Patent · US Active

Pneumatic multi-weight balancing device

US8465005B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
26References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 30, 2012
Grant dateJun 18, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 30, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB25J9/144
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.