Abstract: The invention provides an unloading system which can be arranged to move a bin or box a distance away from metering equipment of an agricultural machine, such as a dry pneumatic applicator, to allow access to bottom oriented-gates of the bin and retractable chutes for directing particulate material out of the bin and away from the machine. In one aspect, the bin can be lifted or vertically raised by one or more cylinders to allow access to the bottom gates and allow gravity to empty the material from the box, through the bottom gates, down one or more chutes directed to a particular area. One or more hoppers of the bin, typically 1 to 4, can each have a bottom positioned slide gate or door that can be operated to expose a chute for emptying the material out of the box.

Abstract: A crane includes an image acquisition system arranged to be raised and lowered by a lifting device for acquisition of a region of a crane environment. The image acquisition system is arranged on a jib that extends straight, of the lifting device. The image acquisition system is moveable upwardly by an extension of the jib from a lift column and is lowerable by retraction of the jib into the lift column into a transport position in which the jib is disposed substantially completely in the lift column and the image acquisition system is moved towards the lift column. The image acquisition system is arranged on a tip of the jib forming a highest point of the jib.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crawler crane comprising at least one camera system, wherein the camera system is adapted to detect data relating to the relative position of the crawler crane to a suspended ballast and/or to at least one travelable ballast wagon.

Abstract: There is provided a driver-support system for use with a human-operated material-transport vehicle, and methods for using the same. The system has at least one sensor, a human-vehicle interface, and a transceiver for communicating with a fleet-management system. The system also has a processor that is configured to provide a mapping application and a localization application based on information received from the sensor. The mapping application and localization application may be provided in a single localization-and-mapping (“SLAM”) application, which may obtain input from the sensor, for example, when the sensor is an optical sensor such as a LiDAR or video camera.

Abstract: A system, equipment; and processes for extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, and thereby increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and reducing the overall cost of goods movement. A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers.

Abstract: A mass transit system. The system comprises a first platform for supporting a cargo compartment, a rotating platform having a center area, and a conveyor system for moving the cargo compartment from the first platform to the center area of the rotating platform, while the rotating platform is rotating. The system also includes apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area of the rotating platform to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform. Finally, the system may include apparatus for moving the cargo compartment from the center area to a point relative to the rotating platform that is adjacent a perimeter of the rotating platform.

Abstract: Solutions for minimizing the impact of servicing a turbo machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for conveying a turbo machine component can include: a motive system for moving the apparatus along a surface; a platform system operably connected to the motive system, the platform system for supporting the component of the turbo machine, the platform system can include: a first portion fixed to the motive system; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, the second portion for modifying a position of the turbo machine component; and a control system operably connected to the platform system, the control system for controlling at least one of a rate of movement or a direction of the second portion of the platform system.

Abstract: A system for transporting and deploying a natural gas processing system comprises a base. In addition, the system comprises a plurality of natural gas processing units mounted to the base. Further, the system comprises a plurality of jacking units attached to the base and configured to raise and lower the base. Each jacking unit comprises a post, an upper lift member moveably coupled to the post, a lower lift member moveably coupled to the post, and a pair of actuators. Moreover, each actuator has an upper end coupled to the upper lift member and a lower end coupled to the lower lift member.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder has a frame with device openings. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with an inventory holder and undock with an inventory holder. When undocked from an inventory holder, the mobile drive unit is further operable to traverse a path from a first location to a second location. The path passes through at least a first device opening of the inventory holder such that the mobile drive unit passes beneath the inventory holder while moving along the path.

Abstract: A material transfer system including a first vehicle, a second vehicle and at least one towed container. The first vehicle has a material discharge device. The second vehicle can move in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The at least one towed container includes a first towed container. The first towed container is coupled to the second vehicle such that the first towed container follows the second vehicle when the second vehicle moves in the forward direction. A control system is coupled to either the second vehicle or the at least one towed container.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature.

