Abstract: An extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication or sound devices including a housing integrally formed with or detachably connected to a casing for protecting a mobile electronic device. The housing receives a mechanism around which at least one earpiece cable is removably wound. The earpiece cable is extendable from and retractable into the housing.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet product dispenser comprising: a dispenser body for holding a stack of said absorbent sheet products; and a stand for supporting the dispenser body on a supporting surface, the stand being engageable with the dispenser body, wherein the dispenser body is configurable in at least two configurations relative to said supporting surface when engaged with the stand.

Abstract: A method of loading a stack of sheet stock material for use by a dunnage conversion machine, includes the following steps: (i) providing first and second stacks, the second stack being protected by a carrier having a central portion and longitudinally-spaced extensions that bound a central portion, the extensions and the central portion being joined along a weakened area defining a tear line, the central portion and the longitudinally-spaced extensions forming a planar bottom panel and a planar side panel, each panel extending substantially the length of the stack, and at a right angle to each other about a fold line over a bottom and an adjacent side of the stack, and one or more bale ties longitudinally inwardly of the tear lines holding the carrier to the stack; (ii) removing the extensions from the carrier; (iii) setting the second stack on top of the first stack; and (iv) removing the bale ties and the carrier, whereby an adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second sta

Abstract: Systems and methods for a protective casing are provided. In at least one embodiment, a protective casing includes a flexible insulation layer configured to inhibit thermal energy from conducting from an external side of the flexible insulation layer to an internal side of the flexible insulation layer. The protective casing also includes a microlattice layer abutting the internal side of the flexible insulation layer, the microlattice layer configured to distribute thermal energy that passes through the flexible insulation layer substantially throughout the microlattice layer. Further, the protective casing includes a heat absorbing material that impregnates the microlattice layer, the heat absorbing material configured to absorb the thermal energy in the microlattice layer.

Abstract: The product of invention is to attach a removable, disposable pouch to pencil sharpeners. Each pouch is stretched over the body of a pencil sharpener to catch pencil shavings. A stretch band is placed over the pouch at the top edge of the pouch and sharpener to secure pouch and show product branding. When the pouch is full of shavings the pouch is removed and disposed of. A new pouch is then attached to the pencil sharpener. Pouches will be offered in a variety of designs and colors.

Abstract: A lid opener includes a handle and an opening mechanism extending from the handle. The opening mechanism includes at least two projection members. Each of the projection members extends from the handle at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle, and the projection members are spaced apart from each other for insertion of a lid between first and second adjacent projection members. A lid opener mount may also be included to couple the lid opener to a surface.

Abstract: A loading assembly for a refuse collection vehicle wherein a pair of gripping arms can upend a refuse container into an intermediate container. A first set of gripper arms can be located on a first side of the intermediate container and a second set of gripper arms can be located on a second side of the intermediate container. The two sets allow refuse bins located on a curb side and street side to be serviced by the loading assembly. The intermediate container can then be emptied into a storage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of and devices and systems for obtaining and using images of items as the items appear in an inventory area (e.g., storage bin) are disclosed. Images of inventory areas are captured before and after stow or pick operations. A difference between the before and after images is determined and extracted as an image of the item that was stowed or picked. The process may be repeated for numerous units of the item and one or more definitive item images are selected. The definitive item image may be displayed to pickers directly to facilitate picking, or may be used to determine the position of a unit of the item in a particular inventory area such that the position of the item to be picked may be indicated to the picker. Definitive item images may also be used for inventory validation, enforcement of pick and stow etiquette.

Abstract: A chassis stacker having a first and a second vertical storage rack displaced from one another by a distance wide enough to accommodate a trailer chassis, and connected at a top end by a trolley rail support beam. A trolley is positioned on the trolley rail support beam, said trolley having an elevation system capable of raising and lowering a first and a second stabilizing beam that are suspended from the trolley and guided in their vertical motion by low-friction, storage-rack contact members attached at respective first and second ends of the elevating structure, said contact members in contact with an inner surface of the respective first and second vertical storage racks. A first and a second stabilizing-beam trolley is attached to the, respective, first and second stabilizing beams while a spreader containing a chassis-clamping mechanism extends between and attaches to the first and the second stabilizing beam trolley.

