Abstract: Described herein is a storage system for installation onto a surface, such as a horizontal or vertical wall, such as an interior garage ceiling, floor, or wall. The system can be used to move, lift, and/or store articles, such as bicycles, skis, storage containers, and the like. The system generally comprises a track defining a longitudinally extending path and a trolley assembly coupled to the track. The trolley assembly generally comprises a trolley body, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending from the trolley body, and a roller assembly positioned between the pair of opposing sidewalls. The trolley assembly may further comprise a carrier attachment to secure an article thereto. A drive member and drive unit can be used for effecting movement so as to shift the trolley assembly from one position to another. The system generally comprises simple and easy-to-install components, thereby providing advantages over prior storage systems.

Abstract: A lift system including an extendable column mounted to a wall or free standing on which rides one or more carriages that are raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism. The carriages are removable and capable of having various attachments.

Abstract: A system for computer-based bicycle storage control provides reserving storage compartments of varied volumes in a bicycle storage container based on dimensional specifications of the bicycle to be stored, and the storage volume of the storage compartment. The storage container interior chamber has a turntable with a rotatable platform to align compartments with the container door, which has an adjustable door width to allow a bicycle access into and out of the compartment but limit or prevent access to compartments adjacent to the accessed compartment when the door is aligned with the selected compartment.

Abstract: A method for operating a parking lot, which has a first parking area section for parking a motor vehicle, which is adjustable in its height with the aid of a hoisting system and which is able to be shifted by the hoisting system from a first position, in which a motor vehicle is able to enter the first parking area section, to a second position, and when the first parking area section is in the second position, a second parking area section for parking a motor vehicle becomes available underneath the first parking area section. The method includes executing an automatic parking operation for a motor vehicle to be parked in the parking lot; and controlling an operation of the hoisting system as a function of execution of the automatic parking operation. In addition, a device for operating a parking lot, a parking lot, and a computer program are described.

Abstract: Disclosed power machines include a lift arm structure having a first arm pivotally mounted to a frame and a second arm, coupled to an implement interface, configured to telescopically extend from and retract into the first arm. A control system controls a first actuator to raise and lower the first arm, and controls a second actuator to extend and retract the second arm relative to the first arm. The control system is configured to control the first and second actuators to implement a lift operation, responsive to an operator input. During the lift operation, the first actuator raises the first arm and the second actuator extends and retracts the second arm to maintain a substantially linear path, such as a vertical path, of the implement interface or an implement attached to the implement interface.

Abstract: A method for determining a pickup position from multiple pickup positions for a vehicle incorporated by a parking facility, at which the vehicle is to be picked up after an automatic parking operation, including ascertaining a traffic situation inside and/or outside the parking facility, and determining the pickup position from the multiple pickup positions, based on the ascertained traffic situation, so that the automatic parking operation may end at the designated pickup position. A corresponding device, a corresponding parking facility, and a corresponding computer program are also described.

Abstract: A modular system for storage of cargo units in a designated space. The modular system includes: a plurality of interconnected active cell units, each cell unit including a cell transporting mechanism with at least one active shuttle unit moveable between the plurality of cell units. Each shuttle unit includes a shuttle transporting mechanism adapted to transport at least one pallet of the plurality of pallets to and from one of the plurality of cell units and also to and from at least one shuttle unit. The system also includes a central controller adapted to control the operation of the cell and the shuttle transporting mechanisms, the operation of which is performed in an independent manner via the central controller such that a construction of any arrangement of the cell units is performed to effectively exploit a designated space.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier having a bottom frame which is composed of a left beam, a right beam and a bridging beam, characterized in that: the vehicle carrier further has an accessorial frame. A first vehicle plate is laid between the accessorial frame and the left beam, while a second vehicle plate is laid between the accessorial frame and the right beam. Compared with the prior art, in the present invention, the accessorial frame is disposed on the bottom frame, and the span length of the vehicle plate is smaller, so the material used for manufacturing the vehicle plate can be thin. Therefore, in the present invention, the materials can be significantly saved and the cost can be reduced, moreover, it can avoid the vehicles shifting on the direction when the vehicles enter into the vehicle carrier to ensure that the vehicles park in the right position.

