Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle, wherein the lifting system including one or more lifting devices and: a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier; and a controller including an indoor positioning system with a transponder, wherein the transponder is provided on or at the carrier such that the controller determines the location and the height of the carrier in at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a lifting device, comprising: guide rails extending through a plurality of floors in vertical direction, a lift car frame that is liftably connected to the guide rails, a tray that is detachably connected to the lift car frame, a tray circulation assembly that is mounted on each floor, the tray being detachably connectable to the tray circulation assembly and the tray circulation assembly being used for docking the tray connected thereto on the floor where the tray circulation assembly is mounted or for enabling the tray connected thereto to be connected to the lift car frame. This disclosure further provides a method of operating the lifting device.

Abstract: Use of cars is part of the modern life. However, many times handling these units are difficult, time and energy consuming. One of such conditions is making a U-turn in a narrow driveway or the end of a narrow valley or street. This invention introduces a method and means which allows a wheeled unit to rotate and make a U-turn in a small place easily. The applicant believes this will make the life of many humans easier.

Abstract: A sliding platform system for moving a vehicle parked on a platform, the sliding platform system including at least one rail and at least one vehicle platform slidably movable upon the at least one rail, a chain drive assembly comprising a chain, motor and sprockets, a chain guide channel positioned adjacent the at least one rail, and at least one latching mechanism mounted to the platform and slidably engaged in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain drive assembly is operably coupled to the latching mechanism and wherein a portion of the chain is positioned in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain guide channel includes at least one detent operable to engage the latching mechanism when the latching mechanism is positioned in alignment with the detent and to disengage the chain from a chain engagement element in the latching mechanism. The chain drive assembly is operable to move one or more platforms along the rail to pre-selected positions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional parking garage has a three-dimensional frame and multiple vehicle carriers. Each vehicle carrier has a bottom frame, and the three-dimensional frame comprises a front transverse beam, multiple front columns, multiple longitudinal crossbeams, and multiple rear columns; each front transverse beam, front column, longitudinal crossbeam, and rear columns are formed by two nested components; the vehicle carrier further has an accessorial frame, a first vehicle plate and a second vehicle plate. The frame of the three-dimensional parking garage can adopt thinner plates as raw materials. The vehicle plate used for vehicle parking of the parking garage is disposed between the side beam of the bottom frame and the accessorial frame, and the accessorial frame with a smaller span length, so the material is thinner and steel with 1.6 mm thickness can be used, and the materials can be significantly saved and costs can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

Abstract: Parking solutions and storage solutions are provided. In particular there is provided a system for storing at least one vehicle, the system comprising a storage area for storing at least one vehicle and means for moving the at least one vehicle within the storage area, wherein the storage area is marginally larger than the size of the vehicle. The means for moving the at least one vehicle moved into the storage area includes a platform adapted to receive the vehicle. Provided are also systems for parking vehicle, in particular, peripheral parking systems and undercroft parking systems as well as a storage system for items.

Abstract: In an airfield with a short bi-directional runway and a long bi-directional runway intersecting with each other perpendicularly a system for storing and launching a plurality of airplanes includes a plurality of platforms, a plurality of rectangular cages and a frame. Onto each platform one airplane may be placed. Each cage has an opening into which one platform and one airplane are inserted through the opening. The frame has a plurality of slots and is disposed in ground beneath the airfield. One rectangular cage may be inserted into one of the slots. An elevator is disposed adjacent to the frame and has a bottom platform and an opening which may be aligned with the opening of one of the slots.

Abstract: A system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: The invention refers to a storage device for vehicles. It comprises several platforms arranged one above the other. The platforms can be lifted or lowered between a first lower and a second upper position. By means of that the platform can optionally be connected to a common approach way. Preferably the platforms are guided at a stand. The platform can be fixed in its respective position at the stand by a support or a stopper.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly for vertical lift systems for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles, the lift system comprising a frame extending upward from a base and at least one platform that is raised vertically within that frame responsive to a lift mechanism upon which a vehicle is parked, the fall prevention assembly comprising a series of metal bars of sufficient size and strength to resist bending attached to the base of the unit and extending upward through a series of bushings mounted strategically on each platform usually at the corners. These bushings can be designed with ridges or teeth inside. As long as the platform or platforms remain level and in proper alignment with the lifting system and within the frame the bushings simply move up and down along the metal bars. In the case of the failure of a lifting means the platform or platforms would become unlevel or tilt and the bushings would bind upon the metal bar.

