Abstract: A control device is configured to cause a vehicle parked in a parking lot to move to a pick-up area in accordance with a call from a user who is a passenger of the vehicle. The control device includes a user position acquiring unit, a predicted time calculator, and a timing manager. The user position acquiring unit is configured to acquire, as a user position, a current position of the user who has made the call. The predicted time calculator is configured to calculate a predicted user arrival time on the basis of the user position, and the predicted user arrival time is a time in which the user is predicted to arrive at the pick-up area. The timing manager is configured to manage a movement start timing at which the vehicle to be called starts moving to the pick-up area on the basis of the predicted user arrival time.

Abstract: A balance and lift parking apparatus increases parking space availability and therefore allows users to park more than one automobile vertically. The balance and lift parking apparatus includes a support structure, a parking platform, a first wheel track, and a second wheel track. The support structure is the structural base of the balance and lift parking apparatus. Further, the support structure allows the balance and lift parking apparatus to support the weight of automobiles. Moreover, the support structure provides a clearance area from the ground surface which allows at least one automobile to be parked. The parking platform provides a surface on which at least one automobile may traverse onto. The first wheel track and the second wheel track are used to guide at least one automobile onto and along the parking platform.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying, extracting, and storing vehicles. The system and method provide for implementation of at least one primary storage module, and optionally, one or more secondary storage modules. Each module includes a clamp dog and tiltable tray which has a pair of clamping arms. The system and method provide for clamp down and vertical stowage of vehicles. When more than one module is implemented, the modules are serially connected together to provide for vertical stowage of multiple vehicles, with one or no vehicle in each module.

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: The invention refers to a storage device for vehicles. It comprises several platforms arranged one above the other. The platforms can be lifted or lowered between a first lower and a second upper position. By means of that the platform can optionally be connected to a common approach way. Preferably the platforms are guided at a stand. The platform can be fixed in its respective position at the stand by a support or a stopper.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating a semiconductor wafer handling robot and a semiconductor wafer cassette. A robot blade boot is attached to a robot blade of the semiconductor handling robot. The robot blade boot decreases a value of tolerance for the robot blade to move between two semiconductor wafers in the semiconductor wafer cassette. In one embodiment the vertical tolerance is decreased to approximately twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020?) on a top and a bottom of the robot blade boot. The use of the robot blade boot makes the calibration steps more critical and precise. The robot blade boot is removed from the robot blade after the calibration process has been completed.

Abstract: A parking garage sub-module includes at least one parking pod, the parking pod including a first column, a second column, and a third column. Each parking pod includes a plurality of parking slots, wherein each of the first column, the second column and the third column each include a plurality of parking slots and wherein each slot includes at least one tilting platform associated therewith. Further, at least one of the parking slots associated with the second column includes at least one transfer slot, the transfer slot including at least one transfer platform configured to move first and second ends between raised and lowered positions to exchange trays between adjacent parking slots and to shift trays parallel to an axis about which the transfer platform rotates to move between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: Set forth are systems and methods for moving objects in a modular structure, and particularly to parking vehicles within a parking structure. A system may include a pallet configured to receive an object, e.g., a vehicle; a structure including a plurality of modules configured to receive the pallet with the object, wherein the modules include multi-directional pallet transfer systems, the pallet transfer systems configured to transfer the pallet with the object to adjacent modules in any one of four orthogonal directions. The modules including sensing and control, may be remotely constructed, and assembled as units on site.

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 multi-level, automated car parking unit (1) comprising: a storage structure having one or more tiers with one or more common entry and exit points; at least one permanently fixed input-cum-output elevator; a plurality of addressed slots in a plurality of parking platforms; a plurality of platform carriers and a centrally operated system controller for automatic parking of a car in an addressed vacant slot and retrieval of a car from a slot independently and without hindrance to any of the parked cars; two elevators with space between them for storage of platform carriers, a transfer module having an independent drive with reversible option moving on a permanently fixed first track on each parking floor; one power arm in each transfer module moving on a fixed second track in the transfer module, the track at a lower elevation than the first track, a lifting mechanism attached to the transfer module power arm; magnetic security means attached to the lifting mechanism to tow/push the platform carrier with the

Abstract: A multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework with a vertical support and a mounting frame defining upper and lower storing spaces. Each storing space includes a receiver to hold a bicycle. The upper receiver has a distal end, a proximal end and a U-shaped channel along the top surface. The upper receiver is pivotally attached to the mounting frame, enabling the upper receiver to tilt from horizontal to a loading and unloading position. The proximal end of the upper receiver is located near the floor when pivoted into the loading and unloading position. The upper receiver pivots up from the loading and unloading position into the horizontal storage position. The bicycles and the storing spaces are enclosed, and a floor separates the lower storing space from the upper storing space. Each storing space includes a lockable door and conceals the pivot point, upper receiver and bicycles inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A commercial or residential garaging system having at least a first movable element and a second movable element configured to form a ramp permitting a vehicle to be moved between a first and a second elevation. A drive apparatus configured to simultaneously lower the first movable member while raising the second movable member. A frame assembly is provided to provide the strength and stability required for proper functioning of the movable members and the drive apparatus. One or more bearing assemblies having a plurality of bearing members are utilized in connection with the frame assembly and/or drive apparatus and are adapted to simultaneously lift a second and third movable member. A method for allowing vehicles to be parked so as to efficiently and quickly park vehicles utilizing a garaging system. A tire blocking apparatus is provided to prevent vehicles from advancing inadvertently.

