Abstract: A powered stereo garage without cables on a parking space is disclosed, which includes a conveyor, a guide rail, a parking mechanism, a collector bush and a collector rail. The conveyor is arranged on the guide rail, and the parking mechanism is arranged at a periphery of the guide rail. The collector rail is arranged on the guide rail, the collector brush is provided on the conveyor, and the collector rail on the guide rail is electrically connected with the parking mechanism and the collector brush on the conveyor is electrically connected with a control box on the conveyor. The disclosure can supply power to the electric devices in the parking space according to parking or picking up demands, without laying a large number of cables in the garage to supply power to the electric devices in each of the parking spaces, and with improved fire safety.

Abstract: A boat cradle assembly is adapted for dry storage of a pontoon boat having a deck and a hull. The hull includes a tubular midline pontoon. The boat cradle assembly comprises first and second spaced apart longitudinal side beam. A plurality of crossbeams extends between the first and second side beams. Each crossbeam has a substantially V-shaped bottom structure and a top structure. The V-shaped bottom structure is configured to reside between and engage spaced apart frame members of a dry storage rack. The top structure defines an intermediate arcuate formation configured to accommodate a rounded underside of the midline pontoon.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a controller configured to execute acquiring operation information for a network-connected home appliance that is home electronic equipment which is provided in a dwelling house, and is configured to be accessible to a prescribed network and is capable of being controlled via the network, making an estimation as to entering/exiting of a vehicle utilized by a user of the dwelling house into/from a parking lot associated with the dwelling house on the basis of the operation information for the network-connected home appliance in the dwelling house, and issuing, to a management apparatus that manages entering/exiting of the vehicle, an enter/exit instruction for causing the vehicle to enter or exit if entering/exiting of the vehicle into/from the parking lot is estimated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling parking are disclosed. The present disclosure in at least one embodiment provides an apparatus for controlling parking of a vehicle equipped with a radar sensor, including a processor for obtaining an input signal for parking control and determining whether to start a parking control operation, a radar controller configured, upon starting the parking control operation, to set a detection mode of the radar sensor to a normal detection mode or a heartbeat detection mode according to a target. The processor determines, when the candidate parking space is narrower than a space needed to park the vehicle, whether another parked vehicle is available to reposition, and if yes, detects whether or not the other parked vehicle carries a driver. The apparatus further includes a communication signal transmitter.

Abstract: A vehicle transport apparatus is formed by a first robot and a second robot that enter underneath a vehicle, lift up wheels of the vehicle, and travel. The first robot and the second robot each include omnidirectional wheels and each further include a right lifting arm and a left lifting arm that are freely rotatably movable between storage positions (right storage position and left storage position) where tips thereof are pointed toward a center of a body in a width direction and expanded positions (right expanded position and left expanded position) where the tips thereof are pointed toward the outside of the body in the width direction.

Abstract: A system for autonomously moving and aligning a vehicle with respect to an object fixed to a traveling surface in front of the vehicle includes at least one camera packaged within the vehicle to obtain images of the fixed object. A controller packaged within the vehicle receives the images from the camera and processes the images so as to identify and locate the fixed object with respect to the vehicle. A drive system, connected with the controller, is constructed and arranged to cause autonomous movement, steering and braking of the vehicle. A user input device is constructed and arranged to activate the controller 1) to identify and locate the fixed object relative to the vehicle, and 2) to command the drive system to autonomously move the vehicle towards the fixed object and to stop the vehicle so as to be aligned relative to the fixed object.

