Elevatable Type Patents (Class 414/471)
  • Patent number: 11535142
    Abstract: A selectively lowerable and raisable vehicle trailer system for raising and lowering of a vehicle trailer to expedite loading and unloading of cargo includes a rear wheel assembly. An elongated trailer is pivotally supported by the rear wheel assembly. The trailer is positional between a horizontal transport orientation and a sloped or angled loading/unloading orientation on the rear wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is selectively adjustable in position along the trailer between a rear transport position and a forward loading/unloading position, rearward and forward of the trailer center of gravity, respectively. A wheel assembly adjustment mechanism engages the rear wheel assembly. The wheel assembly adjustment mechanism operably engages the rear wheel assembly to facilitate selective positioning of the rear wheel assembly between the transport position and the loading/unloading position. A method of loading and unloading cargo onto and from a vehicle trailer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: James Pedersen
  • Patent number: 11034518
    Abstract: A picking system includes: a multi-column sorting device that sorts articles based on an order, and discharges each of the articles into one of a plurality of columns of compartments; a plurality of storage devices that receive the articles discharged from the respective corresponding compartments until article groups that are each a set of the articles for each order have been collected, and temporarily store the articles; and a transport device that receives and unloads the article discharged from each of the storage devices with an accommodating container located at a standby position, and loads an empty accommodating container to the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ueda, Masaya Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 10759322
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle (V) for transportation of people or goods generally comprising frame means (T) for supporting a housing cabin (C) for the said people or goods and suitable to be elevated by means of lifting means (S, M) of the said cabin (C) for moving the said cabin (C) between a loading/unloading position (PT) of said people at ground level and a loading/unloading position (PEA) of said people at an elevated level; the said lifting means (S, M) comprise column means (M) defined by cylindrical movement means (7) inserted into each other and suitable to slide through dynamic actuating means (8, 9) arranged coupled to the said movement means (7); said column means (M) supporting wheel means (12) for moving the said vehicle and suspension means (13) connected to the said wheel means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BAUMANN S.R.L.
    Inventors: Riccardo Bove, Klaus Pirpamer
  • Patent number: 10752147
    Abstract: A selectively lowerable and raisable vehicle trailer system for raising and lowering of a vehicle trailer to expedite loading and unloading of cargo includes a rear wheel assembly. An elongated trailer is pivotally supported by the rear wheel assembly. The trailer is positional between a horizontal transport orientation and a sloped or angled loading/unloading orientation on the rear wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is selectively adjustable in position along the trailer between a rear transport position and a forward loading/unloading position, rearward and forward of the trailer center of gravity, respectively. A wheel assembly adjustment mechanism engages the rear wheel assembly. The wheel assembly adjustment mechanism operably engages the rear wheel assembly to facilitate selective positioning of the rear wheel assembly between the transport position and the loading/unloading position. A method of loading and unloading cargo onto and from a vehicle trailer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: James Oliver Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10415296
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an automatically controllable rear-tailgate arrangement, which either is comprised of a single pivotable tailgate or a pivotable lower tailgate and a pivotable upper tailgate. An electronic control unit for the motorized control of the pivotable tailgates is associated with the rear-tailgate arrangement assembly. In particular, the control unit is designed to perform the following functionality by an appropriately programmed function module: the control unit evaluates information of a sensor unit for sensing the longitudinal tilt of the motor vehicle; after an opening command by an operating person, the control unit prevents complete opening either of the single rear tailgate or at least of the lower rear tailgate at least in the case of a rearward longitudinal tilt exceeding a defined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Juergen Mayr
  • Patent number: 9764674
    Abstract: A trailer having a trailer ramp system that includes a trailer ramp coupled with the trailer and an actuator pivotally coupled to the trailer on a first end of the actuator and pivotally coupled to the trailer ramp on a second end of the actuator. The actuator is located below the trailer and is aligned with a central axis of the trailer ramp and a central axis of the trailer. The actuator is movable linearly to rotate the trailer ramp between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: PJ Trailers, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Friesen, Henry Froese, Aaron Neil Barnes
  • Patent number: 9273478
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame with one or more wheels for transporting a structural member, and four individually controllable lifting devices connected to the body frame for repositioning (such as raising, lowering, tilting or rolling) of the structural member. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame being adapted to locate on a supporting surface, a lifting device connected to the body frame for raising or lowering a structural member, and a skid resting on the supporting surface underneath the body frame and being arranged to contact the body frame to distribute forces imparted by the structural member on the body frame across the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Carr, Symond Anthony Carr
  • Patent number: 9261301
    Abstract: A vehicle transportable ice plant includes a transportable trailer including an enclosure, and an evaporator positioned within the enclosure for supplying supercooled refrigerant to a heat exchanger, a compressor downstream from the evaporator for compressing the refrigerant, a discharge line downstream from the compressor for discharging compressed refrigerant to a condenser, a condenser fan for removing heat from the condenser, and a thermostatic expansion valve for delivering supercooled refrigerant to the evaporator in an endless cycle. An ice production brings water into contact with the evaporator heat exchanger to produce ice, and an ice cube maker is provided for producing ice cubes from the ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: M & M ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC.
