Adjustable To Accommodate Different Size Loads Patents (Class 294/81.2)
  • Patent number: 11926476
    Abstract: A transport vehicle includes: a vehicle body (31) and a first traveling mechanism (32) mounted on the vehicle body (31). The first traveling mechanism (32) includes a plurality of crawling assemblies (320) respectively provided on two opposite sides of the vehicle body (31). Each crawling assembly (320) includes: a wheel carrier (321) extending outwardly from a lateral side of the vehicle body (31); and a driving wheel (322) mounted on the wheel carrier (321), the driving wheel has an axis perpendicular to an extending direction of the wheel carrier (321). The wheel carrier (321) is rotatable about the central axis of the wheel carrier (321) in the extension direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11623352
    Abstract: A robotically-operated gripping device is provided and includes a frame assembly, a vacuum device, a clamping device, and a robotic arm. The vacuum device is connected to the frame assembly and configured to selectively attach to and position at least a portion of an object. The clamping device is connected to the frame assembly and provided for selectively clamping the object attached to the vacuum device. The robotic arm is connected to the frame assembly and provided for selectively positioning the vacuum device and the gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: JLS Automation
    Inventor: Corey Wagner
  • Patent number: 11565429
    Abstract: An affordance is disclosed which allows a robot system to pick an expanded range of items using a single type of end effector, without requiring the use of different end effectors. The affordance includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is arranged to be grasped by an end effector of the robot system and the second layer is arranged to adhere to the item. A system having an affordance and a robot system with an end effector arranged to grasp at least one item from storage by way of the affordance is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Duncan Russell, Panagiotis Sotiropoulos
  • Patent number: 11208298
    Abstract: A side lift spreader main beam (22) comprises a vertical carrier plate (58) having a first vertical height (H1) and being made of steel plate having a first thickness (T1); a C-beam (60) comprising a first horizontal flange (64) and a second horizontal flange (66) interconnected by a vertical web portion (68), the C-beam (60) having a second vertical height (H2) lower than the first vertical height (H1) and being made of steel plate having a second thickness (T2) thinner than the first thickness (T1), wherein the C-beam (60) defines, together with the carrier plate (58), a closed channel beam with a first flange (74) of the carrier plate (58) extending vertically from the closed channel beam; and an inclined support plate (62) welded to the carrier plate, and to an outer face of the first flange (64) of the C-beam (60) at a distance from the carrier plate (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventors: Erik Förander, Örjan Karlsson
  • Patent number: 10759635
    Abstract: Embodiments of this document provides improved safety logic for a mobile container handler of the reach stacker or top pick type. The improved logic involves limitations surrounding the hoist function of the machine subsequent to attaching to a shipping container. This improvement addresses damage to the container spreader caused by abrupt joystick hoist inputs by the operator immediately subsequent to attaching onto a shipping container. Due to space between the spreader arms and spreader body, which is so designed to facilitate movement of the arms inside the spreader body, sudden vertical movement of the spreader results in impact forces being exerted on various parts of the spreader body and spreader arms. These impacts accelerate fatigue leading to premature catastrophic failure of the spreader body and/or spreader arms' structural steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventors: Abraham Ben Seutter, Aaron Seutter
  • Patent number: 10737607
    Abstract: A mobile cart includes a frame; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels. At least one carrier is movably attached to the frame and configured to receive a drum thereon. The carrier is movable between a transport position, wherein the carrier is supported upon the frame, and a loading position, wherein the carrier is oriented generally upright. A corresponding at least one motorized drive member is attached to the frame and to the carrier, the motorized drive member being configured, when actuated, to move the corresponding carrier between the transport position and the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Richard I. Moore
  • Patent number: 10280055
    Abstract: A lifting assembly for lifting a load including a frame and a rotation member. The frame includes a central portion interconnecting two spaced apart lifting portions and a suspension space defined below the central portion and between the lifting portions. The central portion includes an aperture. Each lifting portion is configured to engage a lifting device, such as a fork lift. The rotation member is disposed above the aperture of the central portion. The rotation member is a ball joint including a ball member that rotates and pivots within a rotation cavity. A fastener member attaches to the ball member and is suspended through the aperture of the frame's central portion. The fastener member is attached to a load to lift and suspend the load within or below the suspension space while allowing rotation and pivoting of the load relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Menduni, William von Eberstein
  • Patent number: 10106376
    Abstract: In the field of hoisting and controlling hoisted loads, a hoisting device for hoisting a load includes a support beam, two load carrying units, structured to be slid along the support beam and being structured to hold the load, at least one counterweight structured to be slid along the support beam, at least one sensor capable of measuring the weight force held by the load carrying units, a first driving unit structured to slide the load carrying units, a second driving unit structured to slide the counterweight, a third driving unit structured to hoist the load, a hooking point structured to be hooked from a crane, and a processing unit structured to receive the information produced by the sensor and structured to operate the first driving unit, the second driving unit and the third driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space, S.A.