Abstract: An automated parking system has a parking entrance unit, a vehicle transport shuttle, shuttle trail means, plurality of parking locations and a controller. The controller is adapted to establish communication with an autonomous vehicle (AV) to be parked in the parking system, to receive signal from the AV indicating that the AV is ready to be controlled by the controller, to receive signal indicating that the parking system is ready to receive and park the AV, to control the movement of the AV toward the vehicle transport shuttle, to control the movement of the vehicle transport shuttle toward a designated parking location and to control the movement of the AV toward the designated parking location.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for loading and/or unloading a loading space delimited by structural elements of at least one road or rail vehicle using a manipulator to move the loads from outside the loading space to a position onto the structural elements in the loading space and vice versa. The method includes: inputting or importing primary data relative to the loads into a logic controller, automatically calculating the optimum loading position for each load, determining the automated movements of the manipulator, automatically picking up a pallet in a storage position inside the loading space with the manipulator and positioning the pallet in a loading position located at the rear of the vehicle, placing a load on the pallet, and automatically moving the pallet supporting the load into the optimum loading position, and locking the pallet to the structural elements.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving vehicles within a vehicle parking structure comprises a lift platform which can be moved vertically and laterally to positions in register with one or more transfer rooms through which vehicles enter and leave the structure and a selected parking space of the structure. A vehicle transfer mechanism is carried on the platform and includes four self-powered tractors carrying lift arms that can be driven off the platform to engage the tires of a vehicle and to transfer that vehicle onto the platform for transportation between a transfer room and a parking space. The tractors, when deployed, pass outside the vehicle tires with the lift arms folded and can then be operated to extend the arms in a way that engages the tires and lifts the vehicle.

Abstract: A garage and a charging connector device thereof are provided. The charging connector device comprises a plug, a mounting seat and a charging socket. The plug is mounted to the mounting seat. The mounting seat has a guide shaft. The charging socket has a guide sleeve engageable with or disengageable from the guide shaft, and the plug is capable of inserting into or pulling out of the charging socket.

Abstract: An engagement fixture of a shoulder belt is connected to and supported by an engagement buckle disposed in a vehicle interior. When a platform is positioned in a getting in/out position in a vehicle exterior, the engagement fixture of the shoulder belt can be temporarily connected to a temporary fastening fixture provided to the platform. To the contrary, when the platform is positioned in a loading position in a vehicle interior, a connection condition of the engagement fixture of the shoulder belt can be changed from a temporary connection of the fastening fixture to a securely supportable connection of an engagement buckle in the vehicle interior. Thus, it is possible to simplify a belt attaching operation after a wheelchair is loaded in a vehicle while a columnar support member used in the conventional platform is abolished.

Abstract: The in-building storage apparatus includes a guide rail mounted in a storage space in which articles are stored, and making slidal movement in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which main rails extend, a platform car including a travelling section for running on the guide rail, and a lifting/lowering section which lifts or lowers an article, suspenders each of which suspends an article at such a height that the platform car can pass therebelow, and a control unit having functions of causing the guide rail to make slidal movement, causing the platform car to move along the guide rail, causing the lifting/lowering section to lift or lower for taking a target article out of the suspenders, and causing a target article to be suspended by the suspenders.

Abstract: An automated parking system for a parking structure includes a controller which receives a vehicle loading request from a vehicle customer. A loading bay accepts the vehicle and transfers to the parking system. Equipment is provided for transferring the vehicle horizontally and vertically through the parking system. The vehicle parking system includes a rack structure that is integrated as part of the parking structure.

Abstract: A system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

Abstract: An automated vehicle positioning system for use with a transport mechanism of an automated vehicle conveying system comprising one or more position sensors for detecting a position of a vehicle on a rotatable platform; and a controller adapted to control a travel distance of the rotatable platform for directionally aligning the vehicle to a conveying direction of the transport mechanism and for aligning a centerline of the vehicle with a centerline of the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A method for managing charge of a plurality of battery-driven AGVs (automated guided vehicles) circulating on the main route provided with an automatic charge station includes: a first step of detecting, using an AGV, a marker for battery voltage check provided on a main route to measure the voltage of a battery of the AGV; a second step of changing the route of the AGV to advance it into a charge route provided in an automatic charge station, stopping the AGV in a charging position, and charging the battery automatically by using an automatic charger, if the measured battery voltage has lowered to a level requiring charging; and a third step of conveying the AGV that has been automatically charged to a standby place provided in the automatic charge station.