Abstract: A storage system having multiple storage sections, each configured for storing containers in storage cells arranged in multiple rows at various horizontal levels with respect to ground. Multiple sets of lifting transportation devices are configured for moving in a first horizontal direction along pairs of rails arranged at respective first predetermined horizontal levels in passages between adjacent storage sections. Multiple container carriages corresponding to respective sets of the lifting transportation devices are configured for moving in a second horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. A lifting sequencer is configured for moving in a vertical direction to receive containers from the multiple container carriages and provide a sequence of containers arranged in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A conveying surface is defined by outputs with respective orientations that can be varied while maintaining the input in a constant orientation, and which can be used to more than a single direction. Power may be transmitted from a source of linear power to the conveying surface through rotation about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface. A cable divert mechanism can change the respective orientations of the outputs to divert articles onto more than a single direction.

Abstract: An oscillating conveyor including an oscillating rail, on which goods can be conveyed in the direction of a first position on the oscillating rail by oscillation of the oscillating rail, and also including at least one excitation element for exciting the oscillation. The excitation element is an ultrasonic transducer which is coupled to the oscillating rail at the first position and via which the oscillating rail can be excited into oscillating at the first position in dependence on a control signal supplied by a control device. The oscillating conveyor has at least one damping element and/or the oscillating rail itself is formed from an oscillation-damping material so that the oscillation amplitude decreases along the oscillating rail as the distance from the first position increases.

Abstract: A dedicated network delivery system may avoid congestion experienced by traditional transportation networks and enable the delivery of objects from an origin to a destination using one or subterranean or aboveground elements. The network delivery system may be specifically configured to transport a particular type of object, such as an item, or a parcel or container having one or more items therein, in both vertical and horizontal directions along one or more of such elements, and in one or more item carriers such as carts, bags or boxes. The elements may be driven by or along one or more conveyors or rails, and may comprise one or more pressure-controlled carriers within a vacuum environment or among any type of fluid, including liquids or gases. A path between the origin and destination may be defined based on any factor, including travel time or cost, and any actual or predicted congestion.

Abstract: A system for controlling moving elements including: a zone controller; a first network and a second network; at least one first motor gateway associated with a portion of the conveyor and assigned to the first network; and at least one second motor gateway associated with a different portion of the conveyor and assigned to the second network; wherein the zone controller and the motor gateways are configured to: communicate data to control the moving elements via the first and second networks in a structured manner to compensate for network or processing timing. A method for controlling moving elements including: communicating data related to control of the moving element conveyor, in a structured manner to compensate for network or processing timing, between a zone controller and first and second motor gateways.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting articles in a checkout counter is provided. The system comprises a loading conveyor (24) on which articles may be placed by a customer, a second conveyor (25) arranged in series with the loading conveyor (24) which second conveyor (25) is operated at a higher speed than said loading conveyor (24) for increasing the distance between adjacent articles, wherein the loading conveyor (24) is tilted with respect to a horizontal plane in a lateral direction, and wherein said conveyor system further comprises an intermediate acceleration device (26) being arranged between the loading conveyor (24) and the second conveyor (25) for accelerating the articles when moving from the loading conveyor (24) to the second conveyor (25).

Abstract: A device (2) for accumulating and transferring objects includes: a feed conveyor (6), a discharge conveyor (8), an accumulation surface (27), a first transfer element (18) for moving at least one batch of objects from the feed conveyor to the accumulation surface, a second transfer element (7) for moving at least one batch of objects from the accumulation surface to the output conveyor. At least one of the first and second transfer element includes a robotic handling device (18) provided with a handling head (17) for at least one batch of objects. The accumulation surface (27) is a conveyor (7) which forms the second transfer element and the direction of which is inclined and preferably perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the input conveyor (6).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a transfer apparatus and a transport system which may be used in automated medical laboratory in-vitro diagnostic systems for handling patient samples. The transfer apparatus an embodiment of the invention comprises a rotatable disc and a lane gate. The transport system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a transfer path arrangement including at least a first input lane and two output lanes at the transfer apparatus (i.e., the rotatable disc and the lane gate). The rotatable disc and the lane gate are cooperatively structured to function together to move at least one laboratory product transport element between the at least one input lane and the two output lanes of the transport system. The laboratory product transport element transports laboratory products, such as patient samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a green body of ceramic-forming material can comprise a support device including at least one air bearing including a support surface with a plurality of apertures. In one example, the support surface is configured to circumscribe greater than 180° of a support area for the green body. In another example, the plurality of apertures include at least a quantity of apertures oriented with a fluid emitting axis extending at an oblique angle with respect to an extrusion axis. In still another example, the air bearing is adjustable. Methods for producing a green body also provide an air cushion between a support surface and the green body.

