Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting marine fuel by rail car directly to a fueling vessel, by loading rail cars loaded with marine fuel onto a specially equipped roll-on/roll-off rail barge and transporting the barge by towboat to a mooring, where it is moored/secured in position, after mooring the barge will have the capability for offloading marine fuel from its rail cars via a barge-included distribution system to fuel a vessel. The barge may operate and be regulated as a fuel terminal when secured to the mooring.

Abstract: An object is to provide a holding fixture fixing apparatus which can ensure positioning accuracy and shape accuracy of a moving holding fixture, thus allowing an aircraft panel to be assembled with high accuracy. A holding fixture fixing apparatus includes a plurality of fixing units configured to support and fix a holding fixture, which holds a fuselage panel having a curved shape in cross section, from a lower surface of the holding fixture, the fixing units being provided on an installation surface, wherein the plurality of fixing units are provided corresponding to at least four corners of the lower surface of the holding fixture.

Abstract: A computer-implemented robot pickup method including receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location. A robot having a closeable transport container is navigated to the first location. The robot opens the closeable transport container and moves the article inside the closeable transport container at the first location, and navigates over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location to deliver the article to the second location.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an end-to-end cargo handling system. The end-to-end cargo handling system comprises a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent, a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent, and a control module in communication with the transportation unit and the lift unit via a network, wherein the transportation unit and the lift unit are configured to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location autonomously.

Abstract: A computer-implemented robot delivery method including receiving a request from a user to pick up an article. A robot having a transport container is directed to the first location to receive the article. The robot navigates over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to a second location. The robot removes the article from the transport container and delivers the article to a recipient container at the second location. The recipient container moves the article inside the recipient container.

Abstract: A cargo transport system includes a cassette for transporting a workpiece and dolly for transporting the cassette. The dolly includes a dolly frame and at least one wheel attached to the dolly frame for supporting the dolly on a surface. A track plate is attached to the dolly frame. The cassette is moveably mountable on the dolly and includes a cassette frame having first and second cassette conveyors engagable with the dolly for moveably supporting the cassette on the dolly. A first drive wheel is attached to the cassette frame between the first and second cassette conveyors. The first drive wheel is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and is operable for moving the cassette along a path-of-travel relative to the dolly. A location of the first axis of rotation is continuously adjustable relative to the cassette frame as the cassette moves along the path-of-travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical unload system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on a ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device and comprising an elevator, whereby the unload deck is arranged distant above the ground load deck and extends in an offset plane adjacent to the cargo space, the cargo space and/or the elevator comprises rollers for loading and unloading the unit load device into and out of the elevator, and the elevator is adapted for vertically elevating the unit load device between the ground load deck and the unload deck such that the unit load device is stoppable at any intermediate stop locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a cargo transfer system, a method of transferring cargo containers, and a method of handling cargo containers including a cargo transfer pallet capable of supporting a plurality of cargo containers thereon, a cargo loader vehicle capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon, and a cargo staging structure capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon and capable of receiving the cargo loader vehicle therein such that the cargo transfer pallet is supported by the cargo staging structure over at least a portion of the cargo loader vehicle.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a container handling system for an automotive vehicle having a generally horizontal cargo bed area may include a wheeled container for holding cargo, the container may have an alignment surface adjacent a front end of the container; a powered winch connected on the vehicle having a cable for connection with the container, the winch imparting vertical movement to the container; and a guide structure connected on the vehicle for guiding vertical and horizontal movement of the container by interacting with the container alignment surface.

Abstract: A scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust and method for using the same, The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank containing rock dust material and a blower for dispersing the rock dust material from the tank through a dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for producing paper cushions from a paper web which has been rolled up into a supply roll, the arrangement having a machine with a bearing arrangement for bearing the supply roll in a rotatable manner, and also having a device for forming the paper web and an arrangement for producing the paper cushions. The machine has coupling elements via which a transporting carriage provided with mating coupling elements can be coupled in a releasable manner to the machine, it being possible for a supply roll to be mounted on the transporting carriage such that, when the transporting carriage is coupled to the machine, the supply roll can be inserted into the bearing arrangement of the machine by way of a rolling and/or sliding movement.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo space includes a rear lift gate moveable between opened and closed positions to allow movement of palletized containers into and out of the cargo space. The cargo space has a substantially horizontal floor with first and second sets of laterally spaced, parallel, longitudinal tracks. The tracks extend from the front to the lift gate at the rear of the cargo space. At least one set of tracks is positioned transverse to the longitudinal tracks. The tracks slidably support cargo container pallets. A system of actuators, guides and locks enable programmed movement of the pallets along the tracks into and out of the cargo space as well as within the cargo space.

