Abstract: A method includes steps of: capturing an image of a container; recognizing at least one object in the container based on the image; determining at least one first coordinate set corresponding to the at least one object; determining at least one second coordinate set that corresponds to target one (s) of the at least one first coordinate set and that relates to a fixed picking device of a robotic arm; adjusting position(s) of unfixed picking device(s) of the robotic arm if necessary; controlling the robotic arm to pick up one (s) of the at least one object that correspond(s) to the at least one second coordinate set with the fixed picking device and/or at least one unfixed picking device.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a frame and a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the frame for grasping and releasing a load. The frame defines an opening through which a load grasped by the clamping arms can pass to above the frame.

Abstract: A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container is provided, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper; a spacing assembly located between the motor and the hinged mounting of the flipper, wherein said spacing assembly is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A modification to a robot end of arm tool to improve the retention of pail goods during transport by the tool includes affixing to the lower surface of a of rigid, planar, substrate, one or more pail lifting apparatus, each apparatus including a plurality of pail engaging fingers and a spacer block mounted to the substrate between the plurality of fingers. Each finger includes a flipper arm that is selectively, hydraulically controllable to move from a vertical to a horizontal position. When the flipper arm is in the horizontal position, it is able to physically engage the outer surface or ledge of an associated pail to provide support to the pail. The spacer block, located above the lid of the associated pail, when the pail is engaged by the plurality of fingers, restricts vertical movement of the pail during transport. The combination of fingers and a spacer block form one pail lifting apparatus. Multiple such apparatus may be affixed to the tool substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum processing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate after establishing a vacuum atmosphere therein. More particularly, the vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, which is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover. The upper cover is configured to be easily opened away from and closed to the chamber body.

Abstract: The system and apparatus for processing stackable articles transported in a set number of columns and rows on a conveyor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver positioned to receive the articles discharged from the conveyor to form stacks of articles in the set number of columns. The stacks have a set number of articles per stack. A transfer device is positioned with respect to the receiver to transfer the stacks of articles while being able to continue to transport additional rows of stackable articles on the conveyor to form multiple columns and rows of stacks of articles within the transfer device.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: A system for displacing products includes: a conveyor (3) for conveying a product (5) in a conveying direction, a gripping device (7) having a moveable gripping head (9) to displace the product from the conveyor to another location, the gripping head includes: a base (32), at least one gripping finger (36) moveably mounted to the base for movement between a gripping position for holding a first side of the product and an open position in which the product is able to pass the at least one gripping finger in a passing direction, where the at least one gripping finger is arranged such that it initially moves away from the product in the passing direction when moving from the gripping position to the open position.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight.

Abstract: A holding apparatus, a conveying apparatus, and a rotation-transmitting apparatus are provided that are capable of holding an object in a tiltable manner. A conveying apparatus according to one form of the present invention includes a pad supported by a supporting member on a hand. A concave portion is formed on the pad, and by the concave portion engaging with the supporting member fixed to the hand, a pad is supported in a tiltable manner. A conveying object is held by an adhesive layer of the pad adhering thereto. By tilting with respect to the hand , the pad follows the shape or vibration of the conveying object, with the result that the conveying object can be conveyed stably.

Abstract: An intermodal container tipping apparatus includes an upper support structure configured to be releasably mounted to a container transfer device, such as a reach stacker or crane, and a second support structure configured to be releasably mounted to an intermodal container. The lower supports structure includes at least one arcuate beam. The at least one arcuate beam attaches the lower support structure to the upper support structure. Movement of the at least one arcuate beam relative to the upper support structure causes tipping of the lower support structure and any load attached thereto while substantially maintaining a relative position of the center of gravity of the load.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and collapsing a collapsible cargo container includes a frame, and vertical guides for aligning the spreader with the cargo container. First and second pusher assemblies engage the end walls of the container to pivot the end walls against the ceiling of the container, where uplocks retain the end walls in a stowed away position. Foldable side walls are then buckled by the weight of the ceiling with assistance from the spreader, until the side walls occupy a predominantly horizontal position between the ceiling/end wall combination and a floor of the cargo container, resulting in a compact configuration. The spreader unfolds the container using steps discussed above in a reverse order.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: The cargo spreader bar (100) is a rectangular frame with longitudinal sides (120) that are longer than the lateral sides (118e). Hooks (102) are attached to the frame along the longitudinal sides (120). The hooks (102) hold cargo hoisting chains (CH) and include actuator (206) controlled, pivoting safety locks (208) that close to secure the chains (CH) to the hooks (102). A tubular chain lifter (104) pivotally mounted to the frame extends along one of the longitudinal frame members (120). A second chain lifter (104) extends along the remaining longitudinal frame member (120). Inside sections of the tubular chain lifters (104) are pivotally coupled to a chain lifter actuator (400). When safety locks (208) are disengaged, an actuator arm (401) can be commanded to pivot the outside sections of the lifters (104) to swing upward to release the chains (CH) from the hooks (102).

