Abstract: This invention presents a robust and low cost design for a sun tracking, solar panel mounting system that can be mounted on a wide range of light poles and power poles. This design incorporates a structural base that is attached to the pole with separate “U” bolts and custom cradles that precisely accommodate the mounting pole dimensions. The structural base incorporates an axle and separate pivoting frame to hold the solar panel and allow it to rotate about the axle in a celestial tracking configuration known as an equatorial mount. A simple automotive style electric motor in the support arm interfaces with a curved gear rack of the pivoting frame to power the motion of the solar panel and frame. A control system coordinates the movement of the frame to achieve the sun tracking.

Abstract: This invention presents a robust design for a sun tracking control system where a capacitor(s) is charged from the solar panel and used to power a tracking control system and motor actuator(s). The control system periodically moves the solar array to a calculated sun position. The control system also monitors the energy stored in the capacitor(s) and makes its move decisions contingent on the level of stored energy. This added level of energy based decisions provide the tracking system a robust operating behavior to accommodate real world operating conditions with a simple rule set.

Abstract: A robust and low-cost design to add graphics panels to a sun tracking, solar panel mounting system that can be mounted on a wide range of light poles and power poles. This design uses the promotional value of the applied graphics to further improve the economics of the solar installation resource to help speed the adoption of this distributed power generation resource.

Abstract: This invention presents a design for a robotic unloading system that could be used to unload packages from containers. In the basic configuration, a robotic manipulator is coupled with a vision or sensor system and powered conveyor belt. The robot and vision system are used to identify packages and determine presence and orientation. A conveyor belt is positioned in close proximity to the package being removed. The robot and EOAT are used to move the package only a short distance to where the conveyor belt catches the product and carries it away. The greatly simplifies the system design since the robot does not need the precision to securely lift and carry the package. The robot only needs to move the package onto the conveyor that is actively and advantageously positioned for each package removal action. The robot and conveyor work together to simplify the unloading process. The robot is only used to move product onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.