Having Means For Also Moving Load Laterally Patents (Class 414/392)
  • Patent number: 11066246
    Abstract: An extendible conveyor system having an extendible conveyor configured to extend into a container, at least one belt on the extendible conveyor configured to transport an irregular parcel from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor, and a transfer mechanism configured to move the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf. A method includes transporting an irregular parcel on the at least one belt from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor and moving the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf using the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Logistics LLC
    Inventor: Luiz Carlos Harres
  • Patent number: 10988311
    Abstract: A device for automatically handling storage units includes a support frame, at least one lifting unit, a gripper device configured to grip, convey, and discharge at least one storage unit, and at least one height adjustment device to which the gripper device is connected and is configured to be moved in the inner space of the support frame therewith. A storage arrangement which is configured to be charged from below for at least one storage unit is arranged above the gripper device so that the same support frame is configured by the lifting unit to convey and to store, by the storage arrangement, at least one storage unit. A method includes automatic handling of storage units via the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gottfried Hendrix, Peter Rehbein, Christian Knoll, Jens Hofele, Stefan Junker, Thorsten Smetak
  • Patent number: 10934089
    Abstract: A reusable dumpster bag that can be rolled and unrolled for storage and setup, and is configured to be emptied via the bottom of the bag. The dumpster bag has four sides defining an open top portion and an open bottom portion. A rear side of the dumpster bag is configured to wrap around the open bottom portion of the bag to define a temporary bottom surface adjacent to the open bottom portion. Strapping is disposed on the rear side of the dumpster bag and extends from an upper portion of the dumpster bag along the length of the rear side of the bag, wraps around the open bottom portion of the bag, and is removably secured to one or more attachment portions on the front side of the bag. The rear side of the bag can be selectively released via a quick release shackle having a pull cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Dylan Mullins
  • Patent number: 10800524
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for scalable and fast deployment of drones are presented. The method is based on packing multiple drones within a cell structure that provides means for changing, communication and fast deployment of drones as well as environmental protection. Multiple cells can be combined the further scale up the number and rate of drones being deployed. In a preferable arrangement, individual drones are equipped with special contacts that allow them to connect to the cell and optionally with other drones for power supply, diagnostic and communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Moshe Benezra
  • Patent number: 10457392
    Abstract: A mobile base is provided that travels through delivery areas and utilizes associated transportation units (e.g., automated aerial vehicles) for delivering items from the mobile base to delivery locations. The transportation units may be carried on the mobile base, and may travel back and forth to the mobile base when making deliveries. The mobile base may include an extraction point (e.g., an opening in the roof of the mobile base) where items may be engaged by transportation units for delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Zane Evans, Atishkumar Kalyan
  • Patent number: 10453021
    Abstract: A mobile base is provided that travels through delivery areas and utilizes associated transportation units (e.g., automated aerial vehicles) for delivering items from the mobile base to user specified delivery locations. The transportation units may be carried on the mobile base and may utilize navigation systems (e.g., utilizing GPS) to travel back and forth to the mobile base when making deliveries. The mobile base may have multiple stopping points and may continue to move along a route through a geographic area while the transportation units depart from and return to the mobile base at different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Zane Evans, Atishkumar Kalyan
  • Patent number: 10315528
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle and base station are disclosed that provide an efficient, automated, and quick system for loading onto and un-loading from the unmanned vehicle modular attachments or cartridges. The UAV can also include numerous components, modules, functionalities, and built-in features, including an emergency operation mode, payload delivery mode, and dispensing mode, among other advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Owen Crawford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10029803
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle may receive electrical power from power modules that may be installed into or removed from the aerial vehicle during flight operations. Such power modules may be inserted into a chamber from below the aerial vehicle and may come into contact with one or more terminals or leads for powering propulsion motors or other electrical loads. Such power modules may also be removed from above the aerial vehicle, thereby uncoupling the power modules from the electrical loads. Power modules may be installed into or removed from a chamber using tension members that are guided into the chamber from lateral slots extending between a perimeter of the aerial vehicle and the chamber. The tension members may be used to not only engage and remove a power module within the chamber but also to install a power module into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen C. Larsen
  • Patent number: 10017265
