Abstract: A system and a method for automatic transfer of a carcass or carcass parts suspended from a first carrier to being suspended from a second carrier where at least one of the carriers is tilted at least during a part of the transfer. The carcass parts may be a half carcass that may have been eviscerated and cleaned. The first carrier may be an industry standard gambrel or a single carrier, for example a Euro Hook or a modified Euro Hook. The second carrier may be a single carrier, for example a Euro Hook, or a modified Euro Hook carrier.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a method for releasing a parcel from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The parcel is engaged with a hook attached to a line suspended from the UAV. The method includes lowering the hook such that the parcel is at least partially supported by a target surface, thereby performing an attempt to release the parcel from the hook, performing at least one iteration of an iterative procedure. The iterative procedure includes raising the hook, and determining whether the line remains loaded. The iterative procedure further includes lowering the hook an additional time in response to a determination that the line remains loaded, thereby performing an additional attempt to release the parcel from the hook. The iterative procedure further includes performing an additional iteration of the iterative procedure in response to the number of attempts failing to satisfy a threshold number of attempts.

Abstract: A refuse body adapter includes a sub-frame assembly, a sub-frame adapter, and a spacer. The sub-frame assembly is configured to be coupled to a cargo body. The sub-frame adapter is configured to be coupled to a chassis of a vehicle. The spacer is coupled to both the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. The spacer is disposed in a gap formed between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. A thickness of the spacer may be adjusted to accommodate different gap sizes between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle including a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compartment, and an electric energy system, the electric energy system including one or more battery cells and control hardware, the electric energy system detachably coupled to the body and configured to be accessed by a door in the body, and wherein the one or more battery cells of the electric energy system are replaceable.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The semi-autonomous processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects to a presentation area, a perception system including perception units that are directed toward a detection area for providing perception data regarding an object in the presentation area, at least two transport systems, each of which is adapted to receive the object and move the object in either of reciprocal directions, and a manual workstation area between the perception area the at least two transport systems.

Abstract: A trailer for towing by a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a tandem wheel assembly. The frame forms an undercarriage chassis which the tandem wheel assembly is positioned there under. The undercarriage chassis includes a rear wheel assembly, a front wheel assembly, and an extension assembly moving the front wheel assembly between trailing position and a self-propelled position. At least one of the wheel assemblies is powered by a selectively engageable drive assembly including a motor, transmission, driveshaft, selectively engageable clutch and hub, to drive the rotation of at least one of the wheels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for wireless powering and control of conveyors on shuttles. An example system may include a track, and a shuttle configured to move along the track, the shuttle having a conveyor, and a first induction coil. The system may include a second induction coil disposed at a first location along the track, where the second induction coil is configured to interact with the first induction coil to power the conveyor. The shuttle may not have an onboard power source coupled to the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and system for moving a plant growing container, wherein the method makes use of a system that includes a cultivation track, a conveying track, a lift and a guide assembly. The method includes the initially moving the plant growing container at the first level along a first direction from a first end of the cultivation track onto the lift next to the first end of the cultivation track. From there, the plant growing container is lowered from the first level to the second level onto the conveying track. To reduce blocking of the system, the guide is movable to a third level higher than the first level. Furthermore, the method further includes guiding the plant growing container by means of moving said guide to said third level once the container has been moved onto the lift.

Abstract: A mining system includes: a first tunnel that reaches a dump site and includes a first road surface; a second tunnel that crosses the first tunnel, reaches a mining site, and includes a second road surface positioned above the first road surface; a frame that includes a lower surface provided above the first road surface of the first tunnel and forming a transport passage between the first road surface and the lower surface and an upper surface forming a work road surface, on which a loading machine operates, together with the second road surface; and a moving vehicle that is capable of traveling on the first road surface and is capable of passing through the transport passage.