Abstract: The present document describes a kit for installation in a collection body, comprising a material receiver, for installation between the upper wall and the lower wall of the collection body, a tamping mechanism to allow the translation of materials disposed on the receptor and their discharge in the body, a packing mechanism to push the materials disposed in the body and compacting them.

Abstract: A system and method to load and unload railcars using stackable trays having an internal propulsion system.

Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for conveying material is disclosed. The vehicle includes: an elongate vehicle frame; a hopper with a feed end and a discharge end, wherein the feed end is configured to receive the material; and an elongate material conveyor supported via the vehicle frame with a feed end downstream from the discharge end of the hopper and extending from its feed end to a discharge end. A substantial portion of the elongate material conveyor is configured to pivot about at least three axes, and the elongate material conveyor is adjustable among an inoperative position and plural extended positions.

Abstract: A freight load carrier for transporting freight load pallets is provided. The freight load carrier has a rectangular carrier base with a longitudinal axis having a top face, bottom face, first and second ends and first and second side rails wherein the top face is configured to receive a freight load pallet thereon. The carrier also includes at least one tailgate hingedly mounted to at least one end of the carrier wherein the tailgate is movable between a freight load pallet blocking position and a freight load carrier releasing position. A method of distributing freight load pallets is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and accurately positioning a massive article, such as a commercial aircraft landing gear, under a second separately supported second article, such as a commercial aircraft, to facilitate attachment of the articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main frame having a rectangular floor assembly defined by an array of spaced apart, uniformly distributed ball transfer elements and a border formed by raised end rails and side rails. A rectangular interior frame having a length and width less than that of the floor assembly and having a flat floor plate with raised end rails and side rails thereon is movably supported on the ball transfer elements. A first pair of aligned, oppositely coacting fluid cylinders, each being connected between a different interior frame end rail and a corresponding main frame end rail, operates for selective longitudinal movement of the interior frame between main frame end rails.

Abstract: Each of the wheeled worktables 1, which is isolated from the others, travels self-dependently with drive of the motor M and the sensor (optical recognition device) 5 is provided on each wheeled worktable 1 while the optical recognition tape T as the recognition object for the sensor 5 is attached to the predetermined conveyance passage on the floor 11 for inducement of the wheeled worktables 1.

Abstract: A storage system for a building such as a house. Specially sized containers are kept in the unused space under the raised floor of a building. An opening in the floor provides access, and is closeable by a cover. A translation means supports the containers, and moves them from exactly under the opening to a space for stowage. The preferred translation means includes a rail system supporting a train of serially coupled wagons. Each wagon has a guard sized to receive matingly one container. The train is moveable to align one of the wagons with the floor opening, for access of its container. A dust cover protects the contents. Being transparent, the cover allows quick inspection of the contents. A jack includes moving arms that push the container upwards through an opening in the wagon, and then also through the floor opening. The rail system includes rails that are closed loop, and are either attached to the underside of the floor, or supported by the grade.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding sheets from a sheet store to either one of a plurality of stations includes a movable carriage which receives sheets fed from the store and which has driving cogwheels for coaction with a fixed cog railway outside the carriage.The fixed cog railway includes a path selection slide that includes cog segments that can fit into the cog railway. The selector slide can be switched to either one of two possible positions by means of a processor-controlled, motor-driven arm.

Abstract: A stack turner and replenisher 10 is provided for keeping a hopper of a carton prefeeder P filled with carton blanks, traditionally a job that requires a human worker and causes carpal tunnel syndrome due to the inverting motion required. Stack turner 10 allows for the movement of a stack of blanks in a lateral direction as well as in an inverted u-shaped path. Clamp 53, with adjustable upper and lower plates 54,55, is used to pick up a stack of blanks from a source of such blanks. Clamp 53 then moves upwardly, laterally, and downwardly along groove 52, while an upper portion 50 of stack turner 10 simultaneously moves laterally toward prefeeder P. Clamp 53 then deposits the blanks in the hopper of prefeeder P. Finally, stack turner 10 retraces its path in order to pick up another stack of blanks and repeat the procedure, thus ensuring that the hopper of prefeeder P is always filled with carton blanks. Stack turner 10 also squares the stack of blanks both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: An article carriage includes a pair of hollow base frames arranged transversely and extending longitudinally thereof. Each base frame has engaging recesses extending longitudinally along outer walls thereof. The engaging recesses are used for assembling drive wheels, driven wheels, an article handling device, sensors, a communication unit and a control unit. Batteries are mounted in the base frames for driving these components except the driven wheels.

