Abstract: The invention relates to a pivot locking device of two bearing elements (102, 103) oriented towards a common axis, in which one or both bearing elements (102, 103) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (22), with a first bearing element (102), which comprises a perforation (104), with a second bearing element (103), which comprises a perforation (106), wherein the first and second bearing elements (102, 103) are oriented in alignment to one another with the perforations (104, 106), with a chamber (124) provided on the first bearing element (102), which chamber comprises a circulatory path for circulatory elements (129) and is open to the second bearing element (103) and, by a connecting surface (118) facing to the chamber (124), is closed on the second bearing element (103), with a plurality of circulatory elements (129) arranged in the chamber (124), with an catch (121) arrangeable on the second bearing element (103), which catch engages into the circulating chamber (124) and is positioned between circulat

Abstract: A method of transiting at least one aircraft arriving in and departing out of an integrated, multi-level airport terminal system is disclosed. The method includes determining at least one transiting requirement of at least one aircraft arriving to an airport runway, ascertaining the positions of all the other aircraft transiting through a cell of a row, guiding the aircraft from the airport runway on to a ramp member, facilitating the transiting requirement of the aircraft within the enclosed internal environment of the cell of the row in a sequential and linear arrangement, and directing the aircraft out of the enclosed internal environment of the cell of the row to an engine run up area for the at least one aircraft to depart the integrated, multi-level airport terminal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an integrated, multi-level airport terminal system with a plurality of cells disposed in an adjoining relation to one another. Each of the plurality of cells have a plurality of levels. At least one ramp member is disposed through each of the plurality of cells. The ramp member is disposed through an internal environment of each of the plurality of cells for transiting at least one aircraft through at least one cell of the plurality of cells in a sequential arrangement. Each of the plurality of cells are disposed in the adjoining relation to one another to define at least one row. At least one row is further disposed in a corresponding relation to at least another row. The invention is also related to a method of transiting at least one aircraft arriving in and departing out of the integrated, multi-level airport terminal system.

Abstract: Sortation systems and methods are described, in which the sortation systems may include a cylindrical sortation tower. The cylindrical sortation tower may include a plurality of sortation levels, and each of the sortation levels may include a plurality of sortation positions arranged around a periphery of the level. Each sortation position may include a sortation container. The cylindrical sortation tower may also include one or more horizontal tracks and vertical tracks, and each of the sortation levels may further include a circumferential track. Shuttles may traverse the horizontal, vertical, and circumferential tracks to transport items to desired sortation containers. Further, robotic arms may remove completed sortation containers from and add empty sortation containers to the cylindrical sortation tower.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle lift comprising a first platform mounted for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. A second platform is positioned below the first platform and is coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a first raised position causes movement of the second platform. A third platform is positioned below the second platform and coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a second raised position causes movement of the third platform A pit may be positioned below the platforms, and the lower-most platform is in the pit when the first platform is in the lowered position. Preferably, the pit is recessed into a ground surface, and an upper surface of the first platform is substantially flush with the ground surface when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A parking deck structure for a non-dodging three-dimensional (3D) parking garage is provided. The parking deck structure includes a parking deck, a parking deck column, a rotary column, and rollers for supporting upward and downward movement of the parking deck along the rotary column. Two wing plates are connected to two opposing sides of the parking deck column. With this arrangement, the parking deck structure is simple in structure and low in cost, and has high bending resistance and a better capability to support the rollers. Furthermore, an end surface connecting plate extending outward is disposed at a lower end of the parking deck column, and the parking deck column is joined to the parking deck by the end surface connecting plate. Accordingly, the parking deck structure is easy to assemble and transport.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: A vertical lift system for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles comprising a multi-level frame comprising a structure extending upward from a base, and a lifting mechanism centrally positioned within the frame and in communication with each level, and a plurality of platforms positioned on each level about the lift mechanism the plurality of platforms for the receipt of a vehicle. The lift mechanism has capability to retrieve a selected vacant platform and transport it to an entrance/exit level, which can be located at any level within the structure, for positioning of a vehicle thereon, and subsequent transportation to its position on the frame.

Abstract: A motor vehicle or marine lift utilizes diagonally offset support columns. The columns face one another and are arranged along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle or vessel at a non-perpendicular angle. A respective pair of pivoting asymmetric support arms are connected to each column for moving upwardly and downwardly along the column to raise and lower a motor vehicle or marine vessel mounted thereon.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A parking system (100) including a plurality of lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) serially and pivotally connected to each other from a nearest lever arm to a furthest lever arm, each lever arm being movable from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein an angle of each lever arm relative to a ground surface is greater in the second orientation than in the first orientation, the nearest lever arm being connectable to a support structure (101) for supporting thereupon a vehicle to be parked, and drive apparatus (108) operatively connected to the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) and operative to sequentially lift each of the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122), starting with the furthest lever arm and ending with the nearest lever arm, from its first orientation to its second orientation.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A storage platform and lift apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms; four cables; a plurality of elongated brace members; four elongated vertical members, each having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a drive axle. A pulley wheel is rotatably coupled to two vertical members, while the other two vertical members support a drive axle which contains the four cables. A plurality of brace members support the vertical members in an upright, stable position. Upper and lower gear assemblies, in combination with the four cables extending outwardly away from the drive axle and coupled to the platforms, provide means to raise and lower the platforms to any desired height for either short- and long-term storage of machinery, equipment, and the alike.