Abstract: The invention refers to a storage device for vehicles, goods or the like with several storage spaces. At least one storage space is located on a lifting or lowering platform. The platform is guided on one or more static pillars, and a motion drive is provided for the platform. The motion drive comprises a moving rod with a traction turning device. Furthermore the motion drive comprises a traction mechanism, and one end of the traction mechanism engages at the platform.

Abstract: A quadruple parking system configured to store at least four vehicles is provided. The vehicle parking system includes a rigid frame including four vertically upstanding posts, the frame generally defining a rectangular volume; at least three platforms movably disposed in the frame, each platform being configured to support at least one vehicle; the at least three platforms being coupled to each other by a telescopic coupling, wherein in a first position the at least three platforms are nested upon each other and, upon being elevated, each platform raises the platform below each other; and a hoist unit coupled to the telescopic coupling and configured to raise and lower the at least three platforms, wherein upon being fully raised the at least three platforms define four parking positions. The hoist unit employs an electric drive unit for ensuring consistent and smooth operation in various temperature conditions.

Abstract: A quadruple parking system configured to store at least four vehicles is provided. The vehicle parking system includes a rigid frame including four vertically upstanding posts, the frame generally defining a rectangular volume; at least three platforms movably disposed in the frame, each platform being configured to support at least one vehicle; the at least three platforms being coupled to each other by a telescopic coupling, wherein in a first position the at least three platforms are nested upon each other and, upon being elevated, each platform raises the platform below each other; and a hoist unit coupled to the telescopic coupling and configured to raise and lower the at least three platforms, wherein upon being fully raised the at least three platforms define four parking positions. The hoist unit employs an electric drive unit for ensuring consistent and smooth operation in various temperature conditions.

Abstract: A parking system (100) including a plurality of lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) serially and pivotally connected to each other from a nearest lever arm to a furthest lever arm, each lever arm being movable from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein an angle of each lever arm relative to a ground surface is greater in the second orientation than in the first orientation, the nearest lever arm being connectable to a support structure (101) for supporting thereupon a vehicle to be parked, and drive apparatus (108) operatively connected to the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) and operative to sequentially lift each of the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122), starting with the furthest lever arm and ending with the nearest lever arm, from its first orientation to its second orientation.

Abstract: The multitier facility for vehicle parking according to this invention comprises a main parking platform located on each tier, and an intertier elevator for delivering a vehicle to a required tier. The elevator has a rectangular-shaped load-receiving platform, a facility for horizontal movements of vehicles with the aim of placing them on the parking platforms and removing from them. Also included is a device for changing the direction of these movements.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing vehicles. A vertical support structure is mechanically coupled to a horizontal support structure. Multiple support platforms are provided, including at least an upper vehicle support platform and a lower vehicle support platform. At least one lift arm is pivotally coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. A collapsible linkage connection is provided between the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform. A lower vehicle support platform is suspendable below the upper vehicle support platform by the collapsible linkage connection. A control system is utilized to operate the at least one lift arm in order to move the apparatus between modes of operation. In a first vehicle loading position, the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform are in a down position with the upper vehicle support platform directly above the lower vehicle support platform.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for parking vehicles for supplying and delivering at an entry/exit position, wherein the device is provided with vertically displaceable lifting devices with which one carrying platform at a time is displaceable in vertical direction. This carrying platform is intended to support a vehicle. The device also includes horizontal transporting devices for taking a platform, which may or may not be loaded with a vehicle, in horizontal direction of the vertical transporting means and carrying it into a parking position.

Abstract: A food processing method and system, including a continuous cooker/chiller conveyor system (24) for meat products such as hot dogs and the like, is provided with an automatic unloader (36) having a first discharge transfer mode (FIGS. 1 and 2) automatically transferring the food product (22) to an automatic transfer member (38) for conveyance to a packaging line (32, 34), and a second discharge holding mode (FIGS. 3 and 4) holding the food product (22) on rack-off discharge arms (54, 56) until manually removed. In the event of an interruption in the packaging line (32, 34), rather than automatically transferring the food product (22) from the automatic unloader (36) to the transfer member (38), a rack-off procedure is instituted and the food product (22) is manually unloaded from the automatic unloader (36) and manually transferred to a holding rack (44, 46) on a temporary basis until resumption of operation of the packaging line (32, 34).

