The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 20, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 02, 2001
James M. Gunter, Erie, PA (US);
Ridg-U-Rak, Inc., North East, PA (US);
Abstract
A powered pushing unit transfers ads no greater than a predetermined magnitude in one direction along the length of a load transfer system. The pushing unit includes a frame and a source of power for moving the pushing unit back and forth along the length of the load transfer system. A dog for engaging a load is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame. A restricting mechanism applies a load engaging force to hold the dog at a load transfer range of positions until the load is greater than the predetermined magnitude. A toggle joint is mounted between the dog and the frame. The toggle joint forms an angle in a first angular direction to lock the dog in a load engaging position during engagement of a load under the predetermined magnitude. The toggle joint further shifts to form an angle in a second angular direction upon engagement of a load in excess of the predetermined magnitude, thereby allowing the dog to pivot away from the load which is in excess of the predetermined magnitude. When pivoting away from and passing beneath the toad, the dog exerts a force against the load that is substantially less than the predetermined magnitude. A toggle force mechanism returns the toggle joint to a first angular direction after the dog passes the load.