Abstract: An aerosol dispenser, an outer container for an aerosol dispenser and a preform for an outer container. The aerosol dispenser, outer container and preform each have a neck, which in turn has a crimp ring, to receive a valve cup clinched thereto. The crimp ring has slots which act as vents therethrough. The vents may be exposed to pressurized propellant and product due to deformation of the neck during undue internal pressurization. The vents to relieve propellant and product therethrough in the event of overpressurization.

Abstract: A capsule for producing a beverage in an automatic beverage production device is provided that includes a cup-shaped body defined by a lateral wall and a bottom wall with a beverage outflow opening closed by a sealing film, and a filter member provided with a perforation member and extending transversely so as to ideally divide the cup-shaped body into an upper part containing the substance to be brewed, and a lower part containing a chamber for collecting the beverage. The bottom wall comprises an annular portion extending transversely to the capsule axis to define a stable support base for the capsule when the latter is arranged in a corresponding percolation seat of the automatic beverage production device.

Abstract: A mobile support structure (MSS) includes a frame structure for receiving modular silos, a base moveable between transportation and support configurations, and connectors coupling with the silos. A mobile erecting assembly includes a chassis, a lift structure rotatable between transportation and mounting orientations while engaged with a silo, an engagement structure movable between first and second positions while engaged with the silo, and an actuator to move the engagement structure and silo between the first and second positions. The silo is connected to the mobile erector assembly in the transportation orientation, and the mobile erector assembly is then aligned relative to the MSS, such as by engaging an alignment member of the mobile erector assembly with a chassis alignment post of the MSS. The mobile erector assembly is then operated to move the silo to the mounting orientation, and the silo is then coupled to the MSS.

Abstract: A cargo bin is disclosed. The cargo bin can include a base having an upper surface, and a first side pivotally attached to a first edge of the base. The first side can include a rigid frame and a spanning material. The cargo bin can include a second side pivotally attached to a second edge of the base. The second side can include a rigid frame and a spanning material. The cargo bin can include a front side. The front side can include a spanning material attached on a first end to the rigid framing of the first side. The front side can also include a support attached to a second end of the spanning material, the second end opposite the first end, a first tip of the support configured to be insertable into a first hole in the base to close the front side. The cargo bin can include a back side.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying a conveyable material from a hopper where the system includes a fluid port located below the hopper outlet and in a vertical flow path into hopper outlet that can be momentarily opened for an on the go release of a charge of compressed air directly upward into the hopper outlet and into the underside of the bridge in the hopper to either disintegrate or unlock the bridged particles from each other thereby causing the bridged material to fall into the hopper outlet and into the conveying system where the material can be transported to a remote location or to remove any material that may be adhering to the wall during an emptying phase.

Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus, such as a waste disposal container or unit that is configured to receive used personal care products in a discreet and sanitary manner Instances of incontinence, menstruation or uncontrollable bodily functions can be a personal situation that is otherwise unknown to others. However, current receptacles available to dispose of used personal care products fail to provide for a hygienic, easily accessible and discreet that is designed for small spaces, such as a home bathroom or public restroom stall.

Abstract: A waste disposal device for sealing waste and a cassette for dispensing film are disclosed. The waste disposal device comprises first and second rollers, each comprising first and second end portions and a joining portion therebetween. The end portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to receive and seal first and second film portions therebetween as the first and second rollers rotate. The joining portions of the first and second rollers are arranged to define an aperture for receiving waste in a first rotary configuration of the rollers and to seal the first and second film portions therebetween in a second rotary configuration of the first and second rollers. The cassette comprises first and second portions comprising respective first and second film dispensers. The first portion is mechanically connected to the second portion. The cassette is moveable between a first, compact configuration and a second, extended configuration.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine for depositing a load into, or removing a load from, a rack includes a horizontal drive, a vertical drive, and a lifting carriage comprising a load-accommodating unit having a plurality of adjacent, telescopic accommodating fingers that can be individually controlled. Each finger includes a carrier element that is fixed relative to the lifting carriage, a middle finger element, and an end finger element. The middle and end finger elements can be retracted and extended in parallel in both longitudinal axis directions relative to the carrier element. A linear drive element coupled to the middle finger element moves the middle finger element in a direction of its longitudinal axis. At least one coupling element provided on the middle finger element engages the end finger element and converts motion of the middle finger element into an additional motion of the end finger element in the same direction.

