Abstract: A pallet is formed of two or more sections formed of plastic materials. The sections are adjustably fixed together using elongated connectors dimensioned to fit closely in channels with each of the connectors extending between a channel of one section and a channel of an adjoining section. The sections and the connectors are adjustably secured together by mechanical fasteners. Spaced apertures are provided through each of the channels and similarly spaced apertures are provided through each of the connectors whereby the dimensions of the pallet are adjustable. Pallets are provided that can be nested in an inverted orientation without increasing the thickness of the inverted pair greater than the thickness of a single pallet.

Abstract: In a container carrier system and method for use in an automated process for filling containers of multiple sizes, pucks of various sizes are inserted into compartments of container pallets to allow containers of different sizes to be held in the compartments. A puck configuration subsystem can be used to configure each pallet to hold a desired combination of containers of two or more container sizes by inserting and removing pucks from the compartments. A pallet conveyor can be used to transport configured pallets from the puck configuration subsystem to the filling process and return empty pallets to the puck configuration subsystem for reconfiguration.

Abstract: A half pallet for use with a pallet lift jack includes a deck that is snap-fit to a plurality of supports. A lateral projection extends inwardly from each of the supports. A vertical projection protrudes upwardly from an inner end of the lateral projection and is spaced from the support such that a portion of a frame of the pallet lift jack can be received between the vertical projection and the support to prevent outward deflection of the supports.

Abstract: A modular stage prop system having a first stage prop and a second stage prop. The first stage prop has a first stepping surface and a plurality of first side surfaces extending from the first stepping surface. The first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces define a first partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces has a male connector portion. The second stage prop has a second stepping surface and a plurality of second side surfaces extending from the second stepping surface. The second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces define a second partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces has a female connector portion.

Abstract: A pallet includes a frame and at least one rail secured to the frame. The rail has a slot which slidably receives a pin mechanism. The pin mechanism includes a pallet pin that is moveable along the entire length of the slot, wherein the pallet pin is moveable between a position flush with the frame to a position substantially perpendicular with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An expandable holder for elevating and holding glass while the glass is being cleaned or cut is disclosed. The expandable holder includes a first member and a second member. Each of the first and second members has a first side which includes a plurality of bumpers attached thereto. The glass is placed on the plurality of bumpers and is retained thereon without the glass being scratched. The first and second members may be rotatably connected together. The first and second members are connected together so that the first side of the first member and first side of the second member lie in the same plane. The spacing between the first and second members may be adjusted. Each of the first and second members also has a second side where this side has a plurality of legs attached thereto.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-level pallet having a collapsed position and an erected position includes a lower goods-supporting platform, an upper goods-supporting platform, a goods-supporting leaf and a plurality of legs. In the collapsed position, the upper goods-supporting platform, leaf and legs lay flat against the horizontal lower platform. The footprint of the collapsed apparatus is no greater than the footprint of the lower goods-supporting platform. In the erected position, the substantially vertical legs support the upper platform in a horizontal position above the lower platform, and the leaf is pivoted from the upper platform into a fixed position over the lower platform. The extended leaf is supported by a pair of deployable legs. A locking mechanism is used to lock the apparatus in the erected position. Goods may be loaded onto the upper and lower platforms of the erected pallet.

Abstract: A foldable device for facilitating the stacking of adjacent pairs of pallets loaded with container arrays includes a pair of pivotally-interconnected sections. Each section includes a generally flat bottom surface adapted to rest on a respective top layer of exposed container tops, and a top surface that include surface features whose uppermost portions cooperate to define a first reference plane. Each section includes a plurality of complementary hinge components defining a pivot axis that lies in a second reference plane located between the section's bottom surface and first reference plane, and further includes detents by which to maintain the bottom surfaces of each section pair in a substantially coplanar relationship when the hinged sections are spread open. Preferably, the surface features of each section pair are complementary such that, the assembly is folded about the resulting shared pivot axis, the bottom surfaces become generally parallel-spaced to facilitate device storage.

Abstract: A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon.

Abstract: A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position Where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon.