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle may receive electrical power from power modules that may be installed into or removed from the aerial vehicle during flight operations. Such power modules may be inserted into a chamber from below the aerial vehicle and may come into contact with one or more terminals or leads for powering propulsion motors or other electrical loads. Such power modules may also be removed from above the aerial vehicle, thereby uncoupling the power modules from the electrical loads. Power modules may be installed into or removed from a chamber using tension members that are guided into the chamber from lateral slots extending between a perimeter of the aerial vehicle and the chamber. The tension members may be used to not only engage and remove a power module within the chamber but also to install a power module into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen C. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9728434
    Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus, a storage device, an indexer block, a processing block and an interface block are arranged to line up in this order. The storage device includes a plurality of openers on which a carrier storing a plurality of substrates can be placed. The carrier is carried in the storage device. In the storage device, the carrier is transported among the plurality of openers by a transport device. The transport device includes first and second hands configured to be able to hold the carrier and move in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The second hand is provided below the first hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiko Inagaki, Kensaku Onishi, Jun Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9546080
    Abstract: A lifter and a method for handling of a rotor blade of a wind turbine are provided. Furthermore, a rotor blade for a wind generator and a method for marking the rotor blade and a system comprising a rotor blade and a lifter are provided. The lifter comprises at least one grabbing jaw having a pair of arms carrying pads for contacting an outer surface of the rotor blade in predetermined grabbing areas. Furthermore, the lifter comprises a detector for visual inspection of an invisible mark on a surface of the rotor blade. The at least one mark indicates a position of the at least one grabbing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AREVA WIND GMBH
    Inventor: Oscar Monux Belloso
  • Patent number: 9284130
    Abstract: A cargo shuttle has a first portion and a second portion. The cargo shuttle has a first air blower coupled to the cargo shuttle and is configured to blow air under the first portion at a first rate. The cargo shuttle has a second air blower coupled to the cargo shuttle and is configured to blow air under the second portion at a second rate. The cargo shuttle includes a first proximity sensor coupled to the cargo shuttle that is configured to detect a first distance from the first portion to a floor panel. The cargo shuttle includes a second proximity sensor coupled to the cargo shuttle that is configured to detect a second distance from the second portion to the floor panel. The cargo shuttle includes a processor that is configured to adjust the first rate and the second rate based on the first and second distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 9139379
    Abstract: A carrying belt conveyor for conveying material which includes a rail system having at least one floor-based carrying rail. There is at least one transport car which may be moved in a transport direction on the carrying rail and which includes a travel mechanism having a travel unit which leads in the transport direction and a travel unit which follows in the transport direction, the travel units are connected by a frame structure and are each guided by the carrying rail. The transport car also includes a carrying device for material to be conveyed. The frame structure of the travel mechanism forms the carrying device and is in turn constructed as a conveyor device by means of which material to be conveyed is moved relative to the travel mechanism of the transport car at an angle to the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: EISENMANN AG
    Inventors: Klaus Gawelczyk, Martin Waeder
  • Patent number: 8947879
    Abstract: A container that holds rack mountable electronics equipment includes a plurality of rack enclosures and a corresponding plurality of enclosure cooling units. Each rack enclosure is movably mounted in the container such it can move from a position abutting a front of an enclosure cooling unit to a maintenance and access position spaced apart from the enclosure cooling unit. Each enclosure cooling unit is capable of providing varying amounts of cool air to the rack enclosure it abuts, so that the interior of each rack enclosure can be maintained at a different temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Smartcube, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Broome, Thomas S. Oberlin, Eduardo W. Nusser, Donald W. Kauffman
  • Publication number: 20140369796
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle goods bracket which is provided at the side of a transport vehicle, and is capable of swinging outward and restoring inward, and which is capable of carrying goods up or down, so as to load and unload for the transport vehicle. The present invention also discloses a vehicle goods bracket set which includes a pair of vehicle goods brackets provided symmetrically at the two sides of the transport vehicle. The present invention further discloses a vehicle goods bracket group, comprising two sets of vehicle goods brackets which are adjacently arranged in the lengthwise direction of the transport vehicle, wherein each set of vehicle goods brackets comprises a pair of vehicle goods brackets provided symmetrically at the two sides of the transport vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hua Jiang, Qi Shou, Yunfu Yan, Haiwei Shang, Xian Guo
  • Patent number: 8899903
    Abstract: A system to load and unload material from a vehicle comprises a vehicle base station and an assembly to autonomously load and unload material from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Emad W. Saad, John L. Vian, Matthew A. Vavrina, Jared A. Nisbett, Donald C. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 8677798
