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US 11,254,527 B2Granted
Gangway having self-raising assembly
AssigneeSafe Rack LLC
InventorsJohn Rutledge Lawson, James Michael O'Keefe, Jeff W. Reichert, Jeffrey David Scott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.
Claims25
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- and
- a lowering actuator usable by an operator to release fluid in the at least one fluid actuated cylinder so as to permit rotation of the support structure toward the deployed position due to gravitational forces.
5 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- wherein the cylinder retracts to rotate the support structure toward the stowed position;
- and
- wherein the raising actuator comprises a plunger associated with a raising valve, said plunger being movable to change a position of the raising valve.
6 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- and
- wherein the raising assembly includes a hydraulic pump driven by a pneumatic motor.
5 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- and
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- wherein said raising assembly further includes a lowering actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the deployed position;
- and
- wherein said lowering actuator is configured having a master cylinder with an associated lowering plunger, said lowering plunger movable inward to cause unseating of at least one pilot operated check valve.
7 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- said cylinder being operative to move so as to rotate the support structure toward the stowed position;
- a raising actuator comprising a plunger associated with a raising valve, said plunger being movable to change a position of the raising valve;
- a pneumatic motor that is connectable to a compressed air source via said raising valve;
- and
- a hydraulic pump operated by said pneumatic motor.
7 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- first and second cylinders respectively situated on left and right sides of the support structure and connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure, said cylinders retracting to rotate the support structure toward the stowed position;
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinders in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- and
- wherein the raising actuator is configured to cease raising of the support structure if released by the operator;
- wherein said raising assembly includes a first rod accumulator and a second blind accumulator respectively connected to be in fluid communication with a rod side and a blind side of each of the first and second cylinders.
6 more elements
A gangway comprising:
- a fixed platform;
- a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position;
- and
- a raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position, said raising assembly including:
- at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure;
- a raising actuator usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position;
- wherein the raising assembly includes a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor;
- and
- wherein said electric motor is powered at least in part by at least one solar panel.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.