Abstract: A container assembly for flowable materials, the container assembly comprising: a reusable outer supporting container; and a disposable inner plastic liner; wherein the reusable outer supporting container comprises an outlet pipe comprising a first outlet pipe section connected to the reusable outer supporting container and a second outlet pipe section releasably connectable to the first outlet pipe section, wherein the second outlet pipe section comprises a valve for selectively closing off the second outlet pipe section, and wherein at least one of the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section comprises an annular recess; and wherein the disposable inner plastic liner comprises a tubular outlet portion, wherein the tubular outlet portion comprises an outer flange configured to be captured between the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section, and further wherein the outer flange of the tubular outlet portion comprises an annular protrusion configured to be received in t

Abstract: A refuse body adapter includes a sub-frame assembly, a sub-frame adapter, and a spacer. The sub-frame assembly is configured to be coupled to a cargo body. The sub-frame adapter is configured to be coupled to a chassis of a vehicle. The spacer is coupled to both the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. The spacer is disposed in a gap formed between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. A thickness of the spacer may be adjusted to accommodate different gap sizes between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter.

Abstract: A direct current power system. The direct current power system includes a direct current bus system, a solar power system, an energy storage system and a wind power system. The solar power system is configured to supply a first direct current power. The energy storage system has an input electrically coupled to the solar power system and is configured to supply a second direct current power at 380 volts to the direct current bus system. The wind power system includes is electrically coupled to the energy storage system and is configured to supply a third direct current power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-stabilizing inliner for use in a tank container, comprising an inliner having an inliner wall made of a film material, wherein the inliner wall 1) is configured as a bag to define an interior space for storing a liquid, 2) has an opening for the entrance of the liquid into the interior space, 3) has an inner surface facing the interior space and an outer surface facing an exterior environment; characterized in that an inflatable unit is connected to the inliner, the inflatable unit comprising a film material that is configured as a bag to define an interior space for containing a gas. The inflatable unit reduces sloshing of the liquid when a tank container with the inliner is partly filled with liquid. The inflatable unit may also function as a handle for removing the liquid-stabilizing after use.

Abstract: One embodiment of an unmanned carrier for carrying urban manned vehicles includes a computer, a motorized lift, an autonomous-driving control system, and a safety frame. The computer synchronizes pick-up of manned vehicles by the unmanned carrier; wherein each manned vehicle is an autonomous on-road vehicle that transports one or more occupants in a compartment, is authorized by law to drive in a residential neighborhood, and is unauthorized by law to drive on the highway on its own because it is not safe enough for highway speed. The motorized lift enables the manned vehicles to get on and get off the unmanned carrier without human intervention. The autonomous-driving control system navigates the unmanned carrier autonomously on a highway. And the safety frame protects the occupants who sit in the carried manned vehicles during a collision at highway speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal cycler (10) comprising a housing (12), the housing (12) accommodating a thermal block (14) having a plurality of sample wells (32), each for receiving a test sample in a sample vessel, electric heater means (18) for heating the thermal block (14), a power supply (24) and an electronic control (22) for controlling the electric heater means (18), and further comprising a temperature analysis and/or verification unit (28) for analyzing and/or verifying a thermal performance of the thermal block (14). The invention further relates to a method for analyzing or verifying a thermal performance of a thermal cycler (10) and for calibrating the thermal cycler (10).

Abstract: A transfer device for introducing and/or removing articles to a process device includes a basic frame and a conveying unit, which is supported by the basic frame and transfers or receives articles to or from the process device. The conveying unit is designed to be movably positionable in order for the transfer device to be reversibly advanced up to the process device. The conveying unit includes an output element of a magnetic coupling and is designed for reversibly coupling the transfer device to a corresponding drive element of the magnetic coupling, the drive element being provided on the process device. When the drive element and the output element are coupled to one another, the magnetic coupling effectuates a force transmission from a drive unit of the process device to the conveying unit.

Abstract: A lifting arm assembly is movable between a grabbing position and tipping position and includes a static frame provided with a roller arrangement. A dynamic frame is mounted for vertical movement relative to the static frame. A grabber structure is provided with a pair of grabber arms configured for movement between a closed position and an open position. A linkage arrangement has a first end pivotally connected to the dynamic frame, and a second end pivotally attached to the grabber structure. The first end includes a set of teeth arranged in meshing engagement with the roller arrangement on the static frame. Movement of the dynamic frame relative to the static frame causes pivoting of the linkage arrangement resulting in lifting movement of the grabber structure along a curvilinear path between the grabbing position and the tipping position.

