Service Station Type Patents (Class 254/8B)
  • Patent number: 6164414
    Abstract: An automotive lift apparatus includes a first beam support assembly and a pair of beams supported at first beam ends by the first beam support assembly, wherein each of the beams includes an outward facing beam guide portion and an inward facing guide portion. A pair of ramp/second beam support assemblies are connected to second beam ends of the beams, and each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a second base. A liftable ramp is hingedly connected to the second base, and a ramp lift assembly is connected between the ramp and the second base. The first beam support assembly includes a beam support base and a beam support riser pivotally connected to the beam support base. Each of the ramp lift assemblies includes a ramp-lift hydraulic cylinder connected between the second base and the ramp. Each of the ramp/second beam support assemblies includes a riser link hingedly connected between each of the ramps and the second beam ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Billy G. Duty
  • Patent number: 6164625
    Abstract: A portable engine hoist which folds into a compact storage position. The base of the hoist is equipped with two support wheels. Two elongated legs extend from the base and are adapted to receive leg extensions. The leg extensions are provided with wheels at one end and the other end can be inserted into a leg. An upright post extends from a base support and carries a pivotally mounted lifting beam at its top end. A mechanical or hydraulic jack operates to raise and lower the lifting beam to raise and lower an engine. Position adjustment and maintenance means for easy assembly of the leg extensions are provided. A cam slot locking means associated with the lifting beam provides stability under the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Troy E. Shockley, James D. Shockley
  • Patent number: 6109593
    Abstract: A jack adapter has a mounting plate with a base plate and a pair of flanges extending from the base plate. A cushion has a non-absorbent outer cover and a nonabsorbent fill material enclosed within the outer cover. The outer cover has an air release vent. The cover also has a fill opening for removing and filling the cover with material. A closure is coupled to the cover for closing the fill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kiene Diesel Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Craychee
  • Patent number: 6086047
    Abstract: A hydraulic jack is disclosed. The hydraulic jack has a bearing (16) provided under the hydraulic cylinder (30), such that the handle (40) is able to steer the hydraulic jack to any direction as required. A quick-release handle (50) connected with a control plate (43) communicating with the hydraulic cylinder (30) is provided beside the handle (40) so as to facilitate the release of the pressure built up in the hydraulic cylinder (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Lee
  • Patent number: 6073913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5992824
    Abstract: A jack for raising automotive equipment, particularly heavy equipment such as truck tractors and trailers. The jack includes a heavy duty ram on an extended base. The base is mobile, but includes at least one vertically movable wheel. The movable wheel is engaged to retract into the base to provide a stable, non-moving platform. The top of the ram is provided with a readily removable extended platform which is shaped to be extendible between the frame of the automotive equipment and any springs, particularly leaf springs on the equipment. Convenient safety arrangements to prevent the jack from dropping are provided to provide positive mechanical engagement between the jack and its base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Frances D. Voss
  • Patent number: 5984270
    Abstract: The invention is an improved jack having a safety device for preventing the jack from collapsing under a heavy load. The improved jack includes a linkage movable from a lowered position to an elevated position for engaging and elevating a load, an actuating mechanism connected to the linkage for moving the linkage toward the elevated position upon actuation of the actuating means, and the safety device blocking mechanism for blocking movement of the linkage from the elevated position to the lowered position. The linkage is supported and disposed for pivotal movement between two side plates. The blocking mechanism provides an abutment across the two side plates to limit the movement of linkage. The blocking mechanism features a block fixed to the linkage. The block has horizontal bores passing therethrough. A lock rod is inserted through the horizontal bores to provide an abutment across the two side plates when the linkage is elevated, thereby preventing the linkage from unintentionally lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Saled Hussaini, Liang Suchen
  • Patent number: 5971360
    Abstract: A lifting and support device for elevating self-propelled lawn mowers or lawn tractors comprising, a support frame having wheels with adjustable equipment engagement and stabilization brackets extending therefrom. An activation bar handle extending from said support frame in an angular relation thereto so that the elevated lawn mower equipment moves past a vertical lift line for stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Wayne Sinsley
  • Patent number: 5961098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting jack support system for supporting an object to be lifted by a lifting jack with a movable top side, the lifting jack support system comprising: a base unit, mounted on the top side of the lifting jack, having a support arm extending away with a front end, with one or several positioning plates fastened on the top side of the base unit, a gap lying within or between the positioning plates; and a top unit, having a link arm, which is hingedly connected to the front end of the support arm, and one or several positioning elements, the top unit either resting on the base unit, with the positioning elements fitting into the gap, or being folded away therefrom, such that starting positions at two different heights for lifting the object are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Chung Loan
