Abstract: One embodiment of a device and method for securing nursery stock during transport comprising a plurality of rigid vertical brackets (16) moveable along a rigid horizontal frame (22), each pair of said rigid vertical brackets connected by a flexible material (28) suspended between each pair of said brackets, and a means to support one or more horizontal rigid bars (34, 36) to secure plant tops. Said device assembled, placed on a truck or trailer bed, disassembled, and removed from the truck or trailer bed without tools or special skills. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: Methods and systems for grouping, recovering, and processing ice obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. In particular, the ice obtained from the ice source is separated and grouped according to common unique properties and processed as a beverage for consumption having the same unique properties. Additionally, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed.

Abstract: A material handling unit. An elongate cargo bed of the material handling unit includes paired anchor points for attaching to a securing member to secure cargo to the cargo bed. The cargo bed is reinforced to allow the cargo to be secured to the cargo bed during loading of the material handling unit onto a transport, transporting of the material handling unit to a job site, and unloading of the material handling unit from the transport. A shelter encloses the cargo bed and defines an access point along the length of the cargo bed. The cargo bed is accessible from the access points for loading and unloading cargo. The anchor points are accessible from the access point for securing the cargo to the cargo bed or removing the securing member from the cargo.

Abstract: A universal garbage pick-up tool includes a main body, an inner support tube, at least two guard members positioned between the main body and inner support tube, a pushing rod positioned within the inner support tube, a push button operatively connected to a proximal end of each guard member and a proximal end of the pushing rod, and a plurality of spring claws attached to a distal end of the pushing rod. The spring claws are positioned within the inner support tube, and the guard members and the spring claws are released upon the actuation of the push button, thereby allowing the spring claws to extend axially from a distal end of the main body. An adjustment ring may be attached to the distal end of the main body, including at least two pins circumferentially spaced apart. A magnet may be positioned within the push button of the pick-up tool.

Abstract: A method and system (1) for discharging beverage containers (6) continuously moved on a horizontal conveyor (10) and guided in parallel rows by one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) are disclosed. The one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) respectively form at least one pick-up position for the beverage containers (6) to be discharged. The beverage containers (6) are guided on the horizontal conveyor (10) at least approximately together. In the scope of the method, an actual position (IP), adopted in the conveying direction (FR), of one or more of the continuously moved beverage containers (6) is acquired. Moreover, a travelling movement, oriented in parallel to the conveying direction (FR) of the beverage containers (6), of the one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) is adapted whilst taking into account the acquired actual position (IP).

Abstract: A substrate transfer method is performed by a transfer unit including a first transfer arm and a second transfer arm which are separately movable and are overlapped with each other. A moving speed of each of the first transfer arm and the second transfer arm that is not transferring a substrate is set to be higher than a moving speed of each of the first transfer arm and the second transfer arm that is transferring a substrate.

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.

Abstract: An item with fibers may be picked up and placed using a tool head with hooks that engage the fibers. The tool head may comprise at least one hook portion and at least one contact surface adjacent to the hook portion. The hooks that engage the fibers may extend from the hook portion. The tool head may be actuatable between at least a first configuration that permits the hooks to engage the fibers and a second configuration that does not permit the hooks to engage the fibers. An item may be picked up at a starting location with a tool head in the first configuration and placed at a placement location by moving the tool head and then actuating the tool head to the second configuration.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a sheet-material stack has at least two gripping elements for gripping a sheet-material stack disposed between the gripping elements, which gripping elements can be moved toward each other in order to grip the sheet-material stack. At least one of the gripping fingers of one of the gripping elements is tiltable from its starting position, in which it is oriented substantially parallel to the stack surface, into a tilted position, in which it is inclined toward the stack surface. With the gripping device any types of sheet-material stacks can be reliably and trouble-free removed from a container and held against gravity through grip-clamping.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an advanced crucible support system is described that allows for greater heat flow to and from the bottom of a crucible, while also preventing excessive heat from reaching a heat exchanger. In particular, a “crown” support base is described that provides heat flow throughout the system, yet with various features to limit the amount of heat reaching the heat exchanger. Also, according to one or more additional embodiments, the functionality of the crucible support is adapted to be leveraged by a crucible manipulating device. For example, the support plate may have features designed within it for enabling lifting devices to interface with it, such as a plurality of slots for insertion of a “lifting arm”, such that the entire support plate assembly, as well as the crucible itself while on the support assembly, may be lifted and transported as a single unit.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods including pneumatic end effectors for transporting substrates between system components of electronic device manufacturing systems are provided. In one aspect, an end effector has a base adapted to be connected to a robotic component, and one or more pneumatic suction elements positioned on the base. Applying a pneumatic source to the pneumatic suction element draws a substrate into contact with contact pads of the end effector. Methods and systems, as well as numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include at least one pole including a plurality of projections disposed at incremental heights along the pole, an object, a first pulley positioned on a first side of the object, and a second pulley positioned on the second side of the object.

Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.

Abstract: The invention provides for apparatus (10) for lifting a conveyor belt (13) supported on a series of idler rollers (19) on a belt conveyor (11), the apparatus (10) comprising a body (4) selectively movable along the belt conveyor (11) and a belt lifting assembly (50) mounted on the body (41) and operable to engage the conveyor belt (13) to lift the belt from, and subsequently lower said belt onto, an idler roller operatively supporting the belt on the conveyor (11).

Abstract: Method for lifting a concrete product with a lifting boom and a lifting boom, in which method the lifting boom is moved above the concrete product to be lifted with a crane, lifting hooks of the lifting boom are set in lifting loops located in the concrete product to be lifted, and the lifting is carried out by lifting the lifting boom together with the concrete product with a crane, wherein the location of at least one lifting loop in the concrete product to be lifted is detected by a control system of the lifting boom, which control systems moves at least one lifting hook along the lifting boom to the location of the lifting loop.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a first processing chamber; a second processing chamber; a transfer chamber; a frame structure; and an elevating part. Each of the first and the second processing chamber has a main body part and a lid part. The transfer chamber is connected to the first and the second processing chamber and accommodates a transfer unit for transferring the substrate. The frame structure has a pair of column parts and a beam part supported at top portions of the column parts. The elevating part is coupled to the beam part to be moved in a horizontal direction and moves the lid part in the vertical direction. The beam part extends above the first and the second processing chamber and the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A method for delivering articles using a container having a substantially vertical rear wall with a baseplate extending therefrom is disclosed herein. A plurality of articles may be loaded onto the baseplate. The rear wall, baseplate, and articles are preferably transported to the destination. Once at the final destination, the articles can be removed from the baseplate by sliding the baseplate and rear wall away from the articles. In some embodiments, the rear wall remains substantially vertical during transportation to the destination. In other embodiments, the rear wall can be removably connected to a wheeled apparatus for secure transport.

Abstract: An arrangement apparatus and an arrangement method of allowing gripping devices to grip electrical conductors by using inexpensive, simple, and small-sized configurations. A stator manufacturing apparatus for arranging coil elements in a ring shape includes: a plurality of gripping devices that are arranged in a ring shape and grip coil elements; robot arms that supply the coil elements to the gripping devices; and a turntable that integrally rotates the plurality of gripping devices. According to this, the gripping devices are rotated by the turntable is aligned in a ring shape, and thus, the coil elements are supplied to the arrangement points by the robot arms and the plurality of coil elements can be aligned in a ring shape while gripped by the gripping devices.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided to deposit a film including a reaction product on a substrate by repeating a supply cycle of sequentially supplying at least two kinds of reaction gases reactable with each other to a surface of the substrate in a chamber. The substrate processing apparatus includes a turntable provided in the chamber and having a concave portion for receiving the substrate formed in its surface and through-holes formed in the concave portion, a lifting mechanism including lift pins used when transferring the substrate placed on the concave portion, and a control unit configured to control the lifting mechanism. The control unit controls the lifting mechanism to carry the substrate out of the concave portion by moving the lifting pins upward in a vertical direction and inward in a radial direction of the turntable after the lifting pins contact the substrate through the through-holes.

Abstract: A bottle change apparatus includes a change mechanism that changes a bottle, and the bottle includes a bottle cap. The bottle cap includes: a treatment solution straw part that forms a treatment solution flow passage for supplying a treatment solution in the bottle to an outside of the bottle and extends to an inside of the bottle; and a treatment solution connecting part that is provided at an end portion outside the bottle of the treatment solution straw part. The change mechanism includes: a connection mechanism part including a treatment solution pipe which is connected to the treatment solution connecting part of the bottle and through which the treatment solution supplied from the bottle flows; and a bottle mounting part that transfers the bottle to a connection position where the treatment solution connecting part and the treatment solution pipe are connected together.