Abstract: A dumpster and portable toilet system that includes a chassis with a dumpster mounted thereto, a portable toilet housing portion and a transportation vehicle. The chassis has an attachment region. The dumpster portion has an enclosure that is adapted for receiving refuse. The portable toilet housing portion is removably attachable to the attachment region to form a dumpster and portable toilet system. The portable toilet housing portion has a recess formed therein that is adapted to receive a portable toilet. The transportation vehicle has a hoist mechanism for placing the dumpster and portable toilet system onto the transportation vehicle and moving the dumpster and portable toilet system off of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an enclosed rectangular container, including an openable first end and an openable second end. The apparatus further includes at least one first supporting base positioned proximate to the first end of the container that has an adjustable height in order to align a floor of the container with a trailer. The apparatus also includes at least one second supporting base positioned proximate to the second end of the container that has an adjustable height in order to align the floor of the container with a loading dock. The apparatus additionally includes a robotic manipulator connected to the floor of the container that is configured to move one or more objects between the trailer and the loading dock by moving the one or more objects through the container when the first end and the second end of the container are opened.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

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 method for disposing of solid refinery waste is disclosed. The method includes removing solid waste constituents from inside a refinery tank using excavating machinery, delumping the solid waste constituents, and conveying the delumped solid waste constituents into a mobile tank. The method further includes transporting the delumped solid waste constituents in the mobile tank to a burning facility, adding at least one diluent, mixing, and pumping from the mobile tank a flowable mixture of refinery waste and the at least one diluent at the burning facility.

Abstract: A pallet includes a support structure configured to accept fork tines, a deck secured to the support structure, and a plate secured to at least one of the deck and the support structure by a securing device. The securing device is configured to allow movement of the plate between a first position obstructing entry of a fork tine through the support structure and a second position allowing entry of a fork tine through the support structure. The securing device is configured to allow movement of the plate from the first position to the second position when a fork tine impacts the plate from a first direction. The plate is blocked from moving from the first position when a fork tine impacts the plate from a second direction opposing the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the unloading of an open top railcar apparatus has a ramp with a top surface and a bottom surface, a leg member affixed to the ramp so as to support the bottom surface of the ramp a distance above an underlying surface, and a hanger affixed to one end of the ramp so as to be suitable for positioning into the open top of the rail car. The leg member has first arm affixed to the first side member, a second side member affixed to the second side member, and bar affixed to the arms and extending therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to carry solid refinery waste is disclosed. The vehicle includes a mobile tank including a plurality of compartments and at least one buffer disposed between each of the plurality of compartments. The vehicle further includes a plurality of manhole openings on a top wall of the tank, each manhole opening being associated with one of the plurality of compartments and being sized to enable an agitator to pass therethrough. The vehicle also includes a plurality of connectors, each connector being affixed to the mobile tank for movement therewith to selectively secure the agitator and a plurality of fluid valves sized to permit an emulsion of the solid refinery waste and at least one diluent to pass therethrough in flowable form.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a vehicle on a vehicle base station such that a first payload is aligned with an aperture in the vehicle base station. The method includes aligning an empty docking station of a payload advancing assembly with the aperture. The method includes removing the first payload from the vehicle and placing the first payload in the empty docking station of the payload advancing assembly, where the full docking station includes a second payload. The method also includes aligning a full docking station of the payload advancing assembly with the aperture and securing the second payload to the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the flush transfer of large-surface-area panels of different types of construction to a transporting vehicle, having the following features. At least one conveyor for supplying panels of at least one type of construction. At least one pivoting-stack apparatus, having a gripper frame and having adhesion elements fastened thereon. At least one stack framework on a mobile carriage, wherein the latter is connected to at least one transporting vehicle by a switchable coupling. The transporting vehicle is supplied with power, and controlled electronically and/or electrically, by a multiplicity of lines installed in the floor region. An electrically controlled parking brake on each transporting vehicle, for arresting purposes.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: A system for moving a shelving system includes a lifting system that is operable to engage a section of a shelving system with a lifting element and to move the section of the shelving system upwardly or downwardly relative to a ground surface. The system also employs a moving device that is positionable between the shelving-system section and the ground surface when the lifting device moves the shelving-system section upwardly. The moving device also receives the section of shelving system onto a receiving area when the lifting device lowers the shelving-system section. The at least one movement component allows the at least one moving element to move relative to the ground surface. A lifting system for lifting a shelving system may include a jack and a lifting bracket that couples operation of the jack to upward or downward movement of the shelving-system section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a step apparatus includes a post device, at least one step platform, and a hitch connecting device. Step platform includes a rectangular loop and two parallel plates, each of the parallel plates connecting on a first end to opposing side walls, respectively, of the post device and on a second end to the rectangular loop. The hitch connecting device connects the post device to a transport vehicle.