Abstract: An outboard motor carrier comprises a frame, a motor support structure to which an outboard motor may be attached, and upper and lower wheels. The lower wheels are rotatably attached to a lower region of the frame so as to support the carrier when it is tilted from an upright standing position. The upper wheels are rotatably attached to an upper region of the frame so as to facilitate loading the carrier onto a bed of a vehicle and to support the carrier when in a reclined position. The motor support structure is attached to a mid region of the frame and may comprise a transverse mounting board. The lower region of the frame may operate as a stand when the carrier is an upright standing position. The carrier is configured to hold an attached outboard motor in a semi-upright position when it is in its reclined position.

Abstract: A transfer device for transporting parts includes a rotatable stand including first and second angularly spaced arms secured to the stand and able to rotate between a first location where parts are installed on the first arms and a second location where the parts are removed from the first arms, and actuators for raising and lowering the arms.

Abstract: An unloading station and method for unloading bulk material from a moving railcar with a bottom discharge while the railcar is moving includes a track with a pair of rails. A synchronized parallel conveyor is oriented parallel with the pair of rails and forms a movable platform capable of receiving the bulk material in a pile extending into the railcar and drawing the pile along in synchronization with the railcar as the railcar moves. A hopper is disposed below a break in or end of the parallel conveyor to receive the bulk material. A lateral conveyor disposed under the hopper to convey the bulk material away from the hopper.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment apparatus for a container, in particular, a roll-on, roll-off container, for use with a truck equipped to transport the carrier, such as a hoist truck. The container attachment apparatus includes a connector member, more specifically a hook receiving member which is vertically adjustable in apertures of a guide member to a plurality of different heights in relation to a ground surface in order to accommodate trucks having container retrieving hoist mechanisms with a hook or other element of differing minimum heights which manipulates the container through the connector member. In one embodiment, the guide member includes a rail having a slotted track and a connector member is connected to the guide member by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A seat gantry system and method are provided for handling, installing, and removing heavy seat assemblies, and the components thereof prevent manual lifting of a heavy seat assembly during installation. A seat gantry system or method may include an outside seat gantry, a seat cart, an inside seat gantry, and an artificial lifting torso. An outside seat gantry is used for lifting a seat assembly off a shipping platform, moving and positioning a seat assembly over a seat cart, and lowering the seat assembly onto the seat cart. A seat cart is used for transporting a seat assembly. An inside seat gantry is used for lifting a seat assembly from a seat cart and positioning and lowering the seat assembly for installation. An artificial lifting torso is used to provide a common lifting point at a balanced fore-aft center of gravity of a seat assembly.

Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.

Abstract: In a method for recognition of the position of a load on a lifting gear, an active light source and a camera are mounted to a trolley of the lifting gear. Both, the light source and the camera are directed towards the load. The load has attached thereto at least one marker used for the recognition of the load position and including an active light source. In response to incoming light from the light source on the trolley, the light source of the marker transmits a light signal to the camera.

Abstract: A side dump compatible material conveyor system operable to function with a material placer and spreader unit includes a conveyor support frame and a first conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame. A second conveyor belt includes outer and inner ends, the second conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor support frame and extending generally perpendicular to the first conveyor belt with the outer end of the second conveyor belt positioned adjacent one end of the first conveyor belt such that material moved on the first conveyor belt is transferred to the second conveyor belt. Finally, the inner end of the second conveyor belt is positionable in front of a material placer and spreader unit such that material moved on the second conveyor belt towards the inner end thereof is deposited in front of the material placer and spreader unit for placing and spreading of the material.

Abstract: This invention is a transport container transfer system including an improved highway vehicle and dock or railway car, platform, or conveyor which cooperates to transfer transport containers therebetween by the truck driver driving alongside of the platform. One or more channels are secured obliquely across the truck bed, legs up, and have aligned channel extensions to engage and guide cam rollers or runners added to the container to engage in the extended channels and guide the container parallel to obliquely across the bed. When the truck is driven with extended ends of the channels facing the direction of travel, the facing cam rollers or runners are engaged and pulled into the channels across the truck bed to pull the container onto the truck to position for transport thereon. Two sets of opposite oblique channels can cross for loading and unloading from either side of the truck when driven forward. The cam roller is on a clip that locks onto a standard container for quick removal.

