Abstract: A method of moving a large, flat planar object with a pair of quick-disconnect wide handles attached to an elongated handle rod, to enable a person to quickly lift the large, flat planar object, such as moving plywood panels or table-tops, doors, or other large flat items. The quick-disconnect feature uses a quick disconnect clamp with the addition of an elongated handle and attachment of a rod attachment to it; whereby one such clamp is used at each rod end attaching the handle to the large, flat planar object being carried.

Abstract: An overhead catalyst loading device eliminates the need for lower flanges of the overhead catalyst structural support frame or dedicated overhead trolley beams to prevent ash build up collecting on a SCR reactor box and provides an advantageous lifting mechanism suitable for integration into a SCR device. The overall width of the SCR device is reduced since the structural support frame in the SCR device fits in the gaps between catalyst blocks. No extra space is required on either side of the catalyst blocks for the structural support frame. The overhead catalyst loading device also minimizes the chance of injury during catalyst block installation by using a hydraulic actuated lifting mechanism for loading and unloading catalyst blocks into and out of a SCR device. Methods of lifting and loading and unloading a catalyst block are also presented therein.

Abstract: A pole carrying device and method of using the pole carrying device is disclosed, wherein the pole carrying device is designed to carry and maneuver poles or pipes in a safe and easily controlled manner. In one example, the pole carrying device comprises a main beam that is supported by a wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly comprises two wheels. Further, two cradles are mounted atop the main beam (e.g., one at each end) for holding the poles or pipes. The method of using the pole carrying device includes, but is not limited to, the steps of providing the pole carrying device in an at rest position, placing the poles or pipes atop the pole carrying device, and rolling the pole carrying device along the ground and thereby transporting the poles or pipes.

Abstract: An improved vehicle lift system is provided for lifting and supporting a vehicle. The vehicle lift system includes a portable front lift for lifting and supporting a front end of the vehicle, a portable rear lift for lifting and supporting a rear end of the vehicle, and a portable control station for remotely controlling the front lift and the rear lift from a safe and convenient location. The vehicle lift system may include hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, and/or mechanical linkages for distributing and providing lifting power to the front lift and the rear lift.

Abstract: A storage structure (10) according to the invention comprises a plurality of pallets (14) that is each configured to carry a load such as a car (16), a vertical conveyor (12) including a number of endless chains (26), a support structure (24) that defines storage bays (18) in which the pallets (14) and cars (16) can be stored, a number of brackets (30) on each chain (26), and a sliding mechanism (44,46) on each level, for sliding the pallets (14) between the bays (18) and a position in which the pallet (14) is supported on some of the brackets (30) on the chains (26). The bays (18) are provided on opposing sides of the vertical conveyor (12) and are spaced apart vertically on multiple levels, with equal vertical spacing between the levels.

Abstract: The above invention pertains to the mining industry and can be applied for exploratory or industrial mining of oil, gas or gas hydrate from underwater sources and their transporting to or below the water surface. The purpose of the invention is to transport underwater mined oil, gas or gas hydrate to or below the water surface without using pipeline systems. The proposed transporting method utilizes submergable containers which gain positive buoyancy while being filled with the extracted materials. The proposed transporting method allows delivering mined materials continuously to the point of unloading, which can be located at or below the water surface. The proposed invention has an advantage of transporting simultaneously different types of extracted materials such as liquid, gaseous or solid to a water surface.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a container handling system for an automotive vehicle having a generally horizontal cargo bed area may include a wheeled container for holding cargo, the container may have an alignment surface adjacent a front end of the container; a powered winch connected on the vehicle having a cable for connection with the container, the winch imparting vertical movement to the container; and a guide structure connected on the vehicle for guiding vertical and horizontal movement of the container by interacting with the container alignment surface.

Abstract: A spacing tool and a method for facilitating the de-stacking of vertically stacked items are disclosed. The spacing tool comprises an attachment arm and a spacing arm pivotably coupled to a pivot. The attachment arm comprises one or more suitable fasteners for attaching the first arm to a load. The spacing arm is rotatable about the pivot between an open position and a support position. The pivot comprises a biasing mechanism for biasing the spacing arm to the support position. To create and maintain a clearance between an upper load and a lower load therebelow, one may rotate the spacing arm to the open position, and vertically attach the attachment arm to a side of either the upper load or the lower load such that the second arm rests against the other load. Then the upper load is lifted to create a space sufficient for the spacing arm to rotate, at which time the biasing mechanism automatically rotates the spacing arm to the support position for maintaining a clearance between the upper and lower loads.