    Inventors: Enrique Del Pozo Polidoro, Manuel Pérez López, Fernando Esteban Finck
  • Patent number: 10046954
    Abstract: A suspension type lifting device includes a base unit, a balance unit, two servo units, a hanging unit and a steering unit. The steering unit is mounted in the base unit and includes a housing having a receiving chamber, a control module mounted on the housing, and at least one gyroscope rotatably mounted in the receiving chamber of the housing and electrically connected with the control module. When the at least one gyroscope performs the self-rotation and the side-rotation simultaneously, the side-rotation produces a torque to change a direction of the self-rotation and to produce a precession, so as to change the direction of the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Chuan-Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 9884584
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to provide a locating means for a vehicle lost in a parking facility includes a telescoping device installed on the vehicle and is selectively activated by remote control. When activated, the apparatus will upwardly extend an illuminated beacon to provide a visual indication from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: James R. Lackemeyer
  • Patent number: 9695019
    Abstract: A suspension type lifting device includes a base unit, a bearing unit, a balance unit, a servo unit and a hanging unit. The base unit includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The bearing unit includes a positioning piece and two forks. The balance unit is connected with the third plate of the base unit. The servo unit is connected with the first plate of the base unit. The hanging unit is mounted on the first plate of the base unit. When the servo unit detects that a foreign object is placed on the bearing unit, the servo unit calculates a value required for reaching a balance weight and transmits a power to drive the balance unit to swing leftward and rightward, so as to reach a balance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chuan-Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 9578851
    Abstract: A transportable animal care station includes an enclosure and a pair of opposite transport couplers. The enclosure includes a frame and defines a treatment space. The enclosure presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The transport couplers are fixed relative to the frame, with each of the couplers being removably connectable to a corresponding one of the lifting components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Arnold G. Nagely
  • Patent number: 9463961
    Abstract: A device for moving construction tables from under poured concrete is disclosed. A spreader bar is suspended from a crane and it incorporates two cables used to connect to the table to be moved at points between the center of the gravity of the table and it's captive end. A hoist is suspended from the spreader bar and it includes two additional cables or chains also used to connect to the table between the center of gravity and the free end of the table. The two sets of cables or cables and chains are kept separate from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff York
  • Patent number: 9188281
    Abstract: An adjusting device for making x-y adjustments of a repositionable member from a single point includes first and second extendable members each defining an extension axis and including an extension rod, an extendable portion operatively attached to and adjustable relative to the extension rod along the extension axis to an extended length, and a clamping member attached to the extendable portion and configured to receive a rotatable member including the repositionable member. The clamping members define a rotation axis perpendicular to the extension axes and are lockable to prevent rotation of the rotatable member around the rotation axis. The adjusting device includes a synchronizing mechanism connected to the first and second extendable members and operable to simultaneously adjust the extended length of the first and second extendable portions such that the extended length of the first extendable portion and the extended length of the second extendable portion are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Morrison Timing Screw Co.
