Abstract: A method for automated unloading of items from a container includes moving a nose ramp of an unloader under a base belt, which is positioned over a floor of the container. A stack of items are located in the container over the base belt. The method includes removing items from a bottom of the stack of items via an extraction conveyor of the unloader. The method also includes measuring a density of items transitioning onto the extraction conveyor from the base belt. The method further includes controlling an unloader advance speed relative to the container in dependence of the measured density of items transitioning onto the extraction conveyor. Thereby, a bulk flow of items having a substantially steady density is delivered by an output conveyor of the unloader positioned downstream of the extraction conveyor.

Abstract: A vehicle leveler which includes a first portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The leveler also includes a second portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is removably attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler has opposing side portions which have a top surface that forms a walkway. A safety barrier with two opposed gates is mounted adjacent to the vehicle leveler. The safety barrier when in an open position acts as a fall protection barrier for a user.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are described that provide a method and computer readable media for testing battery cells. A unique identifier (e.g., barcode) is affixed to a battery cell which allows it to be tracked across separate tests as a cell, in a module, string, pack, etc. Using a GUI, the unique identifier is recorded in a database along with at least a battery cell manufacturer and a battery cell model. A designation of the particular tester channel or module or string location is entered into the database in association with the unique identifier. Test results of the first test are electronically transferred from the first tester to the database along with the corresponding channel designations.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are described that provide a method and computer readable media for testing battery cells. A unique identifier (e.g., barcode) is affixed to a battery cell which allows it to be tracked across separate tests as a cell, in a module, string, pack, etc. Using a GUI, the unique identifier is recorded in a database along with at least a battery cell manufacturer and a battery cell model. A designation of the particular tester channel or module or string location is entered into the database in association with the unique identifier. Test results of the first test are electronically transferred from the first tester to the database along with the corresponding channel designations.

Abstract: Apparatuses for precision loading of packages for last-mile autonomous delivery are provided herein. An example apparatus includes a base; a platform rotatably supported on the base, the platform comprising at least one slot; an armature configured to protrude through the at least one slot when the at least one slot has been aligned with the armature through rotation of the base; a translating member that is configured to traverse above and across an upper surface of the platform; and a controller having at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the controller being configured to place a package on the platform into a selected orientation through selective control of at least one of rotation of the platform, extension of the armature, translation of the translating member, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An arranging section is provided to rearrange the order of articles received by a receiving portion into a specified order. When distributing and collecting a plurality of articles, that are being rearranged, among and in a plurality of upstream collecting branch portions, the operations of the arranging section are controlled such that the articles are classified into article groups of the same number of articles as the number of the last collecting branch portions, and such that, for each article group, elements of a subsequence representing the specified order assigned to a plurality of articles forming an article group are elements of a consecutive subsequence for the articles forming the article group, so that the articles in one article group are distributed and collected before the articles in any other article group.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: Multi-connectors for extendable conveyors are disclosed. An example multi-connector to connect an external component to an extendable conveyor is disclosed. The extendable conveyor is to convey articles and includes a base unit, a mechanically extendable section to be supported in a cantilevered manner and to be selectively positioned relative to the base unit, and a conveying surface to convey articles. The conveying surface is to extend at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. The multi-connector includes a mechanical connection section to mechanically attach the external component, a fastening section to fasten the multi-connector to the extendable conveyor, and a functional/powered connection section to provide at least one of electric power or a vacuum supply to the external component.

Abstract: An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading a plurality of items from a carrier is provided. The items are preloaded in the carrier, in a column having a top row. The apparatus has a first conveyor which has a first end for approaching the top row, an opposite second end and a conveyor body connecting the first end and the second end. The first end has an end platform for receiving the top row and an arm associated with the end platform for transporting the top row onto the end platform. A second conveyor is operatively connected to the first conveyor for receiving the top row from the first conveyor and transporting the top row for further processing the top row. The apparatus also has a control unit for controlling the movement of the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

Abstract: An improved wood chipper and storage dump box assembly is provided on a trailer adapted to be towed behind a truck. The dump box is pivotally mounted on the trailer for movement between an upright fill position and a sideways tilted dump position. The brush chipper is mounted on a trailer behind the dump box to discharge chipped brush and material into the dump box through an opening in the back wall. The top of the dump box is open for loading logs and other unchipped material. The dump box includes a discharge opening in one side wall, with a door movable between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening. Hydraulic actuators control movement of the door and tipping of the dump box, and are connected to the hydraulic system of the chipper.