    Inventor: Marvin Scott Foy
  • Patent number: 9050920
    Abstract: Improvements in a lowerable trailer that uses pneumatic cushions to provide both the cushioning of the trailer bed and raising and lower of the trailer bed. The air in the pneumatic cushions can be vented to allow the bed of the trailer to lay flat on the ground. Another pneumatic cushion changes the angle of the bed to the tongue to ensure that both the front and the back of the bed come in contact with the ground. The lowerable trailer is ideal for the transportation of custom vehicles to and from an auto show where the custom vehicles may have limited ground clearance. The pneumatic cushions can be filled with a standard hand pneumatic hand pump or with an air compressor that can be powered by a car battery or an electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventors: Bradley Aubrey, Carlos Agrusa
  • Publication number: 20150098780
    Abstract: A reach truck 1, comprising a main body 10, at least one load arm 70, which protrudes from the main body 10, a mast trolley 20, which is supported at the at least one load arm 70, wherein the mast trolley 20 is shift-able along a longitudinal axis 100 of the reach truck 1 relative to the main body 10, a mast 30, which is attached to the mast trolley 20, a linear actuator 50, for shifting the mast trolley 20 along the longitudinal axis 100 relative to the main body 10, wherein the linear actuator 50 is attached at a first end 52, A thereof to the main body 10 and at a second end 54, C thereof to the mast trolley 20, and the linear actuator 50 is arranged inclined to the longitudinal axis 100 of the reach truck 1 and defines a first angle ? between the extension direction of the linear actuator 50 and the longitudinal axis 100, wherein the first angle ? changes depending on the position of the mast trolley 20 relative to the main body 10, and the reach truck 1 further comprises a sensor 60, for determining the
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Franco Robolotti, Riccardo Appiani
  • Publication number: 20140169919
    Abstract: A solenoid operated circuit comprises a solenoid switch having a solenoid coil for moving one or more electrical contacts from a first position to a second position to switch an electrical motor ON/OFF, and a solenoid controller that includes an arc suppression circuit that mitigates a reverse self-induced voltage from the electrical motor thereby suppressing electrical arcing on switch contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC., dba Maxon Lift Corp.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, George Y. Marji
  • Patent number: 8734079
    Abstract: A robotic device movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a movable platform provided on the frame. The platform is configured for moving the frame in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails, and for placing onto the robotic device first and second loads arranged at different levels with respect to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Patent number: 8721251
    Abstract: A robotic device for carrying loads is movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a platform provided on the frame to carry a first load when the frame is moved in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails. Movable carriages are configured for being moved in the vertical direction at distance greater than a distance between the first rails and the second rails. A lifting mechanism moves the carriages in the vertical direction with respect to the frame. Support handles are arranged on the movable carriages and configured for providing engagement with the first or second rails to raise the frame above the respective rails to a level sufficient to disengage the wheels from the respective rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Patent number: 8721250
    Abstract: A robotic device movable in first, second and third mutually perpendicular directions along rails arranged in multiple rows, where the rails in a row are arranged along the first and second mutually perpendicular directions, and the multiple rows are arranged along the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails in the first and second directions, and support handles for lifting the frame in the third direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails so as to lift the robotic device in the third direction from the first rails to the second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Publication number: 20140064894
    Abstract: A towable trailer has a main frame and an inner frame, and a scissors-type lift structure between them so as to elevate the inner frame above the main frame. A first hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the scissor-type lift in order to raise the inner frame. A second hydraulic cylinder is also preferably provided in order to raise the front end of the inner frame, so as to provide a towable trailer having a tiltable and raisable platform which can be more easily loaded and unloaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Piotr Piekny
  • Patent number: 8602713
    Abstract: A universal aircraft mule having a rollable and steerable frame and a load carrying cradle configured for removably supporting and carrying an auxiliary. The frame tiltably and liftably supports the cradle with a lift assembly. The lift assembly raises and lowers the cradle in relation to the frame and tilts the cradle in relation to the frame. The cradle also allows an auxiliary to be skewed within the cradle to facilitate loading and unloading of the auxiliary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Automated Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Davis, Karl Steven Schmoeckel
