US1795443A - Load-handling mechanism - Google Patents

Description

March l0, 1 931. v E. H. REMDE v 1,795,443 LOAD HNDLINGMEGHANISM Filed-Dec?. 19. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVEIyToR.

Wam/Maw@ ATTORNEY.

March 10, 1931. E. H. REMDE .1,795,443

LOAD HANDLING MECHANI SM Filed Dec. -19l 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. H. REMDE Marv'ch 10, 1931.

LOAD HANDLING MECHANISM 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec.

March l0, 1931. E. H. EME

LOAD HANDLING MEcHANIsM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4' Filed Dec. 19, 1924 E KEN E .mi

gil ad.

INVEN TOR. JKM

ATTORNEY.

Patented Mar. 10, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EDWARD H. REMDE, oF CLEVELAND, onmnssienon 'ro THE BAKER-Raums CoM- PANY, oEcLEvnLAND, omo, A CORPORATION or omo LOAD-HAN'DLINGl MECHANISM Application led December 19, 1924. Serial No. 757,029.

This invention relates to a load handling mechanism capable of raising or lowering material or bodies, and transporting the material or bodies from one place to another.

One object of the invention is to construct a mechanism of this characterthat is relaa ,tively simple in construction and capable of 'driven shaft and each winding drum, whereby increased mechanical efficiency and reduction in current consumption and manufacturing costs result. i

Another object of the invention is to provide in a mechanism of this character, having a single power unit', for engaging and moving a load in different directions, at will, improved means for controlling the selector means to insure positive operation of they mechanism.

`Another object of the invention is to provide in a mechanism of this character an improved gear reduction between the driven shaft and either or both winding drums, the elements of which are arranged to prevent distfortion and disalignment of the driven sha t.

A further object' of the `invention is to improve the construction of load handling mechanism disclosed in my co-pending application filed Dec. 10, 1923, Serial No. 679,605 (i sce Letters Patent No. 1,777,475, dated October 7, 1930) whereby a relatively high speed motor for operating the winding drums may be used, the batteries operate at their most etiicient point of output, less current is consumed in operating the magnetic clutches, and the ratio between the motor shaft and driven shafts for the cable winding drums is increased to drive the latter at a reduced speed.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from 4the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein .i

Fig. 1 is afragmentary front elevation of a load handling mechanism embodying my invention, with the boom supporting frame swiveled or slewed to dispose the boomat one side ofthe truck frame.

f Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the'cable operating means.

l Fig. 3 is a side view of the parts shown in Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 2, but enlarged and having parts broken away to facilitate the illustration.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the electric circuits for the traction motor, the slewing motor, the motor which drives the operating mechanism, the means which release the drum holding means, and the controllers or switch devices for closing the circuits. Y

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the means which control the operation of the selector means and prevent its movement from one operating position to its other operating position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Fig. H. In the drawings, l indicates a frame of any desired shape and form, supported at one end by front wheels 3 .and at its other end by rear wheels (not shown).

4 indicates 'a motor, the shaft of whichis connected with the wheels 3 by a suitable power transmitting mechanism enclosed` in a housing 4a. 5 indicates amechanism of any desired construction interposed between the motor 4 and housing members 4a and the frame 1 for connecting them together and permitting relative movements between them. 6 indicates pairs of casing elements enclosing springs 6a between the frame 1 and housing members 40..

The outer ends of the housing members 4a are preferably shaped to vform suitable knuckles 4b onwhich the traction wheels 3 are pivoted for steering purposes. 9 indicates steering connections between the rear wheels and front wheels 3, whereby both pairs of wheels may be simultaneously operated about their pivots for steering purposes.

11 indicates a support for an operative, supported in suitable brackets secured to the lower ends of a pair of uprights 14, se cured to the frame 1 and supporting a dash 15. The dash 15 preferably supports ce1" tain of the controlling or operating elements for the truck and the load supporting and engaging members and the handles or levers for operating these elements. 16 indicates a foot pedal associated with the platform 11, and arranged to control the release and application of a suitable brake mechanism which is normally applied as is customary in apparatus of this character.

23 indicates as' an entirety a controller for cutting in or closing the circuit to the motor 4, operated by a lever 27 pivoted on the dash 15 to swing in vertical planes. 28 indicates as an entirety a switch mechanism associated i with the controller 23 and connected by a linkage 28 with the brake mechanism, so that the operation of the foot pedal will control the switch mechanism to close or open the circuit to the motor 4.

29 indicates a post or steering column rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 29a,

29?), and connected to the steering connections 9; a hand lever 32 serving to rotate the column to effect steering of the wheels.

