Linearly Movable Patents (Class 211/1.57)
  • Patent number: 11817342
    Abstract: A wafer access assembly, a wafer access device and a wafer carrier are provided. The wafer access device includes a base, a shaft, a plurality of couple plates, a plurality of arms, and a stretchable component. The base includes a groove. The shaft extends into the groove and is capable of sliding into the groove. The plurality of couple plates mounting on the shaft. Each of the plurality of couple plates includes a plate body and a through hole on the plate body for the shaft passing through. Each of the plurality of arms is extended from an end of each of the plurality of couple plates. The stretchable component includes a plurality of connecting side walls connecting adjacent couple plates together. The plurality of stretchable component are capable of changing a distance between adjacent couple plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: DLY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Shih Feng Pan
  • Patent number: 10994407
    Abstract: A self-driving storage device for storing and/or transporting body components of motor vehicles, base modules of motor vehicles, or motor vehicles in a final or partially assembled state, the self-driving storage device comprising a base element and a support structure which is arranged on the base element, is designed to receive the body components or the motor vehicles in a final or partially assembled state, and has a plurality of storage spaces with movable storage base elements, wherein the storage device has a movement device which is arranged on the base element and is designed such that the storage device can be moved omnidirectionally in a self-driving manner, in a floor-bound manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: UNIVERSITAET STUTTGART
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Wehking, Matthias Hofmann, Markus Schroeppel
  • Patent number: 10894604
    Abstract: An arrangement in a cabin of an aircraft includes a plurality of passenger seats, which create seat rows arranged between at least one aisle and a cabin wall. At least one first section has at least one row with a first number of passenger seats and at least one second section has at least one seat row with a second number of passenger seats, that is below the first number, are created. The at least one seat row of the first section and the at least one seat row of the second section directly border on the at least one aisle. In the second section between a passenger seat facing the cabin wall and the respective cabin wall a stowage compartment is arranged, which is positionable on a cabin floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventors: Andreas Heidtmann, Roland Lange
  • Patent number: 10846675
    Abstract: A vending storage and retrieval system may include a housing with a screen, camera, scanner, card reader, and receipt port positioned on various exterior portions of the housing. Other hardware components may be positioned interiorly with respect to the housing. Such hardware components include but are not limited to a collection assembly, shelf, receipt printer, and central processing unit. A dispensing port may be positioned on said housing to provide access through said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Creative Methods, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Smith
  • Patent number: 10625938
    Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transport vehicle, a storage rack configured to store articles, and a for-rack transport device. The article transport vehicle is configured to travel along one or more rails suspended from, and supported by, a ceiling. The storage rack is suspended from, and supported by, the ceiling. The for-rack transport device is located on an opposite side from the one or more rails with respect to the storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Horii, Takashi Niiyama, Kazuya Omori
  • Patent number: 10553471
    Abstract: The end effector has a first hand and a second hand which can be driven independently from each other. The first hand has a hand body which can be inserted between vertically adjacent substrates stored in a substrate storing portion, holding a substrate immediately above or immediately below the hand body. The second hand has a hand base portion which at least partially advances below a lowermost substrate or above an uppermost substrate of a plurality of substrates stored in a substrate storing portion and a substrate holding means provided to the hand base portion so as to hold two or more substrates including the lowermost substrate or the uppermost substrate. By the end effector, substrates can be conveyed without any problem even when use of a batch conveying type hand is restricted due to the condition on the substrate storing portion side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hashimoto, Takayuki Fukushima, Ryosuke Kanamaru, Shinya Kinoshita, Daiki Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 10095233
    Abstract: A mobile robotic system may include an automated guided vehicle, and a floor assembly including a support surface and a reconfigurable pathway, wherein the automated guided vehicle is configured to travel on the support surface and follow the reconfigurable pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tuong Q. Nguyen, John W. Pringle, IV
  • Patent number: 10089506