    Abstract: A device for turning over a flattening element having a plurality of spaced-apart cylinders rotatably mounted on a frame and a device for securing it to the turning-over device, includes two uprights extending vertically from a base. A supporting and securing device for the flattening element engages with the securing device of the flattening element. The supporting and securing device is disposed between the uprights. A device rotates the supporting and securing device about a horizontal axis between a first position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented downward, and a second position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented upward. Vertical translation drive devices vertically translate the supporting and securing device. Each vertical translation drive device is connected to one respective upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens VAi Metals Technologies SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Chazal, Bernard Dumas, Vincent Philippaux
  • Patent number: 8651793
    Abstract: Method and system for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers and swap bodies, between railways and roads. The standard cargo holders are loaded onto driverless transport vehicles by means of handling equipment or are received by said transport vehicles, and the driverless transport vehicles transport the standard cargo holders between the handling equipment and a loading and unloading zone. Alternatively, a driving zone for driverless transport vehicles for transporting standard cargo holders to or from the handling equipment adjoins the handling equipment, and a loading and unloading zone for transporting standard cargo holders adjoins the driving zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology, GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Mike Hegewald, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20130226345
    Abstract: One type of battery quick-change system of electric passenger car chassis based on the Cartesian coordinate robot, including electric changing platform, and this platform, quick-change robot and charging rack along the same straight line; the quick-change robot comprises the battery tray and the Cartesian coordinate robot of four degrees of freedom, the Cartesian coordinate robot is associated with the X-axis driving motor, the Y-axis driving motor, the Z-axis up-down motor, the battery tray is connected with the R-axis driving motor; each of driving motors is connected with the corresponding encoder, and each of encoders is connected to the corresponding drive; there are equipped with a distance measuring sensor on the battery tray, and the corresponding limit switches on the both ends of each two-track rack; the drive, each limit switch and the distance measuring sensor of each driving motor are connected with the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SHANDONG ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jinlong Zhao, Yutian Sun, Bingqiang Li, Huadong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8348585
    Abstract: A system for unloading and loading load-containing units, such as containers or movable boxes, presenting lift blocks from and onto railway trucks arranged to move on a main track along a longitudinal travel axis. The system including at least two pairs of lifting members separated at least in space above the main track, and able to flank the load-containing unit on opposite sides about the main track and to translate it vertically by achieving a grip on lift blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Salmoiraghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sandro Salmoiraghi
  • Publication number: 20120294698
    Abstract: A delivery system includes a delivery vehicle configured to ride along a flat track. The delivery vehicle includes a guiding pin. The guiding pin is configured to interlock with a guiding groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Villamar
  • Patent number: 8047756
    Abstract: An automatic load transfer device is provided for automated material handling systems of the type having a tow AGV pulling a train of trailers along a predetermined path between stations. The device has a base positioned adjacent to the path with spaced apart rails that support a movable carriage which shifts between retracted and extended positions. A conveyor having a plurality of side-by-side fingers with moving conveyor elements is supported on the carriage by a lift which shifts the conveyor between lowered and raised positions. The carriage, conveyor elements, and lift have separate drives that are operably connected with a controller which sequentially activates the same to load and/or unload loads onto and/or from the trailers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Savant Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte R. Tuffs, Garry A. Koff, Jerry L. Redmann, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110243704
    Abstract: Method and system for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers and swap bodies, between railways and roads. The standard cargo holders are loaded onto driverless transport vehicles by means of handling equipment or are received by said transport vehicles, and the driverless transport vehicles transport the standard cargo holders between the handling equipment and a loading and unloading zone. Alternatively, a driving zone for driverless transport vehicles for transporting standard cargo holders to or from the handling equipment adjoins the handling equipment, and a loading and unloading zone for transporting standard cargo holders adjoins the driving zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: GOTTWALD PORT TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Mike Hegewald, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20110217150
