Vertically Swinging Load Support Patents (Class 414/680)
  • Patent number: 11731265
    Abstract: A parallel kinematic machine, PKM, comprising: a support platform (17a), a first support linkage (SL1); a second support linkage (SL2) and a third support linkage (SL3), wherein the first support linkage (SL1), the second support linkage (SL2) and the third support linkage (SL3) together comprises at least five support links (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). The PKM further comprises: a tool base (140) comprising a shaft joint (24, 40, 41, 200, 202, 262a, 262b), a tool base shaft (19) and a tool platform (17b). The tool base shaft (19) is connected to the support platform (17a) via the shaft joint (24, 40, 41, 200, 202, 262a, 262b), and wherein the tool platform (17b) and the tool base shaft (19) are rigidly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: COGNIBOTICS AB
    Inventors: Torgny Brogardh, Klas Nilsson, Adam Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11352768
    Abstract: A construction machine includes a system and method for performing a lockout or stand down of the machine to prohibit movement of the machine or one or more components of the machine, without shutting down the machine. Information about the status of the machine or a component thereof can be collected and relayed to an electronic control module (ECM) to determine whether to lockout the construction machine. If appropriate, the ECM can command lockout to an electrical component of the machine or component to prohibit movement of the machine or component until the lockout is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Schwartz, Russell J. Pugh, James B. McKnight, David R. Wisley
  • Patent number: 11345380
    Abstract: Implementations of janitorial caddies may include a body including a lid, a base opposing the lid, and a first side coupled between the lid and the base. The implementations may also include two wheels coupled to the base, a telescoping handle coupled within the first side, a first shelf extending from a second side of the body and a second shelf extending from a third side of the body. The third side may be opposite the second side. The implementations may also include a first removable caddy coupled over the first shelf and a second removable caddy coupled over the second shelf. The body may be configured to be stood on by a person when the lid is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Lil Clean Caddy LLC
    Inventors: Santos M. Diaz, III, Walter Balfour
  • Patent number: 11247337
    Abstract: Robots for moving relative to a surface, robotic systems including the same, and associated methods are disclosed. A robot includes a body, at least two legs, and at least two feet. Each leg has a proximal end region operatively coupled to the body at a respective body joint with one rotational degree of freedom and a distal end region operatively coupled to a respective foot at a respective foot joint comprising two rotational degrees of freedom. Each foot is configured to be translated relative to the surface with two degrees of translational freedom. Robotic systems include one or more robots and a surface along which the one or more robots are positioned to move. Methods of operating robots and of operating robotic systems include translating at least one foot of a robot to operatively move the body of the robot with six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Martin A. Szarski, David Michael Bain
  • Patent number: 11167958
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the guidance of flexible lines that run from a crane arm (3) through its end section (2) to a tool (4), that is suspended at the crane arm through a link arrangement (5) and a frame that is a component of a rotator (6) for rotation around a vertical first axis (A) and in a cardan manner around second (B) and third (C) horizontal axes, For the discrete and protected passage of hoses, it comprises a first holder (35) in an opening (3A) of the end section (2), a second holder (38) in a central region of the rotator (6), a first hose package (1A-1D) that extends between the said first (35) and second holders (38), a penetration (26) in a central region of the rotator (6) and permitting hydraulic fluid to pass through the rotator (6) and onwards to a lower part (18) of the same at least one of the said second (B) and third (C) horizontal axes comprises an “open joint”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Komatsu Forest AB
    Inventor: Erik Udd
  • Patent number: 11156325
    Abstract: A stand assembly for an electronic device includes a neck portion with a first end that holds and extends from the electronic device, a spine portion that is coupled via a joint structure to a second end of the neck portion, the joint structure being configured to provide a first rotational degree of freedom of the neck portion with respect to the spine portion, and one or more interconnect wires. The one or more interconnect wires include a first wire portion, a second wire portion and a third wire portion, the first wire portion being routed through an interior of the neck portion, the second wire portion being routed along a surface of the spine portion, and the third wire portion being routed though the joint structure from the surface of the spine portion to the interior of the neck portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Rafat E. Mehdi, Adam Scott Kilgore, Jason Evans Goulden
  • Patent number: 11118324
    Abstract: A multi-backhoe linkage mechanism, operable for rotating an output link around an output axis of rotation of an output joint at a base, includes a first closed kinematic chain, including the output link, a connecting link, and an input link. The output link is connected via the output joint to the base and via a connecting joint to the connecting link. The connecting link is connected via a bridging joint to the input link. The first closed kinematic chain additionally includes a base link connected to the base and to the input link. One or more additional closed kinematic chains are connected in a series after the first closed kinematic chain. Each additional closed kinematic chain is connected to the previous closed kinematic chain such that actuation of the additional closed kinematic chain amplifies the angle of rotation of the output link around the output axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Cognibotics AB
    Inventor: Adam Nilsson
  • Patent number: 10940595
    Abstract: A robot includes a robot main body that includes a base and a robot arm connected to the base, a motor that is provided inside the robot main body and drives the robot arm, a control board that is provided inside the robot main body, a power supply board that supplies electric power to the control board, and a drive board that drives the motor based on a command from the control board, and in which the robot main body includes a suction hole from which a pipe to which a suction device for sucking gas inside the robot main body is connected is detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Akio Niu, Masaru Takahashi, Takuya Owa, Yoshinobu Goto
  • Patent number: 10808817
    Abstract: A device for pivoting an object about a virtual axis by means of a kinematic system having a fixed base on which there is rotatably supported a first rotary component which has a first coupling component which rotates with respect to the base not in accordance with the rotary component, preferably not at all, characterized in that a second rotary component, constructed in a similar manner to the first, is connected to the first rotary component by means of the coupling components, whereby the portion thereof which in the case of the first rotary component corresponds to the base and which in this instance is the object carrier is rotated about the virtual axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: EB-INVENT GMBH
    Inventor: Franz Ehrenleitner
  • Patent number: 10766581
    Abstract: An alignment guide for a pontoon boat lift that includes a pair of laterally spaced rails, where the spacing corresponds to the spacing between the pontoon floats. The rails are attached to the boat lift by adjustable brackets, so they are positioned at an elevation above the waterline of the pontoon floats, and below the deck that is supported by the floats. A stop bar is positioned at an elevation above the boat motor and extends between rail extensions that are directed downwardly and rearwardly from the spaced rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Jon W. Devitt
  • Patent number: 10751873
    Abstract: A robotic arm includes a first driving source and a second driving source mounted on a base frame, a first transmission link driven by the first driving source to turn around a first axis, a second transmission link driven by the second driving source to turn around a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, a third transmission link pivoted to the first transmission link, a first driven link pivoted to the second transmission link, a second driven link pivotally coupled between the first driven link and the base frame, a third driven link pivotally connected with the first and second driven link, and a fourth driven link pivotally coupled between the third driven link and the third transmission link. Thus, the robotic arm of the invention has a compact size and can achieve multi-degree of freedom motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: HIWIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Ren-Jeng Wang, Cheng-Chin Chen, Yu-Lin Chu
  • Patent number: 10710251
    Abstract: A linear object handling structure of a robot includes a rotational drum supported above a base in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis line, a plurality of operation shafts supported by the rotational drum, and a hollow part near the vertical axis line in the rotational drum. A first linear object group including cables for driving the operation shafts has one end fixed to the base and the other end wired to the motors of the operation shafts supported by the rotational drum, and is disposed to penetrate through the hollow part. A second linear object group for a peripheral device supported by any one of the operation shafts is collectively covered by a flexible conduit pipe, disposed to penetrate through the hollow part, and detachably fixed to the base and the rotational drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiko Inoue, Tomoyuki Motokado, Masayoshi Mori, Wataru Amemiya
  • Patent number: 10682964
    Abstract: A Load Lifting System for providing a easy lift accessory which may be utilized by one person. The Load Lifting System includes a vehicle mounting assembly to selectively secure the load lifting system to the vehicle and which may include a plurality of hook members for engaging a rack mounted to the vehicle and a bumper mounting assembly for abutting a surface of a bumper of the vehicle and a load lifting assembly pivotally coupled to the vehicle mounting assembly and operationally coupleable to a winch mounted on the vehicle, additionally the load lifting assembly may include a plurality of pivotally mounted load carrying hooks for facilitating the transport of liquid and dry goods while minimizing spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher L Turner, Michael L Turner
