Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.

Abstract: Additional automation in the form of a profile singulator for singulating profiles is proposed which includes: a first conveying device for feeding the profiles in a disorderly state over a first conveying section, a conveyor roller for unraveling the large quantity of fed profiles into individual profiles, wherein the conveyor roller is situated downstream from the first conveying device in the direction of transport. The profiles can be limp, flexible, or semi-flexible; moreover, they can have or not have a carrier.

Abstract: Solar panels are prepared for installation on an array frame by initially tipping packages of palletized, bundled, vertically-oriented panels in a preparation area to form a vertical stack of horizontally oriented panel separated from the pallet and packaging material for placement on the upper supporting surface of the transport deck. The transport deck is displaced longitudinally alongside a rack of the array frame, together with a lifting machine having a lifting head on a lifting arm for transferring solar panels from a longitudinal row of stacked solar panels on the transport deck to the array frame. The lifting head may be adapted to support one panel from each of the stacks on the transport deck for simultaneous transfer from the transport deck to the array frame.

Abstract: A refuse collection device mountable to a refuse collection vehicle having a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, the device including: a base; a rotating member rotatably connected to the base about a first rotational axis; an extension member that is supported by the rotating member and configured to extend relative to the rotating member; a lifting member rotatably connected to the extension member for rotation about a second rotational axis; and a bin-grabbing member that is connected to the lifting member, the bin-grabbing member being configured to collect a bin, the device configured to mount to the vehicle to locate the first rotational axis of the rotation member between the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail.

Abstract: A robotic system for carrying out an operation is provided. The robotic system is lightweight. The principle application of the robotic system is in manufacturing industry typically to hold a tool that can perform various operations. The robotic system includes a first carriage, an arm, an arm swiveling mechanism, a second carriage, a first displacement mechanism, and a controller. The first carriage is configured to be linearly displaced. The arm is coupled to the first carriage. The second carriage is connected to a free end of the arm, and is configured to securely hold the tool. The first displacement mechanism is configured to displace the second carriage.

Abstract: A truck with a multi-axle chassis for transporting, depositing and picking up an article, in particular, a working machine used particularly at selected track installations is disclosed. The chassis has in the rear region a loading platform which is rotatable relative to the chassis and has a swivelable telescopic boom. A loading surface located on the same level as the loading platform is arranged in front of the loading platform on the chassis and is outfitted with a loading system for transporting the article from the loading platform to the loading surface, and vice versa. The loading platform has the telescopic boom and a gear ring engaged with a drive motor for vertical rotation of the loading platform for enabling the telescopic boom to deposit and pick up the article in an area surrounding the truck.

Abstract: A boom truck includes a telescopic lifting boom with a lifting unit and a support structure having a first support arranged on the chassis of the boom truck. A second support in the form of an elongated bearing and support beam body extends in the longitudinal direction of the boom truck. The beam body is pivotally mounted to the first support about a rear bearing axis, whereas the lifting boom is pivotally mounted to beam body about a front bearing axis. Actuators act on the beam body and the lifting boom as a unit and act to pivot the lifting boom about the front bearing axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hook lift jib which is easily movable between an extended position and a retracted position to make the applications for use of this apparatus more universal since it is capable of being used for lifting and handling of refuse containers of various sizes. The jib member can be retained in the extended position by the placement of two locking pins extending therethrough or it can be capable of floating or automated self movement between the extended and retracted position responsive to removal of one of the pin members. The hook lift jib apparatus is designed to be particularly useful handling containers of different sizes particularly useful with containers wherein the container grip bar is between 54 inches and 61 inches from the adjacent ground surface.

