Abstract: The disclosed warehouse loader has two platform sections. One section is hinged to a deck where the operator stands when moving the loader. The other section is hinged to the first section and can be aligned with the first section to create a platform that extends outwardly from the deck and can be accessed by the operator directly from the deck. The second section is narrower than and folds against the first section. A spring-loaded latch holds the first section in an upright position, with the second section folded against it. A manually-operable positioning hook engages receptacles in the platform sections, making it easier to fold the sections. To retrieve a spilled article, the loader is first positioned at an open location adjacent the spilled article. The platform is extended into the open location. The operator can then stand on the platform while retrieving the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warehouse loader that has two extendable platform sections. One of those sections is hinged to a deck that extends to a driving deck where the operator can stand when moving the loader. The other section is hinged to the first section and can be aligned with the first section to create a platform that extends outwardly from the deck and can be accessed by the operator directly from the deck. The illustrated sections are between 12 and 36 inches wide, can support 300 pounds of weight, and weigh less than 40 pounds. The second section may be 1-3 inches narrower than the first section, and arranged so that it folds against one side of the first section. A spring-loaded latch can be arranged to selectively hold the first section in an upright position, with the second section folded against it. A manually-operable positioning hook can be used to selectively engage receptacles in the platform sections, making it easier to fold or unfold the sections.

Abstract: An object locating system, especially for use in locating a gaming ball in the game of football, utilizes a series of three sensors positioned on one side of a football playing field and a calibration source positioned on the other side. The calibration source emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors in order to provide a calibration signal. A ball marking unit is positionable on the field at a location of the ball and emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors and an RF signal which is received by the calibration source in order to turn the calibration source off. The sensors provide signals in which a processing unit calculates time delays by a time acquisition process in order to determine the position of the ball. In an alternate embodiment, the ball marking unit emits only an RF signal which is received by the sensors. The sensors again provide signals which are analyzed by the processing unit to determine delay between receipt of the signals at the sensors.

Abstract: An object locating system, especially for use in locating a gaming ball in the game of football, utilizes a series of three sensors positioned on one side of a football playing field and a calibration source positioned on the other side. The calibration source emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors in order to provide a calibration signal. A ball marking unit is positionable on the field at a location of the ball and emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors and an RF signal which is received by the calibration source in order to turn the calibration source off. The sensors provide signals in which a processing unit calculates time delays by a time acquisition process in order to determine the position of the ball. In an alternate embodiment, the ball marking unit emits only an RF signal which is received by the sensors. The sensors again provide signals which are analyzed by the processing unit to determine delay between receipt of the signals at the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of vertically-spaced antennas (256 or 384) or other devices (262) to a tower (12) of the type having three tower legs (20a-20c), and for both separate and selective rotational positioning of the antennas or other devices. The preferred embodiment includes first (170 or 342), second (170 or 342), and third (204 or 320) support housings that are separately attached to the three tower legs, and an antenna-mounting ring (142 or 292) that circumscribes the tower, and that is rotatably attached to the support housings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for mounting and both separate and selective rotational positioning of a plurality of antennas, or search devices, that are attached to the face of a tower. The preferred embodiment includes an antenna-mounting ring, or search-device mounting ring (142) that is attached to the tower (12) by a plurality of support rollers (160, 186, or 219). The antenna-mounting ring is rotationally positioned by a drive motor (214), and by a friction drive element that is connected to the drive motor and that engages the antenna-mounting ring. Preferably, one of the support rollers serves as the friction drive element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for mounting and both separate and selective rotational positioning of a plurality of separate antennas, or search devices, on a single tower. Three of the preferred embodiments for use in mounting and rotationally positioning antennas or search devices include an antenna-mounting ring, or search-device mounting ring (142, 292, or 406) that is attached to the tower (12) by a plurality of support rollers (160, 219, or 306). The support rollers are operatively attached to the tower or to the antenna-mounting ring and supportingly engage a circumferential groove (150, 298, or 430) which is located in either the antenna-mounting ring, or in a tower-attaching ring (402) that is interposed between the antenna-mounting ring and the tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting and both separate and selective rotational positioning of a plurality of separate antennas, or search devices, on a single tower of the type having a plurality of vertically-disposed tower legs (20a-20c) and having bracing (22) between adjacent pairs of the tower legs. The preferred embodiments include an antenna-mounting ring, or search-device mounting ring (142 or 406) that is attached to the tower (12) by a plurality of shaft-mounted support rollers (160, 219, or 306).