Abstract: A series of transport carts (21) are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van (22) to leave an aisle (58) between them. The carts have wheel supported frames (28) with bottom supports (131) for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts (58) which are disengageably locked in track sections (66, 67) provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets (30) with discs (34) projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack (31) from the cart.

Abstract: This is a slide, roller-bed, magnlev, or fluid lift side transfer platform system for transfer of transport or cargo containers from and to railway cars, motor trucks or conveyor and a dock. The container has transfer arms that extend or lock into corner castings on a side and can be hinged to swing down to position wheels on the arms to track in parallel channels slanted obliquely out away from the car to pull the container out parallel as the train moves to dock the container. The car is moved in the opposite direction to receive the container. The car can extend a push arm to engage the container or a starter to accelerate the container to train speed at alignment for it to be pushed along the oblique channels parallel into an empty berth on the train. The accelerator arm can retard a container pushed out from the moving train. Roll up-down side doors on the car operate the transfer arms to raise and lower with the lower door and secure the container in place when closed.

Abstract: After a roll supply carriage housing rolls in a light-shielded case is coupled to a film manufacturing apparatus, shutters are opened, and a roll retainer shaft and a roll loading shaft are connected to each other. A motor in a roll transferring apparatus is energized to transfer one of the rolls into the roll transferring apparatus. Then, a rotary table is turned to supply the transferred roll to a given region in the film manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: Freight is transferred between a car of a train riding on rails extending in a travel direction and a stationary street vehicle while the train is moving slowly in the travel direction by displacing a grab into a position above the rails, identifying the piece of freight and moving the grab in the travel direction synchronously with the train above the piece of freight on the train, and then engaging the grab with the piece of freight while the grab moves synchronously with the train. The piece of freight is then lifted with the grab off the train and the grab are displaced in a transfer direction transverse to the travel direction while the grab moves synchronously with the train until the piece of freight is clear of the train. Movement of the grab in the travel direction is then arrested and the grab and the piece of freight are moved in the transverse transfer direction and the piece of freight is deposited on a stationary support. The piece of freight is then moved from the support to the street vehicle.

Abstract: System and method for loading and unloading highway vehicles for transportation over railroad lines. The system has a number of railroad vehicles, each having a deck for highway vehicles. The deck extends from a central portion of the vehicle to one or both ends of the railway vehicle. The invention includes a terminal which has at least one stationary railroad track portion which is connected to a railroad system outside of the terminal. The terminal also has number of moveable railroad track segments. These segments can be positioned in a first configuration in which they are aligned so that railroad vehicles can be rolled from one or more of the stationary railroad track segments onto the moveable railroad track segments.

Abstract: A ramp car for use in an intermodal train includes a ramp having a set of rail wheels mounted at one end and a connector at the one end for coupling the ramp car to a flat bed rail car. A second connector, including lifting apparatus, is operatively associated with a second end of the ramp car opposite the one end for coupling the ramp car to a locomotive. A coupling apparatus is provided at the second end of the ramp car for coupling to the locomotive to permit both raising and lowering the second end and pushing and pulling the ramp car. The second connector is disconnected from the ramp car when the ramp is in a lowered position. The second connector includes a rotatable pin mounted to the locomotive and extending vertically downward and having a pair of circumferentially spaced shoulders for bearing upwardly against a supporting surface on the ramp car to hold the ramp in a raised position. The pin is rotated to lock the ramp car to the rail car.

Abstract: For the transloading of loaded goods units (82), such as containers, interchangeable containers, semi-trailers or the like by means of transloading lifting gear (18) from or onto a slowly travelling train (6) formed by container cars (48), there is initially associated with each container car (48) to be unloaded and/or loaded a reference-point (R) the position of which, is continuously measured in relation to a fixed measuring section (40). Subsequently there is measured, in relation to the fixed measuring section (40)in the case of a unit (82) to be unloaded, the position, of at least one load attack point (81 ), andin the case of a unit (82) to be loaded, the position of locating elements (93) of the container car (48).

