Abstract: An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

Abstract: A sheet housing apparatus including a housing unit, which houses a sheet to be discharged from a discharging opening of a printer, and a pair of housing-side feet disposed on both sides, in a width direction, of the sheet housing apparatus. The sheet housing apparatus can be combined with the printer. The printer includes a pair of body-side feet disposed on both sides, in the width direction, of the printer. In a state in which the sheet housing apparatus is combined with the printer, the body-side feet and the housing-side feet are arranged not to overlap with each other in the width direction.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring a stack (101) of flat elements to a processing device includes a delivery ramp (103) with a receiving surface (104) for receiving the stack (101), a first comb structure (121) having at least one first supporting platform (123) on which at least an edge portion (115) of the stack (101) is supportable, wherein the first comb structure (121) is mounted to the delivery ramp (103), and a second comb structure (122) having at least two second supporting platforms (124) on which at least the edge portion (115) of the stack (101) is supportable, wherein the second comb structure (122) is configured for supplying the stack (101) to the processing device. The first supporting platform (123) and the second supporting platforms (124) are arranged along a first direction (109), one after another, in an interleaved manner such that the edge portion (115) is supportable on the first supporting platform (123) and the second supporting platforms (124).

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cart having a support surface with a selectively adjustable contour for providing essentially uniform support to a load (e.g., a stack of print media sheets) during receiving and storing modes and for facilitating transfer of the load to another support surface during a transferring mode. The cart can comprise a support surface with alternating fixed and movable sections. In the receiving and storage modes, the movable sections can be top aligned with the fixed sections so that the support surface has an essentially planar contour for providing essentially uniform support. In the transferring mode, the movable sections can be dropped lower so that the support surface has a corrugated contour for facilitating transfer of the load (e.g., using an interdigitation technique). Also disclosed is a printing system sheet stacker incorporating such a cart for receiving, storing and transferring of a sheet stack as well as associated methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer plate for loading a cargo space. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with cargo units, into the cargo space and back again, the cargo units remaining in the cargo space. Rolling elements are arranged, over at least part of the length of the transfer plate, on the side of it facing the cargo units to permit movement between the transfer plate and the cargo units. The transfer plate is mainly of plastic and the thickness of the structure formed by the transfer plate and the rolling elements are less than 70 millimeters. The invention also relates to a method for loading a cargo space.

Abstract: At a battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery exchange station has various mechanisms to make this exchange. In some embodiments, the batteries are stored in a warehouse, where they are given an appropriate amount of charge. The charged batteries are moved from the warehouse by an automated robotic mechanism. The automated robotic system provides the charged battery to a battery exchange system which inserts the charged battery into the vehicle after it removes the discharged battery from the vehicle. The insertion and removal of the battery is done vertically, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. The opening is of variable size depending on the size of the vehicle.

Abstract: A grain transfer control system, and method of use thereof, for automatedly controlling the transfer of grain from a mobile transferor-type vehicle, such as a combine harvester, to a mobile transferee-type vehicle, such as a crop transport, by varying the position and speed of the transferor-type and transferee-type vehicles relative to one another during the transfer operation, especially by varying the position and rate of walk of the discharge spout along at least a portion of the length of a grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle, to effect a generally even fill of the grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle along the length of the grain holding receptacle.

Abstract: A straddle carrier for transporting and stacking freight containers, with automatic steering, is made up of two chassis beams having steerable wheels, for traveling over the container stack. At least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles, and passes the measurement signals to an electronic control, which calculates a steering angle reference value for the electronically regulated vehicle steering from the measurement signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a load is described. The apparatus employs a rack, which is vertically movable between a loading position and a rack transfer position. The rack has a ribbed structure. Further, a horizontally movable cart in the apparatus can shift between a cart transfer position and an unloading position. The cart, like the rack, is also a ribbed structure including a number of ribs. The rack ribs and the cart ribs are positioned to intercalate in the respective rack and cart transfer positions. The apparatus also includes a pusher for moving the cart from the transfer position to the unloading position.

Abstract: A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.

Abstract: This invention is an oblique fork or channel parallel moving transfer system especially for lift or stacker vehicles for storage and retrieval of containers such as automobile parking pallets, racks, parts boxes, etc. on storage shelves, platforms or racks including those having a plurality of tiers for storing the containers. It can serve as a parking garage, warehouse or other storage-retrieval system. The lift vehicle has a lift or fork bed with one or more oblique channels or forks extended to engage a line of rollers or cooperating slide member on the container to move the container out from the tier and support it when the vehicle is engaged and moved parallel to the facing side of the tier. The vehicle lifts and lowers and rolls along an aisle for transfer to and from racks on either or both sides. Two cooperating lifts columns are at opposite corners farthest from the channel for transfer clearance to and from either side.