    Abstract: A system and sensor provides for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection. The system includes a ring-shaped element and an antenna. The ring-shaped element includes a conductive ring and an RFID integrated circuit. The antenna is spaced apart from the ring-shaped element and defines an electrically-conductive path commensurate in size and shape to at least a portion of the conductive ring. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor system further comprises a reference ring-shaped element in a fixed relationship with respect to the antenna, with the reference ring-shaped element defining another series circuit to include an electrically-conductive reference ring and a reference RFID integrated circuit. The system may include an interrogator for energizing the ring-shaped element and receiving a data transmission from the RFID integrated circuit that has been energized for further processing by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
  • Patent number: 10062594
    Abstract: An end effector device is provided with a hand; a plurality of holding portions that are provided to the hand, and that hold a plurality of semiconductor wafers such that the plurality of semiconductor wafers are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction in a parallel attitude; a single detector that is arranged outside the plurality of semiconductor wafers viewed from the vertical direction, and that is configured to be able to detect the presence of each one of the semiconductor wafers, opposing a peripheral portion of the semiconductor wafer; and a detector moving mechanism that moves the single detector relative to the plurality of semiconductor wafers in the vertical direction such that the single detector opposes the peripheral portion of every semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Fukushima, Ryosuke Kanamaru, Daiki Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 9760750
    Abstract: A sensor and system provide for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection. The sensor includes a ring-shaped element and an antenna. The ring-shaped element includes a conductive ring and an RFID integrated circuit. The antenna is spaced apart from the ring-shaped element and defines an electrically-conductive path commensurate in size and shape to at least a portion of the conductive ring. The system may include an interrogator for energizing the ring-shaped element and receiving a data transmission from the RFID integrated circuit that has been energized for further processing by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
  • Patent number: 9589822
    Abstract: A substrate transfer method includes a step of placing a first and a second substrate on a first and a second alignment part which are arranged to be vertically spaced from each other by using a first and a second pick. The method further includes a first positioning step of positioning the first pick at a first reception position determined based on an alignment position for the first substrate, a first receiving step of receiving the first substrate from the first alignment part by moving the first pick. The method further includes a second positioning step of positioning the second pick at a second reception position determined based on an alignment position for the second substrate, and a second receiving step of receiving the second substrate from the second alignment part by moving the second pick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Takehiro Shindo
  • Patent number: 9457955
    Abstract: An article storage facility includes a measuring jig for measuring an amount of tilt of a support body. A controller for controlling operation of an article transport device performs a tilt measurement control for controlling operation of the article transport device to transport the measuring jig sequentially to each of a plurality of measurement target storage sections which is all or part of the plurality of storage sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Omori, Hiromichi Aoki, Hideo Yoshioka, Sadato Matsuki
  • Patent number: 9428346
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pick-and-place device of a glass substrate, comprises a bracket and a substrate holder, the substrate holder comprises a first support part, a second support part and a sliding part, the first support part is provided on the second support part by the sliding part, the first support part is capable of moving with respect to the second support part between a first position and a second position under the action of the sliding part, and when the first support part is located at the first position, the first support part integrally protrudes outward of the second support part, when the first support part is located at the second position, the first support part is integrally located right above the second support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baocai Gao, Guanghai Liu, Yu Yang, He Wang
  • Publication number: 20150090675
    Abstract: The functionality and effectiveness of a goods feeding device for a front carton of a plurality of cartons or goods trays of a shelf-ready packaging system arranged one behind the other on a shelf of a display and storage rack, with goods or goods packaging stored therein, is further improved. The goods feeding device has a pusher plate for the goods on a slide housing which allows a manual rack-loading of deep commercial racks with narrow shelf spacings and a plurality of cartons or goods trays stored one behind the other is made substantially easier. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the pusher plate is fixed in a height-adjustable manner to the slide housing and can be moved out of an erected work setting into a flattened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Udo VOSSHERNRICH
  • Patent number: 8960455