    Abstract: A container storage yard transportation system comprises a container storage yard having at least one container stacking area, at least one container handling cart delivery lane disposed alongside the container storage area, a container handling cart return lane associated with the delivery lane, a plurality of container handling carts disposed in the delivery and return lanes, gate handling equipment for transferring containers from ground transportation vehicles to handling carts in a loading position in the delivery lane such that the containers 1 an be transported to the container stacking area on the handling carts via the delivery lane, one or more yard gantry cranes for transferring the containers from the handling carts to the container stacking area, and cart shifting equipment for shifting empty handling carts between the delivery and return lanes such that the empty carts can be returned to the loading position via the return lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Toru Takehara, Philip Alexander Tam, Tatsushi Takahara
  • Publication number: 20110188975
    Abstract: A system for unloading and loading load-containing units, such as containers or movable boxes, presenting lift blocks from and onto railway trucks arranged to move on a main track along a longitudinal travel axis. The system including at least two pairs of lifting members separated at least in space above the main track, and able to flank the load-containing unit on opposite sides about the main track and to translate it vertically by achieving a grip on lift blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SALMOIRAGHI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sandro SALMOIRAGHI
  • Patent number: 7980808
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Gerald Edward Chilson, Wayne David Ross
  • Patent number: 7950891
    Abstract: A method for loading and unloading rail cars includes at least one car, having a frame and a superstructure, moved into loading and unloading positions. During unloading the car superstructure is lifted off from the frame with lifting devices to an unloading level, and after the lifting operation the superstructure is moved at the unloading level in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal plane of the car until the superstructure is seated completely on a loading and unloading face. During loading the superstructure is moved from the loading and unloading face in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal plane of the car to above the frame and the superstructure is lowered, by lifting devices, onto the frame located in the loading and unloading positions. The lifting and lowering of the superstructures is carried out by lifting devices that are anchored to the track bed or secured to a platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Weidemann, Michael Baier, Alexander Faller, Fritz Merk
  • Patent number: 7938612
    Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Multi-Shifter, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7785056
    Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William C. Sanford, Trevor Laib, Brad Mitchell, Jesus Sanchez, Robert Mackness, Preston Mackness, legal representative, Henry V. Fletcher, Kevin S. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7736114
    Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Raymond Keith Foster, Randall Mark Foster, John Scott Cook
  • Patent number: 7695235
    Abstract: A warehousing system for palletized cargo, and an automated loading/unloading system for use with the same. The warehousing system includes a feed conveyer and a plurality of storage racks. A traveling conveyor carries the cargo from the feed conveyor to the individual racks, and from the racks to a loading/unloading conveyor which carries the cargo to the loading/unloading docks. The traveling conveyor rides on a wheeled chassis that is guided between the receiving and discharge locations on tracks. The storage racks are stackable in tiers, and the traveling conveyor has a deck that raises and lowers to be level therewith. The automated loading/unloading dock includes a rigid, extensible plate having an upper surface for supporting a load of palletized cargo, with a drive mechanism being mounted to the inner end of the plate to translate it in and out of the transport vehicle. The plate carries a load of palletized cargo into or out of the transport vehicle en masse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: John H. Rallis
  • Publication number: 20090074547
    Abstract: A loading base for load spaces in motor vehicles is provided. The loading base comprises two loading base segments arranged one behind the other in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis. A first loading base segment adjacent to the back seats is connected to a rail system, which may be pivoted about a pivot axis aligned in the direction of the Y-axis of the motor vehicle by means of a lifting device arranged in the region of a rear loading edge, and adjusts the first loading base segment in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis in a translatory manner, so that irrespective of the height of the loading edge easy loading and unloading of loads is possible. The rail system and the lifting device are configured in the manner of a longitudinal seat adjustment device and seat height adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klotz, Oliver Jacob
  • Patent number: 7331747
    Abstract: A load transfer system for flatbed trucks is described. A load transfer bay is defined between opposed rigid longitudinal load support beams. Each of the beams is connected to individually controllable adjustable support members in the form of pistons to adjust the elevation of the beams above a ground surface of the load transfer bay. A load support platform is displaceable from a retracted position outside the bay to a support position across and over the opposed load support beams for support contact therewith. The support platform has a plurality of spaced-apart support arms secured at an attachment end to a displaceable interconnecting member and projects therefrom in a substantially common plane to a free end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Les Aciers Solider (1985) Inc.
