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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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 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 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 raising device realized to be connected to a tower segment of a wind turbine is provided. The raising device comprises a connection member to a raising machine and a plurality of holding members positioned at predefined distances from each other and orientated to be movable in radial locking directions which locking directions are such that the holding members when moved into a locking position at a predefined engagement position of the tower segment engage with a counter-shape of the tower segment, whereby the holding members are automatically tiltable and/or shiftable into the locking position by a movement mechanism. A method of equipping a tower segment of a wind turbine for transport by means of such raising device is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate transfer method includes: a step of placing a first and a second substrate on a first and a second alignment part which are arranged to be vertically spaced from each other by using a first and a second pick. The method further includes a first positioning step of positioning the first pick at a first reception position determined based on an alignment position for the first substrate; a first receiving step of receiving the first substrate from the first alignment part by moving the first pick. The method further includes a second positioning step of positioning the second pick at a second reception position determined based on an alignment position for the second substrate; and a second receiving step of receiving the second substrate from the second alignment part by moving the second pick.

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.

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 system includes a lift member configured to removably couple with a lifting device and a support member coupled to the lift member. The support member includes a first arm having a first end portion configured to removably engage a first section of an electronics panel, and a second arm having a second end portion offset by an arm distance from the first end portion. The second end portion is configured to selectively move to adjust the arm distance to removably engage a second section of the electronics panel opposite to the first section. The first and second end portions are configured to engage the electronics panel in a first orientation, to support the electronics panel during a transition to a second orientation, and to disengage the electronics panel in the second orientation.

Abstract: A method of moving freight which utilizes removable storage units or containers that have the same or similar size and which can be positioned on a specially designed truck frame and/or a trailer frame. The storage units are filled with freight such as household goods, taken to a storage facility or warehouse and stored by removing the entire storage unit from the truck or trailer utilizing, for example, a fork lift. The freight can be reloaded by loading the storage unit onto a truck or a trailer, which then delivers the freight to its final destination where it is removed from the storage unit. Multiple storage units loaded at different locations can be transported by the same truck and trailer from the warehouse to separate final unloading destinations. The truck and trailer are connected by a stinger steer mechanism which adjusts the distance between the truck and trailer providing a more versatile unit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system that does not rely on the use of aircraft main engines to drive the aircraft, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft arrives at a parking space and then quickly disconnected upon departure.

Abstract: A stand is disclosed for supporting a moldboard and a drawbar of a grading machine. The stand may comprise a base frame and a component support unit. The said stand may be configured to support the moldboard, and the component support unit may be configured to support at least a portion of the drawbar. The base frame and the component support unit may be configured to: (a) support a substantial portion of the moldboard above the base frame; and (b) support a substantial portion of the drawbar above the base frame and the moldboard when the moldboard is supported on the stand.

Abstract: In a method for handling tower sections for a tower, in particular a wind power plant, wherein the finished tower sections are at least stored, transported and sequentially set up at least partially one on top of another, the tower sections are each already equipped on their ends with a handling device during or after their completion. Then the finished tower sections are coupled to the load-bearing equipment of transport means using the handling devices with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section and then the tower sections are brought in the horizontal position to the location of their erection; the tower sections transported to the erection location are then brought to a vertical position by means of the handling devices with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section by means of at least one lifting device.

Abstract: A handheld golf tee marker transport device including a handle with an adjustable grasping mechanism at the base is provided. The adjustable grasping mechanism can be used to lift and position a plurality of golf tee marker geometries. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend over to pick up a tee marker or to place a tee marker on a tee box.

Abstract: An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.

Abstract: A glass ribbon engagement system is described herein that includes a robot tooling device with suction cups configured to engage a first side of a glass ribbon, and a guidance device with one or more devices (e.g., air nozzles, cylinder-wheel units) which are configured to apply one or more local forces to a second side of the glass ribbon to shift the glass ribbon towards the suction cups to assist the suction cups in engaging and securing the first side of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A robotic container reorganizer has a robot arm that holds a robotic tool. The robotic tool can reconfigure a plurality of articles from a first configuration to a second configuration. The robotic arm may pick up a collection of articles in a first configuration with the robotic tool, and may reconfigure the articles with the robotic tool into a second configuration. The second configuration of articles may be set down after reconfiguration. The first configuration of articles has a first width and a first length, and the second configuration has a second length and a second width. The first width and the first length of the first configuration differ from the second width and the second length of the second configuration.