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: A device for lifting oversized pieces of material. The device includes a spreader bar capable of attaching to a lifting vehicle. At least two cross members are attached to the spreader bar along with at least one cross-member power source. The at least one cross-member power source is connected to at least one drive mechanism which in turn is connected to at least one of the at least two cross members. A load-pick power source is attached to each of the at least two cross members and well as to at least one load-pick drive mechanism. The at least one load-pick drive mechanism is connected to each of the at least two load pick points, and the cross-member and the load-pick power sources are each electrically connected to an operating or control panel in a cab of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical lift system is constructed for transporting a receptacle, such as a food or supply receptacle from one deck to another deck, particularly in an aircraft. For this purpose, a vertical lift (71) is equipped with a number of lifting hooks (10) each mechanically coupled to a respective locking pawl (11). Each receptacle is equipped with a respective number of latch elements (9) such as recesses (92) to be engaged by a respective hook (10). The latching and unlatching is caused by the cooperation of the hooks (10) and pawls (11) with each other, with a stationary activating member (12) engaging a cam track (113) of a pawl (11), with biasing forces and with the latch elements (9). Latching requires a small downward motion of the vertical lift. Unlatching requires a slight further downward motion of the vertical lift. During latching and unlatching the receptacle (3) is supported on a floor (13).

Abstract: The multipurpose spreader attachment includes in a first preferred embodiment projections on an underside that define sockets to be engaged with complimentary bosses located on the upper surface of a cargo cage. A latching mechanism is provided to effect a locked arrangement between the spreader and the cargo cage to couple to the cargo cage reliably and securely. The cargo cage is adapted to accommodate both the heavy lifting equipment as well as the pallets of goods to be unloaded, such that the need to change riggings for moving the fork lift and moving the cargo is eliminated. Moreover, the multipurpose spreader is equipped with cables that preferably include actuable hooks that suspend from the spreader and can be opened and closed via an actuator on the spreader. The hooks are adapted to cooperate with connectors such as rings on the preslung pallets, allowing the crane and multipurpose spreader to lift the preslung pallets in addition to the cargo cages.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect tank lifting brace which lifts a tank from an overhang of it's top lid or cover. The brace includes a crossbar, preferably adjustable, with pivotal end clamps at opposite ends of the crossbar. A pair of clamp pivoting assemblies are provided. Each clamp pivoting assembly pivots a respective one of the pivotal end clamps between an open position and a closed position and biases the pivotal end clamp to an open position for quick connection and disconnection. Pivoting is accomplished using an actuating rod parallel to the crossbar and coupled to the pair of pivoting assemblies. Articulation of the actuating rod effectuates, in unison, pivoting of each pair of pivot arms via the pivoting assemblies to a closed position. The pivoting assemblies generally utilize a push to close and pull to open motions.

Abstract: A swing arm style grappler for a gantry crane is equipped with contact shoes configured to engage in horizontal, flush contact at the underside of a standard load. The grappler includes a plurality of pivotable arms movable between an unclamped position, wherein the arms are positioned outwardly free from the load, and a clamped position wherein the arms are positioned inwardly to clamp the load. Each of the arms has an elongate portion, one of the shoes being mounted to a lower end of the elongate portion. The shoe includes a lifting shelf which projects generally inwardly at an angle such that, when the arms are in the clamped position, the shelf is horizontal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping a crate (2), comprising a frame or a plate provided with at least a first and a second clamping element (6) for engaging on an interior section of the wall of the crate, which clamping elements are mounted some distance apart, wherein at least the first clamping element is provided with a clamping projection (31) which is movable with respect to the second clamping element.

Abstract: An automated load handling apparatus is provided for handling loads fastened to a spreader having corners and a load suspension mechanism. The load handling apparatus includes a lifting yoke having a horizontal supporting framework that may be suspended at its comers to the spreader, four axially displaceable pendulum supports arranged between the lifting yoke and the spreader for supporting the lifting yoke, a rigid load guide including a lifting mechanism having ropes corresponding to comers of the lifting yoke that may be fastened to the load suspension mechanism of the spreader, and a cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 arranged toward an end of the lifting yoke. The cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 provides torque support to the lifting yoke relative to the load guide and is capable of displacing and/or pivoting the lifting yoke relative to the load guide. A sensor mechanism is arranged in the cylinder pair for detecting relative orientation of the lifting yoke relative to the spreader and/or the load guide.

Abstract: A device has lift arms (42) with links (46,46D) connected to ends of a loadspreader (40) or the links (46,46D) are swivelly connected to the lift arms (42) and aligned to hook special containers (20D). The lift arms (42) are pivotally connected to a hub (44,44B) to swing vertically. Each hub is mounted to rotate on a vertical support shaft (38) central between the ends of the loadspreader (40) or hooking and lifting links (46,46D) for each end of a load. A hydraulic cylinder (48) or ropes (168) connects each lift arm to its hub to lift and lower the arms (42) together to lift and lower the loadspreader (40) substantially level or oppositely to end dump special containers. The hubs (44,44B) can be rotated relatively horizontally to move the loadspreader (40) sidewise parallel and/or turn it to align a load.

Abstract: A guide for stacking containers (6) on top of one another with the aid of a container derrick (1). The container derrick supports four arms that pivot up and down at the container derrick where each when in a swung-down position with its lower, essentially L-shaped end (11) extends under the bottom of the container (6) carried by the container derrick (1) and encloses the sides of a lower corner of the container and that (9) when in a swung-up position is located above the container and within its horizontal projection.