Abstract: A four-wheel shopping cart includes a substantially rectangular base surrounded by vertical side, front and rear walls to form an open-topped, cargo basket. The front wall opens fully to provide access to the cargo area, while the rear wall is shorter than the others to allow easy access from behind while shopping. A transverse axle mounted below the rear wall supports hinged legs that fold upwards alongside the side walls so the cart can be placed conveniently into a vehicle for transportation. The legs unfold and lock to support the cart on castors for shopping, and may include height adjustment means for lowering the basket to a comfortable level for usage and for raising it to place it into the shopper's vehicle. A pair of small, adjustable wheels mounted on opposite front corners of the base pivot partially to facilitate maneuvering the cart within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention are methods for fabrication of micro- and/or nano-scale adhesive fibers and their use for movement and manipulation of objects.

Abstract: A system for moving a shelving system includes a lifting system that is operable to engage a section of a shelving system with a lifting element and to move the section of the shelving system upwardly or downwardly relative to a ground surface. The system also employs a moving device that is positionable between the shelving-system section and the ground surface when the lifting device moves the shelving-system section upwardly. The moving device also receives the section of shelving system onto a receiving area when the lifting device lowers the shelving-system section. The at least one movement component allows the at least one moving element to move relative to the ground surface. A lifting system for lifting a shelving system may include a jack and a lifting bracket that couples operation of the jack to upward or downward movement of the shelving-system section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified adaptor pallet and method for transporting a plurality of dollies without compromising occupational safety. The novel adaptor pallet includes a base and two lifting structures. The base is shaped to receive adjacent wheels of at least two parallel dollies. The lifting structures are arranged extend from both sides of the base so as to receive a lifting device for directly supporting the weight of the dolly from beneath upon lifting motion of the adaptor pallet by means of a lifting device.

Abstract: A pipe-handling system includes at least two pipe-handling units arranged in a vertically displaceable manner along respective guide tracks of, respectively, first and second portions of a tower. The pipe-handling unit is provided with lower and upper rotary units spaced apart vertically on a chassis. Each of the rotary units is provided with a rotatable tong and a hanging-off device. A method is for inserting and withdrawing a pipe string in/from a borehole by the use of the pipe-handling system.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having an underside with a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a tension spring, hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to the leg. The tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade handling system for moving a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade comprises a root portion, a tip portion and a rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis extending from the root portion to the tip portion. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade handling system comprises a rotary device to rotate the wind turbine rotor blade about the rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis. The rotary device is arranged and prepared for being fastened to the tip portion. Additionally, a method of moving the wind turbine rotor blade by means of the wind turbine rotor blade handling system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed an apparatus and for lifting and sliding object over barrier in horizontal direction, comprising two lifting beams that placed on supporting structures and located above object to be lifted and a barrier, and a lifter installed on the lifting beam. A hydraulic push instrument kit is installed on a lifting beam to move the shoulder beam and the lifter. The lifter connects with the object through the steel strand and a triangle transfer connector having three fixed-holds. When the steel strand encounters a barrier in horizontal direction, setting another lifting apparatus on the part of lifting beams located on the other side of the barrier, connecting another lifting apparatus with the third fixed-hold of transfer connectors 4 by steel strands, and lifting the object until whole load of the object has been transferred onto the second lifter and the object can move to the desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side pack that may be on a utility vehicle. In example embodiments, a top panel of the side pack includes channels that are used to connect an option, for example, mechanical equipment, to the side pack. Disclosed also is a method of moving the side pack.

Abstract: A lifting assembly includes a link member defining a pivot axis and a latch axis. The lifting assembly also includes a latch pin and a jaw member. The jaw member is pivotally coupled to the link member about the pivot axis and selectively fixedly coupled to the link member about the latch axis by the latch pin. The jaw member defines a cam surface. Engaging the cam surface with a load rotates a portion of the jaw member into alignment with the latch axis, such that the latch pin may be received by the jaw member and the link member.

Abstract: A substrate transfer robot includes a hand to approach a substrate storage on which a substrate is placed, and to hold the substrate. An arm moves the hand. A controller controls a position and orientation of the hand. When in plan view, a substrate holding center at a time when the hand is holding the substrate is adjacent to the substrate storage and is at an access start position at a predetermined distance from the substrate storage, the substrate holding center reaches a substrate placement position in the substrate storage with a hand center line inclined toward an access straight line and with the hand holding center overlapping the access straight line. The hand center line is oriented from a base to a distal end of the hand. The access straight line is perpendicular to a front surface of the substrate storage and associated with the hand approaching the substrate storage.

Abstract: A method for transporting a cargo load using a carrier aircraft includes: mounting a shield on the cargo load such that the shield is supported by the cargo load to form a protected load; and aerial transporting the protected load as a slung load from the carrier aircraft, wherein the shield serves to protect the cargo load from aerodynamic loads generated by flight of the carrier aircraft.

