Abstract: The present application relates to a modular drive device and its usage in systems for engaging with and moving heavy loads, solving the problems of fitting under low-profile load formats such as standard pallets and carts while still providing sufficient lifting and conveying torque. A three dimensional drive unit (120) is disclosed, comprising one or more driven wheels mounted into a cylindrical rotating drive assembly (210) that is itself supported, but able to rotate within, a cylindrical non-rotating housing assembly (130), between which is a slip ring assembly (150). This solution is used for robotic transportation of materials with typical applications including engaging with and moving pallets, paper rolls, cable reels, vehicles, carts, etc.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and methods for automating or robotically controlling a motorized pallet jack are described herein. A fixed threaded shaft connected to the main pallet structure has a threaded engagement with a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has two motorized drive wheels that each can be independently controlled causing potential rotation of the rotating shaft with respect to the fixed threaded shaft. Independent control of each drive wheel provides the ability to translate the jack, turn the jack, as well as raise and lower the pallet jack.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and methods for automating or robotically controlling a motorized pallet jack are described herein. A fixed threaded shaft connected to the main pallet structure has a threaded engagement with a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has two motorized drive wheels that each can be independently controlled causing potential rotation of the rotating shaft with respect to the fixed threaded shaft. Independent control of each drive wheel provides the ability to translate the jack, turn the jack, as well as raise and lower the pallet jack.

Abstract: A pallet jack power assembly upgrades a manually powered pallet jack to provide a motor-driven drive wheel. In one example, the manually powered pallet jack includes left and right steering wheels separated by a narrow distance. A frame of the pallet jack power assembly may be adapted for attachment to the pallet jack. The frame supports a drive axle, which in turn supports a drive wheel. Attachment of the frame of the pallet jack power assembly locates the drive wheel between the left and right steering wheels. The drive axle and a steering axle, supporting the left and right steering wheels of the pallet jack, may be located in a same vertical plane. A biasing device, such as a spring, may be used to provide a downward force on the drive wheel, thereby increasing friction between the drive wheel and the floor.

Abstract: A container system (10) for producing a. beverage from a beverage concentrate, the container system including a container for holding a liquid volume, the system having a mounting system coupled thereto for holding at least one carrier (20-1), wherein each carrier has multiple compartments (21) comprising the beverage concentrate, the system further having a cutting system coupled thereto for piercing at least one of the multiple compartments (21), wherein, when the at least one of the multiple compartments (21) is pierced the beverage concentrate is commingled with the liquid volume to produce the beverage within the container (10).

Abstract: A materials handling device includes a chassis, handle shaft pivotally mounted to the chassis for maneuvering the device, two rollers rotationally mounted to the chassis, battery pack supported on the handle shaft, electric motor and gearbox fitted in one roller in-line with a rotational axis thereof, and a controller supported on the chassis and having capacitors charged by the battery pack so as to have available when needed a store of electrical power. The controller is electrically connected between the battery pack and electric motor such that the store of electrical power can be supplied to the electric motor which, via the gearbox, can transmit a high torque driving output, when needed and instantaneously, to the one roller to thereby enable the device to move across a surface and to manipulate and move a heavy load.

Abstract: A feed wheel includes a hub and a discontinuous tread removably fitted about the hub. At leading and trailing ends of the discontinuous tread are mateable non-planar female and male surfaces which interfit with one another and tend to interlock the tread ends together. The tread has locking lugs formed under leading and trailing ends and an intermediate segment of the tread which fit into holes configured and located in the hub complimentarily to the locking lugs. The holes and locking lugs are oriented relative to one another so as to enable the tread to be retained about the hub with the tread ends interlocked together during operation of the feed wheel.

Abstract: A materials handling device includes a chassis, handle shaft pivotally mounted to the chassis for maneuvering the device, two rollers rotationally mounted to the chassis, battery pack supported on the handle shaft, electric motor and gearbox fitted in one roller in-line with a rotational axis thereof, and a controller supported on the chassis and having capacitors charged by the battery pack so as to have available when needed a store of electrical power. The controller is electrically connected between the battery pack and electric motor such that the store of electrical power can be supplied to the electric motor which, via the gearbox, can transmit a high torque driving output, when needed and instantaneously, to the one roller to thereby enable the device to move across a surface and to manipulate and move a heavy load.