Abstract: A mounting mechanism (100), to enable hitching a tool (101) with the frame of a utility vehicle, comprises front hooks (102), a locking mechanism (104), a lifting cradle assembly (106), and a frame attachment mechanism (108). The front hooks (102) and the locking mechanism is configured to detachably engage the front and the rear portion of the tool (101) respectively. The cradle assembly (106) is configured to be operatively engaged with the front hooks (102) and the locking mechanism (104). The frame attachment mechanism (108) is configured to be pivotally coupled to the lifting cradle assembly (106). The locking mechanism (104) is configured to be operated by lifting the cradle assembly (106) via pivotal motion between the cradle and the frame attachment mechanism (108) under force generated by the vehicle (1000) to hitch and lock the tool (101) with the frame of the vehicle (1000).

Abstract: A system for providing maintenance and repair units for maintenance work on an aircraft includes a maintenance and repair unit having a frame structure which carries equipment and which is transportable, and a transport vehicle having a lifting device which can raise, set down, and transport the maintenance and repair unit.

Abstract: An apparatus having means for providing axial rotation and support of a wheel, wherein said wheel is intended for at least one of, removal, repair, inspection, installation, and replacement; means for allowing for different size wheels to be supported; means for rendering support for said means for providing axial rotation; means for allowing a lateral movement of said support rendering means along a central axis and operable for aligning the wheel with wheel studs; means for increasing a bottom surface area of said apparatus to create additional support for said apparatus; means for aiding a transportation and placement of said apparatus; and means for adjusting a vertical positioning of the wheel.

Abstract: A two-post vehicle lift system includes first and second posts extending longitudinally upwards from a floor. First and second carriages are slidably engaged with the first and second posts respectively. First and second swing arms are pivotally attached to the first carriage. Third and fourth swing arms are pivotally attached to the second carriage. First, second, third and fourth swing arm platforms are engaged with the first, second, third and fourth swing arms respectively. Each swing arm platform is positionable radially relative to its engaged swing arm. An adapter system is engageable with at least one swing arm platform and operable to be positioned to engage and lift a material handling vehicle. The adapter system includes one of a low profile adapter with a height adjustment mechanism, a low profile adapter with an outrigger arm capture mechanism, and an extended profile adapter with an outrigger arm capture mechanism.

Abstract: Methods of performing assembly or maintenance on an aircraft, systems for performing desired assembly or maintenance on an aircraft, and mobile work stations useful for such systems and methods, where the mobile work stations include a work platform, including an accessway providing access to the work platform; and a moveable base supporting the work platform with one or more platform jacks that can adjustably raise and lower the work platform.

Abstract: An apparatus having means for providing axial rotation and support of a wheel, wherein said wheel is intended for at least one of, removal, repair, inspection, installation, and replacement; means for allowing for different size wheels to be supported; means for rendering support for said means for providing axial rotation; means for allowing a lateral movement of said support rendering means along a central axis and operable for aligning the wheel with wheel studs; means for increasing a bottom surface area of said apparatus to create additional support for said apparatus; means for aiding a transportation and placement of said apparatus; and means for adjusting a vertical positioning of the wheel.

Abstract: A device is provided for changing a wheel of a vehicle comprising a carriage assembly including two platform elements running longitudinally with one another and substantially parallel. First and second swingarms are connected to respective platform elements. The swingarms are rotatably positionable at a desired height above the carriage. A lift mechanism selectively raises or lowers the carriage during use. A tow bar allows the carriage to be pushed or pulled on wheels mounted to the carriage. A method of the invention includes mounting the wheel on the platform elements, raising free ends of the swingarms to a desired height so a knock out bar may be placed through a hub of the wheel, operating the lift mechanism to raise the wheel to a desired height, and aligning the wheel with the vehicle so the wheel may be secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a robotic towing device including: a mobile robotic chassis; a set of wheels coupled to the mobile robotic chassis; one or more motors; one or more processors; a casing coupled to the mobile robotic chassis; one or more arms coupled to the mobile robotic chassis on a first end; one or more lifts, each of the one or more lifts corresponding and coupled to one of the one or more arms on a second end; and one or more lift wheels, each of the one or more lift wheels corresponding and coupled to a terminal end of one of the one or more lifts.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for a motor vehicle parking robot. The parking robot includes a pair of wheel support arms and a retracted wheel retention arm configured laterally from the outside of the parking robot and configured to lift a wheel of a vehicle by extending the pair of wheel support arms and affix the wheel in place on the parking robot by extending the wheel retention arms.