    Abstract: A mobile industrial rack system which includes a flue spacer, a carriage spacer, and a synchronous motor control that individually and collectively allows the rack system to be used on unleveled surfaces. The industrial rack system is therefore well suited for storage facilities in which it is not possible or not desired to level an otherwise unleveled floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Tourdot, James C. Muth, Brian R. Nemec, Brian P. Bourke, Eric J. Wipperfurth
  • Patent number: 8919576
    Abstract: A system for moving crates in a warehouse, in which crates (C) to be moved are organized in supply modules (M), each made up of a predetermined number of rows each having a predetermined number of crates. The system includes a translator device (1) for rows of crates that brings about the movement of at least one row of crates, so as to create at least one aisle (W) for passing between one row and another of the module, in which it is possible to gain access through a crates manipulator (3), which is able to move along the module and through the aisles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Gianluca Biselli
  • Publication number: 20140311995
    Abstract: A vertical storage system for efficiently storing large items in a vertical manner thereby conserving floor space. The vertical storage system generally includes a frame, a plurality of platforms slidably positioned within the frame, a plurality of connecting members slidably connected between the platforms and a winch device connected to the uppermost platform. Lifting the uppermost platform results in the raising of the next platform beneath the uppermost platform and so forth. Lowering the uppermost platform lowers all of the platforms until the lowest platform is at the bottom with the remaining platforms lowered until stacked upon one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Vidir Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Jason T. Reimer, Melvin R. Penner, Sidney Dueck
  • Patent number: 8851300
    Abstract: A roll-out shelving storage rack system includes a frame coupled with a shelf member. The shelf member includes a base support, a shelf support tray, a shelf, and a driver. The base support mounts to the frame, and the shelf support tray engages the base support and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The shelf engages the shelf support tray and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The driver is coupled to the base support and the shelf. Activation of the driver moves the shelf from its retracted position to its extended position. Further, when the shelf reaches its fully extended position, the shelf support tray moves from its retracted position to its extended position. The extension of the shelf support tray substantially and completely extends the shelf outside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20140124462
    Abstract: A multi-tier automated warehouse includes first and second stacking racks having multiple tiers of shelves and being positioned facing one another in parallel; loading shuttles which are capable of horizontal travel between the stacking racks, and which carry out loading and unloading of cargo upon the shelves; and an elevator device for moving the loading shuttles to different tiers. The elevator device further includes masts which are positioned adjacent to the stacking racks; a shuttle elevator platform, which is positioned elevatably on the inner side of the masts, for elevating the loading shuttles; and cargo elevator platforms, which are positioned elevatably on the outer side of the masts, for elevating the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Dematic Accounting Services GmbH
    Inventor: Shin Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20130341292
    Abstract: A product positioning apparatus for use on display shelves is provided. The system has a track with opposed sides, and a front portion that houses an inductive transmission coil. A product pusher is coupled to the track, and is guided down the track along the sides. The pusher has an inductive receiving coil in it, that provides power to a display element on the front face of the pusher, when the receiving coil is in proximity to the transmission coil within the track. The system also includes a biasing element that biases the pusher to the front of the track. A forward stop element is coupled directly in front of the track, and stops products on the track at the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: CAROLYN JOHNSON, LEROY B. JOHNSON, ROBERT S. OLD
  • Patent number: 8607911
    Abstract: A movable rack system able to carry out a widthwise shift control of a movable rack without using a sheet rail member to be detected. The system is so configured, that magnets are placed at stop positions of the movable rack on the floor surface as members to be detected, while the movable rack is equipped with magnetic sensors to detect the magnets. When the movable rack stops traveling, the magnetic sensors detect the magnets and compares the detected magnetic intensity to the magnetic intensity detected at the previous stop. If the change exceeds a pre-determined value, namely the widthwise shift exceeding a pre-determined value is detected, a travel route of the movable rack to eliminate the widthwise shift is determined. In the next travel of the movable rack the rotation speeds of the respective driving motors are controlled so that the movable rack follows the travel route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Tsujimoto, Natsuo Takagawa, Syouji Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20130189068
