Patent ID: 7707955

Claim:
A lifting apparatus comprising: a base; a lift arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally attached to the base for a rotation of the lift arm about a lift arm proximal pivot axis, wherein the lift arm distal end is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position; a crank arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally attached to the base for rotation of the crank arm about a crank arm proximal pivot axis; a connector arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally attached to the lift arm for rotation about a connector arm proximal pivot axis, and the distal end pivotally attached to the distal end of the crank arm for rotation about a common connector arm to crank arm distal pivot axis; and an actuator operable with at least one of the crank arm and the connector arm for rotational movement thereof, wherein the actuator comprises a housing and a rod extendable into and out of the housing through at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuation of the rod, and wherein a housing and rod combination is pivotally connected between the base and at least one of the crank arm and the connector arm.