Abstract: A method comprises transmitting order data to at least one package configured for electronically receiving the order data and accommodating one or more items therein, wherein the at least one package is electronically locked. In the method, an access code for electronically unlocking the at least one package is generated and transmitted to a user device. The method also includes receiving a notification that the at least one package was unlocked, wherein the notification is received in response to electronically unlocking the at least one package with the access code.

Abstract: A first transport apparatus includes a deck for supporting a patient thereon and a lift mechanism supporting the deck. The deck is removable from the lift mechanism for use as a second transport apparatus or part of a second transport apparatus. The first transport apparatus further includes an electrically powered device at the first transport apparatus, and a user input device for wireless control of the electrically powered device, which is operable at or near the first transport apparatus and the second transport apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated self-opening and self-closing stairs-climbing trolley case is provided. The integrated self-opening and self-closing stairs-climbing trolley case includes a case body, wherein a bottom of the case body is provided with universal wheels, a telescopic draw bar is arranged on a side of the case body, a bottom of a sliding plate is provided with unidirectional wheels, an inner bracket is respectively connected with the telescopic draw bar and the case body, limiting connecting rods on left and right sides are movably connected with the inner bracket via a first connecting rod and are movably connected with the sliding plate via a second connecting rod, torsional spring connecting rods on the left and right sides are movably connected with the inner bracket via a third connecting rod and are movably connected with the sliding plate via a fourth connecting rod.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a drive pinion, a transmission, and a shift collar. The transmission may include a set of drive pinion gears. The shift collar may be rotatable about an axis with the drive pinion and may be moveable along the axis with respect to the drive pinion to selectively connect a member of the set of drive pinion gears to the drive pinion.

Abstract: A mortuary human removal system with battery powered stairclimbing capability is disclosed having a mortuary body glide board, riveted to a top side of a commercially available battery powered stairclimbing hand truck. A multi-stage two wheeled prop stand is coupled to an opposing side of the hand truck longitudinal rails, which is designed to create two automatically latching positions of separation between the wheels and the hand truck rail. The shorter separation is used as an aid to safely lifting a human body on the mortuary human removal system to a first height above the ground. The second position is at a predetermined height for use as a fulcrum to tipping the foot end up and into an ambulance, hearse or other vehicle and be automatically folded up as the mortuary human removal system is pushed all the way into the vehicle.

Abstract: A power-assisted ski track setter including a user control assembly, a track cutter assembly, and a drive assembly configured to operably engage the track cutter assembly is provided. The user control assembly is configured to control the direction of the power-assisted ski track setter. The track cutter assembly comprises a frame, a set of wheels operably coupled to the frame, a set of axles operably coupled to the wheels, and a set of tracks encircling the set of wheels. The set of wheels rotatably supports the frame. The drive assembly is configured to be mounted adjacent to the frame. The drive assembly comprises a motor configured to transmit power to the track cutter assembly, a battery electrically connected to the motor, and a drive gear operably coupled to the motor.

Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.

Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.

Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a watertight elongated housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, a track disposed around the housing on its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing, and a track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the track. The apparatus can also include a ventilation circuit for ventilating the inner chamber of the housing and a generator for producing electricity. A method of operating a motorized pulling apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a watertight elongate housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, a track disposed around the housing on its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing, a handlebar connected to the housing and extending rearward, and a track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the track. The apparatus can also include a ventilation circuit for ventilating the inner chamber of the housing and a generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on work vehicle adapted for multiple applications. The vehicle comprises a base unit, an articulating joint, and one of a plurality of interchangeable equipment chassis. The base unit has at least one ground supporting member, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The articulation joint is supported on a front end of the base unit. An operator station extends from a back end of the base unit. Each of the plurality of chassis comprises at least one ground support member and is pivotally connected to the base unit by the articulation joint. Each of the plurality of chassis may be a dedicated equipment chassis or a universal equipment chassis. Each dedicated chassis comprises a dedicated work tool. Each universal chassis comprises an attachment surface for connection to one of a plurality of work tools. The ground supporting members may be any combination of drive wheels, trail wheels, tracks, or work tools.