  • Publication number: 20130302120
    Abstract: A hand truck having a frame two short and two long sides; a wheel and axel assembly attached to the frame; a lifting assembly extending between the two short sides; said lifting assembly comprising a frame center pole rail having an attached gear rack, a gear box movably attached to the center pole, said gear box including, a toothed that meshes with the gear rack, a worm gear having a drive shaft that meshes with the toothed pinion, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes the worm gear to drive the pinion along the gear rack; a lift bracket attached to the gear box comprising a receiving plate with at least one slot; and at least one removable lift platform comprising a platform plate with at least one key that is securely receivable into the slot; wherein the gearbox is drivable using a power supply supplied by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Murphy
  • Patent number: 8540475
    Abstract: A recovery vehicle having a side recovery system is disclosed. The side recovery system includes a boom having a first end and a second end. The boom is rotatable about the first end between a first position and second position. The side recovery system also includes a base having a portion for supporting the first end of the boom, a first receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the first position, and a second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the second position. The boom further includes a locking device configured to selectively engage the first receiving structure and the second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Jerr-Dan Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kuriakose, Jeffrey L. Weller
  • Patent number: 8500384
    Abstract: This invention concerns an aircraft cargo loader comprising a deck platform; a front and a rear wheel assembly units; and a scissor assembly extending under the platform for supporting it and move it between an open and close position. The scissor comprises a first and a second elongated arm pivotally connected by a swivel joint. Each of the first and second elongated members have an upper end pivotally attached to the deck platform and a lower end pivotally connected to the rear and front wheel assembly unit respectively. One of the first and second elongated members is articulated and comprising an upper segment pivotally connected to a lower segment. The loader comprises a first controllable actuator to move the scissor assembly between the open and close positions and a second controllable actuator to actuate the upper segment relative to the lower segment so as to tilt the deck platform longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TLD (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Quirion
  • Publication number: 20130101375
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading the bed of a pickup truck comprises a brace for supporting a load from the ground, the brace preventing the load from applying weight to the tail end of the bed with damaging consequences while being drawn into position by a winch and cable system. A pallet is used to stage the load on the ground and to provide a structure with a low angle of attack to the brace, the low angle of attack facilitating the transition of the load to the bed by reducing the tipping moment over the brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: David Douglas Dieziger
  • Patent number: 8425174
    Abstract: This invention concerns an aircraft cargo loader for lifting cargo and freight onto and off an aircraft or plane by the loader comprises a longitudinal deck platform; a supporting assembly extending under the platform for supporting and moving the deck platform between a raised position and a lowered position; and an adjusting mechanism installed in connection with a front transverse shaft of the supporting assembly for transversally tilting the platform between a first tilt angular position where one of the longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to the other longitudinal side; a neutral angular position; and a second tilt position where the other longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to said one longitudinal side. The loader also comprises an actuator to actuate the rotational movement of the front transverse shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: TLD (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Quirion
  • Patent number: 8360706
    Abstract: A side recovery system is disclosed that includes a base configured to be supported on a vehicle and a boom supported by the base and having a first end and a second end. The boom is rotatable relative to the base about a substantially horizontal axis between a first position and second position. The second end of the boom being positioned at a first side of the vehicle in the first position and at an opposite second side of the vehicle in the second position. The system also includes a first sheave supported at the second end of the boom and configured to receive a load bearing cable. The cable configured to remain received by the first sheave as the boom rotates between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Jerr-Dan Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Addleman, Jonathan Ashley, Sanjeev Kuriakose
  • Patent number: 8297904