    Abstract: An ancillary apparatus for loading glass substrates into a bracket through a robotic arm includes a holding rack to hold a bracket, a guiding mechanism located above the bracket and a glass lifting mechanism located below the bracket. The robotic arm grips the glass substrate and moves the glass substrate above the bracket to be guided by the guiding mechanism and held by the glass lifting mechanism, and then the glass substrate is released from the robotic arm. The glass substrate is guided by the guiding mechanism and braced by the glass lifting mechanism, and then is lowered slowly into the bracket. Hence the robotic arm does not need to be entered the bracket to load the glass substrate, extra space to receive the robotic arm can be saved and thus more glass substrates can be loaded. The cost is reduced and productivity is improved to meet production requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Lung LEE
  • Patent number: 8443990
    Abstract: A mobile industrial rack system which includes a flue spacer, a carriage spacer, and a synchronous motor control that individually and collectively allows the rack system to be used on unleveled surfaces. The industrial rack system is therefore well suited for storage facilities in which it is not possible or not desired to level an otherwise unleveled floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Tourdot, James C. Muth, Brian R. Nemec, Brian P. Bourke, Eric Wipperfurth
  • Patent number: 8406915
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile rack for a library and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for a library including the same, wherein the mobile rack includes a plurality of racks configured to keep books each attached with an RFID tag and mounted with an RFID reader for recognizing tag information stored in the RFID tag, a moving unit configured to move at least one of the plurality of racks, a server configured to manage the books that are inputted, outputted and stacked, and a controller configured to control the moving means in response to a user command through the server or the tag information and to adjust a discrete distance between racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Kuk Hong, Jae Yul Choo, Jeong Ki Ryoo
  • Publication number: 20120285905
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cart having a number of stretcher-like platforms suitable for placement and storage of a medical training manikin. The platforms are mounted to the cart such that they may be substantially pulled out in a direction parallel to their width, so as to facilitate easy loading and unloading of the manikins as well as to provide user access to the manikin when in its proper position on the platform if needed. The cart may include a series of electrical connectors for powering and/or charging the manikins during storage. Additionally, the electrical connectors may be selectively fed by an on-board battery which would enable the manikins to be powered and/or charged even during transport. The cart also preferably includes a motorized lift system, powered by an on-board battery, which raises and lowers the various platforms to allow the height of each platform to be brought to a loading level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Scott A. Engum, David C. Luter, Phillip H. Canada, Paul M. Collins, Jennifer Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20120248046
    Abstract: A shelving system for storing objects may include a fixed frame, a movable frame to cooperate with the fixed frame, and a movable shelf to cooperate with the first frame and the movable frame. The movable frame may move up and down the fixed frame. The fixed frame may include a surface to carry the rolling shelf, and the movable frame may include a wheel. The movable frame may include a shaft for the wheel, and the movable frame may include a pivoting frame member to pivot between a vertical position to a horizontal position. The movable frame may include a support arm member which is detachable from a movable vertical frame member and visits with respect to the pivoting frame member, and the fixed frame may include a front vertical frame member which includes a vertical channel in order to guide a cable to lift the movable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Alfred G. Warner
  • Publication number: 20120228241
    Abstract: A stand apparatus capable of improving maintainability of a multi-display apparatus is provided. A stand apparatus includes a column, a plurality of holding members configured to be able to hold image display units and be mounted to the column so as to be capable of ascending and descending along an axial line of the column, the plurality of holding members including a reference holding member supported by the column in a state of being restricted to move at least in a direction of descending along the axial line of the column, and a movable holding member supported by the column so as to be freely elevated and lowered along the axial line of the column, and an elevating and lowering section configured so as to elevate and lower the movable holding member along the axial line of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Motoharu AKITA
  • Publication number: 20120211446
    Abstract: The medical equipment shelf system is for use with a suspension system. The system includes a support plate having a substantially horizontal upper surface receiving the medical equipment thereon. The support plate includes a bottom hub for engagement by a wheeled transport unit. A base plate removably receives and positions the support plate thereon. The base plate is coupled to the suspension system. A method of removably coupling a medical equipment to a suspension system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jocelyn Côté
  • Patent number: 8157108
