Abstract: A cargo optimizing device includes a rectangular frame having transverse forklift pockets; a rectangular deck housed within the rectangular frame; and stabilization rollers pivotally joined to the rectangular frame at opposing longitudinal ends. The rollers snugly engage with vertical channels of a corrugated shipping container sidewall in an extended position oblique to the rectangular frame and retract to an upright storage position abutting the rectangular frame. The cargo optimizing device forms a second stacking level in a shipping container which otherwise has an upper level of unused space. The device can be supported by legs or suspended by belts.

Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for use in a storage system in which goods are stored in stackable containers within a framework. An exemplary load handling device can include a container-receiving space into which a plurality of containers can be lifted. The container-receiving space can be arranged beneath a corresponding number of vehicle modules as containers to be lifted, and components such as power components, control components, drive components and lifting components are housed.

Abstract: A combustor assembly lift system (200) comprises an exterior lift frame (220) comprising a base portion (222) and an arm portion (224), wherein the arm portion extends away from a base portion to form an interior, and, an interior combustor assembly engagement frame (240) at least partially disposed in the interior of the exterior lift frame and configured to temporarily secure to at least a portion of a combustor assembly. The interior combustor assembly engagement frame is connected to the base portion of the exterior lift frame.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a pair of forks to be inserted in a longitudinal direction of the forks into a pallet having one or more stringers. A pallet clamp device is provided including first and second operating devices, one mounted in each fork for actuating respective punch members into engagement with an adjacent surface on the pallet. Each operating device comprises a module located within a cavity in one of the forks, the module including an actuator, one of the respective punch members, and a linkage structure connecting the actuator and the respective punch member.

Abstract: Load centering devices and methods for a material handling vehicle are provided. In particular, load centering devices and methods are provided that enable a load to be centered with respect to load carrying forks on a material handling vehicle when the load is raised and/or lowered by the forks.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elastically deformable member having a first portion and a second portion. Spaced-apart shackle assemblies each respectively define a jaw opening. The elastically deformable member is receivable in the jaw opening defined by each of the spaced-apart shackle assemblies. Terminal assemblies are configured to be respectively affixed to the first portion and the second portion-of the elastically deformable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is multiple-unit indexing, mechanical scissor clamp for handling one or more modular segmental retaining wall units, also called “SRW blocks” having opposite ends each provided with a vertical groove. This clamp allows the user to move SRW blocks from a shipping pallet to a wall. The clamp and blocks are lifted using traditional construction machinery such as a backhoe, crane, bobcat, etc. The significant innovation of this clamp/block system is the ability to lift and place more than one large segmental retaining wall block with each installation cycle, substantially increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: A support structure for lifting precast blocks includes a longitudinal support arm having a cable suspended therefrom at a multiple suspension points. Several cradles are connected to the cable in positions such that each cradle is positioned between and below a pair of the suspension points. Each cradle may be attached to a sheave that movably connects it to the cable. Each cradle may receive a portion, such as a handle, of a lifting tool below the support arm.

Abstract: A concrete block lifting device used to lift at least two blocks off a pallet for repositioning on a wall. The device includes a rigid, horizontal, support bar with a block gripping assembly attached thereto designed to selectively attach to blocks on a pallet and then securely engage the blocks when the device is lifted by the backhoe. The block gripping assembly includes a insert member perpendicularly aligned and extending downward from the support bar. Mounted pivotally on each insert member is an actuator arm. The upper end of the actuator arm is pivotally connected to a linking arm and a release handle. The upper ends of two linking arms converge and attach to a central plate. A cable connects the central plate to a bucket on a backhoe. When the central plate is lifted, the linking arms force the upper end of the actuator arms inward which forces the lower ends of the actuator arm outward to engage the inside wall of a central hole formed on the block.

Abstract: A concrete block tong assembly which is designed to lift and transport a plurality of concrete blocks. The assembly is provided with three top support members pivotally connected at one end thereof to one end of three bottom support members. A lifting apparatus is operatively connected to the top three support members whereupon upward movement of the top three support members by the lifting mechanism will cause the top support members to pivot with respect to the bottom support members. A front plate is secured to one end of each of the top support members for movement therewith and a back plate is longitudinally adjustably secured to each of the bottom support members adjacent the other end thereof. A solenoid operated locking bolt is selectively movably mounted within each of the top support members and has an actuator rod which is movable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A machine for lifting and moving heavy slabs includes two channels connected only by a cable. The channels are placed against opposite edges of a slab. Each channel has a lower flange which is beveled so that the flange will scoop under the edge of the slab when moved toward the opposing channel. The channels are moved by attaching the cable to one channel and pulling the cable upward from the sheave on the other channel. Further lifting of the cable lifts the channels and the slab for moving.

Abstract: A concrete block tong assembly which is designed to lift and transport a plurality of concrete blocks. The assembly is provided with three top tubes pivotally connected at one end thereof to one end of three bottom tubes. A lifting apparatus is operatively connected to the top three tubes whereupon upward movement of the top three tubes by the lifting mechanism will cause the top tubes to pivot with respect to the bottom tubes. A front plate is secured to one end of each of the top tubes for movement therewith and a back plate is longitudinally adjustably secured to each of the bottom tubes adjacent the other end thereof. A solenoid operated dead bolt is selectively movably mounted within each of the top tubes and is movable between extended and retracted positions. An upstanding support is provided on each of the bottom tubes adapted to receive the dead bolt of the associated top tube to lock the assembly in its open position.

Abstract: A device used to simultaneously lift three concrete blocks from a pallet using a backhoe or crane and reposition them for exact placement on a wall. The device comprises a lifting bar that is suspended in a horizontally aligned position from a cable or chain connected to the shovel or hook on a backhoe or crane, respectively. Extended downward from the lifting bar are three block lifting assemblies. Each block lifting assembly includes two connecting rods that fit into vertically aligned holes formed on the concrete blocks. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected at its upper end to a short segment of chain or cable which pivotally connects to a rigid transfer plate. Each assembly also includes two long segments that pivotally connect to the upper edge of the transfer plate. The upper ends of the two long segments are spaced apart and pivotally connected to the lifting bar so that the long segments converge and are aligned diagonally when the connecting rods are placed inside the holes.