Power Operated Patents (Class 280/43.23)
  • Patent number: 11963910
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel. A drive mechanism including a motor may be configured to drive the auxiliary wheel. A braking system including at least one brake member may be configured to apply a braking force to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and is movable between a first position wherein the at least one brake member is disengaged from the auxiliary wheel and a deployed position wherein the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel. The braking system may be configured to synchronize the braking forces applied to first and second auxiliary wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: William Dwight Childs, Anish Paul
  • Patent number: 11964716
    Abstract: A trailer is disclosed which includes a first door with a first hinge configured to allow the first door to operate between an open position and a closed position, and a second door on the opposing side of the trailer with a second hinge configured to allow the second door to operate between an open position and a closed position. The trailer also includes a roof and a trailer tongue with a coupling configured to attach to a hitch of a vehicle. Two or more wheels are provided that are extendable from an up position to a down position. In this way, when the wheels are in the down position, the trailer is lifted off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Hall, David R. Hall, Levi Ellis, Justen Hansen
  • Patent number: 11912327
    Abstract: A folding pallet truck comprises a frame module, a lifting module installed on the frame module and comprising a mount, and a handle module comprising a tube in rotating fit with the mount, wherein a first constraint part is formed between an end, rotatably connected to the mount, of the tube and the mount, and the handle module is folded by detaching the first constraint part or is unfolded by reassembling the first constraint part. The handle module can be folded to be stored or be unfolded and locked to be used by detaching or reassembling the first constraint part formed between the tube of the handle module and the mount of the lifting module, operation is easy, and the pallet truck has a small size when stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Jiaxing Li, Ji Chen, Ticheng Zhang, Wei Zhang, Haoxiang Fang, Chunbo Chu, Yuanjun Ye
  • Patent number: 11891284
    Abstract: An aerial device data collection apparatus is described. The aerial data collection apparatus includes a power source, a data capture device, a wireless transmitter, and a housing. The data capture device is connected to the power source. The wireless transmitter is connected to the power source and is communicably coupled to the data capture device. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit data captured by the data capture device. The power source and the wireless transmitter are contained within the housing. The housing is configured to couple to a surface of an aerial bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventor: Kelly Lee Genzer
  • Patent number: 11878659
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates in general to carriers intended to be utilized with towing vehicles, and more specifically, to a wheeled carrier and method of use for providing additional cargo space while being towed behind an automobile or all-terrain vehicle. One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a variety of removable and interchangeable body styles each designed to be utilized with different types of cargo (e.g., luggage, bikes, small animals) such that the carrier may support a wide range of uses depending on certain preferences of the consumer. Another aspect of the present disclosure is providing a wheeled carrier that is rigidly and removably coupled to the chassis of the towing vehicle at multiple positions without requiring a ball hitch, pivoting pin box, or sliding hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Todd M. Sauer
  • Patent number: 11878560
    Abstract: A modular wheel and suspension assembly (MWSA) to provide mobility to a load for towing. The MWSA can have a fender housing and a suspension arm and suspension mechanism that is rotated toward a pivot arm with a suspension mount that engages with the suspension mechanism and a wheel. The suspension arm can be rotatably attached to the fender housing. A linear actuator can rotate the suspension arm to raise the fender housing while deploying the wheel from the fender housing. Rotating the suspension arm in the opposite direction causes the fender housing to be lowered over the wheel and the load to be lowered as the wheel retracts into the fender housing. The MWSA can have a rotary tongue system with an operable connection to the suspension arm. Rotating the suspension arm lowers and raises a tongue when the wheel is deployed from or retracted into the fender housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Richard Leslie Williamson
  • Patent number: 11872859
    Abstract: A top mount assembly includes an attachment bracket having a flange section, a piston rod mount section, and a cylinder section, the flange section includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of fastener bolts, the piston rod mount section being configured to receive a piston rod, and the cylinder section of the attachment bracket includes an annular chamber that receives an annular working piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sean Gaw, Douglas Arbour, Dominick Sterley
