Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes at least one optical sensor assembly configured to sense the movement of the pump assembly, a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set.

Abstract: A method for storing an empty trailer chassis includes positioning a trailer chassis between a first and a second vertical storage rack and lowering first and second stabilizing beams along the vertical storage racks toward the trailer chassis. The first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys are attached to the respective first and second stabilizing beams and a spreader extends between the first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys. The spreader contains a chassis clamping mechanism that forms a downward-facing portion of the spreader. The chassis clamping mechanism is disposed below the first and second stabilizing beams. The method further includes engaging the trailer chassis with the chassis clamping mechanism. The first and second stabilizing beams are above the trailer chassis when the chassis-clamping mechanism has engaged the trailer chassis.

Abstract: A method (100) for handling chassis is disclosed. The method (100) can include: providing (110) a multi-level structure including a plurality of levels including a first level with an opening to receive a chassis and a second level; locating (120) a plurality of shelves adjacent to the opening including a port shelf and a starboard shelf, each configured to receive a chassis; and providing (130) an transfer mechanism configured to pick a chassis and place it on one of the plurality of shelves. The method allows compact storage, stacking and retrieving and inventorying of chassis, for enhanced logistics.

Abstract: A method for storing an empty trailer chassis includes positioning a trailer chassis between a first and a second vertical storage rack and lowering first and second stabilizing beams along the vertical storage racks toward the trailer chassis. The first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys are attached to the respective first and second stabilizing beams and a spreader extends between the first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys. The spreader contains a chassis clamping mechanism that forms a downward-facing portion of the spreader. The chassis clamping mechanism is disposed below the first and second stabilizing beams. The method further includes engaging the trailer chassis with the chassis clamping mechanism. The first and second stabilizing beams are above the trailer chassis when the chassis-clamping mechanism has engaged the trailer chassis.

Abstract: A chassis stacker having a first and a second vertical storage rack displaced from one another by a distance wide enough to accommodate a trailer chassis, and connected at a top end by a trolley rail support beam. A trolley is positioned on the trolley rail support beam, said trolley having an elevation system capable of raising and lowering a first and a second stabilizing beam that are suspended from the trolley and guided in their vertical motion by low-friction, storage-rack contact members attached at respective first and second ends of the elevating structure, said contact members in contact with an inner surface of the respective first and second vertical storage racks. A first and a second stabilizing-beam trolley is attached to the, respective, first and second stabilizing beams while a spreader containing a chassis-clamping mechanism extends between and attaches to the first and the second stabilizing beam trolley.

Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.

Abstract: A chassis stacker having a first and a second vertical storage rack displaced from one another by a distance wide enough to accommodate a trailer chassis, and connected at a top end by a trolley rail support beam. A trolley is positioned on the trolley rail support beam, said trolley having an elevation system capable of raising and lowering a first and a second stabilizing beam that are suspended from the trolley and guided in their vertical motion by low-friction, storage-rack contact members attached at respective first and second ends of the elevating structure, said contact members in contact with an inner surface of the respective first and second vertical storage racks. A first and a second stabilizing-beam trolley is attached to the, respective, first and second stabilizing beams while a spreader containing a chassis-clamping mechanism extends between and attaches to the first and the second stabilizing beam trolley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an outbound shipping container for transport on an outbound train. The method includes the steps of: 1) providing a driver with a pre-assigned buffer in which to place the outbound container; 2) confirming, with the driver at the pre-assigned buffer, that the outbound container is to be placed in that buffer; 3) securing the outbound container in a containment cavity of the pre-assigned buffer alongside a train track; and 4) elevating, within the buffer, the outbound container from a truck chassis, thereby freeing up the driver and the chassis to proceed to another destination.

Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.

Abstract: A transfer method (100) is disclosed. It includes: transporting (102) with a motorized vehicle a container on a chassis and aligning the container with a buffer; raising (104) the container with a support structure comprising an elevator connected to the chassis, from a resting position to a lifted position a predetermined height above the chassis; entering (106) a containment cavity of the buffer while in the lifted position, the buffer including a container stand including shelves located on sides on the containment cavity, to allow travel in and out of the containment cavity, the shelves include movable support pads with a retracted position configured to allow unobstructed travel in and out of the containment cavity and an extended position configured to support a container with the movable support pads on the sides on the containment cavity.

Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.

Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of supporting a portion of the weight of a load being transferred by a lifting device in the event of a complete failure of one of the hoisting ropes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure attached atop a beam of the lifting device, and a support bar pivotally attached to the support structure. The support structure includes a stop portion that is in contact with the beam and has an upper surface opposed to an undersurface of the support bar. A hoist system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A distribution system (100), which includes the steps of: transporting (102) a container (110) on a chassis (112) of a tractor trailer (114) to and aligning it with a buffer (116); raising (104) the container (110) with a support structure (118) a predetermined height; entering (106) a containment cavity (122) of the buffer (116); and lowering (108) the container (110) on a container stand (124) of the buffer (116), to allow the chassis (112) to exit while allowing the container (110) to remain. The system is simple in construction, robust and provides for efficiencies in the transportation and logistics industry, by allowing drivers and distribution personnel to work independently, and allowing drivers to drop off containers at off peak hours to frees them up to go to their next destination.

Abstract: A high density narrow-profile storage system, comprising the steps of: unloading a container from a train car; storing the container in a storage yard substantially adjacent and parallel to a track; loading the container on a buffer in proximity to the storage yard; lowering the container on a chassis of a tractor trailer; and transporting the container away from the buffer. The system can include: a crane; a narrow-profile storage yard substantially adjacent and parallel to a train track; a buffer adapted to receive and raise or lower a container from or onto a chassis of a tractor trailer; and a tractor for transporting the container to or from the buffer.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent railcar tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars and/or boats or trucks in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one vehicle such as a railcar on a first of the railcar tracks and placing the load on another vehicle such as a railcar on a second of the railcar tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected railcars and other vehicles.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.