Abstract: A towing system includes a first lifting mechanism comprising a winch, the winch comprising a drum, a strap, and a drive mechanism, the winch configured to connect a first end of a towable object to a driven vehicle, the first lifting mechanism configurable in a first operable configuration, and wherein the drive mechanism rotates the drum and the strap is increasingly spooled around the drum to elevate the first end of the towable object in the first operable configuration; and a second lifting mechanism configurable in a second operable configuration, the second lifting mechanism configured to connect to a second end of the towable object and to elevate the second end relative to a ground surface in the second operable configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a first rotatable frame that includes a first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly. The vehicle also includes a second rotatable frame that includes a third wheel assembly and a fourth wheel assembly. The vehicle further includes a base frame configured to support a weight-bearing load. The vehicle further includes an axle member engaging the first rotatable frame, the second rotatable frame, and the base frame, wherein the first rotatable frame is rotatable about the axle member relative to the base frame and independent of the second rotatable frame, and the second rotatable frame is rotatable about the axle member relative to the base frame and independent of the first rotatable frame.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a transfer part; an equipment part separated from the transfer part. A groove is disposed in one of the transfer part and the equipment part, and a protrusion is disposed in the other of the transfer part and the equipment part, the transfer part and the equipment part are connected by coupling of the groove and the protrusion; and an object on the transfer part is transferred onto the equipment part.

Abstract: A solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The solar table mobile transport comprises multiple motors that allow movement within a three-dimensional coordinate system as well as provide angular controls of pitch, yaw and roll. These motors enable at least one alignment process used to install the solar table to a mounting structure within a solar system.

Abstract: A pressure tool for rotor blade repair including a mobile support system including a support surface, a first bladder support assembly including a first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted to the support surface, a second bladder support assembly including a second inflatable bladder pivotally mounted relative to the support surface, and an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the second bladder support assembly. The activation mechanism is operable to selectively shift the second bladder support assembly relative to the first bladder support assembly. A fluid delivery system is operable to direct a fluid into each of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a load is described, including: a body including a part or portion for engaging with or connecting to a load to be transported; a ground-engaging device supporting the body, the ground-engaging device for effecting movement of the body over a surface; a transmitter module; a receiver module; and a controller for communicating with the transmitter and receiver modules and the ground engaging device and for receiving status signals from components and/or devices of the apparatus, wherein the controller is capable of conducting a check as to the status of the components and/or devices of the apparatus, and after completing said check to provide an “apparatus operative” or “apparatus non-operative” signal to the transmitter module, wherein the transmitter module is configured to transmit the “apparatus operative” or “apparatus non-operative” signal, and wherein the receiver module is configured to receive from a first predetermined, or designated, other such apparatus its respective

Abstract: Examples includes systems and methods for lifting and moving gondolas using a modular gondola moving system. Components of a modular gondola moving system include interchangeable skates. The interchangeable skates are further removably attached to a longitudinal member which, when connected to the longitudinal member, form a skate system. Multiple skate systems are positioned to the underside of a gondola and may additionally be connected together by connector bars for stabilization and to form the modular gondola moving system. One or more lifting devices are provided independent of and are used in combination with each skate system for positioning the gondola on each skate system. The one or more lifting devices may be repeatedly used in order to place the gondola on a single modular gondola support system.

Abstract: A new and highly optimized solar photovoltaic (PV) system including: 1) field deployable fully automated solar PV robotic array assembly and installation system, 2) solar PV panel wiring and power conversion system designed to allow tracking panel-to-panel shading while maintaining maximized power output, 3) combined structural and electrical inter-panel connector system supporting the new wiring scheme, 4) panel structural supports for the automated assembly and new inter-panel connector systems, and 5) fully automated post installer for posts supporting the large robotically assembled solar array sections. It is a fully integrated system for rapid installation, lower cost, higher energy output, and higher quality assembly of PV arrays, including tracking and floating arrays, which together create a transformative advancement for the solar energy industry.