Abstract: A remote storage system for items includes contact areas at different locations for the collection of the items individually, a storage area for secure storage of the items received from the contact areas, and transportation vehicles for receiving and offloading the items at the contact areas and one or more conveying vehicles for transporting the items to and from the storage area, wherein the transportation vehicles circulate between the contact areas so that each of the contact areas exists for a discrete time period dependent on the arrival of a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated vehicle parking system. The automated vehicle parking system includes at least one parking facility structure including a plurality of vehicle storage cells, a vehicle entrance/exit arrangement, and a vehicle transporting mechanism. The vehicle transporting mechanism transports one or more vehicles between the entrance/exit arrangement and the at least one parking facility. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to redistribute the one or more vehicles between the storage cells within the at least one parking facility structure so that the one or more vehicles are more rapidly accessible when they are required to be delivered to the entrance/exit arrangement for collection thereat.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A modular system for storage of cargo units, comprises: a plurality of pallets; a plurality of interconnected active cell units; each cell unit comprises an cell transporting mechanism; at least one active shuttle unit moveable between the plurality of cell units; each shuttle unit comprises a shuttle transporting mechanism adapted to transport at least one pallet of the plurality of pallets to and from one of the plurality of cell units and to and from the at least one shuttle unit; a central controller adapted to control the operation of the cell and the shuttle transporting mechanisms, the operation of which is performed in an independent manner via the central controller such that a construction of any arrangement of the cell units is performed to effectively exploit a designated space.

Abstract: A vehicle shuttle car operable to travel in linear and lateral directions includes a low profile cart including a steerable front section and a rear section, the front section operable to turn left and right relative to the rear section. The rear section is operable to raise and support at least one tire of a vehicle off the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of enabling automated receiving/retrieving of stocks of cargo for storing purposes. The system uses at least one service level and one or more storage levels. The service level is operated and organized in such a way that it is able to receive, interchange cargo, and extract cargo simultaneously and batch way. The system is redundant and allows continued operation even if some of its components malfunction. The service area comprising (a) a plurality of pallets for conveying said cargo; (b) a matrix of blocks of predetermined shape upon which said cargo and said pallets located; (c) at least one elevator block for transporting said pallet to different areas of said system; (d) at least one box; (e) at least two buffer for allowing transport of said pallets in at least two orthogonal directions in each of said areas.

Abstract: A latching system 1 has a housing 3 provided with a recess 5 in which a part of the bicycle can be inserted, preferably a frame tube sloping upwards. In the housing 3 a latching element 7 is located which can be moved between a release position in which the latching element opens the recess and a latching position in which the latching element closes the recess. The latching system 1 further comprises a key 19 that is positioned in an opening 21 in the housing 3 and is pushed out of the housing when the latching element is moved from the latching position to the release position. To this end the latching element 7 is equipped with an arm 23 which is fitted to the U-shaped part of the housing. When the latching element 7 turns to the release position, one end 25 of the arm 23 pushes against the key 19 causing it it be pushed out of the opening 21.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of construction and relates to the design of a modular multi-storey car park for vehicles in urban environments. Such car parks can be built and used in environments where there is dense existing urban development.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: An automated parking system and method for controlling a parking garage employ a distributed control system to control the transport of a vehicle between an entry/exit station and a parking space. The distributed control system employs an independent controller (PLC) for each mechanical element, such as elevators and shuttle cars. The PLCs are interconnected by a network and coordinate with each other to control the operation of the automated parking system. An operator panel including a touchscreen display may be used by an operator to control directly the operation of a particular PLC and its associated mechanical element. A central management computer is used to coordinate the overall operation and management of the distributed control system and to provide enhanced features including redundant safety checks.

Abstract: A method for managing charge of a plurality of battery-driven AGVs (automated guided vehicles) circulating on the main route provided with an automatic charge station includes: a first step of detecting, using an AGV, a marker for battery voltage check provided on a main route to measure the voltage of a battery of the AGV; a second step of changing the route of the AGV to advance it into a charge route provided in an automatic charge station, stopping the AGV in a charging position, and charging the battery automatically by using an automatic charger, if the measured battery voltage has lowered to a level requiring charging; and a third step of conveying the AGV that has been automatically charged to a standby place provided in the automatic charge station.

