Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile lifting column for lifting a vehicle, and system and method therefor. The lifting system according to the invention includes: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a displacement mechanism configured for positioning the lifting column; and a controller configured for controlling movement of the carrier, wherein the displacement mechanism has a displacement frame including a housing, a wheel that can be moved relative to this frame between a displacement and a stationary position, a counter force element, and a steering handle that is operatively coupled to the wheel with a linkage mechanism that is configured for moving the wheel relative to this frame.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and devices for storing and transporting articles with a multi-shelf storage unit. A system for article handling includes a multi-shelf storage unit and a robotic unit. The multi-shelf storage unit includes a plurality of shelves disposed on a frame, the plurality of shelves including at least one vertically moveable shelf configured to move in first and second vertical directions relative to the frame, and a lift mechanism configured to automatically drive, in response to receiving a drive input, the at least one vertically moveable shelf in the first or second vertical direction. The robotic unit includes an end effector disposed on a robotic manipulator for engaging an article and a lift mechanism actuator that is connectable to the lift mechanism and configured to provide the drive input to actuate the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A truck dumper including a material receiving hopper, a tilt table configured to dump a load from the truck or truck trailer into the material receiving hopper. The invention includes a stilling shed positioned above the material receiving hopper and at least one curtain baffle suspended below the roof of the stilling shed. The curtain baffles are positioned such that there is a gap located near the roof and an upper margin of the at least one curtain baffle through which air can flow. The invention further includes an air exhaust structure configured to exhaust dust laden air from the interior of the stilling shed.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system includes a container having an outlet formed at a bottom thereof, a gate affixed at the outlet and positioned on the floor of the container so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, a support structure having the container positioned on the top surface thereof. The support structure has at least one actuator affixed thereto. The actuator is positioned so as to move the gate between the first position and the second position. The container has a cage affixed on the floor thereof in a position over the outlet. The gate is positioned within the cage and is movable by the actuator so as to open the gate so as to allow proppant to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A low temperature storage system, a transport mechanism, and a low temperature storage vessel are provided, which enable downsizing and simplification of the transport mechanism, as well as stable transport of stored objects. A low temperature storage system (1) includes a low temperature storage vessel (10) and a transport mechanism (20). The transport mechanism (20) includes a reciprocating part (30) that has a holding part (35) and that is capable of reciprocating along a transfer direction, and guide unit (40). The guide unit (40) include an in-vessel guide (50) fixedly placed inside the low temperature storage vessel (10), and a telescopic guide (60) configured to be able to extend and contract along the transfer direction. The telescopic guide (60) is provided independently of the in-vessel guide (50) so as to be connectable to the in-vessel guide (50).

Abstract: A vehicle with a cargo bed comprises an adapter element arranged in a movable manner along the cargo bed. A support element for at least one functional element is detachably fixed on the adapter element. A guide system for the adapter element comprises at least two parallel guide rails. The adapter element comprises at least two guide elements which engage in the guide rails. At least one guide rail comprises a retaining bead laterally projecting into a guide groove of the guide rail. At least one guide element fixed to the adapter element engages behind the retaining bead, such that a lifting of the adapter element is prevented by the guide rail. The adapter element comprises at least one braking device, which can be brought into operative connection with the cargo bed in order to prevent a displacement of the adapter element on the cargo bed.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for handling bulk material in a manner that reduces dust, noise, and emissions are provided. The presently disclosed techniques use portable containers to transfer bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender inlet. The containers may be carried to the location on the transportation unit, where a hoisting mechanism is used to remove the container from the transportation unit and place it in a desired location. When bulk material is needed at the blender inlet, the hoisting mechanism may position the container of bulk material onto an elevated support structure. Once on the support structure, the container may be opened to release bulk material to a gravity feed outlet, which routes the bulk material from the container directly into the blender inlet. The disclosed containerized bulk material transfer system and method allows for reduced dust, noise, and emissions on location.

Abstract: A can opening system and method for removing the contents of a plurality of cans. The can opening system includes a housing adapted to receive a can and shield an operator from equipment within the housing, a top clamping assembly within the housing adapted to clamp onto a top edge of the can, a bottom clamping assembly within the housing configured to clamp against a lower side of the can, a punch cutter above the top and bottom clamping assemblies for extracting and retaining a lid of the can, and a punch tip within the housing adapted to puncture a bottom of the can and dispense the remaining contents of the can. The can opening system is adapted to remove up to about 90% of contents of a can for materials having a viscosity up to about 250,000 Centipoise.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, in which a single pack blade is pivotally connected to a multi-section sweep blade. Only a single pack blade is needed to move all the sections of the sweep blade toward the compartments. As the type of refuse in each compartment is different and must be offloaded separately, especially in a three-compartment system, two anti-spill plates are provided for selective blocking of the lower portion of the outer two compartments. Seal plates can also be provided for selective blocking of the upper portion of the outer two compartments, whereby an anti-spill plate and paired seal plate confront and close the opening of the associated refuse compartment when the compaction unit is pivoted to the ejection position.

Abstract: A system for unloading a grain storage tank of a combine harvester includes a conduit that is sized to extend into an interior region of the grain storage tank. The conduit defines an interior space that is sized to receive an auger that is configured to remove the grain from the grain storage tank. The conduit further defines an opening for receiving grain from the interior region of the grain storage tank. A panel is positioned adjacent the opening in the conduit. The panel is movable between a first position in which the panel at least partially conceals the opening to meter the entrance of grain through the opening, and a second position in which the panel does not conceal the opening to freely permit the entrance of grain through the opening and into the conduit.

Abstract: A low profile transport device includes a frame having a top surface and a recess disposed along the top surface to hold and transport an object. The low profile transport device also includes a plurality of wheels disposed below the frame that support the frame, and a plurality of pivotable wheel struts coupled to the wheels. The wheel struts are each individually adjustable relative to the frame from a first position relative to the frame to a second position relative to the frame to allow the low profile transport device to climb an obstacle without tilting the frame. The low profile transport device also includes a motor that generates movement of the wheels.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints with a barrier having rotational and translational motion are described. An example vehicle restraint includes a carriage frame movable vertically relative to the dock. A drive shaft is supported by the carriage frame. A drive unit is to rotate the drive shaft about a shaft axis and relative to the carriage frame. A hub is connected to rotate with the drive shaft about the shaft axis, the hub having an outer diameter surface that is radially off center relative to the shaft axis. A barrier defines a bore that encircles the outer diameter surface of the hub. The barrier is movable selectively to an extended position and a retracted position. The barrier being connected to move selectively to the extended position and the retracted position in response to relative rotation between the outer diameter surface of the hub and the bore of the barrier.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor for moving four-wheel vehicles. The conveyor includes a chassis having stowable extensions movable between a position in which the extensions make it possible to move the chassis under the vehicle and a position in which the extensions make contact with the treads of the wheels. The chassis is telescopic and includes two segments that each have a pair of arms. At least one of the arm pairs is hinged so as to enable movement between a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis with an extension at least equal to the track width of the vehicle and a folded-up position that is to occupy a width less than the distance between the inner flanks of the wheels of the vehicle. The segments are movable between a position where the arms are not in contact with the wheels and a position where each arm makes contact with the tread of one of the wheels so as to raise or lower the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) having a vehicle body (2) and a loading arrangement (5), which comprises a first loading platform (6) and a lifting unit (7) having a guide system (8) and an actuating mechanism (9). The first loading platform (6) is liftable and lowerable by means of the actuating mechanism (9). The loading arrangement (5) comprises a bearing unit (14), which defines a pivot axis (16), as well as a pivoting unit (15). The bearing unit (14) is disposed on the guide system (8). The first loading platform (6) is mounted on the bearing unit (14) in a manner pivotable about its pivot axis (16) and is in driving communication with the pivoting unit (15). By means of the pivoting unit (15), the first loading platform (6), in its relative position with respect to the guide system (8), is adjustable around the pivot axis (16) of the bearing unit (14).

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment front end module (EFEM) configured to perform wafer transfer between process equipment and a wafer storage device that stores wafers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an equipment front end module (EFEM), which enables gases supplied into the wafer transfer chamber to efficiently flow to maintain cleanness in the wafer transfer chamber at a high level, thus preventing contamination in the wafer transfer chamber.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a process module in which a substrate is processed, a first substrate storing container, a second substrate storing container, and a transferring module that conveys the substrate between locations connected by the transferring module, wherein the process module, the first substrate storing container, and the second substrate storing container are connected by the transferring module, the method including the successive steps of, conveying an unprocessed substrate stored in the first substrate storing container to the second substrate container, conveying the unprocessed substrate stored in the second substrate storing container to the process module to process the unprocessed substrate, conveying the processed substrate processed in the process module to the first substrate storing container, and introducing inactive gas into the first substrate storing container.