Abstract: A tool for lifting a tile from the bore of a chimney or other vertical opening has pivotably connected arms. Jaws at the lower ends of the arms are offset from a lifting point of the tool and optionally, from the pivot point. An actuating mechanism closes the jaws. One mechanism comprises a screw that moves a nut and one or more toggle elements connected thereto. Another mechanism comprises toggle elements which connect to the upper ends of arms and pull on them when upward force is applied at a lifting point. A releasable latch keeps the arms of tool spaced apart while a tile wall is being engaged. At least one jaw is a thin plate; preferably the opposing jaw is pivotable. Both jaws may be angled relative to the principal axis of the tool.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: A sports equipment vehicle for transporting sporting equipment is disclosed. The rack comprises of a plurality of support sections that allow the equipment carrying member to translate from the top of the vehicle roof to the side of the vehicle. Each support section has a bottom member, top equipment holding member, a first leg member, a second leg member, and a strut connected to the bottom member and the top equipment holding member. The support sections move from a transport position that has the top equipment holding member substantially parallel to the vehicle's roof to a loading position where the top equipment holding member is on a substantially inclined plane with a portion below the vehicle's roof. The first and second leg members act as a radius bar for an arc-like motion of the top equipment holding member and the strut assists with the racks movement.

Abstract: A transport apparatus including a drive; a first arm connected to the drive, where the first arm includes a first link, a second link and an end effector connected in series with the drive, where the first link and the second link have different effective lengths; and a system for limiting rotation of the end effector relative to the second link to provide substantially only straight movement of the end effector relative to the drive when the first arm is extended or retracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for lifting a single Joint of pipe. The single joint elevator of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a pair of deployable jaws cooperating with a pair of static jaws to secure a pipe within the slot of a generally horseshoe-shaped body. The deployable jaws of the single joint elevator of the present invention may be rotatably deployable or translatably employable, or both. In one embodiment, each jaw, including the static jaws and the deployable jaws, comprises a pipe slip movably disposed within the jaw to secure a pipe segment within the slot and to self-tighten as the weight of the pipe segment secured within the single joint elevator is transferred to the slips and the jaws.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for positioning eggs on a tray that comprises the automated detection of the presence/absence of eggs in the cells of a tray, and the picking-up of eggs from a supply and the placement thereof in the empty cells of a tray. The invention also relates to a system or positioning eggs on a stabilizing tray, the tray including evenly distributed cells in which the eggs are placed, one or more cells being likely not to contain eggs, this information being stored in an information processing unit, wherein said system includes a means in the form of a robot having an egg pick-up head that are driven by the information processing unit in order to pick up eggs from a supply tray and to place them in the empty cells of the stabilizing tray.

Abstract: One variation may include a module may include a cargo cavity and at least one wheel. The module may be constructed and arranged to aid in the transportation and delivery of cargo or freight over terrain or rough surfaces.

Abstract: A lifting system (1) for lifting an item (2) with a vessel (4) comprising a first support (5) and a second support (6), wherein the lifting system comprises an elongate lifting structure (3) comprising a first end (7) and a second end (8), an item connector constructed and arranged to in use connect the lifting structure to the item near or at the first end, a weight (21) connected to a weight connector (10) provided on the lifting structure near or at the second end, a first connector (11) constructed and arranged to connect the lifting structure (31) in use to the first support, a second connector (12) constructed and arranged to connect the lifting structure in use to the second support, wherein the first connector is located at a distance from the item connector in a direction from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double drum traction winch (1) of which the rotatable drums (3,4) are both provided with adjustable grooves (7,8). Each drum comprises multiple, for example three or more, curved segments (11), each segment defining a section of a circumferential groove, such that multiple circumferential grooves on the outer surface of the drum are each composed of several curved segments. The curved segments are each movably supported by a core body (10) for movement in a substantial radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the drum. An actuator mechanism for the curved segments is provided, that comprises actuators (12) that cause essentially radial displacement of the curved segments, such that the circumference of the grooves can be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end effector for a manipulator, wherein the end effector interacts with a workpiece, wherein at least one carrier, configured in particular as a carrier plate, for a tool arrangement is provided, and wherein the tool arrangement serves to interact with the workpiece. It is proposed that the carrier is formed at least in part from a deformable material, in particular from an elastically deformable material, and that the carrier is assigned an actuating arrangement, by way of which the carrier is deformable and thus the tool arrangement is orientable in space.

