Abstract: A system includes a remotely-operated ground vehicle having first and second lift members, a first lift mechanism coupled to the first lift member, and a second lift mechanism coupled to the second lift member, where the first and second lift mechanisms are positioned at different angles with respect to a ground surface. The first and second lift members may be positioned at opposite sides of a front end of the vehicle and may be controlled by a single motor. The lift mechanisms may have a body portion including first and second prongs separated by an opening, with a plurality of magnets embedded within the body portion near the intersection of the first and second prongs. A communication relay may be secured to each lift mechanism via the opening and a magnetic coupling between the magnets embedded within the body portion and magnets embedded within the communication relay.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including: a carry-in area where a placing table is provided to place thereon a carrying container including a take-out opening, a flange formed on an upper portion of a side formed with the take-out opening, and a recess formed on a top surface of the flange; a transfer area maintained under an atmosphere different from that of the carry-in area; a partition wall configured to partition the carry-in area and the transfer area and formed with an opening; a door configured to open/close the opening; a carrying container pressing unit configured to press the carrying container placed on the placing table against the partition wall so that the take-out opening of the carrying container faces the opening of the partition wall; and a carrying container holding unit configured to be inserted into the recess to press the carrying container against the partition wall.

Abstract: The handling device for cases and boxes contained in the cases, comprising a housing intended to receive a case, said housing being closed at a first longitudinal end and open at a second longitudinal end, a holding device (14) mounted at the level of the second end of the housing, the latter comprising two clamping jaws, said clamping jaws applying a clamping force to the case (E), an actuator for opening and closing said jaws, two stop jaws (36, 38), each (36, 38) being supported by a clamping jaw and being articulated in a free manner about and relative to the clamping jaw, springs (40) connecting said stop jaws (36, 38), such that opening of the clamping jaws causes opening of the stop jaws (36, 38) and the stop jaws (36, 38) can be opened independently of the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A vehicle for conveying racks of goods includes a drop frame trailer having an interior with a rear floor and a front floor, the rear floor being lower than the front floor. An anti-friction device (an array of rollers mounted to the front floor) slopes upwardly to the trailer front. A stop on the front floor is resiliently movable from a first position to a second position, the first position extending vertically above tops of the rollers, and the second position being lower than the first position. A forklift can position a rack of goods on the anti-friction device on the front floor, with the rack depressing the stop from the first position to the second position as the rack is positioned until an opening in the rack is positioned above the stop. The stop can counter a gravitational force which would cause rack movement down the anti-friction device.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting bulk seed containers and for transferring seed from the bulk seed containers to a seed planting machine includes a frame; a number of bulk seed container supports attached to the frame, each bulk seed container support supporting a bulk seed container; a feed tube connected to each of the bulk seed container supports, each feed tube engaging a bulk seed container; a delivery tube connected to each feed tube; a funnel commonly connected to the delivery tubes; an auger tube connected to the funnel and an auger to transfer seed to a seed planting machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and storing outer wheel assemblies from combines being transported on public roads is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pivoting dual-boom crane temporarily mounted to an attachment frame of a combine. The crane swings over either outside wheel assembly and provides a lifting support for installing or removing the wheel assembly. A dual-boom crane includes a wheel bar configured to grip and lift a wheel assembly. The wheel assemblies are then secured on the apparatus such that the combine can be transported over public roadways without exceeding a typical width limit.

Abstract: A cargo space includes a rear lift gate moveable between opened and closed positions to allow movement of palletized containers into and out of the cargo space. The cargo space has a substantially horizontal floor with first and second sets of laterally spaced, parallel, longitudinal tracks. The tracks extend from the front to the lift gate at the rear of the cargo space. At least one set of tracks is positioned transverse to the longitudinal tracks. The tracks slidably support cargo container pallets. A system of actuators, guides and locks enable programmed movement of the pallets along the tracks into and out of the cargo space as well as within the cargo space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus to support a proppant container including a frame to receive and support the proppant container, the frame having a top surface that receives and positions the proppant container above a conveyor to carry proppant disposed thereon away from the proppant container. The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface including a corner assembly having two wall segments, and a guide member extending upwardly and positioned adjacent the corner assembly, the guide member including tapered portion of the guide member, the taper having a first width at a top portion of the guide member smaller than a second width at a bottom portion of the guide member. The tapered portion contacts and directs the proppant container to a desired location.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baler mechanism and a carriage assembly coupled to the baler mechanism. A platform is coupled to at least one of the baler mechanism and the carriage assembly. The platform is configured to move a bale from the baler mechanism to the carriage assembly and remain tilted until the bale is moved onto the carriage assembly at least substantially out of contact with the platform. A sliding mechanism is coupled to the carriage assembly. The sliding mechanism is configured to move the bale onto the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A remotely-operated storage and deployment system for a robotic vehicle includes a frame structure, a carrier, a lifting device, and a motor. The carrier includes a ramp moveable from a closed position in which a robotic vehicle can be enclosed in the carrier and an open position in which a robotic vehicle can drive into or out of the carrier. The lifting device is connected to the carrier and to the frame structure for moving a portion of the carrier between a raised position in which the portion of the carrier is raised relative to a ground surface and the ramp is in the closed position, and a lowered position in which the portion of the carrier is lowered relative to the ground surface and the ramp is in the open position. The motor is connected to the lifting device for allowing remote operation of the carrier.

Abstract: A highly efficient Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) that allows an overhead hoist transport vehicle to load and unload Work-In-Process (WIP) parts directly to/from one or more WIP storage units included in the system. The AMHS includes an overhead hoist transport subsystem and at least one vertical carousel stocker having a plurality of storage bins. The overhead hoist transport subsystem includes an overhead hoist transport vehicle traveling along a suspended track defining a predetermined route, which runs adjacent to the carousel stocker, thereby allowing the overhead hoist transport vehicle to access a WIP part directly from one of the storage bins. At least one of the storage bins includes a movable shelf operative to move laterally from a first position along the carousel path to a second position near the overhead hoist transport vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling or transferring a semiconductor component. The apparatus comprises a first structure and a second structure coupled thereto. The first structure and the second structure define a vacuum chamber therebetween. The second structure comprises at least one module coupled thereto. Each module comprises a passageway defined therethrough. Vacuum is applied through the passageway for facilitating pick up of the semiconductor component at a first position and for securing the semiconductor component to the module during displacement of the module from the first position to a second position. The apparatus comprises a plunger. Displacement of the plunger from a retracted position to an extended position impedes fluid communication between the passageway of the module and the chamber. Displacement of the plunger to the extended position further causes purging of air through the passageway of the module to thereby detach the semiconductor component from the module.

Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact wheelchair lift mechanism useable within a relatively small vehicle cabin space, such as a pickup truck with an extended cabin. The wheelchair lift includes a lateral actuator and a vertical actuator that cooperate to move a wheelchair support laterally in and out of a vehicle cabin and vertically between the cabin floor and the ground. The vehicle includes a lowered floor for expanding the vertical opening available to the lift, wheelchair, and vehicle occupant. The lift is positioned within the vehicle cabin such that no loss of seating capacity results from the installation of the lift.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conveying granular plastic resin from a supply to receivers that retain and dispense the resin when needed by process machine include a vacuum pump, an air flow limiter connected to the suction head of the vacuum pump, a first conduit connecting the receivers to the air flow limiter, and a second conduit connecting the resin supply to the receivers.

Abstract: A glass substrate transfer system and a robot arm thereof are provided. The robot arm includes: a substrate fork, a moving assembly and a vacuum chuck. The substrate fork is for taking a glass substrate. The moving assembly is connected with the substrate fork and for making the substrate fork to be moved in a working space. The vacuum chuck is disposed on the substrate fork and for sucking the glass substrate. The vacuum chuck is formed with a fluid path, and the fluid path is contained with a cooling fluid to dissipate heat of the vacuum chuck. The glass substrate transfer system and its robot arm provided by the present invention cool the vacuum chuck in time and thus can avoid affecting the product quality caused by the vacuum chuck being overheated, and the product yield is improved.

Abstract: A system includes an agricultural conveyor system including an inner arm having a first end. The first end is configured to rotatably couple to an agricultural storage system. The agricultural conveyor system also includes an outer arm having a first end, a second end, and a pivot positioned between the first end and the second end. In certain embodiments, the first end of the outer arm is coupled to a mounting element, a second end of the inner arm is rotatably coupled to the outer arm at the pivot, and an agricultural conveyor is configured to rotatably couple to the second end of the outer arm. The agricultural conveyor system includes a rotation control assembly. The rotation control assembly is configured to couple to the agricultural storage system. The agricultural conveyor system also includes an intermediate link having a first end engaged with the rotation control assembly and a second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for turning a cargo carrier (3) with the purpose of discharging the same of cargo, which system comprises a transport device (1) having a chassis, a cargo carrier (3) loosely carried on the chassis and provided with engagement points (6a, 6b), a first turning device (10) disposed to engage with the engagement points (6a) of the cargo carrier as well as to actuate the cargo carrier for the turning of the same, and a second turning device (11) disposed to engage with the engagement points (6b) of the cargo carrier at the same time as the first turning device actuates the cargo carrier, members for the control and actuation of at least the first device (10), and members for the correct positioning of the cargo carrier (3). Upon actuation of the first device (10), the cargo carrier is disposed to tilt so that the engagement points arranged on the second side of the cargo carrier will engage with the second turning device (11).

Abstract: A material handling system including a receptacle; a loading opening disposed within the receptacle; a transfer opening disposed within the receptacle in adjacent angled relation to the loading opening; and a first compaction plate rotatably coupled proximate the receptacle between the loading opening and the transfer opening. As to particular embodiments, the material handling system can further include a second compaction plate movably disposed proximate the transfer opening. Upon rotation of the first compaction plate toward the second compaction plate in an immovable condition, material disposed between the first and second compaction plates is compacted to generate compacted material. As to particular embodiments, the material handling system can further include a rotatable arm and a rotatable gripper rotatably coupled to a rotatable arm first end. As to particular embodiments, the rotatable arm can be rotatably coupled to an extendable arm which can reversibly extend laterally outward.

Abstract: A bin sweep comprising a first auger section configured to be movably mounted to a central support framework of a storage bin, and a second auger section operably engaged with the first auger frame such that the second auger section is moveable relative to the first section frame substantially along an axis.