Abstract: A roof waste removal assembly is provided and includes a chute system and a self-propelled expanding trailer. The chute system includes a roof guide and a gutter shield. The self-propelled expanding trailer includes a frame, an extension device secured to the frame, and a storage bin secured to the extension device.

Abstract: Example portable trailer stands for supporting parked trailers are disclosed herein. Some example portable trailer stands disclosed herein comprise two telescopic posts supporting a generally horizontal beam. Some examples include spring-loaded retractable wheels for selectively installing and removing the trailer stand from underneath a trailer left parked on a driveway. After being positioned under the trailer, the posts extend to lift the beam solidly up against the underside of the trailer. To accommodate conditions where the driveway is not parallel to the trailer's underside, some example posts can be lengthened independently and have angular play that allows the beam to tilt. In some examples, the horizontal axle of the trailer stand wheels is perpendicular to the beam so that the trailer stand can be readily installed from either the front or side of the trailer. Some examples have a kingpin-receiving groove in the beam or have some other kingpin-receiving feature.

Abstract: Modular transfer units are configured to transport bins or other storage units of standard shapes and sizes between locations. The modular transfer units may be loaded with bins or other storage units having items disposed therein at origins of the items, or at locations where the items are stored, such as fulfillment centers. The modular transfer units may then be mounted to one or more vehicles, such as trailers or rail cars, and transported to another location, where the modular transfer units may be removed from the vehicle, or transferred to another vehicle. The bins or other storage units may be loaded with items that are intended for delivery to a common location. After a bin or storage unit has been unloaded from a modular transfer unit, one or more other bins or storage units may be loaded thereon.

Abstract: A cart transport vessel includes a fixed platform configured to hold at least one cart, a fixed ramp located adjacent to the fixed platform and a foldable ramp extension that is rotatably coupled to a front end of the fixed ramp. In an opened configuration, a first side of the foldable ramp extension faces upwardly and is in planar alignment with a planar top surface of the fixed ramp and an opposing second side of the foldable extension faces downwardly. In a closed configuration, the foldable ramp extension is rotated so that the first side of the foldable ramp extension faces downwardly and is in contact with the planar top surface of the ramp section and the opposing second side of the foldable ramp extension faces upwardly to provide a flat operator workspace area that is configured to be stood on by an operator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an acquisition unit and a position determination unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire at least one of conditions including an order of getting out of the vehicle, a possibility of manual driving, and a combination of positions of sub-mobility devices in a vehicle compartment, and the position determination unit configured to determine the positions of the sub-mobility devices in the vehicle compartment, on a basis of a combination of the conditions.

Abstract: A stocking assistant robot includes a base plate, one or more wheels coupled to the base plate, a first support coupled to the base plate, and a second support coupled to the base plate, wherein the first support is configured to move perpendicular to the base plate and the second support is configured to move perpendicular to the base plate. The stocking assistant robot also includes a first actuator configured to move the first support perpendicular to the base plate, and a second actuator configured to move the second support perpendicular to the base plate. The stocking assistant robot identifies an item, determines a stock location based on the identified item, operates one or more electric motors coupled to the one or more wheels based on the stock location, and moves the first support or the second support perpendicular to the base plate based on the stock location.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for mounting on a U-shaped foundation frame supported on wheels for travel over a ground surface where the foundation frame includes first and second laterally spaced mounting beams fixed to and extending from a base. The implement is configured to perform an agricultural operation, to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position, and to attach to the foundation frame when in an operating position. The implement comprises a rigid implement portion configured to be attached to the first and second mounting beams at first and second beam locations remote from the base such that the first and second mounting beams are prevented from moving laterally with respect to each other.

Abstract: An air passenger bridge with a coupling module for coupling to an aircraft, wherein the coupling module has a floor device. The floor device has a front edge, whereas said floor device with said front edge can be traveled towards a fuselage of an aircraft in a region below an aircraft door, and wherein a safety device is configured to avoid a collision of the floor device with the aircraft door. The safety device has at least one contactlessly acting proximity sensor that is integrated in the floor device.