    Inventors: Nick Wilson, Andrew Kazen
  • Patent number: 9156651
    Abstract: A tubing reel assembly including a drive assembly, a swivel assembly, a reel, and a stand. The drive assembly includes a drive assembly adapter that connects the reel and the drive assembly, a drive assembly mount that connects the drive assembly and the stand, and a rotational power source. The swivel assembly includes a swivel assembly adapter that connects the reel and the swivel assembly, a swivel assembly mount that connects the swivel assembly and the stand, a bearing, and a hydraulic swivel. The reel includes recessed hubs that allow the overall width of the tubing reel assembly to be reduced, and the recessed hubs are used for connecting the drive assembly to the reel and the swivel assembly to the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Stewart & Stevenson, LLC
    Inventor: DoSeo Park
  • Publication number: 20150086321
    Abstract: Method for lifting a concrete product with a lifting boom and a lifting boom, in which method the lifting boom is moved above the concrete product to be lifted with a crane, lifting hooks of the lifting boom are set in lifting loops located in the concrete product to be lifted, and the lifting is carried out by lifting the lifting boom together with the concrete product with a crane, wherein the location of at least one lifting loop in the concrete product to be lifted is detected by a control system of the lifting boom, which control systems moves at least one lifting hook along the lifting boom to the location of the lifting loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ELEMATIC OY AB
    Inventors: Pekka KORKIAMAKI, Leena RAUKOLA, Jani EILOLA
  • Publication number: 20150042114
    Abstract: A grasping device for a bead ring grasps the bead ring formed of a wire wound around an annular winding unit provided on the outer circumferential surface of a rotary body while fixing a beginning and a termination of the wire. The grasping device includes an upper grasping unit that grasps an upper part of the bead ring and a lower receiver that receives a lower part of the bead ring. The upper grasping unit is formed of a pair of grasping bodies that can be released from each other and closed relative to each other so as to clamp the upper part of the bead ring therebetween. The lower receiver is formed of a receiving recessed part that receives the lower end of the bead ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: FUJI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chikara Takagi
  • Publication number: 20150028608
    Abstract: Described herein is a blade holding device for handling the rotor blade of a wind turbine, the rotor blade including a root portion and an outer portion. The blade holding device comprising a first device adapted to grip the root portion of the rotor blade and a second device adapted to support the outer portion of the rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Marcus Paul Wubbelmann
  • Publication number: 20140271084
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatic pitch conversion for pick and place heads, comprising at least one auto pitch station for adjusting a pitch in a X-coordinate direction and/or adjusting a pitch in a Y-coordinate direction of pickers/grippers of a pick and place heads; a first actuator, operated by a motor gear assembly of the at least one auto pitch station, wherein the first actuator changes the pitch in the X-coordinate direction distance between rows of pickers/grippers of the respective pick and place head; and a second actuator operated by the same motor gear assembly, wherein the second actuator changes the pitch in the Y-coordinate direction between the pickers/grippers within a row of the respective pick and place head. A method for automatic pitch conversion of pick and place heads and a pick and place head and a pick and place device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Bert Vangilbergen, Erik De Block, Jimmy Vermeulen, KW Cheung, KC Leung, Bruno Accou, Carl Truyens, Karel Van Gils
  • Publication number: 20140097629
    Abstract: A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FESTO Corporation
    Inventors: Boaz Eidelberg, Thomas Pilock, Matthew Quigley, Patrick Haran, Mustansir Faizullabhoy
  • Patent number: 8622449
    Abstract: A material handling system for engaging and lifting transformer coils. Four leg assemblies are provided around a transformer. The leg assemblies have extensible plates which extend underneath the transformer. The leg assemblies are secured by chains to an overhead cruciform spacer which is coupled to a crane or other device. The leg assemblies may be bound together by straps to prevent movement of the leg assemblies relative to one another. For smaller or larger transformers, a lesser or greater number of leg assemblies may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Brad Stroh
  • Publication number: 20130302135
    Abstract: A gripping element of a bag for pharmaceutical products is provided with two gripping devices adapted to withhold two opposite edges of the bag itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Simone Giampieri, Federico Ricavi
  • Patent number: 8485575
    Abstract: A gripper for a door of a vehicle is provided which may be applied to various types of vehicles. In particular, a gripper for a door of a vehicle as provided may include frames mounted to an end of an arm of a robot, moving units which are disposed on the frames and are configured for reciprocating toward a clamping point of a door panel, angle adjusting units disposed to an end of the moving unit and configured for reciprocating forward and backward with respect to the frame and adjustable according to an angle difference of the door panel, and clamping units which are disposed on each angle adjusting unit and configured for clamping the clamping points of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jung Whan Yeum