Abstract: A device for taking powder material into liquid including an inlet to which fluidized powder is supplied with a first pressure, an outlet into a liquid tank having a second pressure less than the first pressure, a powder material intake from the inlet to the outlet, a valve for the powder material intake, and a gaseous medium intake with an outlet into the powder intake with a pressure higher than the second pressure, wherein the outlet of the gaseous medium intake is in the powder material intake downstream from the valve. A method including: applying a vacuum or low pressure to the liquid, passing powder material into the liquid through a powder material intake, providing a valve in the powder material intake, and supplying a pressurized gaseous medium into the powder material intake downstream the valve at least partially during closing and/or opening the valve.

Abstract: A powder fluidizing system, comprising a pressure vessel, a powder container removably mounted within the pressure vessel, and comprising a bottom sieve; a vibrator generating vibrations and transmitting the vibrations to the powder container above the sieve; and a guide directly secured under said powder container to the bottom sieve; wherein a bulk powder fed within the powder container is vibrated within the powder container and flows through the sieve to the guide, and a powder fluidizing method, comprising feeding a bulk powder within a powder reservoir maintained under pressure; vibrating the powder reservoir; and passing the powder through a sieve positioned at the bottom of the powder reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling the flow of asphalt material from a truck-unloading hopper of a material transfer vehicle into the entry end of an adjacent truck-unloading conveyor in order to optimize at least one vehicle operating parameter includes a baffle mounted to the truck-unloading hopper adjacent to the entry end of the truck-unloading conveyor. The baffle is adapted to increase or decrease the hopper opening into the truck-unloading conveyor. A controller is operatively connected to the baffle and adapted to cause the baffle to increase or decrease the hopper opening into the truck-unloading conveyor. A sensor is provided for detecting at least one vehicle operating parameter. This sensor is operatively connected to the controller so that changes in the at least one vehicle operating parameter can be communicated to the controller.

Abstract: A loading arm that transfers flowing bulk material from a storage vessel and into a transport tank through a top hatch of the transport tank that is carried on a truck or rail car for transport includes an articulating arm having a plurality of connected hollow pipes. A hatch cone is connected to the arm and defines a top member, a bottom member, an inner shell connecting the top and bottom members and an outer shell extending between the top and bottom members. The outer shell of the hatch cone defines a truncated conical wall that is formed by a resiliently flexible section configured to deform resiliently upon engaging with the top hatch of the transport tank.

Abstract: A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).

Abstract: A method and system for high speed processing of bank notes in a bank note processing system using air flow is disclosed. The bank note processing system includes a conveyance device having a roller and an air jet. A bank note is directed along a bank note transport path by the roller. The air jet directs air flow to the bank note transport path. The air flow is directed to the bank note transport path in the same direction as direction of travel of the bank note and the air flow and the roller operate together to move the bank note along the bank note transport path.

Abstract: Aspects provide for a printer with automatic paper sheet count discovery, via determining an initial weight of printer paper sheets within a printer paper feeder tray. A single sheet is removed from the paper feeder tray to a staging area of the printer, and a revised weight is determined for the sheets within the paper feeder tray while the single sheet of paper is removed to the staging area. The single sheet is fed back into the paper feeder tray via a printing path bypass of the printer. The weight of the single sheet determined as a function of the difference between the initial weight and the revised weight. A quantity of printer paper sheets currently loaded within the paper feeder tray and available to satisfy a print job is determined as equal to the initial weight divided by the weight of the single sheet.

Abstract: In sheet conveying device, first pair of rollers, driven by first driving motor, conveys sheet on conveyance path that passes image forming portion that forms image on the sheet. Second pair of rollers, driven by second driving motor, conveys the sheet on the conveyance path together with the first pair of rollers. Speed difference calculating portion calculates speed difference between speed related to sheet conveyance speed of the first pair of rollers and speed related to sheet conveyance speed of the second pair of rollers. The motor control portion determines target speeds respectively for the first driving motor and the second driving motor based on the speed difference calculated by the speed difference calculating portion, and performs control during non-image formation period so that driving speeds of the first driving motor and the second driving motor respectively become the target speeds.

