Abstract: A device that may be mounted on a bed of a pickup truck to enable smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles to enter from the ground level upon a platform of the loading device. This is accomplished by the loading device having a ramp that can be pulled outwardly or rearwardly from said device, and a motorcycle can drive up the ramp to the platform. A dolly slide is pulled outwardly from the device, and extends above the tailgate. The ramp then extends downwardly from the dolly slide, so that no weight or load is displaced on the tailgate.

Abstract: A solar panel array is formed of a plurality of solar panels juxtaposed with one another along an array axis, and has a support element having first and second support terminations disposed substantially orthogonal to the array axis, with an unobstructed spatial region intermediate of the first and second support terminations. A vehicle transports the solar panels and has wheels arranged on opposing sides thereof. First and second track structures extend along the array axis and are coupled to respective ones of the first and second support terminations. The track structures each have an elongated portion for engaging and supporting respective ones of the vehicle wheels, whereby the vehicle travels along the tracks while carrying a solar panel, and at least a portion of the vehicle is disposed within the unobstructed spatial region. One of the tracks accommodates the wiring for the solar panel array.

Abstract: An elevation conveyance system for transporting a payload substantially vertically and transversely to a preselected release location. The system includes a track assembly comprising a substantially vertical track, one or more bin assemblies in which the payload is receivable, and one or more car assemblies configured for movement along the track. The car assembly includes a housing subassembly having a means for engaging the track to permit movement of the car assembly along the track, and a conveyor subassembly for transporting the payload substantially transversely relative to the track. The bin assembly is receivable in the housing subassembly and configured to release the payload onto the conveyor subassembly for substantially transverse transportation of the payload to the preselected release location.

Abstract: A transport machine is provided with a traveling device, a vehicle body, a vessel, a support device and a load detection device. At least a portion of the vehicle body is arranged above the traveling device. The vessel is provided on the vehicle body. The support device includes a slide mechanism that moves the vessel in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle body, the lateral direction intersecting with a traveling direction of the traveling device when the transport machine travels straight. The load detection device detects a state of a load on the vessel. The slide mechanism is controlled based on a result of detection by the load detection device.

Abstract: Device for battery replacement in a vehicle with a storage space for a battery, which device includes a battery transporting device which is installed at least partly above ground and which is associated with a width direction and a horizontal depth direction which is perpendicular to the width direction, wherein the device is arranged to sense a position of the storage space. The transporting device includes a first pushing device and a second pushing device, which first pushing device displaces the second pushing device and which second pushing device supports the battery, the first pushing device is displaceable in the depth direction, and the second pushing device, in relation to the first pushing device, is both displaceable in the width direction and pivotable in relation to the supporting plane of the first pushing device. Also disclosed is a method for battery replacement using such a device.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.

Abstract: A mobile support structure (MSS) includes a frame structure for receiving modular silos, a base moveable between transportation and support configurations, and connectors coupling with the silos. A mobile erecting assembly includes a chassis, a lift structure rotatable between transportation and mounting orientations while engaged with a silo, an engagement structure movable between first and second positions while engaged with the silo, and an actuator to move the engagement structure and silo between the first and second positions. The silo is connected to the mobile erector assembly in the transportation orientation, and the mobile erector assembly is then aligned relative to the MSS, such as by engaging an alignment member of the mobile erector assembly with a chassis alignment post of the MSS. The mobile erector assembly is then operated to move the silo to the mounting orientation, and the silo is then coupled to the MSS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines the location of wafer boat plate elements having a plurality of plate elements arranged substantially parallel to each other. At least three sensors are moved along travel paths perpendicular to the plate elements, wherein at least a first travel path is above, at least a second travel path is below the wafer boat and at third travel path is laterally spaced from the first or second travel paths above or below the wafer boat. During this movement the position of the sensors along a respective travel path is determined continuously, and it is determined, in which position a respective plate element enters the measuring area of a sensor and exits the same. A distance between a sensor and an edge of a plate element is measured and the location of a respective plate element is determined by means of the sensor signals.

Abstract: Provided are a transportation device for transporting heavy plate-shaped cargoes such as thick plate products, and a transportation system using the transportation device. The transportation device may include: a device body unit; a device moving unit provided on the device body unit to move the transportation device; and a cargo loading unit provided on the device body unit for self-loading cargo. The transportation device is capable of rapidly loading and transporting plate-shaped heavy objects such as thick plate products of an iron mill without using additional lifting/unloading apparatuses and heavy pallets (cassettes) for markedly decreasing the total transportation (distribution) time necessary for lifting, transportation, and unloading of cargo, providing efficient transportation environments, improving productivity, and decreasing costs.

Abstract: A storage system includes a rack with a plurality of layers, each layer including an aisle and a plurality of rows extending from the aisle defining storage locations for items. A shuttle usable with the rack includes a first cart movable along the aisle and a second cart configured to be carriable by the first cart and to be movable along a row. The second cart is configured to carry an item between the first cart and the storage locations. A conveyor is located on one of the first or second carts to move the item onto or off the first cart. Related methods of storing and/or retrieving items from a rack are also disclosed. A rack system is disclosed and is readily assembled without welding, transferring loading so that the weight of the rack and any item stored therein is supported by the upright elements via support brackets.