Abstract: This is a top-lifting rotary loader and system especially suited for loading and unloading double stacking container well cars. This loader has a self-aligning loadspreader on a crane lift arm extended to revolve around and swing up and down from a vertical column. Each lift arm comprises a first parallelogram linkage with generally horizontally extending links to swing up and down from the column, and a second parallelogram linkage with generally vertical links pivotally attached to the outer lift end of the first linkage and extending to support a loadspreader free to turn thereon. The loadspreader has vertical alignment and coupling rods which turn the loadspreader to align and engage in pockets on the vehicles. A lift cylinder and/or cam track supports the arm to rotate on the column and set and pick up containers.

Abstract: The unit includes an overhead line along which a large number of trollies or sorting containers move. Each is provided with a moving base like a small rotating mat enabling collection and depositing of packages to be sorted along the line. Each of these bases is mounted onto its respective trolley by way of a telescopic structure and along the line there are mechanisms to position each cell at a height corresponding to that of the collection devices where the packages are to be unloaded.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for conveying loose material into an elongated container such as a railroad car. An endless belt conveyor is mounted above and extends the full length of the container. A plurality of equally-spaced, individually, selectively operable discharge stations are disposed along the conveyor for discharging material off the sides of the conveyor into the elongated container, thereby providing for uniform loading of the car. Mechanism is provided for raising the conveyor above the container to permit pivotal side dumping of the container without engagement between the container and the conveyor.

Abstract: A material transfer machine includes a slat conveyor of substantially the width of a feed hopper of a paving machine. The slat conveyor is supported by caster wheels to be disposed at an incline having a material intake end at a lower end thereof and a discharge end at the opposite upper end of the conveyor. The slat conveyor is mounted to a leading edge of the paving machine such that the upper discharge end is disposed above the feed hopper of the paving machine. A hopper is disposed ahead of the lower intake end of the slat conveyor, supported by a frame which is pivotably attached at a rear end thereof along the sides of the slat conveyor to an understructure thereof. The front end of the frame is supported by caster wheels, such that the frame is capable of joint movement with the conveyor and the paving machine while supporting pivotal movement in a vertical plane in response to grande changes of a base grade.

Abstract: These new rotary loaders for transfer of cargo containers or semitrailers to and from railway cars etc. are characterized by a load lift arm or frame or platform supporting two or more parallel swinging parallelogram arms each supported free to swing in a substantially vertical plane substantially independently of one another and all supporting a loadspreader pivotally connected on outward extensions of the parallelogram linkage arms. The loadspreader is therefore free to turn (without a central turntable) to enage and couple a vehicle and align the loadspreader therewith through the chord of a transfer arc of the load lift arm as the loader is rotated in one direction. The loadspreader is realigned for the next transfer by the weight of the load spreader and its load as the loader continues to turn out beyond the transfer arc and away from the vehicle.

Abstract: These loaders for transfer of cargo containers or semitrailers to and from railway cars etc. have parallel swinging links vertically connecting the load-spreader support end of the lift arm with the end of the arm which is mounted to a pivot. The links are free to swing back when the loadspreader engages a vehicle to cushion and carry the load-spreader aligned with the vehicle for transfer across the chord of a transfer arc. A weight extends the links out at the bottom to extend the loadspreader to swing back through vertical for least change in elevation. The load arm is supported on wheels to run on the cam track at or near the same elevation that is mounted to swing up and down on the mount about the pivot, so the cam track wheels run on a substantially uniform radius from the pivot. The inner end of the arm extends up to support the top ends of the swinging links which depend to support the outer end of the arm or vice versa.

Abstract: Vehicles supporting a load are propelled between a load receiving station and a pallet unloading station. When the loaded vehicle is in a predetermined location, the pallet unloader is actuated causing the unloader ram element of the pallet unloader to contact the load and urge the load off the support vehicle and onto the load receiving station. This unloading is accomplished while the vehicle continues to move through the unloading station. The rate of unloading is coordinated with the speed of the vehicle through the unloading station.