  • Patent number: 10520933
    Abstract: A flay assembly for separating a workpiece from a manufacturing fixture has a horizontal beam assembly and a pair of vertical beam assemblies. The horizontal beam assembly includes a horizontal beam having a horizontal drive motor. Each vertical beam assembly includes a vertical beam operably engaged to the horizontal drive motor and has a workpiece attachment assembly operably engaged to a vertical drive motor. The workpiece attachment assembly has an attachment mechanism attachable to the workpiece. The horizontal drive motor and the vertical drive motors are operable in a manner to move the vertical beams away from each other along a horizontal drive axis while simultaneously moving each workpiece attachment assembly along a vertical drive axis to cause the attachment mechanisms to pull the workpiece side portions away from the manufacturing fixture while a center support of the horizontal beam maintains a workpiece crown in contact with the manufacturing fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patrick B. Stone, Matthew Benjamin Moore, Jeffrey A. Zornes
  • Patent number: 10494203
    Abstract: A sweep auger apparatus includes an attachment plate having a first and second sides. The first side has attachment features to attach the attachment plate to mobile equipment. A first rotatable shaft is secured to the second side of the attachment plate. A central axis of the first rotatable shaft extends in a first direction. A first motor is connected to the first rotatable shaft to cause the first rotatable shaft to rotate. An auger support member is connected to the first rotatable shaft so as to rotate with a rotation of the first rotatable shaft. A second rotatable shaft is secured to the auger support member, and a central axis of the second rotatable shaft extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. A second motor is connected to the second rotatable shaft to cause the second rotatable shaft to rotate, thereby rotating an auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Mid-Columbia Producers
    Inventor: Brad Grenvik
  • Patent number: 10385539
    Abstract: An unmanned control system of an operation lever for operating a device includes: a mountable operation unit which is attachably and separably coupled to an operation lever for operating a device and manipulates the operation lever; and an operation unit control part which moves the operation lever coupled to the mountable operation unit by remotely controlling the mountable operation unit, in which the mountable operation unit has the same degree of freedom as the operation lever. The unmanned control system may lower a center of gravity of the mountable operation unit, thereby precisely controlling the operation lever and improving intuition with respect to the movement of the operation lever and the mountable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY ERICA CAMPUS
    Inventors: Chang Soo Han, Min Sung Kang, Seung Hoon Lee, Myeong Su Gil, Sung Jin Lim, Si Hwan Moon, Yong Seok Lee, Sang Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10315211
    Abstract: A retractable spray shield for agricultural use has a spray barrier; a storage tube; a deployment and concealment drive that in one direction deploys the spray barrier from the storage tube and in a second direction opposed to the first direction conceals the spray barrier within the storage tube; and a pivotal quick release support and boom arm coupling. The spray barrier has a generally triangular and flaccid liquid barrier film, a pair of framing legs coupled to opposed edges of the liquid barrier film, a hinge plate, a pair of pintles coupling the pair of framing legs to the hinge plate, a spring guide post intermediate between the first and second pintles, and a tension spring wrapped about the spring guide post and configured to operatively stretch the pair of framing legs apart from each other and thereby expand the barrier film toward a planar, generally triangular geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Mark T. Hagberg
  • Patent number: 10150217
    Abstract: A tool adapter configured to mount a tool on a robot wrist including a first rotary member rotatable about a first axis and a second rotary member rotatable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The tool adapter includes a first section configured to be attached to the second rotary member at a first attaching portion; and a second section extending from the first section and configured to be attached to the tool at a second attaching portion. The first attaching portion and the second attaching portion are respectively disposed at positions where a direction of a reaction force applied to the second section through the tool from an object, during an operation performed to the object with use of the tool, is defined to intersect with both of the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 10118293
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm robot for handling a payload, comprising a robot arm (R), which is attached to a base (1) that can be rotated about a first axis (A1), and at least two arm elements (2 and 3), which are arranged to form a kinematic chain and a first arm element (2) is mounted on the base (1) to pivot about a second axis (A2) that is oriented orthogonally relative to the first axis and a second arm element (3) which is attached to the first arm to be pivotal manner about a third axis (A3) that is oriented parallel to the second axis (A2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V., UNIVERSITÄT ROSTOCK
