Abstract: Various embodiments of batch load lock apparatus are disclosed. The batch load lock apparatus includes a load lock body including first and second load lock openings, a lift assembly within the load lock body, the lift assembly including multiple wafer stations, each of the multiple wafer stations adapted to provide access to wafers through the first and second load lock openings, wherein the batch load lock apparatus includes temperature control capability (e.g., heating or cooling). Batch load lock apparatus is capable of transferring batches of wafers into and out of various processing chambers. Systems including the batch load lock apparatus and methods of operating the batch load lock apparatus are also provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a material loader for quickly and easily loading material, particularly bulk material, into a containment apparatus. Material to be loaded is placed inside a bin that is dimensioned to fit inside the containment apparatus. In use the containment apparatus is positioned so that the bin is inside the containment apparatus and the containment apparatus or a vehicle bearing the containment apparatus is connected to a material transfer member inside the bin. Forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to hold against the material while the bin slides out of the containment apparatus from the point of view of the containment apparatus, leaving the material behind. In other words, the forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to pull the material into the containment apparatus. The invention may also be used for unloading a containment apparatus.

Abstract: A cask transport system includes a support assembly including a plurality of wheels and a support frame coupled to and supported by the wheels. The cask transport system also includes a tower disposed above the support assembly, the tower including a base portion and a tower frame coupled to the base portion, the tower frame movable relative to the base portion. The cask transport system also includes an upper beam assembly coupled to the tower frame, and a bottom block assembly coupled to the upper beam assembly, the bottom block assembly movable relative to the upper beam assembly.

Abstract: A transferring apparatus is provided with a heavy object cassette which is a heavy object contained in a cassette integrally, a common steel plate to which support rods are fixed, the support rods being inserted in holes formed horizontally in the heavy object cassette, and a play mechanism which allows adjustment of a relative position between the holes and the support rods by adjusting a position of the common steel plate, a base unit having thereon the play mechanism and a lifting and lowering device, and a slide mechanism which supports the base unit and is movable forward and backward relative to a main body of the transferring apparatus.

Abstract: Storage device for storing and/or retrieving articles from storage, includes a frame having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections, preferably positioned in a column set-up, that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame; a number of holders for the articles; storage sections being provided with holder supports, wherein at the first and second ends of the frame, first and second platforms, respectively, have been arranged for accommodating at least one holder; and first movement elements for moving the platforms, from one storage section to another; second movement elements for horizontally moving at least one holder from the first platform at the first end of the frame to the holder supports of a selected storage section while moving one or more holders from the selected storage section to the second platform at the second end of the frame, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wheelchair caddy to be attached to a disabled rider adapted cycle or scooter that may include connectors connecting the caddy and cycle, a rear or double rear axle attached to the base of the caddy frame, a handle for the user to grip while pulling the wheelchair onto the caddy, a rod as an emergency brake, a ratcheting strap or straps and bungee cord for securing the wheelchair in the caddy, walled footwells for the securing the passengers feet, a secured foam rubber middle console, a fitted, padded back rest, thigh restraining straps, lower ribcage restraining straps and other features.

Abstract: A towable trailer has a main frame and an inner frame, and a scissors-type lift structure between them so as to elevate the inner frame above the main frame. A first hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the scissor-type lift in order to raise the inner frame. A second hydraulic cylinder is also preferably provided in order to raise the front end of the inner frame, so as to provide a towable trailer having a tiltable and raisable platform which can be more easily loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A core harvester storage rack assembly includes a frame including a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheels operatively coupled about a lower portion of the frame, a jack operatively coupled to an upper portion of the frame, the jack including a seat adapted to engage with an elevator assembly of the core harvester at a first point, a brace operatively coupled to the first end of the frame, the brace adapted to engage the elevator assembly of the core harvester at two spaced-apart points proximate a forward portion of the core harvester elevator assembly, so as to provide three points of support for the core harvester elevator assembly; and the second end of the frame is adapted to removably hold a conveyor assembly of the core harvester.

Abstract: An automated vehicle positioning system for use with a transport mechanism of an automated vehicle conveying system comprising one or more position sensors for detecting a position of a vehicle on a rotatable platform; and a controller adapted to control a travel distance of the rotatable platform for directionally aligning the vehicle to a conveying direction of the transport mechanism and for aligning a centerline of the vehicle with a centerline of the transport mechanism.