    Abstract: A container carrier provided with longitudinal extension and retraction capability such that loads may be shifted forward in order to achieve optimal front-to-rear weight distribution on the supporting vehicle. Two hydraulic cylinders having the same rod and bore size are provided in an over and under configuration and act in unison and enable the fork structure to tilt as well as telescopically extend and retract about a mast assembly. The upper cylinder directly controls the angle of the forks while the lower cylinder acts on a mast assembly to extend and retract. A third cylinder is provided for vertically raising and lowering the fork structure so that containers may be picked up from and/or lowered onto elevated surfaces, as well as tilted up and raised toward the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Stellar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Wendell Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8152100
    Abstract: An amphibious aircraft trailer includes a frame supported on a wheel/suspension bearing axle for movements over a roadway surface. Incorporated into the trailer is a cradle configured to engage a hull of the amphibious aircraft when it is loaded and unloaded in water conditions. A lift mechanism interposed between and coupled to the frame and the cradle is operable to displace the cradle vertically with respect to the frame such that landing gear associated with the amphibious aircraft can be extended or retracted while on the trailer. The trailer may also include a plurality of wheel tracks aligned with the landing gear to facilitate the aircraft's loading and unloading in its ground based mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ICON Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Nicholas, Kirk Hawkins, Matthew Gionta
  • Patent number: 8013571
    Abstract: At the battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery is inserted and removed along a vertical axis, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. A vehicle is received over the sliding door system, such that at least one wheel of the vehicle rests on the conveyor system. The door slides in a first direction while allowing the conveyor system to slide in a direction opposite the first direction. The conveyor system also supports the at least one wheel of the vehicle while the door and conveyor slide in opposite directions. The sliding of the door and the sliding of the conveyor system occur at least partially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Better Place GmbH
    Inventors: Shai Agassi, Yoav Heichal
  • Publication number: 20110194921
    Abstract: The center-pivot vehicle has forward and rearward sections with traversing means for traversing terrain. A rotary actuator connects the forward and rearward sections. Rotation of the rotary actuator articulates the forward and rearward sections relative to each other for steering the vehicle. One of the sections includes a bed operably attached to a bed frame that is operably attached to a trailer frame for actuated movement between trailing and loading positions. The bed is pivotally attached to the bed frame for moving between tilted and non-tilted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ROOSE MFG. COMPANY
    Inventor: GERALD L. ROOSE
  • Patent number: 7967544
    Abstract: A load carrying vehicle (10) having a mobile chassis (11) and a load carrying body or tray (15) mounted to the chassis (11) so as to be capable of pivotal movement about a pivot axis defined by a releasable pivot connection (16) between the chassis (11) and body (15) for tipping of the body about a pivot axis. Alternatively the load carrying body (15) may be mounted to the chassis (11) through rollers (19) which permit movement of the body longitudinally of the chassis (11) and tilting movement about a tilt axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Hall
  • Publication number: 20110142583
    Abstract: This invention concerns an aircraft cargo loader for lifting cargo and freight onto and off an aircraft or plane by the loader comprises a longitudinal deck platform; a supporting assembly extending under the platform for supporting and moving the deck platform between a raised position and a lowered position; and an adjusting mechanism installed in connection with a front transverse shaft of the supporting assembly for transversally tilting the platform between a first tilt angular position where one of the longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to the other longitudinal side; a neutral angular position; and a second tilt position where the other longitudinal side of the platform is tilted with respect to said one longitudinal side. The loader also comprises an actuator to actuate the rotational movement of the front transverse shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Quirion
  • Publication number: 20110076121
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle, said apparatus including: —an anchorage configured to be secured to the floor of a vehicle and to provide a pivotal mounting for said apparatus; —the first portion and a second portion; —the first portion being configured to move in a substantially horizontal plane; —the first portion including a main support member which is pivoted at one end to the anchorage and which carries the second portion at the other end; —the second portion being configured to move in a substantially vertical plane; —the second portion carrying means for securing a wheelchair thereto; —first moving means for moving the first portion relative to the anchorage; —second moving means for moving the second portion; —wherein the apparatus is dimensioned and configured such that a wheelchair secured’ to the second portion is movable between a first, fully stored position in a luggage compartment of a vehicle and a second position in which a wheelchair is at a specified position r
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Igor Gaghis