Abstract: A transport device has a chassis with a front end and a rear end. The device has a continuous track supporting the chassis above a surface configured to move the chassis along the surface. A handle extends from the front end or rear end of the chassis and has a grip section positioned to be gripped by a user walking ahead of or behind the chassis. A motor is coupled and arranged to drive the continuous track and is operable by a user manipulating the handle. The worktop can be reconfigurable to at least two optional arrangements having different storage or support capabilities. The worktop can also be interchangeable with other different worktops having different storage or support capabilities.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a watertight elongate housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, a track disposed around the housing on its longitudinal axis and enabling the apparatus to move when the track is rotatably driven around the housing, a handlebar connected to the housing and extending rearward, and a track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the track. The apparatus can also include a ventilation circuit for ventilating the inner chamber of the housing and a generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use on standard or customized wheelchairs for moving the wheelchair and wheelchair occupant up or down a stairway or stairway-like structure (e.g., a curb) with greater confidence and stability to the occupant of the wheelchair and its handler(s). The apparatus includes a motorized assembly that interacts with stair steps when the apparatus and wheelchair are tilted backwardly. The motorized assembly allows the wheelchair to glide or move up or down the steps without experiencing the bumps commonly associated with rolling a wheelchair up or down a set of stairs. The apparatus includes a headrest to provide comfort to the occupant during operation and includes pivoting handlebars to allow the operator of the wheelchair to control the movement of the wheelchair. The apparatus is mountable to, and removable from (when not in use), the wheelchair. The apparatus can be considered as a retrofit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use on standard or customized wheelchairs for moving the wheelchair and wheelchair occupant up or down a stairway or stairway-like structure (e.g., a curb) with greater confidence and stability to the occupant of the wheelchair and its handler(s). The apparatus includes a motorized assembly that interacts with stair steps when the apparatus and wheelchair are tilted backwardly. The motorized assembly allows the wheelchair to glide or move up or down the steps without experiencing the bumps commonly associated with rolling a wheelchair up or down a set of stairs. The apparatus includes a headrest to provide comfort to the occupant during operation and includes pivoting handlebars to allow the operator of the wheelchair to control the movement of the wheelchair. The apparatus is mountable to, and removable from (when not in use), the wheelchair. The apparatus can be considered as a retrofit.

Abstract: A transferring system using aero-levitation style and a transferring device using aero-levitation style are provided. The transferring device using aero-levitation style includes one or more pairs of caterpillars each of which moves while drawing a track; a plurality of air bearings disposed inside of the caterpillars and levitated from an inner bottom surfaces of the caterpillars by repulsive force of air; and a loading unit coupled to the air bearings onto which a portage is loaded, wherein the loading unit is levitated and moved together with the caterpillars by the movement of the caterpillars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional transport system having a plurality of mobile transport units, which each have a coupling device in a front and a rear region, by means of which the transport units can be coupled to each other and/or to a lead vehicle. In one configuration, the individual transport units equipped with drives follow the lead vehicle defining the path in a directionally stable manner by an independent path control system. The transport units themselves can also be removed or decoupled from the transport system as independent units. At least one handle, in addition to the couplings, can be used by an operator when in the decoupled state, so that the mailings to be transported can remain on the transport unit until delivery without manual transferring or transporting. This manual guiding of the individual transport unit takes place in a virtually force-free manner.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use on standard or customized wheelchairs for moving the wheelchair and wheelchair occupant up or down a stairway or stairway-like structure (e.g., a curb) with greater confidence and stability to the occupant of the wheelchair and its handler(s). The apparatus includes a motorized assembly that interacts with stair steps when the apparatus and wheelchair are tilted backwardly. The motorized assembly allows the wheelchair to glide or move up or down the steps without experiencing the bumps commonly associated with rolling a wheelchair up or down a set of stairs. The apparatus includes a headrest to provide comfort to the occupant during operation and includes pivoting handlebars to allow the operator of the wheelchair to control the movement of the wheelchair. The apparatus is mountable to, and removable from (when not in use), the wheelchair. The apparatus can be considered as a retrofit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for safely and conveniently conveying an object on a slope. The safety feature includes a fail-safe one-way brake comprising a ratchet wheel, a pawl and a biasing means. In one embodiment, the device is foldable; in another embodiment, the device is integrated with a suitcase; in yet another embodiment, the device is motorized.

Abstract: A transport device has a chassis with a front end and a rear end. The device has a continuous track supporting the chassis above a surface configured to move the chassis along the surface. A handle extends from the front end or rear end of the chassis and has a grip section positioned to be gripped by a user walking ahead of or behind the chassis. A motor is coupled and arranged to drive the continuous track and is operable by a user manipulating the handle. The worktop can be reconfigurable to at least two optional arrangements having different storage or support capabilities. The worktop can also be interchangeable with other different worktops having different storage or support capabilities.