Abstract: A retaining wall system, as well as embodiments of blocks and other devices for use in a retaining wall system. In some embodiments, a retaining wall includes a plurality of face blocks and a plurality of trunk blocks arranged in a plurality of courses of blocks. In some embodiments, a face block can include a face portion and a pair of leg portions, and each of the leg portions can be adapted to be coupled to a trunk block. In some embodiments, various block connecting devices can be used to connect blocks in a single course of blocks and various block alignment devices can be used to align blocks in adjacent courses.

Abstract: Systems for repositioning objects, such as, for example, food items in a refrigerator, are provided. The systems may include a platform having a support surface upon which the objects are supported, an electromagnet positioned beneath the platform, a motion system coupled to electromagnet, and a control system electronically and/or communicatively coupled to the motion system and the electromagnet. The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface and to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnet in coordination with said movement to reposition the objects. Related methods of repositioning objects are also provided.

Abstract: A gripper (1) for a contact lens comprises a gripper head (2) having a bearing surface (21) for the contact lens (L) to adhere thereto. The gripper (1) further comprises an ejector (23) for mechanically displacing the contact lens, at least partially, away from the bearing surface (21).

Abstract: Systems and methods for jacking an aircraft structure using beams coupled to seat tracks attached to a floor beam grid structure. Mechanical load distribution plates can have offset lift pin location to allow a certain percentage of the load to be applied to specific seat tracks. Different quantities of seat tracks can be utilized per requirements. Attachment rails that interface with the seat tracks use the same hardware that is used to fasten aircraft seats to the seat tracks. This helps handle the load and prevent damage to the seat tracks. The jacking apparatus also includes load swivels and a hanger link to prevent any side or twisting loads from being applied.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a roller assembly includes a base structure defining multiple recesses that extend inwardly from a top surface of the base structure, a first wheel, and a second wheel. The multiple recesses are configured such that at least one of the multiple recesses is engageable with an auxiliary component of the load, and the multiple recesses include a central recess positioned at a center of the top surface of the base structure. The first wheel is disposed along a first side of the base structure, and the second wheel is disposed along a second side of the base structure, the second side of the base structure being spaced apart from and parallel to the first side of the base structure.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus to be installed on a substantially horizontal surface of a diagnostic laboratory is presented. The apparatus comprises a bottom side and an upper working side, the bottom side having at least three casters for rolling the apparatus on a surface and at least two feet. The casters have a fixed height and at least one caster is higher than the other casters so that the apparatus is unbalanced when it is rolled on the surface. The at least two feet are individually adjustable in height so that when the height of the feet is adjusted the upper working side is leveled and the apparatus rests on the at least two feet and the higher caster. An analytical system comprising the analytical apparatus and a method of installing the analytical apparatus and the system are also described.

Abstract: A modular system for storage of cargo units in a designated space. The modular system includes: a plurality of interconnected active cell units, each cell unit including a cell transporting mechanism with at least one active shuttle unit moveable between the plurality of cell units. Each shuttle unit includes a shuttle transporting mechanism adapted to transport at least one pallet of the plurality of pallets to and from one of the plurality of cell units and also to and from at least one shuttle unit. The system also includes a central controller adapted to control the operation of the cell and the shuttle transporting mechanisms, the operation of which is performed in an independent manner via the central controller such that a construction of any arrangement of the cell units is performed to effectively exploit a designated space.

Abstract: A method of transferring a radioactive payload and a method of performing work within a cavity of a shielding container. In one embodiment, the invention is a method comprising a) positioning a shield-gate apparatus atop a first shielding container, the shield-gate apparatus comprising a body, a passageway extending through the body, and one or more movable shielding gates that are open; and b) lifting a removable shielding lid of the first shielding container through the passageway, wherein during closing of the one or more shielding gates the removable shielding lid is maintained in a position in which either: (1) a bottom surface of the removable shielding lid is disposed within the passageway at a height above the one or more shielding gates; or (2) the bottom surface of the removable shielding lid is substantially flush with the top surface of the body of the shield-gate apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet transportation assembly comprising a first and second tine, each having a top, a bottom, a front wheel, a middle wheel, a rear wheel, and a riser; and a body coupled to the first and second tines comprising a tine adjustment system and a vertical backing portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for operating a manipulator system having a vacuum manipulator device for manipulating a workpiece and a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum. The vacuum generator has a suction connection for suctioning in order to provide a vacuum supply for the vacuum manipulator device. Further, a diagnosis cycle is executed, including the steps of: provision of a vacuum for the vacuum manipulator device, and suctioning without a workpiece; and measurement of the equilibrium pressure obtained at the suction connection with a suction pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electronic equipment housing includes: a housing including a housing space that houses an electronic equipment and a workbench; and a first support provided in the housing, wherein the workbench includes: a base detachably attached to the first support; a placing plate, liftably coupled to the base, configured to place the electronic equipment on a placing surface; and a lifting mechanism configured to move the placing plate with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to grasping attachments for utility tractors, particularly, to hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid loaders. The purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose attachment that allows an operator to remain in the tractor cab while grasping, pulling, and/or lifting bulky objects that would normally require the operator to step away from the cab or request the assistance of one or more persons. Such objects may include planted trees, bushes, or posts that require removal from the soil and transportation for disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to grasping accessories for utility tractors, particularly, for hydraulically-operated front end loader attachments for skid loaders. The purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose accessory that protects an operator from loose debris while allowing the operator to remain in the tractor cab while grasping, pulling, and/or lifting bulky objects that would normally require the operator to step away from the cab or request the assistance of one or more persons. Such objects may include planted trees, bushes, or posts that require removal from the soil and transportation for disposal.

