Abstract: A mobile lifting apparatus includes (a) a bottom tower section having a first bottom sidewall and an opposed second bottom sidewall; (b) a top tower section coupled to and vertically translatable relative to the bottom tower section; (c) a work platform coupled to and vertically translatable with the top tower section; and (d) an elevating assembly operable to translate the top tower section relative to the bottom tower section between a raised position in which a work surface of the work platform is at an elevation above the bottom tower section, and a lowered position in which the top tower section and the work surface are at least partially nested within the bottom tower section with the work surface at an elevation below upper edges of the first and second bottom sidewalls for reducing the entry and exit height of the work platform.

Abstract: A method for forming superconducting connection structure between at least two superconducting wires is disclosed, where each wire includes at least one superconducting filament. An end piece of each superconducting wire may be positioned inside a cavity of a pressing tool. A contacting material including MgB2 and/or a precursor material for MgB2 may also be positioned inside the cavity. Pressure may be applied to the contacting material through the pressing tool, and the contacting material may be heated inside the cavity. Pressure and heat may be applied simultaneously, at least during part of the process. A superconducting connection structure including at least two superconducting wires, each wire including at least one superconducting filament, and a superconducting connection between the end pieces of the two wires is also disclosed. The connection may be formed of heated and compressed contacting material including MgB2.

Abstract: A method for forming superconducting connection structure between at least two superconducting wires is disclosed, where each wire includes at least one superconducting filament. An end piece of each superconducting wire may be positioned inside a cavity of a pressing tool. A contacting material including MgB2 and/or a precursor material for MgB2 may also be positioned inside the cavity. Pressure may be applied to the contacting material through the pressing tool, and the contacting material may be heated inside the cavity. Pressure and heat may be applied simultaneously, at least during part of the process. A superconducting connection structure including at least two superconducting wires, each wire including at least one superconducting filament, and a superconducting connection between the end pieces of the two wires is also disclosed. The connection may be formed of heated and compressed contacting material including MgB2.

Abstract: A mobile lifting apparatus for raising and lowering one or more persons may include a bottom tower section having a first bottom sidewall and an opposing second bottom sidewall. The apparatus may also have a top tower section coupled to and vertically translatable relative to the bottom tower section and a work platform translatable with the top carriage. The work platform may have a work surface with a first surface portion that is sized to accommodate at least one person standing on the first surface portion. An elevating assembly may be operable raise and lower the top tower section relative to the bottom tower section. The top tower section may be translatable to a lowered position in which the top carriage and the first surface portion are disposed laterally between the first and second bottom sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention provides an endless conveyor designed to provide in a multiplicity of tiers of chain length racks which carry removable material carriers in upright orientation. In one aspect, tensioning of the chain is performed by providing a shaft, for a sprocket connected to the end of a chain length, slidably mounted. The drive chain for supplying torque to the drive shaft is directed and tensioned to tension the conveyor chain. In another aspect the travelling rack is designed with longitudinal recesses between support members so that stationary cantilever members may be inserted therebetween for unloading or loading. In another aspect there is provided a loader that tilts in synchronism with the conveyor and in juxtaposition to a conveyor rack during the loading of a pan on the rack.