Abstract: A pallet cart including a mechanism to help secure the cart to a forklift. The cart can move through a warehouse with racks of goods and receive signals and store information about the inventory on the racks. The unit can be moved to another location with a forklift. The security mechanism can comprise one or more magnets, retractable structures or other structures to secure the cart to the steel fork of a forklift during transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a path to/from the destination areas that are positioned along the path. Along the path, the vehicles are scanned to determine if any item on the vehicles extends beyond a dimensional constraint. If it is determined that an item on a vehicle extends above the pre-determined threshold, the vehicle is controlled, such as by stopping or re-directing the vehicle. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: A hybrid modular storage fetching system with a robot execution system (REX) is described. In an example implementation, a REX may induct, into the hybrid modular storage fetching system, an order identifying items to be fulfilled by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at an order fulfillment facility. The REX may generate at task list including tasks for a first and second AGV, instruct the first AGV to retrieve a first item in the order from a first storage area based on the task list and deliver the first item to a pick-cell station. The REX may also instruct the second AGV to retrieve a second item of the order from a second storage area and deliver the second item to the pick-cell station. The REX may communicate with other components of the hybrid modular storage fetching system to coordinate the paths of the AGVs to fulfill the order.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering source containers, via a mobile robotic container delivery system, to a first shelf and a second shelf, and in a particular order. Each source container has a position on one of the first shelf or the second shelf. The method includes delivering recipient containers on a floor level below the first shelf, wherein each container of the recipient containers is configured on a respective mobile robot, providing instructions to a user to retrieve an item from a first respective source container on one of the first shelf or the second shelf, moving a respective first recipient container on its respective first mobile robot out from underneath the first shelf to receive the item retrieved from the respective first source container and receiving a confirmation that the item has been retrieved from the respective first source container and placed appropriately.

Abstract: Some examples described herein include a flexible hopper for a conveyor system. The flexible hopper may include a hopper weldment attached to a frame of the conveyor, wherein the hopper weldment surrounds a charge end of the conveyor, a flexible frame configured to enable an opening of the flexible hopper to expand or contract, and/or a skirt attached to the flexible frame and configured to form an enclosure between the flexible frame and the hopper weldment.

Abstract: A novel puck and cover assembly and method for retaining the contents of a container, such as a prescription bottle, during processing and order-filling operations. The puck and cover assembly allows access to the opening of a container when required to perform operations, and automatically returns to cover the opening of a container when operations are completed, to prevent loss of any container contents.

Abstract: A motorized pulley mounted on a stationary shaft to drive a conveyor belt. The motorized pulley is constructed of an axial-flux motor in a housing connected to the motor's rotor. A driver including a drive ring has a drive surface mounted to the periphery of the housing to rotate with the rotor and the housing and drive a conveyor belt. The motor's stator is affixed to the shaft axially offset from the rotor.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor such as, for example, a conveyor belt for transporting heavy bulk materials or unit loads comprises an endless tractive transport mechanism that revolves between a driving roller and a return roller. The driving roller is driven by a permanently excited multi-pole synchronous motor that delivers a very high torque at a comparatively slow nominal speed. The synchronous motor can drive the driving roller directly or alternatively via a single-stage step-down gear with low reduction factor. The drive is characterized by a mass moment of inertia that is up to 10-times lower than in conventional drive systems. In this way, the risk of damaging or even tearing the belt during disruptions is substantially reduced such that the operational reliability significantly increases.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes an external ball-belt and an internal driver belt for driving balls in the ball-belt. A first drive drives the ball-belt in the longitudinal direction, and a second drive drives the driver belt in a transverse direction. The second drive is located outside the ball-belt and located such that a return portion of the ball-belt runs between the second drive and the driver belt.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: A support assembly for a telescopic conveyor may be provided. The assembly may include at least two spaced apart bearings and a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, the bearings being coupled to the reservoir to impart force to and receive force from the hydraulic fluid. The reservoir may be configured to transmit force received from any one of the bearings to at least one other of the bearings by the hydraulic fluid. The assembly can distribute uneven loads amongst the bearings thereby maintaining contact between the bearings and the conveyor, and reducing wear on the bearings and associated components.

