit is also independently usable as a jack, having a pivotally supported flip-top cover which can be placed over the top of the scissors for engaging and supporting a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 4583712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and temporarily supporting an evaporator coil cabinet. The apparatus is place on opposite sides of the cabinet and includes a leg member in telescopic engagement with a threaded shaft. The shaft has a platform on one end thereof which is placed beneath an edge of the cabinet. A hand nut in threaded engagement with the shaft rests atop a shoulder on the leg member. As the hand nut is rotated, the shaft and platform are urged upward, thereby lifting and supporting the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: David W. Wilks
  • Patent number: 4564172
    Abstract: A plurality of extendible jack stands are used in conjunction with, and their operation controlled by, a single power unit. The power unit transports an individual jack stand, positions it underneath a load, and raises or extends it. The jack stand is then locked in its extended position, and the power unit is detached from that jack stand and is then used for transporting, positioning, and raising another jack stand. When the load is to be lowered, the power unit controls the unlocking, lowering, and retraction of the jack stands, one at a time. In this manner a number of jack stands may be placed underneath a load, the load raised, the load later lowered, and the jack stands removed, without any need for the operator himself to place his body underneath the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 4512553
    Abstract: A jack-up unit for use in a body of water, said unit comprising a floatable hull, a plurality of legs, said legs being suitable for contacting a solid surface and for supporting said hull in an elevated position relative to the surface of said body of water, each of said legs including at least one longitudinally extending leg gear rack, means for moving said hull longitudinally relative to said legs for establishing said hull at a desired height relative to said legs, a guidance system on each leg comprising an upper guide member configurative around said leg at a close tolerance interval and a lower guide member configurative around said leg at a close tolerance level, and a plurality of gear rack sections located one proximate each leg intermediate said upper guide member and said lower guide member, each gear rack section moveable into and out of toothed engagement with said leg gear rack section on its respective leg, said toothed engagement including a gear tooth backlash in excess of said close toleran
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Red Fox Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Dunham, Robert P. Riggs, Rufus L. Burton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4491452
    Abstract: Load lifting and transporting apparatus which comprises plural individual units that can be combined into a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the load. There are load lifting units equipped with a jack screw and there are load engaging units equipped with plates for engaging the load. Each of the units is provided with sleeves through which elongate bars can be introduced to retain the lifting and engaging units in a framework surrounding the load. The load engaging units can be provided in various forms such as a unit with a plate that can be positioned beneath the periphery of a rigid load, a unit having flexible belts or the like that can be passed beneath irregularly shaped loads, a unit specifically adapted to pass beneath the wheels of a vehicle, and a unit including a truss that can be positioned above a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Mitchel J. Matovich
  • Patent number: 4462569
    Abstract: A jacking system includes a wheeled hydraulic power unit having an operating handle, and at least two extendible jack units which are identical.Each jack unit is adapted to rest upon the ground, and the power unit can be wheeled into (or out of) engagement with the jack unit. When engaged with a jack unit, the power unit is capable of extending (or raising) the jack unit; a ratchet on the jack unit then locks it in its extended position. A manual control on the power unit is coupled to the jack unit (when the two units are interengaged) for releasing the ratchet, so that the power unit can then lower the jack stand to its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Safe T Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: RE32589
    Abstract: A system for making a "jack-up" rig with its jacked-up legs and hull rigid and fixed together by the use of "rack chock" elements which are designed to absorb the maximum axial chord loading on the legs and transmit them directly into the hull. The "rack chock" elements are configured preferrably with a number of matching teeth for exact, in-line engagement with the legs' rack teeth, and are capable of being adjusted for vertical alignment and horizontal positioning to mate with the rack teeth position. By a series of screw jacks and/or secondary chocks, the "rack chock" elements provide rigid contact with both the legs and the hull structure and eliminate the requirement for the jack pinions to take the load (as is done in the prior art) in either jacked-up or ocean-tow dispositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Friede & Goldman, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerome L. Goldman, Walter H. Michel, John O. 'R. Breeden