Abstract: A buffer station for automatic material handling system can provide throughput improvement. Further, by storing to-be-accessed workpieces in the buffer stations of an equipment, the operation of the facility is not interrupted when the equipment is down. The buffer station can be incorporated in a stocker, such as bare wafer stocker.

Abstract: An automatic charging apparatus for a furnace, including: a hopper provided with an inlet and an outlet opening; a buffer bin in which a buffer channel is provided, one end of the buffer channel including a discharge port communicating with the outlet opening, the other end being in communication with a feeding inlet of the furnace; a pushing mechanism configured to push feedstock in the buffer channel sequentially into the feeding inlet of the furnace, the pushing mechanism including a drive and a pushing element, the drive driving the pushing element to perform a reciprocating movement in the buffer channel so the feedstock in the buffer channel is sequentially pushed into the feeding inlet via the reciprocating movement of the pushing element. The solution can implement automatic charging of feedstock in the furnace, reduce labor intensity of operators, and realize accurate control of charging amount of the feedstock.

Abstract: The present technology provides a cargo adapter that can be inserted into a passenger compartment of a mixed-use vehicle that can be anchored to existing anchor points in the vehicle. The cargo adapter can then receive, secure, and support a cargo locker in a way that safely secures the cargo and avoids wear on the interior surfaces of the passenger compartment. The present technology further provides a system for transporting a cargo locker to a vehicle and inserting the cargo adapter and cargo locker into the vehicle quickly and easily.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis where the body assembly defines a refuse compartment, and a lift assembly pivotably coupled to the body assembly. The lift assembly includes a first lift arm, a second lift arm, a pin having a first end coupled to the first lift arm and an opposing second end coupled to the second lift arm, a pair of forks pivotably coupled to the first lift arm and the second lift arm, an electric lift actuator coupled to the pin, and an electric fork actuator coupled to the pair of forks. The electric lift actuator is configured to rotate the pin to lift the first lift arm and the second lift arm. The electric fork actuator is configured to pivot the pair of forks relative to the first lift arm and the second lift arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular sliding fork for a fork-lift truck or pallet truck, a fork-lift truck or pallet truck provided therewith and a method therefor. The modular sliding fork includes a sliding part configured to be adjusted in length direction relative to a fork part of a fork of a fork-lift truck or pallet truck, a drive system for sliding the modular sliding fork relative to the fork part for the purpose of extending and/or shortening the fork; and a locking mechanism for locking the modular sliding fork relative to the fork part at a desired position. The drive system utilizes a movement of the fork-lift truck or pallet truck for the purpose of sliding the modular sliding fork.

Abstract: A carrier vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame conveniently attachable to and detachable from the front frame. The front frame includes a frame body, at least one battery structure installed along an inner front side wall of the frame body and a connecting rod wheel component at a transverse bottom of the frame body. The rear frame comprises an operating handle, a handle joint base, a hydraulic component having an oil cylinder, a bearing component and a driving assembly. A bottom end of the operating handle is rotatably connected to the handle joint base, which includes a joint fixing base and a microswitch. The bearing component includes a bearing bridge having bridge lugs detachably connected to ends thereof, and a middle part sleeved on the oil cylinder. The front frame and rear frame are transportable in a separated compact configuration, with later simple and fast assembly.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a vertical array of storage levels, each storage level having, picking aisles, storage locations, disposed within the picking aisles, and at least one transfer deck providing access to the picking aisles, a multilevel vertical conveyor system configured to transport the uncontained case units to and from the vertical array of storage levels, each storage level being configured to receive uncontained case units from the multilevel vertical conveyor system, at least one autonomous transport located on each storage level for transporting the uncontained case units between respective storage locations and the multilevel vertical conveyor system, and a controller configured to create a primary access path through the transfer decks and picking aisles to a predetermined one of the storage locations and at least one secondary access path to the predetermined one of the storage locations when the primary path is impassable.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a body defining a storage compartment, a packer, a hydraulic system, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The hydraulic system includes a first pump and a second pump are configured to supply fluid power to a packer actuator. The packer actuator is coupled to the packer and the body and is positioned to move the packer to compact refuse within the storage compartment. The pressure sensor indicates a measured pressure a first fluid associated with the first pump or a second fluid associated with the second pump. The controller is configured to control the hydraulic system to supply fluid power to the packer actuator to move the packer. The controller is further configured to determine that (a) one or more other vehicle functions are active or (b) the measured pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. The controller is further configured to reduce the fluid power supplied to the packer actuator in response to the determination.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle comprises a chassis, a body assembly, a battery system, and a side-loading lift assembly. The body assembly is coupled to the chassis and defines a refuse compartment configured to store refuse material. The battery system is configured to be charged via at least one of an on-board electrical energy generator, an external power source, or a power regenerative braking system. The side-loading lift assembly comprises a refuse container engagement mechanism and at least one electrically-driven actuation mechanism. The refuse container engagement mechanism is configured to selectively engage a refuse container. The at least one electrically-driven actuation mechanism is powered by the battery system and is configured to selectively actuate the side-loading lift assembly between an extended position, a retracted position, and a refuse-dumping position.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes an opening defined by the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks such that the track system includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage containers are arranged in columns beneath the track system such that the storage containers are located vertically below the openings. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving the storage containers are configured to move on the track system and access the storage containers via the openings.

