(10037) The advancements of automation of the manufacturing plants throughout the world will continue on an upward trend for years to come. The concept of automation along with robots, automated manufacturing and computer aided design are all advancing our technologies forward into the future.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV’s)

More and more automated guided vehicles or AGV’s, which are essentially a robot, are used to automate our factories of today. Most AGV’s are equipment with an electric direct current DC battery pack used for power. In addition, electric driven scissor lift tables can be integrated into the AGV’s. The use of the DC electric scissor lift table has two primary functions. They are used to raise and then lower a static fixture onto the AGV for transport or the DC electric scissor lift table is used to position the product for human interface.

Direct Current Electric Scissor Lift Table

Direct current (DC) electric powered scissor lift tables work well for AGV applications. Over the years in some AGV applications industry has found that our standard hydraulic scissor lift tables seep hydraulic fluids over time. The need for fully electric powered scissor lift tables was required. The scissor lift table needed to be powered by direct current (DC), capable of handling arduous high duty cycles and in some cases demanding side loads from offset loads creating a cantilever moment arm on the scissor lift tables’ base.

Electric Belt Drive Scissor Lift Tables

Herkules Equipment Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells scissor lift tables to the world. We have a new belt drive scissor lift table which is specially designed for AGV’s using DC battery power. The goals of producing the Herkules belt drive scissor lift tables were: to provide an electric powered scissor lift table to the global market place; to be powered with alternating current AC or direct current DC; to be easily portable; to be able to outperform expectations for high duty cycles and quality; and be a beautiful looking product at an affordable price.

Please contact Herkules at info@herkules.us, or 800-444-4351, if you have an interest in our electric belt drive scissor lift systems. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.

References

1. Automation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automation)
2. Robots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics)
3. Automated manufacturing and computer aided design CAD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_manufacturing)

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(10036) Mechanical screw technology powered with electric servomechanisms is one of the base technologies of robots and automation used in manufacturing. Mechanical screw technologies used with lifting systems are typically ball screw and ACME screw.

Below I describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of screw technology and the exceptional benefits that the servomechanism provides when used with the Herkules ball screw scissor lift tables and ACME screw scissor lift tables.

Electric Ball Screw Lifting Systems

The Herkules’ engineering team typically manufactures ball screw systems for use in our scissor lift tables. The ball screw technology works well for a variety of automation applications. It provides the precision needed to move product linearly along an axis. When multiple ball screws are combined traveling along an axis or rotating on a fixed center you have the basis of the multi axis robot. Herkules’ focus is the use of ball screws as a linear actuator within our precision scissor lift tables to create a linear movement along a single axis. The Herkules’ ball screw scissor lift tables can be mounted in multiple directions. This allows design engineers to use the features of ball screw scissor lift tables to pick and place product in a variety of ways in the automated factory.

For example, the ball screw scissor lifts can be mounted from above and lift product up and down with precision with no chance of side movement because of the stability provided by the scissors.  

Electric ACME Screw Lifting Systems

The Herkules’ engineering team typically manufactures ACME screw systems for use in our post lifting systems (PLS). This screw technology is ideal for high loads, low pitch with minimal back drive and low duty cycle. High loads can be lifted safely due to our double nut safety system used to attach the carriage which provides a safe, foolproof anti-fall lock. The low pitch screw allows the system to be used in areas of high vibration without concern of drift. The carriage nuts used with our ACME screw systems provide a very low price point. In turn they can generate heat from the frictional forces during repetitive cycling. This feature limits their use to a cost effective low duty cycle system.

Servomechanism

Servomechanisms that are used in many applications throughout industry also work well with the Herkules scissor lift table screw technology. The typical feed back system used for the servomechanism is a string encoder which attaches to the top and bottom of the scissor lift table. The encoder provides a time based feed back to the computer processor which allows for accurate positioning of the scissor lift tables. It also provides the ability to accelerate and decelerate the velocity which provides a smooth motion control. The use of the servomechanism in scissor lift table screw technology provides for lifting and lowering light loads and heavy loads with speed and accuracy. 

Please contact Herkules at info@herkules.us, or 800-444-4351, if you have an interest in our lift systems. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.

References

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2. Lift Table Technology
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Most people in manual wheelchairs are able to navigate minimal changes in elevation such as street curbs and door thresholds. However, those confined to electric or powered wheelchairs cannot handle the level change and are forced to stay on the lower level where the location may not be as desirable.

