Configurable counterweight device and system for a material handling machine
First Claim
1. A configurable and variable counterweight system for a material handling machine comprising one or more configurable counterweight devices each said configurable counterweight device of said one or more configurable counterweight devices comprising a plurality of individual counterweight units connectable to a non-rigid transfer element, said non-rigid transfer element comprising a planar path having a first end and a second end whereby each individual counterweight unit of said plurality of individual counterweight units is transferable on said non-rigid transfer element in a forward or aft direction between its said first or second end, said planar path of said non-rigid transfer element comprising any two or combinations thereof of straight, curved, angled or rollable portions, said non-rigid transfer element connectable to an energy source, drive element, and control unit for transferring said plurality of individual counterweight units thereon, whereby said plurality of individual counterweight units are transferable along adjacent surfaces or adjacent sides of said material handling machine.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a configurable and variable counterweight system for a material handling machine comprising one or more planar paths, said planar paths containing any one or combinations of straight, curved or angled portions between at least a first and second end, said planar path having transferable counterweights, said planar path or counterweights communicating with a control device and system, said control device and system comprising one or more drive unit and optionally one or more sensors, said counterweights being able to move along any curved, angled or straight portions of said planar path.
7 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A configurable and variable counterweight system for a material handling machine comprising one or more configurable counterweight devices each said configurable counterweight device of said one or more configurable counterweight devices comprising a plurality of individual counterweight units connectable to a non-rigid transfer element, said non-rigid transfer element comprising a planar path having a first end and a second end whereby each individual counterweight unit of said plurality of individual counterweight units is transferable on said non-rigid transfer element in a forward or aft direction between its said first or second end, said planar path of said non-rigid transfer element comprising any two or combinations thereof of straight, curved, angled or rollable portions, said non-rigid transfer element connectable to an energy source, drive element, and control unit for transferring said plurality of individual counterweight units thereon, whereby said plurality of individual counterweight units are transferable along adjacent surfaces or adjacent sides of said material handling machine.
Specification