Abstract: A coke oven door extractor is mounted on the rail car and includes door engaging supports movable in individually differing amounts relative to a plane parallel to and including the door jamb and a door jamb height axis of symmetry and movable vertically, allowing the door extractor to compensate for front-to-back tilting and side-to-side leaning of the coke oven door jamb due to thermal distortion of the battery and variations in individual door heights. The extractor includes a first frame pivotally mounted to the car, a second frame horizontally translatably mounted to the first frame, and a third frame vertically translatably and pivotally mounted to the second frame, with the third frame including the door supports.

Abstract: A coke oven rail car with a drive control system for positioning the car and for spotting the functional equipment carried by the car. A sensor determines the relative position of the car with respect to a selected oven in a coke oven battery. The car includes a first drive for effecting gross movement of the car along the rails and gross positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. The car further includes a second automatically controlled drive for effecting fine movement of the caw along the rails and fine positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. In one embodiment the first drive is manually controlled, while in another embodiment the first drive is automatically controlled. The second automatically controlled drive can take the form of one or two disk clutch type mechanisms or a clutch band type mechanism.

Abstract: This invention covers self loading-unloading of containers or pallets in a lateral motion, avoiding lifting, applying particularly to rail cars, trucks, and fixed platforms. The railway embodiment includes a central power control unit, unique platform cars with gripper-equipped arms, and scanning devices for monitoring operation plus reading indicia on the containers. The crew in the power control unit, which includes a novel driving arrangement, operates the train and the on-off loading equipment, either manually or automatically, remotely. By integration with similarly equipped trucks, freight handling can be fast, shock-free, door-to-door, and superior to existing modes.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle is devoid of a floor and includes a substantially C-shaped body defining a space surrounded or closed from three directions including forward and backward directions of the vehicle, two hook units disposed side by side at a bottom portion of the space and each having one hook horizontally movable back and forth in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, and an actuating unit disposed on a portion of the vehicle body for engaging and disengaging the hook and a carriage. The vehicle thus constructed is able to transfer the carriage and a freight within a small or limited space, thus reducing the transportation cost and the time of freight transfer operation.

Abstract: A movable cart has an air deck with a gripper assembly mounted thereon which has two opposed gripper arms which may be extended into a jogger/aerator to engage and grip a stack of paper supported on an air deck therein and to withdraw the stack fully onto the cart. The cart is movable between the jogger/aerator and one or more sheet feeding apparatus. Each sheet-feeding apparatus is outfitted with an air deck onto which the loaded sheet stack may be automatically unloaded. A transfer deck has a plurality of swords with spring-loaded dogs for storing a stack of paper and advancing the stored stack into the sheet-feeding apparatus upon exhaustion of its sheet supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic placement and collection of chairs having a dolly allowing a large number of chairs stacked in a horizontal direction to be loaded thereon, the dolly having a base on which the front legs on the lateral sides of the chairs can be positioned while being inclined frontward, and also having a horizontal chair-guide bar capable of being inserted through the space between the front and rear legs of each chair for supporting the chair from below and for guiding the chair in the direction in which the chair is moved for placement or collection.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing a plate cylinder in a web-fed rotary gravure press comprises supporting mechanisms for detachably supporting both ends of a plate cylinder, a palette for carrying the plate cylinder, an elevator having a first conveying mechanism for conveying the palette in an axial direction of the plate cylinder and being vertically movable between a first position where the plate cylinder is supported by the supporting mechanism and a second position where the plate cylinder is conveyed in the axial direction by the conveying mechanism, and a truck movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the plate cylinder and having a pair of second conveying mechanisms parallel to each other for conveying the palette in the axial direction of the plate cylinder when the elevator is at the second position.