Abstract: An example of an aim with the disclosed method and system may be seen to provide a method and system which does not require more square meters of footprint than existing solutions or even requires less square meters of footprint, while still being as effective as, or even more effective than reference methods and systems. The handling system comprises a moveable unit 101 adapted to move linearly in a travelling direction 406 of said moveable unit, where the moveable unit comprises a loading device 100 adapted to load one or more objects 102 at a time into or onto the airport trolley by activation of the loading device 100.

Abstract: A system for replacing a discharged battery in a vehicle featuring a trolley with wheels operatively connected to a driving mechanism, the trolley can be directed to a battery tunnel of a vehicle via sensors; a moving battery tray mounted atop the trolley via a hydraulic cylinder, which functions to move the moving battery tray upwardly and downwardly; a charged battery removably disposed atop the moving battery tray; a locking system for locking the charged battery into the battery tunnel of the vehicle. The system allows the trolley to deliver the charged battery from a charging station to the vehicle. The discharged battery is removed from the vehicle in the same process the charged battery is installed in the vehicle. The trolley can carry the discharged battery back to the charging station for recharging.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for loading goods into and/or unloading goods from a loading space 25, particularly a container, with a conveyor arm 1 that features a transfer station 5, 7, 9 for receiving the goods in the region of its proximal end and a transfer station 21, 23 for delivering the goods in the region of its distal end, wherein the conveyor arm 1 features a transport section 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 for transporting the goods from the transfer station 5, 7, 9 to the transfer station 20, wherein the transfer station 20 is realized in the form of a transfer and/or removal head 21, 23 that automatically deposits the goods at a predefined position in the loading space (25) and/or automatically picks up the goods from a predefined position in the loading space (25), and wherein the conveyor arm 1 is able to continuously transport the stream of successive goods to and/or from the predefined position.

Abstract: A system for transferring material from a storage container to a farm implement includes a transfer conveyor transportable on a farm implement including a trailer, a bin mounted on the trailer, a cart conveyor, and a dock mounted on the trailer forwardly or rearwardly of the bin to stow the transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyor includes a wheeled receptacle defining a receiving area with an open top and first and second conveyor portions. The first conveyor portion is disposed within the receiving area and the second conveyor portion pivotable between a storage position in which the second conveyor portion is positioned across the top of the receptacle and an operating position in which the second conveyor portion extends outwardly from the receptacle. The dock is mounted to pivot from a horizontal stowed position disposed across the trailer to a tilted deployed position extending from the trailer to the ground to allow the transfer conveyor to be loaded onto and unloaded from the trailer.

Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with front and rear portions. A carriage is mounted on the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front and rear portions. Forks are mounted on the carriage and move therewith. Cargo is loaded onto the forks when the carriage is positioned on the front portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent the rear portion so that when the carriage pushes the forks and cargo thereupon longitudinally along the bed toward the rear portion, the forks and cargo are received inside the trailer. The drive assembly moves the carriage from the rear to the front portion to withdraw the forks from inside the trailer while a cargo retention assembly maintains the cargo inside the trailer.

Abstract: An overhead material handling system and methods for its use are provided, where the system comprises: (a) a compactor and (b) a leveler in communication with the compactor, where the leveler comprises (i) a cover, (ii) a trough, and (iii) a trigger, where the trough has a first end and a second end and the trough is rotatably-mounted between a first end of the cover and a second end of the cover.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system and a portion of each ramp. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the ramp to be articulated towards the grate to move excess material off of the ramp and into the grate.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a plurality of shipping containers into a carrier. The containers are arranged according to a predetermined pattern on a fixed staging unit of the apparatus. A first conveyor of the apparatus receives and transports the arranged containers from the fixed staging unit. The first conveyor is movable horizontally. A second conveyor of the apparatus receives the containers from the first conveyor and transports the containers into the carrier. The second conveyor is movable horizontally and vertically. A control unit of the apparatus controls transportation of the containers from the second conveyor into the carrier when the second conveyor is vertically moved to a predetermined position.

Abstract: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, a stack control curtain, and a tensioning mechanism. The ramp is configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The stack control curtain is configured to retain a second item of the plurality of items during removal of the first item. The tensioning mechanism is configured to couple to the base belt and maintain a desired tension on the base belt during passage of the nose ramp under the base belt and removal of the first item.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a material loader for quickly and easily loading material, particularly bulk material, into a containment apparatus. Material to be loaded is placed inside a bin that is dimensioned to fit inside the containment apparatus. In use the containment apparatus is positioned so that the bin is inside the containment apparatus and the containment apparatus or a vehicle bearing the containment apparatus is connected to a material transfer member inside the bin. Forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to hold against the material while the bin slides out of the containment apparatus from the point of view of the containment apparatus, leaving the material behind. In other words, the forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to pull the material into the containment apparatus. The invention may also be used for unloading a containment apparatus.