Abstract: An object moving apparatus is provided which is different from coordinated conveyance through real-time information exchange between carriages only by wireless communication and which can move an object reliably and in a more stable manner by coordinated control of carriages without the object falling off. Arranged is a leader carriage A with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions by travel drivers 1 and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up a vehicle 4 as object. The leader carriage is movable along a given target track. Further arranged is a follower carriage B with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up the vehicle 4. The follower carriage estimates and follows movement of the leader carriage so as to move the vehicle 4 in coordination with the leader carriage.

Abstract: An automated storage system comprises a plurality of storage locations, at least one access location, a plurality of storage containers provided on the storage locations, a control system and at least one user interface, the control system further comprising a retrieval mode and a storage mode, and a delivery system for delivering a storage container from a storage location to an access location during the retrieval mode, and for returning the storage container to a storage location during the storage mode. User instructions at the control interface initiate the retrieval mode and the storage mode, and a user is provided access to the retrieved storage container while it is located at the access location.

Abstract: Self-propelled carriage on wheels includes: one or two pairs of supporting elements for the wheels of either or both of the axles of the motor vehicle, these elements being movable symmetrically and perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carriage and designed to center, immobilize and lift from beneath the wheels; elements for limiting the mass to be transferred; elements for sensing, continuously during the transfer, the translational position of the carriage; elements for sensing the presence of the motor vehicle on the carriage and measuring the front and rear lengths of the motor vehicle relative to its front axle; and elements for sensing excessive displacement of the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the carriage when the motor vehicle is being positioned by the user in the entrance bay.

Abstract: A trolley and parking system using the trolley for transporting cars and the like. The present trolley includes a main body, capable of moving; and a clamping apparatus, having at least a first and a second moving plate and at least a pair of clamping claws. The present parking system includes a loading table, a differential table moving relative to the loading table, a trolley moving relative to the differential table, a longitudinal driving device, a power tube line transmission mechanism, and a power valve station and an electric control system thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment system including a vehicle alignment base configured to support a vehicle upon entry into the vehicle parking system, the vehicle defining a longitudinal vehicle centerline. A module track is connected to the vehicle alignment base and defines a longitudinal alignment axis. The vehicle is disposable on the entry module track for translational movement along the longitudinal alignment axis. The vehicle alignment system further includes a vehicle sensor configured to detect the position of the vehicle relative to the longitudinal alignment axis. A vehicle alignment member is connected to the vehicle alignment base and is engageable with at least one pair of vehicle wheels. The vehicle alignment member is moveable relative to vehicle alignment base and substantially stationary relative to the vehicle to move the vehicle relative to the vehicle alignment base to dispose the longitudinal vehicle centerline substantially parallel to the longitudinal alignment axis.

Abstract: Set forth are systems and methods for moving objects in a structure, and particularly to parking vehicles within a parking structure. A system may include a pallet configured to receive an object, e.g., a vehicle; a structure including a plurality of modules configured to receive the pallet with the object, wherein the modules include multi-directional pallet transfer systems, the pallet transfer systems configured to transfer the pallet with the object to adjacent modules in any one of four orthogonal directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a parking assistance system for a vehicle, comprising at least one distance sensor that detects at least sections of the lateral immediate vicinity of the vehicle and at least one path sensor that detects the path travelled by the vehicle. According to the method, a control device determines the length and/or width of a parking space from the values measured by the sensors as the vehicle drives past said parking space. The invention is characterised in that the measured length and/or width of the parking space is/are corrected by a correction value and/or that depending on the speed of the vehicle as it drives past the parking space, the measurement is taken by means of the distance sensor at different time intervals.