33 indicates an axle or pivot member disposed in vertical position on the frame 1 and extending upwardly therefrom to form a vertical shaft for a frame 34, on which the boom is pivoted in a well known manner, the frame 34 being mounted on the shaft 33 at its front end and swingable in either direction, to. dispose the boom atone side of the frame, one such position being shown in Fig. 1. Suitable power mechanism (not shown) is provided for swinging or slewing the frame 34, the motor therefor being indicated at 76 in the diagram (Fig. 6).

TheA motor 76 is controlled by a controller 76a, the drum of which is operated Aby a. link 760 connected to a handle 765,-the latter being mounted on the dash 15.

' The boom or crane 40 preferably comprises a pair of channel members arranged in spaced relation, connected by a plurality of cross pieces 40?).

The lower ends of the -channel bars are mounted on 'a pivot pin 52. The boom 40 is raised and lowered about the pivot pin 52 by any suitable means, but preferably by means of a cable or other flexible connection 40 connected to an operating means 43. 44 indicates as an entirety ooerating means for a suitable load engaging member (not shown), suspended by a iexible member v57 from the outer portion of the boom, the flexible member being operated by the operating means 44 to raise or lower said member.

The load engaging member may be of any desired construction, such as a clam shell bucket or a platform, but preferablyV coinprises a depending hook.

Theoperatingmeans43,44,coniprises a pair of drums 58,59, on which the cables 40', 57, respectively,wind and unwind, for swinging the boom 40 about its pivotal support and for raising or lowering the load engaging member. The drums 58, 59, are rotated independently of each other in either direction in the manner to be later set forth, to swing the boom 40 and raise or lower the load engaging member (not shown). The cable 40 may be connected at its inner end to the drum 58 in any desired manner. From the drum 58, the cable 40v leads to and reeves through and around a plurality of sheaves, one being shown at 60, supported by links 65, pivoted on the rod 39?), the opposite or outer end of the cable being suitably anchored.

The cable 57 is connected at its inner end in any suitable manner to the drum 59. From the drum 59, the cable 57 runs around a guide sheave ($9, supported on a shaft G9a on the outer side of the adjacent upright niember 37v` and then around a sheave 70 loosely mounted on the pin 52. From the sheave the cable 57 extends to and around a sheave suitably supported in the, free end of the boom 40, and then downwardly, the cable being connected to the load engaging member 1n any desired manner.

102 indicates -as an entirety a casting shaped and constructed to form a cradle 102a for the motor 41 and a housing section 102() for the power transmitting mechanism 42. The end walls of the housing section 1026 are formed with openings 103 through which the driving means for the drums 58, 59, extend, as 'will be hereinafter described. The end walls of the housings 103 are thickened to form suitable seats for a pair of annular supporting disks or members A104, and such walls and members are formed with aligned openings to receive cap screws 105 by means of which the disks or members 104 are rigidly secured to the end walls'of the housing section 1027). The supporting disks or members 104 are provided with integral exten sions to provide feet 10G, each of which is secured to an angle 107 carried by the adjacent upright member 38. The feet 106 operate through the disks or members 104 and the housing and cradle casting 102 to support the motor 41 and power transmitting mechanism in fixed relation upon the support 34 and in operative relationship to each other.

' The motor 41 is fixed to the cradle 102@ by a plurality of screws 107. 108 indicates a housing section clamped to the housing section 102 and enclosing a shaft 109 connected to the motor shaft and a Worm 110 which lll:

meshes withland drives a gear 111 forming one of the elements of the power transmitting mechanism 42. Y

The power transmitting mechanism 42 for the operating means 43, 44, may be of any desired construction; but I prefer to use some form of gear mechanism, that shown for illustrativepurposes comprising a well-known type of differential mechanism, such as is commonly used for driving the wheelsl of automobiles. By the use of a differential mechanism and of certain devices and means,

' to be later described, for holding or releasing the driven elements thereof, a single motor may be employed to drive the operating means to rotate either winding drum, at will, in a simple manner. .In the illustrated form of construction, the differential mechanism comprises the main gear or worm gear 111, `already referred to, connected to a casing 112 and having oppositely extending hubs 113.

y ings 114.

The hubs 113 are mounted in suitable bearings 114 seated in pillow blocks 115, carried by the housing sections 1026, 108,' and secured together in any well known manner. As shown in Fig. 4, the hubs 113 are reduced to form seats for the inner races of the bear- 114a, 1146,' indicate ring nuts screw threaded to the pillow blocks 115 and free ends of the hubs, and engaging the races of the bearings to hold them in place. The casing 112 supports a plurality of stud shafts 116, on which loosely rotate bevel pinions 116e. The pinions 116a mesh with bevel .gears11`7 to drive them. 118 indicates axle sections splined in a ywell known manner at their inner ends to the hubs of the bevel gears 117. At their outer ends each of the axle sections 118 is connectedv by a reduction gearing, indicated as an entirety at 119, with the adjacent drum 58 or 59 to rotate it in one direction or the other to wind theadjacent cable thereon or permit unwinding therefrom according to the direction of rotation of the motor 41. 121 indicates sleeves surrounding the axle sections 118 and supported at their inner ends in the openings extendingthrough the hubs f1040i of the supporting disks or members 104, their ianged inner ends abutting the hubs 104a to prevent their outward movement and their outer ends forming bearings for the drums 58, 59, to rotate on, bushings being mounted on the sleeves to provide suitable bearing surfaces. 123 indicates a dust sleeve loosely fitting each axle section 118, its inner end fitting within the end of the adjacent hub 113 and its opposite end being flanged at 123a'and biased by a spring 124 against the inner endzof the sleeve 121.

