The invention relates to a lifting system for lifting a load, such as a vehicle, and a method for lifting a load. The lifting system includes: one or more lifting devices; a group controller arranged to operate the lifting devices; and a user interface unit including a transmitter and/or receiver configured for communication with the group controller, a processor, a display device, and input means configuring the user interface unit to receive user input. The user interface unit is adapted to communicate command signals to the group controller on basis of the user input and adapted to receive and display information obtained from the group controller. The lifting system includes a network interface unit including a network transmitter and/or network receiver configured for communication to an external network.

The invention relates to a lifting system for lifting a load, such as a vehicle, and a method for lifting a load. The lifting system includes: one or more lifting devices; a group controller arranged to operate the lifting devices; and a user interface unit including a transmitter and/or receiver configured for communication with the group controller, a processor, a display device, and input means configuring the user interface unit to receive user input. The user interface unit is adapted to communicate command signals to the group controller on basis of the user input and adapted to receive and display information obtained from the group controller. The lifting system includes a network interface unit including a network transmitter and/or network receiver configured for communication to an external network.

An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprises an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

The invention relates to a mobile lifting column, a lifting system including one or more of such lifting columns, and a method for lifting a vehicle. The mobile lifting column includes a frame with a moveable carrier. The carrier includes a carrier part and a guiding part with the carrier configured for carrying the vehicle. The mobile lifting column also includes a drive system which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame, and a lifting controller configured for controlling movement of the carrier. The guiding part of the carrier includes a U-shaped guiding part.

A fuel tank lifting apparatus includes a first lifting apparatus including a first lifting base and a second lifting base that is connected to the first lifting base by a first actuator. A positioning mount is fixedly mounted to the second lifting base. The positioning mount is configured to support a fuel tank thereon. A powered fastening gun is fixedly mounted to the first lifting base. The first actuator raises and lowers the second lifting base relative to the first lifting base. A second lifting apparatus comprising a second actuator that raises and lowers the first lifting assembly.

The invention relates to an in-ground lifting system and corresponding methods for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

The invention relates to an in-ground lifting system and corresponding methods for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

The invention relates to an in-ground lifting system and corresponding method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes: one or more lifts including at least one moveable lift; a support structure for mounting the one or more lifts in a pit; a moving drive configured for moving the one or more moveable lifts in the pit; a lifting drive configured for lifting one or more of the lifts for raising and/or lowering the vehicle; and a cover configured for covering the pit. The cover includes a number of cover elements. An individual cover element extends in a width direction of the pit. The cover elements are configured to move between a pit covering state and a lift moving state such that the one or more moveable lifts pass over and/or by the cover elements. The cover elements move when one of the one or more moveable lifts moving through the pit is approaching.

Techniques are disclosed for methods and systems for automating the operation of vehicle lifts in the servicing of automotive vehicles. The lifts may be motorized mobile column lifts and/or fixed lifts, including two-post lifts with swing-arms and a variety of drive-on lifts. Motorized mobile lifts have a motorized transport mechanism. A guidance system first assigns available motorized mobile lifts to the axled wheels of a vehicle and then directs their transport mechanism for transporting them to their engagement locations. It also guides the engagement of both the motorized mobile lifts and the fixed lifts in the service center. A number of technologies may be used for this purpose, including sensors onboard the vehicles and/or the lifts and/or the service center. A computer vision pipeline may also be utilized to assist in the process. Machine learning may also be employed. Techniques are also extended to autonomous vehicles as well as interfacing with fleet management software.

Techniques are disclosed for methods and systems for automating the operation of vehicle lifts in the servicing of automotive vehicles. The lifts may be motorized mobile column lifts and/or fixed lifts, including two-post lifts with swing-arms and a variety of drive-on lifts. Motorized mobile lifts have a motorized transport mechanism. A guidance system first assigns available motorized mobile lifts to the axled wheels of a vehicle and then directs their transport mechanism for transporting them to their engagement locations. It also guides the engagement of both the motorized mobile lifts and the fixed lifts in the service center. A number of technologies may be used for this purpose, including sensors onboard the vehicles and/or the lifts and/or the service center. A computer vision pipeline may also be utilized to assist in the process. Machine learning may also be employed. Techniques are also extended to autonomous vehicles as well as interfacing with fleet management software.