Abstract: An interface apparatus for coupling a vehicle to a container, has: a base engageable by the vehicle; a frame connected to the base and detachably securable to the container, the frame pivotable relative to the base for pivoting the container from a lifting position to a discharging position for discharging the container; an actuation unit between the frame and the base; and a latching mechanism for removably attaching the container to the apparatus, the latching mechanism including a first portion secured to the frame and a second portion securable to the container, the first portion movable relative to the second portion in a mating direction having a component normal to the ground from a disengaged configuration in which the first portion is detached form the second portion to an engaged configuration in which the first portion is received within the second portion.

Abstract: A lift interface device for releasably coupling a vehicle to a container, the vehicle of the type engaging the container through a passage under the container, the lift interface device comprises a base adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A frame is positioned over the vehicle and connected to the base with at least a rotational joint adjacent to a leading end of the lift interface device, such that the frame is movable from a coupling orientation to a raised orientation, the frame comprising at least one support surface for supporting the container when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration, and a container connector at a trailing end of the lift interface device adapted to be used for releasably connecting the container to the frame when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration; and an actuation unit to rotate and hold the frame relative to the base at desired orientations between the coupling orientation and the raised orientation.

Abstract: A locking system for a disconnect switch mounted to a utility pole. The locking system includes an attachment assembly mounted to the disconnect switch. The attachment assembly has an attachment body with a groove, and a locking arm disposed within the groove and pivotable between an open configuration and a locked configuration. A trigger mechanism extends through the locking arm and selectively secures the locking arm in the locked configuration. The locking system also has a lock assembly mounted to the attachment assembly, which has a lock body defining a central aperture for receiving a key therein. The lock assembly has a rotatable cam disposed at an end of the central aperture. The cam engages the key upon being rotated thereby. When it rotates, the cam engages the trigger mechanism to selectively secure the locking arm in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A locking system for a disconnect switch mounted to a utility pole. The locking system includes an attachment assembly mounted to the disconnect switch. The attachment assembly has an attachment body with a groove, and a locking arm disposed within the groove and pivotable between an open configuration and a locked configuration. A trigger mechanism extends through the locking arm and selectively secures the locking arm in the locked configuration. The locking system also has a lock assembly mounted to the attachment assembly, which has a lock body defining a central aperture for receiving a key therein. The lock assembly has a rotatable cam disposed at an end of the central aperture. The cam engages the key upon being rotated thereby. When it rotates, the cam engages the trigger mechanism to selectively secure the locking arm in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A lift interface device for releasably coupling a vehicle to a container, the vehicle of the type engaging the container through a passage under the container, the lift interface device comprises a base adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A frame is positioned over the vehicle and connected to the base with at least a rotational joint adjacent to a leading end of the lift interface device, such that the frame is movable from a coupling orientation to a raised orientation, the frame comprising at least one support surface for supporting the container when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration, and a container connector at a trailing end of the lift interface device adapted to be used for releasably connecting the container to the frame when the frame is rotated toward the raised configuration; and an actuation unit to rotate and hold the frame relative to the base at desired orientations between the coupling orientation and the raised orientation.

Abstract: A brake system comprising a structural unit adapted to be connected to a structure and defining a channel for the axial movement of a hoisting rope therein. A brake unit has a brake pad and an arm secured to one another for concurrent movement and movably mounted to the structural unit by at least one joint. The arm is in operative contact with a user end of the hoisting rope to be displaced with the brake pad between a hoisting position by a tautening of the hoisting rope, in which hoisting position the brake pad is distanced from the hoisting rope in the structural unit to allow movement of the hoisting rope in both pulling and releasing directions of the axial movement, and a braking position by a release of tension in the hoisting rope, in which the brake pad is displaced into contact with the hoisting rope.

Abstract: A brake system comprising a structural unit adapted to be connected to a structure and defining a channel for the axial movement of a hoisting rope therein. A brake unit has a brake pad and an arm secured to one another for concurrent movement and movably mounted to the structural unit by at least one joint. The arm is in operative contact with a user end of the hoisting rope to be displaced with the brake pad between a hoisting position by a tautening of the hoisting rope, in which hoisting position the brake pad is distanced from the hoisting rope in the structural unit to allow movement of the hoisting rope in both pulling and releasing directions of the axial movement, and a braking position by a release of tension in the hoisting rope, in which the brake pad is displaced into contact with the hoisting rope.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying loads on inclined surfaces, comprising a support surface adapted to fixedly support a load. An endless track is connected to the support surface and adapted to propel the apparatus on an inclined surface. A power source is provided for actuating the endless track. An anti-roll device is provided for increasing a length of the apparatus beyond the endless track in a direction of movement of the apparatus on the inclined surface to prevent an overturning of the apparatus when transporting loads.