As the reduction gearings 119 between each it will beI necessary to-describe but one of them.

a pinion carried by the adjacent shafts'ection 118 and disposed in a plane beyond the Of this gearing, 119erl indicatesouter face of the adjacent drum 59-see Fig. 4. The pinion 119a is preferably formed integral with shaft section 118. The shaft section 118 extends beyond the pinion 119a for a purpose which will later appear. 120 indic-ates a pair of gears rotatably mounted on the outer side of the drum 59, but eccentrically to its axis, the shafts 120@ for Ythe gears being preferably arranged in diametrcal relation, as shown in Fig. 5. The gears 120 mesh at their inner portions with the pinion 11911 and at their outer portions with an internal ring gear 120?) which is stationary, being connected to the adjacentdisk 104 in the manner to be later set forth, so that when the shaft section 118 is driven the gears 120 are rotated on their axes and also caused to revolve about the'axis of the shaft section, thereby rotating the adjacent drum at a speed which is lower than the speed of the shaft section-the ratio in the disclosed construction being substantially eight and one-half to one. The shafts 120a for the planetary gears 120 are mounted in suitable openings 120 formed in thickened walls of the drum web 59. In the provision of planetary gears, I am enabled fil to take advantage thereof to maintain the outer end of the adjacent shaft section 118 in line with'its axis at all times since the balanced gears prevent any distortion of the shaft section at its outerend.

As will be understood, both drums'58, 59, are operatively connected through the reduction gearings 119, shaft sections 118 and differential mechanism 42 with the motor 41. Accordingly, by locking (by means of a locking or holding means-each indicated as an entirety at 125) one of the driven elements at either side of the differential mechanism 42, the drum associated therewith will be held against movement and the power of the motor 4 1, when set in operation, will be transmitted through the differential mechanism, the other shaft section and the adjacent reduction gearing'119 to rotate the drum connected to the that either drum may be rotated latter, so may be desired.

In the illustrated form of construction each locking or holding means 125 is constructed to normally lock the adjacent drum or its Since the locking and holding means 125 Ifor'both drums are similar in (construction. it shaft section 118 and the adjacent drum arev A similar,

'llr'only be necessaryy to illustrate and describe one thereof. Each of these means comindicates a casing rigidly connectedV to the disk 104', the latter element servingA as one of .p\rises the following instrumentalities: 126v the casing members and enclosing the inner face or side of the drum as shown in Fig. 4. The remaining members of the casing consist of a plurality of annular elements 126a, 1266, and 1260 and a plate 1266i, all rigidly connectcd, the elements 104 and 126e being preferably secured together by a plurality of cap screws 127 and the elements 126a, 1266, 126e and 126d being preferably secured together by bolts 127a. As shown, the casing element 1266 is provided on its inner face with gear teeth (preferably formed integrally therewith) which constitutes the internal ring gear already referred to. By making the casing 126 in sections, I provide for ready assembly and disassembly of parts and elements to be later referred to, a well as insure economical manufacture. The casing element 126e is provided on its inner edge with a web or wall 128, the purpose of which is to provide one face or disk 129 of a multi-disk brake indicated as an entirety at 129 and an outer wall for the chamber within which the reduction gearing 119 operates, thereby preventing the lubricant for the latter flowing into that part of the casing containing the brake 129. The brake 129 consists of a rotor 129a, preferably in the form of a plate having a hub 1296 keyed in any suitable manner to the outer or free end` of the shaft adjacent section 118 so as to be rotated thereby, and a plurality of laterally extending pins 129e disposed near the4 periphery of the plate and uniformly spaced therearound. 130, 131, 132, 133, indicate the re.- maining brake disks, the disks 130 and 132 having openings to receive the pins 1290 on which they are mounted to slide axially of the rotor 129a and to be rotated thereby and the disks 131 and 133 being formed with openings in their peripheries to receive the bolts 127@ by means of which they are supported and guided for movement axially of the rotor 129a but held against rotation therewith. As shown, the disks 129', 130, 131, 132 and 133 are arranged so that the center disk and outer or end disks are non-rotatively mounted and the remaining disks which rotate with t-he rotor are disposed between the non-rotative disks to insure maximum frictional engagement between them. The disk 133 is preferably in the form of an annular member and formed of soft iron to constitute an armature for a purpose which will later appear. As already set forth, the disks 130,

