Equipment mover and attachment

The remote-controlled equipment mover with a clamping attachment addresses the challenge of safely and efficiently moving heavy biopharmaceutical equipment by providing vertical and rotational movement, ensuring safe handling and adaptability to different equipment sizes.

WO2025244762A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27AMGEN INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/025081
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-23
Filing Date
2025-04-17
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Moving heavy equipment, such as biopharmaceutical equipment, is challenging due to its weight and the need for manual handling, which can lead to damage and operational inefficiencies.

Method used

A remote-controlled equipment mover with a clamping attachment that includes a linkage actuator, clamp actuator, and a controller, allowing for vertical and rotational movement of the clamping arm to securely grasp and maneuver equipment, facilitated by a compact design with a reduced footprint.

Benefits of technology

Enables safe and efficient movement of heavy equipment without manual handling, reducing the risk of damage and improving maneuverability around obstacles, while being adaptable to various equipment sizes and shapes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An equipment mover includes a base and an attachment. The base has a transport mechanism, a base platform connected to the transport mechanism, and a mount extending from the base platform. The attachment has an attachment platform, a linkage, a linkage actuator, a clamping arm, a clamp actuator, one or more power sources, and a controller. The attachment platform is rotatably secured to the mount of the base to allow relative rotation between the attachment platform and the base platform. The linkage is connected to the attachment platform at a proximal end and further includes a distal end. The linkage actuator includes a linkage motor operably connected to the linkage to move the distal end of the linkage vertically. A clamping arm is connected to the distal end of the linkage and includes a clamp.
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Description

EQUIPMENT MOVER AND ATTACHMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Priority is claimed to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651,073, filed May 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for moving heavy equipment and, specifically, to a remote-controlled equipment mover with a clamping attachment.BACKGROUND

[0003] Portable process equipment, such as that used in the biopharmaceutical industry, can weigh between 200 and 10,000 pounds. Typically, the equipment is mounted on casters and is pushed or pulled by trained operators.SUMMARY

[0004] In an example, an equipment mover attachment includes an attachment platform. A linkage is connected to the attachment platform at a proximal end and further includes a distal end. A linkage actuator includes a linkage motor, and the linkage actuator is operably connected to the linkage to move the distal end of the linkage vertically. A clamping arm is connected to the distal end of the linkage and includes a clamp having a first side and a second side. A clamp actuator includes a clamp motor operably connected to the clamp to cause relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp. One or more power sources is in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator. A controller is operably connected to the one or more power sources, the linkage actuator, and the clamp actuator.

[0005] In an approach, the linkage may include a stationary link, a primary stationary pivot plate secured to the stationary link, a lower mobile link pivotably connected to the stationary pivot plate, an upper mobile link pivotably connected to the stationary pivot plate, and a primary mobile pivot plate pivotably connected to the lower mobile link, pivotably connected to the upper mobile link, and secured to the clamping arm.

[0006] In an approach, the linkage may include a secondary stationary pivot plate secured to the stationary link and pivotably connected to the lower mobile link and the upper mobile link, and a secondary mobile pivot plate pivotably connected to the lower mobile link, pivotably connected to the upper mobile link, and secured to the clamping arm.

[0007] In an approach, the primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate may be secured to the stationary link by one or more fasteners. The primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate may both be connected to the upper mobile link by an upper stationary pivot. The primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate may both be connected to the lower mobile link by a lower stationary pivot.

[0008] In an approach, the primary mobile pivot plate and the secondary mobile pivot plate may both be connected to the upper mobile link by an upper mobile pivot, and the primary mobile pivot plate and the secondary mobile pivot plate may both be connected to the lower mobile link by a lower mobile pivot.

[0009] In an approach, the linkage actuator may be pivotably connected to the stationary arm and pivotably connected to the mobile link.

[0010] In an approach, the clamp may include a clamp slide. The first side of the clamp may be stationary, and the second side of the clamp may be slidable along the clamp slide toward the first side.

[0011] In an approach, the clamp slide may be positioned below the first side and the second side such that the clamp is configured to grasp equipment from below the equipment.