Abstract: A load rotator assembly rotates and positions loads which are transferred between vehicles which move along aisles. The load rotator assembly includes a carriage which sequentially receives loads from one of the vehicles. A carriage drive assembly rotates the carriage about a vertical axis while maintaining the load on the carriage offset to one side of a vertical plane through the ends of loads at storage locations to eliminate any possibility of interference between the load and a stacker crane which transfers the load to one of the storage locations. The carriage drive assembly is operable to move the carriage toward the vertical plane. By positioning a load on the carriage with its end in the vertical plane, the stacker crane can pick up the load from the carriage and move the load to a storage location. The carriage drive assembly includes a double geneva drive mechanism having upper and lower geneva plates.

Abstract: Automatic collection and set up equipment for chairs, characterized by the fact that it performs automatically all the jobs required in collecting and setting up chairs; markedly reduces the man-hours required to prepare a conference room; and it has an arrangement of many hooks which are able to move up or down at short intervals, in line, on a truck picking up or letting down crossmembers of the chairs and stacking chairs one by one.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for conveying cotton from an unloading station to a gin house, while preventing the cotton from absorbing moisture from the ground. In accordance with the present invention, the system provides for the use of a network of railway tracks either directly from the field to a gin site or least at the gin mill, as well as the use of lightweight, flat, open bed carriers which run along the railway tracks, transporting cotton modules from one station to the other en route from the field to a gin house or storage facility.

Abstract: A indoor-type mechanized storage facility includes a box-shaped casing and an elevator device coupled to the casing. The casing contains a plurality of storage portions which are aligned with each other, and a passageway portion which is formed in front of the storage portions. The elevator device includes an elevator tower which protrudes in a building, and a lifter which supplies the storage unit in the casing to an opened portion of the elevator tower. The casing is disposed in an empty space or below the floor in the building. The mechanized storage facility also includes a conveying car which moves in the passageway portion and conveys the storage unit between the casing and the elevator device, and a control device that controls the operation of the conveying car and that of the elevator device. The conveying car has a transversely conveying device that conveys the storage unit substantially in the horizontal direction to accommodate it in the storage portion.

Abstract: A cargo handling system has a main drive panel and fore and aft end panels for driving cargo in one direction or the other in the cargo compartment of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The main drive panel is driven in either direction on a plurality of toothed belts which are anchored to the system floor panels, the teeth of such belts engaging the teeth of trolley wheels which are rotatably driven by the motor. The main panel is thus driven in trolly-like fashion along the drive belts in loading cargo. Each end panel is attached to a separate endless chain drive. The chain drives are selectively attached to the main drive panel and one or the other of the end panels drawn along with the main drive panel in the unloading of cargo.

Abstract: A pallet transferring arrangement and method for positioning a pallet transfer deck relative to a load transfer station is provided. The pallet transferring arrangement has a jack assembly for elevationally moving a load carrying member between first and second spaced positions relative to a vehicle frame. First and second guide assemblies guide the load carrying member and a supporting arrangement movably supports a pallet transfer deck on the load carrying member for movement in a plane. A plurality of replaceable deck positioning socket members engage a plurality of replaceable deck positioning cone members at the second position of the load carrying member and maintains the pallet transfer deck from movement in the plane. The plurality of deck positioning socket members are free from engagement with the deck positioning cone members at the first position of the load carrying members.

Abstract: The invention provides conveying apparatus consisting of a framework adapted to stand beside a vehicle and having a floor in substantial alignment with a battery support bed of the vehicle. Longitudinal track devices extend parallel to the floor on the framework and spaced from the floor to receive the battery between the floor and the track devices. A transport mechanism has drive devices coupled to the track devices for operation to move the transport mechanism longitudinally along the track devices and a coupling assembly is attached to the transport mechanism for movement with the transport mechanism and includes an upwardly biased connector adapted to releasably engage the battery so that on operation of the transport mechanism the battery may be loaded onto or unloaded from the floor.