Abstract: Described is a shielding installation device in large tires and a shielding installation method in large tires. The device comprises a shaft, a reducer, a motor, a base, and a frame. The shielding installation method comprises different sequential steps, configured for installation of shielding on the thread of a large tire. The device and method of use of this device can allow a safe and practical installation of shielding in large vehicles, solving the serious safety problem related to traditional techniques of installation of this element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wheel righting apparatus includes a main frame and a wheel latching frame that is pivotally coupled to the main frame. The wheel latching frame is configured to be removably coupled to a wheel. The wheel righting apparatus also includes a winch assembly coupled to the main frame. The winch assembly is operable to move the wheel from a horizontal position to a vertical position by pivoting the wheel latching frame relative to the main frame.

Abstract: The forklift load-lifting device is an accessory for a forklift that adapts the forklift to lift payload material. The forklift load-lifting device may be raised and lowered by forks of the forklift using a left sleeve and a right sleeve. A front support and a rear support may separate the left sleeve and the right sleeve by a fixed distance that corresponds to the distance between the forks of the forklift. A chain may be coupled to the front support. The payload material may be raised and lowered by a chain and a hook as the forklift load-lifting device is raised and lowered. As non-limiting examples, the payload material may comprise pre-cast concrete or stone.

Abstract: A wheel lifting device comprising a base structure with support means for being supported by a ground surface and a lifting frame with at least one wheel support member and a frame leg which extends upwardly at an angle to the ground surface. A link mechanism is connected to the base structure and to the lifting frame and a pivotal manoeuvring lever is connected to the link mechanism for lifting the lifting frame relative to the base structure. The blocking device for locking the manoeuvring lever at any desired pivotal position comprises a weight which is slidable along the frame leg and arranged to intersect the pivotal movement path of the manoeuvring lever and to be brought into frictional engagement with the frame leg when influenced by a force generated by the manoeuvring lever in order to block the lifting frame from downward movement relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A green tire support device includes: a green tire support which supports a green tire; a lift which moves the green tire support up and down; and an actuator which moves the green tire support away from or closer to a drum along an axial direction of the drum, to remove the drum from the green tire.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus including a frame adapted to receive the article on a support structure, a number of wheels attached to the frame for movement of the frame over a substrate surface, and retaining arms operatively coupled to the frame and adapted to releasably secure the article to the frame. The secured article is movable in a controlled manner with respect to the frame by movement of the support structure and the retaining arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plane tractor which grips the nose gear of a plane, including: a chassis; wheel modules connected to the chassis, each wheel module including at least one actuator for inducing a vertical movement of the module in relation to the chassis; a gripping platform for gripping the nose gear of a plane, the platform together with the chassis having freedom of movement substantially in circular translation; and a damping and actuating means connecting the platform and the chassis.

Abstract: A jack and dolly assembly and system including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending along the shaft and an interior hollow; a reversible drive mechanism at least partially positioned in the interior hollow of the shaft; a proximal arm removably securable to the shaft and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a distal arm removably securable to the drive mechanism, the distal arm being spaced from and substantially parallel to the proximal arm; wherein the reversible drive mechanism is operable to move the distal arm along the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilizing means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilize the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tire or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine.

Abstract: This soft capture cradle is useful for moving an aircraft having a nose-wheel without contacting the strut, oleo or landing gear, only contacting the nose landing gear tire or wheel. The cradle comprises a front left capture gate; a front right capture gate; a forward motion safety bar; and a rear capture plate. A forward motion safety switch is connected to the forward motion safety bar. The switch is configured to disengage the throttle of an aircraft tug porter when the forward motion safety bar contacts the aircraft nose-wheel. The cradle also includes a means for moving the front left capture gate and front right capture gate between a cradle open position and a cradle closed position. The cradle further includes a means for moving the cradle between a cradle up position and a cradle down position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting and transporting device. The device of the invention is useful for lifting and moving any object which has a pair of spaced apart wheels but is particularly adapted for the lifting and transporting of hospital beds. The bed lifter includes an improved means of engaging a bed and supporting the load of the bed or bed/patient combination during lifting and transportation by engaging the bed wheels and not the bed frame.