Abstract: A vehicle transporting arrangement for transporting a vehicle in a parking building automatically from a drive-in module to a parking space (27), wherein the arrangement includes a first carriage (1), a so-called transfer carriage, which can be moved on and between different parking floors or storeys of the parking building and which includes a second carriage (2) and a third carriage (3), each of which includes lifting devices (4, 5, 6, 7) for lifting and supporting a pair of vehicle wheels, the second and third carriages being positioned sequentially in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first carriage on a parking floor and being movable in relation to the first carriage at right angles to its direction of movement on a parking floor. According to the invention, at least one of the second and the third carriages (2, 3) includes drive wheels (10) and drive elements for moving the carriage in relation to the first carriage (1).

Abstract: A double-pallet parking garage for automobiles is disclosed. A ground pallet is carried on a pair of parallel base frames to be horizontally movable between the entrance and parking positions thereof. Guide and support columns stand on both ends of each base frame. The liftable pallet moves between the entrance and parking positions thereof in accordance with the turning motion of a pair of turning links. The liftable pallet is movably held by the upper ends of the turning links and moves between the entrance and parking positions while remaining horizontal. The liftable pallet moves vertically under the guide of the guide column and moves along an arcuate trace under the guide of an arcuate guide beam. The double-pallet parking garage of this invention does not cause any interference between the liftable and ground pallets during movement of the pallets.

Abstract: A vehicle parking installation is provided having a pair of vertical columns, multiple platforms provided with carriages movable independently of each other along the columns. The carriages are lockable along the columns at predetermined distances which are suitable for accommodating individual vehicles. The platforms may be driven along the columns by a central unit which controls the operation of the installation. A drive member which is applied to each column is controlled by the central unit so that it can releasably connect the drive member to a selected platform to thereby displace the selected platform along the column. Each column has a mechanical locking device spaced at predetermined distances apart, individually controlled by the central unit and movable between an interference position and a non-interference position.

Abstract: Mechanized and fully automatically managed installation for the storage of objects, in particular motor vehicles or containers, including a central managing unit, at least one runway (14) or (16), storage cells (24), (26) distributed on each side of the runway and longitudinally orientated, at an angle of between 30.degree. and 60.degree. with the runway, at least one trolley (18), (22) comprising a wheeled frame fitted with an independent driving device and with guiding devices to enable the trolley to move along the runway and into the storage cells. The trolley includes a pivoting device, to be pivoted around the intersection point of the symmetry axis (16) of the runway and the symmetry axis (28) of the cell in which the motor vehicle has to be loaded or unloaded, so as to bring the guiding devices along said symmetry axis of the cell so the trolley can enter it and proceed with the loading or unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: The mechanical facility, according to the invention, for the space-saving parking of motor vehicles has at least one entrance and exit EA and a multiplicity of parking spaces EP, and a multiplicity of stacking carriages SW, which are arranged one beside the other and can be displaced to the side, is provided, of which each stacking carriage is formed such that a multiplicity of pairs of pallets PL, located one beside the other and intended for receiving parked motor vehicles, can be arranged thereon one above the other and/or one beneath the other. By lateral displacement of the stacking carriages SW, a lifting passage HGS can be produced between any two selected stacking carriages SW. A lifting carriage HW can travel to the lifting passage, which lifting carriage can remove individual pallets PL from a stacking carriage SW adjacent to the lifting passage HGS, and introduce them into said stacking carriages SW. The lifting carriage HW can lift any pallet PL onto the level of at least one entrance or exit EA.

Abstract: A vehicle parking installation is provided having a pair of vertical columns, multiple platforms provided with carriages movable independently of each other along the columns. The carriages are lockable along the columns at predetermined distances which are suitable for accommodating individual vehicles. The platforms may be driven along the columns by a central unit which controls the operation of the installation. A drive member which is applied to each column is controlled by the central unit so that it can releasably connect the drive member to a selected platform to thereby displace the selected platform along the column. Each column has a mechanical locking device spaced at predetermined distances apart, individually controlled by the central unit and movable between an interference position and a non-interference position.

Abstract: A reliable motor vehicle parking installation having an economical construction is provided and includes an extremely flexible structure to maximize the available space. Its construction can extend above and/or below the ground. The installation includes a load-bearing structure having at least one tower with multiple cells arranged in superimposed horizontal rows. Each cell has at least one pair of longitudinal horizontal guide members disposed perpendicular to the horizontal rows of cells. A platform moves along a vertical structure, which is itself movable horizontally, parallel to the horizontal rows of cells. The platform has at least one pair of longitudinal members arranged in the same member as the longitudinal member of each cell. Multiple trays are provided each of which includes a pair of vehicle parking runways, and an actuator moves the trays between the platform and the cells of each tower.

Abstract: A multi-deck parking structure includes a plurality of decks for storing pallets constructed to carry vehicles, respectively, an entrance section for receiving and delivering vehicles, and a movable unit for moving upward and downward through a vertical shaft extending laterally of the decks into the entrance section, to transport the pallets between the entrance section and the decks. The movable unit has pallet supporting fork assemblies extendible to and retractable from the decks, and footpath floors for allowing a person to walk thereon. The footpath floors are vertically movable relative to the pallet supporting fork assemblies.

Abstract: An automatic parking device for a multi-deck parking lot for motor vehicles is described. The device includes a carrier to carry a moveable platform from a parking position to a base or from a base to the parking position, and a hydraulic cylinder to move the moveable platform from the carrier to a fixed platform at an exit or from the fixed platform to the carrier. An inductor is provided on a moveable rod, which is driven by the hydraulic cylinder to move the moveable platform between the carrier and the platform and to automatically control an electromagnetic switch which drives two retaining iron strips to lock the moveable platform in the carrier.

Abstract: A cargo depot for storing palletized cargoes such as passenger cars (97, 98, and 99), in which a car (97) is moved to a designated cell (5) in sequential steps along two or three coordinates through door openings (11, 12) provided in adjacent cells (5) located along the travelling path of the car (97). The adjacent cells (5) are emptied of other cargo by moving the cargo to other cells (5) to allow passage of the car (97).

Abstract: A multistorey parking apparatus comprising a multistorey parking building with appropriate partitioning, fixing and moving elements characterized in that the said apparatus is capable of automatically, safely and pollution free taking in, distributing and storing motor vehicles in the parking building and delivering them out on demand without drivers and without running the engine.

Abstract: A tri-level parking apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a pair of spaced apart vertical stanchions. First and second parking platforms are disposed between the stanchions and can be slidably moved up or down along the stanchions. Piston/cylinder assemblies are provided for independently lifting the first parking platform from a lower position, to an intermediate position and ultimately to an uppermost position. Similarly, the piston/cylinder assemblies enable independent lifting of the lower platform from a lowermost position to the intermediate position.

Abstract: In a lifting device for a platform for storage of motor vehicles wherein the platform is carried by carrying chains which are raised and lowered via driven chain wheels and are guided via deflection pulleys on the platform, in order to simplify the design and to enable lifting in the manner of a pulley block with only two carrying chains, it is suggested that there be arranged on each side of the platform a carrying chain, the one end of which is stationarily held in the region above a corner of a platform, from which it hangs downwards and passes over a first deflection pulley mounted for free rotation on a side of the platform, from which it runs over a second deflection pulley spaced from the first, thereby forming a loop in which the platform with the two deflection pulleys is suspended, is led upwards again where it passes over a stationarily mounted drive wheel, and with a gear which is connected to the second deflection pulley for common rotation with the latter and which meshes with a stationary tooth

Abstract: Storage and retrieval apparatus and method using pallets for storing vehicles and other loads. A number of storage levels aligned vertically are reached by a pair of lifts in shafts which bracket the levels. A transfer mechanism can push a pallet and automobile from either lift onto any level. Each level is always filled with pallets and sized to exactly hold an integral number of pallets. When a pallet is pushed into a level from one lift the intermediate pallets are pushed laterally to the opposite lift, resulting in the farthest pallet being ejected onto the opposite lift located at the same level. Separate loading stations are provided on ground level for each lift. An automobile can be driven on or off a pallet or a load placed on or off a pallet at the loading station. A loading station mechanism can move a pallet with a load to be stored from the loading station onto a lift.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor vehicle parking installation forming an automatic individual garage in an urban environment. In this installation, the vehicle carrying platform (2) has two longitudinal edges (25) with a V shaped inclined profile cooperating by bearing on two retractable longitudinal stop elements (29) mounted along the hopper opening (3).