    Abstract: A motorized pull-out, drop-down, closet storage shelf system is herein disclosed. The shelf system provides a track system and a series of roller slides which propel a shelf forward and downward from its conventional stowed position to a lowered position by simply pressing a button. The access position allows comfortable access for someone sitting in a wheelchair, for a child, or for someone unable to reach the shelf without assistance. The shelf system is capable of transporting heavy loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. When shelf access is complete, the motorized mechanism returns the shelf to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: John E. Waldrop
  • Publication number: 20120074075
    Abstract: An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Garcia, Sam Minnich
  • Publication number: 20120027546
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for storage, which includes a warehouse rack containing shelves (14) located on columns, a handling machine movable to the designated shelf of the warehouse rack, and a handling device capable of placing goods or a storing device (30) for storing goods on the shelves (14) or taking them down from the shelves (14) and moving them to a designated location. A passive lifting device (240) is associated with the warehouse rack (10) and the handling machine (100) is formed as a locomotive handling machine capable of moving on a designated path, and the handling device (130) is located on the handling machine (100), and on the handling machine (100), there is an active lifting device (200), which can be coupled with the passive lifting device (240) and forward the handling machine (100) to the designated shelf in cooperation with the passive lifting device (240).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Antal Zombori
  • Publication number: 20120006765
    Abstract: A movable rack system able to carry out a widthwise shift control of a movable rack without using a sheet rail member to be detected. The system is so configured, that magnets are placed at stop positions of the movable rack on the floor surface as members to be detected, while the movable rack is equipped with magnetic sensors to detect the magnets. When the movable rack stops traveling, the magnetic sensors detect the magnets and compares the detected magnetic intensity to the magnetic intensity detected at the previous stop. If the change exceeds a pre-determined value, namely the widthwise shift exceeding a pre-determined value is detected, a travel route of the movable rack to eliminate the widthwise shift is determined. In the next travel of the movable rack the rotation speeds of the respective driving motors are controlled so that the movable rack follows the travel route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushi Tsujimoto, Natsuo Takagawa, Syouji Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20120006764
    Abstract: Display devices, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise; a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section. Also for dispensing a package of merchandise are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Georg HACHMANN, Ulf ROLLNY
  • Publication number: 20120000865
    Abstract: A frame supporting a number of parallel extending tubes is used to support clothes and other laundry for drying. The frame is supported by four cords connected to its corners which extend downwardly from the corners of a drive housing which may be attached to the ceiling or some other high horizontal support. The housing contains a pair of parallel extending spaced shafts rotatably supported in end bearings. One of the shafts may be rotated in reversible directions by a remotely controlled motor connected to an end of that shaft. The motor-driven shaft supports two pairs of pulleys, one on each end. One pulley at each end has the ends of two of the support cords secured to it so as the shaft is rotated by the motor the cords are wound and unwound from the pulleys. The other two pulleys have the other two cords wound about them which cords extend horizontally over a pair of pulleys on the opposite, unmotorized shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Cangialosi
  • Publication number: 20110315642
    Abstract: A movable hidden clothing hanger includes a positioning mount for securely mounting on a wall surface at an overhead area, a hanger unit, and a control arrangement operatively coupling between the positioning mount and the hanger unit to selectively move the hanger unit between a hand-reachable position and an above head position. At the hand-reachable position, the hanger unit is dropped down from the positioning mount for enabling the laundry object being hanged at the hanger unit, and at the above head position, the hanger unit is lifted up for suspendedly hanging the laundry object at the overhead area so as to maximize a usage floor area below the hanger unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph T. Gubbrud
  • Publication number: 20110309228
    Abstract: A product-lifting display and merchandising system is provided which includes a bottom platform formed of solid molded plastic and having one or more feet extending from an underside surface thereof A top deck has a planar horizontal upper surface for supporting a quantity of stacked product thereon. One or more movable support members are connected between the bottom platform and the top deck for dynamically adjusting a vertical position of the top deck relative to the bottom platform. There is a compression member positioned between the bottom platform and the top deck. The compression member supplies a lifting force to the top deck in opposition to a weight of the stacked product. As the weight of the stacked product is reduced due to gradual removal by consumers, the top deck rises to maintain a top layer of the stacked product at a determined height for ease of accessibility by the consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Trinity, LLC