Abstract: A removable and positionable gripping element for attaching to cards has: f) two opposed surfaces having pressure-sensitive adhesive on the opposed surfaces; g) at least one of the opposed surfaces, and preferably both of the opposed surfaces being translucent or transparent and having a length; h) the two opposed surfaces being joined at a top end; i) attached to the top end of the two opposed surfaces at a point of attachment is a gripping element having a length; and j) the point of attachment being flexible. A method of manufacturing the gripping element is accomplished by lamination then conversion of layers. The element is simply positioned over an edge of the card to provide a semi-permanent handle for easing the removal of the card from a pocket, slot or window.

Abstract: A rack apparatus for tire rings includes a base having a rigid frame coupled thereto. The base includes a plurality of spaced apart members configured to receive manipulating components of a material handling device for transportation to a desired location. The frame is coupled to the base and includes a plurality of receiving members configured to removably receive at least one tire ring thereon.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises three or more links hingedly joined end-to-end such that the lifting device is able to hingedly move in a first direction from a linear arrangement to a bent arrangement but is not able to hingedly move from the linear arrangement to a bent arrangement in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield material transfer unit includes a chassis having a gooseneck and support base, the support base including a first portion and second portion, and the chassis further comprising a rear axle suspension system coupled with at least two wheels for movably supporting the chassis. The mobile oilfield material transfer unit further includes an erecting mast assembly having a mast movably connected with the chassis proximate to the second portion, and an actuator system coupled with the mast and with the chassis for moving the mast between a horizontal position and a vertical position. At least two vertical conveyor assemblies may be coupled with the erecting mast and moveable between the horizontal position and the vertical position, and at least two horizontal conveyor systems may be coupled with the support frame and engageable with the at least two vertical conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: The invention discloses a rotating container and method of shipping, transporting, and using the container. The container has utility for transport, onsite storage, shipping, intermodal shipping, and commodity loading and unloading. An embodiment of a version of the invention comprises an exoskeleton, a tank positioned inside the exoskeleton, a rotator between the tank and exoskeleton, and the tank and exoskeleton attached to the rotator.

Abstract: A substrate carrier, including: a baffle having a continuous perimeter sidewall surrounding an enclosed region; and one or more standoffs attached to an inside surface of the perimeter sidewall, the one or more standoffs extending into the enclosed region and below a bottom edge of the perimeter sidewall, the one or more standoffs each having a lip located between an upper edge of the baffle and the lower edge of the baffle. Also, a method of annealing substrates using the substrate carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wafer transfer robot having a robot blade that can be used to handle substrates that are patterned on both sides without causing warpage of the substrates. In some embodiments, the wafer transfer robot has a robot blade coupled to a transfer arm that varies a position of the robot blade. The robot blade has a wafer reception area that receives a substrate. Two or more spatially distinct contact points are located at positions along a perimeter of the wafer reception area that provide support to opposing edges of the substrate. The two or more contact points are separated by a cavity in the robot blade. The cavity mitigates contact between a backside of the substrate and the robot blade, while providing support to opposing sides of the substrate to prevent warpage of the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool for retrieving devices, such as probes, from a pressurized system. The retrieval tool uses a magnetic coupling to transfer movement of an external mechanism (i.e. external to the pressurized system), such as by an operator's manual movement, a motor or other drive, to an internal mechanism (i.e. internal to the pressurized system). The magnetic coupling may be through a wall of a pressure vessel using an outer magnetic core coupled to the outside of the pressure vessel which magnetically couples to an inner magnetic core disposed on the inside of the pressure vessel, such that translational or rotational movement of the outer magnetic core cause substantially simultaneous and corresponding translational and/or rotational movement of the inner magnetic core. An end effector tool is coupled to the inner magnetic core to engage and retrieve or insert the device into the pressurized system.