[0012] In an approach, the distal end of the linkage may be movable vertically a distance between 2 and 12 inches by the linkage actuator.

[0013] In an approach, the equipment mover attachment may further include a remote control. The remote control may be in communication with the controller.

[0014] In an approach, the controller may include a non-transitory memory and one or more processors. The non-transitory memory may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to activate the linkage actuator to move the distal end of the actuator vertically.

[0015] In an approach, the controller may include a non-transitory memory and one or more processors. The non-transitory memory may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to activate the clamp actuator to open or close the clamp.

[0016] In an approach, the one or more power sources may be a single power source in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator.

[0017] In an example, an equipment mover includes a base and an attachment. The base has a transport mechanism, a base platform connected to the transport mechanism, and a mount extending from the base platform. The attachment includes an attachment platform rotatably secured to the mount of the base to allow relative rotation between the attachment platform and the base platform. A linkage is connected to the attachment platform at a proximal end and further includes a distal end. A linkage actuator includes a linkage motor operably connected to the linkage to move the distal end of the linkage vertically. A clamping arm is connected to the distal end of the linkage and includes a clamp having a first side and a second side. A clamp actuator includes a clamp motor operably connected to the clamp to cause relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp. One or more power sources are in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator. A controller is operably connected to the one or more power sources, the linkage actuator, and the clamp actuator.

[0018] In an approach, the equipment mover may have an outer footprint having a maximum width and a maximum length. The maximum width may be less than 21 inches and the maximum length may be less than 46 inches.

[0019] In an approach, the mount of the base may include bearings configured such that the mount can rotate 360 degrees.

[0020] In an approach, the controller may be operably connected to the base. The controller may include a non-transitory memory and one or more processors. The non-transitory memory may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to cause the transport mechanism to move.

[0021] In an approach, the controller may further operably connect to the base. The controller may include a non-transitory memory and one or more processors. The non-transitory memorymay store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause relative rotation between the attachment platform and the base platform.

[0022] In an approach, the equipment mover may include a remote control. The remote control may be in communication with the controller.

[0023] In an approach, the equipment mover may further include a user input device physically connected to the controller. The user input device may be configured to receive inputs relating to vertical movement of the distal end of the linkage and relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of one, more than one, or any combination of the approaches described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an equipment mover in accordance with various examples.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the equipment mover of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the equipment mover of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the equipment mover of FIGS. 1-3.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a controller of the equipment mover of FIGS. 1-4.