Abstract: A traction control system expands and deploys compact tightly wound precut paper with die cut slits. The system has an axle with a smaller diameter as compared to the diameter of tube over which a precut paper package is wound, thereby providing friction free rotation. The precut paper roll rests against a spongy device at one end. The other end of the precut paper role rubs against an adjustable cylinder assembly, providing friction that prevents paper spill and misalignment. The precut paper is manually fed to a paper-handling-mechanism having a large diameter central bulge roll contacting a spring-loaded small diameter roll. A flat belt strung between two pulleys contacts the large diameter roll at the bottom to thereby support the paper. Precut paper exiting the paper-handling-mechanism is manually pulled by user in any direction to expand the precut slits and thereby create a three-dimensionally shaped paper web for packaging.

Abstract: To improve precision in identifying the amount that remains of a recording medium, an apparatus includes a paper holder that supports an outer circumferential surface of a recording medium that is biased downward in a vertical direction by the weight of the recording medium, such that a position of a center of the recording medium moves on a straight-line trace, associated with consumption of the recording medium; and a light-reflecting sensor that is provided at a predetermined position at a side face of the paper holder and senses displacement per unit time at a position facing the predetermined position of the recording medium that is rotated by being pulled out of the paper holder, associated with the consumption of the recording medium, where based on the displacement sensed by the light-reflecting sensor, a radius of the recording medium at the time the light reflecting sensor senses the displacement is calculated.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a setting unit which sets a recording medium; a transport unit which transports the recording medium; a detection unit which is provided in a transport path of the recording medium and detects the recording medium; and a control unit which controls the transport unit. The transport unit includes a drive roller which is provided to be capable of contacting a first surface of the recording medium and applies a sending force to the first surface, and a blowing unit which is provided in a position opposing the drive roller and is capable of blowing onto a second surface of the recording medium. When the detection unit detects the recording medium, the control unit controls the transport unit so as to cause air to be blown from the blowing unit.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for receiving an item in a receptacle are disclosed. Features are disclosed for receiving and guiding an item in a receiving space of a receptacle so as to attenuate or remove the impact force of the item on the receptacle. Some embodiments of the disclosure include a bumper having an impact surface which absorbs most or all of the impact force of the item and thereby mitigates or removes the imposition of cyclic impact loads on the receptacle from repeated receipt of items. The bumper may be structurally and/or functionally de-coupled or otherwise physically separated from the receptacle such that an advantageous division of labor is created between absorbing the impact and receiving the item. This disclosure may be useful, for example, in modern industrial operations where a high volume of items are received daily, such as in mail sorting and handling operations.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device is provided in a paper sheet discharge portion of an image forming apparatus. The sheet conveying device includes, inside thereof, a pair of conveyance guides forming a curved path. A stiffening member is attached to an upper conveyance guide. The stiffening member includes a first pressing portion on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and a guide portion on the upstream side. The first pressing portion is positioned at a lower position than a nip portion of a pair of discharge rollers. The guide portion is positioned at an upper position than the nip portion. The guide portion is narrower in the width direction than the first pressing portion.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which is capable of reducing the frequency of switching a convey route. The sheet processing apparatus is provided with a switching unit that switches between a first position at which conveyed sheet is led to a first convey path, and a second position at which conveyed sheet is led to a second convey path. A buffering process of overlaying the conveyed sheet conveyed from a buffer path and another sheet subsequently conveyed by the conveyed unit is performed. The second convey path is used by the buffering process when the conveyed sheet to be received into the buffer path is ejected to the second stacking unit, and the first convey path is used by the buffering process when the conveyed sheet to be received into the buffer path is ejected to the first overlaying unit.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet material binding apparatus capable of shortening a user's waiting time required to bind sheets through a manual operation with a movable stapler. A CPU (162) of a sheet material binding apparatus (50) monitors whether or not an image forming apparatus (1) can execute image formation processing. When the image forming apparatus (1) can execute the image formation processing, the movable stapler is arranged at a standby position close to the image forming apparatus (1). When the image forming apparatus (1) cannot execute the image formation processing, on the other hand, the movable stapler is arranged at a position for performing the manual operation, to thereby bind the sheets through the manual operation immediately.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus which can respectively balance the convenience of the user using a manual staple and convenience of the user using an online staple is provided. A finisher includes a stapler for performing predetermined post-processing on a sheet received and a control unit. The control unit switches between a first control mode which is allowed to perform predetermined post-processing on the sheet received from an image forming apparatus and a second control mode which is allowed to perform predetermined post-processing on the sheet received not via the image forming apparatus. In addition, the control unit controls the switching such that the second control mode is switched to the first control mode after a lapse of a first predetermined period.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus which is capable of reliably supplying information on a bill to the bill housing body side. The paper sheet processing apparatus has a bill housing part (100) being capable of housing a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot, and also a reader/writer (142) which wirelessly transmits information on the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot. The bill housing part (100) has a coil antenna (104c) which wirelessly receives the information transmitted from the reader/writer (142), and a storage part (104b) which stores the information on the bill received from the coil antenna (104c).

Abstract: A nozzle holder for a fuel hose reel including an upstanding support having its lower end positioned on a support surface. A hose reel is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the support and has a fuel hose wound thereon. An upstanding bracket is secured to the support at one side thereof and has a fuel containment assembly secured to the upper end thereof. The fuel containment assembly includes an inclined base tube having an elongated slot formed in the front wall thereof. An inclined fuel containment tube has its lower end selectively removably inserted into the open upper end of the base tube. The containment tube has an elongated opening formed in the front wall thereof. The nozzle of the fuel hose may be inserted into the opening in the containment tube and the hand guard of the nozzle may be inserted into the opening in the base tube.

Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a new passenger requests elevator service from a departure floor to a destination floor. Any candidate elevator cars are ranked. A number of stops for each assigned passenger for a ranked candidate elevator car is determined if the new passenger were assigned to that car. A determination is made whether any ranked candidate elevator car is a qualified car that can accept the new passenger and limit a number of stops for each passenger assigned to that car to a desired maximum number of stops. The new passenger is assigned to a qualified car that has a most favorable ranking of any qualified cars.

Abstract: A method for modernizing a hydraulic elevator including an elevator car guided by car guide rails for moving in an essentially vertical direction in the elevator hoistway, a hydraulic system including a lifting cylinder having a cylinder part essentially vertically supported on the base of the elevator hoistway and a piston rod moving in relation to the cylinder part and a hydraulic powerpack and a control center. The hydraulic system of the hydraulic elevator is modernized to include a function for preventing unintended starting at a floor, in such a way that the hydraulic powerpack is retained and an electrically-operating valve that is monitored with a control and that acts on the flow of hydraulic fluid of the lifting cylinder is added to the hydraulic system. The control controls a valve to prevent movement of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder downwards and/or upwards, if predetermined criteria are fulfilled.

Abstract: An assigned car information display apparatus for elevators is provided which is capable of providing a suitable display for a user by changing a representation method (such as a displayed graphic figure and color) of one and the same assigned car based on elevator user's attributes (such as a working department name, and personal preferences) even when the one and the same car is assigned to plural different destination floors. An assigned car information display device displays assigned car information for a specific user by changing, based on an attribute of a user, an attribute of the display screen when the assigned elevator car is displayed.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a car is suspended by a suspending means. The car is raised and lowered by a driving apparatus by means of the suspending means. The car is braked by a braking apparatus. An abnormal acceleration detecting mechanism operates the braking apparatus to stop the car if acceleration that exceeds a preset set value arises in the car.

Abstract: A retractable stop and the method of use thereof to control travel range of an elevator system are disclosed. The retractable stop may include a vertical mounting bracket, an impact plate, and a support member. The support member may include an upper end pivotably connected to a distal portion of the impact plate and a lower end movable in relation to the mounting bracket. The proximal portion of the impact plate may be pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. When the retractable stop is in a retracted position, the impact plate does not significantly contribute to the lateral profile of the retractable stop.

Abstract: A cradle for lifting pipelines has a base with wheels supporting the pipeline. Lifting arms connect the base to a spreader bar for lifting the base. The lifting arms can have pivotable connections to the base and to the spreader bar. The connection of the lifting arms to the spreader bar can have an adjustable position to accommodate different pipeline sizes. The lifting arms can also have side wheels with adjustable position.

