Abstract: A system includes: a cart including: four legs; at least one shelf, each shelf attached to each of the legs; the cart having a generally rectangular shape, a width of the cart being longer than a length of the robot, a length of the cart being longer than a length of the robot; four wheels, each wheel attached to a different leg at a bottom of the leg, the wheels configured to roll to facilitate movement of the cart; and a robotic dock, the robotic dock comprising four docking receptacles at ninety degree angles from adjacent docking receptacles; and a robot comprising: a sensor; and a docking module, the docking module comprising retractable docking pins, each retractable docking pin configured, when extended upward, to mate with a corresponding docking receptacle, thereby securing the robot to a bottom shelf of the cart.

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: Supports utilized to stabilize and/or support parked trailers, such as semitrailers parked at loading docks while loading and/or unloading cargo, are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include jacks mounted to repositionable frames, which may be mounted to posts. Some example embodiments may be configured to engage with king pin plates and/or king pins on the undersides of trailers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an electric utility vehicle with detachable platform. The electric utility vehicle may include a load platform supported on a chassis including at least two electrically driven wheels. The detachable platform may be removeably coupled to the load platform. The detachable platform may include a central hub including a top surface. The detachable platform may include three legs coupled to the central hub, each leg including an actuator configured to extend the respective leg to a ground surface while the detachable platform is coupled to the load platform. The detachable platform may include a controller configured to coordinate the actuators to control an orientation of the top surface.

Abstract: A U-shaped support frame has a base beam and parallel side beams extending rearward from the base beam and defining an open implement area, which can be made adjustable. A hitch is attached to the front end of the support frame and frame wheels support the side beams, and rotate about a horizontal frame wheel axis that is fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the operating travel direction. Implements are configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The support frame is moved rearward to a loading position where each implement is movable to an operating position supported by the support frame. Each implement provides a beam lock connection between the side beams that resists twisting movement of the side beams to maintain the frame wheels and the side beams in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: An unmanned transport vehicle according to an embodiment includes a vehicle body, a moving mechanism, and an operation control device. The vehicle body is combinable with a transport object. The moving mechanism causes the vehicle body to be moved. The operation control device controls an operation of the moving mechanism. The operation control device includes a pseudo-reference position setter, a path acquirer, an operation command generator, and a driving controller. The pseudo-reference position setter sets a pseudo-reference position serving as an operation reference position of a combination structure of the vehicle body and the transport object to be different from a vehicle body reference position that is an operation reference position of the vehicle body. The path acquirer acquires a movement path from a current position of the combination structure to a target position.

Abstract: A device structured and arranged a more reliable means of transporting tall wedding cakes, tiered cakes, large floral arrangements or ice sculptures from their place of creation to their destination includes a height-adjustable platform, a sliding tray, and poles for supporting the platform.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle including a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compartment, an electric energy system, an auxiliary power system comprising a reservoir to hold a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic pump powered by an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is powered by the electric energy system and the hydraulic pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid to power one or more actuators, and wherein a prime mover of the refuse vehicle charges the electric energy system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

Abstract: A system includes: a cart including: four legs; at least one shelf, each shelf attached to each of the legs; the cart having a generally rectangular shape, a width of the cart being longer than a length of the robot, a length of the cart being longer than a length of the robot; four wheels, each wheel attached to a different leg at a bottom of the leg, the wheels configured to roll to facilitate movement of the cart; and a robotic dock, the robotic dock comprising four docking receptacles at ninety degree angles from adjacent docking receptacles; and a robot comprising: a sensor; and a docking module, the docking module comprising retractable docking pins, each retractable docking pin configured, when extended upward, to mate with a corresponding docking receptacle, thereby securing the robot to a bottom shelf of the cart.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for efficient harvesting of fruit or nuts. A two-piece harvester is disclosed that mitigates damage to fruits or nuts deposited on the ground after harvesting from the tree. The two-piece harvester may include a shaker configured to shake a tree and cause the fruits or nuts to fall and a receiver configured to collect the fallen fruits or nuts and deposit the fruits or nuts on the ground or in bins. The shaker and the receiver may each include cabs that are configured to be positioned in a plurality of different positions. The shaker may include a wheel that is extendible between a retract position and an extended position. The receiver may include chute that is configured to deposit the fruits or nuts in different locations based on the direction of travel of the receiver.