    Inventors: George COX, John FARINOLA, Charles BABBONI
  • Publication number: 20110266936
    Abstract: A robust, motorized moveable shelf assembly having a shelf carriage, a stationary support structure, and a motorized drive assembly that can be retrofitted into an existing cabinet structure or be combined with a cabinet structure in which the shelf carriage can rotationally-move outside and either downward or upward of the stationary support structure and back again so that the shelf carriage is more readily accessible to a person of limited mobility. A linkage arm powered by a motor moves through an arcuate path to drive the shelf carriage from a first at rest position to a second extended position. In one embodiment, the shelf carriage has a bottom edge with a chamfered rear edge to provide clearance during movement. In another embodiment, the shelf carriage includes a moveable bottom flap, a rail, and a wheel attached to a lower portion of the shelf carriage where the wheel tracks the rail to eliminate the need for the chamfered rear edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Eric M. MORAN
  • Publication number: 20110127225
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise includes a support rod and a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod. The support rod includes mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture and has a first end adjacent the mounting structure and a second end opposite the first end adjacent the helix for loading the items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod. The merchandise display hook further includes a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second end of the support rod so as to define a space therebetween for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise. The time delay mechanism includes a gear assembly configured for permitting the items of merchandise to be loaded onto the support rod at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise can be dispensed from the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Hooks, JR., Gregory C. Schultz, Justin A. Richardson, David N. Berglund
  • Patent number: 7942277
    Abstract: A powered saddle rack can be mounted in a trailer tack room. A mounting rod rotates from a storage to a load/unload position. A working frame assembly further rotates to the load/unload position. Once in the load/unload position, a rack raising rod is lifted or lowered, thereby raising or lowering several saddle racks up and down. A portable version doesn't rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: James T. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20110036789
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: INVUE SECURITY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, Michael R. Johnston, John F. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20100307989
    Abstract: The invention relates to storage rack comprising a plurality of rack units with container supports spaced one above the other, said supports being disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the rack units to form storage locations for containers. The containers can be placed in or removed from the storage locations by means of a controllable transport device. The transport device has at least one first transport means and one second transport means, the first transport means is able to move in the vertical direction (Z), and the second transport means is supported on the first transport means and is able to move in a first horizontal direction (X) relative to the first transport means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HANEL & CO.
    Inventor: Joachim Hanel
  • Publication number: 20100276379
    Abstract: A collapsible clothes hanger structure includes a frame including a pair of supporting legs and a rail. A rail is secured between the supporting legs. A tent is provided on the frame and the tent covers a portion of the rail. A transmission unit includes a transmission gear meshing with a transmission belt. The transmission gear and the transmission belt are disposed in the rail. Multiple hanging units are movably disposed in the rail in sequence. A motor is connected to and drives the transmission unit in the rail to control the hanging units to slide along the rail. A control unit is coupled with a light sensor, a water drop sensor, and a timer. The control unit collects signals from any of the light sensor, the water drop sensor, and the timer to control the motor and the hanging unit. By the structure, the collapsible clothes hanger is automatically expanded or retracted according to light and rain or the pre-set time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Yen-Tang Yang
  • Publication number: 20100140194
    Abstract: A storage device. The storage device has at least one pivot arm that is pivotally mounted to a support frame. A storage rod is attached to the pivot arm(s). The pivot arm(s) control the movement of the storage rod between a conveniently accessible lower use position and an upper storage position. In a preferred embodiment the storage device is mounted inside a closet and is used in conjunction with storage drawers that rest on the floor. Also, in a preferred embodiment a linear actuator is connected to the pivot arm and controls the pivoting of the pivot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Krueger
  • Patent number: 7722515