Abstract: A wall cleaner hanging structure for hanging a wall cleaner includes a frame; at least a fastening unit for fastening the wall cleaner hanging structure in place; a liquid storage device for storing and conveying a liquid for washing a wall surface; a cable elevation device for controlling vertical movement of the wall cleaner; a tube and wire elevation device for controlling the length of a wire and a delivery tube; a plurality of guiding wheels for guiding the wire and the delivery tube to the wall cleaner; and a wall cleaner moving device for adjusting the distance between the wall cleaner and the wall surface. The wall cleaner hanging structure is freely moved and stored, works in conjunction with the wall cleaner to wash the wall surface in an automated manner, such that wall cleaning workers are less likely to get injured and fall victim to work accidents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane, in particular to a crawler crane or mobile crane having at least one monitoring and simulation means by means of which a state of the crane can be monitored and/or simulated, wherein the monitoring and simulation means has at least one input means and at least one output means and wherein the actual state and/or state development of the crane and/or of the boom of the crane can be displayed by means of the monitoring and simulation means and/or a possible state and/or possible state development of the crane can be simulated and/or displayed.

Abstract: An adjustment and testing device for a load-limiting hoist is disclosed, comprising a frame, a variable frequency motor reducing mechanism, an adjusting turntable operating mechanism and an electric control system. The variable frequency motor reducing mechanism comprises a reducing motor and a torque sensor. The torque sensor is connected with a transmission shaft. The upper end of the transmission shaft is connected with a driving shaft. The driving shaft is connected with a driving wheel. The driving wheel is connected with a driven wheel. The driven wheel is internally connected with a driven shaft. The upper end of the driven wheel is connected with a turntable. The upper end of the turntable is equipped with a load limiter member. The adjusting turntable operating mechanism comprises a locking device, a quick safety block and an adjusting spanner. The electric control system comprises a tool kit, an inverter and a time relay.

Abstract: A jacking device includes a base member, an upper member, and, at least one intermediate member. Each member includes screw threads adapted to engage a respective screw thread of an adjacent member. Drive means is included to permit movement of the members, and to thereby raise or lower an upper surface of the jacking device. The intermediate member may rotate as the drive means operates, but the upper and lower surfaces are preferably prevented from undergoing rotational movement. A plurality of such jacking devices may be operated simultaneously to raise or lower a load or other object.

Abstract: A platform lift trailer includes a chassis to which a lift device is mounted. The chassis is configured to be coupled to a standard motor vehicle trailer hitch or the like using a coupler. Some embodiments of the coupler provide protection against larges torsional forces applied between a motor vehicle and coupled trailer when they are angularly displaced relative to one another. One or more ground-engaging wheel assemblies are mounted to the chassis to assist in supporting the weight of the lift and any cargo thereon. The platform lift trailer is highly adaptable so that a wide variety of lifts can be mounted to the platform lift trailer and thus to smaller motor vehicles. Adaptation of mobility lifts and the like to a larger array of motor vehicles is therefore possible. One or more embodiments of a trailer coupler use torque-limiting apparatus so that vertical angular displacements of a motor vehicle and a coupled trailer do not apply large forces directly between the motor vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new pallet lift system for the movement of pallets via the use of a new pallet jack and dolly in conjunction with new tines to transport the pallet from one location to another and minimize the risk of damaging or marring the surface across which the pallet is moved by utilizing a pallet jack and a dolly equipped with soft wheels to allow a pallet to move over door thresholds and floor surfaces without risking damage to the surface, and to facilitate the transportation of pallets of merchandise across an uneven surface such as a parking lot, and into and through a narrow entrance such as a standard doorway and provides a method to load pallets in and out of trucks with the narrow edge leading, thus increasing the usable space inside a typical truck, the present invention being able to be used with multiple different sized pallets.

Abstract: A mast lift includes a base and a telescoping mast coupled with the base and extending upward from the base. The telescoping mast has a support section fixed to the base and a movable section movably connected and displaceable relative to the support section between a retracted position and an extended position. A top cap is secured to the movable section, and a platform is supported by the top cap and the movable section. A gas strut acts between the support section and the movable section and biases the movable section toward the extended position. A threaded driving rod is connected between the top cap and the base and extends through a fixed nut assembly.