Abstract: An automated mechanical storage facility is provided including at least one closed loop track assembly. Also included is a plurality of storage units for being slidably moved along the track assembly and further adapted to contain cargo. Further included is a belt for discharging the cargo from the storage units and further receiving cargo thereon.

Abstract: A parking tower includes a number of layers, one or more parking units formed in each of the layers, an elevator movable up and down to each of the layers, a lateral movement device slidably supported on the elevator, a longitudinal movement device slidably supported on the lateral movement device, a rotating device rotatably supported on the longitudinal movement device, and a frame disposed on the rotating device and rotated by the rotating device. A carrier is moved and rotated by the lateral movement device, the longitudinal movement device, and the rotating device in order to align with the parking units.

Abstract: A multistory parking space that is provided with an entrance and exit area, an elevator, power carriers and parking pallets. A vehicle in the entrance and exit area is transported by the elevator to the power carriers, and then the vehicle is transported to the parking pallets by the power carrier. All of these elements are provided with conveyors for transferring a vehicle. Entrance and exit of vehicles to and from the entrance and exit area, vertical travelling of the elevator, travelling of the power carrier are executed simultaneously to shorten the time required for entrance and exit.

Abstract: A car parking frame provided with upper and lower floors supported between rail assemblies, with each floor being movable by a motor driven chain assembly to permit the independent parking of a car on either floor level.

Abstract: Multi-story car park, comprising parking floors divided into lanes having a width approximately equal to the length of the vehicle, and a length which is a multiple of the width of the vehicle, these lanes being sub-divided into elevator lanes (2), in which there are elevators to move the vehicle vertically, fixed space lanes (4) for the parking of vehicles, and flexible space lanes (3) situated between the elevator lanes (2) and the fixed space lanes (4).

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged radially around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: A parking garage is constructed substantially as a ship hull and includes a container which is preferably made of steel or reinforced concrete parts and is subdivided into three parking levels. The container can be sunk below the water surface of a lake or river at the intended location. At the corresponding predetermined depth the garage can be leveled by raising and lowering devices arranged on the longitudinal sides of the container and which substantially bore into the bed as a result of their own weight and additional weights placed on the top of the container. In the operating state the raising and lowering devices are controlled by sensors and activated, so that even in the case of positional changes, e.g. due to different loads, an exact leveling of the parking garage is ensured. The garage is provided with two, longitudinally spaced tubular tunnels, flanged to the longitudinal side of the container and connected to the lake or river bank.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a plurality of chassis in a vertically spaced relationship, which comprises a structure and a pallet support mechanism including a plurality of long guide members suspended from the structure via lifting and rotating mechanisms, includes a plurality of vertically spaced hooks attached to the structure and adapted to support pallets thereon, and a plurality of support elements arrranged in confronting relation to the hooks, the support elements being movable to and from the pallets supported on the hooks.

Abstract: A movable platform system is provided, comprising a basin, defined by a bottom and a sidewall, the basin containing a liquid; a plurality of support structures, extending upward from the bottom, the support structures being aligned in rows, the rows being perpendicular to each other; a plurality of platforms each having a top surface and an underside, the platforms being floatable in the liquid, each of the platforms having a plurality of guides attached to the underside, for guiding movement of the platforms in the basin, at least one of the guides being aligned perpendicular to another, wherein a plurality of the support structures extend into the guides; and a plurality of bearing devices, attached to the support structures so as to support the underside of the platforms within the guides and allow the platforms to move parallel to the bottom along some of the rows of the support structures.

Abstract: A two level structure for parking vehicles or storing goods, which structure comprises a sunken pit, first and second spaced apart platform members which are for receiving the vehicles or the goods, support means which is mounted on the first platform member and which supports the second platform member in a fixed horizontal position above the first platform member, mover means for moving the platform members from a first position in which the platform member is in the pit and the second platform member is at ground level to a second position in which the first platform member is at ground level and the second platform member is above ground level, a water sealing arrangement for preventing the ingress of water into the pit, and emergency stop means for automatically stopping the descent of the first and second platform members in the event that the second platform member encounters an obstacle, the second platform member being such that it has a peripheral overlap portion which overlaps the rim of the pit, a

Abstract: An automated parking garage system having a plurality of modules arranged in, for example, a grid pattern, each module having a plurality of stacked storage positions. An empty storage position for each module or the top of the module is positioned at an access point so that vehicles can easily and quickly access or exit the system. Each of the modules includes a roller system so that modules can slidably move up and down in response to movement of a hydraulic power system controlled in accordance with signals to move an empty storage position of the module or top of a module to an access point. The hydraulic system also moves the modules in response to a request to retrieve a vehicle.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with automatic tool changing apparatus 50 comprising a carousel 56 having tool stations 60. Each tool station is mounted for independent horizontal and vertical movement relative to the carousel and has an arcuate cone 65 for facilitating entry and removal of tools 10. The carousel 56 is mounted horizontally on the machine tool table and is rotatable by the machine tool spindle in conjunction with the standard machine tool motors which move the table. The apparatus 50 includes a tool release mechanism 100, including a pawl 112, for operating a quick change tool holder 30, and a cover assembly 70 for protecting tools and tool adaptors held by the carousel.