  • Patent number: 5947447
    Abstract: A service jack includes a mirror attached to the jack's lift arm adjacent the jack's saddle so as to be able to provide a continuous reflected image for the jack operator as the lift arm is moved from its lowered position to its raised position of the sector of space above the saddle which includes a selected lift point for a vehicle being raised. A method for utilizing a service jack of this type includes the steps of positioning the jack with the lift arm in its lowered position adjacent the vehicle in the vicinity of the selected lift point, locating the selected lift point as a reflected image in the mirror, and moving the jack while elevating the lift arm so as to maintain the selected lift point as a reflected image in the mirror until the saddle engages the selected lift point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Alltrade Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford Tyler Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5897100
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Corbett Napier, Sandy Napier
  • Patent number: 5897101
    Abstract: A new Collapsible Engine Hoist for hoisting an engine of a vehicle and being collapsible for convenient and compact storage. The inventive device includes a base tube member with a base extension section having a caster wheel telescopically engaged to each end of the base tube member. Extending from the base tube member are a plurality of spaced apart leg tube members each with a leg extension section having a caster wheel telescopically engaged to the end of each the leg tube member. A support post member having a clevis bracket at one end is pivotally mounted on a support post base extending between the leg tube members to permit pivoting of the support member between an erect position and a collapsed position. Pivotally mounted to the clevis bracket is a lifting beaam tube member having extension beam section telescopically engaged to one end of the lifting tube member. The extension beam section includes a flexible member having a hook portion for suspending a load from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald Jay Snyder
  • Patent number: 5878996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting jack with safety and release system for lifting an object, comprising: a main body; a driving system; a support system, hingedly mounted on the main body and undergoing a raising and a lowering movement, as driven and released by the driving system; a safety system, further comprising a ratchet, mounted on the main body, a pawl, which during the raising movement engages with the ratchet for blocking any unintended lowering of the support system, and a lever with a rear end and with a front end below the pawl, for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet by lowering its rear end; and a release system, further comprising a catch, hingedly mounted on the main body, having a nose for engaging with the rear end of the lever, and a spring, pulling the catch towards the rear end of the lever; wherein, for lowering the support system, the rear end of the lever is pressed down manually and then held by the nose of the catch, such that the pawl stays disengaged from the ratchet a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Chung Loan
  • Patent number: 5794907
    Abstract: An adjustable mechanical device to engage the opening of a standard hydraulic floor jack to prevent said jack from lowering inadvertently in the event of hydraulic failure. Said device is installed by positioning as shown with L-clip under jack axle, and with adjustable strut extended so as to engage the upper shaft of jack. To remove the jack support, the lever is lifted wherein the pawl is disengaged, the strut lowers, and the Jack Support is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph C. Bellia
  • Patent number: 5732931
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle jack and support is disclosed that may be positioned below a vehicle, raise the vehicle to a selected height, and securely support the vehicle at the selected height. The mobile jack and support includes a frame, a lift arm rotatably coupled to the frame at one end and having a vehicle engagement at an opposite end, and an support member rotatably coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Bruno's Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno H. Massel
  • Patent number: 5713557
    Abstract: A jack comprises a main frame device, an extensible rod device and two wheels. The main frame device has an upright pipe, a driving rod connected to the upright pipe, a reinforced plate connected to the driving rod and the upright pipe, an upper rod inserted in the upright pipe, and an upper block mounted on the upper rod. The extensible rod device has an outer pipe, a middle pipe inserted in the outer pipe, and an inner pipe inserted in the middle pipe. An inserted end of the driving rod is inserted in a lower end of the outer pipe. Two wheels are fastened on the upright pipe pivotally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Kang
  • Patent number: 5692731
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Philipe Joseph Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 5651532
    Abstract: A jack handle and adapter bar are shown which permit conventional automotive hydraulic floor jacks to be used to jack up low clearance cars. Full control is obtained without damage to or interference from the car skirt or fairing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Richard C. Page