Abstract: A straddle carrier for transporting and stacking freight containers, with automatic steering, is made up of two chassis beams having steerable wheels, for traveling over the container stack. At least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles, and passes the measurement signals to an electronic control, which calculates a steering angle reference value for the electronically regulated vehicle steering from the measurement signals.

Abstract: A method of receiving and transporting solid waste includes providing a strong, disposable waste container and a disposable pallet for supporting the container when the latter is loaded with waste. After loading, both the pallet and the container can be lifted onto a rear transporting section of a truck. In one version, the pallet and container are placed on a rear end section of the truck and moved to a forward position by a conveyor system. A forklift unit can be used to lift and move the container and pallet. In another version, the truck has movable sidewall members that can be moved from an upright position to a second position that allows the pallet and container to be loaded from a longitudinal side of the truck. For this method, the truck is equipped with a tiltable rear transporting section to allow the container and pallet to be dumped at the disposal site. In one version, this truck is tilted towards one longitudinal side in order to dump.

Abstract: A pick up and delivery system for use with mobile robots which have a body with a horizontal upper surface and at least one vertical side. The robot has at least one shelf, each of which contains a stop bar containing a retaining device. The system further uses multiple stations, each of which contain at least one pallet retaining surface to contain at least two pallets. The pallet retaining surfaces are provided with a holding device at the pick up area and a holding device at the delivery area. Pallets are used to retain the items being transferred with each of the pallets having a securing device that interacts with the holding device and retaining device. The strength of the holding device at the pick up area is less than the holding device at the delivery area, with the robot's retaining device having a strength between the strength of the holding devices. The mobile robot picks up a pallet from a first station, and delivers the pallet to a second station.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for delivering and feeding a stack of paper to a high-speed sheet feeder. A sheet handling cart is removably connectable to a docking station attached to the high-speed sheet feeder. The sheet handling cart comprises a paper trough which is liftable from the rest of the cart. The paper trough has a trough bottom which longitudinally forms an elongated opening narrower than the bottom of the paper trough, the elongated opening being dimensioned to accommodate a conveyor belt that will protrude upward through the rectangular opening, after the paper trough is lifted from the rest of the cart, in order to advance the stack of paper toward the high-speed sheet feeder.

Abstract: A pick up and delivery system for use with mobile robots which have a body with a horizontal upper surface and at least one vertical side. The robot has at least one shelf, each of which contains a stop bar containing a retaining device. The system further uses multiple stations, each of which contain at least one pallet retaining surface to contain at least two pallets. The pallet retaining surfaces are provided with a holding device at the pick up area and a holding device at the delivery area. Pallets are used to retain the items being transferred with each of the pallets having a securing device that interacts with the holding device and retaining device. The strength of the holding device at the pick up area is less than the holding device at the delivery area, with the robot's retaining device having a strength between the strength of the holding devices. The mobile robot picks up a pallet from a first station, and delivers the pallet to a second station.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic domestic trash delivery system extending between chosen refuse container storage and designated pick-up site. This invention is to provide a domestic refuse delivery system that can be emptied by garbage pick-up service, more specifically the trucks with the automatic lift and dump apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading rails from a freight car on which the rails are arrayed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the freight car comprises a track-bound car, and a rail guiding unit positioned at each car end. Each rail guiding unit comprises a pair of rail guide heads having guide rollers for centering a respective one of the rails therebetween. The rail guide heads of a first rail guiding unit are positioned at one of the car ends and are displaceable in a horizontal plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and drives are provided for vertically adjusting the rail guide heads of the first rail guiding unit.

Abstract: A system for handling and transporting cargo includes a container supported by wheels mounted on detachable casterboards fitted within casterboard holders provided on the bottom wall of the container. The system also includes an apparatus that elevates the container body so that the casterboards are free to slide into and out of the casterboard holders and thus the casterboards may be attached to and detached from the container.

Abstract: A device for automatic filling a traveling load container which travels adjacent to a traveling harvesting vehicle includes optical or acoustic sensors providing an optimal filling of the container. The sensors can be oriented toward the filling cone of the product stream and to the outer limits of the load container.

Abstract: A dumpster handling system is operated to support and move a roll-off dumpster back and forth underneath a point of material discharge for the filling of the dumpster. The system operates to move the dumpster so that the material is deposited at different points into the interior of the dumpster to achieve an even distribution of the load of material throughout the dumpster.