Abstract: A truck with a multi-axle chassis for transporting, depositing and picking up an article, in particular, a working machine used particularly at selected track installations is disclosed. The chassis has in the rear region a loading platform which is rotatable relative to the chassis and has a swivelable telescopic boom. A loading surface located on the same level as the loading platform is arranged in front of the loading platform on the chassis and is outfitted with a loading system for transporting the article from the loading platform to the loading surface, and vice versa. The loading platform has the telescopic boom and a gear ring engaged with a drive motor for vertical rotation of the loading platform for enabling the telescopic boom to deposit and pick up the article in an area surrounding the truck.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a deck system to the chassis. The deck system includes a deck base and a payload deck configured to support a removable functional payload. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A system of method for automated deployment of a plurality photovoltaic solar panels carried as a unit by a carrier. The system includes an installation trailer, a robot having a mechanism for picking up a carrier and a push actuator. Carriers carrying a plurality of solar panels as a unit may be installed using the system by carrying a plurality of carriers on an installation trailer to a row of rails onto which the carriers are to be installed. The robot picks up each carrier and aligns and places the carrier on the rail system. The push actuator pushes the carrier down the rail system, making space for the next carrier to be installed.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A moving robot includes a first arm portion is coupled to a first joint on a side portion of a main robot body. The first arm portion has concave portion with an opening. A folding mechanism is accommodated in the concave portion. In the folding mechanism, a second arm portion is connected to the first arm via a second joint portion. A third arm portion is also connected to the second arm portion via a third joint portion. The first arm portion is rotated around the first joint to orient the opening in an upper direction. The second joint portion can be slid along the concave portion to take out the folding mechanism through the opening. The third arm portion can be rotated around the third joint portion to extend the third arm portion.

Abstract: A receiver mounted drum lifter which may be mounted utilizing the receiver pocket of a standard tow bar trailer hitch. The receiver pocket is typically the female member of the hitch platform fitted to the vehicle, where the receive pocket normally receives a male member having a hitch ball attached. The disclosed device lifts a drum or similar container from a first position in which the long axis of the drum is oriented in a generally vertical position, with an inlet/outlet also oriented in an upright vertical position, to a second position in which the long axis of the drum is oriented such that the inlet/outlet is in a sufficiently downwardly facing position to allow the contents of the drum to be emptied through the inlet/outlet. Embodiments of the disclosed apparatus comprise a framework adapted to be mounted in the receiver pocket. The framework comprises a drum cradling section and an inertia overcoming section.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and method according to which a load is mounted to a structure. The structure is rotated about a pivot axis so that the load is positioned over an object while remaining mounted to the structure, and the load is translated towards the pivot axis during the rotation so that the radial distance between the load and the pivot axis is decreased during the rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pick-up vehicle, a swivel device for use in a pick-up vehicle for loading and unloading. The pick-up vehicle includes a swivel device including at least one swivel arm having a curved and/or bent section along its length. A swivel axis of the swivel device is located between the rear wall and wheel wells and includes swivel arms located on both sides of the cargo bed. The at least one connecting bridge is positioned to couple swivel arms to form a swivel yoke. Swivel device includes two swivel axes located one behind the other at a same height relative to the cargo bed, such that a swivel arm is swivelably coupled around one of the two swivel axes, and the swivel arms are coupled together through the at least one movable connection piece, thereby forming a parallelogram-like swivel arm structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a levelling bar for coking ovens, for levelling the cones of discharged coal which form under the filling holes of the oven chamber during the filling process. The levelling bar consists of two cheeks, such as plates (1), which extend essentially over the entire length of the ranged at a distance from each other depending on the width of the oven chamber, and parallel to each other. They are also interconnected and are essentially vertical. The levelling bar also has transversal coal carriers (2) which are arranged in the intermediate space delimited by the cheeks (1) at a mutual distance, one behind the other and which only extend over part of the cross-sectional surface of the levelling bar formed between he cheeks (1). The height (3) of the coal carriers (2), which take up the entire interval between the cheeks, is less than the height (H) of the cheeks (1) and the cheek form a gas channel (6) above the coal carriers (2) which is essentially free of built-in components.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A telescopic boom (1) for a vehicle (25) or a hoist with a storage rack (6) for at least two box girders (2, 3) guided displaceably in one another in the direction of their longitudinal axes, which are mounted to pivot about a horizontal pivot axle (5) in the storage rack (6) and which can be displaced reciprocally by means of a servo-drive (19) is described. In order to create advantageous structural conditions it is proposed that the longitudinal axles of the box girders (2, 3) form an upwards arched arc of a circle (4) which runs concentrically to a common axis parallel to the pivot axis (5).