Capitalizing on the design of our ergonomic lifts used for industrial and vehicle applications, Herkules has developed a line of adaptive lifting systems to serve the needs of those in wheelchairs.

The Herkules Handicap Lifting Systems (HLS) are specifically designed to address all accessible obstacles that have changes in floor level from 0 to 60”. The adaptive lifts can be used in most commercial and residential applications, but can be used for plane, train and boat boarding access as well.

All Herkules Handicap Lifting Systems are designed to conform to ADA (American Disability Act) regulations, and are designed with operator safety in mind. All systems utilize safety guarding and skirting, and have built-in fail-safe and anti-fall devices.

Herkules Equipment offers several mechanisms that can be utilized in the adaptive lifts depending on the accessibility requirements:

Pneumatic Handicap Lift

Pneumatic Handicap Lift: This system utilizes the unique air-bag and scissor arm design for which Herkules is known. The low-profile lift collapses down to 4” and has lifting capacity of 1000 lbs. A custom designed ramp (designed to ADA rise/run specifications) would enable the individual to roll his or her wheelchair onto the lift, raise it to the desired height via the use of a push button or toggle switch, and roll the chair onto the higher floor level. The pneumatic lift is used for lifting heights up to 29”. The lift system design can accommodate a hydraulic lift mechanism as well.

ACME Screw Handicap Post Lift

ACME Screw Handicap Post Lift: This system utilizes a pedestal which is bolted to the floor with a moving platform that provides three-sided accessibility. The lifting motion is provided by a high-strength ACME screw drive system that is powered by a 220V – 240V 3 phase, 30A motor. The wheelchair platform has a 48” maximum lift capacity of over 1000 lbs.

Electric Hydraulic Handicap Post Lift

Electric Hydraulic Handicap Post Lift: Similar in design to the ACME Screw Handicap Post lift, this system uses an electric motor with hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the wheelchair platform. The lift can handle lifting heights of 70” with weight capacity of over 1000 lbs.

Belt Drive Handicap Lift

Belt Drive Handicap Lift: This adaptive lift utilizes a redundant belt system with limit switch control which prevents the lift from falling should the primary belt drive fail. Since the Belt Drive Lift has no fluid or gas that can leak, it is perfect for food preparation, restaurant or clean-room environments. The belt is safely enclosed in a compact steel module which is located on one side of the wheelchair platform.

You know Herkules Equipment for our unique industrial lifting solutions; let Herkules assist you with your adaptive lifting device needs as well.

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The Herkules hydraulic post lift is the answer to zero level cart or pallet jack lifting needs.

Utilizing a hydraulic ram with chain pulley, the standard model hydraulic post lift is capable of lifting up to a height of 6 feet or 72” (1829 mm). The lift comes in five “standard” models with lifting capacities from 500 lbs. up to 3000 lbs (227 kg to 1361 kg). The unit is electrically powered by a 220V-240V 3 phase 20A electric motor with post-mounted hydraulic pump and reservoir. While the controls are mounted on the post in the standard unit, they can also be mounted on an auxiliary pedestal, foot controlled or remote at additional cost.

The standard model hydraulic post lift comes with a 36” x 48” lifting platform, but the plate can be designed to accept almost any size pallet, pallet jack or cart sizes. Depending on the configuration of the cart or pallet jack, the cart lead-ins (steel tubing that also serves as structural support) can be situated in any position, making loading possible on any of the three sides.

The lift comes with a 15” x 24” (318 mm x 610 mm) base mounting plate with a standard hole pattern which enables the lift to be bolted to the floor. The unit can also be designed as a stand-alone unit by extending the base underneath the moving platform. A print of the standard base with dimensioned hole-pattern and hole sizes is available.

Safety plays an important role in Herkules lifting systems, and the hydraulic post lift is  no exception. The lift comes with gusset stops on the top plate which secures the cart on the lift and includes a locking pin to secure the cart on the lift while being lifted (see photo). A manual cam locking system also functions as an anti-fall device when the platform needs to be raised for an extended time. Popular safety options include platform mounted safety rails that can be stationary or hinged and electronic light beam sensors that shuts down the lift when an object is below the raised platform. A toe guard system can also be added which automatically reverses or stops the lift when it touches the operator’s toes.

Herkules hydraulic post lift zero level lifts  have been used in automotive, paper manufacturing and medical applications. Let Herkules design a hydraulic post lift for your unique zero-lifting solution!

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While there will always be a need for both air powered lifts and hydraulic lifts, there will also be a need for a new, more innovative lift technology: A scissor lift table innovation that combines the best features of both the air lift technology and the hydraulic lift technology. A lift that provides longevity is oil free, air free and has extended travel benefits.