. 131, 132 and 133 are slidable or movable in a direction axially of the rotor 129a or -shaft section relative to the disk 129 and each other to effect a braking or releasing relation between all the disks. The disks 129', 130, 131, 132 and 133 are preferably normally maintained in braking relation by a plurality of expansion springs 134 mounted in recesses 134a formed in the inner face of the casing element126d and normally acting against the annular member 133. By preference friction material 135 is interposed betwen the disks to provide maximum friction therebetween, this material being preferably secured by rivets to the opposite faces of the disks 130 and 132. The releasing means 136 for releasing the brake and disconnecting each drum therewinding 136a may be held in the recess 1366 hy headed bolts 137 mounted in openings 137e formed in the casing member 126d, the heads .of the bolts overlapping the winding 136a to hold it in the recess 1366, as well as serving as a spacer between the Winding 136a and armature 133 to maintain an air space between them and thus insure the release of the armature 133 from the Winding following the (le-energizing thereof. 138, 138a, indicate the terminals for the winding 136a connected byl leads to the batteries 36 in the manner to be later set forth.

` The hub 1296 for the rotor 129a is extended laterally in either direction, its inward extending portion fitting in and extending through the opening 128 in web or wall 128 to seal the chamber for the gearing 119, a liquid tight sealing being insured by forming a groove in the inner wall of the opening 128 and a drain 128@ leading from the groove back into the gear chamber. The other side of the gear chamber is sealed by a metallic plate 139 of annular form clamped between the casing elements 126@ and 1266 and engaged by a ring of packing material 140 supported in a groove 58a formed in the side wall of the drum rim. The outer extended portion 129a of the hub 1296 rotatably lits into an opening formed in the casing member 126el, the latter thereby formingr a rigid bearing for the outer end of the shaft section 118 and preventing its disalignment while operating, and particularly in the event any of the disks, when in braking relation, assume a non-uniform engagement. As the casing member 12605 is rigidly connected through the remaining casing elements to the disk 104 and casting 102, it will be seen that the shaft sections have support at their inner and outer ends.

From the foregoing description it will be noted that each brake 129 is interposed between the'adjacent shaft section 118 and theV casing 126 and the reduction gearing 119 for the adjacent drum is interposed betweenA the latter and said shaft section, so that the mechanical advantage resulting from the provision' of such gearing is effective and obtained in the driving of the drum by the motor 41 and in supporting the load which may be the weight of a. load engaged by the engaging member or the boom 40, since the weightof the load is transmitted through the drum, gearing 119, shaft section 118, rotor 129a and the rotatable disks to the non-rotatable disks. It will. also be noted that by reasonof such construction and arrangement, each brake may be relatively small in diameter and comprise but a few disks to sustain the maximum load which the mechanism may be adapted to ylift and transport;

It will also be understood from the foregoing description that the disks of both brakes 129 are normally held in braking relation by the springs 134 and operate to lock both shaft sections 118 and both drums 58, 59, against rotative movement, and that either brake may be released by selectively operating the magnetic means 136 by a selective mechanism, to be-later described, whereupon the adjacent drum will be operated upon the closing of the circuit to the motor 41. I provide for this selective operation -of either drum by a single motor by utilizing a differential mechanism between the motor and drum shafts and taking advantage of the well known principle inherent in such mechanism. By operatingV the brakes 129 to release the drums by magnetic means 136, I may connect the latter in series with the motor 41 (as will later appear) so that operation of such v, means will onlyl take place upon closing of the circuit to the motor. This arrangement is preferable for the further reason that it simplifies the construction materially.

The circuits to the coils 136a may be closed by separate switch devices to energize the coils independently and a separate circuit for the motor 41 closed by a -suitable controller,

may be provided; but for vreasons already referred to, as well as to simplify and increase the speed of operation of the load supporting and engaging devices, I prefer to so arrange the circuits for the coils 136a and the switch and control devices therefor, that either coil may be connected in series with the motor, whereby the operation of the controllerto '.lrive the motor in either direction will simultaneously effect the operation of either releasing means and the unlocking of the brake acted on thereby to permit operation of the adjacent operating means 43 or 44. A's a result either drum 58, 59, may be rotated in one direction or the other to swing .the boom 40 about its pivot pin 52 or to raise or lower the load engaging device, asdesired. To carry out these operations, I provide (1) a lever 143, pivotally mounted on the dash 15 and connected through an arm 144 andy link145 with a crank arm 146, which is connected to the shaft of a controller indicated-as an entirety at 147 and (2) a lever 1418, prvotally mounted on the dash 15, and connected through an arm 149 and a link 150 wlth a crank arm 151 which is connected to the shaft of a switch device 152. The purpose of the controller 147 is to vsupply current to the motor 41 to drive it in either direction, such operation being dependent upon thel movement of the lever 143 to either side of its neutral position, as shown in Fig. 1. The purpose of the switch device 152 is to select or connect either one of the coils 13611, dependent upon which one of the drums is to be operated, in series with the motor 4 1, so that upon the operationY of Vthe controller lever 143, the selected drum will be rotated in one direction or the other, according to the direction of movement of thedlever.

