A lifting apparatus having two rails spaced apart at a distance and two lifting mechanisms, each lifting mechanism supporting one of the two rails. A platform is disposed between the two rails such that movement of the lifting mechanisms causes the rails to displace relative to the platform. A base has the two lifting mechanisms connected thereto and the platform is connected to the base. The base moves horizontally along a floor. Further, the floor may be disposed in a pit and the travel of the rails between minimum and maximum rail heights may be greater than 62.5% of the depth of the pit. The minimum rail height may be less than 50% of the depth of the pit.

A shelter and associated methodology for operating a shelter that is selectively positionable between an operable raised mode and an idle lowered mode. The shelter has an outer frame with a first upstanding perimeter wall defining an open top. An inner frame has a second upstanding perimeter wall nested within the first upstanding perimeter wall in the lowered mode. Means are provided for raising the inner frame through the outer frame's open top and above the outer frame in the raised mode. The shelter can further include a second inner frame having a third upstanding perimeter wall nested within the second upstanding perimeter wall in the lowered mode. In that case, the means for raising is further configured for raising the second inner frame through the inner frame's open top and above the inner and outer frames in the raised mode.

The present invention involves a tool support assembly with a lifting mechanism and a lateral extension mechanism. The assembly is configured to be located in a walled bed such as a pickup truck bed, and extend the tool box above and beyond the wall.

A docking head assembly and techniques for use are provided. The docking head assembly may include a lifting mechanism and a tilting mechanism. A tilt angle may be determined based on data that is associated with a path extending between a first floor and a second floor of a facility. The lifting mechanism may lift an inventory holder. The tilting mechanism may tilt the inventory holder in accordance with the tilt angle. The mobile drive unit may transport the inventory holder along the path in the lifted, tilted orientation.

This invention relates to vehicle lift which comprises: a platform (2)
to support a vehicle, two scissor-like structures (4) for supporting the platform (2), each provided with one first leg (5a) which can rest on the ground (S) and with a second leg (5b) which can rotate about a main axis (A) of rotation, and respective apparatuses (7) for the synchronous movement of the structures (4), each of them being configured for the relative rotation of the legs (5a, 5b) about the main axis (A) and for the consequent upward or downward movement of the platform (2), which is kept parallel to the ground (S), and comprises a linear actuator (8), for moving a kinematic system (9) coupled to the legs (5a, 5b). The kinematic system (9) comprises: a first auxiliary lever (10a), articulated with a first end portion of it to the second leg (5b) and with a second end portion of it, opposite the first, to a second auxiliary lever (10b), articulated at the opposite end to a slider (11) which can slide by virtue of the action of the actuator (8) along a track (2a) which is integral with the platform (2), a first connecting lever (12a), articulated to the first leg (5a) and to a second connecting lever (12b), articulated at the opposite end to a sliding element, (13) which can slide in a guiding slot (14) provided along the slider (11).

The present invention involves a tool support assembly with a lifting mechanism and a lateral extension mechanism. The assembly is configured to be located in a walled bed such as a pickup truck bed, and extend the tool box above and beyond the wall.

This invention relates to vehicle lift which comprises: a platform (2)
to support a vehicle, two scissor-like structures (4) for supporting the platform (2), each provided with one first leg (5a) which can rest on the ground (S) and with a second leg (5b) which can rotate about a main axis (A) of rotation, and respective apparatuses (7) for the synchronous movement of the structures (4), each of them being configured for the relative rotation of the legs (5a, 5b) about the main axis (A) and for the consequent upward or downward movement of the platform (2), which is kept parallel to the ground (S), and comprises a linear actuator (8), for moving a kinematic system (9) coupled to the legs (5a, 5b). The kinematic system (9) comprises: a first auxiliary lever (10a), articulated with a first end portion of it to the second leg (5b) and with a second end portion of it, opposite the first, to a second auxiliary lever (10b), articulated at the opposite end to a slider (11) which can slide by virtue of the action of the actuator (8) along a track (2a) which is integral with the platform (2), a first connecting lever (12a), articulated to the first leg (5a) and to a second connecting lever (12b), articulated at the opposite end to a sliding element, (13) which can slide in a guiding slot (14) provided along the slider (11).