[0030] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples. Also, common but well- understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible examples are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions bypersons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The equipment mover described below allows an operator to move process equipment safely without damaging the equipment or working environment. Unlike prior methods, an operator does not have to manipulate the equipment mover by hand and can instead stand a safe distance from the equipment mover while equipment is being moved. Further, because the equipment mover does not need, for example, a handle to allow manual operation by a user, the size of the equipment mover can be greatly reduced. The smaller footprint of the equipment mover makes moving equipment around obstacles in the working environment easier. In some implementations, the equipment mover may be implemented by having an attachment connected to a base. The attachment may be configured to grasp specific equipment, such as biopharmaceutical equipment. The base may be a generic mover that can be used alone or with other attachments. The modular configuration of the equipment mover allows the equipment mover to be used for multiple purposes.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an equipment mover 100 includes a base 102 and an attachment 104. The base 102 is a generic mover and may be implemented with a different type of mover known in the art. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 includes a transport mechanism 106. In the arrangement shown, the transport mechanism 106 is tracks and rotation of the tracks causes the base 102 to move. In other arrangements, the transport mechanism 106 may be wheels instead of tracks. The transport mechanism 106 may be any device, component, or arrangement that allows movement of the base 102 by, for example, rolling or gliding along a surface. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 102 further includes a base platform 108 that is connected to the transport mechanism 106. In the arrangement shown, the base platform 108 is positioned between two transport mechanisms 106. In other arrangements, the base platform 108 may be located above the transport mechanism 106. As shown in FIG. 4, a mount 110 extends from the base platform 108.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment 104 includes an attachment platform 112 rotatably secured to the mount 110 of the base 102 to allow relative rotation between the attachment platform 112 and the base platform 108. This allows the base 102 to rotate while theattachment 104 is stationary, or conversely, the attachment 104 to rotate while the base 102 is stationary. This facilitates turning of the equipment mover 100 and equipment held by the equipment mover 100. As best shown in FIG. 4, the mount 110 includes bearings 114 that are configured such that the mount 110 can rotate up to 360 degrees. In some implementations, the equipment mover 100 can include a locking pin 107 (as seen, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) removably disposable through an aperture 109 in the attachment platform 112 and into a receiving bore 111 in the base platform 108 (shown with dashed lines in FIG. 2). When installed, the locking pin 107 locks the attachment platform 112 and base platform 108 from rotating relative to each other. This can be useful when moving the equipment mover 100 without carrying a load. Prior to accepting and / or moving a load, however, the locking pin 107 can be removed. The locking pin 107 could be a threaded fastener, an unthreaded pin, or any other mechanical implement capable of locking the attachment platform 112 and base platform 108 from rotating relative to each other.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the attachment 104 further includes a linkage 116, a linkage actuator 118, a clamping arm 120, a clamp actuator 122, a power source 124, and a controller 126. As shown in FIG. 2, the linkage 116 is connected to the attachment platform 112 at a proximal end 128. The linkage 116 has a distal end 129 that is connected to the clamping arm 120. The linkage actuator 118 includes a motor 130 operably connected to the linkage 116 to move the distal end 129, and thereby the clamping arm 120, vertically. Specifically, rotation of the motor 130 causes a linear arm 119 to move linearly (by, for example, a telescoping action). During actuation, movement of the linear arm 119 in turn causes movement of the linkage 116. Because the equipment mover 100 allows rotation via the mount 110 and can move the clamping arm 120 vertically via the linkage 116, the equipment mover 100 is able to move equipment in all three dimensions to ensure that the equipment can be maneuvered to a desired location.

[0035] In the arrangement shown, as best illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 4, the clamping aim 120 includes a clamp 132 having a first side 134 and a second side 136. The clamp actuator 122 includes a clamp motor 138 operably connected to the clamp 132. The clamp actuator 122 allows relative movement between the first side 134 and the second side 136 of the clamp 132 to open and close the clamp 132, which enables the clamp 132 to grasp equipment of all sizes. This adjustability is a benefit over fixed clamps that are not adjustable and rely on a friction fit with aparticular type of equipment. Because the clamp 132 is adjustable, the attachment 104 can be used with many different types of equipment. The clamp 132 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 includes a clamp slide 140 positioned between the first side 134 and the second side 136. The first side 134 is stationary and the second side 136 is slidable along the clamp slide 140 toward and away from the first side 134 to adjust the size of the clamp 132. Specifically, the clamp slide 140 includes a screw 133, such as an ACME-type thread screw, that is rotated by the clamp motor 138. The clamp motor 138 may, for example, be a 24V DC motor. The first side 134 is configured to move with the screw 133, while the second side 136 is stationary relative to the screw 133. The clamp motor is connected to a In other arrangements, both the first side 134 and the second side 136 of the clamp 132 may be movable along the clamp slide 140. Alternately, the clamp 132 may have an entirely different structure. For example, the clamp 132 may have a hinged arrangement between the first side 134 and the second side 136. As best shown in FIG. 2, the clamp 132 is configured to be positioned below equipment when grasping the equipment. To this end, the clamp slide 140 and a bottom plate 141 are positioned below the first side 134 and the second side 136. The bottom plate 141 is L-shaped including generally horizontal and vertical portions, the vertical portion of which is secured to the clamping arm 120. In this arrangement, the force of gravity on equipment picked up by the clamp 132 largely acts on the bottom plate 141 as opposed to the first side 134 or the second side 136, thereby reducing the amount of clamping force necessary to secure equipment in the clamp 132.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the linkage 116 includes a stationary link 142 and a primary stationary pivot plate 144 secured to the stationary link 142. In the arrangement shown, the stationary link 142 and the primary stationary pivot plate 144 are separate but connected with fasteners such as bolts, welds, or any other suitable means. In other arrangements, the stationary link 142 and the primary stationary pivot plate 144 may be a single integrated component. A lower mobile link 146 and an upper mobile link 148 are each pivotably connected to the stationary pivot plate 144. A primary mobile pivot plate 150 is pivotably connected to both the lower mobile link 146 and the upper mobile link 148. The primary mobile pivot plate 150 is fixedly secured to the clamping arm 120. In the arrangement shown, the primary mobile pivot plate 150 and the clamping arm 120 are separate but connected with fasteners such as bolts, welds, or any other suitable means. In other arrangements, the primary mobile pivot plate 150 and the clamping arm 120 may be a single integrated component. In the arrangement shown, theprimary mobile pivot plate 150 defines the distal end 129 of the linkage 116. In some versions, the distal end 129 of the linkage is movable vertically a distance between about 2 inches and about 12 inches by the linkage actuator 118.