Abstract: A wheel assembly positioning device. The device includes a wheel assembly cradle that holds a wheel assembly. A lifting device is also included that raises or lowers the wheel assembly cradle to allow a technician to dismount or mount a wheel assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving parked aircraft with a tractor via an aircraft lift dolly which includes a hinged gate to entrap the aircraft nose gear. The aircraft lift dolly may be removably detachably coupled to the tractor through two attachment points to an intermediate connecting towbar. The aircraft lift dolly includes a lift mechanism having a lift carriage which is selectively elevated. The lift carriage includes a fixed forward chock and a rear chock that it repositioned longitudinally with respect to the forward chock and is hingedly coupled. The chocks are positioned about the aircraft nose gear without movement of the aircraft. Elevating the lift cradle elevates the chocks and the nose gear cradled therebetween.

Abstract: A wheel dolly for lifting and transporting a flat tire attached to an aircraft is comprised of a frame assembly having first and second laterally spaced frame members and a telescopic frame structure interposed between the laterally spaced frame members. A pair of tire scoops are pivotally coupled the frame assembly. An actuator is coupled between the tire scoops to pivot the tire scoops relative to the frame assembly in order to raise the tire scoops. A plurality of castors is coupled to the frame assembly to allow the frame assembly to roll in any direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plane tractor (1) which grips the nose gear of a plane, including: a chassis (5); wheel modules (3) connected to the chassis, each wheel module including at least one actuator for inducing a vertical movement of the module in relation to the chassis; a gripping platform (2) for gripping the nose gear of a plane (4), the platform together with the chassis having freedom of movement substantially in circular translation; and a damping and actuating means connecting the platform and the chassis.

Abstract: A lifting platform installed in a pit, especially for tracks, has at least two lifting devices. At least one of the lifting devices is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pit for adapting to the axle spacing of the vehicle to be lifted, and at least of one lifting devices has two laterally projecting wheel forks for holding the wheels of a vehicle axle. The lifting device with the laterally projecting wheel forks is combined with an axle lifter, which is allocated to the axle of the wheels in the wheel forks and which is vertically movable independently of the wheel forks.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a motorcycle has a support platform with torque arms joined by a cross bar. The front wheel of the motorcycle is secured to the support platform and the motorcycle frame is secured to the cross bar. The support platform, torque arms, and cross bar prevent the motorcycle from lying to either side or turning about its steering neck as a towing vehicle turns. Instead, the support platform rotates about a pivot post held by upper and lower pivot sleeves. The lower pivot sleeve is secured to a tongue that attaches to a trailer hitch. The pivot post may slide up and down while supported by a jack, raising and lowering the support platform.

Abstract: A wheel assembly positioning device. The device includes a wheel assembly cradle that holds a wheel assembly. A lifting device is also included that raises or lowers the wheel assembly cradle to allow a technician to dismount or mount a wheel assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: The wheel and tire dolly apparatus provides a compact, mobile support for holding a wheel and tire at an adjustably chosen height within the cradle with backplate. The cradle can be pivoted with relation to the triangular base with omnidirectional casters. Two pivot arm casters optionally pivot outward to provide a wider base support. A spring loaded stop holds the wheel and tire within the cradle. The foot pedal controls raising and releasing of the upright within the vertical sleeve, the upright supporting the cradle.

Abstract: A keg conveying trolley has a pair of wheels, a central post and a slide which carries a hook for grasping the keg rim. The slide is lockable at different keg heights. A foot plate assists in tipping the trolley to an inclined position for wheeling the keg from one place to another. The keg stacking version has a winch worked by hand or a cordless drill. The keg is supported by a rise and fall carriage. The carriage can be modified to be multitask. Variants can lift gas bottles on their side, truck tyres for placing on wheel studs and odd shaped loads.