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: A vehicle moving apparatus comprises a U-shaped, horizontally oriented, rigid frame having a transverse base frame joined at opposing ends thereof with spaced-apart, longitudinally oriented side frames. Frame wheels are engaged with the rigid frame for support and movement over a surface. The base frame and the side frames, together, define a vehicle space for placement of a vehicle wherein the vehicle is supported on its wheels. Each one of the side frames provides a proximal roller arm and a spaced apart distal roller arm. The arms are able to pivotally rotate between a stowed position within one of the side frames and a deployed position normal to one of the side frames. The arms are facilitated for adjustment of spacing between them, thereby enabling contact between the roller arms and the vehicle's wheels for lifting the vehicle onto the roller arms so that the vehicle may be moved to a designated location.

Abstract: A palletless rack-type parking system with a stacker crane comprises a plurality of racks each having a plurality of parking spaces in a lattice form and arranged on a support surface to be spaced apart from each another at a regular interval; a plurality of storage fork bars each including a first projection tab projected from a predetermined portion of a lower surface thereof to have a predetermined height and horizontally mounted on an upper surface of a first support beam in a regular interval through the first projection tap to cross the support beam in a right angle, at least one end of which is projected longer from the support beam of the rack in a beam form; a transporting fork including a plurality of transporting fork bars each having a second projection tap projected from a predetermined portion of a lower surface thereof to have a predetermined height and a second support beam arranged to cross the storage fork bar in a right angle and for supporting the second projecting tap facing its lower sur

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: A load carrier for supporting, raising or lowering a load includes a frame member, a telescoping mast, and a support frame. The frame member is adapted for being movably supported by a rail. The telescoping mast is supported by the frame member, with the support frame supported by the telescoping mast. The telescoping mast includes at least one fixed mast section and at least one movable mast section, with the support frame being coupled to the movable mast section. The movable mast section is supported for movement between a plurality of extended positions in which the support frame is lowered and raised with respect to the frame member and the fixed mast section with the movable mast section being guided by the fixed mast section when the movable mast section is moved to its extended position. The driver selectively moves the movable mast section to its extended position and includes at least one cord for raising and lowering the movable mast section.

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 vertical lift system for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles comprising a multi-level frame comprising structural means extending upward from a base, and a lifting means centrally positioned within the frame and in communication with each level, and a plurality of platforms positioned on each level about the lifting means, the plurality of platforms for the receipt of a vehicle. The lifting means 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: The invention relates to an installation for parking motor vehicles (5) in a space-saving manner, having a plurality of parking spaces (2) arranged on top of each other and designed to hold the motor vehicles (5). The invention provides for a lifting device (3) for transporting the motor vehicles (5) to the individual parking spaces (2), the lifting device being mounted on a turntable (8). In addition, the lifting device (3) can be horizontally displaced on the turntable (8).

Abstract: The multitier facility for vehicle parking according to this invention comprises a main parking platform located on each tier, and an intertier elevator for delivering a vehicle to a required tier. The elevator has a rectangular-shaped load-receiving platform, a facility for horizontal movements of vehicles with the aim of placing them on the parking platforms and removing from them. Also included is a device for changing the direction of these movements.

Abstract: A parking installation comprising a pallet on which a vehicle is loaded, wherein a guide member is formed on a lower surface of the pallet along its longitudinal center line; a carrier for loading the pallet thereon, the carrier traveling along a traveling rail extending across parking rooms; travel rollers mounted at both ends of the carrier for rolling on the traveling rail; a first driving motor connected to a shaft of the travel roller for supplying a driving force to rotate the travel roller; a pallet transferring unit mounted rotatably to both ends of the carrier, the unit being in contact with the guide member and transferring the pallet longitudinally; and a pallet drawing/pushing assembly mounted adjacent to the pallet having a pivotable arm pivotable along a predetermined arc, the pivotable arm of the pallet drawing/pushing assembly either drawing a stopper formed on a lower surface of the pallet such that the guide member of the pallet comes in contact with the pallet transferring unit or pushing t

Abstract: An automatic parking apparatus includes an automatic parking mechanism and a parking space identifying device. An upper plate of the automatic parking mechanism lifts up the chassis of a car. A control device on a baseplate of the mechanism keeps the mechanism moving along a straight line based on the input parking data and the data obtained by transceivers, a linear module, and the parking space identifying device. At the same time, available parking spaces may be detected so that cars may be placed correctly. The parking data are recorded, which makes it convenient to fetch the cars later on.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for parking vehicles for supplying and delivering at an entry/exit position, wherein the device is provided with vertically displaceable lifting devices with which one carrying platform at a time is displaceable in vertical direction. This carrying platform is intended to support a vehicle. The device also includes horizontal transporting devices for taking a platform, which may or may not be loaded with a vehicle, in horizontal direction of the vertical transporting means and carrying it into a parking position.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying items to a selected receiving station comprises a round carousel rotatable about a center thereof to align a portion thereof with a selected azimuth, a platform disposed in the carousel, the platform being movable rotatably with the carousel and movable vertically in the carousel to a selected height, and a sled disposed on the platform and movable on the platform sidewise through a path concentric with the carousel to align the sled with a second selected azimuth, the sled being configured to receive thereon at least one of the items. The item is movable circularly by the carousel, vertically by the platform, and circularly by the sled, whereby to be conveyed to and from the receiving station disposed at the selected height and at the second azimuth.

Abstract: A High-rise Automated Garage (HAG) for offstreet parking consists of up to 40 stories (levels) car storage structure and a bank of elevators in the middle of this structure. Elevators are oriented along the garage and can pick-up cars from a flat driveway along the garage. Car handling carriages of the elevators can lift cars as cargo, using their wheels as the pick-up points, and move them horizontally into elevator's platform. In the case of one elevator failure, cars parked in the zone served by this elevator can be relocated by attendants into the zone served by an operating elevator, thus providing the capability of returning cars to the owners in a reasonable time. HAG has two loading (unloading) lanes. This allows an increase in the driver time for arriving and releasing the car to two elevators' cycles.

Abstract: A storage structure including a plurality of storage spaces disposed helically about a cylindrical shaft and including a lifting vehicle which is guided in the shaft so that it winds about the vertical axis of the shaft in a screw-like manner. Provided on the lifting vehicle is at least one consumer. A stowage unit is provided on the lifting vehicle or in the region of the floor of the shaft. A supply line for connecting the consumer to a supply unit is received within the stowage unit. The stowage unit is open at the top and defines a cavity which may include a winding spindle. The cavity and the winding spindle are disposed about the vertical axis of the shaft so that the supply line can be received as the lifting vehicle rotates. The outer periphery of the cavity corresponds substantially to the pitch of the helix defining the motion of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a system for temporary storage and output of pilotless, movable vehicles in a parking garage as well as for transferring the pilotless vehicles froma transport platform 3 to a parking place and vice versa, including a means for lifting the vehicles, for moving them in the lifted position and for putting them down in another position. Carrier arms 13, 14, 15, 16 perpendicularly extending until into the area of the vehicle wheels are arranged on a longitudinal carrier 17 movable under the vehicle in longitudinal direction, at least two of the carrier arms being pivotable from a position directed in direction of the longitudinal carrier into the rectangularly extended position in which they under pressure bear on the lower area of the vehicle wheel and lift it from the standing place.

Abstract: A storage system (10), preferably for vehicles comprising a plurality of storage bays (11) each having an opening, at least one moving device (15) movable to be adjacent the opening of any one of the storage bays (11) and transfer device (90, 20) for transferring objects (21) carried by the moving devices (15) into the storage bay (11). Preferably the storage bays (11) are arranged in two arrays and the moving devices (15) is capable of transferring an object to a storage bay (11) in either array.