  • Patent number: 11839972
    Abstract: A mobility device having a body, a plurality of arms, and a control module operable to control the angular positions of the plurality of arms and the body. The body includes a first side, a second side, a front end, a rear end, a first frame rotatable about a first axis, and a second frame rotatable about a second axis. The first axis is parallel to the second axis. Rotation of the first frame causes simultaneous rotation of the second frame in the opposite direction. Arms are rotatably supported on the first side of the body and other arms are rotatably supported on the second side of the body. Each arm includes a wheel. The arms are independently rotatable from the other arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Caleb Chung
  • Patent number: 11828040
    Abstract: A method for machine grade assist includes determining whether user input will cause an implement of a machine to dig below a desired grade. User input to move a stick of an excavator can be blocked and/or delayed using hydraulic pressure so that movement of both the stick and the boom of the excavator can be synchronized to prevent a bucket of the excavator from digging below a desired grade when the stick is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon Joseph Brabec
  • Patent number: 11814858
    Abstract: A movable umbrella base comprises a housing (1), a wheel frame (2) disposed under the bottom of the housing (1), at least three wheels (3) connected at intervals to the wheel frame (2) and located partially under the wheel frame (2), a plurality of air bags (4) located inside a space defined by the wheel frame (2) and the housing (1), and a plurality of elastic members (6) limit displacement of the wheel frame (2) and the wheels (3) from the housing (1); when the air bags (4) are inflated, the housing (1) is lifted up relative to the wheel frame (2) and the wheels (3) from the ground; when the air bags (4) are deflated, the housing (1) is lowered relative to the wheel frame (2) and the wheels (3) and contacts the ground. The umbrella base can be moved by the air bags (4), the whole operation process is easier, and it saves more time and effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Xiong Luo
  • Patent number: 11794799
    Abstract: A handle joint base including a joint fixing base and a microswitch detachably connected thereto, wherein a trigger component is provided in the joint fixing base, and a trigger part of the trigger component is movable relative to the joint fixing base. The microswitch includes a contact for triggering the microswitch to be turned on or off. Part of the surface of the contact is exposed outside a housing of the microswitch and is arc-shaped. An outer wall surface of a first end of the trigger part is wedge-shaped. When the trigger part is pressed downward, the wedged-shaped outer wall surface abuts and presses the arc-shaped surface of the contact, driving the contact to move into the housing to trigger the microswitch to be turned on or off. Also disclosed is a carrier vehicle in a configuration of a pallet truck having the foregoing handle joint base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Yongxian Ke, Hongpeng Xu, Li Chen, Fangwei Pan, Peng Liu
  • Patent number: 11730076
    Abstract: An orientation control system for an agricultural implement includes a first sensor configured to emit a first output signal toward a soil surface and to receive a first return signal indicative of a first height of a first portion of a frame. The orientation control system also includes a second sensor configured to emit a second output signal toward the soil surface and to receive a second return signal indicative of a second height of a second portion of the frame. In addition, the orientation control system includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a controller configured to control the first and second actuators such that a difference between the first height and a first target height is less than a first threshold value and a difference between the second height and a second target height is less than a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Michael George Kovach
  • Patent number: 11725772
    Abstract: An adjustable support arm utilizing an elastomeric member having a dynamic attachment point to support the weight of an attached object. The adjustable support arm can include a lower bracket that is connected to an upper bracket by an upper arm and a lower arm. The elastomeric member counterbalances the weight of an attached object. The first end of the elastomeric member can be attached to a linkage, which can include a first, second, and third link and the second end of the elastomeric member can be attached to one of the arms. The links can be coupled to each other between the upper and lower arms such that the linkage is dynamically moveable upon movement of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Stanislavovich Chumakov
  • Patent number: 11596092