Abstract: A plurality of lockers can each serve to contain items that have been ordered by a customer. By one approach these lockers are stored in a locker storage facility. By one approach these lockers are configured such that a motorized transport unit can physically engage the locker in order to move the locker. So configured, a central computer system can be configured to select a particular motorized transport unit to retrieve a particular locker that has been previously associated with a particular entity (such as a particular customer or their designated agent) and to make that locker available to that particular entity such that the latter can retrieve their item or items from that locker.

Abstract: A hooklift mounted on heavy duty trucks or trailers that allows for lifting, re-positioning, transporting, and unloading various containers. A hooklift assembly having a frame. A lift arm having lift linkages rotatably mounted at a hinge end to at least one position on the frame. A hook arm rotatably coupled at a hook end of the lift arm. The hook arm configured for loading or unloading a container from the frame. A hydraulic actuator coupled at one end to the frame and at the other end to the lift linkage. The hydraulic actuator simultaneously lifting the lift linkage from a storage position into an extended position and adjusting an angle between the hook arm and the lift linkage.

Abstract: A height adjustable vehicle transport trailer includes a frame having a front end, a back end, and a pair of sides, a draw bar slidably affixed to the front end, a deck affixed to the frame, a pair of brackets each affixed to one pair of sides, each pair of brackets having a swing arm, configured with a first end rotationally hingedly affixed the frame and a second end removeably pinned therein said one of the brackets, a wheel rotationally affixed to an axle, the axle affixed to said swing arm, and a plurality of lift mechanisms affixed to the frame to provide a vertically adjustable trailer.

Abstract: A mobile vending trailer is provided. In at least one embodiment, a solar-powered mobile vending apparatus includes: a portable chassis; a housing; at least one vending machine configured to be stored and transported in the housing; a solar panel array configured to capture sunlight and convert the captured sunlight into electricity, thereby to provide solar power to the vending machine; a plurality of batteries configured for charge from the electricity generated from the solar panel array in order to provide power to the at least one vending machine; a controller configured to control the solar panel array and the plurality of batteries; and at least one lift configured to lower and raise the vending machine. The solar-powered mobile vending apparatus is adapted for use both off-grid and on-grid. In various embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or more of a wind turbine, generator, inverter, and combiner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle-mounted lift system for use with a container that includes a frame, a carriage coupled to the frame which can move longitudinally along the frame, a first support attached to and extending above the carriage, an arm rotatably attached to the first support at an arm pivot point, a lifting hook attached to the arm that can engage a lifting hook on the container, and an actuator that can rotate the arm angularly about the pivot point to move the position of the lifting hook.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: A storage bin for bulk landscaping material includes a bin body having a bottom wall, a pair of parallel spaced side walls, and a rear end wall closing the rear end of the bin body, thereby to define a chamber that is open at its front end. A rectangular ramp wall is hingedly connected with the bottom wall at the front end of the bin body for displacement between a vertical position partially closing the chamber front end, and a downwardly inclined ramp position in engagement with the ground, whereby an unloading vehicle may be driven up the ramp to engage the bulk material. At least one first horizontal connecting bar is mounted at the forward end of the storage bin, whereby the bin may be transported to a site by a tilt flat bed transporting vehicle, and deposited in a controlled manner rear-end-first from the flat bed.

