Abstract: A robotic harvesting system includes a base, a gantry system, a robotic arm, and a control system. The base is configured to move in a direction of travel. The gantry system is coupled to the base. The gantry includes a linear transport that is configured to move along the base in substantially a same direction or opposite direction as the direction of travel. The linear transport is coupled to a rod that extends downwards from a top portion of the gantry system. A robotic arm is mounted to the rod at a first joint. A control system is configured to send one or more corresponding commands that cause the linear transport, the rod, and/or the robotic arm to move.

Abstract: A robotic harvesting system includes a base, a linear transport, a robotic arm, and an end effector. The base is configured to move in a direction of travel. A linear transport is mounted to the base. The linear transport is configured to move along the base in substantially a same direction or opposite direction as the direction of travel. A robotic arm is mounted to the linear transport. The robotic arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the robotic arm is configured to rotate toward and away from the base from a first joint. An end effector is mounted on the distal end of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A load supporting stand that having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The supporting stand has an upper column that includes a shaft having a first end and a second end that extends along the longitudinal axis. The shaft has a first diameter. The upper column also includes a shelf attached to the first end of said shaft. The upper column also has a load bearing pin that extends transversely through the shaft. The stand also has a base portion that receives the upper column that includes a receiving conduit that extends along the longitudinal axis and has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The conduit has a third end and a fourth end and a slot that extends between the third and fourth ends along with a series of notches extending therefrom. The base portion has a base plate connected to the receiving conduit.

Abstract: A load supporting stand that having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The supporting stand has an upper column that includes a shaft having a first end and a second end that extends along the longitudinal axis. The shaft has a first diameter. The upper column also includes a shelf attached to the first end of said shaft. The upper column also has a load bearing pin that extends transversely through the shaft. The stand also has a base portion that receives the upper column that includes a receiving conduit that extends along the longitudinal axis and has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The conduit has a third end and a fourth end and a slot that extends between the third and fourth ends along with a series of notches extending therefrom. The base portion has a base plate connected to the receiving conduit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component support and method that includes reciprocating horizontal members that maintain the vehicle component in balance as the support is adjusted according to the component size. With the reciprocating action, the adjustments to one horizontal member are identically and automatically performed on the other horizontal member. In addition, the apparatus includes cushions capable of pivoting to better accommodate components of irregular geometries.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component support and method that includes reciprocating horizontal members that maintain the vehicle component in balance as the support is adjusted according to the component size. With the reciprocating action, the adjustments to one horizontal member are identically and automatically performed on the other horizontal member. In addition, the apparatus includes cushions capable of pivoting to better accommodate components of irregular geometries.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a vehicle by accommodating large loads and a variety of floor gradients while preventing shifting and slippage during use. The apparatus comprises a main frame assembly, a height adjustment mechanism disposed in the main frame assembly, and a plurality of casters mounted on the main frame assembly to provide mobility. The apparatus may also comprise a clamping feature to secure a pinch weld section of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for actively reducing sonic boom in commercial supersonic aircraft and other supersonic aircraft are described herein. A method for operating an aircraft in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes configuring at least one lift control device to produce a first streamwise lift distribution, and flying the aircraft at a subsonic speed while the lift control device is configured to produce the first streamwise lift distribution. The method can further include configuring the lift control device to produce a second streamwise lift distribution, and flying the aircraft at a supersonic speed while the lift control device is configured to produce the second streamwise lift distribution. The first streamwise lift distribution produces an N-shaped ground pressure signature and a corresponding first sonic boom at the supersonic speed.