Abstract: An order picking system having a system for transferring an article from a source container to a reception container. A article holder is configured for taking the article from the source container and placing the article into the reception container. A protection case is movable between a source position above the source container and a reception position above the reception container. A gate is configured to provide an opening in a bottom portion of the protection case when the gate is in an open state, and to close the opening when the gate is in a closed state. The protection case is configured for moving from the source position to the reception position when the article holder transfers the article from the source container to the reception container. The article holder is configured to hold the article above the bottom portion of the protection case when the article holder is moved from the source container to the reception container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery lease and exchange system for a vehicle owner to make a stop at a battery refueling station where the battery on the car that has already had a low capacity is quickly removed and another battery that is fully charged is installed such that the battery “refueling” process may be executed quickly without being limited by the speed of recharging the batteries.

Abstract: A system has a first operation substrate, the operation substrate having at least one sliding surface and at least one conductive trace in a layer in the substrate, at least one flex circuit magnetically coupled to the operation substrate, the flex circuit having at least one sliding surface and at least one conductive trace in the substrate, and at least one manipulator moveable across the sliding surfaces of the operation substrate and the flex circuit by magnetic fields generated by application of current to the conductive traces.

Abstract: A method for tracking a shipping container in a freight yard that includes the steps of: (a) assigning a specific temporary storage position to the container; (b) confirming, upon arrival of the container at a temporary storage position, that the position is the assigned specific temporary storage position; (c) recording a container serial number and an identification number for the specific temporary storage position once the container is placed in the specific temporary storage position; and (d) recording a date and a time that the container was placed in the specific temporary storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting: a) a flat, flexible test tube holder ring and b) a mechanism to manipulate the angular orientation of the flat flexible test tube holder ring. The test tube holder ring includes: (1) an outer circumference, (2) an inner circumference, and (3) apertures to hold test tubes, wherein alternate apertures have circumferential walls to enable positioning the test tubes higher compared to their adjacent test tubes. The mechanism includes means to engage and to orient the angle of the test tube holder ring. When the angle of the means to engage the test tube holder ring is at one angle, the test tube holder ring is flat and planar, and when the angle of the means to engage the test tube holder is at a different angle the test tube holder ring has a conical shape.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a shroud block in a casing are disclosed. The system includes a crane, an engagement device mounted to the shroud block, and a hoist connecting the engagement device and the crane. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing. The method includes mounting an engagement device to the shroud block, and actuating a hoist connected to the engagement device. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing.

Abstract: A transport arm including a holding unit that holds a substrate by vacuum adsorption. The holding unit has an air discharge port and an adsorption member formed so as to surround the air discharge port. The adsorption member is a squeeze packing.

Abstract: The invention describes a self-propelled trolley for handling a wind-turbine blade, which trolley comprises a driving device for propelling the trolley between locations; and a lifting device, which lifting device is realised to raise and lower the wind-turbine blade. The invention also describes a method of handling a wind-turbine blade, which method comprises the steps of positioning a self-propelled trolley according to any of the preceding claims at a point underneath the wind-turbine blade; actuating a lifting device of the self-propelled trolley to raise or lower the wind-turbine blade; and controlling a driving device of the self-propelled trolley to propel the trolley between locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a micro pick up array mount includes a pivot platform to allow a micro pick up array to automatically align with a carrier substrate. Deflection of the pivot platform may be detected to control further movement of the micro pick up array.

Abstract: A method of handling a generally cylindrical conduit includes positioning a lift cylinder within the generally cylindrical conduit. The lift cylinder includes an inflatable bag, an inflation port, and an attachment point. The method also includes connecting a fluid source to the inflation port, inflating the inflatable bag with the fluid source such that an outer surface of the inflatable bag engages an inner surface of the generally cylindrical conduit, connecting a winch to the attachment point, and moving the lift cylinder and the generally cylindrical conduit with the winch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a micro pick up array structure allows the micro pick up array to automatically align with the carrier substrate. Deflection of the micro pick up array may be detected to control further movement of the micro pick up array.