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line tandem axle assembly comprising: a tandem wheel arm (46); a pair of wheel connecting assemblies (44A, 44B), each comprising a hub (60A, 60B) and a spindle (58A, 58B); a pair of mounts (50A, 50B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies; a pair of wheels (52A, 52B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies, the pair of wheels separated by the tandem wheel arm and in a same fore-and-aft position; and plural pairs of parallel links (48A, 48B) of equal length pivotably mounted to the pair of mounts and pivotably mounted to the tandem wheel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Anson Fanshier, Ross Duerksen, Douglas Grollmes
  • Patent number: 11577428
    Abstract: A device for loading, mixing and delivering ingredients includes a measuring bucket pivotably mounted to the free ends of pickup arms pivotably mounted to a mixing vessel including a lid having a depressed basin with an opening formed therethrough. The mixing vessel and the measuring bucket are simultaneously moved with the measuring bucket in a loading position to fill with ingredients. The measuring bucket is moved relative to the mixing vessel from a transport position to an emptying position emptying the ingredients into the mixing vessel. A linkage is pivotably mounted between the pickup arms and the lid to simultaneously move the lid from a closed position to an open position as the measuring bucket moves from the transport position to the emptying position. The ingredients are mixed by mixing paddles inside the mixing vessel, and the mixed ingredients are released from the mixing vessel through an open gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Warren Rice
  • Patent number: 11554627
    Abstract: A vehicle height control system and method of increasing a vehicle height of a vehicle having a vehicle body and at least one axle assembly. The vehicle height control system includes a pressurized fluid, and a plurality of air springs provided to support at least one section of the body of the vehicle above at least one axle of the vehicle and configured to adjust the height the vehicle relative to the ground in response to the supply and discharge of the fluid. A control assembly of the vehicle height control system configured to receive user input indicative of a vehicle height adjustment operation desired by a user has a piston unit fluidically interconnected with the pressurized fluid supply system via a first control valve and is operable to adjust the vehicle height by adjusting a second control valve interposed between the pressurized fluid supply system and the air springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen Ray Lynn
  • Patent number: 11511591
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment system includes: a cylinder housing part having an inner space configured to receive working fluid; a piston part positioned in the cylinder housing part, the piston part configured to move linearly, in response to a working fluid, in a moving direction along the cylinder housing part; and a rotation suppressing bracket coupled to the cylinder housing part and connected to a side surface of the piston part, the rotation suppressing bracket configured to suppress rotational movement with respect to the moving direction of the piston part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Ryul Park
  • Patent number: 11427241
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a drive wheel, a prime mover, a coupling mechanism and a support frame. The coupling mechanism includes first and second coupling members. The first coupling member includes a first opposed surface. The second coupling member includes a second opposed surface opposed to the first opposed surface. The second coupling member is attached to the first coupling member in a detachable manner. The support frame is attached to the coupling mechanism. The support frame supports the drive wheel and the prime mover. The first coupling member includes a first vertical groove and a first transverse groove on the first opposed surface. The second coupling member includes a second vertical groove and a second transverse groove on the second opposed surface. The second vertical groove is opposed to the first vertical groove. The second transverse groove is opposed to the first transverse groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Katsura, Taichi Kitamura, Chika Baba
  • Patent number: 11285984
    Abstract: In one example, a mother cart is provided that is suitable for transporting a daughter cart. The mother cart includes a base frame having a group of wheels configured to allow the mother cart to be moved. The base frame, in turn, includes a loading bay for receiving the daughter cart, and a support surface for supporting the daughter cart. Finally, the base frame includes a primary restraint mechanism for engaging and securing the daughter cart in the loading bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SailRail Automated Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Scarth, Danny W. Pitcher, Shawn Dawson
  • Patent number: 11046375