    Inventor: Noël Gardner
  • Patent number: 7322786
    Abstract: A mobile loader is driven to a dockside location underlying the spreader bar of a marine terminal crane. A delivery vehicle such as a train or a truck is driven into the loader at such dockside location so that containers maybe transferred between the delivery vehicle and a platform located within the loader in lateral adjacency to the delivery vehicle. Motorized devices are provided for respectively transferring containers between the delivery vehicle and the platform, aligning the platform below the spreader bar, elevating the platform toward the overlying crane spreader bar to reduce its required descent for attachment to the container and aligning the crane spreader bar as it descends onto a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Rafael Rivera, Christopher Clemmer
  • Patent number: 7153078
    Abstract: Through a loading and unloading station for load carriers of vehicle bodies, vehicles or the like, it is possible to unload vehicle bodies from a railway car in a continuous cycle and supply them to a production facility, wherein in one cycle simultaneously the load carriers receiving the vehicle bodies are returned to an empty railway car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, UTC Uebach Technologie Consulting GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Beerhalter, Lothar Boettcher, Guenther Wolf, Guenther Wittenmayer, Claus-Peter Krause, Eckard Uebach, Ernst Hopf, Walter Kramer
  • Patent number: 6860698
    Abstract: An apparatus operative to perform at least one of lifting and moving containers. A base structure is provided with wheels, counter-weight and supports on both sides. Transverse beams are arranged on the on the base structure parallel with axles of the wheels. The beams include container moving units. The base structure includes two base cars arranged antimerically to and movable synchronously with each other, both base cars include container moving units having upper and lower container grips. The container moving units include at least one of traveling lower and upper lifting beams bearing at least a part of the container grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mikon Kft. Mérnöki, Müvészeti és Idegenforgalmi Kft.
    Inventors: Lajos Virágh, László Brezovits
  • Patent number: 6808356
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a device convenient for carrying pallet loaded with article into and/or from container. The introducing device 3 is comprised of: the stage 5; the first lifting/sliding devices 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d, which support the pallet 11 to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the stage; and the second lifting/sliding devices 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d, which receive the pallet from the first lifting/sliding devices and support it to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the container 2. The introducing device 3 is possible to be used for discharging operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Steel Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Iwasaki, Tatsuhiko Aoki, Kouichi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 6758324
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lift-table flatcar conveyor for transferring a roll (3) or, respectively, group of rolls of cardboard, cellulose or paper from a first station to a second station, the lift-table flatcar conveyor comprising a rail (2) arranged between the first station and the second station and, arranged back-and-forth movable along the rail (2) between the first station and the second station, a flatcar (1) onto which the roll (3) or, respectively, a group of rolls is movable. During the transfer operation, the roll (3) or, respectively, the group of rolls moved onto said flatcar (1) is supported by support means (4) that are adapted rotatable for the duration of the return travel of the flatcar (1) from the second station to the first station into a home position, wherein the support means (4) can pass rolls (3) waiting on the stations without making a physical contact with the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jukka Joutsjoki, Risto Kitunen, Raimo Ruohio
  • Patent number: 6619904
    Abstract: This is a loader moved by a train to cross over the train to transfer cargo, mail, baggage, express, passenger, or freight containers from and to railway cars in the train. A revolving jib crane or skewed traveling crane with depending parallelogram linkage supports a single or double sided loadspreader which is engaged by the train to swing up to engage and lift the container or its hooks and directs a force to move the loadspreader across the car to lift, push, pull, or roll containers off and on the car simultaneously and unlock and lock containers on the car. It includes side, top, bottom, and end lift loadspreaders. It removes and inserts containers on trains in either direction and moves and turns them to station platforms or interfaces with a conveyor or other vehicle or dumps bulk containers with successive loaders and recrosses the train to return the containers to the same cars or to the starting side of the train. It transfers containers between trains on different tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Dodge Barry
  • Patent number: 6573884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser which is located in a fueling environment that includes a convenience store or a quick serve restaurant. The fueling dispenser includes a display providing menu options and input devices for a user to select various goods and services available at the location. The display includes a first display having user selectable options and input devices positioned on the fueling dispenser. The display further includes a second display having user selectable options within a handicapped accessible range to provide access for disabled users. Upon receipt of a signal indicating a handicapped user, the second display is provided to allow access for handicapped users to insure they can adequately input their selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Kinzie
  • Patent number: 6481948
    Abstract: A frame apparatus and system that provides the use of standard tractor-mounted agricultural and industrial work implements with a pickup truck or comparable flat-bed vehicle. Disclosed embodiments provide for the use of commercially available short-line front-end loaders and various effectors suitably adapted for use therewith. The system can be mounted and dismounted with implements attached, and connects to the host vehicle via a bed-mounted gooseneck hitch and frame- or bumper-mounted square hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lonnie K. Spears
