A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

In one example, a platform lift includes a rotationally stationary leadscrew to support a platform, a rotatable nut to drive the leadscrew up and down through a range of motion, a first spring to apply a continuous downward force to the leadscrew throughout the range of motion, and a second spring to apply a continuous upward force to the leadscrew throughout the range of motion.

An automotive lift system includes at least one stationary primary lift and a mobile lift caddy configured to remove a vehicle from a primary lift while the vehicle is elevated above the workplace floor and then transport the vehicle to another location. The lift system employs detachable pivotable lift arms that are removably attached to the lift arms of the primary lift, and which can transfer to the lift caddy. Also, the lift caddy may have clamp lift pads that can be used to remove the vehicle from the primary lift and either also remove the pivot lift arms or not remove the pivot lift arms. This system can also be used on existing primary lifts.

A lift and storage device comprising, a base, a support structure secured to and emanating up from the base, a travelling assembly operationally associated with the support structure, a drive assembly operationally associated with the support structure and the travelling assembly, a support arm secured to and operationally associated with the travelling assembly, and engaged with a support tray comprising, a horizontal support member secured to the support arm, a front tire support assembly secured to the horizontal support member, a rear tire support assembly secured to the horizontal support member, the rear tire support assembly comprising a pair of adjustment rails secured to the horizontal support member, a pair of slide rails secured to the pair of adjustment rails and a pair of support rails slidably engaged with the pair of slide rails and a clamping assembly operationally associated with pair of support rails.

A conveying device (3; 3a; . . . ; 3i) for moving and parking vehicles (2), the conveying device (3) being movable and comprising at least one vehicle gripping means (8) configured to be movable between a gripping position wherein the gripping means (8) extends at least partially below the vehicle (2), and a release position wherein the gripping means (8) does not extend below the vehicle (2), the gripping means (8) being configured to support the weight of the vehicle (2), the device being characterized in that it comprises at least one computer which is associated with sensors (8d) and configured to control the movement of the conveying device (3; 3a; . . . ; 3i) and the gripping means (8). The invention also relates to a robot system and a corresponding program.

A conveying device (3; 3a; . . . ; 3i) for moving and parking vehicles (2), the conveying device (3) being movable and comprising at least one vehicle gripping means (8) configured to be movable between a gripping position wherein the gripping means (8) extends at least partially below the vehicle (2), and a release position wherein the gripping means (8) does not extend below the vehicle (2), the gripping means (8) being configured to support the weight of the vehicle (2), the device being characterized in that it comprises at least one computer which is associated with sensors (8d) and configured to control the movement of the conveying device (3; 3a; . . . ; 3i) and the gripping means (8). The invention also relates to a robot system and a corresponding program.

A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.