Abstract: A remote storage system for items includes contact areas at different locations for the collection of the items individually, a storage area for secure storage of the items received from the contact areas, and transportation vehicles for receiving and offloading the items at the contact areas and one or more conveying vehicles for transporting the items to and from the storage area, wherein the transportation vehicles circulate between the contact areas so that each of the contact areas exists for a discrete time period dependent on the arrival of a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: Vacuum effectors comprising: (a) a wall defining an enclosed opening and having a rim defining a lip plane; (b) a negative pressure source; (c) a shroud covering the rim; and (d) optionally a permeable support member spanning the enclosed opening, the support member being substantially planar and recessed a selected depth from the lip plane. Also, methods of manipulating work pieces using such vacuum effectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the relocation and support of construction equipment. Specifically, the invention relates a relocation and support device which supports a machine on a working deck by transferring the machine load to the structure through reaction collar assembly units. Additionally, the invention enables the vertically relocation of a machine. Safety features are included.

Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having multiple processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. The winch system has a body 18 with a front face 20, a back face 22, lateral sides 24, a top 26, a bottom 28 and an imaginary vertical axis A-A. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18 so that they are rotatable about axes that are parallel to the vertical axis in response to the multiple processor driving rollers. A winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 influences the speed and direction of winch drum rotation. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system. The cable extends outwardly from the front 20 or back faces 22 of the body 18.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a freight container. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a freight container with a length 45 ft or greater. A freight container comprises a base, a first longitudinal side, a second longitudinal side, and two end walls at opposite ends of the freight container. A first pair of lifting points is located to the first longitudinal side of the freight container and a second pair of lifting points is located to the second longitudinal side of the freight container. The first longitudinal side and second longitudinal side are 45 ft or greater in length, and each pair of lifting points is positioned inwardly spaced of the two end walls, such that the lifting points of each pair are spaced no more than 33 ft apart from each other.

Abstract: A roller lift handle system moves a roller between a raised roller position in which the roller elevates a support post above the underlying terrain and a lowered roller position in which the support post contacts the underlying terrain.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing substantially all debris that falls into a manhole includes a flexible, substantially circular folded disk that is inserted into the manhole prior to performance of the debris-creating work, and is unfolded by an unfolding mechanism until the rim of the disk rests against the manhole bounding wall. Semi-rigid rods are secured to eyelets adjacent to the perimeter of the disk and terminate above the disk at a common junction, to which a removal and insertion mechanism can be attached. The device may be left inside of the manhole, separated from the insertion and removal mechanism, during performance of the debris creating work, and then folded and removed after the work is completed, thereby trapping and removing the debris. In embodiments, the unfolding mechanism includes supports radiating outward from the center of the disk and attached to the disk along their entire lengths.

Abstract: A pallet and method for efficient transport of materials. The pallet provides a means for containing leaking, thawing or loose cargo and preventing loss of same. The pallet incorporates one or more retaining walls disposed around the pallet base, and one or more integral retention volumes disposed below the base.

Abstract: A method of transporting a substrate with a substrate support, the method includes defining a frictional breakaway force between the substrate and the substrate support in a horizontal plane, moving the substrate in the horizontal plane along a horizontal trajectory, moving the substrate in a vertical direction along a vertical trajectory simultaneously while moving the substrate in the horizontal plane, and wherein the horizontal trajectory is determined based on the acceleration profile of the vertical trajectory and wherein the horizontal trajectory prevents the moving of the substrate from overcoming the coefficient of friction in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: A system for separately handling different size FOUPs includes an end effector having a surface thereon for supporting a FOUP. The end effector and surface is configured to support different size FOUPs. A fixture or means for engaging and maintaining a FOUP, of different size FOUPs, included to position and maintain each of a different size FOUP on the end effector during transport thereof. A shelf is configured to receive each of said different size FOUPs. The end effector is thus capable of transporting either a first size FOUP or a second, smaller size FOUP.

Abstract: A forklift truck includes a lateral pair of side frames, a rear frame connecting rear end portions of the side frames, and a fork member disposed in a space between the pair of side frames in plan view so as to be lifted and lowered. The forklift truck includes a wheel unit provided in a leading end portion of each of the side frames and a central portion of the rear frame, the wheel unit including a steering motor, a running motor, and a driving wheel, and a battery provided in a central portion of each of the side frames.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a manhole cover includes a first frame section with a first end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on a manhole cover, and a second frame section with a second end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on the manhole cover. At least one of the first and second end assemblies is movable, via an actuator, with respect to the other to change a distance between hooks. The hooks are movable in a way that the hooks engage with the lifting blocks on an adjacent manhole cover. The first frame section is coupled to the second frame section during a lifting operation, and the first and second frame sections are selectively detachable from one another when not in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated vehicle parking system. The automated vehicle parking system includes at least one parking facility structure including a plurality of vehicle storage cells, a vehicle entrance/exit arrangement, and a vehicle transporting mechanism. The vehicle transporting mechanism transports one or more vehicles between the entrance/exit arrangement and the at least one parking facility. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to redistribute the one or more vehicles between the storage cells within the at least one parking facility structure so that the one or more vehicles are more rapidly accessible when they are required to be delivered to the entrance/exit arrangement for collection thereat.