[0037] While the linkage 116 could be implemented with just a primary stationary pivot plate 144 and a primary mobile pivot plate 150, as shown in FIG. 4, the linkage 116 includes a secondary stationary pivot plate 152 and a secondary mobile pivot plate 154. The secondary stationary pivot plate 150 is secured to the stationary link 142 and is pivotably connected to the lower mobile link 146 and the upper mobile link 148. The secondary mobile pivot plate 154 is pivotably connected to the lower mobile link 146 and the upper mobile link 148 and is secured to the clamping arm 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the primary stationary pivot plate 144 and the secondary stationary pivot plate 152 are secured to the stationary link 142 by one or more fasteners 156. The primary stationary pivot plate 144 and the second stationary pivot plate 152 are connected to the upper mobile link 148 by an upper stationary pivot 158 and to the lower mobile link 146 by a lower pivot 160. The primary mobile pivot plate 150 and the secondary mobile pivot plate 154 are both connected to the upper mobile 148 link by an upper mobile pivot 162 and to the lower mobile link 146 by a lower mobile pivot 164.

[0038] As depicted with broken lines in FIG. 1, the equipment mover 100 has an outer footprint 166 defined by the outermost perimeter of the equipment mover 100 in any of the horizontal planes that the equipment mover 100 occupies. The outer footprint 166 has a maximum width W (shown in FIG. 3) and a maximum length L (shown in FIG. 2). Minimizing the outer footprint 166 facilitates moving equipment without undue obstruction by the working environment. In some arrangements, the equipment mover has an outer footprint 166 having a maximum width W that is less than 21 inches and a maximum length L that is less than 46 inches.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the equipment mover 100 has the controller 126 and the power source 124 positioned above the attachment platform 112 against the stationary link 142. The relative locations of the controller 126, power source 124, and stationary link 142 may be adjusted to offset the load at clamp 132 when equipment is picked up and to ensure that the load at clamp 132 is transferred through the linkage to the base 102 so that the equipment mover 100 does not tip. The power source 124 is in communication with the linkage actuator 118 and theclamp actuator 122 to provide electrical power. The power source 124 may be, for example, a battery. The power source 124 may be rechargeable and / or directly connected to an electrical source. A single power source 124 may be used to power the base 102 and the attachment 104. A single power source 124 may power both the linkage actuator 118 and the clamp actuator 122. Alternately, different power sources 124 may be used for the base 102, the attachment 104, and / or any powered components of the equipment mover 100 (such as the linkage actuator 118 and the clamp actuator 122).