Abstract: A dual-motor handcart for lifting, steering, and transporting a heavy object, such as a snowmobile, by one person, having two motor-powered wheels or trackdrives for moving and steering attached to a width and height adjustable frame, the frame offering a handle, a pair of legs connected to the handle, lift pads for supporting the heavy object, a length adjustable lift strap for coupling the frame to the heavy object. The operatively independent motors each attached to one of the wheels providing force required for moving and steering. Thumb switches having on, off, forward, and reverse motions settings at desired speeds, control each motor providing for a single person to easily steer a cart fully loaded with a heavy object over smooth or rough terrain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for safely and conveniently conveying an object on a slope. The safety feature includes a fail-safe one-way brake comprising a ratchet wheel, a pawl and a biasing means. In one embodiment, the device is foldable; in another embodiment, the device is integrated with a suitcase; in yet another embodiment, the device is motorized.

Abstract: A system for controlling the acceleration, deceleration, braking, travel speed, and power assisted steering of a pallet truck, comprising setting a steering system and a traction system performance as a function of a position and rate of change of position of a control arm in a vertical axis and a horizontal axis of rotation.

Abstract: A powered snowboard having a drive assembly mounted thereon, the drive assembly including a frame, a track assembly having a track suspended over multiple wheels, the track assembly being supported in the frame such that it is able to travel in a vertical direction as well as pivot about an axis, and a motor operatively engaged with the track such that it drives the track thus propelling the snowboard. A cutout is formed in the snowboard through which the track assembly engages the snow or ice below the snowboard, and the track assembly is biased against the snow or ice to maintain a constant contact with the snow or ice during use.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system.

Abstract: A control system for a small work vehicle such as a compact track propelled loader has a control handle that is mounted onto a swinging support plate. The support plate swings about a vertical axis positioned forwardly of the control handle, and the control handle is mounted on the support plate about a horizontal axis. Linkages are provided between the control handle and the pivotal mounting about the upright axis to respective motor control levers for operating motors on opposite sides of the vehicle for steering and propelling the vehicle. Moving the control handle about the horizontal axis causes a drive selectively in forward and reverse direction, and moving the support plate and the control handle about the vertical axis provides differential movement for steering control.

Abstract: A small loader has a central body that is formed as a unitary frame that has spaced apart side walls. The body is supported on drive and support units that are independently assembled, and have mounting plates that bolt to the exterior of the respective side walls of the body when the loader is to be assembled. The mounting plates support a framework for mounting spaced rotatable members, as shown members that mount a drive track for propelling and supporting the body. In one form a separate track drive sprocket is positioned above a slidably mounted track idler that creates a tension in the drive track.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion system for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably connected to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location. The propulsion device includes a traction device that is moveable between a storage position spaced apart from the floor and a use position in contact with the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a towing vehicle which moves on rollers or sliding bodies, for towing persons. The towing vehicle is provided with a motor drive which drives a driving wheel (1) that is mounted in a chassis (2). The towing vehicle can be controlled by the person through a steering column (8). According to the invention, the chassis (2) also has a supporting wheel (4) which is located behind the driving wheel (1). The steering column (8) is fixed to the chassis by a pitch joint (7) running parallel to the axis of rotation of the driving wheel (1), said pitch joint being situated in front of the axis of the driving wheel (1). The invention enables the towing vehicle to be used especially for towing inline skaters at high speeds.

Abstract: A walking-type snow removal machine comprises a snow removing member provided at a front part of a body frame for pushing snow forward, and crawler belts provided on right and left sides of the body frame. The body frame carries thereon an electric motor and a battery. The electric motor drives right and left drive wheels to drive the crawler belts. The electric motor generates little noise as compared with an engine, and contributes to downsizing of the snow removal machine. The battery supplies electrical power to the electric motor.

Abstract: A convertible sled can be dragged silently into the woods by the hunter. Once the hunter has bagged his game, he converts the sled into a track-driven and battery-powered cart. The sled portion is at the bottommost part of the assembly on the way into the woods. In this “sledding” mode, the battery pack, the tracks and the frame are situated above the sled. In the “carting” or “track-driving” mode, the sled is detached from the assembly and is remounted above the frame, tracks and battery pack. In this mode, the sled forms a platform upon which the game can be secured. In the carting mode, the hunter activates the track-driven cart to assist with extraction of the game. Activation of the track-driven cart is by means of a handle which extends to the front of the assembly. An alternative embodiment includes a pair of removable wheels mounted to a pair of adjustable wheel supports, which wheels may be used to roll the convertible sled as well.