Abstract: A vacuum lifter is disclosed. The vacuum lifter includes an overhead hose, a housing, and a roller rotatably fixed to the housing. The housing is adapted to roll on the roller. In one embodiment the vacuum lifter also includes a sealing plate with a pliable sealing ring. The vacuum lifter can be used to lift, move, and deposit various objects from one place to another.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method for moving a vacuum lifter off an object. The method includes releasing a vacuum holding a surface of the object against a sealing plate of the vacuum lifter and rolling the vacuum lifter along the surface on a roller. The roller is connected to the vacuum lifter.

Abstract: A zero emission generation system uses a direct current electric motor driving an electric generator to provide inverted alternating current to a load. The motor draws its electrical energy from two deep cycle direct current batteries, one or the other of which is alternatively switched into a motor drive circuit with the motor. The other of the two batteries is disposed in a recharge circuit which includes an alternator, mechanically powered by the direct current motor. Accordingly, while one battery is supplying power to the motor and generator, the other battery is being recharged towards capacity. A comptroller controls the switching between the two batteries and regulates recharging rates and extent by regulating the alternator field amperage draw and/or the alternator output to the charging circuit of the system. Further relays may be used to form a safety circuit to prevent both batteries from being removed from the motor drive circuit simultaneously.