Abstract: An apparatus enabling a barrel-including spool of windable material to be lifted and transported with a forklift truck includes two elongated channel members having open ends into which forks of a forklift truck can be directed and transversely-extending members for maintaining the channel members in a parallel relationship. A pair of hooks are pivotally suspended from the channel members and are capable of being hooked about end portions of an axle which is directed through the barrel of the spool. By directing the forks of a forklift truck into the open ends of the channel members, positioning the apparatus above the spool, and then hooking the hooks of the apparatus about the end portions of the axle which protrudes from the opposite sides of the spool, the spool can be lifted by way of the forklift truck.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for placing a part may automatically self-align the part relative to a target along multiple axes of movement, such as along the width of the part, and normal to one or more target surfaces of the target. Devices may include one or more installation heads each having a respective retaining portion configured to selectively support and retain the part in association with the respective installation head as the device moves the part from a first location located apart from the target, towards the target. The installation head may be configured to automatically align the part with the target, in response to engagement between one or more part surfaces of the part and one or more target surfaces of the target. The retaining portion may be configured to selectively release the part once the part is automatically aligned with and operatively at the target.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes a semi-fixing mechanism, which restrains movement of a truss in a direction toward one floor and releases the restraint of the movement of the truss in the direction toward the one floor, and a truss-position recovery mechanism, which moves the truss in the longitudinal direction with respect to the one floor to set a dimension between the truss and the one floor to a preset specified dimension before the truss is moved in the longitudinal direction with respect to another floor when a separating force in a direction in which the truss is separated from the one floor is exerted between the truss and the one floor after the restraint of the movement of the truss in the direction toward the one floor is released.

Abstract: The present de-icing apparatus provides relatively small, portable, and adjustable devices for the specific purpose of de-icing a relatively small area of surface water for use by outdoor enthusiasts. The anchorable stand provides directional, surface height, and angular adjustment of the de-icing water flow to allow for establishing the preferred de-icing pattern at the water surface. De-icing means the reduction of freezing and the minimization of ice accumulation in a given surface area of the open body of water. The fixed-height vertical member of the anchorable stand provides a 360° adjustment range of output water flow. The adjustable-height vertical member of the anchorable stand provides surface height adjustment of the intake and output water flows. The vertical rotation point or points of the anchorable stand hold the water movement device and provide angular adjustment of the intake and output water flow.

Abstract: A piston assembly mounting apparatus for an engine may include a robot having two multijoint arms movable in a predetermined range, a taking-out unit mounted at a free end of one of the arms of the robot and clamping and taking out one of a plurality of piston assemblies, and a fitting unit mounted at a free end of another of the arms of the robot, receiving and clamping the one piston assembly taken out of the taking-out unit, and then inserting the one piston assembly into a cylinder of a cylinder block.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the position of a heavy object, such as a part of a vehicle, in an x, y, z coordinate plane. The mechanism includes linear positioners, such as rail-guided carriage assemblies spanning the width of the mechanism, as well as longitudinal rails and blocks running the length of the mechanism. A lift table is mounted to the linear positioners such that the mechanism can be used to move the heavy object to virtually any desired position and orientation in the x, y, z coordinate plane.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a lightened reaction absorber or to provide a semiconductor assembling system with further shorter processing time and high productivity or high quality using the lightened reaction absorber. The present invention is based upon a reaction absorber provided with a counter mechanism equipped with a load unit moved in a predetermined direction by a first ball screw, a second ball screw that generates reactive force in a reverse direction to the predetermined direction and a driving unit having a driving motor that drives the first ball screw and the second ball screw, and has a characteristic of including a reaction absorbing unit with one end side equipped with a nut connected to the second ball screw and the other end side fixed to a unit base movable relatively to the counter mechanism.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes a traveling rail hung from a ceiling portion and configured for guiding an article transport carriage, an article loading unit disposed laterally and downwardly of the traveling rail and configured for loading and supporting an article to be transferred to/from the article transport carriage, and a supporting mechanism for supporting the article loading unit hung from the ceiling portion in such a manner that the article loading unit is rendered position-adjustable between a transferring position for transferring the article to/from the article transport carriage and a retracted position retracted upwards from the transferring position. The supporting mechanism is capable of causing the article loading unit loading an article thereon to be position-changeable between the transferring position and the retracted position.

Abstract: To realize a force control robot including a force sensor having a high sensitivity and a high rigidity, an end effector (1) including finger modules (100) for gripping a part is coupled to a robotic arm (3) through the intermediation of a force sensor (2), and the force sensor (2) detects an external force applied to the finger modules (100) based on displacement of the end effector (1) that occurs with a rotation center (C) on a longitudinal axis (Z) of the robotic arm (3) as a fulcrum, to thereby correct an operation of the robotic arm (3). An end effector housing (109) supports motors (105) for driving the finger modules (100) at a position on the robotic arm side with respect to the rotation center (C) of the force sensor (2). Accordingly, the rigidity of the sensor can be increased.

Abstract: A method and system (1) for discharging beverage containers (6) continuously moved on a horizontal conveyor (10) and guided in parallel rows by one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) are disclosed. The one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) respectively form at least one pick-up position for the beverage containers (6) to be discharged. The beverage containers (6) are guided on the horizontal conveyor (10) at least approximately together. In the scope of the method, an actual position (IP), adopted in the conveying direction (FR), of one or more of the continuously moved beverage containers (6) is acquired. Moreover, a travelling movement, oriented in parallel to the conveying direction (FR) of the beverage containers (6), of the one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) is adapted whilst taking into account the acquired actual position (IP).

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.

Abstract: A bottle change apparatus includes a change mechanism that changes a bottle, and the bottle includes a bottle cap. The bottle cap includes: a treatment solution straw part that forms a treatment solution flow passage for supplying a treatment solution in the bottle to an outside of the bottle and extends to an inside of the bottle; and a treatment solution connecting part that is provided at an end portion outside the bottle of the treatment solution straw part. The change mechanism includes: a connection mechanism part including a treatment solution pipe which is connected to the treatment solution connecting part of the bottle and through which the treatment solution supplied from the bottle flows; and a bottle mounting part that transfers the bottle to a connection position where the treatment solution connecting part and the treatment solution pipe are connected together.

Abstract: A machine to overturn workpieces can include a mechanical arm, a holding member coupled to the mechanical arm, and a workbench positioned adjacent to the mechanical arm. The workbench can include a base plate and a first positioning assembly. The base plate can define a slot. The slot can extend towards and through a sidewall of the base plate, and define an outlet at a portion running through the sidewall. The first positioning assembly can be positioned on the base plate adjacent to the slot. The first positioning assembly can be configured to manipulate and position the workpiece. The mechanical arm can be configured to drive the holding member through the slot to attach to and hold onto a surface of the workpiece facing the base plate, and move the workpiece away from the base plate via the outlet.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and control the operation of the at least one valve using the estimated movable assembly speed.

Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a horizontal multistage telescopic device. In the device, a slider is mounted to s base so as to be movable in a first direction and in a second direction which are opposite to each other along the horizontal direction. An output arm has an end in the second direction, the end being provided with an output arm support, and is expanded in the first direction from the output arm support. The output arm support is mounted to a slider so as to be horizontally movable in the first and second directions. The output arm has an end in the first direction, to which an end effector is mounted. A motor is mounted to an end of the slider in the second direction. A rotation transmitting member transmits torque of the motor to a second rotor of a movement mechanism.

Abstract: A system includes a tape support surface configured to receive a plurality of tape spools, and a plurality of robotic accessors capable of picking the tape spools from the tape support surface, transporting the tape spools, and releasing the tape spools at a drop location. The accessors are capable of passing each other during the transporting. Another system includes a first tape support surface configured to receive a plurality of tape spools, a second tape support surface facing the first tape support surface, and a plurality of robotic accessors capable of picking the tape spools from the tape support surface, transporting the tape spools, and releasing the tape spools at a drop location. At least one of the accessors is capable of picking tape spools from both tape support surfaces.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further includes lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and calculate an updated pump volumetric efficiency using the estimated movable assembly speed and a determined movable assembly speed.

Abstract: A transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a fuselage shell for an aircraft made of fiber composite, which is to be equipped with a plurality of stringers disposed spaced apart for reinforcement, comprising a main frame to form a supporting substructure having an outwardly curved mounting surface for positive mounting, having longitudinal mounting grooves for receiving of formed parts for deformably positioning the stringers relative to the mounting surface, wherein a plurality of short formed parts spaced apart from each other are disposed in each mounting groove, and which are adjustable relative to the corresponding mounting groove in the transverse direction (Y) by means of adjusters, and which can be raised in the vertical direction (Z) by means of lifters for guiding the stringers in the direction of a laminating adhesive bonding unit brought over the mounting surface.

Abstract: A method and ground support equipment (GSE) for attaching an engine core to an engine fan module on an aircraft pylon. The GSE may comprise GSE supports and lifting components attached to the pylon, two suspension rails attached to the lifting components, two translating rails translatably attached to the two suspensions rails and fixedly attached to opposite sides of the engine core, and two alignment fittings fixed to the engine fan module. The method of using the GSE may comprise lifting the engine core vertically using the lifting components and anchoring the suspension rails to the alignment fittings. The translating rails and engine core may then be translated in an aft-to-forward direction such that portions of the translating rails engage portions of the alignment fittings to cooperatively guide the translating rails into a final forward position in which the engine core is aligned relative to the engine fan module.

Abstract: Apparatus for lateral fitting and removing of a compressor barrel into and out of a casing of a turbocompressor, the barrel having an inner core section with split disks which are bolted together coaxially, a cap rotatably mounted on a bearing block, and a rotor, wherein the disks are bolted to the cap and the rotor, and wherein the casing is vertically split and has a suction connection and a pressure connection. A support arm has a proximal end which can be releasably connected to the bearing block and a distal end which extends beyond the rotor and is displaceably supported on the casing when the proximal end is connected to the bearing block. A support device can be releasably mounted to the bearing block oppositely from the support arm, the supporting device being movable laterally on a guide to move the barrel into and out of the casing.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a load maneuvering system that includes a pair of runway rails, a bridge that is movable on the runway rails and that includes a single bridge rail, a carriage that is movable on the single bridge rail, and a manipulator supported by the carriage. The bridge rail is configured to support the assembly of the carriage and manipulator when a load is carried by the manipulator and a resultant moment is imposed on the bridge rail. The moment may be imposed in a direction about the bridge axis, in a direction about the runway axis, or a combination of the two. By providing a single bridge rail with an enclosed member as part of (or the entirety of) the bridge rail, the overall system is lighter and requires less power for movement of the bridge on the runway rails, and requires less power to move the carriage on the bridge. Additionally, the assembly is simplified relative to some load maneuvering systems of the prior art thereby making it less expensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A stacker crane includes a truck frame, a mast erected on the truck frame, and a platform raised and lowered along the mast, the platform including first and second rollers, the mast including a roller abutting member in which a first plate material is folded to define a first abutting surface onto which the first roller abuts and a second abutting surface onto which the second roller abuts, a back-side member made of a second plate material and arranged opposite to the roller abutting member, and a coupling member coupling the roller abutting member and the back-side member, the coupling member including first and second coupling surfaces which are plate-shaped and are opposite to each other, wherein the thickness of the first and second coupling surfaces is smaller than the thickness of the first plate material.

Abstract: A piston supply apparatus includes a piston gripping portion and a piston supply portion. The piston supply portion includes a connecting rod gripping unit gripping the connecting rod of the piston placed in a preparation area, a guide member abutting against a skirt portion of the piston to match an axial direction of the piston with a predetermined specified direction, a moving unit moving the gripping unit from the preparation area to a supply position in air, and a pivoting unit making the gripping unit pivot such that the piston top portion of the piston in a downward state is set in an upward state. The piston supply apparatus further includes a pressing unit pressing the piston top portion of the piston made to pivot to the upward state against the guide member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportation system for transporting at least one drive train component (7a, 7b, 7c) of a wind turbine (1) comprising a tower (2) and a nacelle (3) arranged on the top of said tower, said transportation system comprising a displacement system comprising one or more transportation rails (8, 8a, 8b) being arranged to support said at least one drive train component during displacement thereof, the displacement system facilitating displacement of the drive train component substantially parallel to the rotor axis between an installation location for the drive train component and a second location (10) by means of a first drive arrangement of said displacement system, and a second drive arrangement (11) mounted on said nacelle and comprising at least one winch (12), said second drive arrangement being separate to said displacement system and facilitating transportation of said drive train component between said second location and a lower level when connected to the drive train componen

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for guiding and aligning a semiconductor chip package. The apparatus may include an insert, a plate above the insert, and an adapter. The insert may be configured to house various sizes of semiconductor chip packages. The plate may be configured to move vertically with respect to the insert. The adapter may be coupled to the plate and may be configured to guide at least one semiconductor chip package into the insert and to perform alignment of the at least one semiconductor chip package. In accordance with example embodiments, the at least one semiconductor chip package may have a size corresponding to at least one of the various sizes.

Abstract: A universal aircraft mule having a rollable and steerable frame and a load carrying cradle configured for removably supporting and carrying an auxiliary. The frame tiltably and liftably supports the cradle with a lift assembly. The lift assembly raises and lowers the cradle in relation to the frame and tilts the cradle in relation to the frame. The cradle also allows an auxiliary to be skewed within the cradle to facilitate loading and unloading of the auxiliary.

Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to accurately align a machine component of generally circular cross-section within a surrounding machine casing that includes bottom and top halves of the casing. The bottom half and top half, in use, are bolted together at a split line occupying a horizontal plane. The component and the bottom half of the casing include complementary interdigitating members at three circumferentially spaced-apart locations, which include first and second locations at the split line on respective first and second horizontally opposed sides of the component, and a third location at bottom dead center. After lowering the component into the bottom half to engage the interdigitating members at the three locations, jacking apparatus is operated independently at each location to incrementally reposition the component within the bottom half. Shims are then inserted between the interdigitating members at the three locations to maintain the jacked position of the component.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for lifting tower-top components from ground level to atop a wind turbine tower. A platform assembly is configured at least partially around a base of the wind turbine tower. Lifting cables are connected to the platform assembly and run to the top of the wind turbine tower and back down to ground. The platform assembly has a forward loading portion configured for securement of a tower-top component intended to be lifted to atop the wind turbine tower, wherein the platform assembly is engaged around the wind turbine tower and lifted by the cables to a position adjacent the top of the wind turbine tower for transfer of the tower-top component.

Abstract: An assembly method is capable of assembling a transfer mechanism which transfers a target and includes a pick unit for holding the target, a slide unit for sliding the pick unit and a drive unit for driving the slide unit. The assembly method includes installing a lifting mechanism for lifting the units at a ceiling portion of a transfer chamber where the transfer mechanism is accommodated; and assembling the units loaded into the transfer chamber inside the transfer chamber by using the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a manipulator for movement of an object in space. The manipulator includes a movable platform arranged for carrying the object, a first arm arranged for influencing the platform in a first direction and including a first inner arm part rotatable about a first axis, a second arm arranged for influencing the platform in a second direction and including a second inner arm part rotatable about a second axis, a third arm arranged for influencing the platform in a third direction and including a third inner arm part rotatable about a third axis.

Abstract: Portable vehicular hoist systems include a truss assembly having a joist member with forward and rearward ends, a pair of rafter members each having upper and lower ends, and a forward connection assembly for connecting the upper ends of the rafter members to the forward end of the joist member to allow for relative pivotal articulated movements therebetween. The rafter members may thus be pivotally moved between a stowed condition wherein the rafter members are oriented generally parallel to the joist member and an operative position wherein the rafter members extend downwardly and laterally outwardly from the joist member. A hoist assembly may be provided so as to be connectable to the joist member of the truss assembly to be supported thereby. The rearward end of the joist member and the lower ends of the rafter members may be removably attached to respective connection lugs rigidly fixed to a vehicle's structure, e.g., an aircraft fuselage at an opening therein.

Abstract: The present invention claims a three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device and an arrangement method thereof. The device comprises three supporting structures of left, center and right, the three supporting structures are provided respectively with left and right side truss slideway girders and a middle truss slideway girder. The front ends of the slideway girder are provided with an operating platform where horizontal continuous pushing jacks are installed; the front ends of the left and right slideway girder and the center slideway girder are each provided with four vertical lifting jacks. The three-truss continuous steel truss girder-pushing device simultaneously pushes the two side trusses of the steel truss beam only, while the center truss slides passively, thereby improving construction efficiency and reducing construction costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a main landing gear (“MLG”) of an aircraft includes a fixture that is adapted to couple to a truck of the MLG such that a sagittal plane of the fixture is parallel to or coplanar with a sagittal plane of the MLG and both translational forces and turning moments applied to the fixture are coupled directly through the fixture to the MLG, a mechanism for controllably translating the fixture in the sagittal plane thereof, and a mechanism for controllably rotating the fixture in the sagittal plane thereof.

Abstract: A submersible robot for operating a tool relative to a surface of an underwater structure has a tool holder movably mounted on a support assembly provided with a driving arrangement for movably holding the tool in operative position relative to the surface. Position and orientation of the support assembly relative to the surface is locked and adjusted by locking and leveling arrangements. A programmable control unit operates the driving, locking and leveling arrangements and the tool and receives measurements from a sensor unit. The control unit has an operation mode wherein a positioning of the robot is determined and controlled as function of an initial position for defining a first work area, and shifted positions of the robot for defining additional work areas, the work areas having overlapping portions with one another for tracking displacements of the robot relative to the surface of the structure using the sensor unit.

Abstract: A packaging system and associated method for use with a pharmaceutical dispenser provides a turnkey solution for packaging pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into medpass orders per patient and delivered to the LTC facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged medpass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system.

Abstract: A sound film adsorption device includes a bracket, which has a platform on which a sound film collect, which forms a chamber for receiving a sound film, is installed. A rotary mechanism includes a supporting post retained on the platform, a rotary plate in the form of a cantilever-shape having an end moveably coupled to the supporting post and an opposite end serving as an open end, and a spring member coupled with the supporting post to support between the platform and the rotary plate. A first absorbing mechanism includes a first vacuum generator and an absorbing head. The absorbing head has an end communicated with the first vacuum generator, and the other end extended through the open end of the rotary plate to align with the chamber of the sound film collect so as to absorb the sound film placed within the sound film collect.

Abstract: A moving unit, an elevation device, or the like is prevented from laterally projecting from an overhead travelling vehicle and interfering with a stationary device or an overhead travelling vehicle in the neighborhood thereof. Projection from an overhead travelling vehicle is prevented, the vehicle including a travelling unit, an elevation device lifting and lowering articles, and a lateral movement mechanism including a base member supported by the travelling unit and a moving unit laterally moving while supporting the elevation device. The moving unit is moved between a state in which it laterally protrudes from the travelling unit and a state in which it is retracted to a position under the travelling unit. The moving unit or the elevation device is engaged with the base member or the travelling unit in the state in which the moving unit is retracted to the position under the travelling unit.

Abstract: An automatic positioning device includes a holder, a first motor, a securing block, a second motor, and a connecting rod. The first motor is mounted on the holder and horizontally slides relative to the holder. The securing block is fixed with the first motor. The second motor is mounted on the securing block and vertically slides relative to the securing block. The connecting rod is connected with the second motor. The first motor drives the connecting rod moving horizontally and the second motor drives the connecting rod moving vertically.

Abstract: A pickup device disposed on a base includes a driving unit, a pickup arm, a control unit, a passive arm and a control line. The control unit is disposed on the pickup arm and electrically connects to the pickup arm for controlling that. The passive arm is connected with the pickup arm. The control line is electrically connected between the driving unit and the control unit and embedded in the passive arm. Therefore, the passive arm can protect the control line from damage by suffering external force. Further, the times of being bent to broken of the control line can be reduced to elongate the life thereof. A lithography apparatus using the pickup device is also provided.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A device for precisely manipulating objects by means of multidimensional tooling movement cycles, comprising a revolving shaft assembly, a barrel shaped main cam connected in a slidable but rotationally locked manner with the revolving shaft assembly, a fixed main cam follower configured to engage the main cam such that the main cam performs a cyclic main translational movement in the direction of a shaft rotation axis, a plate shaped secondary cam rigidly connected to the main cam, a tooling holder having a main slide slidable in the direction of the shaft rotation axis and a secondary slide slidable with respect to the main slide in a transversal direction to the shaft rotation axis, wherein the main slide is connected to the main cam and a secondary cam follower is connected to the secondary slide.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a battery car employed in conjunction with a battery car station employs a swappable battery configuration. Batteries are of differing types depending on provision of high current or high voltage, with each having a energy sensor. Access to the batteries of differing types is controlled through a switch control processor selectively coupling batteries to one or more power grids depending upon a given battery's sensed energy. Access to the batteries of differing types is based on demands of vehicle operation. Based on such configuration, a swappable battery car station in communication with the battery car might then selectively replace batteries as needed.

Abstract: A tool box device for locking and/or unlocking a battery that powers a motor that drives a motor vehicle, including a support housing, a movement transmission system including at least one gear box and at least one transmission shaft, connected to at least one system for engaging a battery locking/unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A lifting platform installed in a pit, especially for tracks, has at least two lifting devices. At least one of the lifting devices is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pit for adapting to the axle spacing of the vehicle to be lifted, and at least of one lifting devices has two laterally projecting wheel forks for holding the wheels of a vehicle axle. The lifting device with the laterally projecting wheel forks is combined with an axle lifter, which is allocated to the axle of the wheels in the wheel forks and which is vertically movable independently of the wheel forks.

Abstract: A method to audit portable cassettes removeably disposed in a data storage library comprising a plurality of storage slots, a plurality of portable cassettes removeably disposed in one or more of said plurality of storage slots, and a pass-through accessor comprising a moveable fixturing apparatus, wherein the pass-through accessor is moveably disposed in said data storage library. The method disposes the pass-through accessor adjacent a first one of said plurality of storage slots, removes a first portable cassette from the first storage slot, and attaches the first portable cassette to a first fixturing assembly disposed on the fixturing apparatus. The method then removes a second portable cassette from the first storage slot, and attaches the second portable cassette to a second fixturing assembly disposed on the fixturing apparatus.

Abstract: A conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently picking up a plurality of randomly located rods, and conveying the picked up rod to a predetermined place, without using a complicated mechanism. A sucking unit has a nozzle attached to a robot hand, and is configured to move the nozzle close to an end of a first cylindrical portion of a rod to be picked. The nozzle is configured to hold the rod by being lifted while sucking the first portion within the nozzle.

Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.

Abstract: A submersible robot for operating a tool relative to a surface of an underwater structure has a tool holder movably mounted on a support assembly provided with a driving arrangement for movably holding the tool in operative position relative to the surface. Position and orientation of the support assembly relative to the surface is locked and adjusted by locking and leveling arrangements. A programmable control unit operates the driving, locking and leveling arrangements and the tool and receives measurements from a sensor unit. The control unit has an operation mode wherein a positioning of the robot is determined and controlled as function of an initial position for defining a first work area, and shifted positions of the robot for defining additional work areas, the work areas having overlapping portions with one another for tracking displacements of the robot relative to the surface of the structure using the sensor unit.