Abstract: The tire-handling device (10) is a compact, lightweight tool for carriage within a motor vehicle trunk or storage compartment to facilitate handling of a tire (T) during a tire change or similar operation. The device includes a tire support cradle (30) supported by opposed vertically adjustable handles (32). The handles (32) and cradle (30) therebetween may be adjusted to position the cradle (30) beneath a tire (T) on a raised axle during a tire change, or for aligning a fresh tire with the wheel mounting studs of the wheel hub. Two mutually opposed tire support belt rollers are disposed within the cradle (30). A tire support belt extends between the rollers, allowing a tire (T) resting thereon to be rotated for alignment with the mounting studs of the vehicle wheel hub.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.

Abstract: A remotely controlled robot for towing a wheeled target vehicle includes a wheel lift assembly having a left side, a right side, and at least one wheel capture arm, at least one drive wheel provided toward each of the left and right sides of the wheel lift assembly, at least one drive motor for driving the drive wheels, and a lift actuating mechanism, wherein the wheel capture arm rotates from the wheel lift assembly to secure a wheel of the target vehicle, and wherein the secured wheel of the target vehicle is raised above a ground surface by the lift actuating mechanism. The lift actuating mechanism may be integrated with the wheel chassis to raise the wheel lift assembly via lift bars. The wheel lift assembly may include a truck assembly and an inclined rail supported on the truck assembly.

Abstract: A tire handling apparatus comprises a structural body composed of a hydraulically actuated scissor lift assembly for adjusting the height of a tire receiving platform; a movable plank that can be stowed away when not in use but is protruding off the side of the body so that it can receive a tire removed from a vehicle. The plank slides longitudinally across the length of the receiving platform so as to be in line with an empty receiving niche. The structural body is on wheels so that the tire handling apparatus can be moved from location to location as required.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier featuring an integrated automotive jack, the jack used for manipulating the carrier into and out of a configuration suitable for transit. The jack may also be removed from the carrier, and used to elevate the vehicle. A strap and ratchet mechanism is also provided, helpful for securing the tire upon the carrier and also for leveraging the tire into place upon the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer system, and particularly to a self-driving trailer system for a radiation imaging inspection system and a method for inspecting a vehicle by radiation imaging of a vehicle through the trailer system. The self-driving trailer system comprises two trailers symmetrical in structure. Each of the trailers comprises a driving device, running wheels, a trailer body, a carrying device, a lift cylinder, a balance wheel, and two pairs of guide wheels. The driving device, the running wheels, and the balance wheel are coupled with the trailer body. The carrying device is coupled with the trailer body through the lift cylinder. A front carrying arm and a rear carrying arm can clamp front wheels of a vehicle under inspection, and move upwards and downwards by the lift cylinder.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a bike, tricycle or the like having front and rear wheels including a pivoting tongue, a base and an extensible support member for receiving a front of the bike yet permitting one or more rear wheels to remain in contact with the ground. An opposing pair of arms are each carried by a pair of support arms for connection to the base of the apparatus. The support arms are pivotably connected to the base to rotate toward the support member for storing the apparatus and from the support member to secure tie arms for retaining the bike in connection with the apparatus and stabilizing the bike under tow.

Abstract: The tire-handling device (10) is a compact, lightweight tool for carriage within a motor vehicle trunk or storage compartment to facilitate handling of a tire (T) during a tire change or similar operation. The device includes a tire support cradle (30) supported by opposed vertically adjustable handles (32). The handles (32) and cradle (30) therebetween may be adjusted to position the cradle (30) beneath a tire (T) on a raised axle during a tire change, or for aligning a fresh tire with the wheel mounting studs of the wheel hub. Two mutually opposed tire support belt rollers are disposed within the cradle (30). A tire support belt extends between the rollers, allowing a tire (T) resting thereon to be rotated for alignment with the mounting studs of the vehicle wheel hub.

Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel lift device includes an upright extending upwardly from a wheeled base. A carriage slides along the upright and includes a wheel support to support an automotive wheel thereon. A pneumatic lift mechanism is housed in the upright and is coupled to the carriage. A lift control comprises a supply valve to couple the lift mechanism to a source of compressed gas for lifting and a vent valve to couple the lift mechanism to a vent for lowering. The lift device has rapid response, is of low cost and requires minimal maintenance when arranged to connect to conventional compressed air supply lines of the type readily available in automotive servicing stations. Location of the lift controls directly on the upright ensures quick access for controlling the lifting and lowering of wheels in direct proximity to the task being performed.