    Inventors: Martin Christoph Wanner, Reinhart Kny, Michael Wollenberg, Steffen Dryba
  • Patent number: 10098290
    Abstract: A double cut control system and method are disclosed for a felling head having a saw disc. The felling head may be positioned by a knuckle boom, which includes a hoist boom and a stick boom coupled by a knuckle and positioned by hydraulic cylinders actuated by a hydraulic pump and hydraulic control valves. The control system has an operator input device for input of operator commands including a double cut control input command. Position sensors provide position values for the knuckle boom and the felling head. At least one controller receives the operator commands and position values. After receiving the double cut control input command, the controller generates a first cut control signal to direct flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders to position the knuckle boom to advance the felling head in a single fore-aft direction a set distance corresponding to a partial depth cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10000101
    Abstract: Described is a machine (1) for fitting and removing a tire from a corresponding wheel rim of a vehicle, comprising: a wheel-holder unit (4), which rotates about a first axis (A); at least one bead breaker tool (29), movable along a second axis (B) parallel to the first axis (A); a roller (2) rotating about a fourth axis (D) parallel to the first axis (A) and configured to move by rotation about a fifth axis (E) spaced from the fourth axis (D), between an active position where it is in contact with a tire tread of the wheel mounted on the wheel-holder unit (4), to a position of non-interference relative to the tire; at least one sensor (40) connected to the roller (2) for detecting a signal representing a force transmitted to the roller (2) by the tire; a removal tool (37), which is movable by rotation about a sixth axis (F) parallel to the first axis (A) and spaced from it, between a first position proximal to the first axis (A) and a second position distal from the first axis (A), which is movable in a direc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NEXION S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giulio Corghi
  • Patent number: 9988786
    Abstract: A lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle T. Martin, Travis Shekleton, Andrew W. Kahler, Jeff Ekins, Nilesh Kumbhar
  • Patent number: 9925579
    Abstract: A hemming device wherein a processing tool is equipped with a base part moved by a robot, a processing unit having a hemming roller and a guide roller, and a floating mechanism that is attached to the base part and elastically supports the processing unit with six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yoshimichi, Hiroshi Miwa, Shigetoshi Namiki
  • Patent number: 9916512
    Abstract: A moving method for moving a plurality of objects by repeating a process of capturing an image of objects, recognizing a position of an object using the image acquired by image capturing, and moving the recognized object includes acquiring an image of a plurality of objects randomly placed in a first state in each of a first space and a second space partitioned from each other, setting a first partial area corresponding to the first space and a second partial area corresponding to the second space in an entire area of the image in the first state, recognizing a position of a first object in the first partial area and a position of a second object in the second partial area using the image in the first state, and moving the recognized first and second objects using a robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuki, Shinji Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9662786
    Abstract: An industrial robot of the present disclosure includes a manipulator, a control device for controlling the manipulator, and a connection cable that connects the manipulator to the control device. The manipulator includes a fixed base section, a first motor, a first detecting section, a power supply section, a first casing, and a first power supply cable. The first motor operates the manipulator. The first detecting section detects the state of the first motor. The power supply section supplies electric power to the first detecting section. The first casing stores the first motor and the first detecting section. The first power supply cable connects the first detecting section to the power supply section. The power supply section is disposed in the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Nagai, Kazunori Matsumoto, Wataru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9610687
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a wearable robot includes a wire having one end connected to an arm of the wearable robot, a tension detector that is provided between the one end and the other end of the wire and detects tension of the wire, a driver that is connected to the other end of the wire and winds or unwinds the wire, and a controller that controls the driver to be operated to wind or unwind the wire when the arm rotates to change the tension of the wire so that the wire maintains a preset reference tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hun Keon Ko
  • Patent number: 9091043
    Abstract: A forward eight-bar linkage working device for the loading end of a backhoe loader comprises a front frame, a movable boom, a rotatable bucket oil cylinder, a movable boom oil cylinder, a rotatable bucket lever, a rotatable bucket pull link, a movable boom pull rod, a movable boom lever and a bucket; and the forward eight-bar linkage mechanism enables a working device of the loading end to achieve a larger breakout force in the case of the same engine power, and makes the axle load distribution ratio of the machine more reasonable, enhancing the operation efficiency and the operation balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Jiangsu Liugong Machinery Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Liu Yin, Shen Shuo, Lan Qiang
  • Patent number: 9063530
    Abstract: In work implements, power machines and methods of operating implements and power machines using machine and implement controllers, an implement controller receives information from a power machine, with which the work implement is paired, indicative of operational characteristics of the power machine. The implement controller is configured to responsively provide information to the power machine to direct operation of the power machine based upon the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Christopher W. Lougheed, Spencer L. Mindeman
  • Patent number: 9017005
    Abstract: A lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kyle T. Martin, Travis Shekleton, Andrew W. Kahler, Jeff Ekins, Nilesh Kumbhar
  • Publication number: 20150078871
    Abstract: A partially tracked utility vehicle and conversion are provided. The converted partially tracked utility vehicle has a chassis, front wheels, and a trailing link suspension. The trailing link suspension has a trailing link with a first end pivotably connected to said chassis and a second end pivotably connected to a walking beam at a walking beam pivot; a shock having a first end pivotably connected to a tension shaft and a second end pivotably connected to said trailing link; said walking beam further comprising a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging a track of said partially tracked utility vehicle; a sprocket mounted to a traction drive of said utility vehicle for engaging and providing rotational power to said track; and an actuator attached to said chassis, said actuator having a shaft pivotably connected to said tension shaft and configured to rotate said tension shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, SR., Peter Joseph Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8979467
    Abstract: A crane having a toolless removable battery includes a crane and a removable battery. The crane preferable includes a lengthwise structural member, a pair of front wheels, a turnable rear wheel, a boom mount and a crane boom. A battery slot is created between the turnable rear wheel and the pair of front wheels and adjacent the turnable rear wheel. The removable battery includes at least three wheels. Four retention hooks are retained on opposing sides of the removable battery. Four retention posts extend from opposing sides of the battery slot for engagement with the four retention hooks. One end of a pair of lift straps extend from opposing ends of the removable battery and the other end of the pair of lift straps are secured to opposing sides of the crane boom. The crane boom is raised to lift the four retention hooks off the four retention posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8968654
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a laboratory instrument that operates using fluid retained in one or more containers. The containers are supported on a motor-driven lift that is configured to transport the containers between a lowered position suitable for handling and an elevated position suitable for the delivery of fluid to the instrument by gravity. The lift includes a bench-mountable base, a tubular column extending upward from the base, an elongated lead screw extending longitudinally through the column, a drive mechanism for rotatably driving the lead screw, a carriage slidably mounted over the tubular column and mechanically coupled to the lead screw, a platform removably coupled to the carriage for supporting the containers, and a control system for regulating operation of the drive mechanism. During operation, a slot provided in the column restricts travel of the platform along a predefined path that is linear in part and helical in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Automation Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Matthew Kendall, Matthew Charles Tierney, Joseph Scott Cantara
  • Publication number: 20150030424
    Abstract: An intelligent knuckle boom control system is disclosed where hoist and stick cylinders raise and lower main and stick booms, respectively, a base end control valve controls flow to the hoist and stick cylinder base ends, a hoist rod control valve controls flow to the hoist cylinder rod end, and a stick rod control valve controls flow to the stick cylinder rod end. A microprocessor computes control signals to direct flow through the control valves based on operator commands and boom position readings. The system can include an energy storage system for storing excess energy and releasing the stored energy, where the microprocessor directs storage of excess energy and release of stored energy. The energy storage system can include a hydraulic accumulator, an accumulator control valve and hydraulic pressure sensors; where the microprocessor receives pressure sensor readings and computes accumulator control valve control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Henry J. Stulen, Calin Raszga