Abstract: A five-legged moving and storage container has self-leveling or self-raising ability: two wheeled legs at the second end of the device extend as the first end is pulled up a tilted tow truck bed. By extending the legs to raise the second end of the moving container at the same rate that the first end is pulled up the slope of the bed, the container is maintained level. As the tow truck bed is leveled, the legs can then be retracted to match and again the device remains level. No special infrastructure is required: it may be loaded and unloaded in any location having a normal flat-bed tow truck. It may have three additional legs at the other end: one in the middle with a wheel, two at the corners without, allowing it to raise itself or be raised and stabilized at dock height.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a camper-insert, or other large-volume load, onto the bed of a pickup truck comprises a stiff-leg frame for supporting the load from the ground, the frame preventing the load from applying weight to the tail end of the bed with damaging consequences while the load is being cantilevered into position over the frame by the draw of a winch and cable system. The apparatus uses at least one telescoping leg to lift the rear of the load as part of a novel hoist assembly, which dynamically braces the telescoping leg on a foot while providing minimal interference to nesting the camper-insert closely to the host surfaces.

Abstract: A cargo platform system which can be uncoupled from a vehicle frame and lowered to a ground surface using a self-contained jack system after the vehicle has been removed from beneath the platform. The cargo platform system may comprise a sub-frame having deck-rails for attachment to a vehicle frame, a platform having deck-rails for removably coupling to the sub-frame, and a jack system comprising a first jack, a second jack, a third jack, and a fourth jack removably attached to a left front corner, a right front corner, a left rear corner, and a right rear corner respectively. All four jacks of the jack system are in communication together such that extension and retraction of the jacks are simultaneous and electric motors atop each jack are removable for storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for an associated cargo carrier includes a rail configured for sliding movement between a first position received within a footprint of the carrier and a second position extended outwardly from the carrier footprint. A leg assembly is configured for extending movement between a first position received in the rail and a second position extending outwardly from the rail. When the rail and leg assembly are in the respective first positions, the leg assembly is stored along the carrier, and when the rail and leg are in the respective second positions, the leg assembly supports the cargo carrier. A drive arrangement selectively raises and lowers the leg assembly between the first and second positions to raise and lower the cargo carrier relative to the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion thereover.

Abstract: A system for lifting, handling, and transporting containers includes a trailer that is either connectable to a truck or permanently affixed to a truck. The trailer has front and rear ends and is configured to receive and hold a container. A dolly is mounted on the trailer to lift and handle the container while maintaining the container in an upright orientation. The dolly may travel between the front and rear ends of the trailer and may be rotatable to face left and right sides of the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle storage device. A trolley is provided having folding legs with wheels which move from a first in use position with the legs supporting the trolley for wheeled movement along the ground, to a second storage position with the legs folded adjacent the trolley. A housing is provided for mounting in a vehicle to accommodate the trolley with legs in the second position. Goods can be placed in the trolley in one location and the trolley can be used to transport the goods with its legs in the first position to the vehicle where the trolley legs can be placed in a second storage position and the trolley placed in the housing whilst still supporting said goods, and the trolley can then be removed from the vehicle with its legs placed in the first position to transport goods to a second location.

Abstract: A method implemented by a programmable controller in a hauling machine having an engine, moveable ground engaging elements, and a bed actuable by at least one hoist cylinder controlled by an operator hoist control device, determines whether the bed is empty by determining a position of the operator hoist control device, applying a gain dependent upon the position, applying an integrator over time to provide a resultant hoist figure, comparing the resultant hoist figure to a hoist minimum constant, and, if the hoist figure is less than or equal to the hoist maximum constant, concluding that the bed is empty.

Abstract: A hybrid trailer with a built in retractable hydraulic crane to handle different configurations of platform surface bodies. It will raise the platform surface body vertically away from the chassis frame placing the platform surface body in the desired location. Two telescoping arms extend out to lift and retract into a recessed area in the bed of the trailer for storage. It is operated by remote voice control. A solar collector enables operation in remote locations and use of the crane for external lifting operations.

Abstract: A transport device having a removable bucket. The bucket includes one or more tracks on opposite sides. The transport device includes a frame assembly having one or more arms corresponding to and capable of engaging the tracks. It also includes one or more movement mechanisms such as wheels or tracks. A latching assembly is also included. The latching assembly is rotatably coupled to the frame assembly and is also coupled to a handle assembly.