Abstract: A power wheel including a positioning device, a wireless communication module, and a controller is provided, where the controller is configured to operate in an active mode or a passive mode. When operating in the passive mode, the controller is configured to: acquire route information and moving information from the power wheel operating in the active mode by the wireless communication module, and acquire relative position information with the other power wheels by the positioning device; and determine a rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information, the moving information and the relative position information. When operating in the active mode, the controller is configured to: acquire the route information, and transmit the route information to the other power wheels; and determine the rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information. In addition, a cooperative carrying method of the power wheel is also provided.

Abstract: A transportation and storage system for at least two wind turbine blades and comprising a first wind turbine blade and a second wind turbine blade is described. The wind turbine blades each having a root end and a tip end, said system comprising a packaging system that is adapted to placing the first wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the first wind turbine blade points in a first direction, and placing the second wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the second wind turbine blade points in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The tip end of the second wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the first wind turbine blade, and the tip end of the first wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the second wind turbine blade, when the first and the second wind turbine blades are arranged in the packaging system.

Abstract: A control unit performs first loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by a determination unit as being an article that is in an appropriate orientation is to be loaded onto a first supporting member in the appropriate orientation, and second loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by the determination unit as being an article that is in an inappropriate orientation is to be loaded onto the first supporting member in the appropriate orientation.

Abstract: A system for forming and moving an article array including a consolidation area having a support surface for receiving and arranging rows of articles to form an article array from an article row delivery device while the consolidation area continuously stabilizingly supports the periphery of the article rows positioned on the support surface as the article rows are arranged to form the article array that is moved onto a transfer support surface for moving the article array toward a collection area.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraints with a barrier having rotational and translational motion are described. An example vehicle restraint includes a carriage frame movable vertically relative to the dock. A drive shaft is supported by the carriage frame. A drive unit is to rotate the drive shaft about a shaft axis and relative to the carriage frame. A hub is connected to rotate with the drive shaft about the shaft axis, the hub having an outer diameter surface that is radially off center relative to the shaft axis. A barrier defines a bore that encircles the outer diameter surface of the hub. The barrier is movable selectively to an extended position and a retracted position. The barrier being connected to move selectively to the extended position and the retracted position in response to relative rotation between the outer diameter surface of the hub and the bore of the barrier.

Abstract: A protective panel for shielding a dock pad while loading and unloading cargo includes a protective panel, a plurality of mounting holes, and a plurality of panel fasteners. The protective panel is mounted to a metallic door jamb of a loading dock via the plurality of panel fasteners. The plurality of mounting holes in turn allow the plurality of panel fasteners to attach to the protective pad. The protective panel includes a flat body and a curved body. The flat body protects the side of the dock pad, whereas the curved body protects the edge of the dock pad. As such, the flat body is connected adjacent to the curved body. Finally, each of the plurality of panel fasteners is attached to a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes. Thus, the number of panel fasteners can be adjusted depending on the size and weight of the protective pad.

Abstract: In a sheet stacking apparatus, a first notch portion in which a first limiting member is movable and a second notch portion in which a second limiting member is movable are formed in a stacking surface of a stacking unit, and the first and second notch portions are arranged such that a minimum distance between the first notch portion and a center of the stacking unit in the widthwise direction is shorter than a minimum distance between the second notch portion and the center of the stacking unit in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for franking flat items of mail removed individually or at the underside of a supplied stack and guided in a transport direction at one side edge, includes a separating station formed from a feeder for items of mail separating device, and a downstream processing line of a franking machine, following in a conveying manner in the transport direction, for franking/printing the individual items of mail. The processing line in the transport region between feeder and the separating device of the separating station assigned to the latter includes a plurality of driven transport rollers which form a transport plane for receiving an item of mail or the respective lowest item of mail from a stack, which rollers are mounted in a frame in the transport direction of the items of mail transversely and beside one another and in the same direction and at the same peripheral speed.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a disengagement mechanism to disengage a rotary feeding member and a separation member to be apart from each other, a pressing portion to press an upper face of a sheet supported on a sheet supporting portion, and a detector to detect displacement of the sheet pressed by the pressing portion. A controller executes one mode among a plurality of modes to feed the sheet supported on the sheet supporting portion based on a detection result of the detector. In a first feed mode, a leading edge of the sheet passes a position of a separation portion with the rotary feeding member and the separation member disengaged by the disengagement mechanism. In a second feed mode, the leading edge of the sheet passes the separation portion with the rotary feeding member and the separation member engaged.