Abstract: The Sherpa is the ultimate sheet supporter. It is an apparatus with a method for assembling, supporting, and lifting sheet metal panels and insulation while constructing a pre-engineered steel building that creates a safer and more efficient work environment. It is a two axle trailer base with a telescoping rear extension. An electric winch is used for actuating the support platform between collapsed/travelling and elevated/operating positions. As it lifts the preassembled panel, it supports it without twisting or kinking to a forty-five degree angle where the panel is able to be lifted to a totally vertical position and secured into place.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transferring case units to and from predefined storage areas in an automated case unit storage system, the automated case unit storage system including an array of multilevel storage racks with picking aisles passing therebetween and at least one multilevel vertical conveyor having movable shelves, the autonomous transport vehicle including a frame configured to traverse the picking aisles and a transfer deck connecting the picking aisles to the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor for transferring case units between the predefined storage areas and the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor, and a controller connected to the frame, the controller being configured to effect movement of the autonomous transport vehicle through the picking aisles for accessing each storage area within a respective level of the array of multilevel storage racks and each shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A gripping arm for a clamping attachment for a forklift has a load engaging inner arm including portions defining a load face. The inner arm is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the load face and pivots about a second axis normal to the first axis to engage and secure a load.

Abstract: A method of transporting containers on a rail car is described. The method includes the steps of, first, providing a frame having at least two longitudinal beams and at least two cross beams. The at least two cross beams extend substantially perpendicular to, and interconnect, the at least two longitudinal beams. The two longitudinal beams may be cambered along the length of the beams. Next, the method includes the step of attaching a first container to a first end of the frame. Then, the first container and the frame are loaded into the rail car. Finally, the method includes the step of loading a second container into the rail car and onto a second end of the frame.

Abstract: A container comprising a frame conforming to ISO intermodal container dimensions, a hopper attached within the frame; the hopper defining a chute having a first opening and a second opening, at least one door pivotally attached to the hopper proximal to the second opening; at least one gate assembly attached to the at least one door; a connector apparatus panel mounted to the frame; and at least one actuating fluid or electrical line connected between the at least one gate and the connector apparatus panel. An alternative embodiment includes at least one air tank connected to the container and filled through an air transfer system and a plunger system to cause actuation of container doors for releasing of materials into a second receptacle and where the air transfer and plunger systems reside partially on a rough terrain container handler vehicle.

Abstract: An elongated sweep apparatus for moving particulate matter in a bin may comprise a sweep assembly movable over the floor of the bin and including a particulate sweep structure configured to move particulate matter toward the inboard end of the elongated sweep apparatus, and a housing generally extending between opposite ends of the sweep apparatus with a portion of the sweep structure being positioned in the housing. A first portion of the particulate sweep structure may extend along a primary movement axis and a second portion of the particulate sweep structure may extend along a secondary movement axis, and the primary movement axis may extend substantially parallel to the floor and the secondary movement axis being inclined upwardly from the primary movement axis.

Abstract: A substrate transfer system includes a substrate transfer robot disposed in a robot installment area defined between a first apparatus and a second apparatus comprising an opening. The substrate transfer robot includes a hand and an arm. The hand is configured to support a substrate. The arm is configured to move the hand. The arm and the hand supporting the substrate are configured to rotate on a horizontal surface within a minimal rotation area of the substrate transfer robot such that an outer periphery of the minimal rotation area overlaps an inside of the second apparatus through the opening so as to transfer the substrate from a first position in the first apparatus to a second position in the second apparatus through the opening.

Abstract: A robotic testing device is provided for more closely emulating human movements during robotic testing of mobile devices by using multiple robotic implements to interact with a mobile device, and by facilitating movement of the mobile device during testing. 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.

Abstract: A refuse collection container has a box shape. A movable arm is movably mounted on the container. The movable arm grasps refuse cans and dumps the refuse cans into the container. A slot is formed on a rear wall of the container to enable a portion of the arm to extend through the container. The arm is positioned adjacent the slot such that a movable portion of the arm is positioned inside of the container. The arm moves horizontally in and out of the container to grasp and return refuse cans.

Abstract: A support rack for a side loading arm of a refuse vehicle has a frame to secure with the refuse vehicle. A rack is pivotally coupled with the frame. A biasing member is coupled between the rack and frame. The biasing member enables pivotal movement of the rack between a first and second position. The biasing member returns the rack to the first position after movement into the second position.

Abstract: A stocker facility includes a rack configured to store glass plates in a standing state such that the glass plates are arranged in a front-rear direction and a stocker configured to cause the glass plate to move in a left-right direction to transfer the glass plate to and from the rack. Thus, the present invention provides a plate-shaped member transfer facility capable of carrying the plate-shaped member in between two spaced-apart plate-shaped members between which a storage pitch is short and carrying any one of a plurality of plate-shaped members out from the rack without inserting an end effect in a substrate storage portion of the rack.