  • Patent number: 8480349
    Abstract: A device for longitudinal adjustment of a spreader relative to the yoke beam with a sled for lateral adjustment of the spreader between the supports of a straddle carrier for picking up and transporting containers includes a base frame and mountings for support bolts firmly connected with it, a traverse with openings for support bolts and an attachment for a displacement cylinder, support bolts between the mountings and the traverse, and displacement cylinders between the base frame and the traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Noell Mobile Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Roman Hiltscher
  • Patent number: 8408616
    Abstract: Featured is a gripper for a tailgate; such a gripper includes a rotation pad at each regulation surface of a locator and a clamper of each clamping unit, where a swivel ball is mounted on the rotation pad. Each clamping unit is movable in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction by a movement unit of a frame so as to be adaptable to angle differences of each regulation surface of the tailgate. Such a tailgate gripper further includes a frame having a tool mounting portion to mount a tool changer of a robot in a lower portion of a rear surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jung Whan Yeum, Doo Il Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120213937
    Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: LaValley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jason LaValley, Daniel Larson, Jesse Kilde, Michael Burgess, Lawrence D. Kilpo
  • Publication number: 20120056440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper for a door of a vehicle which may be applied to various types of vehicles. In particular, a gripper for a door of a vehicle of the present invention includes frames mounted to an end of an arm of a robot, moving units which are disposed on the frames and are configured for reciprocating toward a clamping point of a door panel, angle adjusting units disposed to an end of the moving unit and configured for reciprocating forward and backward with respect to the frame and adjustable according to an angle difference of the door panel, and clamping units which are disposed on each angle adjusting unit and configured for clamping the clamping points of the door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jung Whan Yeum
  • Publication number: 20110318159
    Abstract: An arrangement for lifting a tower wall portion of a wind turbine is provided. The arrangement includes a bar, a first holding member and a second holding member. The bar is connectable to a coupling element of a lift. The first and second holding members have respective first and second engagement portions adapted for engaging the tower wall portion at a first position and a second position respectively, the first position being different from the second position. The first and second holding members are releasably lockable at the bar such that the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are a first distance away from each other. The first and second holding members are also releasably lockable at the bar such that the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are a second distance away from each other, the second distance being different from the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Mikkel Verner Krogh, Henning Poulsen
  • Publication number: 20110254299
    Abstract: Provided is a workpiece transfer apparatus for a press machine including: a workpiece retaining device which is supported by a crossbar extending to be approximately orthogonal to a workpiece transfer direction, and is capable of retaining and releasing a workpiece; a guiding device which supports and guides the workpiece retaining device so that the workpiece retaining device is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the crossbar; a driving device which drives the workpiece retaining device supported and guided by the guiding device so that the workpiece retaining device is moved along the longitudinal direction of the crossbar; and a brake device which acts in a path different from a path of the driving device, the brake device being capable of fixing and releasing a position of the workpiece retaining device with respect to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: AIDA ENGINEERING, LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke Takeda
  • Publication number: 20110227354
    Abstract: A rescue device for marooned victims consists of a pair of holding arms (10, 10?) for holding the victims and a pair of seating arms (11, 11?) for providing seating facility to the victim. A motor (20) mounted on top of holding arms (10, 10?) moves arms (10, 10?) and (11, 11?) in a direction opposite to each other. The two pair of arms (10, 10?) and (11, 11?) rotate co-axially around main holding bar (40) in directions opposite to each other whenever motor (20) is activated without destabilizing the suspension above, wherein the holding arms (10, 10?) are closed in for holding the victims body by the arc or V shaped structures (30, 30?) when the seating arms (11, 11?) are closed in for providing a seating facility (16) through electrical means (50) and lock (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jainendra Kumar Singh
  • Publication number: 20110193362
    Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping device or system includes a plurality of electroadhesive gripping surfaces, each having electrode(s) and each configured to be placed against respective surface regions of a foreign object, such that one or more electroadhesive forces can be provided between the electroadhesive gripping surfaces and the foreign object. Such electroadhesive forces operating to hold the foreign object against the electroadhesive gripping surfaces while the foreign object is held or moved by the electroadhesive gripping system. The electroadhesive gripping surfaces can be arranged onto a plurality of continuous fingers, and various gripping surfaces on each finger can be coupled together and manipulated with respect to each other by an actuating component, such as a cable actuator. A variable voltage can be delivered to the electrodes to control the amount of electroadhesive force generated, such that only a portion of a foreign object is held or moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Harsha PRAHLAD, Ronald E. PELRINE, Pablo E. GARCIA, Richard MAHONEY, Joseph S. ECKERLE
  • Publication number: 20110155683
    Abstract: A crane spreader for use in lifting a container includes an attachment unit, a head block, a frame unit, a position adjustment unit and a fixation unit. The attachment unit detachably attaches the crane spreader to an upper surface of the container. The head block has a pulley connected to a trolley of a crane through a cable and coupled to the attachment unit to restrict a horizontal movement the attachment unit with respect to the head block. The frame unit is supported by the head block to be horizontally movable with respect to the head block, the frame unit being disposed below the head block with a gap therebetween. The position adjustment unit aligns the frame unit with the container by displacing the frame unit with respect to the attachment unit. The fixation unit engages the container with the frame unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Soo Hyun KIM, Eun Ho Kim, In Gwun Jang, Yunsub Jung, Hanjong Ju, Yoon Keun Kwak, Byung Man Kwak, Kyung Woon Kwak, Doo Yeol Koh, Sang Jun Yoo, Jung Kim, Yun Sic Hong
  • Publication number: 20110133501
    Abstract: Featured is a door gripper for a vehicle including a frame, upper clamping units and a lower clamping unit. The lower clamping unit including a rotary pad with a swivel ball in restricted surfaces of a clamper and a locator of a lower clamping unit to deal with an angle difference of restricted cross sections of the door. The lower clamping unit and upper clamping units being configured and arranged so as to be movable in the up-down direction and the width direction along a guide rail of the frame in order to deal with differences in height and width of the restricted cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jung Whan Yeum, Doo Il Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100181788
    Abstract: A dual chain hoist having a lifting beam that can be telescopically extended and contracted, wherein load chains respectively extend to hook blocks suspended beneath the lifting beam in the vicinity of the ends of two telescoping sections that form the lifting beam. The distance between the telescoping sections can be varied with another chain. The chain for varying the length of the lifting beam extends over a chain wheel that is connected without rotational play to another chain wheel from which the load chain of the hook block of the respective telescoping lifting beam section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Konecranes PIc
    Inventors: Jürgen Kasper, Peter Kittsteiner
  • Publication number: 20100109359
    Abstract: An engagement device (5) comprising a hub (15); a plurality of discrete projection members (20A-20D) mounted to said hub (15) at a respective first ends of said members, said members selectively extendable from said hub (15); a sheave and engagement apparatus (25A-25D) mounted to each projection member (20A-20D), the engagement apparatus for engaging at least one intermodul unit; wherein extension of the projection members (20A-20D) moves the respective sheave and engagement apparatus (25A-25 D) relative to said hub (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: NSL ENGINEERING PTE LTD
    Inventors: Robert Arthur Mills, Ghee Hua Ng, ZhanMin Tong
  • Patent number: 7690707
    Abstract: A hoisting frame that can be connected at an upper side to hoisting cables and have a device on an underside for picking up a secondary hoisting frame. The hoisting frame may be adjustable between a retracted position, in which its transverse dimension is equal to that of the secondary hoisting frame, and an extended position. Pick-ups are adapted to pick up a single secondary hoisting frame in the retracted position and to pick up two mutually adjacent secondary hoisting frames in the extended position. A method for transferring containers may include picking up one load at a first location when the hoisting frame is retracted, or two loads when the hoisting frame is extended, lifting, displacing to a second location and then lowering the hoisting frame with the picked-up load(s), uncoupling the load(s) from the hoisting frame, lifting the hoisting frame, moving the hoisting frame from one to another position. A secondary hoisting frame may be coupled or uncoupled and the steps repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Stinis Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Stinis, Karel Frederik Drenth, Cornelis Joannes Rijsenbrij, Jeroen Cornelis Bruijn
  • Patent number: 7611180
    Abstract: An end of arm tool has a mounting bracket mounting the end of arm tool to the robot arm for movement therewith and has a plurality of operating mechanisms mounted to the mounting bracket, a plurality of gripping devices each operatively connected to a respective operating mechanism and movable along a path, and a plurality of individual motors each operatively connected to a respective gripping device for moving the respective gripping device along its respective path. At least one programmable controller for operating the motors is provided to adjust the positions of the gripping devices along their respective paths to one of a plurality of predetermined positions established by the controller for gripping the article and to position the end of arm tool adjacent the article so that at least one of the gripping devices grips the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: SAS Automation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Trent P. Fisher, John M Westbeld, Robert M. Miller, Jason R. Heinz