Abstract: A transport structure for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator, in particular a generator of a wind turbine is disclosed. A handling base is included with an upper side and a lower side and a first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end, and an interface arrangement at the handling base realized such that a generator can be releasably attached to the handling base in the direction of the upper side. A method for transporting and for lifting a large scale generator is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a positioning system 1, in particular for the structural assembly of aircraft, wherein the positioning system 1 comprises a plurality of positioners 2a, 2b, 2c, each of which has at least one manipulator M. The manipulators M grasp a component B and manipulate it in a synchronised manner, while it is jointly grasped by the manipulators M.

Abstract: A drive system for a catwalk skate that uses a hydraulic skate-cable drive system. The system includes two counteracting hydraulic cylinders, each with a sheave connected to the cylinder rods, and a cable that winds around each of the sheaves and connects to both ends of the skate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automated vertical placement of a small rod at a predetermined location, where the apparatus includes a parallel pneumatic gripper having a driver mechanism and a double-v shaped interlocking jaw assembly configured to receive, secure, and release a small rod in a substantially vertical position in response to corresponding signals generated by the driver mechanism. The present invention also provides a robotic system for automated gross retrieval and precise placement of a small rod. The present invention further provides a process for automated gross retrieval of at least one small rod and subsequent precise and substantially vertical placement thereof into a platform at a predetermined location and at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A component sorting and wasting device is provided with a plurality of waste boxes having respective IDs and arranged at predetermined locations for receiving components to be wasted therein and a component mounting mechanism being capable of picking up components from a component supply device in mounting the picked-up components on circuit boards and of sorting and wasting each of components which are recognized as being unable to be mounted on the circuit boards, in one of the waste boxes selected for the component to be wasted.

Abstract: A trailer having a trailer ramp system that includes a trailer ramp coupled with the trailer and an actuator pivotally coupled to the trailer on a first end of the actuator and pivotally coupled to the trailer ramp on a second end of the actuator. The actuator is located below the trailer and is aligned with a central axis of the trailer ramp and a central axis of the trailer. The actuator is movable linearly to rotate the trailer ramp between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A walking system for moving a load over the ground includes a substructure having laterally spaced-apart, rigidly interconnected main beams for carrying the load. A jack support beam is mounted as a cantilever on top of each main beam, and each includes a lifting jack assembly. Each lifting jack assembly includes a power-driven hydraulic cylinder having a ram and foot plate, and each is selectively operable for extending a ram downwardly to force the foot plate against the ground to raise the substructure off the ground, and for retraction to disengage the foot plates from the ground, thereby lowering the substructure to the ground. Each jack lifting assembly includes a shifter mechanism operable for displacing the main beams and the substructure along the ground in a selected steering mode when the lifting jack assemblies are actuated to raise the main beams and the substructure above the ground.

Abstract: A method for providing alignment in a die picking process may include aligning a semiconductor wafer based on a reference die, forming an indicator line relative to the reference die by picking a number of dice along a line extending across the wafer, and using the reference line to monitor a position of the picking machine relative to the wafer. A die attach machine may include a control system for automatically implementing such method.

Abstract: A pick-and-place machine and method includes use of a passive component feeder cartridge including a feeder gear. Rotation of the feeder gear causes a component-bearing tape to be fed through the feeder cartridge. A pickup head includes a vacuum nozzle to pick up the components from the tape and a rack gear to engage and drive the feeder gear of the feeder cartridge via translational motion of the pickup head when operatively disposed with respect to a selected feeder cartridge.

Abstract: A lift efficiency improvement mechanism is provided for use with a service wedge configured to be removably installed in an access slot of a turbine casing. The lift efficiency improvement mechanism includes a connector element, which is connectable with the turbine casing proximate to the access slot and a manually transportable lift efficiency improvement device, which is supportably coupled to the connector element and movably coupled to the service wedge. The lift efficiency improvement device is configured to urge the service wedge to move relative to the access slot responsive to corresponding operator control movement.

Abstract: A light positioning system for use in transferring a container to a buffer is disclosed. The system includes a light signal that is disposed adjacent the buffer for guiding an operator to position a chassis into the buffer and a program logic controller. The system also includes a thru beam sensor. The thru beam sensor senses movement of the container into the buffer and outputs data to the program logic controller. The system further includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor determines a distance from the distance sensor to the container and outputs data to the program logic controller. The program logic controller determines a length of the container based on the data received from the thru beam sensor and the distance sensor and provides an output signal to the light signal based on the length of the container and the data received from the distance sensor.