Abstract: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, a stack control curtain, and a tensioning mechanism. The ramp is configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The stack control curtain is configured to retain a second item of the plurality of items during removal of the first item. The tensioning mechanism is configured to couple to the base belt and maintain a desired tension on the base belt during passage of the nose ramp under the base belt and removal of the first item.

Abstract: A method for handling baggage inside an airport, a baggage handling system inside an airport, a transfer system and a transport system. A device loads sorted bags into a vehicle at a first location. The vehicle is configured to transport passengers from the first location to a second location. The vehicle transports the bags with the passengers from the first location to the second location. In this way, bags can be transported with a vehicle formerly for transporting passengers.

Abstract: An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system and a portion of each ramp. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the ramp to be articulated towards the grate to move excess material off of the ramp and into the grate.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: The present invention is a system (1) for unloading or loading cargo which for example is packed in boxes (16). The system includes first transport (5) with a handling apparatus (6) and a second longitudinally variable transport (8). The first transport (5) transports cargo (16) to and from the second transport (8). The handling apparatus (6) includes a conveyor (19) for transporting cargo (6) to or from the first transport (5). The handling apparatus (6) furthermore includes a movable handler (13) that interacts with the conveyor (19) and which engages the cargo (16).

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system and a portion of each ramp. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the ramp to be articulated towards the grate to move excess material off of the ramp and into the grate.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a self-propelled mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: A grain transfer control system, and method of use thereof, for automatedly controlling the transfer of grain from a mobile transferor-type vehicle, such as a combine harvester, to a mobile transferee-type vehicle, such as a crop transport, by varying the position and speed of the transferor-type and transferee-type vehicles relative to one another during the transfer operation, especially by varying the position and rate of walk of the discharge spout along at least a portion of the length of a grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle, to effect a generally even fill of the grain holding receptacle of the transferee-type vehicle along the length of the grain holding receptacle.

Abstract: At the battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery is inserted and removed along a vertical axis, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. A vehicle is received over the sliding door system, such that at least one wheel of the vehicle rests on the conveyor system. The door slides in a first direction while allowing the conveyor system to slide in a direction opposite the first direction. The conveyor system also supports the at least one wheel of the vehicle while the door and conveyor slide in opposite directions. The sliding of the door and the sliding of the conveyor system occur at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp for supporting the second end of each ramp. A drive-on ramp contacts an end portion of the support frame.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp for supporting the second end of each ramp. A drive-on ramp contacts an end portion of the support frame.

Abstract: A belt loader assembly includes a belt loader and an extension assembly. The belt loader includes a conveyor belt and a frame. The extension assembly includes an extension portion, a connection portion, and a bumper portion. The extension portion includes a plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The connection portion is engaged with the first end portion of the plate and with the frame of the belt loader. The bumper portion is engaged with the second end portion of the plate. An extension assembly includes a plate having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The extension assembly further includes a bumper portion engaged to the plate at the second portion. The bumper portion includes a bumper. A connection portion is engaged with the first end portion and adapted for engagement with a belt loader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and/or unloading a transport cargo hold, in particular on a good vehicle, comprising at least one transport unit, by means of which goods units, particularly several thereof, may be simultaneously transported. According to the invention, the costs of said device may be reduced and the flexibility increased, whereby the transport unit may at least partly be introduced into the transport cargo hold.

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?).

Abstract: An improved material transport vehicle having an integrated assembly for cleaning out conveyors, elevators, hoppers and the like, and method for clean-out utilizing the same. The cleanout assembly comprises one or more detachable panels strategically located about the material transport vehicle, and means for releasing the same, so as to permit convenient and safe access to the components for removing unused, old or dried material. The detachable panel or panels are integral with a surface of the housings, typically the lower surface thereof.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp to provide a barrier along the ground adjacent to and at a level of the second end of each ramp.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a loading aid for facilitating loading and unloading of a container. An exemplary loading aid comprises a working platform that is adapted to be moved on at least three rollers, at least one of which is steerable. The exemplary loading aid further comprises an autonomous steering device that is adapted to steer the at least one steerable roller, to autonomously steer the working platform straight ahead to avoid touching a wall of the container and to autonomously steer the working platform away from the wall of the container until the working platform is aligned parallel to the wall of the container if the working platform touches the wall of the container.

Abstract: An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: An air cart for use in an agricultural seeder includes a frame; a material tank carried by the frame; an arm pivotally coupled with the frame; a conveyor coupled with the arm for conveying material to the tank; and a hydraulic positioning system coupled with the conveyor for automatically moving the conveyor to a selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions.