The present invention relates to a linear actuator comprised of a tube and method of deploying 3 spools of strips into a tube by consolidating the strips in an overlapping condition with each other each in a helical form of a constant diameter.

Grate lifters for moving grating assemblies relative to supporting structures within which the grating assemblies are installed. A grate lifter may include a main body having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. A grate lifter may also include at least one hook member operably engaged with the main body at the first end and configured to engage one of at least one surface bar of a grating assembly and at least one cross member of the grating assembly. A grate lifter may also include at least one tab operably engaged with the main body at the second end and configured to engage at least one lock bar of the grating assembly. The at least one tab may be configured to be adjustable from an initial position to a bent position to engage the at least one lock bar of the grating assembly.

Grate lifters for moving grating assemblies relative to supporting structures within which the grating assemblies are installed. A grate lifter may include a main body having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end. A grate lifter may also include at least one hook member operably engaged with the main body at the first end and configured to engage one of at least one surface bar of a grating assembly and at least one cross member of the grating assembly. A grate lifter may also include at least one tab operably engaged with the main body at the second end and configured to engage at least one lock bar of the grating assembly. The at least one tab may be configured to be adjustable from an initial position to a bent position to engage the at least one lock bar of the grating assembly.

A gripping mechanism extends from a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed handle, a pivotally connected movable handle, a releasable locking mechanism, and the upper section of two opposing L-shaped arms. The lower section of each arm extends from the clamping mechanism to connect to a pair of lugs to form the gripping mechanism. Each lug includes an elongated member and a gripping surface for gripping a valve box cover. The gripping mechanism is manipulated to pivot the arms and move the gripping surfaces into position to grip the valve box cover. Once the gripping surfaces grip the cover, the arms are locked in a fixed position relative to one another to facilitate the separation of the cover, the lifting of the cover, and the transportation of the cover from the valve box.

A gripping mechanism extends from a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed handle, a pivotally connected movable handle, a releasable locking mechanism, and the upper section of two opposing L-shaped arms. The lower section of each arm extends from the clamping mechanism to connect to a pair of lugs to form the gripping mechanism. Each lug includes an elongated member and a gripping surface for gripping a valve box cover. The gripping mechanism is manipulated to pivot the arms and move the gripping surfaces into position to grip the valve box cover. Once the gripping surfaces grip the cover, the arms are locked in a fixed position relative to one another to facilitate the separation of the cover, the lifting of the cover, and the transportation of the cover from the valve box.

A dumping vehicle includes a vehicle elevation system for elevating a body of a vehicle. The system can use one or more components of a vehicle as a main support against which a vehicle body is elevated. In certain examples, a suspension device of the vehicle can be used as the main support. The system further includes an elevation device arranged between the suspension device and a vehicle frame and configured to elevate the vehicle body by lifting the vehicle frame against the suspension device.

An articulated boom assembly comprises a base and a primary boom arm extending from the base. There is a power system for actuating the primary boom arm between an extended position and a retracted position. There is an attachment operatively connected to the primary boom arm which supports a nozzle. The attachment may include an actuating mechanism for reciprocating the nozzle along the length of the attachment.

An articulated boom assembly comprises a base and a primary boom arm extending from the base. There is a power system for actuating the primary boom arm between an extended position and a retracted position. There is an attachment operatively connected to the primary boom arm which supports a nozzle. The attachment may include an actuating mechanism for reciprocating the nozzle along the length of the attachment.

A system for controlling an industrial vehicle comprises an information linking device, a badge communicator, an operator badge, and a controller. The controller controls the industrial vehicle operating state by identifying that an operator possessing the operator badge has approached the industrial vehicle, communicating with the server via the information linking device to authenticate the operator as authorized to operate the industrial vehicle, and pairing the operator badge with the industrial vehicle upon determining that the operator is authorized to operate the industrial vehicle. Moreover, the controller controls the industrial vehicle operating state by controlling the industrial vehicle based upon a location of the operator badge relative to the industrial vehicle.

This invention relates to lifting mechanisms. In particular this invention relates to lifting mechanisms for use in healthcare equipment such as beds. A lifting assembly comprises a telescopic post assembly including a first tubular member, a second tubular member slidingly engaged with the first tubular member, and a third tubular member slidingly engaged with the second tubular member, the first, second and third tubular members being coaxial; an actuator configured to move the second tubular member axially with respect to the first tubular member; and a pulley mechanism comprising a first wheel rotatably mounted at a first end of the second tubular member; a second wheel rotatably mounted at a second end of the second tubular member; a first length of cable having a first end fixed to the first tubular member and a second end fixed to the third tubular member, the first length of cable being engaged with the first wheel; and a second length of cable having a first end fixed to the first tubular member and a second end fixed to the third tubular member, the second length of cable being engaged with the second wheel, wherein the pulley mechanism is arranged such that the movement of the third tubular member relative to the first tubular member is at a greater speed than the movement of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member.