Apparatus and method for transporting equipment between buildings

• US 6,286,805 B1
• Filed: 07/01/1998
• Issued: 09/11/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Finova Capital Corporation
• Original Assignee: Clear Vision Laser Centers Incorporated
• Inventors: Lamphier, Mark, Bunn, William, Kregstein, Stephen P., Wingerter, Donald B. Jr., Spencer, John C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WOOD, KIMBERLY T
• Application Number:
  US09/108,613
• Time in Patent Office: 1,168 Days
• Field of Search: 248/561, 248/603, 248/618, 248/619, 248/626, 248/631, 248/632, 248/634, 248/638, 248/636, 248/673, 248/678, 248/346.02, 248/346.03, 248/346.05, 248/346.06, 410/77, 410/80, 410/84, 410/87, 108/57.12, 108/55.3, 414/373
• US Class Current: 248/544
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 15/0232 with at least one gas spring F16F15/027 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 15/0275 Control of stiffness

Abstract

An apparatus for reducing shocks and vibrations that equipment can be subject to when the equipment is moved is provided. The apparatus includes a stationary support assembly fixedly held in a transport unit that is moved using a vehicle and a movable support assembly fixedly connected to the equipment. The stationary support assembly includes a number of isolator members that prevent unwanted shocks and vibrations from affecting the equipment being transported. A pallet truck is used to separate the equipment and the movable support assembly from the stationary assembly and then carry them to their next location. The movable support assembly includes a number of inflatable air bladders that are sufficiently pressurized to prevent unwanted shocks and vibrations from affecting the equipment as it is moved from the transport unit to its next location. The equipment being moved can include laser equipment for use in performing eye corrective procedures and which has sensitive, aligned and calibrated components.

Claims

1. An apparatus for reducing shocks and vibrations transmitted to equipment during the equipment movement from a first facility to a second facility, comprising:

a stationary support assembly for underlying the equipment during the equipment movement to the second facility that includes at least a first member that reduces shocks and/or vibrations, said stationary support assembly including a bracket assembly and a frame assembly and having a lateral extent, a longitudinal extent and a thickness, said frame assembly including at least a first plate member and said bracket assembly including at least a first leg, said first member being connected to said bracket assembly and being disposed between said first plate member and said first leg, each of said first plate member and said first leg extending for at least a majority of one of said longitudinal extent and said lateral extent of said stationary support assembly;

a movable support assembly for connection to the equipment and securely engaged to said stationary support assembly when the equipment is being moved to the second facility, wherein said movable support assembly includes at least a second member that reduces shocks and/or vibrations, said movable support assembly having a lateral extent, a longitudinal extent and a thickness in which at least a majority of said lateral extent and a majority of said longitudinal extent of said movable support assembly contact said stationary support assembly when the equipment is being moved to the second facility; and

powered means for moving the equipment, wherein said powered means is for engaging said movable support assembly and is used in separating said movable support assembly from said stationary support assembly after the equipment has been moved to the second facility.

2. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said frame assembly has sections including said first plate member and said first member is connected between said bracket assembly and said sections of said frame assembly.

3. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

said first member includes at least a first isolator member connected between said bracket assembly and said first plate member of said frame assembly.