Abstract: A retriever and a cart that are detachably secured to one another are used for retrieving and transporting, respectively, heavy containers of the type found in trash compactors. A pair of biased looking bolts hold the retriever and container together when they are in repose. The locking bolts are retracted by squeezing a latch release handle positioned just below the retriever handle so that the cart and retriever can be easily separated from one another. The cart has curved leading surfaces so that the two parts can be reattached by simply pushing them together; the curved surfaces drive the locking bolts into their respective retracted positions so that the latch release handle need not be activated during the reattachment procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and/or delivering articles comprises a generally horizontal conveyor having a number of cars arranged to travel along it. A receiving station and a delivering station are located in the path of travel of the cars along the conveyor. Each car has doors at its ends which are normally kept closed but which are arranged to open as the car approaches the receiving end delivering stations and to close on leaving the stations. The receiving station has a plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and means are provided to retain articles in the car on the plate as the car passes through the receiving station. The delivering station has a similar plate located below the base of the car but engageable therewith and a mechanism is provided to retain articles on the plate until the car passes through the delivering station when it picks up the articles from the plate automatically.

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 method of discharging articles from a container into a defined vertical aperture in a wall or processing machine by rapidly tilting a lifting platform during a first lifting segment. This rapid tilting positions a discharge chute interior of the vertical aperture and then maintains the insertion of the discharge chute, during at least one subsequent lifting segment, as and when the lifting platform is brought to a fully lifted and tilted condition. A similar method using the first segment provides for the subsequent charging of a suitable container with articles emerging from a vertical aperture.

Abstract: A mobile air-equipped transfer table and method of using the transfer table is disclosed. The transfer table includes a perforated top and an air system to provide uniform quantities of pressurized air at the table top openings. Gearmotor drives are mounted at each end of the transfer table to rotate frictional, floor contacting drive wheels. In use, the transfer table is moved to a position adjacent to a stationary, air-equipped table and the pressurized air systems of both tables are energized. A boundary layer of pressurized air is formed at each table top to allow a single operator to move heavy loads from one table to the other. In a preferred arrangement, spreading, cutting and bundling tables are arranged in side by side juxtaposition and the transfer table is moved in tracks into longitudinal alignment with each of the tables to serially advance a layered fabric spread from table to table.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a transfer truck to a flat bed or the like comprising a storage bin for aiding in removal of a truck module, such as a dump box, from a truck body, then storing the same until it is needed again. The apparatus includes upstanding side walls and a rear wall with a pair of ramps mounted to the rear wall and brackets at the front of the side walls. The ramps allow rollers on the dump box to roll up the ramp onto the top thereof and the brackets support the front of the dump box. the truck body can then be moved away from the dump box, after disengagement thereof, until it is desired to re-mount the dump box. Of course, other truck modules, such as water tanks, flat beds, etc. can be so mounted and de-mounted.

Abstract: For use with a fork lift truck having a pair of vertically spaced apart forks which are raised or lowered in union, apparatus for exchanging a loaded or unloaded pallet with an unloaded or loaded pallet, respectively, by back and forth movement of the fork lift truck and by vertical movement of the forks. The apparatus comprises a pallet supporting member which is biased under the force of a spring so as to move to an extended pallet supporting position from a retracted position out of a path of pallets carried by the forks; a lever which is located at a position higher than said pallet supporting member; and a connecting member which is formed with elongated slots into which are fitted said lever and said pallet supporting member, said connecting member being raised by upward movement of an unloaded pallet engaging the lever to incline it upwardly, the connecting member retracting the pallet supporting member and latching it.

Abstract: An improved particulate material loading system for transferring particulate material from a storage assembly to a vehicle having a storage bin wherein the material is protected from the outside environment during the transfer. The storage assembly includes a temporary cover which is operatively engagable with the vehicle to protect the storage bin of the vehicle when a hatch door of the vehicle is moved from a closed position to an open position to enable transfer of the material thereto. The vehicle is constructed to slidably receive the temporary cover of the storage assembly.

Abstract: An improved particulate material loading system for transferring particulate material from a storage assembly to a vehicle having a storage bin wherein the material is protected from the outside environment during the transfer. The storage assembly includes a temporary cover which is operatively engagable with the vehicle to protect the storage bin of the vehicle when a hatch door of the vehicle is moved from a closed position to an open position to enable transfer of the material thereto. The vehicle is constructed to slidably receive the temporary cover of the storage assembly.

Abstract: An improved particulate material loading system for transferring particulate material from a storage assembly to a vehicle having a storage bin wherein the material is protected from the outside environment during the transfer. The storage assembly includes a temporary cover which is operatively engagable with the vehicle to protect the storage bin of the vehicle when a hatch door of the vehicle is moved from a closed position to an open position to enable transfer of the material thereto. The vehicle is constructed to slidably receive the temporary cover of the storage assembly.

Abstract: A system for the transfer of loads from a wheeled transporter to a roller conveyor. The system includes two transfer conveyors which are arranged in alignment with a roller conveyor supplying a machine. Strips are provided on the wheeled transporter which form spaces therebetween to receive bars which project laterally from a pallet on the wheeled transporter. The pallet can be raised and lowered so that the bars can be moved onto the two transfer conveyors to facilitate transfer of the loads from the wheeled transporter to the two transfer conveyors which in turn transfers the loads to the roller conveyor or supply of the machine.