  • Publication number: 20090133524
    Abstract: A drive mechanism and a gripper mechanism equipped with the drive mechanism are provided. An electrical gripper includes a drive mechanism equipped with a motor, a feed screw that transmits a rotary drive force from the motor to a feed nut capable of displacement in an axial direction, and a gripper section that grips a workpiece by coupling to the feed nut and being displaced thereby. The drive mechanism further is constituted by a self-locking mechanism, which prevents the feed nut from being retracted as a result of a reactive force received in the event that the feed nut is advanced and the workpiece is gripped by the gripper section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro FUKANO, Shoichi Makado
  • Publication number: 20090115212
    Abstract: A hoist frame (150) for engaging a pair of spreaders in an expanded position and a single spreader in a retracted position comprising, a first and second head frame (65a, b), each for engaging a lifting device; a rigid first frame (160a) fixed to the first head frame and a rigid second frame (160b) fixed to the second head frame; a plurality of assemblies (155a,b) pivotably mounted to each fixed frame so as to be intermediate the head frames, wherein, each assembly comprises an upper horizontal member (175), a first inclined outer member (165) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a first end of the upper horizontal member, a second inclined outer member (185) pivotally mounted to the second fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a second end of the upper horizontal member, a first inclined inner member (170a) pivotally mounted to the first fixed frame and pivotally mounted to a mid-point of the upper horizontal member so as to be parallel to the first outer inclined member in a fi
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: NSL ENGINEERING PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Ghee Hua Ng, Zhan Min Tong, Jin Bei Tang, Robert Arthur Mills
  • Publication number: 20090072561
    Abstract: A collapsible spreader assembly (1) capable of being disassembled comprises at least two end members (3, 5), each of which comprises a lower load attachment point (25) for attachment to the load to be lifted, and an upper lifting attachment point (21) for attachment to a crane hook or the like, the spreader assembly (1) further comprising connection means for connecting the end members (3, 5) together, the connection means comprising a male spigot connector (31), and a female socket connector (41) operative to slidingly receive the male spigot connector (31) in use, each connector (31, 41) being formed with an annular load carrying face (37, 47), the plane of each load carrying face (37, 47) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembled spreader such that, when the end members (3, 5) are connected together, the load carrying faces (37, 47) abut so as to carry the axial compression forces acting between the ends of the spreader in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Modulift Design and Consulting Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Latham
  • Patent number: 7478852
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes an I-beam having a lower flange and an upper flange; a plurality of hoist connectors positioned on the I-beam extending upwardly from the upper flange; a center load connector positioned on the I-beam extending downwardly from approximately a midpoint along the lower flange; and at least two movable load connectors positioned on the I-beam extending downwardly from the lower flange, each movable load connector engaged with the I-beam by a plurality of support members having one or more wheels positioned to roll along upper surfaces of the lower flange, the center load connector being positioned between the at least two movable load connectors. An associated method includes providing the lifting apparatus; connecting a lifting machine to at least one of the hoist connectors; connecting a load to at least one of the load connectors; and lifting the load by using the lifting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: P. Trentis Durden
  • Patent number: 7399019
    Abstract: A device for lifting oversized pieces of material. The device includes a spreader bar capable of attaching to a lifting vehicle. At least two cross members are attached to the spreader bar along with at least one cross-member power source. The at least one cross-member power source is connected to at least one drive mechanism which in turn is connected to at least one of the at least two cross members. A load-pick power source is attached to each of the at least two cross members and well as to at least one load-pick drive mechanism. The at least one load-pick drive mechanism is connected to each of the at least two load pick points, and the cross-member and the load-pick power sources are each electrically connected to an operating or control panel in a cab of the lifting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Malmgren, Daniel Brian Zakula, Sr., Myron Glickman
  • Publication number: 20080129065
    Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Vern J. Alway, Michael L. Timmer
  • Patent number: 7178846
