Abstract: A system includes a crate and a deployer. The crate is configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods; the crate has a length, width and height. The deployer includes a bed frame upper surface, a crate support frame, a tilt mechanism and a scope mechanism. The crate support frame includes an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate. The tilt mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface. The scope mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent. A method of deploying a plurality of rods to a selected location is also described.

Abstract: A system for lifting loads from a mobile offshore platform includes a boom pivotally at one longitudinal end mounted to the platform. A boom extension line is coupled at one end to the boom to cause rotational movement thereof about the pivotally mounted end of the boom. Another end of the boom extension line is either (i) coupled to a movable subplatform on the platform or (ii) supported by a device coupled to the movable subplatform. Movement of the subplatform causes change in effective length of the boom extension line so as to move the boom between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A tower closing apparatus is provided that is configured to simplify the closing of a multi-piece, hinged hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower closing apparatus utilizes a collection of static and continuously moving components (e.g., motor driven drive rollers, alignment rollers, tower body alignment rollers, face plate manipulation rollers, face closing rollers, etc.) to close a hydroponic tower as it passes through the apparatus. In particular, as the tower is driven through the closing apparatus, a series of face plate manipulation rollers gradually rotate the face plate(s) relative to the tower body, moving the face plate(s) from a fully open position to a partially closed position. Next a series of face closing rollers continue to rotate the face plate(s) from the partially closed position to the fully closed position, forcing the fasteners to latch the face plate(s) into position.

Abstract: The swing away tailgate barbeque cooking system allows for a cooking apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle or RV. The unit can swing away from the vehicle on a plane up to approximately 180 degrees. The cooking apparatus can be pivoted into a position that is favorable for cooking. Adjustable leg(s) can be utilized which enable the unit to be much heavier than other swing away units. The adjustable legs also allow the unit to be in a level orientation when on uneven ground. The unit can be disconnected and rolled away from the carry vehicle. The swing away tailgate barbeque cooking system has the dual functionality to be an everyday home cooking device and a mobile cooking unit for camping or tailgating.

Abstract: An attachment system includes a connector that is removably securable to a vehicle body or a mounting bracket that is securable to a vehicle body. The connector includes a housing and a connecting pin extending from a surface of the housing. The connecting pin is receivable in the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in a first position, and the connecting pin is moveable to a second position such that a portion of the mounting bracket or vehicle body is located intermediate a portion of the connecting pin and the housing. The connector further includes a locking pin moveable from a locking position to a release position. The locking pin is engaged with the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in the locking position, thereby inhibiting movement of the connecting pin from the second position. The locking pin is disengaged from the mounting bracket or the vehicle body when in the release position, thereby allowing removal of the connecting pin from the vehicle body or the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method of handling a wind turbine component (54) for assembly or maintenance, comprises coupling one or more unmanned air vehicles (20) with the wind turbine component (54) so that at least a portion of the weight of the wind turbine component (54) can be supported and lifted by the one or more unmanned air vehicles (20). The method further comprises coupling one or more cranes (50) with the wind turbine component (54) so that at least a portion of the weight of the wind turbine component (54) can be supported and lifted by the one or more cranes (50). The method further comprises controlling the one or more unmanned air vehicle (20) and crane (50) in coordination to lift the wind turbine component (54) and manoeuvre said component (54) with respect to a wind turbine (52).

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspendable scale for weighing a bundle, comprising: a first part for suspending the scale from a structure; a second part for suspending an implement from the scale; a third part joining the first part and second part, the first part, second part, third part being at least partly radially nesting relative to one another; at least two strain gauges connected to the third part; a wireless transmitter for sending the measurement data to an operator; a self-powered power supply for feeding an electric current to the strain gauges and the wireless transmitter; a first space formed in the scale to integrate the wireless transmitter inside the scale; and a second space to integrate the power supply inside the scale. The invention also relates to an arrangement for hoisting a bundle.

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system configured to position individual pieces of mail in one of a plurality of nested postal totes, including a denesting assembly configured to squeeze an upper portion of a postal tote of a plurality of nested postal totes to ease in separation of the postal tote from the plurality of nested postal totes, a traverse assembly configured to enable lifting of the postal tote from the plurality of nested postal totes and to transport the postal tote along a lateral distance, and a stacker assembly configured to receive the postal tote from the traverse assembly and to transport the postal tote past a feeder assembly for the positioning of individual pieces of mail within the postal tote.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system includes a cargo conveyor system, which has a plurality of rollers and a cargo restraint. The cargo restraint includes an inner pawl rotatably attached to the cargo conveyor system and an outer pawl rotatably attached to the cargo conveyor system. A lever is rotatably attached to the cargo loading system. A mechanical linkage connects the lever to the outer pawl and to the inner pawl, the outer pawl and the inner pawl being controlled by movement of the lever through the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A lift dolly assembly includes a lift dolly having a base plate, a handle, and a frame. The dolly includes one or more wheels to permit the frame and the base plate to carry an object or load by tilting the dolly backwards. The assembly also includes a track, a lift mechanism, and a lift plate. These components are configured to work in communication with the dolly to support and allow the elevating and orienting of an object or load. In general operation, an object is located on a base plate 105 and is secured to a lift plate. The object may then be selectively lifted and oriented to a non-vertical orientation to allow the base of the object to extend fully outward beyond the base plate.

Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement that includes multiple container receiving spaces; a loading space located below the container receiving spaces; and a frame arrangement arranged between the container receiving spaces and the loading space.

Abstract: An apparatus that forms bundles of glass articles includes a glass article infeed station including an infeed conveyor that continuously transports individual glass articles to a layer separating conveyor. The layer separating conveyor includes a conveyor belt that forms a layer of side-by-side glass articles. A robotic lift assembly is configured to place the layer of side-by-side glass articles together on a layer separation insert. The layer separation insert has side-by-side slots that each receive a single glass article of the layer of side-by-side glass articles.

Abstract: A load former includes a frame, a loading zone bounded on a first end by a stop wall having a stop surface lying in a plane and a rear wall at a rear side of the frame, and a cookie sheet slidably supported by the frame for travel along a path perpendicular to the plane. The path includes portions on first and second sides of the plane, and a portion of the cookie sheet in the second portion of the path defines a bottom of the loading zone. A platform extends over the first portion of the path, and a top wall is vertically spaced from the platform to define a storage space between the top wall and the platform. The storage space has a front opening so that it is accessible from the front of the load former.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device, wherein the loading device comprises a gantry (6) and a platform (5) which is mounted on the gantry (6). A pylon (1) is arranged at a base point (7) on the platform (5). A jib extends out from the pylon (1). The pylon (1) can be rotatably connected to the platform (5). The platform (5) defines a vertical axis (8) which extends in the vertical direction and runs through the base point (7). The pylon (1) is curved in a region adjoining the platform (5) and intersects the vertical axis (8) at an angle (a). The invention further comprises a pylon (1) for a loading device.

Abstract: An alignment station and a method of operating the alignment station allows for rotation of slices such as slices of meat or cheese. The alignment station comprises a conveyor which comprises a plurality of closed loop elements, a first roll unit and a second roll unit. The slice is supported on a first loop section of the plurality of closed loop elements. To reduce problems that may occur during rotation of the slice, said slice is subjected to vibration in the first loop section.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer cassette roller type transportation structure system includes a roller type transportation structure body, a rotating transportation structure body, and a lateral movement transportation structure body. The roller type transportation structure system includes connected left and right supporting frames. A plurality of large rollers are provided on an inner surface end of each of the right and left supporting frames. A plurality of small rollers are provided under the large rollers. A plurality of driving wheels are provided under the large rollers. The large and small rollers are driven by a driving belt. The driving wheels can linearly move a wafer cassette. In response to the roller type transportation structure body transporting the wafer cassette, the rotating transportation structure body rotates to change a movement direction of the wafer cassette, and the lateral movement transportation structure body transports the wafer cassette along a lateral movement direction.

Abstract: A powered unit with a reeving system for supporting a load associated with operation of the powered unit. The reeving system has a first cylinder with a first rod movingly disposed therein. There is a movable sheave spreader engaged with the first rod, and having a first spreader sheave, the movable sheave spreader also movably engaged with the powered unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system for managing cargo tubs in a cargo hold of a vessel, such as a fishing vessel. The functional components of the present invention comprise means such as stacking devices for loading the cargo hold with tubs and forming stacks, rails and wagons and pushing and pulling structures as transport means for transporting the stack of tubs.

Abstract: A separator (1) for temporarily receiving sheet elements (9) that are to be transferred from a stacking table (2) to an output conveyor (3) of bundles of sheet elements comprises: a support (10) mounted with the ability to slide in a vertical direction; a drive device (11) for driving the support in the vertical direction; several arms (13) extending in a longitudinal horizontal direction, spaced apart in a transverse direction, at least one arm (13) being mounted with the ability to move in the longitudinal horizontal direction with respect to the support, the movement of the arm modifying its overhanging length with respect to the support (10) on a first side in the longitudinal horizontal direction; a drive system (12) configured to simultaneously move the arm in the longitudinal horizontal direction and to keep another of the arms in its longitudinal position.

Abstract: A rapid recovery grapple is described. The rapid recover grapple can be used to quick and easily be secured to a vehicle or other item that is submerged in a body of water. The grapple is attached to a winch or other rope or line that can be used to remove the vehicle from the water. For instance, the grapple may be configured to be secured to a wheel or tire of a vehicle. The grapple may have a body and at least one finger that is rotatable relative to the body. For instance, the at least one finger may be first and second fingers rotatable relative to the body. The grapple may be equipped with a biasing member, such as a cord, spring, or other elastic member that automatically biases the at least one finger to a give position.