Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination bins.

Abstract: An industrial centrifuge for extracting one or more compounds from biomass includes a centrifuge basket disposed within a cylindrical vessel. The centrifuge basket includes a cylindrical sidewall comprising an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion and a basket baseplate coupled to the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion. The centrifuge includes a spindle coupled to the basket baseplate, a spindle bearing assembly, and a contact seal disposed between the spindle bearing assembly and the basket baseplate. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, the spindle, and the basket baseplate define a skirted volume. During operation of the industrial centrifuge, air trapped within the skirted volume provides an air seal between an extraction fluid in the cylindrical vessel and the contact seal, spindle bearing assembly, or both, to prevent extraction fluid from contacting the spindle bearings and causing damage thereto.

Abstract: A method for making a cylindrical centrifuge basket according to the present disclosure includes pre-perforating a metal sheet to form a perforated metal sheet having perforations aligned along rows extending across a width of the perforated metal sheet. Each row is skewed at a prescribed nonzero skew angle relative to a surface line on the perforated metal sheet, the surface line parallel to an axis of rotation of the cylindrical centrifuge basket. The method further includes roller forming the perforated metal sheet to produce a perforated basket wall sheet, coupling a first edge of the perforated basket wall sheet to a second edge of the perforated basket wall sheet to form a cylindrical basket wall, and coupling a first end of the cylindrical basket wall to a ring, coupling a second end of the cylindrical basket wall to a baseplate, or both to form the cylindrical centrifuge basket.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a centrifuge system for processing a massecuite composition. The centrifuge system may include a centrifuge having a vertical spindle, a housing, and a basket disposed within the housing. The basket may include a central hub coupled to the vertical spindle for rotation therewith, a cup coupled to the central hub or an end of the vertical spindle, and a loading cone positioned over the cup and coupled to the cup by a plurality of vanes extending outward from the cup to the loading cone. The loading cone may have a wide end open towards a bottom of the basket, and the plurality of vanes may be radially spaced apart. The centrifuge system may further include a feed pipe vertically disposed above the cup and having a feed outlet oriented towards the cup. The cup defining a cavity oriented in a direction away from the central hub.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a centrifuge system for processing a massecuite composition. The centrifuge system may include a centrifuge having a vertical spindle, a housing, and a basket disposed within the housing. The basket may include a central hub coupled to the vertical spindle for rotation therewith, a cup coupled to the central hub or an end of the vertical spindle, and a loading cone positioned over the cup and coupled to the cup by a plurality of vanes extending outward from the cup to the loading cone. The loading cone may have a wide end open towards a bottom of the basket, and the plurality of vanes may be radially spaced apart. The centrifuge system may further include a feed pipe vertically disposed above the cup and having a feed outlet oriented towards the cup. The cup defining a cavity oriented in a direction away from the central hub.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a spare tire supported framework having two horizontal bar members in parallel spaced relationship, one located outside of the vertically mounted spare tire and the other to the inside, between the spare tire and the vehicle body. Two tire support members, or straps, which preferably are rigid but may be flexible, lie against the upper tread of the tire at spaced circumferential locations, each strap attached between the two horizontal bar members so as to form a framework. A vehicle mounting member, preferably in square tubular form, is attached to, and extends downward from, the inside horizontal bar member. Extending outwardly from the outside horizontal bar are a plurality of bicycle support arms, so as to project beneath the frame of, and support the bicycle substantially centered behind the vehicle. The outside horizontal bar member may extend assymmetrically beyond the side of the tire with one or more bicycle support arms positioned on the extending portion.

Abstract: A mast raising and lowering device for sailboats, and particularly sailboats with outboard rudders, which embodies a telescoping pole topped with a roller assembly, the device being attached to the stern of the sailboat where it is used to movably raise and support the mast in a partially elevated position during mast raising and lowering operations. The telescoping pole is attached to the stern of the sailboat by pintle-like pins, which are vertically adjustable on the pole to fit existing gudgeons provided for rudder support and pivoting. The upper section(s) of the telescoping pole is vertically positionable at various extended locations by a pin member. The roller assembly, on the top of the uppermost telescoping pole section, contains a roller member for ease in moving the mast therealong, and may be provided with a pair of flared ears positioned on either side of the roller to aid in receiving and containing the mast. The roller provides a location for retention of the mast during trailering or moorage.