The selector lever 148 is shown in a neutral position in Fig. 1, that is, that position in which neither coil 13611 is connected in the circuit of the motor and batteries, but by movement of the lever to the right or left, one of the coils may be connected in the circuit.as already described. This arrangement insures the complete cutting of current out of one coil and its de-energization before the other coil can be connected to it. The operation 'of the levers 143 and 148 and the controllers 147, 152, operated thereby, respec;l tively, will be more clearly understood 'from Y the diagrammatic view (Fig. 6), which will be later described.

The motor 41 is preferably of the electrlc type in order that it may be operated from batteries and co-operate with the operation of the means for releasing the drum holding means herein illustrated and described; but .it will be understood that the holding means and the motor may be operatedv in some other manner without departing from the scope of the invention.` The motor 41 may be of any desired construction. Y

As will be understood from the foregoing description, the load is raised and lowered by winding the cable or ro e 57` on or unwinding it from the drum 59, t e crane 40 is swung upwardly or downwardly by winding the cableor rope/40 on or unwinding it from the drum 58 and the support 34 is swung or rotated about the shaft 33 by the operation of the motor 76. The movement of each of these elements is automatically stopped when moved in either direction (except in the downward movement of the load engaging element) at a predetermined position by a mechanism which opens the circuit to the motor that operates such element. The mechanisms for sto ping the movements just referred to may e similar in construction, each being preferably similar in construction to the mechanism which forms the Subj ect matter of my aforesaid copending application Serial No. 679,605. The mechanism for stopping the swinging or rotation of the frame 34, comprises a switch means 163 enclosed in a casing 163. `The casing 163 is fixed to a plate 163a, supportduipon the horlzontal bars 39. The switch means 163 is provided with an operating arm 1636, with which engages either of a pair of tappets, carried by the shaft 33, accordingly as the frame 34 swings in one direction or the other. The tappets are so arranged that when either one thereof strikes or engages the arm 163cv, the switch means 163 will open the circuit and ef# feet the stopping of the motor 76 so 1that the frame will not swing around and engage the dash 15. The mechanism for stopping the movement of the boom is not shown. The mechanism for stopping the raising of the load engaging member or element comprises a switch means 169 enclosed in a casing carried by the boom 40. A flexible connection 170 is connected at one end to the arm 171 of the switch means and leads over the outer end of the boom and suspends a weight (not shown) in the path of the load engaging member, so that when the latter moves upwardly it lifts the weight and permits the switch means to stop the motor 41.

Referring to Fig. 6: the traction motor 4 is connected with the terminals of the controller 23 by leads constituting the circuits 176, 1760i, to control the direction of rotation of the motor and leads 177, 177 a, to the terminals of terminal blocks 178, 178a, and through wires 179, 179a with the opposite sides of the batteries 36. 180 indicate a connection in the circuit leads 179, 179a, which permits the batteries to be connected with the terminals or with a charging plug to recharge the batteries.

The circuit for the motor 76 may be traced as follows: from the terminal 178a by the lead 180 to the terminal181 of the switch means 163; if the frame 34 is to be rotated to the right, the circuit is through the lead 182 lo terminal 183, across contact 184 to terminal 183, lead 186, terminal for brush 187, through an armature to terminal of brush 188, lead 188e, winding of brake solenoid 189, lead 189e, terminal 190, across contact 191,- to terminal 192, through lead 192e, to terminal 193, through series field 194 and lead 195 to lead 177; by preference to maintain the motor/'at a selected speed without regard to its load, .I provide a shunt field 196 connected at one end to the series field terminal 193 and at its other end through lead 197 to terminal 198 and Contact 184.

If the fra-me 34 is to be rotated to the left, as shown in Fig. 1the circuit is traced as follows: terminal 178, lead 180', terminal 181, lead 199, to terminal 199e, Contact 200, to terminal 190, lead 189er, winding of brake solenoid 189, lead 188e, terminal 188, through armature to terminal 187, lead 186, terminal 185, contact 201, terminal 192, lead 192a, terminal 193, through series field 194 and lead 195; the shunt circuit being similar as the circuit already described, except that it is connected to the terminal for the other brush.