Abstract: An entrance gate and an automatic parking garage having such an entrance gate are provided. The entrance gate includes a stationary ground plate; two trace plates thereabove, movable in the plane in any direction in a gliding manner, each for receiving thereon a front and rear wheel of a car; a stationary top plate above the trace plates, having two opposing cut-out windows, with each trace plate exposed through one window; and two centering plates above the top plate, on outer sides of the cut-out windows. The centering plates connect with and are driven by two drive units to affect synchronous counter-movements. When being driven toward each other, the centering plates touch outer sides of tires of a car resting on the trace plates and move the car toward a centerline of the entrance gate, until the centerline of the car is aligned with the centerline of the entrance gate.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for ensuring a cleaning robot to return to a charge station. The method includes the steps of: (a) measuring a battery usable time, a running speed, and an actual return distance of a cleaning robot during a cleaning operation; (b) calculating an allowable return distance on the basis of the battery usable time and the running speed; (c) comparing the actual return distance with the allowable return distance; and (d) returning the cleaning robot to the charge station when the actual return distance is larger than the allowable return distance as a result of the comparison. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning robot from being not returned to the charge station, thereby providing convenience to a user.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is a transport apparatus for manually moving a vehicle along a surface, the transport apparatus including a first planar extension having a first longitudinal axis and a second planar extension having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel to one another and the first and second planar extensions are operational to support a vehicle. Further included in the transport apparatus a means for a bi-directional movement of the first and second planar extensions along the surface, wherein the movement is along a single axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: A vehicle lift device and method are provided wherein the lift device has upper and lower platforms that may receive vehicles for parking or storage. The lower platform may be selectively raised or lowered between two levels of a parking structure. The upper platform is mounted on telescoping supports. When the car lift device is raised to place the lower platform at the upper level of the parking structure, the telescoping posts retract allowing the upper platform to lower, thereby providing clearance between the upper platform and a ceiling of the parking structure. The posts retract by the weight of the upper platform, and no hydraulic assist is required. When the lift device is lowered to place the lower platform at the lower level of the parking structure, the upper platform engages the floor of the upper level of the parking structure and thereby covers the opening in the floor. The telescoping posts then extend as the lower platform travels to its lowered position at the lower level.

Abstract: A trolley and parking system using the trolley for transporting cars and the like. The present trolley includes a main body, capable of moving; and a clamping apparatus, having at least a first and a second moving plate and at least a pair of clamping claws. The present parking system includes a loading table, a differential table moving relative to the loading table, a trolley moving relative to the differential table, a longitudinal driving device, a power tube line transmission mechanism, and a power valve station and an electric control system thereof.

Abstract: In a parking arrangement for motor vehicles, having at least one platform for receiving a motor vehicle that is mounted in a vertically displaceable manner on a guide and can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting device, having a stop for limiting the lowering movement of the platform and having a synchronizing device for generating a similar raising and lowering movement at opposite sides of the platform, in order to obtain a construction that is as simple as possible yet fully functional, it is proposed that the lifting device acts upon only one side of the platform and the stop is disposed only on the opposite side of the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allowing a mobile robot to return to a designated location the method including: calculating a first direction angle of the mobile robot at a second location arrived at after the mobile robot travels a predetermined distance from the first location; determining whether the mobile robot approaches or moves away from the designated location, at a third location arrived at after the mobile robot rotates by the first direction angle and then travels a predetermined distance; and if the result of the determination indicates that the mobile robot approaches the docking station, controlling the mobile robot to travel according to the first direction angle, and if the result indicates the mobile robot moves away from the docking station, calculating a second direction angle of the mobile robot at the third location, and controlling the mobile robot to travel according to the second direction angle.

Abstract: Automobiles parking method and apparatus comprising a multi storied building with an inclined hoist way located diagonally along the vertical profile linking all parking floors in order to park and retrieve automobiles carried by the elevator lifted along rails situated in the inclined hoist way by means of over head traction cables powered by motor. During parking process automobile is driven in to horizontally positioned platform of the elevator brought down to loading station, so that the elevator is moved along rails on wheels by overhead traction cables to desired parking floor for automobile to drive in to desired parking place and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certain dimensions, such as, for example, containerss or open platforms loaded with goods, the storage being done in multi-level sections following each other in a line or in several parallel lines, with the take-in of the platforms at one end of each line (the entrance point) and take-out of the goods either at the opposite end of each line (the exit point), or at both the entrance and the exit points, simultaneously.