Abstract: A multi-level storage facility comprising a plurality of vertically stacked storage chambers, each of a size to accommodate an item to be stored, such as a vehicle. Each chamber contains a platform, and all of the chambers are accessible from a common face of the facility. An elevator is mounted so as to move along the common face of the facility to provide access to any one of the chambers. Each of the chambers and the elevator provide a device for engaging one of the platforms in an upper or a lower position. The platform being movable between positions at any time including when the elevator is in motion. With the elevator aligned with any one of the chambers, the platform in the chamber may be exchanged with one on the elevator. The elevator provides a device for acheiving this result, saving the extreme expense of having exchange devices in each and every chamber, or on each platform.

Abstract: A vehicle parking apparatus comprises at least one lift platform (12) which can be brought to parking boxes (11) provided in rows in different stories of a multi-story car park and on which at least one movable vehicle carrying pallet (13) can be arranged. The vehicle carrying pallet is formed by two box-like wheel supporting beams (14) which extend in the direction of travel and which have a length corresponding to the wheel base of the vehicle types to be accommodated and also a lateral spacing corresponding to the track widths of the vehicles to be accommodated. The wheel supporting beams (14) are in the form of an inverse U with outwardly directed angled portions (15) at the lower longitudinal edges and plates (16) which connect the lower longitudinal edges together as well as longitudinal roller arrangements (17) at the front and rear ends. At least one cross-beam (18, 19, 20) is provided at the front and at the rear of the wheel supporting beams.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for processing semiconductor wafers through a plurality of processing stations that perform manufacturing operations on wafers includes a plurality of processing stations, each of which are capable of performing at least one processing operation on a wafer, each of the processing stations having a controlled environment for processing the wafers, and a branched tunnel joined and communicating with the controlled environment. A means is provided for maintaining a clean environment in the tunnel. Within the tunnel there are provided a plurality of guided transport vehicles adapted to travel between the process stations. A plurality of wafer carriers, each adapted to support a single wafer and be carried by the transport vehicles, are part of the system.

Abstract: An automated high-raised parking system includes a parking rack structure having a plurality of racks disposed one above another for parking an automobile, an entrance/exit section for allowing entrance and exit of the automobile and a lift-translator device for transporting the automobile between the entrance/exit section to the racks. The lift-translator device includes a lift table vertically movable along a lift passage extending along a side of the parking rack structure and communicating with the entrance/exit section. In this system, the invention provides a shielding member for shielding an upward view from the entrance/exit section up through the lift passage when the lift table is positioned at the entrance/exit section for entrance or exit of the automobile.

Abstract: An automated car park (10) is illustrated having a plurality of storage locations (21) arranged on a plurality of levels (42) and transportation means (53) for transporting the cars to or from selected storage locations (21). The transportation means (53) includes a pallet truck (57) which travels along guide rails (32) positioned on either side of an aisle (44) separating opposing rows of storage locations. A pallet dolly (56) supports a pallet (55) upon which a car (54) may be supported and enables a selected pallet to be transferred between storage locations (21) and the pallet truck (57). Lifting means are provided to lift the pallet truck between levels.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for the transfer of a vehicle between a storage bay in a multilevel storage system and a transportation device, such as, a crane. The transfer apparatus is provided with one or more pairs of adjacent support members for gripping the wheels of a vehicle, the spacing between adjacent support members being adjustable.

Abstract: A multi-story transverse shifting type automatic parking device is described which is suited for a multi-story parking building. Each floor of the building is divided into at least one row of equal blocks, each row of equal blocks being formed with an elevator passage way centrally located and at least two parking units on the opposite sides of the elevator passage way. At least one lifting gearframe is installed in the elevator passage way and is driven horizontally from one row to another with a lifting gear mainframe which includes a mother elevator driven vertically and a multi-story daughter elevator driven to move vertically in the mother elevator. A plurality of pairs of transverse shifting mechanisms respectively fastened in each floor of the building are provided and each pair of which are fastened at opposite sides of the elevator passage way.