Vertically Swinging Load Support Patents (Class 414/680)
  • Patent number: 8668208
    Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ulma Safe Handling Equipment
    Inventors: Igor Larringan Errasti, Aitor Telleria Echeverria, Benito Hurtado Mena, Jone Larranaga Mendibaso, Fernando Odriozola Arregui
  • Patent number: 8661926
    Abstract: A robot manipulator includes a plurality of joint shafts including at least first and second joint shafts. If the robot manipulator extends vertically with respect to a rotation center of the first joint shaft that rotates in a horizontal plane, a rotation center of the second joint shaft that rotates in another horizontal plane is offset from the rotation center of the first joint shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Masato Ito, Manabu Okahisa
  • Patent number: 8662816
    Abstract: An improved Z-bar linkage for wheel loader machines for maneuvering an implement such as a bucket or pallet forks may include lift arms pivotally connected between an end frame of the machine and the implement, a tilt link pivotally connected between the implement and a tilt lever that is pivotally connected between the tilt link and the lift arms. Lift cylinders may rotate the lift arms to raise and lower the implement, and a tilt cylinder may drive the tilt lever and tilt link to rotate the implement between a dump position and a racked position. Ratios of the lengths of these kinematic elements are provided such that the good performance with one implement, such as bucket, does not result in poor performance with another implement, such as the pallet forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Wayne E. Harshberger, Jason J. Hagedorn, Jia X. Zhao, Susan Green, Jay H. Renfrow
  • Publication number: 20140037413
    Abstract: Provided is a suction chuck that is lightweight and that sucks and releases a thin plate workpiece in such a manner that the thin plate workpiece is not in contact with an edge of the chuck. A suction chuck according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having a flat plate shape, and an opposing surface. Compressed air passages are formed within the main body. The opposing surface is a surface of the main body at the side facing the workpiece. The opposing surface has a plurality of recesses formed therein. The plurality of recesses serve as a sucking element for generating a negative pressure by ejecting the compressed air. The opposing surface is formed with a shape similar to the shape of the workpiece (or with a shape that corresponds to the shape of the workpiece being offset outward) such that the shape of the opposing surface is able to completely cover the shape of the workpiece when seen along a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Takashima, Hideaki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20140039767
    Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to left and right front and rear wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a weight distribution of the machine across the wheels, and generate a parameter signal corresponding to the operating parameter. A control unit determines the weight distribution across the wheels as a function of the parameter signal, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the weight distribution. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the weight distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
  • Patent number: 8620536
    Abstract: Controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper, a crowd motor drive, and a controller. The crowd motor drive is configured to provide one or more control signals to a crowd motor, and the crowd motor is operable to provide a force to the dipper to move the dipper toward or away from a bank. The controller is connected to the crowd motor drive and is configured to monitor a characteristic of the industrial machine, identify an impact event associated with the dipper based on the monitored characteristic of the industrial machine, and set a crowd motoring torque limit for the crowd motor drive when the impact event is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8591161
    Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Roger D. Bernhardt
  • Publication number: 20130309055
    Abstract: A robot turning apparatus capable of considerably extending a working area of a robot without using a traveling axis, etc., which is also advantageous in terms of maintenance and cost. The turning apparatus has a base section arranged on a floor surface; a turning section connected to the base section so as to be turned about a turning axis; a robot mounting section for mounting the robot thereon, formed on the turning section; and a driving section which turns the turning section. The robot has a robot base part, and a robot arm part attached to the robot base part so as to be rotated about a rotation axis, wherein the robot base part is attached to the robot Mounting section so that the rotation axis is offset from the turning axis in a horizontal direction by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshimichi Yoshinaga
  • Publication number: 20130302133
    Abstract: A lifting device includes a housing movably securable to a support structure extending along a predetermined path corresponding to a portion of the support structure. The housing includes a motorized lifting machine movable with the housing. The housing includes an engagement device movable with the housing, the engagement device operably engaging the portion of the support structure to move the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: FTSI, LLC
    Inventors: Adam DAVIS, Steven MICHELMAN, Scott FISHER