Abstract: A round module opener for use with a round module of cotton disposed within a wrap, including a frame, an unload conveyor assembly that is supported by the frame and moves the round module of cotton in a first direction that is parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the round module opener, a slitter assembly that is secured to the frame and slices through the wrap along its entire length as the round module of cotton moves in the first direction, and a picker assembly including a plurality of projections, the picker assembly being rotatable so that the plurality of projections first pierce a first portion of the wrap and are subsequently withdrawn from the first portion of the wrap, thereby separating the first portion of the wrap from the round cotton module.

Abstract: An occupant transfer apparatus includes: guide rails arranged substantially along an up-down direction between a seat and a door; a slide unit raisable and lowerable along the guide rails; and a transfer board foldably supported by the slide unit. A long elastic member connects a floor panel and the slide unit, and elastic force of the elastic member biases the slide unit upward. By balancing the elastic force of the elastic member with the weight of an assisted person, the assisted person sitting on the transfer board can be raised and lowered with very small force. Moreover, because there is no need for a special drive source, the structure can be realized at low cost, and also be made compact. This prevents the structure from narrowing a vehicle-compartment space and obstructing an able-bodied person getting in and out of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lift for a load, such as a wheelchair. The whole lift is movable between a retracted position and an extended position that comprises a support pillar, a platform, and a lifting device. The platform is connected pivotably to the support pillar and has a horizontal pivot axis such that the platform is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The lifting device is hingedly connected to the support pillar and is configured for lifting and lowering the support pillar with the platform between the retracted position and the extended position. The support pillar is one piece and has a curved configuration along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The load securing device for lift trucks includes various embodiments adapted for installation upon powered hand trucks, forklifts, and pallet jacks. Each embodiment includes an upright for attachment to the lift truck structure, the upright having a tensioner installed at its upper end or elsewhere opposite the forks of the lift truck. A tensioning element (e.g., tiedown strap, etc.) passes through the tensioner, and a chain and hook extends from the distal end of the tensioning element. The hook of the load securing device is hooked to the load carried on the forks of the lift truck, and the tensioner is tightened to pull and hold the load up adjacent the vertical structure of the lift truck at the back of the forks. Two load securing devices can be used with a powered hand truck for securing a small portable building structure for movement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lifting tube as well as a vacuum lifting device with such a lifting tube. The lifting tube has a tube wall extending about a lengthwise axis and enclosing a tube interior, while the lifting tube can be reversibly deformed along its lengthwise axis into an elongated configuration and, with reduction of the tube interior, a contracted configuration. The tube wall has a plurality of outer crease lines, along which the tube wall can buckle to produce the contracted configuration, while the outer crease lines run obliquely to each other so that, when deformed into the contracted configuration, the tube wall experiences a torsion about the lengthwise axis in some sections.

Abstract: A self-loading, human-powered pallet carrier is provided, the pallet carrier comprising: a first frame; a second frame; a drive train; a handlebar; a seat; and a braking system, one of the first frame or the second frame supported by a pair of driving wheels, the other of the first frame or the second frame supported by an at least one driving wheel, one of the pair of driving wheels or the single driving wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame with an at least one actuator, the other of the pair of driving wheels or the single driving wheel directly mounted to the first frame with an at least one actuator, the first frame including a pair of pallet forks, the second frame including a pair of beams, which, when mated, form a pallet loading zone, each pallet fork and each beam having an at least one dolly wheel, the drive train, the handlebar, the seat and the braking system mounted on the first frame. A method of using the self-loading pallet carrier is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional automated storage and retrieval system is provided herein that enables the space-efficient storage of containers within a three-dimensional lattice structure. Each container includes one or more drivers to engage with rails of the three-dimensional lattice structure, enabling the container to slide along the rails based on a propulsion system. A control device is provided to selectively engage each container to a desired rail of the lattice structure, and to provide power to the propulsion system, thereby moving the container to a desired location within the lattice structure. Due to the high storage efficiency of the disclosed automated storage and retrieval system, the system may be utilized in space-sensitive applications, such as vending machines for physical goods or in cargo vehicles such as trailers.

Abstract: An automated flat mail items handling device includes a rotating apparatus, which rotates the stack during operation from a starting orientation, in which the mail items lie flat, one on top of the other, to a processing orientation, in which the mail items are arranged substantially standing next to each other. The device also includes a holder, which retains the stack while the stack is being rotated, and a transport support, which supports the stack in the processing orientation and by way of which the stack can be moved in a conveying direction. In order to be able to process more mail items per unit of time in the device and by way of the method, the transport support is separate from the rotating apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for improving the productivity of a processing apparatus including a plurality of process chambers. There is provided a technique including a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including: (a) transferring a last remaining substrate stored in an xth storage unit of a plurality of storage units to an empty nth chamber in an mth processing unit of a plurality of processing units; and (b) transferring a first one of a plurality of substrates stored in an (x+1)th storage unit of the plurality of storage units to one of chambers in an (m+1)th processing unit of the plurality of processing units (where x, m and n are natural numbers).

Abstract: In some embodiments, robotic testing device is provided for more closely emulating human movement during robotic testing of a user device. In some embodiments, the robotic testing device may facilitate use of multiple robotic implements configured to interact with a mobile device during testing of the mobile device. One or more of the multiple robotic implements may be configured to move simultaneously, in succession, separately, and/or otherwise interact with a mobile device during performance of a test command on the mobile device. Further, a holder of the mobile device may be configured to move during performance of a test command on the mobile device.