  • Patent number: 8938875
    Abstract: A component aligning apparatus includes a component aligning jig, in which electronic components to be aligned have a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose length dimension is L, width dimension is W, and thickness dimension is T, the component aligning jig includes electronic component accommodating recesses opening on a surface, the depth Z of the accommodating recesses is shorter than the length L of the electronic components so that a single electronic component is held in each of the electronic component accommodating recesses while partially projecting upwards from each of the recesses with the WT surface on one side facing up, and letting s be the shortest separation that is larger than the thickness T and is the narrowest distance between opposing inside surfaces of each of the accommodating recesses when each of the accommodating recesses is seen in plan view, W>S>T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8926256
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Hubert Defrancq
  • Publication number: 20150003947
    Abstract: A boom has a cylindrical body with a coupling flange at each end. The body is manufactured from a carbon fiber material. During construction of the carbon fiber body, an electronic feedback mechanism is embedded into the carbon fiber. The electronic feedback mechanism may be a simple electronic strain gauge. Optionally, the feedback mechanism may include a fiber optic cable woven into the carbon fiber weave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: John SMITH
  • Patent number: 8899905
    Abstract: A boom truck includes a telescopic lifting boom with a lifting unit and a support structure having a first support arranged on the chassis of the boom truck. A second support in the form of an elongated bearing and support beam body extends in the longitudinal direction of the boom truck. The beam body is pivotally mounted to the first support about a rear bearing axis, whereas the lifting boom is pivotally mounted to beam body about a front bearing axis. Actuators act on the beam body and the lifting boom as a unit and act to pivot the lifting boom about the front bearing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cargotec Patenter AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Helgesson
  • Publication number: 20140248110
    Abstract: Load manipulator comprising a boom arm (1) and a return arm (3) parallel to each other, a loading bar (2) and a counterbar (4) so as to form a deformable parallelogram, an approximately horizontal pivot axis on which one of the arms of the parallelogram is articulated, and balancing means (8) applying a force at an compensation application point (C) to compensate for the force due to the load, said point being a point on the return arm (3) and a point on the counterbar such that it is always in line with point (M) on the loading bar at which the force due to the load is applied and the rotation axis, in which the balancing means (8) comprise a first counterweight (10) and a second counterweight (12) and a jack to compensate for the value of the force due to the load, the first counterweight (10) and the jack applying a force onto the compensation application point (C) and the second counterweight (12) applying a force on the boom arm (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fares Kfoury
  • Patent number: 8821104
    Abstract: A loader work machine is disclosed in which a base portion of each of right/left arms (77) is received by an arm support portion (164) of a first lift link (81) and pivotally supported by a first arm shaft (88), and a hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) connected to a hydraulic actuator (98) extend through an support frame (11) from inside to outside of its inner wall (12), and toward an arm (77). The base portion of the arm (77) is supported to the arm support portion (164) at a position adjacent a link outer wall (157) in a transverse direction so that a hose accommodation space (165) is formed between a link inner wall (156) and an internal side face of the base portion of the arm (77). The hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) runs frontward of the first arm shaft (88) and a first link shaft (85), and is disposed in the hose accommodation space (165).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    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: 8813600
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a platform in horizontal and vertical directions relative to a base. The apparatus comprises a parallelogram structure comprising first and second parallelogram linkages each parallelogram linkage comprises first and second link arms and a hydraulic actuator to vary the geometry of the respective parallelogram linkage. A connecting member is connected between the parallelogram linkages to which a first end of each link arm and a first end of each hydraulic actuator are pivotally connected. The first ends of the hydraulic actuators and the first ends of the first link arms are connected to the connecting member along a first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Breu
  • Patent number: 8800704
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
  • Publication number: 20140219762