  • Patent number: 8571766
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 8545163
    Abstract: Positional relationship among the first link support shaft (85), the second link support shaft (86), the first arm support shaft (88) and the second arm support shaft (89) is set such that an upper portion of the first lift link (81) comes into substantial agreement with a rear end of the machine body (1), when the upper free end of the first lift link (81) is pivoted maximally rearward in the course of transition of the arm (77) from a lowermost state realized lifting down the arm (77) to an uppermost state realized by lifting up the arm (77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasuda, Masanori Fujino, Toshihiko Takemura, Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Yoshihiro Ueda, Yuuki Takano, Yusuke Kawai, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Hiroyuki Anami, Naoya Muramoto, Kenji Mitsui, Youhei Kawano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Patent number: 8534982
    Abstract: A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bestway, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
  • Patent number: 8528673
    Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Grinnell More, Tyson Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20130216343
    Abstract: A device includes at least one telescopic crane jib having a boom and a boom extension. A working implement is fixed to the telescopic crane jib by a rotary joint arranged at the boom extension and which has two mutually spaced rotary bearings. Hydraulic lines lead from the boom between the spaced rotary bearings of the rotary joint to the working implement. In the region of that end of the boom extension, at which the rotary joint is arranged, is a guide or the hydraulic lines, which guides the hydraulic lines from the boom extension to the region between the spaced rotary bearings of the rotary joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: EPSILON KRAN GMBH
    Inventor: EPSILON Kran GmbH
  • Patent number: 8511964
    Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, two hands, a neck, and a head. The torso extends along a primary axis and presents a pair of shoulders. The pair of arms movably extend from a respective one of the pair of shoulders. Each of the arms has a plurality of arm joints. The neck movably extends from the torso along the primary axis. The neck has at least one neck joint. The head movably extends from the neck along the primary axis. The head has at least one head joint. The shoulders are canted toward one another at a shrug angle that is defined between each of the shoulders such that a workspace is defined between the shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Douglas Martin Linn, Robert O. Ambrose, Myron A. Diftler, Scott R. Askew, Robert Platt, Joshua S. Mehling, Nicolaus A. Radford, Phillip A. Strawser, Lyndon Bridgwater, Charles W. Wampler, II, Muhammad E. Abdallah, Chris A. Ihrke, Matthew J. Reiland, Adam M. Sanders, David M. Reich, Brian Hargrave, Adam H. Parsons, Frank Noble Permenter, Donald R. Davis
  • Patent number: 8496425
    Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Douglas R. Black, Joseph J. Ekl, Jr., Mark A. Cline
  • Publication number: 20130189066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which includes a body frame configured such that a front portion thereof adjacent to a front wheel axle is at a raised position to prevent interference with front wheels, and a medial portion thereof is depressed so that an engine can be located in the medial portion. Thereby, the front wheels can be turned to maximum angles without being impeded by the front wheel axle, and a driver cab provided with a driver seat can be located above an area where the engine is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Joong-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8491251
    Abstract: A gripping device includes a gripping-device body mounted to an end of a working arm; two gripping members pivotably supported by this body in an opening-closing direction; and a driver that drives the gripping members to open and close them. At least one of the gripping members includes one of various kinds of detachable sections each including a gripping segment; a holding section pivotably connected to the gripping-device body about a central pivot shaft and selectively holding the detachable section in a detachable manner; and a coupling member for detachable coupling. The detachable section has a restrained segment having a detachable-section through-hole extending parallel to the central pivot shaft. The holding section has an opening-closing-direction restraining segment that restrains the restrained segment in the opening-closing direction and a holding wall to which the restrained segment is fastened with the coupling member from a direction parallel to the detachable-section through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Muraoka, Takanori Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20130094932
    Abstract: A workpiece takeout system includes a robot arm and a disposed-state detector. The robot arm is configured to perform a workpiece takeout operation to take out a workpiece disposed in an area among a plurality of areas. The disposed-state detector is configured to detect a disposed state of the workpiece and is configured to, while the robot arm is performing the workpiece takeout operation to take out the workpiece disposed in the area among the plurality of areas, detect a disposed state of another workpiece disposed in another area among the plurality of areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
  • Patent number: 8414246