Abstract: A spout aiming control system for a forage harvester includes a sweep mode wherein the spout is automatically moved to provide even wagon filling under certain conditions. A magnetic pickup senses rotation of the forage harvester feed rolls. A disable system prevents operation of the sweep mode unless the feed rolls are rotating faster than a threshold rotation speed. A warning signal is generated if the pickup signal indicates that the feed rolls are not rotating and the pickup has an open circuit condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling sod includes a wheeled frame for moving along the ground and a forward frame section which is adapted to receive pallets of sod adjacent thereto. A conveyor is coupled to the frame for transporting pieces of sod between the pallet and the ground. A pair of foot supports are attached on either side of the wheeled frame for allowing workers to stand thereon while handling the sod either along the conveyor or on the pallet. The foot supports extend forward from adjacent a rear end of the conveyor to adjacent the pallet of sod.

Abstract: A conveyor system such as one having chain propelled driverless vehicles is interfaced with a conveyor system such as one having rotating shafts propelling a driverless vehicle. The last mentioned driverless vehicle is provided with a contact arm which extends transversely of its vehicle and is selectively operated so as to cause both vehicles to move at the same speed. While both vehicles are moving at the same speed, one or more events may take place such as transferring goods from one vehicle to another on the fly.

Abstract: A padding machine for transporting padding material from a dump truck into a pipeline ditch. The padding machine is supported forwardly of a vehicle. A bumper attached to the forward portion of the padding machine engages and pushes the rear end of a dump truck, while padding material is transferred from the dump truck into a upwardly opening trough which forms part of the padding machine. The floor of the trough is comprised of an upper run of a conveyor means, and continuously transports the padding material into the pipeline ditch.

Abstract: This loader has one or more frames mounted to travel around a central pivot post. Each frame has preferably two fork arms extending radially out and curved inward like a gear or sprocket tooth profile to mesh between pedestals on a vehicle moved tangentially past the loader with a slope to transfer a load thereto or from according to the direction of movement. Grooved wheels support the frame on a circular cam track concentric about the pivot and are mounted on legs that swing to switch between concentric tracks having reverse slopes to transfer to or from a vehicle in either direction. Cradles on the forks have fingers to engage the side of the vehicle to align for transfer. The vehicle can have side couplers which engage behind the forward fork arm on its inner curve to gradually accelerate the loader into alignment for transfer or the loader can be powered or started to mesh its forks between the pedestals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a pile of foliage from one surface to a second surface comprising an unloading mechanism which will contain and suspend the pile of foliage to permit removal of the first surface and a conveyor system positioned adjacent the unloading mechanism for receiving the foliage and uniformly dispensing it onto the second surface.

Abstract: An improved raisin harvester including a front fork for sliding under a raisin laden tray, a draper web situated above the fork for engaging the trays and sliding them along the fork to a conveyor mechanism having a tray receiving end located at the upper end of the fork, running shoes extending downward from the conveyor mechanism, a wheeled chassis having a frame to which an assembly including all of the foregoing is pivotally attached, a shaker mechanism attached to the frame so as to be situated under the discharge end of the conveyor mechanism, a hydraulic jack for adjusting the tilt of the fork, conveyor and draper web assembly, a hydraulic power system for driving the conveyor, draper web, shaker tray and hydraulic jack, a tow bar for attaching the harvester to a tractor or other motive implement which pulls the harvester, and a trailer hitch to which a carriage for raisin receiving receptacles may be attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solid-waste material, the apparatus being arranged to be used in conjunction with a moving collection vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes an improved pick-up means adapted to pick up waste material, whether the material is encapsulated within paper or plastic bag containers, or stacked as loose bundles, such as stacked newspapers or the like, the improvement further including a novel steering device.

Abstract: A truck loader is provided for loading tomatoes from a harvester machine onto a truck and includes means for extending or retracting the loader to different positions so that the harvester machine may pass through different rows of crop and load the truck traveling along the same path at different distances.