  • Patent number: 6431367
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for exchanging a plurality of sifter frames of a plan sifter. The steps of the method include a step, when taking out a number of sifter frames from a sifting chamber, of taking out a plurality of sifter frames in a unitary state with the unitary state being maintained to the outside of the machine frame, and a step, when accommodating new sifter frames in the sifting chamber, of stacking the sifter frames outside the machine frame and accommodating the unitary formed sifter frames in the sifting chamber. According to the method of the invention, the sifter frame exchange operation can be carried out in such a way as to reduce heavy labor and risk to workers, and such exchanging operation can be carried out in an easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Satake, Hideki Sakaki, Akira Orihashi
  • Publication number: 20020094258
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a device convenient for carrying pallet loaded with article into and/or from container. The introducing device 3 is comprised of: the stage 5; the first lifting/sliding devices 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d, which support the pallet 11 to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the stage; and the second lifting/sliding devices 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d, which receive the pallet from the first lifting/sliding devices and support it to allow it to move horizontally while keeping it lifting up to the floor surface of the container 2. The introducing device 3 is possible to be used for discharging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Toyota Steel Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Iwasaki, Tatsuhiko Aoki, Kouichi Tsuruta
  • Publication number: 20020085903
    Abstract: The system selectively moves articles into and out of a number of loading areas. The system has mutually transverse longitudinal and lateral axes defining longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively, and comprises a carriage movable along variable longitudinal distances in the longitudinal direction, with the carriage having full longitudinal movement capability throughout the loading areas and being capable of depositing and retrieving an article at any point in the longitudinal direction. The carriage is movable also along a continuous range of variable lateral distances in the lateral direction, with the variable lateral distances being determined by an article having any lateral position along the continuous range of lateral distances. The carriage can selectively engage and release the article at a predetermined lateral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre Laforest, Alain Gobeil, Alain Forte
  • Publication number: 20020044858
    Abstract: A dock or railway has a length of parallel track-driveway spaced along side for rail mounted tractor-trailers or truck-bus chassis-cab to guide on and travel to transfer cargo or people containers between the dock or cars in a train stopped for these transfers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Leonard D. Barry
  • Patent number: 6368042
    Abstract: A conveyor conveys palletized articles to a loading dock. A bogie movable along rails between different loading docks, supports an independently movable carriage, which may roll out of the bogie once the latter reaches a desired loading dock. The carriage then loads with a forklift provided on the carriage, the articles from the conveyor into a semi-trailer located at the loading dock. The carriage is provided with a linkage pivotally installed on its main frame, the linkage carrying four lateral guide wheels which protrude laterally beyond all other structural elements of the carriage. The linkage integrally links the guide wheels into a common pivotal displacement, with the guide wheels remaining symmetrically disposed relative to the carriage frame. A hydraulic piston biases the guide wheels towards an outer limit position at all times, and the guide wheels are forcibly pivotable, against the bias of the piston, towards an inner limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Gestion Laforest Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Pierre Laforest, Alain Forte, Alain Gobeil
  • Patent number: 6364601
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework, a pair of extension assemblies, a pair of upper, middle, and lower telescoping mast assemblies, and two pairs of fork tine assemblies is provided. Each pair of the extension assemblies, the telescoping mast assemblies, and the fork tine assemblies is identical to the other one in structure and function. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Joseph F. Picarello, Charles A. Domino
  • Patent number: 6357986
    Abstract: The device of manual transporting large objects or loads, which includes a wheeled, load supporting frame vertically adjustable, facilitates the manual load, unload, and transport of large objects or loads, such as pickup truck toppers or shells, sheet material, pipes, other building supplies, appliances, etc. Frame height adjustment to the level of on or off load is by means of telescoping legs, supported on lockable wheels or castors, or in combination with hand winches mounted on the legs. Rollers may be attached to the top of the frame for ease in sliding objects or loads on or off. In an alternate embodiment for elongated objects or loads, such as pipes, beams, rails, etc., a beam and additional supports are added to the frame. The device is positioned over the load. The load, such as a pipe, is attached to each end of the beam by chains and transported to an interim workstation or its final disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Evelyn Payton Sonnamaker, Wade Sonnamaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6354782
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Leonard D. Barry
  • Publication number: 20020021957
    Abstract: A self-standing structure supporting a fixed boom is built on a palette-like base that is picked up and moved by a fork truck. Railroad car lids with a variety of handles can be engaged by the boom which has fittings suited to that purpose, lifted and removed by the fork truck operator so that the contents of the car such as coils of metal can be lifted out by a crane or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Buoncuore