    Abstract: An intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system is usable with mobile robots, and is applicable to stationary industrial arms. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system provides a large work envelope and a controlled and directed rotational movement for a flexible snake robot arm. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system has the ability to change end effector tools and sensors. The platform computers have the ability to interact with other subsystems for coordinated as well as independent tasks. The flexibly snake robot arm can be covered with a flexible sensor network, or “skin”. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system can manage its energy use, stores the arm in a compact shape and uses a central support tube offering unobstructed arm access to all sectors of its working envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Cycogs, LLC
    Inventor: Wayland E. Tobey
  • Patent number: 8393243
    Abstract: A link mechanism arranged between a fixed base and a movable base. The mechanism includes a drive gear reducer, a first arm, a second arm, a connection base, a first link, and a second link. The drive gear reducer includes a body, an input shaft, a first output shaft, and a second output shaft. The first arm is connected to the fixed base and the body of the reducer. The second arm is connected to the second output shaft and the movable base. The connection base is arranged such that the second arm is between the connection base and the reducer, the connection base is connected to the first output shaft. The first link is connected to the fixed base and the connection base. The second link is connected to the connection base and the movable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ono
  • Publication number: 20130034419
    Abstract: In a construction machine, a boom assist cylinder (7A) assists an operation of a boom (4) by a hydraulic pressure, and an arm assist cylinder (8A) assists an operation of an arm (5) by a hydraulic pressure. An accumulator (16) accumulates operation oil to be supplied to the boom assist cylinder and the arm assist cylinder in a pressurized state. A first hydraulic pipe (14) connects between the boom assist cylinder and the arm assist cylinder. A second hydraulic pipe (12) connects between the arm assist cylinder and the accumulator. The second hydraulic pipe is connected to a hydraulic connection port of the arm assist cylinder so that the operation oil is supplied in a direction of closing the arm from the accumulator to the arm assist cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Koichiro Tsukane
  • Patent number: 8360707
    Abstract: An apparatus generally consisting of a base member mountable on a component of a prime mover which may be pivoted about a transverse axis, a carrier mounted on the base member displaceable along a transverse line of travel between first and second positions and a boom mounted on the carrier, disposable in an inoperative position disposed along such line of travel when the carrier is in its first position and pivotal to an operative position disposed at an angle relative to such line of travel when the carrier is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc
    Inventor: Samuel S. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8355847
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
  • Publication number: 20130004278
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, and a motor driven by a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump. The hydraulic control system may also have a first accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and to selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor, and a second accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Pengfei MA, Jiao Zhang, Dayao Chen, Tonglin Shang
  • Publication number: 20120321426
    Abstract: A transfer robot includes a swivel base, a strut, first and second elevation arms, and a horizontal arm unit. The swivel base includes a base part to swivel about a vertical axis thereof and a extension part extending from the base part in one horizontal direction. The strut is vertically extended from a leading end of the extension part. The first and second elevation arms are provided to rotate about a horizontal axis. The horizontal arm unit is supported on the leading end portion of the second elevation arm to rotate about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kentaro TANAKA, Kouji Tsukuda, Satoshi Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 8317453
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a manipulator that is relatively compact and has a relatively large range of motion. The manipulator includes a linkage that folds back on itself, which reduces the footprint of the linkage. In a particular embodiment, the manipulator includes a linkage and a load balancing device. The linkage includes a first link, a second link, a third link and a fourth link. The first link and second links are rotatably connected to a base about first and second connection axes. The third and fourth links are connected to the first and second links respectively about third and fourth connection axes respectively. The third and fourth links are rotatably connected to a lift arm about fifth and sixth connection axes respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth connection axes are horizontally displaced from the third and fourth connection axes in the direction of the first and second connection axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ray Givens
  • Patent number: 8308419