Abstract: A forklift attachment is shown and described. The forklift attachment, has a mounting sleeve which includes a base, at least one sidewall, and an open end. The mounting sleeve fits and slides over a tine of a forklift. A plurality of braces is disposed along a top surface of the mounting sleeve defining a channel which extends parallel to, and forward from, the mounting sleeve. The channel includes a first end and a second end and an elongated rod is pivotally secured to the plurality of braces at the second end of the channel. The elongated rod extends parallel to, and forward from, the plurality of braces. A lock selectively secures the elongated rod in a position parallel to the tine of the forklift.

Abstract: A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus having means for providing axial rotation and support of a wheel, wherein said wheel is intended for at least one of, removal, repair, inspection, installation, and replacement; means for allowing for different size wheels to be supported; means for rendering support for said means for providing axial rotation; means for allowing a lateral movement of said support rendering means along a central axis and operable for aligning the wheel with wheel studs; means for increasing a bottom surface area of said apparatus to create additional support for said apparatus; means for aiding a transportation and placement of said apparatus; and means for adjusting a vertical positioning of the wheel.

Abstract: A robust grabber arm for use as part of a refuse collection vehicle has an inner arm member and an outer arm member which are designed to have parallel beams coupled to one another so that a wide operating profile is created. Further, care is taken in configuring compounds so that each of the hinge points and coupling points are accessible for service and maintenance purposes. To provide additional consistency, common bearings and hinge pins are used throughout, so that maintenance and possible replacement can be easily achieved.

Abstract: A multi-elevator vertically-lifting three-dimensional parking garage is disclosed. The parking garage includes a base, an elevator guide rail group, elevator guide rail seats, first guide rails, second guide rails, clamping mechanisms, annular parking spaces, and vehicle body adjustment devices; the elevator guide rail group is disposed on the base, the base is in shafting connection with the elevator guide rail group, the multiple elevator guide rail seats capable of sliding up and down are disposed on the elevator guide rail group, the elevator guide rail seats are hingedly connected to the first guide rails, the first guide rails are hingedly connected to the second guide rails in a sliding manner, the second guide rails are connected to the clamping mechanisms in a sliding manner, the annular parking spaces are disposed on the periphery of the elevator guide rail group in a surrounding manner.

Abstract: A roof rail hoist system includes a support rail mountable to a vehicle roof. The support rail includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a recess that extends between the first end and the second end. A winch arm is mounted to the support rail. The winch arm is pivotable between a first position, wherein the winch arm resides in the recess and a second position, wherein the winch arm extends outwardly from the support rail. A winch motor is mounted to the support rail. The winch motor includes a cable spool. A winch cable is provided on the cable spool.

Abstract: A refuse body assembly includes a body, a bracket, and a valve assembly. The body defines a compartment. The body includes a bottom wall defining a horizontal plane and a front wall defining a vertical plane. The bracket has an arm that is coupled to and extends rearward from the front wall into the compartment at an angle such that the arm is neither parallel with the horizontal plane nor parallel with the vertical plane. The valve assembly is coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A method unloads bulk goods from a laterally open large container using an unloading device with a tilting unit and a platform. The tilting unit and the platform have a common rotational axis. Both the bulk goods and the unloading device are prevented from being damaged. The laterally open large container which is filled with a bulk good is positioned on the tilting unit. The platform is flipped up such that the platform closes the opening side of the large container. The tilting unit is tilted together with the large container located thereon and the platform closing the opening side of the large container about the common rotational axis such that the large container is positioned on the container opening side, and the bulk good is deposited on the platform. The tilting unit is then tilted back together with the large container, the bulk good remaining on the platform.

Abstract: A rotating container dumper includes a bin assembly having at least one opening configured to receive a container, a frame that is configured to receive the bin assembly, and a linkage system that is operably coupled to the frame and the bin assembly. The linkage system is configured to rotate the bin assembly between a home position and a deployed position. In the home position, the bin assembly is disposed within the frame and a first opening of the at least one opening is positioned at a top of the bin assembly. In the deployed position, the bin assembly is disposed outside of the frame and the first opening of the at least one opening is positioned at a bottom of the bin assembly.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating an angular position of the grabber, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of the lift arm, a first controller for adjusting the angular position of the grabber, and a second controller adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm. The adjustment of the angular position of the grabber is coordinated with the adjustment of the relative positioning of the lift arm.