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 vehicle base station comprises a platform on which a vehicle may be positioned, a first battery bay located on a first side of the platform, a battery replacement assembly to remove a battery from the vehicle and to replace the battery with a new battery, and a power source adapted to provide power to the vehicle while the vehicle is positioned on the platform.

Abstract: A system for moving a shelving system includes a lifting system that is operable to engage a section of a shelving system with a lifting element and to move the section of the shelving system upwardly or downwardly relative to a ground surface. The system also employs a moving device that is positionable between the shelving-system section and the ground surface when the lifting device moves the shelving-system section upwardly. The moving device also receives the section of shelving system onto a receiving area when the lifting device lowers the shelving-system section. The at least one movement component allows the at least one moving element to move relative to the ground surface. A lifting system for lifting a shelving system may include a jack and a lifting bracket that couples operation of the jack to upward or downward movement of the shelving-system section.

Abstract: A forked vehicle forms part of an assembly including a transporting vehicle having a powered lift gate. The forked vehicle includes a releasable grip securing the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate. The releasable grip is fixed relative to one of the lift gate and the forked vehicle and engages the other of the lift gate and forked vehicle to secure the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate.

Abstract: A handling installation (1) for handling flat articles (2) stacked on edge and a loading method, the handling installation (1) including a transport trolley (300) provided with a box (303) having an inclined bottom wall (307), an end wall (306) facing which an opening (304) is provided, first and second storage units (100, 200) respectively having a loading zone (101) and a storage zone (201), and an unloading zone (203) provided upstream from said storage zone (201) and mounted to move between a transfer position in which it is coplanar with said storage zone (201) and an unloading position in which it is coplanar with said bottom wall (307).

Abstract: One variation may include a system including a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein and a receiving platform in the vehicle compartment having a plurality of guide features for guiding vehicles into the vehicle compartment of the mobile host, and a loading station including a loading platform having a plurality of vehicle guide features for guiding vehicles over the loading platform and onto the receiving platform. One variation may include a method comprising loading a vehicle into a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein, wherein the mobile host includes a receiving platform having a plurality of raised guide features, and wherein the loading comprises guiding the vehicle onto the receiving platform using the plurality of raised guide features.

Abstract: A wind turbine, which includes a base, a tower, the tower having a cavity therein, which houses a rechargeable battery, and one or more blades, which produce a source of electricity, which is stored in the rechargeable battery housed in the tower of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A system for loading, unloading and rail transportation of road-hauled semi-trailers, having multiple wagons (1) constituting a railway train, with each of them incorporating at least one pivotable turntable (14) for accommodating a semi-trailer via its wheel assembly. The system also comprises a detachable hitch mounting (9) that can be gripped by a handling machine which carries the detachable mounting and assembles it, after adjustment on the semi-trailer's pivoting turntable. The hitch mounting is assembled on an accommodating platform (8) that is secured immobile to the wagon chassis (2) and independently of the pivoting turntable, in order to support the front of the semi-trailer during rail transportation. This invention is of interest to rail carriers and railway transport equipment manufacturers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loading station and method that allows for simultaneous loading of a plurality of railway carriages. The loading station includes a length of railway for receiving the railway carriage, and an overhead displacement configuration suitable for displacing a bottom discharge container, containing the bulk material to be discharged into the railway carriage, relative to the railway. The loading station also includes an actuation means for allowing a bottom discharge door of the bottom discharge container to be (a) retained in a closed position when the bottom discharge container is offset relative to the railway carriage, and (b) displaced to the open position when the bottom discharge container is aligned with the railway carriage so as to allow the load inside the bottom discharge container to be loaded directly into the railway carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the unloading of an open top railcar apparatus has a ramp with a top surface and a bottom surface, a leg member affixed to the ramp so as to support the bottom surface of the ramp a distance above an underlying surface, and a hanger affixed to one end of the ramp so as to be suitable for positioning into the open top of the rail car. The leg member has first arm affixed to the first side member, a second side member affixed to the second side member, and bar affixed to the arms and extending therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a truck cap, the apparatus is formed by a box member having an opening, the box member being adapted at one end to a truck hitch and the other to a sleeve. A mast is rotatably disposed in the sleeve. A boom having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached at a right angle at the first end to the mast. A first slideable member is slideably coupled to the boom at the second end of the boom. A spread arm is fixedly attached at a right angle to the first slideable member. At least two bumpers are disposed on the spread arm and one bumper on the boom. In use, the rod of a jack disposed within the box member engages the mast through the opening of the box member to raise or lower the mast.