    Abstract: A robot includes a base member, which is installed at a position offset from the front of a door of a machine tool to the side, as viewed in a direction vertical to the surface where the door is provided and is fixed to a surface of a base slanted so as to face the door side. A rotary member is coupled to the base member so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending vertical to the slanted surface. A first arm member is coupled to the rotary member so as to be able to swivel about a second axis vertical to the first axis, and a second arm member is coupled to the first arm member so as to be able to swivel about a third axis parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Ryo Nihei, Satoshi Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20120282071
    Abstract: The present invention is a lifting accessory device that includes an extendable arm with a distal end and a proximal end, a hook disposed on the distal end of the extendable arm to attach to any materials or matter that are being lifted or transported and a hydraulic assembly with a top and a bottom pivotally integral to the proximal end of the extendable arm that contains a plurality of hydraulic lifting components that provide power to lift materials or matter being lifted or transported. The device also includes a stem with a top and a bottom, the top of stem is pivotally integral to the top of the hydraulic assembly, a base with a top and a side, the top of base receives the bottom of the stem and an attachment coupling integral to a truck or other vehicle that extends to the side of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: John Affeldt, Johnny Affeldt
  • Publication number: 20120282064
    Abstract: A manipulator tool for installing and retrieving objects from a fixed or floating structure in a subsea tidal environment includes an articulated arm attached to the fixed or floating structure. The tool may be configured to compensate for movement of the objects due to tidal forces. In one embodiment, a stewart platform is used as a compensator to maintain the objects in a substantially stationary position in the tidal environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: John Anthony Payne, John Hallin Giddens
  • Patent number: 8303238
    Abstract: The invention concerns a kinematic device for supporting and programmably moving a terminal element. The platform (11) bearing the terminal element (12) is linked by four swivel joints (9) and (10) with two legs each consisting of two support rods (7) or (8) forming deformable parallelograms mounted each on slides (3) or (4) mobile in the x direction. The pivot plate (29) articulated on the platform (11) about the hinge pin (30) is controlled by the control rods (27), controlling pivoting (14) and lateral displacement (18) connected respectively by the swivel joints (26, 13 and 17) to the slides (3, 12 and 26). It consists in a parallel kinematics with four degrees of freedom, namely three translational and one rotational whereof the angle can be greater than 120°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Willemin Machines S.A.
    Inventors: Markus Thurneysen, Reymond Clavel
  • Publication number: 20120271495
    Abstract: A tow vehicle for aircraft comprises a nose gear support assembly that can be raised and lowered relative to the vehicle. The support assembly can comprise a base portion and nose gear support portion pivotal about an upright axis relative to the base portion. Bearings can be positioned inwardly of the periphery of the support portion to support the support portion on the base portion. The bearings can be positioned partially in pockets provided in the base portion and in recesses in the support portion. A torque sensor can be coupled to the base portion and support portion to provide an output signal indicative of the torque between these components. An indicator, such as an alarm, can indicate when the torque exceeds first and second thresholds and can remain on if a second higher threshold is exceeded until, for example, an authorized individual turns off the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Charles R. Pugh, Donald C. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20120251282
    Abstract: A debris kit for a hydraulic cylinder is disclosed. The debris kit may have a base plate assembly with a slot in a length direction that is configured to accommodate sliding of the hydraulic cylinder, and an attachment feature located around at least a portion of a periphery of the slot. The debris kit may also have a flexible boot with a first end connectable to the hydraulic cylinder, and a second end connected to the attachment feature of the base plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Ramkumar SELVARAJPANDIAN, Randy R. HAYWARD, Derek P. FURR
  • Publication number: 20120243968
    Abstract: A garbage can lifter having a pair of arms operatively connected to a handle, and a pair of pins secured to exterior surfaces of the pair of arms. The pair of arms is adapted to be operatively connected to one or more lifting arms of a tractor. The garbage can lifter also has a cross member secured to the pair of arms and the handle. The handle is positioned between the pair of arms and between interior surfaces of the pair of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Cordy
  • Publication number: 20120195726
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for safely lifting large off-highway truck bodies and also allows for lifting these truck bodies inside off-highway truck service bays with limited overhead lifting clearances. The invention minimizes the stresses on the truck body and on the lifting cables/slings. This lifting apparatus and method incorporates temporary lifting eyes installed through lifting hole receivers in the truck body floor. The temporary lifting eyes can be designed such that their strength is gained thru interlocking steel members versus simply welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Publication number: 20120195727