Abstract: A multi-set robot is provided that includes a first robot set having a first motor coupled to a first rotatable member that is rotatable about an axis; a second motor coupled to a second rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a first plurality of blades vertically spaced from one another; and a first linkage adapted to enable coordinated movement of the blades on rotation of the first and second rotatable members. The robot also includes a second robot set positioned above the first robot set having a third motor coupled to a third rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a fourth motor coupled to a fourth rotatable member that is rotatable about the axis; a second plurality of blades vertically spaced from one another; and a second linkage adapted to enable coordinated movement of the blades on rotation of the third and fourth rotatable members. Other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A collapsible frame device and method of packing vehicles in a transport container is disclosed. The frame device comprises a base and upper and lower vehicle support members associated with the base for supporting at least two vehicles. In the erected configuration of the device, the vehicle support members are horizontally and vertically spaced from one another. The support members are collapsible onto the base in a substantially flat position.

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: This apparatus relates to a frame structure for packing multiple vehicles in a stacked configuration into a transport container such that a first vehicle is located above the floor of the container and inclined relative to that floor. The structure includes a base, at least one vehicle support device including two vehicle supports each having a support member vertically and laterally displaced from one another, and attachment devices including at least one pair of attachment members having brackets for being attached across the bottom of the vehicle, laterally spaced from one another and received within receptacle zones defined within the respective vehicle supports, the attachment members being parallel to the vehicle supports.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for packing multiple vehicles in a stacked configuration into a transport container using a frame structure such that a first vehicle is located above the floor of the container and inclined relative to that floor. The frame structure includes a lower vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a pair of first vertical support members, an upper vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a second pair of vertical support members such that the upper vehicle support member is spaced horizontally from and vertically above the lower vehicle support member and also including at least a first and a second attachment member each having brackets thereon for attaching to the first vehicle body, the vehicle support members supporting the respective attachment members substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: A two-story parking apparatus includes: a supporting frame, an upper platform pivotally mounted by a shaft on an upper portion of the supporting frame, a tilting device operatively forwarding the upper platform to bias the upper platform about the shaft for tilting the upper platform for providing an inclined ramp adapted for a downwardly removing of an upper car from the upper platform towards a ground floor or for an upward parking of the upper car through the inclined ramp from the floor to be loaded on the upper platform, a restoring device for retracting the upper platform to be normally horizontally held on the supporting frame, and a drag device secured to a rear portion of the upper platform for simultaneously rearwardly pulling a lower platform on which a lower car is parked to prevent damage of the lower car by the inclined upper platform.

Abstract: A pivoting movable ramp for transporting and storing automobiles inside containers. A cross bar assembly is demountably engaged to an upright assembly. The upright assembly being supported by the floor of the container. A ramp assembly supports the weight of the vehicle which a user desires to store or transport. The ramp assembly being demountably engaged to the crossbar assembly by a locking assembly. The locking assembly comprising a channel and a circular bay. The circular bay journaling and securing the ramp assembly to the crossbar assembly and being set forward a predetermined angle relative to the perpendicular such that the locking assembly cannot be demounted from the crossbar assembly unless the rear end of the ramp assembly is raised above the horizontal the same predetermined angle, thereby allowing the locking assembly to disengage the crossbar assembly.

Abstract: A three-dimensional parking facility which includes an upper parking portion and a lower parking portion. The three-dimensional parking facility further includes a device for swinging the upper parking portion and the lower parking portion. The swinging device is supported by a member running along a horizontal axis on a solid foundation.

Abstract: A parking system for vehicles includes a vehicle support platform adapted to support a vehicle over a parking area and having a rear end portion permitting travel of a vehicle thereacross, a front end portion, and side portions extending longitudinally between the rear and front end portions; and support apparatus for the platform located at a predetermined end portion of the parking area and adapted to engage the platform front end portion only.

Abstract: A structural support system for vehicle storage has two independent means to rotate a two-deck inclinable structure about a pivot on a stationary structure. The inclinable structure does not change shape when it is tilted and contains a compression member which connects the upper and lower decks. Four tension members are provided to connect the bottom of the compression member with the four corners of the upper deck. A force sensor is used to calibrate the forces in the tension rods to constrain the compression member from deflecting when the decks are loaded, enabling a significant increase in the safe dynamic load carrying capability of the inclinable structure. The system includes an automatic vehicle restraining mechanism to prevent movement of the vehicle when inclined away from horizontal. A secondary cable system operates in parallel with the primary rotation means to counteract the empty weight of the inclinable structure.