Abstract: An unloading station and method for unloading bulk material from a moving railcar with a bottom discharge while the railcar is moving includes a track with a pair of rails. A synchronized parallel conveyor is oriented parallel with the pair of rails and forms a movable platform capable of receiving the bulk material in a pile extending into the railcar and drawing the pile along in synchronization with the railcar as the railcar moves. A hopper is disposed below a break in or end of the parallel conveyor to receive the bulk material. A lateral conveyor disposed under the hopper to convey the bulk material away from the hopper.

Abstract: A transport system having multilayer tracks is presented. The system has a bottom track and at least one top track disposed above on the bottom track. Shuttle carriages are moving along the top and bottom tracks. The shuttle body of each shuttle carriage has a first locking portion on the top end thereof, and has a second locking portion on the bottom end thereof. The second locking portion of the shuttle carriage on the top track can be locked with the first locking portion of the shuttle carriage on the bottom track. Therefore, the two transports on different tracks are locked so that the object can be transported between the top and bottom tracks.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that use a mobile robotic device (120, 220, 800) to transport rechargeable batteries (322, 422, 530, 570, 610, 722) between a base station (110, 600, 700), which charges the batteries, and a battery operated device (130, 230, 300, 400, 500, 550), such as battery powered kiosk (400) or signage system (300), which uses a charged battery as a power source. After traveling to a battery operated device, the mobile robotic device removes any discharged batteries from the battery operated device and installs a charged battery. The mobile robotic device then travels to the base station and attaches the discharged battery to the base station for recharging. The mobile robotic device may be configured to perform other transfers, such as data transfers and paper transfers.

Abstract: A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.

Abstract: A solar receiver system that includes an integral replacement system.

Abstract: An automatic wafer storage system and a method of controlling the system are disclosed. The automatic wafer storage system includes an analysis module and a storage unit. The analysis module estimates the locations between an idle equipment, a transport tool, and the storage unit, so as to control the storage unit and the transport tool to move to the best location for the transport tool to receive wafers from the storage unit. After that, the transport tool carries the wafers to the idle equipment for processing.

Abstract: A system and method for automated trailer loading that utilizes an automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path and is stacked as product columns which are presented to an industrial robot which places the product columns within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly, which provides for forward and reverse movement as well as traverse movement between so that product may be loaded within multiple trailers without interruption.

Abstract: A trailer transport system for tracking trains having a plurality of rail cars, wherein each rail car can transport a trailer, is described. The system includes a computer system having a trailer tracking program, wherein the trailer tracking program receives information regarding a trailer to be transported and stores the information in a record and a plurality of terminals, wherein each terminal includes a terminal management system communicatively connected to the computer system, wherein the terminal management system pulls up the record corresponding to the trailer to be transported when the trailer arrives at the terminal and modifies the record to reflect the trailer's transportation status.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling different body types to a truck, specifically interchanging between dump and trailer bodies, so that a single truck may be used to perform dump truck and tractor truck operations. The truck includes a pair of rearward extending frame rails and a mounting bracket to which a 5th wheel may be releaseably attached. The truck is adapted for carrying at least one of a 5th wheel and a hydraulic lift system and, thus, is capable of being coupled to a trailer body or dump body, respectively.