    Abstract: A tractor includes booms, lift cylinders, a hitch, dump cylinders, a magnetic valve, a speed-up circuit, and a speed-up restricting arm. The lift cylinders swing the booms upward and downward by an operating oil being supplied thereto. The hitch is provided to the booms to allow an implement to be attached thereto. The dump cylinders swing the implement upward and downward by the operating oil being supplied thereto. The magnetic valve switches between supplying the operating oil to the dump cylinders and supplying the operating oil to a grab cylinder provided in the implement. The speed-up circuit is able to perform a speed-up operation for increasing the flow rate of the operating oil supplied to the magnetic valve. The speed-up restricting arm is arranged near the speed-up circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya IIDA
  • Patent number: 8226072
    Abstract: If the rotation angle in a rotation direction allowed by a joint portion detected by the angle sensor is no more than a predetermined lower limit or no less than a predetermined upper limit, the controller maintains the released state of the brake mechanism so that the rotation of the workpiece in the direction is not restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyuki Murayama
  • Patent number: 8152433
    Abstract: A loader vehicle includes a main frame, a lift arm, and a lift cylinder. The lift arm is connected to the main frame. A working implement is attached to the lift arm at the front end thereof. The lift cylinder is connected to the lift arm and the main frame. The lift cylinder includes a piston, a piston rod fixed to the piston, and a cylinder tube. The piston rod is connected to the main frame. The cylinder tube has a bottom portion and a side wall portion. The cylinder tube is connected to the lift arm by a connecting portion. The connecting portion is provided at the side wall portion of the cylinder tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Yamada, Hidehito Kondou, Masami Sakamoto, Koichiro Mori
  • Publication number: 20120051879
    Abstract: Provided is a system and process of controlling motion. The system and process provide a force to substantially maintain a relative position in response to an external force being applied to at least one of one or more movable members or generate an internal force to adjust the relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: TAIT TOWERS INC.
    Inventors: Adam DAVIS, Tyler Kicera, Matt Hales
  • Patent number: 8083457
    Abstract: A mill relining apparatus (1) for handling articles such as liners and lifters within a mill (3). The relining apparatus (1) includes a mast (5), with top (23) and bottom (19) engagement members, which supports one or more article handling arrangements (31) The mast is extendible in length so that it can be locked into a substantially upright position within a mill (3) with the bottom engagement member (19) resting on mill charge (7) within the mill (3) and the top engagement member (23) engaging with an upper surface (99) of the mill (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Russell Mineral Equipment Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ross Clive Allen
  • Publication number: 20110305551
    Abstract: The present invention is a flexible skid steer road widening and shouldering attachment device with an adjustable spreader system which gives the operator precise control over the placement of debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Duane A. Neumann
  • Publication number: 20110305552
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting a worker into an elevated work position. The apparatus includes a worker-support cage configured for engagement with a bucket of a front-end loader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: RICHARD D. PULLIAM
  • Patent number: 8075242
    Abstract: Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of an extension boom body rotated downward. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that at the time of second relative rotation by a two-step pin hole matching method of matching pin holes in order from the upper side and with a different center, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other while lower pin holes are matched with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20110299965
    Abstract: A lift arm assembly includes a first arm casting including a first end, a second arm casting including a first end, and a tubular cross member attached to the first arm casting and the second arm casting. The lift arm assembly also includes a first arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the first arm casting. The lift arm assembly further includes a second arm tubular member including a first end attached to the first end of the second arm casting such that the second arm tubular member is generally parallel to the first arm tubular member. At least one of the tubular cross member, the first arm tubular member, or the second arm tubular member has a continuous periphery, a maximum of one seam, and a substantially constant cross-section along substantially an entire length of the respective member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Kort Christopher Randall, Balasubramanyam Appalla, Dale Michael Koch, Matthew Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 8057154