If the boom 40 is to be raised, the circuit for the motor 41 and the electro-magnet to be connected in series with the motor 41 so as to release the brake 129 which holds the drum 58, is traced as follows: from terminal 178a, through lead 202, terminal 2020i, lead 203, winding 136@ of magnet 136 adjacent the drum 58, lead 204, terminal 205 of switch means 165, terminal 206, lead 207, contact 208, contact 209, terminal 210 of the selector switch 152, lead 211, terminal 212 of the controller 147, contact 213, terminal 214, lead 215, terminal 216, motor brushes, terminal 217, lead 217a, terminal 218, contact 219, terminal 220, leads 221, 222, field coils 223 and lead 224 to terminal 1,78; if the boom 40 is to be lowered, the circuit is as follows: from terminal 17 8a, through lead 202, terminal 202a, lead 203, winding 136e of magnet 136, lead 204, terminal .205 of switch means 165, terminal 225, lead 226, terminal 227 of the selector switch 152, Contact 228, terminal 229, lead 230, terminal 231 of the controller 147, contact 232, terminal 218, lead 217a, terminal 217, motor brushes7 terminal 216, lead 215, terminal 214, contact 233, terminal 234, lead 235, lead 222, field coils i223 and lead 224 to terminal 178.

1f the load engaging element is to be raised, the circuit may be traced as follows: from the terminal 178a, through lead 202, terminal 202e, winding of electro-magnet 136a, adjacent the drum 59, lead 238, terminal 239 of switch means 169, terminal 240, lead 241, terminal 242, contact 243, terminal 210, lead 21.1, terminal 212, Contact 213, terminal 214, lead 215, terminal 216, brushes of motor 41` terminal 217, lead 217e, terminal 218, contact 219, terminal 220, leads 221,222, field coils 223 of motor and lead 224 to terminal 178. lf the load engagingelement is to be lowered, the circuit may be traced as follows: from terminal 17 8f' through lead 202, terminal 2020., winding of electro-magnet 136a, leads 238, 244. terminal 245. Contact 246, terminal 229, lead 230, terminal 231, contact 232, terminal 218, lead 217a, terminal 217, brushes of motor, terminal 216, lead 215, terminal 214, contact 233, terminal 234, lead'235, lead 222, field coils 223 and lead 224 to terminal 178.

247 is a resistance arranged to be connected in shunt with the lnotor circuit when the motor is operated to lower the booln 40 or thc load engaging member, to prevent accelera tion in the speed of the motor shaft.

From the foregoing description` it will be seen that I have provided a load handling mechanism in which the load may be moved or operated in any one of a plurality of direct-ions in a rapid and simple manner, for example, by a raising or lowering of the load engaging member, and by a raising or lowering of the boom; such operations being effected by providing a locking means for certain elements through which the power of the motor is transmitted to the'driven means and direction or (release) of the desired braking. elements..

causing a release of one of such elements accordingly as one movement of the load or 'another is desired. While I have shown an electrically operated means for operating-n that is, releasing-either brake, it will be nnderstoo'd that other types of release means may be employed. l A

n my construction I am enabled to effect the various operations of the load engaging `member and the boom from a single motor and a unitary driving or power transmitting mechanism, which tends toward economy and simplicity as well as compactness of the construction. Y It will also be noted that the selector handle and the controller actuated thereby are arranged to be set at a neutral position; at which time neither electro-magnet winding is energized, and that they must be moved in one lthe other to eiect the operation By this arrangement I insure the de-energizing of one magnet winding prior to the energizing ofthe other magnet winding, so that proper operations of the load engaging member and boom to handle the load as desired are elected in a rapid and positive manner.

By providing a gear reduction between each shaft section 118 and the adjacent drum, -I am enabled to operate the motor 41 and batteries at their maximum points of efficiency, thereby insuring minimum current consumption in operation of the truck and the load handling mechanisms with resulting economy in handling loads and material. i

248 'indicates as an entirety means forpreventing operation of the selector switch from one operating position to the other operating position, when the motor 41,is operating in either direction.(see Figs..7 and 8). While these means prevent abnormal operation of the selector switch while the motor is in operation, and possibledamage to the mechanism and surrounding objects, its primar-y reason is to make it necessary tostop the motor 41l (or atleast slow it down) before Vshifting the selector switch to insure suiiicient cnrrent in the circuit ,to operate the magnetic clutch for releasing the other drum. The means 248 are preferably connected with and f actuated by the controller lever 143. Of the means 248, 249 indicatesa plate preferably loosely pivoted on a stud shaft 249a carried I by the dash 1 5.a nd carrying at its upper end a laterally proJectlng flange 2495 Vadapted to be disposed in the path of movement of a portion of the selector switch lever'148 to prevent its movement in either direction from either operatin position to the other operating position. n the preferred form of construction I arrange the fiange 2495, when in normal position, (see Fig. 8), so that it will be cleared by the head 252 of the bolt, which forms the pivot connection between the lever arm 149 and rod 150, when the arm 149 moves -'from one extreme position to the other eX- 'treme position (see dotted lines in Fig. 8). The plate 249 is preferably so mounted and constructed that the flange 2495, whenin ope other and permitting the lever to be moved,