Abstract: A system for robotic manipulation of objects having various shapes and sizes. The system includes a robot having an end effector, and an independent tag. The independent tag may have an object attachment interface to grasp an object, and an end effector attachment interface to mechanically interface with the end effector. Upon actuation of the robot, the end effector may move the object via the independent tag. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: A gravity-assisted registration system suited to use in a printing device includes a transport member with a surface on which an associated sheet is translated in a process direction. The surface defines an angle with respect to horizontal in a cross-process direction. A registration wall, adjacent a lower end of the surface, defines a registration edge for registering the sheet. A drive mechanism drives at least one rotation mechanism, for translating sheet in the process direction, each rotation mechanism including at least one drive member with an axis of rotation parallel to the surface in the cross-process direction, Each drive member includes a sliding mechanism, at a periphery of the drive member, enabling the sheet to slide, under gravity, on the surface, toward the registration wall into an alignment position, in contact with the registration wall.

Abstract: A method for removing outer layer of rollstock includes: first step of cutting rollstock's outermost circumferential film in a first cut portion, the rollstock formed by a film sheet rolled from base end to tip end and the tip end temporarily fixed to an outer circumferential surface; second step of cutting the film in a second cut portion closer to the base end than the first cut portion, a length from the tip end to the second cut portion being equal to or more than one round of the rollstock's outermost circumference; and step of discarding a first cut-film piece from the first cut portion to the tip end and a second cut-film piece from the first cut portion to the second cut portion by drawing the first and second pieces with a drawing device while driving an unwinding roller mounted with a hollow portion of the rollstock to rotate.

Abstract: A tipping paper feed assembly (1) for use in smoking article manufacture. The tipping paper feed assembly (1) comprising a first feed device adapted to supply a first tipping paper web (4) that is fed into apparatus for smoking article manufacture, and a second feed device adapted to supply a second tipping paper web (11). The tipping paper feed assembly (1) also comprises a splice mechanism (12) adapted to attach the first and second tipping paper webs (4, 11) together for changeover between the first and the second feed devices. The tipping paper feed device (1) also comprises a registration system configured to register features of each tipping paper web (4, 11) prior to attaching said first and second tipping paper webs together with said features in register.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a plurality of belt support assemblies each having a drive wheel assembly at one end and an idler wheel assembly at the other end. Each of the drive and idler wheel assemblies includes a motion converter for converting the rotational movement of a shaft into linear motion along the shaft and an actuator for selectively engaging the motion converter and the shaft. A controller controls the operation of the shafts and the actuators to selectively and individually control the location of each end of each belt assembly relative to one another and to a centerline of the conveyor.

Abstract: A paper sheet recycling and printing apparatus includes a paper sheet recycling section which manufactures a recycled paper sheet; a printing section which prints recording information on a recording target medium including the recycled paper sheet; a plurality of recycled paper sheet storage sections including a first recycled paper sheet storage section and a second recycled paper sheet storage section in which the recycled paper sheet is stored; a recycled paper sheet supply section which supplies the recycled paper sheet from the paper sheet recycling section to the recycled paper sheet storage section; and a transport section which transports the recording target medium to the printing section. The transport section transports the recycled paper sheet stored in the first recycled paper sheet storage section to the printing section, and the recycled paper sheet supply section supplies the recycled paper sheet to the second recycled paper sheet storage section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a discharging roller pair, a plurality of trays, a guide member, and a controller. The image forming section forms an image on each of a plurality of sheets. The discharging roller pair discharges each of the sheets. The sheets discharged by the discharging roller pair are to be stacked on the trays (first through third trays). The guide member guides each of the sheets from the discharging roller pair toward a discharge destination tray among the plurality of trays. Every time the discharging roller pair discharges one of the sheets, the controller controls the guide member to change the discharge destination tray. The trays are configured such that leading ends of the sheets are superposed on one another.