Abstract: A vehicle elevator and conveyor arrangement in a parking building of the kind in which the vehicle is intended to be conveyed in the building without the assistance of a driver. The conveyor arrangement includes a so-called transfer carriage which is intended to raise and lower all wheel of the vehicle and which can be moved in a horizontal plane in the building and also in a vertical direction by means of the elevator arrangement, which elevator arrangement includes an elevator platform for supporting a transfer carriage. Each of the stories or floors of the parking building on which a transfer carriage (31) is intended to be moved is provided with two parallel rails (50, 51) which form a horizontal transfer-carriage conveyor path or track (71). One or more elevator shafts (61, 62) are positioned along the longitudinal extension of the rails.

Abstract: A carrier platform transports motor vehicles to be manufactured through assembly, test and other work stations. The platform remains with the motor vehicle at the assembly, test or other work stations and enables free access to the underside of the floor-pan of the vehicle and to the contact areas of its wheels for checking and measuring loads that actually occur at these areas. Support plates on the platform for the wheels of the vehicle are fashioned so as to simultaneously function as safety devices during the testing procedure. When horizontally positioned the support plates engagingly support the four wheels of the vehicle. During certain tests these support plates are vertically positioned and function as safety devices.

Abstract: A vehicle parking garage has a plurality of storage areas arranged in a vertical column and a passageway beside the column in communication with the storage areas. Each storage area has associated therewith a storage member adapted to receive and contain a pallet. Each storage member has a storage position within a storage area and a loading position within the passageway and is adapted to move laterally between its storage and loading positions. A pair of spaced vertical track sections are mounted to each storage member and extend partially into the passageway when the storage members are in their storage positions with the track sections of adjacent storage members aligning vertically to define a pair of vertically extending tracks within the passageway.

Abstract: A low profile vehicle parking apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a base and a pair of upstanding stanchions. A vehicle parking platform is disposed between and movable along the stanchions. An articulated stabilizer bar assembly comprising a rocker arm and a control arm are pivotally connected to one another and to the parking platform and base respectively. A piston and cylinder assembly extends pivotally from a fixed location to a pivotal location on the articulated stabilizer bar assembly. Thus, the piston and cylinder assemblies do not add to the height of the apparatus and contribute to the stabilization during the lifting of a vehicle on the parking platform.

Abstract: The disclosed sterilizing apparatus makes use of mobile cars containing a quantity of packages. The cars are continuously intermittently advanced to a package loading position, to an inlet lock where pressurizing and preheating of the car and its contents occur, to a sterilizing chamber for a sufficient period of time to effect sterilization, to a discharge lock that depressurizes and partially cools the car and its contents, to an atmospheric cooling station, to a water discharge station and then to a package unloading station.

Abstract: A plant for storing motor vehicles onto mobile platforms, with a parking area comprising at least one long parking stretch and a service track parallel thereto; a motored travelling wagon, mobile along said service track; a plurality of parking places in said parking stretch, each being provided with a stationing track perpendicular to the service track; a plurality of platforms carrying the motor vehicles and being apt to slide on said stationing tracks and on said travelling wagon; a carriage with hook, which is associated with and slidable onto the travelling wagon, for hitching a platform and transferring it from the stationing track onto the wagon itself, or vice versa, from the wagon towards the stationing track.

Abstract: In an apparatus for parking vehicles in vertically arranged pairs, there is provided a base frame including two spaced stanchions. Each stanchion includes a generally vertically extending portion secured to the base frame at the lower end thereof, and with the upper end of the stanchion being inclined at an acute angle of approximately 12.degree. to the vertical. Each stanchion incorporates an elongated guide for slidably receiving a slide associated with a platform that is dimensioned to receive a vehicle, and which is elevated between a generally horizontal, lowered position to a slightly inclined elevated position by a hydraulic actuator in order to elevate the platform to enable a second vehicle to be parked beneath the platform. In the elevated position of the platform, the vehicle is prevented from rolling off the platform by engagement of one set of tires with a chock disposed on the platform, and by virtue of the inclination of the platform.