Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for controlling movement of an implement. The implement is mounted to a subframe that in turn is joined to a frame portion of the vehicle. The subframe is moveable between the working position, where the implement is operable to perform work, and a second position. The implement has a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a portion of the implement to perform work using controlled hydraulic fluid present in a hydraulic line connected to the hydraulic actuator. The control apparatus inhibits or allows hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic line as a function of the position of the subframe.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 9, 1995
Date of Patent:
November 5, 1996
Assignee:
Clark Equipment Company
Inventors:
Larry E. Swenson, Michael A. Vig, Thomas M. Sagaser, Troy D. Kraft
Abstract: A freight manipulator includes a mobile chassis positioned on a pair of guide tracks and have an articulated cantilever boom extending forwardly thereof. A tool carriage is mounted at the end of the boom and has a pair of freight engaging tools thereon for engaging freight articles. The boom is connected to a two-axis gimbals at the rear of the chassis which allows swinging of the boom about a vertical axis and tilting of the boom about a horizontal tilt axis to increase the positioning range of the freight engaging tools. A boom bearing assembly at the front of the chassis supports the boom on the chassis during movement thereof. A pair of swing cylinders are connected to the chassis and have a chain connecting the ends of their rams to the bearing assembly. The swing cylinders work in opposition to swing the boom. A pair of boom tilt cylinders are connected between the bearing assembly and the boom and operate in unison to tilt the boom.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 25, 1991
Date of Patent:
January 5, 1993
Assignee:
Yellow Freight System, Inc.
Inventors:
Carl J. Ruder, Ronald J. Haney, L. Bruce Payne
Abstract: An erectable manipulator placement system for use on a space station and comprising an elongate lattice-like boom having dual guide tracks attached to parallel chords thereof, a carriage-like dolly movable along said tracks, and a segmented maneuvering arm-like assembly pivotally mounted on and extending from said dolly. The system further includes a turntable base pivotally interconnected with the proximal end of the boom and positioned either on a part of a transferring vehicle, or on another payload component being carried by said transferring vehicle, or on the space station.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 13, 1986
Date of Patent:
September 20, 1988
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration