Abstract: Extendable conveyor system and operating processes for the same. An extendable conveyor system that includes a plurality of conveyor segments, a conveyor extension/retraction system, and a control system. The plurality of conveyor segments are interlocked in a telescoping configuration with individual conveyor segments at least partially overlapping one another. The conveyor extension/retraction system is operatively coupled to at least one of the conveyor segments and configured to control the extension and retraction of the extendable conveyor system by controlling movement of the conveyor segments relative to one another. The control system is in electrical communication with the conveyor extension/retraction system and configured to perform operations that include adjusting a position of one or more conveyor segments responsive to data received from a package handling robot in electronic communication with the control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system and method for advancing an item relative to a transport axis. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt and a modular drive assembly having at least one drive module and at least one take-up module. Each drive module and each take-up module has a housing and a pulley assembly positioned within the housing. The respective positions of the housings of the at least one drive module and the at least one take-up module relative to the transport axis are selectively adjustable to modify the conveyor movement pathway. Moreover, the drive module can also include a drive pulley removal apparatus that is detachably secured within the housing for selective removal and replacement of a drive pulley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system and method for advancing an item relative to a transport axis. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt and a modular drive assembly having at least one drive module and at least one take-up module. Each drive module and each take-up module has a housing and a pulley assembly positioned within the housing. The respective positions of the housings of the at least one drive module and the at least one take-up module relative to the transport axis are selectively adjustable to modify the conveyor movement pathway. Moreover, the drive module can also include a drive pulley removal apparatus that is detachably secured within the housing for selective removal and replacement of a drive pulley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system and method for advancing an item relative to a transport axis. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt and a modular drive assembly having at least one drive module and at least one take-up module. Each drive module and each take-up module has a housing and a pulley assembly positioned within the housing. The respective positions of the housings of the at least one drive module and the at least one take-up module relative to the transport axis are selectively adjustable to modify the conveyor movement pathway. Moreover, the drive module can also include a drive pulley removal apparatus that is detachably secured within the housing for selective removal and replacement of a drive pulley.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating information are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving information at a first device based on a first protocol. The information can be translated, at the first device, for communication to a second device based on a second protocol. A determination can be made as to whether the information matches a criterion associated with a transportation device. The information can be provided to the second device based on the second protocol and a determination that the information matches the criterion.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing agent may include a foam and at least one inert gas combined with the foam. A method of extinguishing a fire including a burning metal and/or a burning metal compound and also including a burning plastic material and/or a burning paper material may include combining a foam and at least one inert gas to form a fire extinguishing agent, and applying the fire extinguishing agent to the fire.

Abstract: A lifting system for a hitch mechanism is provided. The lifting system includes a raise/lower member; an intermediate mechanism to move the raise/lower member between a lower position and an upper position; and a control for causing the intermediate mechanism to move the raise/lower member from one position to the other.

Abstract: A system and associated method for controlling access to a designated area. The system includes a programmable unit, a programming unit, a programmable tag, and a validation system. The programmable unit generates a first and second key for each access to the designated area. The programming unit generates an access key using the first key. The programmable tag stores the access key. The validation system includes a control unit, a memory, and a communication device. The control unit generates a validation key using the second key. The memory stores the validation key. The communication device establishes a data communication with the programmable tag to receive the access key therefrom. The control unit compares the access key and the validation key and causes the security device to allow access to the designated area if the access key matches the validation key.

Abstract: A system and associated method for controlling access to a designated area. The system includes a programmable unit, a programming unit, a programmable tag, and a validation system. The programmable unit generates a first and second key for each access to the designated area. The programming unit generates an access key using the first key. The programmable tag stores the access key. The validation system includes a control unit, a memory, and a communication device. The control unit generates a validation key using the second key. The memory stores the validation key. The communication device establishes a data communication with the programmable tag to receive the access key therefrom. The control unit compares the access key and the validation key and causes the security device to allow access to the designated area if the access key matches the validation key.

Abstract: A method for staging and shipping articles of freight at a transfer facility by which a radio frequency tag capable of receiving and storing transactional data is placed on each of a plurality of articles of freight, the data regarding the article on which the tag placed. After determining at least the approximate weight and outer dimensions of each article of freight, transactional data representative of at least the weight, the outer dimensions, and the desired destination of the article of freight are transferred to and stored in the respective radio frequency tags. As each article of freight is transferred from one location to another within the facility, the transactional data from each radio associated frequency tag is read and stored in one or more memory devices.