This new lift is the Herkules Belt Drive Electric Scissor Lift Table, a major innovation in the scissor lift table industry which we feel will be around for many years. This lift provides extreme versatility at a very competitive price point. We encourage you to take a good look at all of the features and benefits of this new beautiful product. We are confident that you will agree with us, that this Belt Lift can provide some amazing solutions for both basic applications and challenging custom applications.

Best Regards
Todd Bacon
CEO

The list below is a general overview of the unique benefits of this new belt drive electric scissor lift technology.

Benefits

Belt Drive Electric Scissor Lift Table

1. Precision controlled +/- .06 (1.5 mm) , can be increased with limit switch or photo sensing
2. Very low frequency of maintenance
3. Simple maintenance and repairs
4. High capacity lifting from 200 lbs to 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) Plus
5. Integrates well with electrical controls
6. Integrates well with robotic applications
7. Electric scissor lifts are inherently safe
8. Duty cycle is high / highly reliable
9. System speed can vary from high speed at 5 inches/sec (127 mm/second) to low speed at .03 inches/second (.76 mm/second)
10. System can be integrated to raise from floor up or from ceiling down
11. Encoders can be integrated into the motor controls
12. Has no fluid or gas that can leak and create environmental contamination
13. Clean and green technology
14. Zero load drift. It will hold full load indefinitely
15. Speed can be easily controlled with Variable Frequency Drives (VFD). This provides for smooth lift acceleration and deceleration
16. Compatible with alternating current AC or direct current DC motors
17. Compatible with multiple voltage from around the world
18. Low noise level decibel (dB) reading
19. Portability is easily achieved

Belt Drive Scissor Lift Tables Safety Features

1. Safety bellows skirting – Protects scissor pinch points
2. Controlled descent device – Provides a controlled descent that meets ANSI standards
3. Anti-fall device – Double belt system with limit switch control prevents the lift from collapsing should the primary belt drive fail.

Disadvantages

1. Low profile lowered height is not easily achievable

For additional information about the Herkules Belt Drive Electric Scissor Lift Table, please contact us at 800-444-4351 (info@herkules.us).

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Each of the three types of powered scissor lift tables can provide the best solution for various applications based on the given application data.

Our ball screw electric lift tables are great solutions for automation, longevity, and repeatability.  These lifts are also designed to provide zero load drift at any elevation. This makes them an ideal choice for robotic integration and applications where the operator will be working underneath the product.

Best Regards
Todd Bacon
CEO

The list below is a general overview of the unique benefits of this new ball screw electric scissor lift technology.

Benefits

Ball Screw Electric Scissor Lift Table

1. Precision controlled +/- .03 (.76 mm), can be increased with limit switch or photo sensing
2. Capability of high capacity lifting 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg) Plus
3. Integrates well with electrical controls
4. Integrates well with robotic applications
5. Electric scissor lifts are inherently safe
6. Duty cycle is high / highly reliable
7. System speed can vary from high speed at 5 inches/sec (127 mm/second) to low speed at .03 inches/second (.76 mm/second) 
8. System can be integrated to raise from floor up or from ceiling down
9. Encoders can be integrated into the motor controls
10. Has no fluid or gas that can leak and create environmental contamination
11. Clean and green technology
12. Zero load drift. It will hold full load indefinitely
13. Speed can be easily controlled with Variable Frequency Drives (VFD). This provides for smooth lift acceleration and deceleration
14. Compatible with alternating current AC or direct current DC motors
15. Compatible with multiple voltage from around the world
16. Low noise level decibel (dB) reading
17. Portability is easily achieved

Ball Screw Scissor Lift Tables Safety Features

1. Safety bellows skirting – Protects scissor pinch points
2. Controlled descent device – Provides a controlled descent that meets ANSI standards
3. Double nut system with limit switch control locks the lift in the event of a nut failure

Disadvantages

1. Maintenance time to replace parts such as ball screws or ball nuts can be time consuming
2. Ball screw must be structurally supported well in order to minimize the chance of side load, which can lead to premature wear.
3. Ball screws require lubrication, which in some clean room environments can be considered a contaminate.

For additional information about the Herkules, electrically powered ball screw scissor lift tables please contact us at 800-444-4351 (info@herkules.us).

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Featuring a high grade rotate bearing

One of the features of this lift is the high grade bearing which is placed under the between the lift and the floor. This bearing is designed to rotate with ease as a result of its 24,000lb thrust load rating. This is important, as the operator will not want to exert more than about 15lbs to 20lbs of break force to rotate the unit.