Abstract: A transfer method (100) is disclosed. It includes: transporting (102) with a motorized vehicle a container on a chassis and aligning the container with a buffer; raising (104) the container with a support structure comprising an elevator connected to the chassis, from a resting position to a lifted position a predetermined height above the chassis; entering (106) a containment cavity of the buffer while in the lifted position, the buffer including a container stand including shelves located on sides on the containment cavity, to allow travel in and out of the containment cavity, the shelves include movable support pads with a retracted position configured to allow unobstructed travel in and out of the containment cavity and an extended position configured to support a container with the movable support pads on the sides on the containment cavity.

Abstract: A trailer includes a coupling to attach the trailer to a tractor, and a frame attached to the coupling. The frame is positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer has road wheels for long-haul transportation over road systems. The trailer frame can be positioned about the container by laterally expanding and retracting, pivoting about a horizontal axis, and pivoting about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Bulk material storage apparatus may include adjustable leg members and lift apparatuses. For example, the lift apparatuses of the bulk material storage apparatus may each include a lift member including an engaging member operable to engage a trailer bed, e.g., to support the apparatus on the trailer bed when in an advanced position.

Abstract: A system to secure a storage unit on a supply vessel surface includes a first frame module having a first attachment mechanism configured to releasably engage with a second attachment mechanism of a second frame module, and a first valve disposed on the first frame module, wherein the first valve is in fluid communication with a second valve disposed on the second frame module through a central flow pipe. The system further includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the storage unit to at least the first frame module, and at least one flow conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the first valve and the storage unit.

Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Abstract: An open center trailer with spring suspended axels which straddle a detached cargo bed, which was loaded on the ground, said trailer level lifts the cargo bed by pulling said cargo bed up its channel ramps to an elevated transport height, and consequently level lowers and detaches from this load bed at another location. This load may be a cargo utility platform, or an enclosed cargo box, or a horse traveling compartment, or a dump bed, or a highway light, or a traffic speed sign.

Abstract: An open center trailer with spring suspended axles which straddle a detached cargo bed, which was loaded on the ground, said trailer level lifts the cargo bed by pulling said cargo bed up its channel ramps to an elevated transport height, and consequently level lowers and detaches from this load bed at another location. This load may be a cargo utility platform, or an enclosed cargo box, or a horse traveling compartment, or a dump bed, or a highway light, or a traffic speed sign.

Abstract: A crane transition assisting device, a transport trailer with the assisting device and a crane disassembling/assembling method by use of the assisting device are disclosed. The crane transition assisting device comprises a bearing frame (130) and supporting legs (110) which are mounted on the bearing frame and are equipped with a hydraulic cylinder (111) telescoping in a vertical direction. The bearing frame (130) is provided with at least two suspension arm brackets (120) arranged along the longitudinal direction of a horizontal plane and used for supporting a suspension arm. The assisting device realizes separation or combination of the suspension arm and a rotary table without an assistant lifting mechanism while disassembling/assembling a large-tonnage wheel crane so as to conveniently realize disassembling/assembling a large-tonnage wheel crane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading, transporting and dumping a plurality of containers on a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a frame pivotally attachable a vehicle bed, an upper container engaging means and a lower container engaging means, both coupled to the frame. The upper container engaging means is moveable between a first height and a second height, the first height and the second height differing by greater than at least the height of a container. The lower container engaging means may be stowed and deployed. The upper container engaging means is moveable to the first height for loading a first container when the lower container engaging means is stowed. The lower container engaging means is deployed at the first height for loading the second container when the upper container engaging means is at the second height. The first container and second container may thereby be sequentially loaded and simultaneously transported on the vehicle.