    Abstract: A device (1) for moving a book (2) with a clamping device (3) moved by a first drive (22, 23) and having two clamping jaws (3a, b) that can be displaced in a parallel to open and close the clamping device, with a gear mechanism (8) on the moving clamping device (3) that converts a rotative movement into a linear adjusting movement for the clamping jaw (3a, b) which can be displaced in parallel, with a controllable second drive (21) that is arranged stationarily, and with a permanent driving connection (13, 14, 15) between the second drive (21) and the gear mechanism (8). The second drive (21) is not arranged on the moving system, such that the clamping device (3) can be realized in a lightweight construction. Pneumatic and electric connecting lines and signalling lines (35a, b) for the second drive (21) can be permanently installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Brommer, Torsten Meineke
  • Publication number: 20110262255
    Abstract: A front lifting device for a tractor, for hitching a tool thereto and controlling the same, includes: a chassis to be attached to the bodywork of the tractor; two lower arms hinged to the chassis and including, at the end thereof furthest from the chassis, a hitching element for the tool; at least one working jack in which one of the elements, a cylinder or rod, is connected to the chassis and in which the other element, a rod or cylinder, is connected to one of the coupling arms, the working jack providing the movements of the arm or arms in a working stroke between a bottom position and a raised position; the device includes a length-adjustable linking member between one of the elements, a cylinder or rod, of the working jack and one of the parts made up of the chassis or an arm, the linking member being held in an extended state during normal working mode, and in a retracted state to enable the arm or arms to enter a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Hubert Defrancq
  • Patent number: 8038379
    Abstract: A skid steer loader comprises: a main frame assembly (1); a boom assembly (2); a pair of right and left travel assemblies (3); a cabin (4) mounted so as to be capable of being tilted; an engine (5) located so as to be oriented in a longitudinal direction and at a location closer to a rear; a hydrostatic transmission (8) and an oil pump (9) connected to a front portion of the engine (5). A utility space is defined between the oil pump (9) and a bottom (1a) of the main frame assembly (1). A fuel tank (6) and a hydraulic tank (7) are located on the bottom of the main frame assembly (1) and to one lateral side and to the other lateral side respectively of the engine (5) and forwardly of the engine (5) in a vicinity of the oil pump (9). At least one of the fuel tank (6) and the hydraulic tank (7) has a laterally extending portion that projects into the utility space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Anami, Yuuki Takano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Publication number: 20110250041
    Abstract: A hose loading apparatus is provided. The hose loading apparatus includes a storage bed, and an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is operably connected to the storage bed. The actuation arrangement is operable to move the storage bed along an arcuate path between a raised and a lowered position to dispose the storage bed along side a vehicle. The actuation arrangement is also operable to maintain the storage bed in a horizontal orientation as the storage bed transitions between the raised and the lowered positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Reid Wissler, Jason Longenecker, Darrin Ivers, Jim Salmi
  • Publication number: 20110243700
    Abstract: A working machine comprising a frame, a working implement supported at a front end of the frame, a cover member, a latch member, a selector valve and a support bracket. The cover member has a cover-member body covering a side equipment room and having an opening, a lid member to open and close the opening, a lockable member attached to an inner side of the cover-member body near the opening, and a hinge portion interconnecting the frame and a rear end of the cover-member body and supporting the cover-member body. The latch member is disposed near the opening and inside the side equipment room to hold the cover member closed in cooperation with the lockable member. The support bracket extends from the side equipment room toward the opening and supports the latch member and the selector valve at the side of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ryoichi FUCHIBE
  • Publication number: 20110217151
    Abstract: A working machine (10) includes a body (11) having a front end (12) and a rear end (13), and a ground engaging propulsion structure (15) whereby the machine (10) may be driven over the ground, a loading arm assembly (25) which includes a loading arm (26) which is mounted at one end (26a) relative to the body (11) and which extends forwardly at or towards one side of the body (11), beyond the front end (12) of the body (11), to a second end (26b) where there is amounting for a working implement (35), the loading arm assembly (15) including a first link (28) which is pivotally connected at or adjacent the one end (26a) of the loading arm (26) and also to the body (11) at a first mounting position (27), and a second link (32) which is pivotally connected to the arm (26) between the first and second ends (26a, 26b) of the arm (26), and to the body at a second mounting position (36) which is forwards of the first mounting position (27), and the machine (10) including an actuator (40) which acts between the loading
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Major, Martyn L. Molsom