Located in the bearing, there is a rotary union which allows the lift and tilt and rotate table to rotate 360 degrees without any hoses wrapping up. As a result, you can rotate the equipment in one direction as many times as required.

Powering the lift and tilt and rotate table

The equipment is powered with air, hydraulics, or belt drives. Air powered lifts are ideal for applications where the lift only needs to lift up about 25” and tilt 45 degrees. Hydraulic and electric belt drive lifts are more economical when travel is greater than 25” and tilting is more than 45 degrees.

Herkules Equipment is ready to work with you on your material handling project. Simply click the request quote button above, and we will supply you with a detailed proposal immediately.

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The tilter places material at the optimum position by the following sequence of operation.

1. The forks of the forklift are placed under the rear of the platform.
2. The forks are lifted, thus tilting the bin forward.
3. The tilt is then mechanically locked in the tilted forward position.
4. The operator then loads or unloads the material.
5. The operator releases the lock with a hand lever and the tilt/bin moves back to the level “Home” position.
6. The bin is removed and the process repeats.

General Specifications

Weight capacity: 200 to 6,000lbs

Platform dimensions: up to 80” x 120”

Tilt forward lock: Yes

Foot Pedal lock: Yes – Optional

Tilt corner gussets: Yes

Floor anchors: Yes

Paint: Yellow, Red, Orange, or Blue

The tilter is designed per your bin size. We will want to know the width, the length, and the height of the container. It is also a good idea to inform us of the weight distribution inside of the container as it is being loaded and unloaded.

Benefits of Mechanical Tilt Tables

Mechanical Tilt Tables have the following 4 key benefits versus powered tilt tables.

1. Does not require air or electric power which may not be readily available where the unit has to be installed.
2. Air and electric power are expensive, especially when multiple units are used.
3. Mechanical tilt tables will last many years with minimal to zero maintenance required.
4. The mechanical tilt table can be moved easily through the plant without the need for electrical drops or air drops.

Herkules Equipment Corporation is ready to work with you on your material handling project. Simply click the request quote above, and we will supply you with a detailed proposal immediately.

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As a premium supplier of both custom and standard lift tables, we have worked with some of the brightest engineering teams involved with manufacturing processes. These engineers call upon Herkules to supply lift tables that are both on time and on budget for their critical applications. In addition to our timely deliveries, Herkules Equipment Corporation is also known for our quality and durability.

As a premium Michigan based lift table supplier, we know that our lifts must last many years under heavy production use to fulfill our customers’ exacting demands. That is why each of our lift systems undergoes cycling testing and performance testing before it ships out of our facility. It is our belief that our lifts, once installed and operating, are our biggest asset for repeat business.

Michigan Lift Table Manufacturer

Manufacturing lift tables in Walled Lake Michigan places Herkules in the center of major automotive plants and their technical centers. This allows us to perform onsite visits for lineup meetings, rapid response visits for any issues that might arise, and also highly recommended customer buy-offs and run-offs of our lifts.

If you are in the market for a lift system that will both outperform and exceed your needs, please contact us at 800-444-4351 as we are the premiere Michigan lift table manufacturer.

Our facility is located at 2760 Ridgeway Court, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390.

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Our new air scissor lift table would be structurally engineered to maximize the dynamic loading characteristics.  The use of high strength steel needed to be minimized from places where it was not needed in the blue zone and maximized at the locations where it was needed in the red zones.  I think of the final product as an engineered Formula-1 Race Car that is built for performance.

Our goal for the new air scissor lift table is to compete in the world market place based on a number of choice reasons including:

1. Price point competitiveness
2. CE approved
3. American National Standards Institute ANSI MH29.1
4. World class and USA quality standards

When it came time to freeze the design and start production we all knew we had met our goals.  The new A-series air scissor lift table was ready for production.  It had made it through the rigorous engineering reviews, years of cycle testing and finally the highest customer approval ratings. We had met or goals.

I believe this product will be in production for many years to come.  It is the foundation for air powered scissor lift tables around the world.  Our new patents protecting the design characteristics will help ensure our employees’ livelihood and years of hard work.

I encourage you to take a good look at this beautiful product and I know you will see the value added it can provide for a variety of industries including; warehouse & distribution, automotive, paper & printing, woodworking, metalworking, general industry, heavy industrial, machine building and testing laboratories.

Best Regards

Todd Bacon

CEO

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