Abstract: The instant invention is a containerized freight system that is comprised in combination of a specialized container, a lift mechanism and a transportation unit or vehicle mounted lifting and transporting system of individual specialized cargo containers. The system allows delivery of specialized cargo container virtually anywhere for loading, unloading, storage and retrieval by the transportation unit. The lifting unit is unique in that leg members engage the bottom channel of the specialized container it will raise and lower the unit while keeping the container and its contents in a vertical plane preventing the shifting of the contents within the container. The system also includes a specially equipped trailer that has a bed that lowers to ground level to facilitate loading and unloading of containers. This trailer is capable of hauling at least one container.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment apparatus for a container, in particular, a roll-on, roll-off container, for use with a truck equipped to transport the carrier, such as a hoist truck. The container attachment apparatus includes a connector member, more specifically a hook receiving member which is vertically adjustable in apertures of a guide member to a plurality of different heights in relation to a ground surface in order to accommodate trucks having container retrieving hoist mechanisms with a hook or other element of differing minimum heights which manipulates the container through the connector member. In one embodiment, the guide member includes a rail having a slotted track and a connector member is connected to the guide member by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle (10) having a mobile chassis (11) and a load carrying body or tray (15) mounted to the chassis (11) so as to be capable of pivotal movement about a pivot axis defined by a releasable pivot connection (16) between the chassis (11) and body (15) for tipping of the body about a pivot axis. Alternatively the load carrying body (15) may be mounted to the chassis (11) through rollers (19) which permit movement of the body longitudinally of the chassis (11) and tilting movement about a tilt axis.

Abstract: A container loading apparatus for a truck (10) comprises a first pair of opposed container attachment arms (14) and a second pair of opposed secondary support arms (22), rotatable about horizontal axes from a stowed position in which the container attachment arms (14) and the secondary support arms (22) are disposed substantially beneath a loaded container, the secondary support arms (22) being rotatable relative to the truck (10) by first actuation rams (30) and the container attachment arms (14) rotatable relative to the secondary support arms (22) by second actuation rams (32).

Abstract: A trailer includes a coupling to attach the trailer to a tractor, and a frame attached to the coupling. The frame is positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer has road wheels for long-haul transportation over road systems. The trailer frame can be positioned about the container by laterally expanding and retracting, pivoting about a horizontal axis, and pivoting about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for mounting on a support structure. The material handling apparatus comprises a telescopic riser portion coupled to the support structure. A telescopic boom portion is coupled to the riser portion. A telescopic jib portion is coupled to the riser portion. A hook is coupled to the jib portion. A control apparatus is coupled to each of the riser, boom, and jib portions. Wherein, each of the telescopic portions can be independently, selectively moved in a push-pull mode to manipulate material.

Abstract: A cart transport apparatus for automatically transporting carts in which trays with medicine contained therein can be stored. The carts have a plurality of support panels (38) juxtaposed to each other, a lower connection member (41) connecting lower end portions of the plurality of support panels (38), and casters (44) positioned below the lower connection member (41). The cart transport apparatus includes a frame (51) having wheels (50) that can be rotatably driven. The frame (51) is movable beneath the lower connection member (41) of the cart (8). Also, the cart transfer apparatus is provided with grip members (55) for gripping the lower connection member 41 of the cart 8.

Abstract: A stand structure includes a stand having two side walls; and two actuation mechanisms comprising an assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and a link pivotably interconnecting the assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and either side wall, and a bent member having a handle, the bent member being adapted to pivotably interconnect the assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and either side wall. Pivoting the handle in a first direction will lift the stand a first predetermined distance and push the stand a second predetermined distance. The invention can increase a space below the stand significantly so as to effectively dissipate heat when a notebook computer placed upon the stand is in use.

Abstract: A mobile carrier frame is used for lifting, handling, and transporting containers on to and off of the platform of a transport vehicle, such as a truck. Drive wheels and caster wheels are positioned such that the carrier frame may be more easily maneuvered into tight spaces, such as parallel parking spaces. The carrier frame may be remotely operated by means of a remote control device. A transverse element at the rear end of the carrier frame may be used to provide additional structural support to the carrier frame, especially when in an engaged 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: A retracting platform assembly for motor vehicle carrier trucks, where the platform retracts to a vertical position. The railing system remains in a vertical position, extending and retracting along a horizontal plane, and provides additional protection from falling off the edge of the platform. A series of elevation rods between the platform grate and the railing system aids in the transition between the extended and retracted positions. A weight-bearing beam assists in supporting the weight of the platform assembly, as well as attaches to a power supply that pushes and pulls the platform assembly from one position to the other.