Abstract: Transfer machine, intended for transferring loads (K), especially containers, wherein the transfer machine comprises a frame (R) equipped with a wheelwork (P); a horizontal support plane (1) located in connection with the frame (R) for supporting the load (K) during the transfer, and a vertical transfer apparatus (S) for lifting the load (K) on the support of the support plane (1) and off the support of the support plane (1), wherein the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to lift and lower loads (K) from the side of the transfer machine and thereby from the side of the support plane (1). The vertical transfer apparatus (S) of the transfer machine is placed in connection with the frame (R) on the first side of the support plane (1), and the vertical transfer apparatus (S) is arranged to reach over the support plane when lifting or lowering the load (K), in order to move the load (K) onto the support plane (1) or off the support plane (1) from the second side of the support plane (1).

Abstract: A cargo carrier system includes at least one cargo carrier for use with a vehicle having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and roof rack. The carrier includes a base adapted to be coupled to the roof rack and a cargo holder coupled to the base. In one exemplary embodiment, the base is pivotably coupled to the roof rack about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In one exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is coupled to the base by a first link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In another exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is also coupled to the base by a second link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side.

Abstract: A telescopic system for a robot includes a frame for mounting a motor, a stationary module mounted on the frame and a rotational shaft rotating by the motor. The rotational shaft is mounted in the stationary module, and a movable plate is associated with the rotational shaft to ascend and descend according to a rotational motion of the rotational shaft. A movable module is mounted on the movable plate to expand away from and retract into the stationary module as the movable plate ascends and descends.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted container handling devices including a rotating swivel mount and an articulated arm connected to the swivel mount are disclosed. The swivel mount includes a housing operable to rotate about a shaft in a first plane. The articulated arm is attached at one end to the housing and disposed to pivot in a second plane which intersects the first plane. A grasping device is pivotally connected to the free end of the articulated arm for pivoting in the second plane. In operation, with the grasping device opened, the articulated arm is extended to reach out toward a container of interest. The swivel mount is operated to pivot the articulated arm as required for the grasping device to engage the container. The articulated arm is operated further to lift and dump the container in the vehicle above the swivel mount. The grasping device includes arms pivotally connected to a support member and moved by actuators pivotally connected between the arms and the support member.

Abstract: A mechanism for loading and unloading a container onto a tray attached or attachable to a track or trailer vehicle. The mechanism includes a transverse assembly at each end of the tray, each assembly incorporating a centrally mounted telescoping boom, a lower part of which incorporates an extension to which opposed hydraulic rams are linked. The hydraulic rams control the swinging movement of the boom when one retracts and the other extends.

Abstract: A loading device for containers (C) comprises a pair of loading units (2), each having a telescopic column (4) supported on a bracket (3) so as to be swivelled about a common swivel axis (I). The telescopic column consists of a lower portion (9), an upper portion (11) and a column cylinder (17) moving the upper portion (11) with respect to the lower portion (9). Actuating cylinders (5) are connected to the lower portion (9) on both sides, and the upper portion (11) accommodates an extension arm (14) which can be swivelled about a swivel axis (III) parallel to the swivel axis (I) of the telescopic column. To expand the loading possibilities, the upper portion (11) carries a column head (12) which forms a slot-shaped swivel guide (18) with cam tracks (19) limiting the swivelling of the extension arm (14).

Abstract: A loader assembly carried by a semi trailer having a chassis, a body carried by the chassis, a forward end, and a rearward end, the forward end of the chassis coupled to a towing vehicle having a cab, the loader assembly including a pair of forwardly extendible, generally horizontal arms overlying the cab, each arm having a first end coupled to the semi trailer proximate the forward end, and a second end extending forwardly passed the cab. The arms are pivotable about a horizontal axis between a raised position rearward of the cab and a lowered position. A lifting assembly is coupled to the arms for engaging refuse containers forward of the cab in the lowered position and discharging refuse containers rearward of the cab and into the body in the raised position.

Abstract: A system for collecting traffic cones is provided including a tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor for trailing the same. Next provided is a pick-up assembly for picking up a cone and placing the same on the trailer for stacking. Also, a conveyor is mounted on the trailer for transporting the cones to a rear extent of the trailer.

