# US 5,704,293 A · Lifting device for manipulating a track element > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,704,293 A - Document ID: US5704293A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/545,758 - Filed: 1995-11-07 - Granted: 1998-01-06 - Earliest claimed: 1993-05-07 - Assignees: Insinooritoimisto Desec Oy - Inventors: Seppo Koivisto; Einari Venalainen; Timo Mustasilta - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5704293A ## CPC - E01B 29/02: Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing lengths of assembled track, assembled switches, or assembled crossings (E01B29/04 takes precedence) - E01B: PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS (derailing or rerailing blocks on track, track brakes or retarders B61K) ## Abstract A lifting device for manipulating a track element at a manipulating location at least partially above a track transported to a manipulating location on a transport platform of a transport vehicle and includes a lifting device frame provided with power and drive system. Lifting elements are supported by the lifting device frame, for lifting the track element and transfer elements for moving the lifting device frame. At least one pair of support members supports and manipulates the transfer elements. The support members are mounted on a common subframe and at least one brace element is provided for movably mounting the common subframe to the lifting device frame, to allow the subframe to tilt and rotate with respect to the lifting device frame. Each of the support members has telescopic arms, movable between a retracted position in which the transfer elements are retractable upon the transport platform and an extended position in which the transfer elements are extended beyond the transport platform. Each of the support members has elevating members operating in a vertical direction, for moving the transfer elements in a vertical direction to change at least ground clearance of the transfer elements; and directional elements for rotating the transfer elements in a substantially horizontal plane for changing the traveling direction of the lifting device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A lifting device for manipulating a track element at a manipulating location at least partially above a track, said lifting device capable of being transported to a manipulating location on a transport platform of a transport vehicle, said lifting device comprising: a lifting device frame provided with power and drive means; lifting elements, supported by said lifting device frame, for lifting said track element; transfer elements for moving said lifting device frame; at least one pair of support members for supporting and manipulating said transfer elements, said support members being mounted on a common subframe; at least one brace element for movably mounting said common subframe to said lifting device frame, said at least one brace element allowing said subframe to tilt and rotate with respect to said lifting device frame; each of said support members having telescopic arms, said telescopic arms having a retracted position in which said transfer elements are retractable essentially upon the transport platform and an extended position in which said transfer elements are extended substantially beyond the transport platform; and each of said support members having elevating means, operating in a substantially vertical direction, for moving said transfer elements in a vertical direction for at least changing ground clearance of said transfer elements; and each of said support members having directional elements for rotating the transfer elements in a substantially horizontal plane for changing the traveling direction of the lifting device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A lifting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said brace element comprises at least one ball joint which is fitted at the center point of said pair of support members substantially on the center axis of the lifting device frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A lifting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said subframe is fastened to the bottom surface of the telescopic arms, whereby said pair of support members is at least partially braced to the lifting device by the brace element fitted between the subframe and a backing frame included in the lifting device frame. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A lifting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pair of support members is at least partially coupled to the lifting device frame by at least one elastic element enabling the tilting action and the rotating action for said pair of support members relative to the lifting device frame. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A lifting device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said elastic element is adapted to be self-operated by a spring force whereby, on the one hand, it enables the movement of the pair of the support members and, on the other hand, urges to reassume the original, adjustable position of said pair of support members relative to the lifting device frame. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A lifting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein an actuator is fitted between the frame and the subframe for controlling said transfer elements. ### Claim 7 A lifting device for manipulating a track element at a manipulating location at least partially above a track, said lifting device capable of being transported to a manipulating location on a transport platform of a transport vehicle, said lifting device comprising: a lifting device frame including power and drive means; lifting elements, supported by said lifting device frame, for lifting said track element; transfer elements for moving said lifting device frame; at least one pair of support members for supporting and manipulating said transfer elements, said support members being mounted on a common subframe; each of said support members having telescopic arms, said telescopic arms having a retracted position in which said transfer elements are retractable essentially upon the transport platform and a extended position in which said transfer elements are extended substantially beyond the transport platform; each of said support members having elevating means, operating in a substantially vertical direction, for moving said transfer elements in a vertical direction for at least changing ground clearance of said transfer elements; and wherein said pair of support members is at least partially coupled to the lifting device frame by at least one elastic element enabling the tilting and rotating of said pair of support members relative to the lifting device frame and said elastic element is self-operated by means of a spring member. ### Claim 8 A lifting device for manipulating a track element at a manipulating location at least partially above a track, said lifting device capable of being transported to a manipulating location on a transport platform of a transport vehicle, said lifting device comprising: a lifting device frame provided with power and drive means; lifting elements, supported by said lifting device frame, for lifting said track element; transfer elements for moving said lifting device frame; at least one pair of support members for supporting and manipulating said transfer elements, said support members being mounted on a common subframe; at least one brace element for movably mounting said common subframe to said lifting device frame, said at least one brace element allowing said subframe to tilt and rotate with respect to said lifting device frame; each of said support members having telescopic arms, said telescopic arms having a retracted position in which said transfer elements are retractable essentially upon the transport platform and an extended position in which said transfer elements are extended substantially beyond the transport platform; and each of said support members having directional elements for rotating the transfer elements in a substantially horizontal plane for changing the traveling direction of the lifting device.