Abstract: A tether line is mounted in a retriever and, when a water vessel is launched into the water, the retriever applies a tension force to the tether line. After the water vessel is launched, the tension on the tether line pulls the water vessel from its launched floating position towards the stationary object. The retriever is rotatably mounted on the water vessel or the stationary object such that it will pivot around a vertical axis and point in a direction towards and along the tether line. A spool mounted on the structural unit holds the tether line, and an electrical or mechanical motor, such as a spring B-motor, places a torque on the spool and a tension on the tether line. After the water vessel is launched, the tension force from the motor pulls the water vessel from a launched position to the stationary object.

Abstract: A method of installing cable on a cable reel that has the steps of providing a cable reel that includes first and second opposing flanges where the first flange has a first hub portion and the second flange having a second hub portion and the first hub portion has one or more flexible segments; placing a cable coil over the first hub portion and on the first flange so that the first hub portion substantially extends through an inner diameter of the cable coil; and expanding the one or more flexible segments by inserting the second hub portion inside of the first hub portion so that the one or more flexible segments engage the cable coil.

Abstract: A hose reel assembly can include a hose reel rotatable about a reel axis, and a first portion of linear material having a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, the first distal end portion configured to dispense a fluid. The hose reel assembly can include a second portion of linear material having a second proximal end portion connected to the hose reel and a second distal end portion. A connector can removably attach the second distal end portion of the second portion of linear material with the first proximal end portion of the first portion of linear material. A strain relief member can be configured to control an amount by which the second portion of linear material unspools from the hose reel.

Abstract: A driven reel trolley includes a carriage having a lower carriage section formed from opposing longitudinal members and transverse connecting members extending between and connecting the opposing longitudinal members. A pair of opposing support beams extend upwardly from the lower carriage. Each beam has a shaft support opening at about the top thereof for accommodating an associated shaft. A pair of non-driven wheels is mounted to the lower carriage section on opposing transverse sides of the lower carriage section and a pair of drive wheels is mounted to the lower carriage section, on opposing transverse sides of the lower carriage section, spaced from the non-driven wheels. A pair of drive trains operably connects the shaft and a respective one of the drive wheels. Each drive train includes a transmission and each transmission is operably engageable with and disengageable from the shaft and its respective drive wheel.

Abstract: An elevator control system includes an elevator system with at least one elevator car configured to travel to a plurality of floors. An electronic controller controls the elevator system to deliver the elevator car to a given floor in response to an elevator car request. A mobile user includes a display screen and is installed with a secondary-touch detection system that detects a first touch action applied to the display screen and a second touch action applied to the display screen. The mobile user device launches a full service request user interface in response to detecting the first touch action, and performs at least one of launching a pop-up service request user interface and automatically communicates the elevator car request to the controller in response to detecting the second touch action.

Abstract: This invention relates to the maintenance monitoring of passenger transport systems. The maintenance monitoring device for passenger transport systems of this invention comprises a radio/wireless beacon and personal mobile terminal, the radio beacon is roughly installed at an on-site check point of a passenger transport system and is used to broadcast radio signals toward its surroundings, and the personal mobile terminal is carried by the maintenance workers and is used to sense radio signals when the maintenance workers approach the corresponding radio beacon; wherein the personal mobile terminal and/or the radio beacon is configured to calculate the time period information of radio signals broadcast by the corresponding radio beacon and continuously sensed by the personal mobile terminal. This invention can automatically achieve monitoring of maintenance operations, features a good user experience for maintenance operations, and is beneficial to boosting compliance in maintenance operations.