    Abstract: A device in the handling of containers, by means of which device at least two containers are handled. The device comprises a frame, to whose guides end pieces have been movably attached, which end pieces comprise attachment members for attaching the device to the corner fittings of the lowermost container(s) of the containers placed on top of one another. The invention also relates to a method in the handling of containers, in which method at least two containers are handled by means of a container transfer device, which container transfer device comprises a gripping member or equivalent. In the method, at least two containers placed on top of one another are handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Finnlines Oyj
    Inventor: Mika Niskanen
  • Patent number: 7159912
    Abstract: Transport device for an object, in particular for a pressing tool with a large weight, with a plurality of cable elements, which comprise a securing element, to which the object to be transported can be releasably fastened. According to the invention, a spreader device is provided, which is configured with a spreader weight, which is fastened to a chain hoist, which is movable in vertical direction by a drive unit, and with struts articulated to the spreader weight, wherein on the side opposite to the spreader weight each strut is fixedly connected to a cable element having the securing element on the free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Gerhäusser
  • Patent number: 6863323
    Abstract: This gripper is designed to transport all types of materials, metal, cardboard, glass, plastic, wood in all types of industries. It is comprised of several types of profile sections, made of aluminum, for example, as well as several types of mechanical pieces made of a light metal alloy, which, by their shapes, can be mounted quickly and transport pieces of all shapes. This gripper consists of a central core and profile sections fitted to be affixed perpendicularly onto this central core, mechanisms to affix these profile sections at the desired position, and ball and socket bearings mounted to the ends of these profile sections. Air chokes are affixed to the ends of the ball joints, which make possible an angular clearance of the air chokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: AMG
    Inventor: Dominique Neveu
  • Patent number: 6685247
    Abstract: A gripping device, adapted to be mounted on a robot arm, includes a central beam (1) having high characteristics of inertia in flexure and in torsion, and at least one arm (11-27) secured removably to the beam and adapted to support a member for positioning, holding or gripping a piece of automobile body work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Genus Technologies
    Inventors: Michel Morel, Fabrice Roudier
  • Patent number: 6454334
    Abstract: A gripper device for thin, plate-like parts, especially sheet-metal parts, is provided with a plurality of suction cups (26,28,30,32) disposed on the underside of a carrier frame. The suction cups (26,28,30,32) are fixed to the outer ends of four gear racks (18,20,22,24) which are disposed as a cross and can be displaced longitudinally along two superimposed planes. In the center of the cross formed by the racks, mounted in a vertical axis, there is a toothed gear (46) which extends over both superimposed planes. The gear racks (18,20,22,24) engage with the toothed gear (46) in pairs from diametrically opposed sides. A control rod (72) with a gear rack profile engages with the toothed gear (46) on a third plane and has an engaging device (76) at one radially external end by means of which an adjusting force can be exerted on the control rod in order to displace it in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Wilfried Strothmann GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinebau und Handhabungstechnik
    Inventor: Rainer Massow
  • Patent number: 6431379
    Abstract: An automated load handling apparatus is provided for handling loads fastened to a spreader having corners and a load suspension mechanism. The load handling apparatus includes a lifting yoke having a horizontal supporting framework that may be suspended at its comers to the spreader, four axially displaceable pendulum supports arranged between the lifting yoke and the spreader for supporting the lifting yoke, a rigid load guide including a lifting mechanism having ropes corresponding to comers of the lifting yoke that may be fastened to the load suspension mechanism of the spreader, and a cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 arranged toward an end of the lifting yoke. The cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 provides torque support to the lifting yoke relative to the load guide and is capable of displacing and/or pivoting the lifting yoke relative to the load guide. A sensor mechanism is arranged in the cylinder pair for detecting relative orientation of the lifting yoke relative to the spreader and/or the load guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Joachim Kröll, Jürgen Breitfeld, Hermann Franzen, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Patent number: 6352292
    Abstract: An arrangement for a spreader for hoisting containers includes a beam extendable from a retracted position in a housing to an extended position. An additional beam member is received in an inner end of the extendable beam and is arranged to slide axially with respect to the extendable beam, as well as with respect to the housing. An interlocking device is arranged on the extendable beam and on the additional beam member. The interlocking device transfers an extension motion from the extendable beam to the additional beam member. A device arranged on the additional beam member as well as the housing acts to limit the relative axial motion of the additional beam member with respect to the housing. The additional beam member provides an inner end extension of the extendable beam when the additional beam member is extended to engage the device of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Bromma Conquip AB
    Inventor: Lennart Lindström