Abstract: The disclosed technology is a configurable column tool configured for moving items from a first elevation to a second elevation such as moving an item from a pallet to a shelf. The configurable column tool is further associated with a transporter, such as a rider lift, said transporter configured to transport a transport-device, such as pallet, from one location to another and perhaps raise/lower such transport-device for stacking. The configurable column tool is mechanically associated with the transporter so that the transporter can move the configurable column tool from a first location to a second location and perhaps raise/lower the configurable column tool. The configurable column tool is configured with one of a plurality of tool attachments, one such attachment being clamping device.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes methods for providing a hand truck with a powered lifting feature controlled by an electronic module associated with a scale where such scale is used to determine the weight of an item to be lifted and manually transported. The electronic module is configured for causing a tray rise and lower as desired. The scale is mechanically associated with the tray for measuring the weight of an item placed on the scale. If the item weights more than a stored maximum value, the electronic device will not cause the tray to be lifted.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes methods for providing a hand truck with a powered lifting feature controlled by an electronic module associated with a scale where such scale is used to determine the weight of an item to be lifted and manually transported. The electronic module is configured for causing a tray rise and lower as desired. The scale is mechanically associated with the tray for measuring the weight of an item placed on the scale. If the item weights more than a stored maximum value, the electronic device will not cause the tray to be lifted.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic module associated with a hand truck structure comprising a powered lifting/lowering tray wherein the electronic module comprises a scale electrically associated with a control unit. The control unit is configured for causing a tray rise and lower as desired. The scale is mechanically associated with the tray for measuring the weight of an item placed on the scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a portable docking station function for transferring items. The portable docking station may be suitably sized for the application of interest; however, for the preferred embodiment the portable docking station is about the size of a typical parking space. Embodiments of the invention include devices comprising a ramp with an automatic lowering system, lifting system and electronic modules for performing a variety of functions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a coupler converter/adapter for use with vehicles to be towed such as utility trailers. The coupler converter is configured with a first attachment mechanism configured for being associated with a vehicle to be towed's coupling device. The coupler converter is further configured with a second attachment mechanism that is different from the first attachment mechanism, such second attachment mechanism configured for being associated with a trailer hitch associated with a tow vehicle. The coupler converter is configured to be stowed on the utility trailer when not being used. In one configuration, the coupler converter can be used as a coupler lock to deter theft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a portable docking station function for transferring items. The portable docking station may be suitably sized for the application of interest; however, for the preferred embodiment the portable docking station is about the size of a typical parking space. Embodiments of the invention include devices comprising a ramp with an automatic lowering system, lifting system and electronic modules for performing a variety of functions.