    Abstract: A mining vehicle includes one or more crawlers, a first deck positioned above the crawlers, and a second deck positioned above the first deck. The first deck includes a first floor surface providing a walking surface, and one or more first deck maintenance components configured to allow a person to move among and access the first deck maintenance components. The second deck includes a second floor surface providing a walking surface, one or more second deck maintenance components, and one or more aisles configured to allow a person to move among and access the second deck maintenance components. The first and second decks are configured to provide maintenance access to the first and second deck maintenance components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: David T. Bienfang, Frank R. Szpek, JR., Carl D. Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20140212254
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kyle T. Martin, Travis Shekleton, Andrew W. Kahler, Jeff Ekins, Nilesh Kumbhar
  • Publication number: 20140193230
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a hydraulic circuit having a cooled return line with a cooler, a bypass return line that bypasses the cooler on the cooled return line, and a controller that electronically controls the flow of hydraulic fluid between the cooled return line and the bypass return line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Erik W. McWethy
  • Patent number: 8757956
    Abstract: A system for protecting at least one tube extending between articulating joints of a work machine including a first guard configured to be at least partially inserted inside a first opening formed in a second portion that is pivotably connected to a first portion. A second guard is configured to be at least partially inserted inside a second opening formed in the third portion that is pivotably connected to the second portion and near the first portion. The first guard and the second guard form a protective passageway for a tube extending from the first portion to the third portion, the passageway substantially preventing contact between the at least one tube and surfaces of the second portion and the third portion in close proximity with the corresponding pivotable connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Thompson, Jeffrey E. Jackson, Jared J. Thompson, Wayne E. Bietz
  • Publication number: 20140165907
    Abstract: The conveyance apparatus includes: a swing arm whose distal end portion passes on a carrying-in/out position and a working position while being swung, which are provided on a circular trajectory in advance, a plurality of turn tables each of which is mounted on the corresponding distal end portion of the swing arm, the turn tables revolving along the circular trajectory and being rotatable on the axis thereof at the mounted position in the horizontal direction in a state that a workpiece is placed on the turn table, and a rotation locking mechanism that locks the rotation of the turn table on the axis except when the turn table is located at the working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kouji FURUYA, Hironobu MIURA, Kenichi HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8752283
    Abstract: A method for operating an assembly tool includes deposing a first component on an assembly surface with a first tool tip of a manipulator having a range of motion defined by a plane and an axis that is substantially normal to the plane, deposing a second component on the assembly surface, changing an orientation of the assembly surface relative to the axis from a first orientation to a second orientation, lifting the first component from the assembly surface with a second tool tip of the manipulator, and deposing the first component on the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tymon Barwicz, Bing Dang
  • Patent number: 8714901
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: David Cordy
  • Publication number: 20140119871
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes phase preservation means having a reference shaft fixed to one side of frames supporting a plurality of components, a driven shaft revolving around the reference shaft with a predetermined distance spaced apart therebetween, a force transmitting part connected to the driven shaft and the reference shaft to restrict rotation of the driven shaft, and supporting parts that guide revolving of the driven shaft around the reference shaft when the supporting parts are rotated by a rotational force applied by the force generating part and allows a phase of the driven shaft to be preserved. The apparatus also includes a phase preservation part that is connected and fixed to one side of the driven shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Soon Pil Park
  • Publication number: 20140093345
    Abstract: A travel control section 60b is configured to control the revolution velocities of transversely opposite travel motors 51 and 52 such that when turning amount command signals are inputted from a turning amount operation dial 48, transversely opposite crawler travel devices 12a and 12b are caused to realize a turn according to the turning amount command signals by decelerating the traveling velocities of the transversely opposite crawler travel devices 12a and 12b from a target straight traveling velocity set by a travel operation lever 47 by equal values of velocity which are predetermined according to the turning amount command signals inputted from the turning amount operation dial 48 and further decelerating the traveling velocity of the crawler travel device 12a or 12b which is positioned inwardly relative to the other in the turning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi Corporation
    Inventors: Shunichi NAKAZAWA, Hiroaki MIZUGUCHI, Hiroshi FURUSHO, Akira MORIYAMA, Hiroshi MIYAMOTO