Abstract: A collapsible car rack system for use in intermodal containers wherein each car rack is capable of carrying two automobiles. Each rack is configured so that two racks completely fill a standard 40 ft. intermodal container and each rack is also fitted with a dunnage device in order to extend the size of the rack to fill a standard 45 ft. intermodal container. Each rack is equipped with push plates and pulling eyes so that the loaded racks may be inserted into, and withdrawn from a standard intermodal container with a forklift. In use, each rack will accommodate two automobiles the first of which is driven onto the rack in a collapsed condition and after erecting a top portion of the rack with a forklift and securing by vertical support members, a second automobile is driven onto the lower portion of each rack. The erect rack, loaded with two automobiles is of a suitable size to be loaded into a standard intermodal container with a forklift.

Abstract: An inclining apparatus for lifting and storing aircraft in a stacked or tiered arrangement is provided to permit increased utilization of presently available hangar space. Aircraft are stored in upper and lower stowing positions. The apparatus is completely self-supporting and includes an inclining frame for loading and unloading aircraft from the upper stowing position. The apparatus is constructed to permit stowing or removal of an aircraft from either the upper or lower stowing positions without moving or disturbing the other aircraft stowed in the accompanying position.

Abstract: A double-story parking apparatus includes a fixed elevated platform mounted on a plurality of supporting columns standing on a ground floor, and a telescopic access pivotally secured to the elevated platform operatively lowered and extended to form a sloping path adapted for driving a car upwardly onto the elevated platform for parking a first car on the elevated platform. The telescopic access may then be retracted and raised to form a horizontal plane coplanar to the elevated platform to level the parked first car and a second car can be directly parked on the floor whereon the supporting columns stand.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading freight and automobiles inside maritime containers of substantially rectangular projection. Post assemblies are vertically mounted inside the container on a chassis assembly. A platform assembly is pivotally mounted to the post assemblies that are closer to the innermost end of the container. A forklift, or other lifting device, is utilized to lift and lower the other end of the platform and locking assemblies are used to maintain the platform in place, at a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the chassis assembly and floor of the container. Front post assemblies are collapsably mounted so that the entire apparatus can be stored away in a volumetrically efficient manner. Ski and wheel members are mounted to the underside of the front of the chassis assembly to help the forklift in the transportation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and carrying a maximum number of automobiles in a standard intermodal shipping container. The method utilizes an automobile supporting rack which is readily installed in a container and includes an inclined ramp upon which an automobile is driven from the floor of the container onto the ramp, the lower end of the ramp is then lifted to and secured in an upward generally horizontal position, and a second automobile is driven under the first automobile supported on the elevated ramp. The method includes sequentially loading automobiles on similar racks until the container is filled with six automobiles in three stacks of two automobiles each. The invention also includes an auxiliary ramp, upright sidewall frames for supporting the ramp, and locking means for locking the ramp in the upper position. The ramp and side frames are symmetrical. Automobiles are unloaded from the container in the reverse of the loading procedure.

Abstract: A vehicle parking apparatus incorporating a platform and a mounting device. The platform is sized and shaped to permit a vehicle to be driven onto the platform so that it is supported thereby. The platform is supported between its ends by a mounting device in a manner which permits the platform to selectively pivot in response to the force of gravity on the platform and any additional items supported thereby.

Abstract: The device comprises a supporting platform for at least one automobile, with sides each provided with a pair of wheels connected to variable-geometry supports. The supports are adapted for contact engagement, during the motion of the platform, with guides provided on the vertical elements of a supporting structure and configured so as to offer a sloping portion proximate to the base and a substantially vertical portion.

Abstract: A device for parking automobiles comprises two interconnected superimposed platforms which may be lifted and tilted to provide ground level access to either platform and fixed rail tracks and guideways on each side of the platforms. One of the trackways is fixed and the other is connected to the platforms which themselves co-operate with a fixed guide element.

Abstract: The hoisting device comprises two ramps rigidly connected, intended to support at least one of the wheel pairs of the vehicle to be hoisted and including a single acting hydraulic cylinder operative to rotate the ramps upwardly from the position with the free end thereof resting on the floor. The ramps are pivoted at one end thereof at a selected level to two floor engaging side plates and a hydraulic system is provided for pivoting the ramps which cooperates with a safety mechanism against the unintentional lowering of the ramps.

Abstract: In a device for parking automobiles use is made of two platforms arranged one above the other and of devices for lifting and tilting these platforms. The latter devices include cooperating trackways, for example flanged rails, coacting with guide rollers on the platforms. The trackways are substantially rectilinear and arranged at an acute angle to one another so as to tilt the platforms during the lifting motion. The degree of inclination thereby achieved can be varied by an adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for making optimum use of parking space and providing unobtrusive stowage of vehicles has a plurality of superimposed parking platforms which can be hoisted and lowered for access from a single entry site by a mechanism including a parallelogram linkage. Provision can be made for tilting the platforms to assist access and conserve compactness.