  • Publication number: 20100290876
    Abstract: A cargo lift operable by a single operator that may be used to lift and transport a variety of cargo, and which may be mounted to many types of all terrain-vehicles. The lift may be folded when not in use. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy Conatser
  • Publication number: 20100196131
    Abstract: Powered lift for lifting and carrying a motor cycle or other recreational vehicle behind a motor home. The lift has a base structure to be connected to the chassis of the motor home and a platform on which the motor cycle or other vehicle can be placed. Connection is through to swivel arms. In the base structure a mechanism is provided for rotatably driving the swivel arms between a lower position wherein a vehicle can be loaded/unloaded from the platform to an upper conveying position. Rotation of the swivel arms can for example be effected through a ram which displaces a chain engaging sprockets connected to the swivel arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Pierre BLOM
  • Publication number: 20100166532
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed here for manipulating and recovery of wheels. The apparatus may include a housing and a lift operatively attached to the housing for manipulating and recovering the wheels. The apparatus may be adapted to inflate tires, and lift vehicles to facilitate changing of tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Winfield J. Garnett
  • Publication number: 20090191036
    Abstract: Presented is a device for lifting land/sea containers off of a trailer chassis and for tipping them into a vertical position for loading. The device includes a door opening assembly for opening and closing the doors, including when the container is in a vertical position. When the container is filled, the doors would be closed and the container would be lowered to a horizontal position. From the horizontal position, the device is configured to place the container on the chassis of a trailer for towing by a truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: KYLAN COOPER
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090175711
    Abstract: A lift having a platform with a substantially level ride is described. The lift also reduces the distance between the ground and the platform in the ground position. An extension plate having receiving portions for accommodating portions of the lift when the platform is in a bed level position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: KARAPET ABLABUTYAN, Akop Gasparian
  • Publication number: 20090148262
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a lifting apparatus for lifting a refuse storage container onto and off the vehicle's flat bed body. The lifting apparatus employs a pulley apparatus including a plurality of pulleys and a pulley carrier that is moved reciprocally by a single fluid actuated cylinder. A pulley cable is connected to the pulleys in a predetermined manner to apply to the pulley carrier substantially equal forces so the carrier avoids twisting laterally as it moves reciprocally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Kosti Shirvanian
  • Publication number: 20090129905
    Abstract: A method and associated assembly is provided for installation and removal of electronic components on a computer rack. The assembly comprises a transport dolly with a platform and at least one caster and the Dolly is selectively sized to fit under or the computer rack. A Lift Tool is also provided and disposed over said Dolly. The Tool includes a lift platform capable for holding electronic components and a lift mechanism capable of moving from a first position to a second position such as to be capable of removing or disposing these components away or onto the rack. A plurality of Lift Rails are also provided that are storable between the Lift Tool and the Dolly. The Lift Rails can be used alone or assembled later into longer unitary units that attach to the rack and the Lift Tool in order to allow the Tool to transport the components from a first position to a second position along the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 7503742
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Up-N-Atom, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7438301
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for moving a shelving assembly. The apparatus includes support legs that are connected to the shelving assembly. Jack assemblies are connected to the support legs and are moveable to engage the ground and lift the shelving assembly off the ground. The jack assemblies include wheels so that, when lifted off the ground, the shelving assembly can be moved over the ground with the moving apparatus attached to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Harry Erich Schilling, Phillip Rosenband
  • Patent number: 7293951
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus and method according to which a load is mounted to a structure. The structure is rotated about a pivot axis so that the load is positioned over an object while remaining mounted to the structure, and the load is translated towards the pivot axis during the rotation so that the radial distance between the load and the pivot axis is decreased during the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Meeks
  • Patent number: 7290777
    Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Preston, Richard A. Kalb, James J. Spence
  • Patent number: 7275907
