Abstract: A skip hoist particle lift system for a particle-based high-temperature power tower plant includes a pre-skip subsystem, an upper hopper disposed above the pre-skip subsystem and separated therefrom, a plurality of elongated guide rails connecting the pre-skip subsystem and the upper hopper to one another, and a skip mounted on the elongated guide rails and configured to be moved therealong between the pre-skip subsystem and the upper hopper. The pre-skip subsystem includes a container configured to accumulate an amount of hot particles therein and to automatically discharge the hot particles into the skip upon arrival of the skip in a loading area of the pre-skip subsystem. The skip is configured to transport the loaded particles upwardly toward the hopper and to subsequently discharge the particles inside of the hopper. Then, the emptied skip is returned to the pre-skip subsystem to repeat the process.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a stabilizer for providing support and stabilization during lifting of an object is provided. A conventional lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical jack, provides force for lifting an object and is attached at a top end to the stabilizer. The stabilizer comprises an upright portion including a shoulder for attaching the stabilizer to the lifting mechanism, a toe portion near the bottom end of the upright portion, an adjustable stabilizing arm for providing support and stabilization, and a mechanism for adjusting the upright arm. The toe portion can be positioned underneath the object to be moved, and the upright arm moved against the side of the object. Support and stabilization of the lifting apparatus and the object is provided by the stabilizer during lifting and when the object is suspended above the floor.

Abstract: The self-emptying container has relatively moveable parts (10, 11, 40, 41) normally secured together by a latch mechanism. In one embodiment, the container has an upright body (10) and a pivotal base (11). In another embodiment the body is a tipping skip or hopper (40) on a pallet base (41). The latch mechanism (19, 49) comprises a fore and aft flat bar (22, 52) pivoted at one end. The other end locates below the horizontal limb (29, 59) of an L shaped latch member (24, 54) which is lifted by the flat bar (22, 52) when an upward pressure is applied to the bar. That is done via lift apparatus such as a fork lift truck. The container is raised over a surface (S) and lowered onto that surface to pivot the flat bar (22, 52) upwards causing the latch member (24, 54) to release the relatively moveable parts to empty the container. In the first embodiment, the container is then raised so that the base pivots open. In the second embodiment the skip body 40 tips forward.

Abstract: A loader, transport and worktable cart having a base supported by front and rear wheels. An upright column supported by the base and in turn supporting a platform for up and down movement of the platform upon operation of a winch. A stop pivotally supported by the base to stop the front of the platform against downward movement past a predetermined level. A pivotal support for the rear of the platform allowing it to be lowered below the predetermined level so that when the rear of the cart is lifted the platform will be swung toward a generally level orientation. Spring retained cables for locking the platform against the stop. Glides behind the front wheels for aiding movement of the cart up or down steps. Handles extending upwardly and rearwardly from the rear of the base with hand grips positioned to be held by a repair-person standing generally erect when the rear of the cart is raised.