    Abstract: A track roller unit for an agricultural working machine has at least one first guide roller and one second guide roller. The first guide roller is mounted on a first supporting arm and the second guide roller is mounted on a second supporting arm. At least one support roller is situated between the guide rollers, and a track belt wraps around the guide rollers and the at least one support roller. A hydropneumatic damping element is assigned to at least one guide roller and/or one support roller. At least one regulated restrictor device, which is assigned to a damping element, is provided and is designed in such a way that its flow resistance is adjustable during the operation of the track roller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Obermeier-Hartmann, Sascha Rackow
  • Patent number: 11046515
    Abstract: A system and method for intermodal container transport that utilizes swarm intelligence and the autonomous locating, lifting, supporting and moving via robots working in conjunction. A port central command locates and releases robots to the container location and then transports the container to its destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Swarm Robotix LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Luckinbill, Ryan Luckinbill
  • Patent number: 11014593
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an improved tugger and rider cart assembly system is presented. The system comprising a tugger cart with a central space to receive a rider cart; the tugger cart having both front side and rear side pluralities of transport wheels approximately parallel to, but not touching, ground; a front side and a rear side loading wheel positioned closer to the ground than the transport wheels; a rider cart having a first wing and a second wing, both wings having a curved portion; and wherein the loading wheels and wing curved portions can be operatively connected to allow a user to move the rider cart onto the tugger cart thereby allowing the tugger cart to transport the rider cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Wayne Knepp, Kris A. Buckert, Nicholas Michael Kaiser, Ryan Wilham Greiner
  • Patent number: 10981488
    Abstract: A vehicle has at least two axles, each having at least one wheel for lifting, transporting, and lowering load carriers. A first axle is mounted in a chassis. Lifting elements are provided for lifting and lowering the load carriers. The distance of the second axle relative to the first axle can be changed in the horizontal longitudinal vehicle direction, and the lifting elements are lifted or lowered by a change in the distance of the second axle from the first axle. The at least one wheel of the first axle can be driven by a drive motor that is arranged on the chassis, and at least one lifting element is displaced horizontally inward or outward by the change in the distance of the second axle from the first axle in the transverse vehicle direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jan Behling, Mathias Rotgeri
  • Patent number: 10952372
    Abstract: A regressive suspension spring system for a farm implement including a spring arm, a rocker arm, a wheel arm rotatably coupled to the farm implement at a first end and rotatably coupled to the rocker arm at a second end at a first pivot, one or more dogbone links rotatably coupled to the spring arm at a first end of the one or more dogbone links at a second pivot and rotatably coupled to the rocker arm at a second end of the one or more dogbone links at a third pivot; and a spring disposed between the rocker arm and the spring arm. An attachable farm implement including a regressive suspension spring system, such as a rotary cutter. A powered machine including a regressive suspension spring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: OREGON TOOL, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Carlson
  • Patent number: 10882436
    Abstract: A transport system includes a trailer with a transport bed adapted to receive a shelter having substantially rectangular base with approximate bottom dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container; first and second wheeled transport assembly positioned on the trailer, wherein each transport assembly is adapted to connect to each end of the shelter to move the shelter on or off the trailer; and base locking units at each corner of the bed to be secured to a shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Maverick Technologies, inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Dominguez
  • Patent number: 10703586
    Abstract: A device for transporting freight articles in a ground or rail haul operations comprises a hollow housing including four corner sections, side walls, two center sections defining four openings each disposed between one edge of a center section and an edge of a respective corner section, a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the two center portions are manufactured from see through or clear material. A door is mounted to selectively open and close a respective opening and swinging outwardly and towards a respective corner portion to selectively open the respective opening. Two channels are provided in the bottom portion, each in open communication with opposite sides of the bottom portion. Four feet or wheels are mounted on the bottom portion. Four receptacles are provided in the top portion, each sized and shaped to receive a foot therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KACI INTERMODAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C Hathaway, M. Kent Bridges
  • Patent number: 10486580
