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  Compact system for lifting and moving pressurized tankUSPTO Application #: 20070292249Title: Compact system for lifting and moving pressurized tank Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces. (end of abstract)
Agent: Carstens & Cahoon, LLP - Dallas, TX, US Inventor: Michael Wilson USPTO Applicaton #: 20070292249 - Class: 414444 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070292249. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002]Not Applicable THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003]Not Applicable INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0004]Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005]1. Field of the Invention [0006]The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for lifting and moving pressurized tanks and more particularly relates to a compact apparatus for lifting and moving heavy pressurized oxygen tanks to assist in their installation in and removal from EMS response vehicles. [0007]2. Description of Related Art [0008]Pressurized oxygen cylinders are standard equipment onboard most ambulances and other EMS response vehicles. Most of the pressurized cylinders used are made from either aluminum or steel. Though a lightweight material, an empty aluminum pressurized oxygen cylinder can weigh over one hundred pounds. Steel cylinders are heavier yet. [0009]The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a standard which sets limits on how much a person may lift or carry. However, a sister agency, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has developed a mathematical model which helps predict the risk of injury based on the weight being lifted and accounts for many confounding factors. The model is based on previous medical research into the compressive forces needed to cause damage to bones and ligaments of the back. [0010]NIOSH has shown through research that a lifting index greater than 3.0 can clearly be linked to an increased risk of back and other injuries. In applying the NIOSH equation for calculating a lifting index, an EMS worker lifting a one hundred pound pressurized oxygen tank from the floor and stowing it in a compartment of an ambulance would likely encounter a lifting index of 3.9 or higher. A heavier tank would increase this number even more. Because of this, a single EMS worker attempting to lift and move such a cylinder faces a significant risk of back injury. [0011]Cylinder storage compartments onboard EMS vehicles tend to be quite small, some barely larger than the cylinders themselves. These cramped spaces further compound the dangers faced by an EMS worker faced with the task of changing out cylinders. Because the spaces are so small, only one worker can realistically fit within the compartment to manipulate the cylinders. [0012]Potential back injury is not the only possible hazard associated with pressurized tanks. The cylindrical shape makes them difficult to grasp and awkward to handle by a single person. However, due to the cramped compartment in which they are stored, only one person can realistically be expected to handle the cylinders. Thus, a real danger exists that a pressurized cylinder being handled could fall from a vehicle unexpectedly. If the cylinder were to strike an object with the exposed valve, the cylinder might rupture. A ruptured cylinder can explode with tremendous force or even become a missile that can cause significant damage to anything it impacts. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013]In light of the difficulties faced with lifting and moving pressurized tanks, it is one object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can safely and efficiently lift, support, and control a pressurized tank during transport. [0014]It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily maneuvered by a single operator under all load conditions. [0015]It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is simple to operate. [0016]It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is compact in size to allow easy manipulation of tanks within the confines of ambulance stowage compartments. [0017]In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a battery-powered electric hoist is, provided that incorporates a tank cradle for firmly and safely restraining a pressurized tank for transport. The hoist incorporates an electric linear actuator that can raise the tank to the desired height of an ambulance stowage compartment. Large swivel casters are also provided to allow for easy movement of the hoist and attached tank by a single operator. In addition, the tank cradle and base are compact in size to allow for easy maneuverability. This affords greater ease in inserting and removing a pressurized tank from the cramped stowage compartments of an ambulance. [0018]The invention accordingly comprises the features described more fully below, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. Further objects of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description read in light of the drawings. Continue reading... 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