at will to substantially its neutral position from either operative position. 250 indicates the connections between the plate 249 and the switch lever 143. The connections 250 preierably comprise a pair of pivotally connected links 2500., 2505, one (250a) being pivotally mounted on the shaft 249@ and the other (2505) being pivotally connected .to the outer end of the arm 144. The link 250a is rigidly connected-for example, by a riveti-to the plate 249. When the lever 143 is in neutral position, the flange 2495 is in its nonoperative position (see full lines in Figs. 7 and 8), thereby being movement of the bolt head 252. If now the lever 148'is operated to either position and the lever 143 is operated to run the, motor 41, movement of the latter lever in either direction willswing the plate 249 to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8, and thus position the flange 2495 in the path of movement of the bolt head'252. v

To those skilled in the 4art to which my invention relates many alterations in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scopethereof. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

What I claim'is:

1. In apparatus of the class described, the combination witha frame and a source of electric current supply, of an electric motor `arranged to7be connected with said source of supply, a differential mechanism connected to and operated by said-motor, a plurality of mechanisms for handling and positioning a :loa-d, a drive connection between each said handling L mechanism and one of the driven elements of said differential mechanism, means between said frame and ea-ch ofthe driven elements Yof saidl differential mechanism arranged to normally hold the latter against movement, magnetically operated means for1 releasing either of said holding means, means for connecting said motor with. said source of supply, and means for selectively connecting in series in the circuit between said motor and said souice of supply either of said magneticallyyoperating releasdisposed out of the path of' 2. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source of electric current supply, of an electric motor arranged to be connected with said source of supply, a differential mechanism having a main gear connected with and driven by said motor, a plurality of operating mechanisms eachl having gear reduction driving'connections withthe driven elements of said differential mechanism, holding devices between said frame and each of said driven elements arranged to normally hold the latter against 4movenlent, magnetically operated means for arranged to be connected with said source Cil of supply, a differential mechanism having amain gear connected with said motor, a plurality of operating mechanisms each having gear reduction driving connections with the driven elements of-said differential mechanism, devices between said frame and each lof said driven elements arranged to normally hold the latter against lnovement, magnetically operated releasing means associated with each of said holding devices, means Jfor connecting said motor with said source ot' supply to drive it in either direction, and means for selectively connecting in series in the circuit between said Inotor and said source of supply either of said magnetically operating releasing means irrespective of the direction of rotation of said motor, whereby the connection of said motor with said source of supply will simultaneously effect t-he operation of one of said releasing means.

4. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a plurality of mechanisms, a motor and driving mea-ns common to said mechanisms Afor operating them, locking devices normally tending to lock each of said mechanisms against movement, a source of power supply, operating devices for connecting said supply to said motor, means for selectively releasing said lockin means, and means for preventing the operation of said releasing means from operative relation with one of said locking means to operative relation with the other locking means except when said operating devices are in inoperative position.

5. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a plurality of mechanismsa motor and driving means common to said mechanisms for operating them, locking devices normally tending to lock each of said mechanisms against' lnovement, a source of power supply, operating devices for connecting said supply to said motor, releasing means for selectively releasing said locking means, a lever movable to different positions for operating said releasing means, and means interposed between said operating devices and said lever for preventing operation of the latter from one operative position to its other operative position except when said operating devices are in inoperative posit-ion. tion.

6. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a plurality of mechanisms, a motor and driving means common to said mechanisms for operating them, locking devices normally tending to lock each of said mechanisms against movement, a source of power supply, operating devices for connecting said supply to said motor, means for selectively releasing said locking means, said means including an element. movable to different positions, and a member actuated by said operating devices into the path of movement of said element to prevent movement thereof. from either operative position to a.

point beyond its neutral position except when said operating devices are in inoperative position 7. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source of power supply, of a motor and means including an operatingr device for connecting said motor with said source of power supply, a differential mechanism connected to and operated by said motor, a plurality of. mechanisms for handling and positioning a load, a driving connection between cach said handling mechanism and one of the driven elements of said differential mechanism, means between said frame and each of the driven elements of said differential mechanism normally operating to hold the latter against movement, a releasing means for each of said holding means, and means for relating either of said releasing means with said connecting means between said motor and source of supply, whereby the operation of said operating device will operate one of said handling mechanisms.

8. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source of power supply, of a motor and means including an operating device for connecting said motor with said source of power supply, a differential mechanism connected to and operated by said motor, a plurality of mechanisms for handling and positioning a load, a driving connection between each said handling mechanism and one of the driven elements of said differential mechanism, each said connection including a reduction gearing, means between said frame and each of said handling mechanisms normally operatingto hold the latter against movement, a releasing means for each of said holding means, and

means for relating either of said releasing means with said connecting means between said motor and said source of supply, whereby the operation of said operating device will operate one of said mechanisms.