Abstract: An improved towing vehicle for retrieving and/or transporting other vehicles such as vintage cars, disabled automobiles, or disabled trucks. The improved towing vehicle combines a rollback bed with a rear-mounted recovery boom that serves as both a conventional recovery boom and a wheel lift assembly. The improved wrecker truck of the present invention can thus transport two and possibly three vehicles at a time. The present invention also includes an improved rear-mounted multi-function recovery boom having a pivoting extension that greatly expands the towing vehicle's recovery and retrieval capabilities. Finally, the present invention includes a rollback bed that can be manipulated to a plurality of load positions, including a raised platform position in which the bed is raised to an elevated position over the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A game hoist for mounting to the cargo rack of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The game hoist is mounted to the cargo rack using a base plate which has one or more sets of angle brackets mounted to the underside of the base plate. The sets of angle brackets form pockets or receptacles to slidably receive respective rods of the cargo rack. The base plate has an upward facing cylindrical post which receives a cylindrical column. A telescoping boom is provided with a cylindrical collar which fits over the top end of the column. The telescoping boom has an inner cylindrical member which is slidingly received in an outer cylindrical member. The inner cylindrical member may be telescoped outward from the outer cylindrical member. The outer end of the inner cylindrical member is provided with a manually operated winch. The winch is desirably provided with a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A crane carrying vehicle for transporting track ties comprises an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for movement on rails in an operating direction, the machine frame comprising a storage section for temporarily storing track ties and having two side walls extending in this direction, the side walls being spaced from each other in a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the operating direction by a distance corresponding at least to the length of the track ties. A track tie supporting platform in the storage section may be tilted between a horizontally extending loading position and an unloading position extending at an angle to the loading position, and the vehicle carries a power-adjustable pivotal crane outrigger with a gripping device for gripping track ties.

Abstract: A loading device for containers comprises a pair of like loading units to be mounted on a vehicle frame having a longitudinally extending center axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a street legal mobile mounted tube bundle pulling apparatus which is moveable from a lifting position to a travelling position. A longitudinal track is attached to the bed of the vehicle. A sled which is contiguous with said track supports a turntable. A vertical telescoping column is mounted on the turntable. A bundle pulling apparatus is attached to the vertical telescoping column. Hydraulic cylinders are used for actuating both the turntable and the sled. By actuating the sled the telescoping column and bundle pulling apparatus which is a majority of the mass can be dragged to and between a rearward lifting position and a forward travelling position.

Abstract: A dolly carrier for carrying a dolly has a support arm slidably coupled to a guide member. The support arm has a dolly support surface configured to engage the dolly. The dolly support surface is movable between a storage position and a removal position. The removal position is at least closer to a wrecker bed side then the storage position.

Abstract: A garbage truck includes a motor truck having a garbage container provided thereon. The garbage container confines a garbage receiving space and has a top end provided with a garbage inlet opening and a rear side provided with a garbage outlet opening A power-operated hoisting unit is provided on the motor truck adjacent to the garbage container. The hoisting unit is operated so as to move garbage into the garbage container. A power-operated top cover unit is provided on the top end of the garbage container so as to cover the garbage inlet opening. A power-operated side cover unit is provided on the rear side of the garbage container so as to cover the garbage outlet opening. A power-operated push plate unit is movably provided inside the garbage receiving space opposite to the garbage outlet opening. The push plate unit is operated so as to push garbage out of the garbage container through the garbage outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically loading a cargo compartment of a vehicle is disclosed that maximizes the utilization of available space within the vehicle by determining an optimum load configuration based on various parameters of the vehicle and the containers to be loaded. A self-propelled robot loader is used to load the cargo compartment based on the determined optimum load configuration. The robot loader automatically withdraws from the cargo compartment as the loading is completed.

Abstract: A load handling device for transferring ISO flat racks, containers or the like, to and from a support comprising two spaced lifting arms (11) pivotally connected adjacent their lower ends (at 9) to said support (13) and hydraulic rams (40,41) for rocking said arms (11) in a vertical arc, and an extension arm (53) pivotally connected to the end of each lifting arm (11) remote from its pivotal connection (9) to the support (13) and further hydraulic rams (55,57) for rocking each extension arm (53) about its pivotal connection to its lifting arm (11) through a vertical arc extending to either side of the longitudinal axis of the lifting arm (11).

Abstract: A crane has a twin post and a twin boom construction and provides for numerous degrees of freedom. The crane is a trailer and uses the weight of a vehicle to which it is attached for stability when it is in an operating mode. The crane has wheels which may be lifted off the ground to allow its positioning by a vehicle to which it is attached.