Abstract: A docking head assembly and techniques for use are provided. The docking head assembly may include a lifting mechanism and a tilting mechanism. A tilt angle may be determined based on data that is associated with a path extending between a first floor and a second floor of a facility. The lifting mechanism may lift an inventory holder. The tilting mechanism may tilt the inventory holder in accordance with the tilt angle. The mobile drive unit may transport the inventory holder along the path in the lifted, tilted orientation.

Abstract: A trailer for a tugger train having a frame, which has a lifting apparatus with a lift platform. An inner wagon to be transported rests in a raised state on the lift platform. The lifting apparatus has a pull/push rod and at least one triangular lever. Each triangular lever is mounted pivotably with a first end on the frame, a second end on the lift platform and a third end on the pull/push rod, wherein the lift platform can be adjusted in height using the triangular lever(s), with which the lift platform performs an arc-shaped pivot movement, and with a lowering movement is lowered to such an extent that the inner wagon is released from the lift platform and is pushed out of the frame, transverse to the lowering direction, by a predetermined path.

Abstract: A cargo hauling mechanism for safely transporting long materials under a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo hauling mechanism includes a support assembly suspended from the frame of the vehicle and a support assembly suspended from the hitch of the vehicle. Each assembly supports one end of the cargo and has two horizontal members that clamp against the cargo to securely hold the cargo in fixed position during transport. Long cargo is slid into the support assemblies from the back of the vehicle and the support assemblies are manually compressed with a clamp at each end of the support assemblies.

Abstract: A lamp structure for a ceiling fan has a connecting part at the top of its lamp base to connect to a ceiling fan. An installing part has at least two slant surfaces facing obliquely downward when the lamp base is connected to the ceiling fan. The slant surfaces are symmetric with respect to the lamp base. Each of the slant surfaces has a light-emitting diode whose light-emitting direction is also obliquely downward as the corresponding slant surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that deploys a liftgate from the cargo space of a contained area is described. In one embodiment the device has an anchor frame permanently attached to the inside of a cargo space and a front linkage member and a rear linkage member pivotably attached to the anchor frame. An actuator is pivotably attached on one end to the rear linkage member and to the anchor frame on the other end. The front and rear linkage bars are further attached on the opposite ends to a mounting member, which is attached to a liftgate. In a nested state the liftgate is stored and locked in a horizontal position above the apparatus. In an engaged state, the front linkage member and rear linkage member rotate and the mounting member translates and rotates through the cargo door opening to reposition the liftgate in a functional position outside of the cargo space.

Abstract: A platform lift trailer includes a chassis to which a lift device is mounted. The chassis is configured to be coupled to a standard motor vehicle trailer hitch or the like using a coupler. Some embodiments of the coupler provide protection against larges torsional forces applied between a motor vehicle and coupled trailer when they are angularly displaced relative to one another. One or more ground-engaging wheel assemblies are mounted to the chassis to assist in supporting the weight of the lift and any cargo thereon. The platform lift trailer is highly adaptable so that a wide variety of lifts can be mounted to the platform lift trailer and thus to smaller motor vehicles. Adaptation of mobility lifts and the like to a larger array of motor vehicles is therefore possible. One or more embodiments of a trailer coupler use torque-limiting apparatus so that vertical angular displacements of a motor vehicle and a coupled trailer do not apply large forces directly between the motor vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A system for transporting a barrier having a plurality of barrier modules having passageways extending therethrough by employing a barrier transport vehicle inserted in the passageways to lift the barrier modules and move the barrier.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for use on vehicles of a variety of types, including recreational vehicles, vans, trucks and the like, and includes one or more lifting structures that will support a deck structure. The lifting assembly will be removably mounted to the vehicle frame so that the whole assembly can be removed from the vehicle, and the deck structure is pivotally mounted to the lift assembly so that it can be moved between a stored position when not in use, or a transport position when loads are to be carried. When in the transport position the deck will be movable between lowered and raised positions so that items can be placed on the deck in the lowered position and then transported once the deck is raised to a desired height.

Abstract: A cargo hauling mechanism for safely transporting long materials under a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo hauling mechanism includes a support assembly suspended from the frame of the vehicle and a support assembly suspended from the hitch of the vehicle. Each assembly supports one end of the cargo and has two horizontal members that clamp against the cargo to securely hold the cargo in fixed position during transport. Long cargo is slid into the support assemblies from the back of the vehicle and the support assemblies are manually compressed with a clamp at each end of the support assemblies.

Abstract: A ball holder and retriever includes a frame forming a receptacle for holding objects. A plurality of enclosures are disposed on an interior portion of the frame. A plurality of corresponding wheels are designed to retract substantially entirely into the enclosures.

Abstract: A trailer having a moveable and rotatable platform.

Abstract: The present device provides a device for transporting a load along a level or canted surface such as a rooftop. The device comprises a frame having a bed, and a plurality of movement facilitating components. The transported load rests atop a bed comprised of a plurality of freely-rotatable cylindrical tubes, along which the load may be manually moved rectilinearally in the course of loading the equipment onto or offloading the equipment from the present device. Each movement facilitating component is comprised of a chassis having a plurality of belted wheels. The chassis is articulatably connectable to height adjusting components. The assembled device has height adjusting components connected to the frame. When the present device moves along a surface, the belted wheels may orient to align with the surface contours and with the direction of movement of the present device.

Abstract: A bed transport and utility dolly comprising two or more supports which removably attach at the head and the foot of an adjustable bed. The dolly provides bed transport in a taller and thinner form and allows easy movement through doorways and safe navigation of hallways. The present art apparatus and method of use utilizes the ability of an adjustable bed to substantially retract the bed support arms or legs whereby the transport and utility dolly retains the weight of the bed and allows rotation of the bed into a taller and thinner form before transport, all without the use of specialty tools or extra dollies. Each support comprises a frame with a pivotally attached swing arm having one or more bed couplers with quick release mechanisms which removably attach to the frame or other structurally supportive portion of the bed.

Abstract: A shuttle for carrying an item includes a shuttle body having a raisable platform, a first motor for moving the shuttle body via wheels, and a pair of oppositely mounted linear actuators for actuating to selectively raise the platform to lift an item, the platform being raised by camming devices that rotate around horizontal axes. Other shuttles include a shuttle body having a raisable platform and wheels, the wheels being mounted to the shuttle body on axles coaxial with tubes, a first motor operatively interconnected with the axles for moving the shuttle body via the axles and wheels, and at least one actuator operatively interconnected with the tubes for rotating the tubes relative to the shuttle body to move the platform relative to the shuttle body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extended release dosage forms of metoprolol or salts thereof comprising a water insoluble and non-swellable inert core and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of an inert core and extended release dosage forms.

Abstract: A cart for transport of heavy objects is provided. The cart has a frame supported by four omnidirectional wheels above a support surface. The frame may be adapted with a lift mechanism configured to lift a planar top surface, or, a piece of machinery adapted to engage with the lift mechanism. The omnidirectional wheels allow for movement of the cart in any direction by pushing in that direction.

Abstract: A cargo carrier is provided that includes a load carrying platform, a retractable front axle and a retractable rear axle. The cargo carrier further includes a pivotal handle operatively connected to front and rear axles that when activated retracts or un-retracts the front and rear axles. A removable/pivotal handle attached to a front of the cargo carrier for transporting the cargo carrier.

Abstract: A remote controlled load transport system that has a frame with a retractable gate assembly that is able to retract in order to accommodate a load. A control system is provided having a drive that operates and rotates and steers a wheel. The control system and the gate are remotely controlled by an electronic controller that is in electronic communication with the control system to remotely operate the transport system, open the gate, lift a load and haul the load to a desired location.

Abstract: A self-loading tricycle transporter directed to 10-50 ton load ranges having a three-point tricycle type configuration providing superior suspension in terms of natural load contact on any type of surface condition. The tricycle transporter includes a fluid lifting suspension at each of three points. One point utilizes an on-center rotation fluid suspension axle assembly working in conjunction with solid elastomer tires at each end axle beam at the rear that attaches to the underside of the tricycle transporter platform with heavy fluid cylinder at each end. Accordingly, the three suspension points have the capability of being able to lift and lower to accommodate self-loading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively activating a gravity down mode of a hydraulic system during operation of a lift gate. An electronic control circuit is added to hydraulic control circuitry and is configured to selectively interrupt the power down mode or gravity down mode of operation of the hydraulic system based on either a manual input (override) or a sensed condition and switch to the other mode of operation.

Abstract: A method implemented by a programmable controller in a hauling machine having an engine, moveable ground engaging elements, and a bed actuable by at least one hoist cylinder controlled by an operator hoist control device, determines whether the bed is empty by determining a position of the operator hoist control device, applying a gain dependent upon the position, applying an integrator over time to provide a resultant hoist figure, comparing the resultant hoist figure to a hoist minimum constant, and, if the hoist figure is less than or equal to the hoist maximum constant, concluding that the bed is empty.

Abstract: An occupant transfer apparatus includes: guide rails arranged substantially along an up-down direction between a seat and a door; a slide unit raisable and lowerable along the guide rails; and a transfer board foldably supported by the slide unit. A long elastic member connects a floor panel and the slide unit, and elastic force of the elastic member biases the slide unit upward. By balancing the elastic force of the elastic member with the weight of an assisted person, the assisted person sitting on the transfer board can be raised and lowered with very small force. Moreover, because there is no need for a special drive source, the structure can be realized at low cost, and also be made compact. This prevents the structure from narrowing a vehicle-compartment space and obstructing an able-bodied person getting in and out of a vehicle.

Abstract: Pallet truck for transporting goods that has a substantially horizontal frame on which the goods to be transported are placed. In one implementation the horizontal frame includes two substantially parallel arms with each arm having two parallel longitudinal extensions that define a space between them. Each of the two parallel longitudinal extensions has a wall that face each other and which are visible and accessible through the space. The longitudinal extensions being visible and accessible from above for their cleaning.

Abstract: Proposed is a wheeled drop-floor trailer that has a U-shaped frame with two articulated linkages pivotally installed on the sides of the U-shaped frame and suspension rods that pivotally support the drop floor in a freely hanging condition. On the side of the trailer opposite the loading side the articulated linkages are interconnected by a cross bar, which is connected to a drive mechanism, e.g., to a winch, via a cable. When the articulated linkages are inclined toward the loading side, the drop floor descends to the ground under its own weight and, after the cargo is loaded onto the drop floor, the latter is raised by pulling the linkages with the use of the winch via the cable and the cross bar in the direction opposite the loading side.

Abstract: Ground conveyor with a drive part with a frame, a load part, which is attached to the frame of the drive part and the height of which is operated on the, if applicable, one load pickup means that can be actuated by a lifting device, furthermore with parallelly distanced wheel arms, which are attached with their rear ends on the frame or the load part and each support a load-bearing wheel with means for changing the distance of the wheel arms (wheel-arm width), wherein a bearing arm is fastened on the rear end of the wheel arms, which extends almost perpendicular to the wheel arm and is received fittingly and moveably in at least one bearing opening of the frame or the load part and fixing means are provided on the frame or load part, with which the axial and pivot position of the bearing arms can be releasably retained.

Abstract: A cable actuated dump trailer assembly includes a vehicle having a frame. A dump trailer is pivotally coupled to the frame. A first jack arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The first jack arm abuts the dump trailer offset from a rear end of the dump trailer whereby the first jack arm exerts an upward force on the dump trailer pivoting the dump trailer into a dumping position. A winch is coupled to the frame. A first cable is coupled to the winch and the dump trailer. A first pulley is coupled to the first jack arm. A medial portion of the first cable engages the first pulley whereby the first cable urges the first jack arm towards an upright position as the first cable is wound onto the winch whereby the dump trailer is urged into the dumping position.

Abstract: A walker system includes a pair of spaced-apart interconnected main beams, designed as a substructure having opposed, laterally spaced-apart side walls structurally bridged for carrying a load above the ground. Lift assemblies mounted on the substructure may engage the ground and raise the substructure to a predetermined height above the ground, and may lower the substructure so that its load is transferred back onto the ground. A shifter mechanism disposed adjacent each lift assembly may displace the substructure along the ground when the lifting assemblies have been extended to raise the substructure above the ground. Auxiliary load bearing members mounted on and extending between the side walls of each main beam engage the ground and distribute the load over the surface area of the auxiliary load bearing members that engage the ground when the lift assemblies have been retracted and disengaged from the ground.

Abstract: A camera crane carrier includes a vehicle having a front end and a back end. A front elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a forward position on a deck vehicle. A back elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a rearward position, below the deck. A ramp may be provided on the vehicle, with the ramp extendible from the deck at the back end of the vehicle to the ground. The elevators allow a camera crane to be more easily loaded onto the vehicle, and also allow lowering the center of gravity of the loaded vehicle. The vehicle may optionally be used as a camera car when not carrying a camera crane.

Abstract: A substantially ‘U’ shaped vehicle chassis (1), with an openable end facing to the rear, and attached, in use, either by means of a fixed rigid connection or a flexible trailer style connection, to a vehicle cabin for travel. The area bounded by the chassis footprint is substantially free of any obstruction impeding the lifting and lowering of the load in use. The chassis comprising four rotating lifting arms (9, 12), pivoted at one end with the non-pivoted ends which engage four corresponding pick-up points on a load; the rotating lifting arms (9 and 12) engage a load in a first position and deposit the load on the chassis in a second position; and which chassis provides an engagement bracket (27), close to the chassis wheels, for a knuckle fitting, incorporated into each side of the load, to engage.

Abstract: A passenger lift for loading a passenger to and from an elevated access opening features a wheeled frame, a first parallelogram linkage coupled to the frame proximate a first end thereof and a second parallelogram linkage pivotally coupled to an output link of the first linkage. A passenger platform is pivotally carried on the output link of the second linkage. Through pivoting of the linkages by respective actuators, the passenger platform is movable between a lowered position adjacent a second end of the frame, and raised positions in which the platform is situated nearer the first end of the frame. The frame is open at the first end to define a gap between side members of the frame to accommodate a lower end of a staircase for accessing the elevated access opening. The platform thus forms an approach to the staircase when the platform is in the lowered position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: A trailer is provided for a helicopter. The trailer includes a chassis, at least two lifters provided on the chassis, at least two drivers provided on the chassis and connected to the lifters, at least two locks for locking the lifters in an upper position and a connector for connecting the chassis to a vehicle.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle is equipped with a stabilization system for precisely locating, leveling, or otherwise positioning the AGV and its payload with respect to a work piece. The stabilization system includes one or more extension members that extend away from the AGV to engage the ground or a locating assembly installed in the ground. Each extension member may be part of a locating assembly or a leveling assembly. The locating assembly extension member may extend at least partially into an opening of another locating assembly to align the two locating assemblies. The locating assembly may also be configured to provide a leveling function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet transportation assembly comprising a first tine, a second tine, and a body coupled to the first and second tines comprising a tine adjustment system, a wheel, and a vertical backing portion, wherein the first or second tine further comprises a riser hinged to the first or second tine.