Abstract: A method involves using a first lift mechanism coupled to a remotely-operated ground vehicle to engage a first communication relay and position it at a first angle above a ground surface. A second lift mechanism coupled to the remotely-operated ground vehicle is then used to engage a second communication relay. With a single motion by the remotely-operated ground vehicle, the second communication relay is positioned at a second angle above the ground surface and the first communication relay at a third angle above the ground surface. The third angle is greater than both the first angle and the second angle. The second angle is greater than or equal to the first angle. The first communication relay may then be deployed by the remotely-operated ground vehicle at a first location and the second communication relay may be deployed at a second location.

Abstract: A hopper trailer for hauling bulk material. The trailer has a hopper, a gate mounted to the hopper, and a discharge system mounted to the gate. The gate has a frame with first and second discharge outlets. The first discharge outlet is positioned to discharge material by gravity beneath the gate. The discharge system receives material passing through the second discharge outlet, moves the material to an elevation that is above the gate, and discharges the material from that elevation. Preferably, the gate frame has first and second side walls within which the first and second discharge outlets are formed, respectively. Preferably, the gate has first and second doors each of which being moveable between a closed position that blocks one of the discharge outlets and an open position in which material can pass through one of the discharge outlets.

Abstract: A method for feeding a supply station of a packaging unit with a new reel of sheet packaging material comprises releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder to a support structure; coupling an end portion of new reel with holder connected, in turn, to support structure; carrying out on end portion at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion to a first edge of a terminated reel previously connected to packaging unit; moving new reel together with holder from support structure towards supply station; and releasably connecting a fixed part of supply station to holder together with new reel.

Abstract: A vehicle 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: A control system for an unload drive system of a combine and a method for controlling an unload drive system of a combine by sensing a force on an unload auger. The combine includes a grain tank for storing grain and at least one auger for unloading grain from the grain tank. The combine includes at least one movable auger cover coupled to the grain tank for controlling the amount of grain to flow into the at least one auger. The control system includes at least one sensor for sensing a force on the unload drive system and a controller for receiving at least one force condition from the at least one sensor representing the sensed force on the unload drive system and causing the at least one movable auger cover to move based on the sensed force condition.

Abstract: A cement silo is rapidly loaded with cement which is sequentially delivered to a cement receiver at the silo by dump trucks. The receiver extends to a blowoff station at the base of the silo, and a riser pipe extends from the blowoff station to an upper end portion of the silo and discharges the cement downwardly thereinto. Loads of cement are thus rapidly sequentially delivered to the silo, and each unloaded truck may quickly leave the site and pick up another load while the next truck delivers its load of cement. This system thus provides rapid sequential unloading and a quick return to service of each unloaded truck.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface. The ramp assembly is moveable between a stowed position, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement and a panel rotatable about a first end. The ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the second deployed position. A method of deploying the ramp portion includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts the alighting surface. The method further includes the steps of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp assembly reaches the first deployed position, in which the ramp portion forms a predetermined angle with the panel, and selectively rotating the ramp portion to the second deployment position.

Abstract: A motorized means of transporting loads includes a fork lift mechanism that features a set of anchored chains fitted to a set of lifting forks for lifting and lowering a load. With a combination electrical/hydraulic system, the lifting and lowering functions can be efficiently obtained. Two load supporting outriggers are provided which can be extended or retracted while transporting a load to aid in navigating constricted spaces. A tilting mast and fork assembly allows for a manipulation of the center of gravity while transporting loads. A joystick function controls the forward, turning, reverse, lifting, and extending and retracting the outriggers. A battery enabled transport provides for flash charging of the onboard batteries to extend useful life.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a layer formation table. The apparatus also includes means for supplying articles to the layer formation table. At least one row of the articles is formed at a first end of the layer formation table. The apparatus also includes a programmable robot including an end of arm tool for transferring the at least one row of the articles towards a second end of the layer formation table. The programmable robot is configured to form a plurality of rows of articles on the layer formation table. Each of the rows comprises a plurality of articles in side by side contact creating a void between adjacent articles in each of the rows. The programmable robot is configured to nest the articles of one of the rows in the voids of an adjacent row. The end of arm tool includes a multiplicity of guides which form lanes. The rows of articles fill the lanes.

Abstract: A combine harvester grain bulk tank and grain unloading system includes opposed bulk tank augers and an unloading auger formed in a grain bulk tank of a combine harvester. The bulk tank augers are for receiving and conveying grain through the bulk tank to the unloading auger, and the unloading auger is for receiving grain from the bulk tank augers and conveying grain to a grain unloading spout for grain unloading. A primary drive gear is coupled to the unloading auger and to an input, a secondary drive gear is drivingly coupled to the bulk tank augers, and a clutch is coupled between the primary drive gear and the secondary drive gear, which is movable between an engaged position for transferring power from the input to the unloading auger and to the bulk tank augers, and a disengaged position for isolating the bulk tank augers from the primary drive gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a truck with cargo includes a mounting frame for attaching adjacent to a truck doorway. The mounting frame includes a first guide member forming a first channel, a first support member slideably received within the first channel, a second guide member forming a second channel, and a second support member slideably received within the second channel. A platform for supporting the cargo is pivotally coupled to the first support member and to the second support member. A power driven lift elevator slides the first support member within the first channel and slides the second support member within the second channel to thereby raise and lower the platform. A power driven platform elevator pivots the platform respect to the first and second support members to move the platform between horizontal and vertical positions.

Abstract: A lift apparatus includes an elongated spine having a top portion and a bottom portion, a traveler operatively connected along the elongated spine for traveling up and down the elongated spine, a single linear actuator operatively connected to the traveler configured to move the traveler up and down the spine, an arm, and a single hinge operatively connected between the traveler and the arm allowing the arm to hinge outwardly and upwardly to a dump position when the traveler is proximate the top portion of the elongated spine.

Abstract: A loading device for incorporation into a vehicle, such as an ambulance, for loading and unloading a stretcher. The loading device has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The loading device being predisposed to the extended configuration. The loading device may include a hoist assembly to counteract the predisposition to the extended position and move the loading device to the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus which includes an atmospheric transfer chamber having a plurality of cassette stands for transferring a wafer, a lock chamber for storing the wafer, a first vacuum transfer chamber to which the wafer from the lock chamber is transferred, a transfer intermediate chamber connected to the first vacuum transfer chamber, and a second vacuum transfer chamber connected to the transfer intermediate chamber. At least one vacuum processing chamber is connected to the first vacuum transfer chamber, and two or more vacuum processing chambers are connected to a rear side of the second vacuum transfer chamber. A plurality of gate valves are disposed between the first vacuum transfer chamber and each of the lock chamber, the transfer intermediate chamber, and the vacuum processing chamber coupled to the first vacuum transfer chamber. A control unit is also provided for controlling operation of the gate valves.

Abstract: Articles are stored while preventing disruption of the flow of clean air from an upper region to a lower region to alleviate degradation of clean air with an article supported by an article support. The article support (28) is provided with a movable body (30) which is supported to a fixed frame (29) to be movable in a far-near direction with respect to a travel path and which is formed to extend downwardly from the fixed frame (29), and a support member (31) formed to extend in the far-near direction from a lower end portion of the movable body (30).

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

Abstract: An apparatus for loading the bed of a pickup truck comprises a brace for supporting a load from the ground, the brace preventing the load from applying weight to the tail end of the bed with damaging consequences while being drawn into position by a winch and cable system. A pallet is used to stage the load on the ground and to provide a structure with a low angle of attack to the brace, the low angle of attack facilitating the transition of the load to the bed by reducing the tipping moment over the brace.

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

Abstract: The 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: Introduction of substrates into vacuum environment is accomplish by gradually reducing the number of substrates being transferred simultaneously as the clean and evacuated environment is progressed. Cassettes are maintained in clean atmospheric environment and do not enter the vacuum environment. Several vacuum locks are linearly staggered so as to introduce progressively higher level of vacuum environment. The number of substrates transported through this arrangement is a portion of the number of substrates present in each cassette. The staggered vacuum locks lead to a series of processing chambers, wherein a yet smaller number of substrates, e.g., one or two, are transported.