  • Patent number: 5618029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a jack safety device which may prevent the accident of the object falling down due to the failure of lifting mechanism of the jack, comprising a safety hook, swingingly pivotted on the lifting arm or lever of said holding mechanism, when elevating and decending said holding mechanism may drive said safety hook reciprocally moving forward and backward; and a hook-up portion having tooth shape for said safety hook to hook up, when said safety hook moves forward it may hook up with said tooth shape to limit it from moving backward so that said holding mechanism can not decend to attain the purpose of safety and protection; and a lever for pushing said safety hook to disengage with said hook-up portion in order to let said holding mechanism decending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Loan Chung
  • Patent number: 5603486
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Yang-chou Liu
  • Patent number: 5588639
    Abstract: A support structure for lifting a motorcycle in combination with a jack with the support structure including a cradle adapted to fit over an elevatable portion of the jack. The cradle has a pair of longitudinally extending support members connected thereto and shiftably fits on an elevatable portion of the jack to permit tilting of the support members supporting the motorcycle providing access to either the front or rear wheel of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: John A. Holman
  • Patent number: 5556148
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Richard L. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5551668
    Abstract: A hydraulic jack with a restorable lever and a retaining device includes a positioning blind hole provided on one side of a base. The blind hole holds a compression spring which acts between the base and a lever holder. A supporting post on one side of the base is provided with a pin hole for accepting a retaining pin to hold the lever holder in place. When the retaining pin is removed for operation, the stored energy of the compression spring is released so that the lever is lifted up automatically each time when it is pressed downwardly. A V-shaped spring clip connects the lever to the lever holder. A forward end of the lever is provided with a gripping hole and has two side notches, thus shaping the gripping hole to enable the lever to be used for opening and closing of a releasing valve. A foot pedal or a handle can be attached to an end of the lever for ease of operating the hydraulic jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 5462257
    Abstract: A jack stand for supporting a lifting jack beneath a work piece to be raised or lowered. The jack stand includes a base movable along a floor surface, and a jack support platform supported in elevated relation above the base. Struts are pivotably connected to the jack support platform and extend downwardly to engage the base, transferring a portion of the weight of the jack to the base. Those support struts are displaceable when the base is positioned beneath an interfering machine structure, allowing that structure to fit within the open space between the base and the jack support platform, so that the jack stand can fit beneath a work piece notwithstanding the interfering structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Larry G. Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 5444348
    Abstract: An electric jack of the type used in robotics having a rotation-translation movement transformation system, at least one electric motor connected to the movement transformation system, means for controlling the electric motor for driving the movement transformation system with acceleration and deceleration phases and energy recovery means for recovering electrical energy generated by the electric motor during deceleration phases. The movement transformation system has a rotation part and a translation part and is mechanically reversible such that, during deceleration phases, the translation part is capable of driving the rotation part with substantially identical efficiency as the rotation part drives the translation part during acceleration phases. During deceleration phases, the kinetic energy of the translation part causes the electric motor to generate energy which is recovered and stored in an energy recovery system utilizing a capacitor and a diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Philippe Garrec
  • Patent number: 5431369
    Abstract: A hand/foot dual operated lever mechanism for hydraulic jacks includes a short lever-type foot pedal that can be operated by a movable base of a longer lever and that operates a plunger of a pump. A bolt or shaft extends through the foot pedal and the movable base and a side plate of a hydraulic jack. A hidden spring retracts the foot pedal up so that the plunger of the pump can generate a pumping action to lift lifting arm linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 5421554
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Hsu, Kun-Shan
  • Patent number: 5378004
    Abstract: The device attaches to and carries the brake drum and/or hub assembly of a vehicle, especially large vehicles such as commercial trucks and including semi-tractors and trailers. The device includes a hand truck, a jack that is attached to the hand truck, and an assembly attachment unit, operably connected to the jack, for securely attaching the device to the assembly. The jack provides height adjustment capability for the assembly attachment unit along an axis of the hand truck. Angle adjustment means also are provided for adjusting the angle of the assembly attachment unit to accommodate the angle presented by an exterior surface portion of the brake drum and/or hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: The Prodx Company
    Inventors: Danny E. Gunlock, C. Craig Rawlings, Ed J. McGee
  • Patent number: 5364071
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Chung-Tai Lu
  • Patent number: 5294098
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a car door by a single mechanic is provided. The apparatus supports a car door to be mounted on a vehicle on a base. Arms connected to the base support the door upon the base. The apparatus is mounted upon a floor jack or an equivalent elevating device to effect chances in vertical orientation of the apparatus. The elements used to mount the apparatus on the elevating device also allow pivoting of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Douglas M. Bundy
  • Patent number: 5269501
    Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle parts transportation system used for moving, positioning and manipulating a vehicle and vehicle parts primarily when a vehicle is damaged or in the need of repairs. The system consists of a power module having interchangeable legs and parts that allow the power module to be reconfigured as to its height, width and length and various tool modules. The power module becomes a different tool as required or desired by the operator by simply adding or removing a tool module. Each specific tool module provides the necessary lifting and motive force apparatus and means for maneuvering the tool module for performing the necessary operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, James Ballard, James C. Graham, Craig A. Wisner, Jeffrey V. Russell
  • Patent number: 5261641
    Abstract: A vertical lift floor jack device (10) for moving an object in a vertical plane; wherein, the device includes a pair of lift arm members (50) having one end which is moved downwardly and forwardly in an arcuate path relative to a housing member (20) while the other end of the lift arm members (50) are moved upwardly at an angle; and, further including a linkage unit (13) that cooperates with both the housing member (20) and the lift arm members (50) for maintaining a lift pad member (60) in a horizontal disposition as the lift pad member (60) is raised and lowered in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Paul R. Ployer
  • Patent number: 5262706
    Abstract: A multifunctional power driven positioning tool system wherein a battery powered screw driven removable central unit may be fitted into equipment to function as a tool for prying apart objects, for lifting or lowering within adjustable calibrated distances, for powering a material handling unit and for use in a press frame for pressing and pulling bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Lyndol W. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 5261640
    Abstract: A portable engine hoist which folds into a compact storage condition. A base of the hoist is equipped with two caster wheels. Two elongated feet extend from the base and carry wheels on their outboard ends. An upright post extends from the base and carries a pivotal lifting beam at its top end. A mechanical jack operates to pivotally raise and lower the lifting beam to raise and lower an engine. An inclined brace extends from the post and carries a cross arm which may be bolted to the feet to provide a rigid brace structure. When the cross arm is unbolted from the feet, it may be pivoted until it is clear of the feet. The feet can then be pivoted upwardly and latched for storage of the hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Super Test Corporation
    Inventor: Francis G. Yuan
  • Patent number: 5251875
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Kiene Diesel Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Craychee, Peter Symon
  • Patent number: 5221073
    Abstract: A floor jack is provided with safety means to prevent arms of the jack from retracting while the arms are in a raised position. This safety means is insertable through opposing pairs of notches in the side plates of the floor jack, these notches being aligned opposite from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: James D. Shockley
  • Patent number: 5203540
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Chia-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 5201494
    Abstract: A hydraulic jack includes a linkage movable from a first position to a second position for engaging and elevating a load, a hydraulic ram coupled to the linkage for moving the same toward its second position upon the application of fluid pressure, and a pump coupled to the hydraulic ram for applying fluid pressure thereto. The pump includes a piston operable for delivering a first quantity of hydraulic fluid to the ram through a first path at a first pressure and a second quantity of hydraulic fluid to the ram through a second path at a second pressure, the first quantity being substantially larger than the second quantity and the first pressure being substantially lower than the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Philip L. Lundman
  • Patent number: 5190265
    Abstract: A service tool is provided for removal and replacement of vehicle parts. The service tool comprises a base, a lift arm mechanism including a base end in a distal end, the base end being pivotally mounted to the base. A jack is mounted to the base and the lift arm mechanism for pivotally moving the lift arm mechanism to adjust height of the distal end. A vehicle part adaptor is included for receiving a vehicle part to be removed or replaced. A ball and socket joint mounts the vehicle part adaptor to the lift arm mechanism distal end for allowing rotary motion of the vehicle part adaptor relative to the distal end in every direction and adjustable screws adjustably limit movement of the vehicle part adaptor to control attitude of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: OTC Division of SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald E. Barry, Larry W. Betcher, C. P. Emerson
  • Patent number: 5183235
    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 selectively locks the power unit in an aligned position relative to the jack stand, and also selectively releases 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: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry H. Arzouman, Clyde E. Slay
  • Patent number: 5181694