Abstract: Disparate robotic devices can be automatically recharged and reprogrammed by self-scheduling individual time slots for the available recharging area(s) of a charging station. These charging stations provide a nest to which each robot must return periodically for power. These nests can also provide new tasking or patches for the robotic devices. The charging station and the robotic devices are both provided with communications capabilities and a protocol by which they can negotiate to find a time slot in which the device can be recharged, as well as determining a correct connector and a battery type.

Abstract: A vehicle stacking apparatus includes a plurality of vehicle parking bays, and at least one traveling vehicle lifter. The vehicle parking bay includes conveying elements, upon which a vehicle can rest, and is capable of moving a vehicle forwardly or rearwardly. The traveling vehicle lifter is able to travel both horizontally and vertically between at least a vehicle access point, and a vehicle parking bay.

Abstract: A vertical lift system for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles comprising a multi-level frame comprising a structure extending upward from a base, and a lifting mechanism centrally positioned within the frame and in communication with each level, and a plurality of platforms positioned on each level about the lift mechanism the plurality of platforms for the receipt of a vehicle. The lift mechanism has capability to retrieve a selected vacant platform and transport it to an entrance/exit level, which can be located at any level within the structure, for positioning of a vehicle thereon, and subsequent transportation to its position on the frame.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An automated parking garage. The garage comprises a multi-floor building having a plurality of vehicle storage racks in a storage area for storing a loaded pallet or an unloaded pallet. An entrance-level floor of the building includes an entry/exit station (EES) on for receiving a vehicle, the EES having an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and, an opposing interior entrance that provides access to the storage area and through which the loaded pallet is transported, the loaded pallet and unloaded pallet adapted to be positioned at floor level in the EES. The garage includes a pallet stacking station for storing the unloaded pallet, the pallet stacking station located over a shuttle aisle that extends under the EES. A pallet shuttle that traverses the shuttle aisle to a first position under the EES for handling the unloaded pallet in the EES, and to a second position under the pallet stacking station for stacking the unloaded pallet.

Abstract: An automated parking garage. The garage comprises a multi-floor building having a plurality of vehicle storage racks in a storage area for storing a loaded pallet or an unloaded pallet. An entrance-level floor of the building includes an entry/exit station (EES) on for receiving a vehicle, the EES having an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and, an opposing interior entrance that provides access to the storage area and through which the loaded pallet is transported, the loaded pallet and unloaded pallet adapted to be positioned at floor level in the EES. The garage includes a pallet stacking station for storing the unloaded pallet, the pallet stacking station located over a shuttle aisle that extends under the EES. A pallet shuttle that traverses the shuttle aisle to a first position under the EES for handling the unloaded pallet in the EES, and to a second position under the pallet stacking station for stacking the unloaded pallet.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: System of guidance and positioning relative to a fixed station (1) for an autonomous mobile robot (7) utilizing at least a directional infra-red beam (2′) emitted by the fixed station, the mobile robot being provided with a directional system of detection (10a, 10b) of infra-red emission connected to a microcomputer incorporated in the robot, the robot moving on a work surface in an essentially random manner, the microcomputer (44) including an algorithm able to control the return to fixed station (1) by displacement of the robot (7) towards the direction of emission of said infra-red beam (2′), characterized in that the infra-red beam (2′) is a narrow directional beam and in that the system of detection (10a, 10b) is located on a frame at the center of rotation of the robot (7), oriented in the direction of movement of the robot, precise positioning in the fixed station (1) being carried out by rotation of the machine around a vertical axis according to an algorithm based on the detection o

Abstract: A method for cell alignment, identification and calibration of part of a robot tool, preferably a part of the robot tool, is positioned close to a detector, whereupon it is moved repeatedly past the limit of the area of detection of the detector. During the movement, the pose of the robot is registered each time the surface of said robot tool comes into tangential contact with the area of detection, and an over determined system of equations is formed, consisting of a correlation between the registered poses and unknown parameters regarding the detection area of the detector and the location of the robot part in space. An error vector is introduced into the system of equations, which is then solved while minimizing the error vector, preferably in the least square sense, in order to thus identify said unknown parameters and the error vector.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling an automated parking system using a graphical user interface is described. The described method includes the step of displaying a graphical representation of a floor of an automated parking garage. The method also includes the step of displaying a number of objects in relation to the floor. The method further includes the step of displaying a plurality of control objects. A system for implementing the steps of the method is also described.

Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing for enclosing an oversized vehicle where the oversized vehicle is generally an oversized vehicle such as a large truck, a recreational vehicle or a mobile home, for example. In one embodiment, the housing uses oversized doors with mock doors and windows such that the oversized garage enclosure is externally concealed. In another embodiment, the garage includes components that are vertically actuable so as to accommodate ingress and egress of an oversized vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting physical interference with desired transport of an article. The method includes the step of detecting an operative acoustic signal representing the structure-borne sound pattern of an article during said article transport, and detecting the presence of interference based on the acoustic signal. A system for performing the method includes a transport device adapted to transport the article through a predetermined path and an acoustic sensor in structure-borne acoustic contact with the transport device and capable of producing an acoustic signal indicative of physical interference.

Abstract: A method for detecting information on occupied parking space in a traffic network, in particular a town, uses a parking space detection control center. Parking space information relating to a stationary phase of a vehicle and the vehicle location is transmitted to the control center from a navigation system at the vehicle. Information relating to empty parking space is generated by the control center and information relating to empty parking space is transmitted from the control center to a navigation system at the vehicle end.

Abstract: An implementation of sensor-driven run-to-run process control for semiconductor wafer fabrication integrates a robust, automated Fourier transform infrared reflectometer onto a wafer fabrication cluster tool. Cell controller software integrates an adaptive run-to-run controller, process tool recipe upload and download through a SECS port, sensor control, data archiving, and a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus and method for the surveillance of traffic are provided, in which the apparatus includes a housing for substantially completely enclosing and concealing a law enforcement vehicle therein, and a one-way window extending around part or nearly all of the housing, such that a vehicle operator in a vehicle inside the housing may visually monitor traffic, while the window prevents the vehicles in traffic from visually determining whether a vehicle is or is not present in the apparatus.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus and method for the surveillance of traffic are provided, in which the apparatus includes a housing for substantially completely enclosing and concealing a law enforcement vehicle therein, and a one-way window extending around part or nearly all of the housing, such that a vehicle operator in a vehicle inside the housing may visually monitor traffic, while the window prevents the vehicles in traffic from visually determining whether a vehicle is or is not present in the apparatus.

Abstract: A storage structure including a plurality of storage spaces disposed helically about a cylindrical shaft and including a lifting vehicle which is guided in the shaft so that it winds about the vertical axis of the shaft in a screw-like manner. Provided on the lifting vehicle is at least one consumer. A stowage unit is provided on the lifting vehicle or in the region of the floor of the shaft. A supply line for connecting the consumer to a supply unit is received within the stowage unit. The stowage unit is open at the top and defines a cavity which may include a winding spindle. The cavity and the winding spindle are disposed about the vertical axis of the shaft so that the supply line can be received as the lifting vehicle rotates. The outer periphery of the cavity corresponds substantially to the pitch of the helix defining the motion of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: A jack-like elevator for use inside a storage hangar, that lifts a small aircraft in cantilevered fashion above the ground so that another small aircraft can be parked underneath it. The elevator includes an upright column, freely standing on an enlarged base plate, and maintained in upright condition by a pair of horizontal diverging support legs integral to the base plate. A guide mechanism using rails and guide wheels running on the rails, is used to move the plane vertically along a telescopic ram mounted inside the upright column.

Abstract: A conveyor-type three dimensional parking system which comprises a storage structure having an entrance port and an exit port. A conveyor assembly is built into the storage structure for holding a plurality of motor vehicles. A pair of gates are provided to cover the entrance port and the exit port of the storage structure. A facility, operated by each driver is for actuating the entrance gate to open, so that each driver can drive their motor vehicle through the entrance port and into the conveyor assembly in the storage structure. A mechanism, operated by each driver, is for actuating the exit gate to open, so that each driver can retrieve their motor vehicle from the conveyor assembly and then drive out through the exit port of the storage structure.