Abstract: A pallet stacker according to an example embodiment includes a corral defining an interior storage space configured to retain a stack of pallets. At least one lifting mechanism is configured to engage a bottom pallet of the stack of pallets, to lift the stack of pallets to permit insertion of at least one new pallet below the stack of pallets, and to lower the stack of pallets onto the new pallet.

Abstract: A pallet tower for high-density pallet storage which provides for loading and unloading of pallets from a pallet storage area via mechanical operation. The pallet tower has a base frame defining a pallet receiving area, the pallet receiving area for receiving a pallet; a containment frame attached to a support latch frame and/or the base frame, the containment frame defining a pallet storage area for storing the pallet; and a support latch frame attached to the base frame, the support latch frame having a support latch operable between an open position and a closed configuration, and the support latch in the closed configuration for supporting the pallet when the pallet is in the pallet storage area.

Abstract: A pallet tower for high-density pallet storage which provides for loading and unloading of pallets from a pallet storage area via mechanical operation. The pallet tower has a base frame defining a pallet receiving area, the pallet receiving area for receiving a pallet: a containment frame attached to a support latch frame and/or the base frame, the containment frame defining a pallet storage area for storing the pallet; and a support latch frame attached to the base frame, the support latch frame having a support latch operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the support latch in the closed configuration for supporting the pallet when the pallet is in the pallet storage area.

Abstract: A pallet tower for high-density pallet storage which provides for loading and unloading of pallets from a pallet storage area via mechanical operation. The pallet tower has a base frame defining a pallet receiving area, the pallet receiving area for receiving a pallet: a containment frame attached to a support latch frame and/or the base frame, the containment frame defining a pallet storage area for storing the pallet; and a support latch frame attached to the base frame, the support latch frame having a support latch operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the support latch in the closed configuration for supporting the pallet when the pallet is in the pallet storage area.

Abstract: A nestable pallet dispenser for a stack of nestable pallets, the dispenser having a frame defining a holding area for the stack of nestable pallets; a pair of pallet clamps mounted to the frame on opposing sides, operable to clamp the stack of nestable pallets in a closed clamp position. The dispenser further includes a movable support frame movably connected to the frame; and a pair of retractable bottom support plates mounted to the movable frame on opposing sides and below the pair of pallet clamps. The moveable frame is operable in an extended support position and a retracted support position, and for supporting a nestable pallet from the stack of nestable pallets in the extended support position. Dispensed pallets may be removed via an indexer or a gravity conveyor.

Abstract: A pallet exchanger and load splitter apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus has a pallet-receiving assembly with a pallet-receiving zone configured to receive, at least in part, a pallet supporting a pallet load; a clamp assembly connected to the pallet-receiving assembly having a clamping zone configured to secure a first side, a second side, and a rear of the pallet load once the clamp assembly is activated by a pneumatic circuit so that the pallet load is supported by the clamp assembly; and the pneumatic circuit is for controlling a clamping pressure of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: A pallet exchanger and load splitter apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus has a pallet-receiving assembly with a pallet-receiving zone configured to receive, at least in part, a pallet supporting a pallet load; a clamp assembly connected to the pallet-receiving assembly having a clamping zone configured to secure a first side, a second side, and a rear of the pallet load once the clamp assembly is activated by a pneumatic circuit so that the pallet load is supported by the clamp assembly; and the pneumatic circuit is for controlling a clamping pressure of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet dispensing system, including a movable frame being configured to movably hold, at least in part, a pallet stack between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the pallet stack relative to a pallet transporter in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the pallet stack as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for exchanging pallets. The apparatus includes a pallet-exchange machine having a frame assembly being configured to receive a pallet supporting a load once the pallet is positioned to do just so; a clamp assembly being supported by the frame assembly, and the clamp assembly being configured to clamp and hold the load once the pallet is positioned in the clamp assembly to do just so; and a blade assembly being configured to be movable relative to the frame assembly between a load-support position and an no-load position, and the blade assembly being configured to assist in supporting the load once the clamp assembly is actuated to clamp and to hold the load and once the blade assembly is moved from no-load position to the load-support position to do just so.

Abstract: A multi-stack pallet dispensing apparatus is for dispensing in-line pallet stacks relative to a pallet transporter. The multi-stack pallet dispensing apparatus includes a movable frame configured to movably hold, at least in part, in-line pallet stacks between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the in-line pallet stacks relative to the pallet transporter. This is done in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the in-line pallet stacks as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet dispensing system, including a movable frame being configured to movably hold, at least in part, a pallet stack between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the pallet stack relative to a pallet transporter in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the pallet stack as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clamp assembly having a clamping zone configured to circumscribe, at least in part, a pallet load received, at least in part, in the clamping zone. The apparatus also includes a pallet receiving assembly having a pallet-receiving zone configured to receive, at least in part, a pallet supporting the pallet load, and, the pallet-receiving zone having a vertical height dimensioned marginally higher than the vertical height of the pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clamp assembly having a clamping zone configured to circumscribe, at least in part, a pallet load received, at least in part, in the clamping zone. The apparatus also includes a pallet receiving assembly having a pallet-receiving zone configured to receive, at least in part, a pallet supporting the pallet load, and, the pallet-receiving zone having a vertical height dimensioned marginally higher than the vertical height of the pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet dispensing system, including a movable frame being configured to movably hold, at least in part, a pallet stack between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the pallet stack relative to a pallet transporter in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the pallet stack as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for exchanging pallets. The apparatus includes a pallet-exchange machine having a frame assembly being configured to receive a pallet supporting a load once the pallet is positioned to do just so; a clamp assembly being supported by the frame assembly, and the clamp assembly being configured to clamp and hold the load once the pallet is positioned in the clamp assembly to do just so; and a blade assembly being configured to be movable relative to the frame assembly between a load-support position and an no-load position, and the blade assembly being configured to assist in supporting the load once the clamp assembly is actuated to clamp and to hold the load and once the blade assembly is moved from no-load position to the load-support position to do just so.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clamp assembly having a clamping zone configured to circumscribe, at least in part, a pallet load received, at least in part, in the clamping zone. The apparatus also includes a pallet receiving assembly having a pallet-receiving zone configured to receive, at least in part, a pallet supporting the pallet load, and, the pallet-receiving zone having a vertical height dimensioned marginally higher than the vertical height of the pallet.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to heat exchangers, and more specifically to graphitic foam (GF) heat exchanger assemblies developed for a plurality of thermal management applications including the management of heat from electronic components, primary engine cooling and energy recovery. According to certain embodiments, these assemblies are designed using a pressure normal to the GF exchange element to ensure thermal contact without the use of bonding materials or methods. The bondless assembly is designed to be resistant to high thermal stresses and large thermal expansion coefficient differences thereby achieving and maintaining the highest possible thermal performance.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for determining movement data of a customer or customers in a store to analyze customer decisions and optimize product presentation and customer service in response to the analysis. The movement of customers through a store may be correlated with various environmental and economic factors to indicate impediments to customers purchasing a product. Product presentation may then be attenuated according to the results of the analysis by removing the impediments or providing incentives to purchase a product, optimally those products sold at higher profit margins, thereby increasing overall store profitability.