Abstract: A cargo handling system for use in combination with an airplane cargo compartment having a floor structure and a door opening moves cargo placed in the loading area inside the compartment at the door opening to the further recesses of the compartment and returns the cargo to the loading area for unloading. The system generally comprises fore and aft end panels, each attached to its own looped cable and movable from a position adjacent its respective end of the compartment to a position adjacent its respective side of the door opening; a movable main panel attached to a power cable; a drive means, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is attached to the power cable and drives the main panel in the door area between the door positions of the end panels; and indexing plungers which selectively couple the main panel with a cable of an end panel such that, when coupled, the end panel is driven simultaneously with and in the same direction as the main panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported thereby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accomplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: A system for feeding production and/or packing material onto manufacturing lines, which system has compartment for storing the material; guide tapes for mobile trucks traveling between a storage area and manufacturing lines. The guide tapes define routes selectively traveled along, in use, by the mobile trucks for transporting and feeding the material to the manufacturing lines. A computer controls the position and operation of the mobile trucks; and a number of mobile trucks having an independent electricity supply and designed to supply operating-arm units are connected at least temporarily to the mobile trucks.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a device comprising a package stock truck moved in the row direction of warper creels, a package feeding conveyor for feeding yarn supply packages to the position of the stock truck, a first package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the package feeding conveyor onto the stock truck, and a second package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the stock truck to each of pegs of the warper creels.

Abstract: A pick-up means for roller pallets in such applications where the roller pallets (1) run on rails (2) on tracks (3). At the discharge end of the tracks there is a stop (4) preventing the discharge of roller pallets until a pick-up means (6) provided with a travelling surface (5) comes to get the roller pallets meant to be dispatched. The pick-up means of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a slide (8) movable in its longitudinal direction and provided with a transporter (7), said slide being at a pick-up operation movable in under the first roller pallet (1) on the rails (2), while at the same time it will disengage the stop (4) so that the roller pallet moves onto the travelling surface (5) of the pick-up means, being pulled by the slide (8). The pick-up operation is now accomplished with considerably greater safety and speed than with any apparatus of prior art.

Abstract: A ditch, for example in the form of a cable or pipe channel, is uniformly filled with sand with the aid of a movable, funnel shaped container (1) for the sand, equipped with a conveyor feed screw (6) reaching from the container bottom to a container discharge member at an upper edge of the container. The discharge member includes a discharge opening in the upper container edge (5) below the upper end of the feed screw (6). A second conveyor in the form of a chute (7) is arranged to reach with its upper end to a point below the discharge opening when the chute is provided into its operating condition. The lower end of the chute reaches over the central area of a ditch (11). A guide member (8) at the lower end of the chute reaches into the ditch and slides or rolls along one ditch wall. Thus, the lower end of the chute which is able to swing or journal about a vertical axis, is maintained above the ditch even if the container on a carriage does not move exactly in parallel to the ditch.

Abstract: A shuttle rail assembly, capable of carrying a pair of pallets to which workpieces are fixtured, is mounted on a wheeled vehcile movable along a pair of tracks extending adjacent machine tools and set-up stations. The vehicle is positively driven by a DC motor and pinion, mounted on a adjustable eccentric, which meshes with a toothed rack secured to one of the pair of tracks. A vertical standard extending upward from the vehicle is slidable along power and control electrical buses contained within an enclosed overhead trolley. The shuttle rail assembly includes a pair of rails, extendable to either side of the vehicle by a hydraulic rail motor, mounted on a platform rotatable by a hydraulic index motor to 180.degree. positions when pallets are to be interchanged, and having a 90.degree. latched position during vehicle travel.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the retrieval and launching of a pipeline scraper, as well as intermediate handling including transportation and cleaning, a trailer-mounted cradle apparatus is employed. The cradle is vertically adjustable to accomodate different heights of incoming and launching traps. An integral reel and cable unit is provided to assist in pulling a scraper from an incoming trap into the cradle and, optionally, to start the scraper into a launching trap.

Abstract: A high security transfer system for transferring valuable or dangerous consignments from a vehicle to a receiving apparatus includes an armored container for the consignment which has at least two connectors interlocked with one another so that a connector is only releasable after another connector has been fastened. The vehicle includes at least one interconnecting element which is fastened to one of the connectors on the container when the container is in the vehicle and the receiving apparatus also includes an interconnecting element. The system also includes a transfer device having an interconnecting element. The system is arranged so that to transfer the container from the vehicle to the receiving apparatus, the interconnecting element on the transfer device is fastened to one of the connectors on the container to enable the interconnection between the container and the vehicle to be released, and the transfer device then transfers the container to the receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Freight container transport mechanism comprising a pair of jaw-like platfs movable toward one another by a winch-cable means to abut opposite ends of a freight container. As the platforms move toward one another certain upstanding struts on the platforms swing upwardly to raise the freight container from ground level to a transport position supported between the platforms.