Abstract: In an elevator hoisting machine mounting device, an elastic support device includes a supporting elastic body that deforms elastically upon reception of a load from a hoisting machine unit. A buckling suppression device disposed at a remove from the elastic support device in a horizontal direction includes first and second buckling suppression elastic bodies that sandwich, from above and below, a buckling suppression attachment portion provided on a lower portion of the hoisting machine unit, and a holding tool that holds the first and second buckling suppression elastic bodies on a machine base. The buckling suppression device suppresses, by an elastic restoring force of the first and second buckling suppression elastic bodies, buckling of the hoisting machine unit relative to the machine base due to the elastic deformation of the supporting elastic body.

Abstract: A safety gear alignment system for an elevator system includes an elevator shaft and an elevator car having an interior region and disposed in and moveable within the elevator shaft. Also included is an upright structure operatively coupled to the elevator car, the upright structure defining at least one aperture. Further included is a safety gear member having a brake and a frame, the frame operatively coupled to the upright structure. Yet further included is at least one access region defined by the frame of the safety gear member, the access region accessible from the interior region of the elevator car and wherein measurement between the frame and a guide rail of the elevator shaft is made for alignment of the safety gear member relative to the guide rail.

Abstract: An elevator car (6) comprises at least one movable wall panel (16, 18), which is movable between a closed position, in which the at least one movable wall panel (16, 18) constitutes a portion of a sidewall of the elevator car (6), and at least one open position providing an opening (24) which allows access to areas outside the elevator from inside the elevator car (6). The at least one movable wall panel (16, 18) includes a first movable wall panel (16) constituting or supporting a car operation panel (7b).

Abstract: A jib coupling system a stowage coupling assembly having a locking member movable between a retracted position and an extended position, an extension pivot coupling system having a coupling member movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a cable having a first end operably connected to the locking member and a second end having a locking pin. Movement of the locking member from the extended position to the retracted position causes the locking pin to engage the coupling member, and movement of the locking member from the retracted position to the extended position causes the locking pin to disengage the coupling member. The jib coupling system may be implemented as a part of a boom assembly and on a boom assembly of a mobile crane.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a wire access line drum assembly that includes a tubular drum and an insert positionable therein to accommodate wire access lines of varying diameter. The tubular drum has a first and a second end and an inner and outer surface. The insert is positionable adjacent the first end of the tubular drum and has a curved channel formed therein extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular drum. The insert has a ramp substantially coinciding with the outer surface of the drum at a first end portion and extending above the outer surface of the drum at a second end portion adjacent the curved channel. The height of the ramp at the second end portion is selected to be substantially similar to the diameter of the wire access line to be stored on the drum assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a winch and a winch comprising a winch drum for spooling a spoolable medium for mooring a vessel, and a winch drive configured to drive the winch drum, wherein, during the driving of the winch drum, at least when a monitored tension of the spoolable medium is between a second upper tension threshold and a second lower tension threshold, an absolute value of the driving speed of the winch drum is configured to have a value that is proportional to an absolute value of a difference between the monitored tension of the spoolable medium and a predetermined tension set point.

Abstract: A loading system for a lighter-than-air craft hull that includes a vehicle that transports cargo containers into a hull loading area. This vehicle engages one of a set of longitudinal rails located inside the hull running fore and aft, where each rail has a unique vertical position and a unique horizontal position inside the hull. There is a crane to raise a particular container transported by the vehicle to the unique vertical position of one of the rails and to move it horizontally to the unique horizontal position of the rail. The crane attaches a rail wheel to the container and suspends the container from the rail. There is a rail tug that pushes or pulls the container along the rail forward into the hull to a final shipping location for that container.

Abstract: A high visibility push-pull handler configured to be mounted on a lift truck. The handler comprising a frame assembly, a pantograph mechanism coupled to the frame assembly, and a faceplate assembly coupled to the pantograph mechanism. The hander is configured with a view window extending through the handler, the view window not obstructed by parts of the handler when the handler is in any normal operating configuration, including a fully extended configuration, a fully retracted configuration, and any configuration in between the full extended and fully retracted positions.

Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.