9. 1n apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source of power supply, of a motor and means including an operating device for connecting said said connecting means.-

10. In apparatus of the class desc-ribed, the combination with a frame and a source of power supply, of a motor and means including an operating device for connecting'said motor with said source of power supply, a differential 'mechanism connected to and .driven by said motor, a plurality of mechanisms for handling and positioning a load, a

supply, a diterential mechanism connectedA driving connection between each said handling mechanism and one of the driven elements of said differential mechanism, means between said frame and each of the driven elements of said differential mechanism'normally operating to hold the latter against movement, a releasing means for each of said holding means, and devices for selectively relating either of said releasing means with said connecting means," wherebyone of said releasingr means operates simultaneously with the completing of the connection between said motor and said source of power supply.

l1. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame, and a source of electric current supply, of an electric motor arranged to be connected with said source of to and operated by said motor, a plurality of mechanisms or handling and positioning a load, each said mechanism including a drum, a flexible member arranged to wind on and oil the drum and a drive connection having a reduction gearing between each said drum and one of the driven elements of said differential mechanism, means between said frame and each of said drums arranged to normally lhold the latter against movement, magnetically operated means for releasing either of said holding means, means for, connecting said motor with said source of supply to drive it in either direction, and means for selectively connecting in series in the circuit between said motor and said source of .supply either of said magnetically operating releasing means irrespective of the directiony of rotation of said motor, whereby the connection of said' motor with said source of supply will simultaneously effect the operationof one of said releasing means.

l2. In apparatusfof the class described, the

vcombination with a frame, of a plurality of operating mechanisms, a source of electric power supply,.a motor, Va diierential mechanisnl connected to and operated by said motor, the driven elements4 of said differential mechanism being in driving connection with said mechanisms, respectively, each said driving connection including a reductionv gearing, means for connecting said motor with said' source of power supply to drive it in either direction, means normally operating to hold the driven element of each of said mechanisms against movement, and means, including a selective device, correlated with said connecting means and arranged`to release either of said holding means dependent upon the position of said selective device, upon the operation of said connecting means.

13. In apparatus of the class described, the

combination with a frame and a source of electric current supply mounted thereon, of a plurality of operating mechanisms, an electric motor, a differential mechanism connected to and operated by said motor, the driven elements of said differentialv mechanism havi-ng driving connection with said mechanisms, respectively, and, arranged to drive them in either direction, each said driving connection includinga reduction gearing, means for normally holding each of said mechanisms against movement, mea-ns for connecting said motor with said source of supply to drive the motor in either direction, and means for releasing either of said holding means when the connections between said motor and said source of supply are completed, said releasing means comprlsing a magnet Varranged to actuateeach holding mea-ns, and a movable device arranged to alternately connect either magnet in series in said connections, whereby the completionthereof actuates one of said releasing means.

14. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and asource of power supply, of amotor arranged to be connected with said source of power supply, a plurality of operating mechanisms, a differential mechanism having a main gear connected with and driven by said motor, separate driving connections in driving relation with -each of said operating mechanisms, each said driving connection including a reduction gearing, devices between said frame and each of said operating mechanisms for normally holding the latter against movement, means vices for relating either of 'said releasing for connecting said motor with said source of power supply to drive it in either direction, a releasing means associated with each of said holding means, and means for selectively relating either of said releasing means with said connecting means, whereby operation of the latter to drive the motor will operate the selected releasing means and release said holding means.

15. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source ot electric power supply, of a motor arranged to be connected with said source of power supply, a differential mechanism having a main gear connected with and driven by said motor, a plurality of operating means having driving connections with the driven elements 4 of said mechanism, each said connection including a reduction gearing, devices between said frame and each of said operating means for normally holding the latter against movement, a magnet for releasing each of said holding means, a circuit between saidmotor and said source of power supply, a pair of levers, one to connect into said circuit either of said magnets and the other to close the said circuit, and connections between said levers arranged to prevent return of said irst lever when the other lever is in operated position.

16. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame and a source of power supply, of a motor arranged to be conholding means, and a device interrelated with said connecting means and each of said releasing means and arranged to cause operation of either of the latter means when said moto;` is set in operation.

17. In apparatus'of the class described, the combination with va frame and a. source of power supply, of a motor arranged to be connected with said source of power supply, a. differential mechanism operatively connected with said motor, a plurality of operating mechanisms7 a driving connection including a reduction gearing between each operating mechanism and an element driven by said differential mechanism, devices between said frame and each of said operating mechanisms for normally holding the latter against movement, a releasing means associated with each of said holdingmeans, means for connecting said motor to said source of supply, and demeans with said scribed my nam connecting means.

EDWARD H. REMDE.

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