    Abstract: The boat trailer tug includes a primary frame with a mounting beam that is attachable to a boat trailer frame. A primary collar is fixed to the mounting beam front end. A hitch tongue is connected to the collar and extends forward from the collar. A hitch ball receiver is mounted on a front end of the hitch tongue for connecting the tug to a towing vehicle. A vertical height adjustment frame is slidably connected to the collar. A linear actuator moves the height adjustment frame up and down relative to the collar. A power unit frame is pivotally attached to the height adjustment frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A motor, transmission and driven wheels are mounted on the power unit frame. The linear actuator raises and lowers the driven wheels. A steering system pivots the power unit frame to steer the tug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Donald Reichard
  • Patent number: 7220222
    Abstract: There is provided a cart for transporting dies, molds, and similar objects. The cart includes a lift mechanism for raising and lowering a support surface to the height of the surface onto which or from which the die will be moved. The support surface includes a transfer mechanism for coupling to the die, either with an electromagnet or a suction device, to thereby slide the die as desired without damaging critical components on the exterior of the die. The cart also includes a motorized drive wheel assembly which provides a drive force in a forward or backward direction to assist the operator in moving a die that has been transferred onto the cart. The cart is powered by one or more rechargeable batteries. The cart enables a single operator to safely and conveniently remove, insert, and transport dies or other similar objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Multi-Shifter Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7153080
    Abstract: A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7128355
    Abstract: The present invention is a side access hinging truck bed rack. The device pertains primarily to a pickup truck bed rack that allows for easy loading, unloading, and securing of cargo at shoulder level through a rotating hinge mechanism. In the present invention a pair of stationary side rails, both having an inverted U-shape, are fixed parallel to each other upon the upper rims of the longitudinal sidewalls of the truck bed, so that that one of the stationary side rails is above the front wall while the second stationary side rail is above the back tailgate. A hinge at each end of the two stationary side rails pivotally attaches two inverted U-shaped side arm rails. Attached to each of the side arm rails are shelf rack rails. The shelf rack rails rest flatly upon the top of both stationary side rails when in a closed secure position. When the present invention is in this position the side arm rails rest in an upward pointing stance alongside the stationary side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Christian Anderson, Christopher Timothy Liss
  • Patent number: 7063494
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Up-N-Atom, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7044704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable load lifting bed including a base frame and a bed frame moveably mounted for movement between an upper position and a lower position. A plurality of guides connect the bed to the base frame and at least one actuator provides force for moving the bed frame between the upper position and the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Roose Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Gerald L. Roose
  • Patent number: 6802686
    Abstract: A tip-up trailer includes an ICC bumper that has been structurally enhanced to support the entire load of a loaded shipping container jointly with the rearward-most axle of the trailer. The bumper includes a rotatable bearing on a lower member, which permits the lower member to travel along the ground as the tipped-up trailer is lowered after loading. The method of the invention includes the initial step of connecting a container to a tip-up trailer with the doors of the container oriented towards the forward end of the trailer. The doors are opened and the forward end of the trailer is raised. The container is then loaded with bulk material. Once the container doors are closed, the forward end of the trailer is lowered while bearings on the bumper roll on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Hastings
  • Patent number: 6786693
    Abstract: A hitch mounted cycle rack that includes a mounting bar, adapted to be fitted into a receptive motor vehicle hitch and a horizontal support member, supported by the mounting bar and being substantially perpendicular to the mounting bar and substantially horizontal when the mounting bar is fitted into a receptive motor vehicle hitch. A substantially vertical hinge is supported on the horizontal support member, at a position displaced laterally from the mounting bar by about 0.8 meters. A cycle support assembly is mounted on the horizontal support member by way of the substantially vertical hinge. Accordingly, when the hitch mounted cycle rack is mounted on the rear of an automobile, the hinge permits the cycle support assembly to be swung away from the rear of the automobile, exposing it and permitting access to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Nathan M. Neale
  • Patent number: 6769858
    Abstract: An electrically operated, compact, loader apparatus adaptable to a vehicle such as a truck bed of a cargo rack of an ATV, including a self deploying and recovery load platform and a folding telescopic mast that lies flat on the cargo rack of a truck bed or ATV allowing other cargo to be carried on top of the loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Adron E. Butler, Jason Nealy