Abstract: A pallet for carrying a boom of a front-end loader is constructed with spaces at one end so for receiving the corresponding end of an identical pallet, whereby the two pallets may be secured together to form a unit. When front loader booms of a type including a pair of transversely spaced arms are mounted in an upright disposition on the unitized pair of pallets, the booms overlap such that one arm of one is located between the spaced arms of the other. The dimensions of the unitized pallet are such that its length approximates the width of a standard sea-going container while its width is approximately a whole number fraction of the standard container length.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-level pallet having a collapsed position and an erected position includes a lower goods-supporting platform, an upper goods-supporting platform, a goods-supporting leaf and a plurality of legs. In the collapsed position, the upper goods-supporting platform, leaf and legs lay flat against the horizontal lower platform. The footprint of the collapsed apparatus is no greater than the footprint of the lower goods-supporting platform. In the erected position, the substantially vertical legs support the upper platform in a horizontal position above the lower platform, and the leaf is pivoted from the upper platform into a fixed position over the lower platform. The extended leaf is supported by a pair of deployable legs. A locking mechanism is used to lock the apparatus in the erected position. Goods may be loaded onto the upper and lower platforms of the erected pallet.

Abstract: An expandable pallet which includes a pair of deck members which have at least one column member extending therebetween. The pair of deck members are expandably movable along the column member between a first and second position. The first position is defined by a minimum predetermined distance between the deck members, and the second position is defined by a maximum predetermined distance between the deck members. The column may comprise a cylindrical member having a radially extending upper flange and lower flange.

Abstract: A system for transporting and storing a variety of airplane seats comprises a portable base pallet and a pair of adjustable seat supports for securely mounting a seat on the base pallet. The base pallet is adapted to either fit into a secondary tray installed in a pallet rack or into a complememtary support structure provided on a mobile cart, thereby respectively allowing the seat to be stored or repaired without having to be removed from the pallet.

Abstract: A system for transporting and storing a variety of airplane seats comprises a portable base pallet and a pair of adjustable seat supports for securely mounting a seat on the base pallet. The base pallet is adapted to either fit into a secondary tray installed in a pallet rack or into a complementary support structure provided on a mobile cart, thereby respectively allowing the seat to be stored or repaired without having to be removed from the pallet.

Abstract: A pallet protector assembly for use with one or an array of plural conventional pallets. The pallet protector assembly comprising plural, e.g., at least four, elongated bar-like, hollow plastic, guard members. Each guard member is composed of a first section and a second, with each section having an exposed end portion. The first and second sections of each guard member are telescopically slidably coupled together, whereupon the length of the guard member can be adjusted. The first end portion of the first section includes a first connector, e.g., a male member. The second end portion of the second section includes a second connector, e.g., a mating female connector. The connectors of each of the guard members are arranged to be releasably securable to the connectors of the other guard members form a self-supporting frame for encircling the periphery of the pallet(s), with the guard members being resistant to accidental disconnection from each other.

Abstract: A multimedia/personal computer-based system for operating information, communication, and entertainment devices in a mobile vehicle uses a power management strategy which reduces power consumption and boot-up time in a manner which facilitates use of a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor system. A loosely coupled power management strategy utilizes a low power microprocessor off board of the main motherboard for switching a plurality of regulated voltages to the main motherboard and other devices. The use of a separate board for input/output processing and power management provides for more robust power management and facilitates adaptation of the system for inclusion in different vehicles using different input/output devices and networks.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet having a plurality of pallet sections each composed of plastic material and having interlocking elements defined by side walls of the pallet sections. At least two of the pallet sections define front and rear pallet edges and each have at least one reinforcing receptacle located adjacent the front and rear pallet edges. At least two elongate reinforcing elements are located within the reinforcing receptacles and are oriented for reinforcing the front and rear pallet edges to minimize bending thereof when the front and rear pallet edges are resting on a rack and under load. The pallet sections are of generally tubular configuration having planar upper and lower walls and parallel side walls. The side walls define dove-tail or other interlocking connectors for securing the pallet sections in immovable assembly.

Abstract: A load platform has telescoping feet which provide a variable height opening for insertion of material handling equipment forks. The pallet has a deck having a top and a bottom, and a number of legs which are formed extending downwardly from the deck. Feet connected by stringers are slidably connected to the legs providing a variable height opening defined by the deck bottom, stringer, and adjacent legs and feet.