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.

A lifting column can provide optimized performance with a nut gap system that efficiently and precisely measures a nut gap during lifting operations. The nut gap system can have a rotating core onto which a nut and traveler are positioned. The nut can be separated from the traveler by a nut gap that is monitored by at least one sensor that continuously extends through the nut to access the nut gap.

A lifter device includes: a pole; a lifting member configured to be guided by the pole; a motor configured to generate power used for ascending and descending of the lifting member; a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the power of the motor to the lifting member; and a preventing member configured to prevent the descending of the lifting member when the power is not transmitted.

A drop table can employ a number of lifting columns respectively arranged with a nut and traveler each positioned on a rotating core with the nut separated from the traveler by a nut gap. The nut gap may be measured with a first sensor positioned within the nut and the first sensor detecting a nut gap distance with a first sensing feature. The first sensor can be changed to a second sensor that detects the nut gap distance with a second sensing feature that is different than the first sensing feature.

A drop table can employ a number of lifting columns respectively arranged with a nut and traveler each positioned on a rotating core with the nut separated from the traveler by a nut gap. The nut gap may be measured with a first sensor positioned within the nut and the first sensor detecting a nut gap distance with a first sensing feature. The first sensor can be changed to a second sensor that detects the nut gap distance with a second sensing feature that is different than the first sensing feature.

A lifting apparatus (100) is disclosed. The lifting apparatus (100) includes a power driving module (1) for providing a driving force, a plurality of lifting modules (21, 22, 23) for raising and lowering a supporting module (4) upon action of the driving force, and a transmission module (3) located under the supporting module (4) for transmitting the driving force to at least one of the plurality of lifting modules (21, 22, 23). An ultrasonic inspection system is also disclosed, which includes at least one ultrasonic probe and the lifting apparatus (100) for raising and lowering a workpiece (200) at least partly immersed in a liquid to a suitable position for inspection of the workpiece (200) by the at least one ultrasonic probe.

An expandable lift system includes an expandable platform including at least one detachable panel to expand a dimension of the expandable platform. At least one stationary stanchion houses a first lifting assembly. The first lifting assembly is coupled to a first side of the expandable platform. At least one translatable stanchion houses a second lifting assembly, and the second lifting assembly is coupled to a second side of the platform. At least one track is coupled to a substructure on which the lift sits. The track includes a rail defined within the at least one track. The at least one translatable stanchion is configured to translatably engage the rail to allow the at least one translatable stanchion to move laterally in a first direction. At least one stop is located at at least one end of the track to retain engagement of the translatable stanchion within the rail.

Disclosed is a sporting vehicle lift that lifts a sporting vehicle and allows a car to be placed under the lifted vehicle. Sling arms that move vertically on a lift tower are connected to a lift pan with pivot connector to raise and lower the lift pan with respect to the floor and allow said lift pan to pivot. The lift pan rotates towards the tower by either placing the pivot connectors on the lift pan in a position so that the center of gravity causes the lift pan to rotate towards the tower, or by using a tilt arm, that is connected to the lift pan, which engages a pivot pin on the tower to rotate the lift pan as the lift pan is raised.

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.

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.