    Abstract: A module storage rack is disclosed e.g. a probe rack suitable for use with a carrier e.g. a probe measurement head which is movable relative to the rack for picking a module from the rack. The rack includes a base member and a plurality of storage ports connected to the base for storing the modules, each port has an actuatable connecting or disconnecting tool for connecting or disconnecting a module to or from the carrier, and each storage port is movable relative to the base member the relative movement provides the actuation of the tool. The plurality of storage ports are movable together relative to the base. Additionally, there is disclosed a linkage having a plurality of pivotally interconnected rigid members being connected to the tool for causing the tool to connect or disconnect the module to or from the carrier. The linkage may be operated by movement of the rack or by alternative mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurty, Geoffrey McFarland, Stephen James Trull
  • Publication number: 20100089845
    Abstract: The invention refers to a storage device for vehicles, goods or the like with several storage spaces. At least one storage space is located on a lifting or lowering platform. The platform is guided on one or more static pillars, and a motion drive is provided for the platform. The motion drive comprises a moving rod with a traction turning device. Furthermore the motion drive comprises a traction mechanism, and one end of the traction mechanism engages at the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Norbert Fässler, Wolfgang Schuckel
  • Publication number: 20090257851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plate material stocker facility with a simplified pallet loading and unloading mechanism. The plate material stocker facility includes a plate material stocker 4 in which pallets 9 each allowing a plate material to be stacked thereon are stored, and a pallet slide device 2. The plate material stocker 4 has a plurality of pallet support portions 10 arranged in stages in a vertical direction, the pallet support portions slidably moving the respective pallets 9 in a front-back direction, and supporting the respective pallets 9 and switchably moving the pallets 9 between a first position 4a and a second position 4b, and a plurality of posts 11, 12 supporting the pallet support portions 10. A gap is present between the adjacent pallet support portions 10. The posts 12 located at a rear end are arranged inside respective lateral ends of the pallet support portions 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD
    Inventor: Hirokazu ICHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20090139940
    Abstract: A battery movement, storage, and charging system for large size batteries used in lift trucks includes spaced, parallel storage racks, each of which have multiple storage and charging bays. A battery transport tower is positioned in an aisle between the storage racks and is moveable horizontally between the two rows of racks. The tower includes an extendable fork lift mounted which may rotate around the axis of the tower as well as move vertically upwardly or downwardly on the tower. A battery exchanger loads a discharged battery from a lift truck, places it on a pallet and then transfers the pallet and battery to a transfer bay in a storage rack where the tower forklift moves a pallet and battery to a selected charging bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Sackett Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard J. Maniscalco, Paul R. Egger, Daniel J. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7404494
    Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers includes a generally flat panel which supports products and a motion providing device adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device may include a motor-driven cam that moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20080156748
    Abstract: The multifunctions ceiling drying rack is an innovating equipment for ceiling assembling with 220V AC electrical power feed (ceiling electrical point) that allows hang up clothes on drying rack to dry by thermo ventilators integrated inside the box of this equipment. It's a motorized drying rack, with a motor (M) also integrated inside the box as well all the wheels system, allowing by this way automatic up and down movements of drying rack. It has also in all around box area integrated lights. All these functions such switch on and off the lights and thermoventilator, to program drying times and drying temperatures and up and down movements of drying rack will be operated by a remote controller device by infra-rays controlled by an electronic control pcb (C) located inside the equipment box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jose Joaquim da Costa Pinheiro
  • Publication number: 20080047909
    Abstract: A drawer unit of storage racks comprises a base frame and roller conveyer portions attached to both sides of the base frame and in which a plurality of rollers are arranged rotatably in parallel on each conveyer frame so that an article storage tray is movable in a back and forth direction. A drawer slider on which an article storage tray is to be placed is disposed movably in a back and forth direction of the base frame, and an actuator for driving the drawer slider in a back and forth direction is provided on the base frame. In this drawer unit, an article storage tray for storing articles is placed on the drawer slider and when an instruction for picking out is issued, the drawer slider is moved in a forward direction by an operation of the actuator in such a way that the article storage tray is pulled out of a storage section of the racks in a forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Shinji Hamaji, Seiji Ushida