Abstract: A bale retention system for retaining bales of material on a trailer, the system including a trailer with a horizontal trailer bed having first and second ends, a bale retention wall extending upwardly from the trailer bed and extending between the first and second ends of the trailer bed, and a trailer roller system including a first arm pivotably attached at its first end to a first structure at a first end of the trailer, a second arm pivotably attached at its first end to a second structure at a second end of the trailer, and a roller extending between and rotatably attached to a second end of the first and second arms. The roller system is actuatable so that the roller is moveable along an arcuate path extending from a point adjacent to a top surface of the bale retention wall to a point adjacent to the trailer bed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transporting objects comprises a frame for receiving at least one object, at least one handle coupled to the frame, at least one set of wheels coupled to the frame, at least one track coupled to the frame, wherein the track allows movement of the apparatus in addition to the wheels, and at least one brake mechanism coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A system for connecting a gullwing to a catwalk comprising a gullwing pin movable in an indexer groove that enables a foot pad of the gullwing to remain stationary relative to the catwalk when the gullwing is raised or lowered.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate support bushing for a lift pin used in a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The bushing includes an elongated housing sized to guide the lift pin in a substrate support pedestal. The housing has a longitudinal bore formed through the housing. The housing includes at least one passageway slot extending and open to substantially the entire length of the bore. In another embodiment, a method for transferring a substrate from a substrate support pedestal is provided. The method includes displacing a lift pin through a central bore toward a substrate disposed on a substrate support pedestal. The bore has at least one slot extending substantially along and open to the central bore. The method further includes spacing the substrate from the substrate support pedestal on the lift pin.

Abstract: A container skate of synthetic material facilitates movement of a container. A sliding body has two inclined ends facilitating sliding of the body in opposite directions with a container thereon without further damage to the container or support surface over which it is moved. The body has an upstanding plug extendable into a container corner fitting so pulling of the container draws the body with it, sliding over a surface while bearing container weight. The body further includes a stop member extending therefrom and spaced from said plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting two or three pre-bend wind turbine blades for a wind turbine and to a wind turbine blade transport unit, said wind turbine blades each having a length extending from a first end, e.g. a root end describing a first end plane, to a second end, e.g. a tip end, where said length is at least 35 metres, said wind turbine blades each comprising a central longitudinal axis extending perpendicular from said first end plane and towards said second end, said wind turbine blade further comprises an aerodynamically shaped body comprising a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge. According to the invention the wind turbine blades are fixated in specific positions in relation to one or two other wind turbine blades as one single transport unit.

Abstract: A positioning of a motor vehicle in absence of action of a motor or engine that drives the motor vehicle includes centering the vehicle transversely with respect to a longitudinal-vertical reference plane that is invariable in a fixed frame of reference until a center of a first axle of the vehicle coincides or more or less coincides with the reference plane whatever the gauge width of the first axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular fixture plate system comprising: at least one interlocking fixture plate comprising at least one of a male end and a female end, wherein the male end comprises at least one male projection and the female end comprises at least one female recess; and a docking plate comprising at least one of at least one male projection and at least one female recess; wherein at least one male projection or female recess of the at least one interlocking fixture plate is interlocked with a mating one of the at least one male projection or the at least one female recess of the docking plate.

Abstract: A loader module of a substrate processing system includes a transportation arm configured to move towards a wafer accommodated in a carrier and receive the wafer, and a control unit configured to confirm a delivery position of the wafer based on an upward movement amount of an end effector of the transportation arm, and a contact sound generated when the end effector comes in contact with the wafer. The control unit confirms the delivery position of the wafer based on an average height of the end effector when the contact sound of each pad of the end effector comes in contact with the wafer to generate a contact sound a plurality of times.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.

Abstract: A produce package comprises a bag and a quantity of fresh, unfrozen produce. The bag comprises a handle for carrying the bag, a base opposite the handle for supporting the bag on a surface when the bag is full, and at least one sidewall distinct from the base and extending between the base and the handle. The base and the at least one sidewall cooperate to form an interior volume of the bag and the produce is disposed within the interior volume of the bag. At least a portion of the bag is transparent for viewing the produce. Such produce packages may form part of a produce display comprising a plurality of the produce packages arranged in a single layer on a display surface with each produce package in an upright position in which the handle of the bag is at an upper end of the produce package.

Abstract: A pick up tip assembly that includes a plurality of overlapping petals defining a petal enclosure having a distal end opening A displaceable member is engagable with the plurality of petals and the size of the distal end opening is adjustable by displacement of the displaceable member.