Abstract: A wheel dolly is disclosed that is suited to serve as both an automobile jack, capable of holding large loads aloft for extended periods, relying on only mechanical systems and eliminating hydraulic systems. In a further aspect, the wheel dolly of the present invention does not include extended arms, handles, or levers for pumping or rotating the lifting mechanisms. Each lifting element terminates in only a single nut exposed to the user. Preferably, each nut of each lifting system has the same plan dimensions as the other, thus providing the advantage of allowing the user to operate the dolly with a driver and only one socket.

Abstract: A self-propelled transport aid for wheeled structures is advantageously provided. The transport aid generally includes a chassis, a lift assembly operatively supported thereby, and preferably a wheel capturing apparatus operatively united with the lift assembly. The wheel capturing apparatus has a first configuration for receipt of a wheel upon a wheel landing of the apparatus, and a second configuration for retention of the wheel received upon the wheel landing in the first configuration, wherein the first configuration of the wheel capturing apparatus is associated with a down position thereof. Alternate means for receiving and retaining a portion of a wheeled structure are further disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-lift for lifting and storing motorcycles and other vehicles includes a column, incorporating a vertical threaded shaft therein. The shaft is capable of rotation in opposite directions through a reversing motor. The shaft has a threaded carriage mounted thereon, so that as the shaft rotates in one direction, the vehicle laden carriage may be elevated for storing a vehicle or the reversing motor may be turned in an opposite direction, for lowering a vehicle laden carriage, to provide for unloading a vehicle. The threaded carriage that mounts on the threaded shaft may hold one or more wheeled vehicles, and is telescopically constructed so as to extend its length, to allow for storing one or more vehicles lengthwise thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel dolly is provided that includes a generally flat first plate, a first side wall, said first side wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a first side edge, a second side wall, said second side wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a second side edge, a rear wall, said rear wall extending generally upward from said first plate at a rear edge and intersecting said first side wall and said second side wall, a second plate, said second plate extending generally horizontally outward from said first side wall at a top edge, a third plate, said third plate extending generally horizontally outward from said second side wall at a top edge, at least one caster and wherein said first plate, said side first wall, said second side wall, and said rear wall create a well for accepting a tire and wheel assembly of a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a tyred wheel 14 onto an upright rotary wheel holder unit 1 of a tyre changer machine, comprising a first frame 3 which is driven by first actuator means 8 and adapted to move the wheel 14 between a lower position and an upper position from which the wheel 14 is brought onto the rotary wheel holder unit 1, wherein a second frame 2 is connected with a second actuator means 9 to be driven between a lower position to an end position above said upper position and adapted to remove the wheel 14 from the first frame 3 when moved from said upper position to said end position and to support the wheel 14 with the wheel axis 15 in alignment with a rotation axis 16 of the rotary wheel holder unit 1 and dapted to be lowered by the action of the second actuator means 9 for positioning the tyred wheel 14 onto the rotary wheel holder unit 1.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier featuring an integrated automotive jack, the jack used for manipulating the carrier into and out of a configuration suitable for transit. The jack may also be removed from the carrier, and used to elevate the vehicle. A strap and ratchet mechanism is also provided, helpful for securing the tire upon the carrier and also for leveraging the tire into place upon the carrier.

Abstract: A large rectangular bale loading, hauling and stacking vehicle that mounts on a production truck chassis. Loading is accomplished with a bale manipulator that can selectively pick up and rotate bales, depositing them in tiers on a load rack, some in tie tiers. The manipulator works in conjunction with a transverse pivoting mast along the length of which the manipulator is selectively movable. A stack of bales is thus formed on the load rack and later deposited at a storage site.

Abstract: A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.

Abstract: Method and device for calculating chassis height of a vehicle that has at least three air-suspended wheel axles (2, 3, 4). The device includes a control unit and two level sensors (9, 10). The control unit detects the chassis height at the front axle (2) via a first level sensor (9) and at the forward rear axle (3) via a second level sensor (10), and the control unit calculates the chassis height at the rearmost wheel axle (4). An object of the disclosure is to protect the rear axle installation with as few level sensors as possible.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.