[0040] The controller 126 is operably connected to the power source 124 to receive electrical power, and the controller 126 is further operably connected to the linkage actuator 118 and the clamp actuator 122 to control the linkage actuator 118 and the clamp actuator 122. Further details regarding the controller 126 are provided with respect to FIG. 5 below. The same controller 126 may be used for the base 102 and the attachment 104, or the base 102 and the attachment 104 may have different controllers 126. A user input device 168 may be physically connected to the controller 126. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the user input device 168 includes buttons 170a and 170b for turning on and off the linkage actuator 118 and the clamp actuator 122, respectively. In other arrangements, user input devices 170 may be provided that allow additional user input beyond on and off. The user input device 168 is configured to receive inputs relating to vertical movement of the distal end 129 of the linkage 116 and relative movement between the first side 134 and the second side 136 of the clamp 132. The equipment mover 100 may further have a remote control 172 (shown in FIG. 3) that is in communication with the controller 126 via, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared (IR), and / or radio frequency (RF). The remote control 172 allows a user to control the base 102 and / or attachment 104 from a distance via a controller 126.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically the controller 126 of the equipment mover 100. A single controller 126 is depicted as being in communication with the attachment 104 and the base 102. While the controller 126 is depicted outside the base 102 and the attachment 104, the controller 126 is positioned in either the base 102 or the attachment 104. In the arrangement shown, a single controller 126 controls both the base 102 and the attachment 104. However, in other arrangements, the equipment mover 100 may include two controllers 126, one in communication with the base 102 and one in communication with the attachment 104.

[0042] The controller 126 is configured to execute the functions of the disclosed arrangements in order to control operation of the equipment mover 100. The controller 126 may be operatively connected to a database 200 via a link 202 connected to an input / output (I / O) circuit 204. It should be noted that, while not shown, additional databases may be linked to the controller 126 in a known manner. The controller 126 includes a program memory 206, one or more processors 208 (may be called microcontrollers or a microprocessors), a random-access memory (RAM) 210, and the input / output (I / O) circuit 204, all of which are interconnected via an address / data bus 212. It should be appreciated that although only one processor 208 is shown, the controller 126 may include multiple microprocessors 208. Similarly, the controller 126 may include multiple RAMs 210 and multiple program memories 206. Although the I / O circuit 204 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I / O circuit 204 may include a number of different types of I / O circuits. The RAM(s) 210 and the program memories 206 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and / or optically readable memories, for example.

[0043] A link 214, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) connections, may operatively connect the controller 126 to the input device 168 through the I / O circuit 204. A link 216, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) connections, may operatively connect the controller 126 to the linkage actuator 118 through the I / O circuit 104. A link 218, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) connections, may operatively connect the controller 126 to the clamp actuator 122 through the I / O circuit 104. A link 220, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) connections, may operatively connect the controller 126 to the transport mechanism 106 through the I / O circuit 104, and the transport mechanisml06 may include a transport mechanism actuator 174 to cause movement of the transport mechanism 106. A link 222, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, Wi-Fi, etc.) connections, may operatively connect the controller 126 to the mount 110 through the TO circuit 104, and the mount 110 may include a mount actuator 176 to cause movement of the mount 110. Further, the controller 126 may include control wireless communication module 224 connected to the I / O circuit, and the control wireless communication module 224 may be in communicationwith remote 172 directly or via a network 226. Other links, such as a link to a power source (such as power source 124), arc contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] The program memory 206 and / or the RAM 210 may store various applications (i.e., machine readable instructions) for execution by the processor 208. The program memory 206and / or the RAM 210 may also store a variety of subroutines 228 for accessing specific functions of the controller 126. For example, subroutines 228 may include:• A subroutine for activating the linkage actuator 118 to move the distal end 129 of the linkage 116 vertically;• A subroutine for activating the clamp actuator 122 to open or close the clamp 132;• A subroutine for causing the transport mechanism 106 to move via, for example, the transport mechanism actuator 174; and• A subroutine for causing relative rotation between the attachment platform 112 and the base platform 108 via, for example, the mount actuator 176.Other subroutines 228 necessary for any of the functionality of the equipment mover 100, as described above, may be stored in the program memory 206 and / or the RAM 210.

[0045] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures a e to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations .

[0046] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as acritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0047] Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises ...a,” “has ...a”, “includes ...a”, “contains ...a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0048] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0049] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. An equipment mover attachment comprising: an attachment platform; a linkage connected to the attachment platform at a proximal end and further including a distal end; a linkage actuator including a linkage motor, the linkage actuator operably connected to the linkage to move the distal end of the linkage vertically; a clamping arm connected to the distal end of the linkage and including a clamp having a first side and a second side; a clamp actuator including a clamp motor operably connected to the clamp to cause relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp; one or more power sources in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator; and a controller operably connected to the one or more power sources, the linkage actuator, and the clamp actuator.

2. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1, the linkage including a stationary link, a primary stationary pivot plate secured to the stationary link, a lower mobile link pivotably connected to the stationary pivot plate, an upper mobile link pivotably connected to the stationary pivot plate, and a primary mobile pivot plate pivotably connected to the lower mobile link, pivotably connected to the upper mobile link, and secured to the clamping arm.

3. The equipment mover attachment of claim 2, the linkage further includinga secondary stationary pivot plate secured to the stationary link and pivotably connected to the lower mobile link and the upper mobile link, and a secondary mobile pivot plate pivotably connected to the lower mobile link, pivotably connected to the upper mobile link, and secured to the clamping arm.

4. The equipment mover attachment of claim 3, the primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate secured to the stationary link by one or more fasteners, the primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate both connected to the upper mobile link by an upper stationary pivot, and the primary stationary pivot plate and the secondary stationary pivot plate both connected to the lower mobile link by a lower stationary pivot.

5. The equipment mover attachment of claim 3, the primary mobile pivot plate and the secondary mobile pivot plate both connected to the upper mobile link by an upper mobile pivot, and the primary mobile pivot plate and the secondary mobile pivot plate both connected to the lower mobile link by a lower mobile pivot.

6. The equipment mover attachment of claim 2, the linkage actuator pivotably connected to the stationary arm and pivotably connected to the mobile link.

7. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1, the clamp including a clamp slide, wherein the first side of the clamp is stationary and the second side of the clamp is slidable along the clamp slide toward the first side.

8. The equipment mover attachment of claim 7, the clamp slide positioned below the first side and the second side such that the clamp is configured to grasp equipment from below the equipment.

9. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the linkage is movable vertically a distance between 2 and 12 inches by the linkage actuator.

10. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1 further comprising a remote control, the remote control in communication with the controller.

11. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1 , the controller including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to activate the linkage actuator to move the distal end of the linkage vertically.

12. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1, the controller including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to activate the clamp actuator to open or close the clamp.

13. The equipment mover attachment of claim 1, the one or more power sources being a single power source in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator.

14. An equipment mover comprising: a base including: transport mechanism, a base platform connected to the transport mechanism, and a mount extending from the base platform; an attachment including: an attachment platform rotatably secured to the mount of the base to allow relative rotation between the attachment platform and the base platform,a linkage connected to the attachment platform at a proximal end and further including a distal end, a linkage actuator including a linkage motor operably connected to the linkage to move the distal end of the linkage vertically, a clamping arm connected to the distal end of the linkage and including a clamp having a first side and a second side, a clamp actuator including a clamp motor operably connected to the clamp to cause relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp, one or more power sources in electrical communication with the linkage actuator and the clamp actuator, and a controller operably connected to the one or more power sources, the linkage actuator, and the clamp actuator.

15. The equipment mover of claim 14, the equipment mover having an outer footprint having a maximum width and a maximum length, the maximum width being less than 21 inches and the maximum length being less than 46 inches.

16. The equipment mover of claim 14, the mount of the base comprising bearings configured such that the mount can rotate 360 degrees.

17. The equipment mover of claim 14, the controller further operably connected to the base, the controller including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to cause the transport mechanism to move.

18. The equipment mover of claim 14, the controller further operably connected to the base, the controller including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause relative rotation between the attachment platform and the base platform.

19. The equipment mover of claim 14 further comprising a remote control, the remote control in communication with the controller.

20. The equipment mover of claim 1 , the equipment mover further comprising a user input device physically connected to the controller, the user input device configured to receive inputs relating to vertical movement of the distal end of the linkage and relative movement between the first side and the second side of the clamp.

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