Abstract: A carrier for cylindrical hay bales is adapted for mounting on the box of a pickup truck. It includes a shaft pivoted in a support frame about a horizontal axis and a pair of bale lifting arms are mounted to opposite ends of the pivoted shaft. These arms can swing laterally for engaging and disengaging hay bales by means of bale piercing spikes at the outer ends of the arms. A hydraulic system is provided for swinging the pivoted shaft and bale lifting arms from a rearward position adjacent the ground to a forward position adjacent the truck body. For this purpose, two hydraulic cylinders with a special crank arm linkage are used with one of the hydraulic cylinders being capable of swinging the bale lifting arms through an arc of up to about 130.degree. C. and the second hydraulic cylinder being adapted to swing the bale lifting arms through an additional arc of up to about 70.degree. C. Alternatively, a chain and sprocket system driven by a hydraulic cylinder may be used.

Abstract: A container truck for lifting up a container (13) into position on the truck (1) for subsequent transport. In order to achieve a simple and cheap construction without a counterweight, an end portion (15) of the truck (1) in contact with the container (13) can be brought to bear against the support for the truck during the lifting of the load into a transport position on the truck, in that there are hydraulic cylinders (16) between the wheel axle and the truck.

Abstract: A multi-purpose utility vehicle which includes a self-propelled mobile, articulated vehicle having a cab on the chassis providing an enclosed and protected areas for an operator with a telescoping boom assembly pivotally mounted on the chassis for continuous movement through an arc of 360.degree.. The vehicle mounts a lift platform mechanism disposed forwardly of the telescopic boom assembly. The vehicle includes a telescoping, generally pantograph outrigger assembly to provide a lateral support to the rear and/or front end of the vehicle. In addition, the present invention contemplates a novel steering system which comprises multi-steering functions including automatic front wheel steering only; automatic rear wheel steering only, automatic front and rear wheel steering; and front and rear wheel steering for turning through 90.degree. in the same direction.

Abstract: A hay bale loader which may be attached to a hay stack mover or other hauling equipment for grasping and lifting big bales of hay, and for placing them on the hauling equipment. A boom which is attached to a frame and is movable between vertical and angular lateral positions, includes male and female portions slidably disposed relative to each other. An arm extends rearwardly from the boom, and a bale holding mechanism including pairs of opposing tines is suspended therefrom over the top of the hauling equipment. When the boom is lowered toward the ground, the tines of the bale holding mechanism are opened to surround the hay bale and then the tines are closed to grasp the bale. The boom is raised and adjusted to position the bale on the hauling equipment, after which the bale is released by opening the tines. The loader can also be used to individually unload the bales from the hauling equipment and to unload loose hay in small quantities for feeding.

Abstract: A towing vehicle with a boom pivotal about a horizontal axis and a second axis perpendicularly thereto enabling the boom to be moved to a position over a disabled vehicle located along side the towing vehicle. A pair of power cylinders is attached to the boom and is operable to swing the boom with load attached to locate the load or disabled vehicle immediately behind the towing vehicle. An elongated support is movable downwardly against the ground behind the towing vehicle to provide stability as the load is lifted and swung from a position aside the towing vehicle to a rearward position.

Abstract: A refuse collection device includes a pair of side-mounted lift arms with a carriage for engaging a refuse container. The carriage is laterally extendable to reach out and engage the container. The lift arms swing upward to dump the refuse from the container into a hopper. An auger in the hopper bottom precompacts the refuse and displaces it into a refuse body behind the hopper. The operation of the lift device is reversed to return the container to its original position.

Abstract: A self-propelled, low profile material-handling vehicle mounted on a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The vehicle supports an extendible boom rotatable around a horizontal pivot axis that is substantially located above the rear wheels. A cab for a driver is located on one side of the boom, and a load-carrying platform is located on the side of the boom opposite the cab. A well located in the vehicle body between the cab and the load-carrying platform is positioned lower than the pivot axis of the boom and is arranged to receive the boom when it is pivoted downward toward the front wheels so that a load can be maneuvered below grade level. The pivot axis is vertically located above the top of the wheels and below the top of a steering wheel located within the cab so that the driver's vision is substantially unobstructed when a load is carried by the boom close to the grade level.