Abstract: A mobile robot for a cable includes a first gripper unit including a first main body, a first driving wheel unit disposed over the first main body and configured to have its wheels changed up and down, and a first support wheel unit disposed under the first main body; a second gripper unit including a second main body, a second driving wheel unit disposed over the second main body and configured to have its wheels changed up and down, and a second support wheel unit disposed under the second main body; and a link unit including first links fixed to the first gripper unit, second links fixed to the second gripper unit, and a link driving unit configured to control the angle of the first links and the second links that are fixed together by a main hinge unit so that they rotate at an angle.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for wind turbine component replacement. The method may include coupling a spreader to a wind turbine component, raising a hoist into the nacelle, raising a spool of cable into a nacelle of the wind turbine, mounting the hoist on a member of the nacelle, routing the cable from the spool of cable to the hoist, and routing the cable between at least one sheave disposed on the hoist and at least one sheave disposed on the spreader. The system may include a spreader, the spreader adapted to couple to a wind turbine component, the spreader including at least one longitudinal member, a pair of transverse members, and at least one first sheave, and a hoist, the hoist adapted to couple to a member of the nacelle, the hoist including a frame, a motor, and at least one second sheave.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a pair of hand units, a gripping mechanism that grips and releases an object by changing an interval between a pair of hands, a servomotor for a gripping action that drives the gripping mechanism, at least one spline shaft that supports the pair of hands so that the hands are able to move, a servomotor for an extending and contracting action that rotates the spline shaft, and an extension and contraction mechanism that is extended and contracted by rotation of the spline shaft so that the hands move to a gripping position or a releasing position.

Abstract: A method for using a gripping mechanism and a gripping mechanism for lifting devices is disclosed. In an embodiment a gripping mechanism includes a frame comprising parallel longitudinal members and cross members, a connecting device supported by the frame, the connecting device configured to receive a lifting gear and carriages connected to the longitudinal members, the carriages configured to be adjustable along the longitudinal members, wherein the carriages are adjustable by a drive. The gripping mechanism further includes rewinding devices located at the carriages and continuous flexible elements configured to receive a product to be transported, wherein ends of the continuous flexible elements are connected to the rewind devices, and wherein the rewinding devices are configured to lengthen or shorten the continuous flexible elements.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting construction equipment that rides on a driven element during ordinary operation. The transportation system relieves a portion or all of the operational weight of the construction equipment from the driven element during transportation of the construction equipment. The transportation system includes a frame, upwardly extending supports that support a chassis of the construction equipment, and a lifting device interface for loading and unloading the transportation system with respect to a vehicle or trailer for transporting the construction equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is for a safety guard rail system having folding guard rails designed to be raised or lowered at their base by a single individual from an acceptable safe distance from the edge of a precipice, such as the edge of a building roof. A sliding sleeve hinge lock locks each folding rail in an erect position and can be remotely unlocked for folding the rail. An elongated grappling tool has a hook-like end for grabbing the sliding sleeve hinge lock handle for locking and unlocking the hinge lock from a distance when erecting or folding a guard rail.

Abstract: A dry-dock walking machine for installation on the deck surface of a dry-dock is operable for transporting a ship to a selected location relative to the dry-dock. There is provided a plurality of laterally spaced-apart, parallel support beams rigidly interconnected and dimensioned to extend transversely beneath the ship and across at least a portion of its width to engage its hull and support it above the deck surface. A lifting jack assembly is mounted on each end of each support beam, and they are spaced apart so that each support beam has a lifting jack assembly positioned adjacent each lateral side of the ship. A stabilizer mechanism is mounted on each support beam adjacent each lifting jack assembly operable for selectively engaging a lateral side the ship's hull to establish and maintain lateral stability of the ship relative to the support beams.

Abstract: A drilling-pipe handling apparatus and a method for handling drilling-pipes in a drilling rig, and is concerned particularly with apparatus and a method for racking drilling-pipes in an oil drilling rig. The pipe handling apparatus includes a pipe engaging portion, a movable positioning unit for moving the pipe engaging portion, and a mounting member for mounting the apparatus on a leg of a drilling mast.