    Abstract: A transport system includes a trailer with a transport bed adapted to receive a shelter having substantially rectangular base with approximate bottom dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container; first and second wheeled transport assembly positioned on the trailer, wherein each transport assembly is adapted to connect to each end of the shelter to move the shelter on or off the trailer; and base locking units at each corner of the bed to be secured to a shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Eddy Dominguez
  • Patent number: 10232884
    Abstract: A method for designing a main body of a trailer, trailer chassis, or like transportable load-supporting system includes selecting a known design of a transportable load-supporting system's main frame. The method includes developing a monocoque main beam having moments of inertia that are respectively greater than or substantially equal to the moments of inertia of the known main frame. Deflections of the known main frame and of the monocoque main beam in response to application of a torsional load, a vertical load, and a lateral load are then determined. Cross-members can be added to the monocoque main beam until the deflection of the monocoque main beam is less than or substantially the same as the deflection of the known main frame. A monocoque main beam designed according to the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Fontaine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Smith, John Clifford Denson
  • Patent number: 10220868
    Abstract: A dolly assembly comprises a base, a plurality of pneumatic cylinders connected to the base, a plurality of wheel assemblies connected to the plurality of pneumatic cylinders, and a pressure relief mechanism. The base has an outer surface configured to support cargo. The pressure relief mechanism is configured to bleed pressure from the plurality of pneumatic cylinders when the base is oriented at or exceeding a set angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Robert Clos, Douglas Alan Brown
  • Patent number: 10183460
    Abstract: System for handling dies with a rectangular and/or arched transverse cross-section that comprises a support for placing in a removable manner dies having a rectangular transverse cross-section, the support being designed to be coupled in a sliding manner to a fixed structure, in which at least said support has fastening means for holding at least one die with a rectangular transverse cross-section vertically in the air; and a handler provided with hooking means designed to be coupled to the support to place and/or remove the support with respect to the fixed structure, the handler having coupling means to be coupled to a transelevator or similar. This system is designed to facilitate the operations of placing and removing the dies during their storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Comercial Industrial Maquinaria Carton Ondulado, S.L.
    Inventors: Ramon Serra Obiol, Jordi Puig Vargas
  • Patent number: 10179660
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method a may include a helicopter transport system. The helicopter transport system may include a support frame. The support frame may be substantially rectangular. The helicopter transport system may include a first pair of wheels. In some embodiments, the first pair of wheels may be positioned on opposing sides of the outer perimeter of the support frame towards a first end of the support frame. The helicopter transport system may include a second pair of wheels. The second pair of wheels may be positioned adjacent one another within the perimeter of the support frame towards a second end of the support frame. The first end of the support frame may be positioned opposite the second end of the support frame. The helicopter transport system may include a lift mechanism coupled to the support frame. The lift mechanism may elevate, during use, a helicopter above the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: St. Louis Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew St. Louis
  • Patent number: 9994270
    Abstract: A lowerable vehicle frame with a folding trailer hitch for trailers and other vehicles has a vehicle frame, which can be transitioned between a lowered transit position and a raised deployed position through a swing suspension assembly and a plurality of lifting devices. A folding trailer hitch connected to the forward end of the vehicle frame allows the vehicle frame to be towed, and folds upwards for storage and aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Donald Blevins
  • Patent number: 9186529
    Abstract: A mobile roof safety device and method of use for arresting the fall of a roof worker off an elevated flat roof is described. The mobile device comprises a displaceable frame having a weighted base adapted to be positioned on a flat roof surface for restraining a load. At least one actuable surface gripping assembly having a pivoting arm to which a safety line is attached for the engagement of a gripping formation is secured to the weighted base. When a pulling force is applied on the pivot arm by a worker attached to the safety line secured to the pivot arm, the gripping formation is biased in the flat roof surface to arrest the fall of the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: PNRC INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Paulo Correia
  • Patent number: 8746710
    Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Linet Spol s.r.o.
    Inventor: Ladislav Schejbal
  • Patent number: 8668208
    Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ulma Safe Handling Equipment
    Inventors: Igor Larringan Errasti, Aitor Telleria Echeverria, Benito Hurtado Mena, Jone Larranaga Mendibaso, Fernando Odriozola Arregui
  • Patent number: 8607905
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheeled load comprising: a frame having a two end; at least one wheel attached to at least one frame end; drive wheel(s) between the ends; a drive means for providing drive wheel power; a power source; a load-lifting arm means, the lifting arm means having a proximal end rotatably attached to the frame and a distal end; affixed to the distal end is a locking pickup head having a multi-socket center adapted to receive a ball, and a sliding locking gate to releasably affix the head to the ball; extending outwardly from the second end is a handle; disposed on the handle is a control means for operating the apparatus; and drive disengagement means for mechanically disengaging the powered driving mechanism so that a user can manually move the apparatus in case of battery or other mechanical failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Dan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130302122
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: DOERFER COMPANIES
    Inventors: David M. Tetzlaff, John R. Burnett, Jason Van Clark, Melvin D. Terry
  • Patent number: 8485538
    Abstract: An auxiliary axle suspension system for a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein a pair of hydraulically operated actuators position and force the auxiliary axle to help support the vehicle. And gas springs are provided that allow the actuators to extend and retract over a wide range of hydraulic operating pressure and thereby allow the auxiliary axle to adjust to a wide range of road grade differences between the auxiliary axle wheels and the wheels of the axles that normally support the vehicle without incurring significant gas and hydraulic pressure fluctuation and while isolating shock forces on the auxiliary axle wheels from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Brooks Strong, Joshua Cayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 8360443
    Abstract: A pallet jack is disclosed that comprises a left tine and a right tine. The pallet jack includes a lifting mechanism that may include an electrically powered hydraulic pump to effectuate the lifting motion. The pallet jack may also include power-driven wheels that are connected by an axle, thereby facilitating translational motion of the pallet jack. The wheels may be maximally spaced by using a maximum-length axle that is slightly longer than the width of the pallet jack body, thereby optimizing load stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Bottling Co., United, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Charles Ellington
  • Patent number: 8267410
    Abstract: A suspension for a trailer vehicle that allows the trailer itself to be used as a ramp. The suspension has an axle having an axis and wheels at each end of the axle. The axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a pivotal connection and the axis of the axle is offset from the pivotal connection to the vehicle. An actuation device having a first and second end is pivotally connected to the axle at its first end. The actuation device is movable between a retracted length and extended length. Shifting the actuation device between its retracted and extended lengths causes the axle to pivot about the pivotal connection on the trailer, thereby changing the height of the vehicle relative to the ground surface. The trailer can be used as a ramp, thus, eliminating the need for separate ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Michael S. Stutz, John Slayter
  • Patent number: 8172255
    Abstract: A height-adjustable cart intended for use in kitchens when transferring food among ovens, stoves and countertops is herein disclosed. The cart comprises a pair of foot-release pedals located at the base of the cart, which, when depressed, vertically adjusts the top tray surface upwardly or downwardly as desired. Thus, the user is able to equalize the height between the cart and other cooking surfaces such as ovens, stoves, countertops and even serving tables. This feature allows the user to simply slide food on and off of the cart without having to pick it up or carry it. This is ideal when dealing with heavy trays of food or food that is extremely hot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Rebecca Martin
  • Patent number: 7976032
    Abstract: The pallet jack apparatus provides lateral fork adjustment between the two forks, each having a forwardly disposed pivoted wheel for added fork support. The lateral fork adjustment is controlled by the horizontal control lever on the stem. The lateral fork adjustment is via a motor with pinion gear which directly drives the first and second fork gears. The apparatus further provides height adjustment for the forks via the vertical control lever on the stem. The control levers are positioned within the handle interior of the oblong circular handle which guards against inadvertent control movements while providing superior leverage for positioning the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Diangelo S. Dockins, Stephanie Dockins
  • Publication number: 20110140381
    Abstract: A multi-wheeled base for a mobile cart includes one or more swiveling, optionally locking, caster wheels and one or more non-swiveling traction wheels to improve the maneuverability of the cart by making it easier to steer and stop. The traction wheels may be manually-engaged traction wheels, which may be operated by a cam and lever. The traction wheels may also be automatically-engaged traction wheels operated by a motor and a threaded shaft, and activated by a motion-sensitive sensor or by an on/off electrical switch or button. The traction wheels are preferably in contact with the floor when the mobile cart is moving, and raised above the surface of the floor when the cart is stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Jaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred P. Rossini
  • Patent number: 7900740
    Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Doyle Roley
  • Patent number: 7736115
    Abstract: A trailer that can be lowered to the floor or ground for loading, and after the trailer is loaded, it can be elevated to a height appropriate for transportation. Six elements are required for the taller to operate: a chassis, two axles (torsion bars), four pivoting arms, four hubs with wheels, two hydraulic cylinders, and a manually operated hydraulic or electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jorge Omar Lambert
  • Patent number: 7686311
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a lateral motion of an imaging device is provided by at least one friction reduction device that provides motion in a direction that is lateral to main wheels of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samuel Lee Alder, Vernon Thomas Jensen
  • Patent number: 7618227
    Abstract: A trailer having a front and a rear. The trailer includes a frame constructed to receive a bed and a hitch attached to the frame at the front of the trailer. A tube is pivotally connected to the frame between the front and the rear of the trailer. First and second support arms are connected to the tube. Each wheel support arm has an axle and a wheel located at its distal end. The trailer further includes means for rotating the tube. In one embodiment, the trailer has an inclining feature and a shoe for ground engagement. The shoe is located vertically below a central axis of the tube and longitudinally between the wheels and the front of the trailer. In a second embodiment, the trailer has an inclining and elevating feature. In this second embodiment, the hitch is pivotally connected to the front of the trailer and there is provided means for rotating the tube and rotating the hitch relative to one another to elevate, incline, or decline the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Advance Metal Working Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7559736
    Abstract: A wheeled cart having a bed, two side walls, a front wall and an open end which is connected to a towing vehicle. The bed of the cart is raised or lowered to be inclined toward the open end to load the cart. The bed is level when the cart is loaded. A latch secures the rack within the cart and the latch is manually releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Streett Mohan
  • Patent number: 7547025
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering and raising the floor bed of a transport trailer to facilitate loading and unloading, the transport trailer having at least one pair of wheels mounted on a swing arm, the swing arm connected to a transverse axle, the transverse axle having mounted thereon a first quarter bevel gear in communication with a worm drive gear combination for raising and lowering the swing arms and thus raising or lowering the trailer bed, there being at least one second quarter bevel gear and worm drive gear combination in communication with a motor and a V-shaped yoke, the worm gears being mounted on a common shaft extending from the motor rearwardly to a manual coupling which would permit the manual lowering and raising of the trailer bed in the absence of motor power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: George J. Coates
  • Patent number: 7426970
    Abstract: The disclosed articulated wheel assemblies and associated vehicles, for example wheelchairs, include articulated wheel assemblies with at least one offset connecting arm rotatably attached at one end to a payload platform, for example a seat, and attached at the other end to a linear actuator, where the linear actuator is further connected to a wheel. Embodiments include a rotary actuator for varying the linear actuator swing angle, a rotary actuator for eccentrically rotating a hubless wheel, a linear actuator motor for varying the length of the linear actuator, and a propulsion motor. Embodiments provide omnidirectional motion, stepping action when presented with obstacles, irregular surface negotiation, tight space maneuvering and other features to provide disabled people increased mobility. Alternate embodiments include a payload platform with a support strut, which is rotatably attached to an offset connecting arm and pivotally mounted to a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher J. Olsen