    Abstract: A floor covering installation tool for raising and lowering furniture, partitions or the like has a frame, a raising and lowering mechanism and a lifting assembly. The frame or the lifting assembly has a portion which is positioned underneath the object to be lifted. The raising and lowering mechanism is actuated to raise or lower the object to be lifted. Upon raising the lifted object to a desired height, flooring or the like is positioned underneath the lifted object. After the flooring is positioned underneath the lifted object, the raising and lowering mechanism is activated to release the lifting mechanism and return it to its original position. Thus, the tool is ready to be reused to lift another desired object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Harvey C. Collins
  • Patent number: 5161782
    Abstract: A mechanical jack comprising a base, on which a fixed frame is fixed. The fixed frame is substantially up-standing, slightly inclining toward one side with a supporting frame attached thereon to maintain the fixed frame in its inclined position. A moveable frame with one end thereof pivotally attached on the fixed frame is rotatable with respect to the fixed frame about the pivot. A threaded rod, which has a threaded portion engaging with an inner-threaded block pivotally mounted on the other end of the moveable frame by means of a replaceable bearing element and a smooth portion running through and secured on a pivot mounted on the fixed frame, retracts and extends, when rotated about the central axis thereof, the moveable frame with respect to the fixed frame so that heighten and lower a vehicle support attached on the moveable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: You Jin Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen S. Huang
  • Patent number: 5110089
    Abstract: An extendible jacking apparatus including first, second and third normally vertical frames arranged in telescoping relationship, and containing a locking mechanism for automatically locking the first and second frames together while the third frame is being raised, locking the second and third frames together when the third frame is fully raised, and unlocking the first and second frames to allow extension of the second frame. Conversely, the locking mechanism is automatically reversible as the jack is lowered, unlocking the second and third frames and relocking the first and second frames upon the second frame being fully retracted into the first, allowing the third frame to allow be fully retracted into the first and second frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde E. Slay
  • Patent number: 5100283
    Abstract: A hoist is provided for lifting, positioning and holding a trailer hitch beneath the frame of a motor vehicle to facilitate installation of the hitch. A movable platform supports an upstanding post having a sleeve telescoped thereon. Both the post and sleeve have complimentary non-circular cross sections to prevent rotation of the sleeve on the post. A winch carried by the sleeve raises and lowers the sleeve via a cable attached to the post above the sleeve. A support arm has its proximal end pivotally connected about a horizontal axis to the sleeve. The distal end of the arm receives a variety of couplers for attachment to various hitches. A hydraulic cylinder also carried by the sleeve beneath the arm has a piston rod positioned to engage the arm a short distance from its proximal end to raise and lower the arm with a hitch thereon for angular adjustment independent of movement of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin K. Carty
  • Patent number: 5076448
    Abstract: The crane having a generally trapezoidal frame with a caster wheel at each corner. A mast is mounted on the front of the frame with a brace between each rear corner and top of the mast. Spring loaded pins are used for these connections. A lifting ram is pivotally connected to the mast and to a telescopic boom pivoted on the mast. The frame has a socket on each side and a telescopic leg including inner and outer tubes is mounted in each socket. A spring loaded pin fixes the tubes relative to each other. The end of each leg has a wheel. Each leg can pivot relative to its sleeve to enable raising the leg to position the distal end near the mast. The legs can be disconnected from the sleeves and a locking device prevents removal of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5065983
    Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for a two-part jack system, having lifting arms which are raised or extended by means of hydraulic power whenever an associated jack stand is to be either raised or extended. The necessary hydraulic pressure is generated manually, by use of a hand pump. The power unit includes a single release valve which operates automatically as an excess-pressure bleed-off valve whenever the hydraulic cylinder pressure exceeds design capacity, and is also adapted to be controlled manually from the handle of the power unit for unloading total hydraulic pressure whenever the lifting arms are to be lowered. The release valve and all of its associated mechanisms are mounted in or on a single metallic block which is very easily manufacturable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Safe-T-Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde E. Slay
  • Patent number: 5042777
    Abstract: A safety latch for the hydraulic power release mechanism on a low-slung, floor-mounted portable hydraulic lifting jack of the type operated by an elongated handle that is pumped back and forth in order to raise a lifting arm, and which handle may be twisted about its longitudinal axis to release hydraulic pressure and lower the lifting arm, is disclosed. The safety latch will releasably hold the handle against twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 5037068
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Meccanica Italiana S.r.l.
    Inventor: Armando Grottesi
  • Patent number: 5033717
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Peter Symon
  • Patent number: 5011364
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: John E. Anderson