Abstract: An ion implant apparatus configured to measure the temperature or monitor the degradation of components in the apparatus is provided. The ion implant apparatus may include a platen configured to move in a first direction, a mask frame to hold one or more masks disposed on the platen, a first optical sensor configured to project an optical beam to a second optical sensor, and a measurement bar disposed on the mask frame, the measurement bar raised above the surface of the mask frame to interrupt the optical beam when the platen moves in the first direction.

Abstract: A sample containment unit and sample containment process are disclosed. The sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region. The body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material. The sample containment process includes positioning a sample in a sample containment unit and transporting the sample containment unit.

Abstract: A transfer device (100) comprises a housing (110) defining a chamber (130), carriers (120), and an adjustable spacing mechanism (124). The carriers (120) can be positioned in the chamber (130) and have receiving openings (158). The spacing mechanism (124) is configured to move carriers (120) relative to one another along a chamber (130) to a desired spatial arrangement. Items, such as microscope slides (260), can be transferred between slide holder devices by using the transfer device (100). The pitch of the carriers (120) can be adjusted to receive and dispense slides (260).

Abstract: A shipping and handling system for a fork lift truck that has a cab and rails extending vertically above the cab. A first bracket is secured to the back of the rails and a second bracket is secured to the back of the cab. One bracket is provided with wheel while the other is provided with legs so that the truck is able to rest on the brackets when it is tipped over upon its back. A special adaptor is provided that allows a second fork lift truck to hitch onto the unwheeled bracket and lift the bracket off the support surface whereupon the first truck can be easily maneuvered from place to place.

Abstract: A towbar includes a body and a carriage assembly mounted to the body for movement between a retracted position in which wheels on the carriage assembly are elevated above the ground and a support position in which the wheels support the towbar on the ground, wherein the towbar is configured for rapid deployment of the carriage assembly from the retracted position to the support position. Rapid deployment is provided by a hydraulic actuator and an accumulator that can store fluid pressure, such that controllably discharging the accumulator drives the actuator to move the carriage assembly. A method is disclosed using the towbar to move an aircraft such that the accumulator is charged with pressure before the towbar is decoupled from nose gear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that is capable of being steered while transporting a load across a base surface. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a roller track configured to support movement of a roller assembly, and a support foot that is connected to the roller track with a pin connector. During load transport, the support foot can be maintained in a substantially similar position relative to a frame structure supporting the load even when the transport movement is not in a parallel direction to the orientation of the support foot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel based measuring system and a method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one stationary lift; a number of moveable lifts; positioning means for defining a position of a wheel axle of the vehicle; distance measuring means for determining the distance of the vehicle to a reference point; and control means for determining the distance between two vehicle axles and steering the one or more moveable lifts to the correct position.

Abstract: A gripping element is provided for industrial manipulators adapted for gripping items at high temperatures, in particular composite and nylon laminates. The gripping element includes a first portion coupling to a manipulator and a second elastically deformable portion intended to interact directly with the item to be manipulated. The second portion includes a substantially flat base and a perimetrical edge which extends around the base. An air intake duct opens at the base to activate the gripping element by depression. At rest, in a first not-deformed configuration, the lying plane of the perimetrical edge and the lying plane of the base are parallel and separated. In use, in a second deformed configuration, the lying plane of the perimetrical edge and the lying plane of the base are coincident are in abutment on the caught item.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a manipulator device includes a base, first and second linear slides, a drive link, a drive member, a driven member and an end effector. The elements of the manipulator device cooperate to constrain the end effector to rotate about a remote center of motion that is displaced from a proximal center of motion as the drive link moves a carriage of the second linear slide along an arcuate path.

Abstract: Embodiments include multi-arm robots for substrate transport systems that include a boom, first and second forearms rotationally coupled to the boom, the second forearm being shorter than the first forearm, a first wrist member rotationally coupled to the first forearm, and a second wrist member rotationally coupled to the second forearm. Each of the boom, first and second forearms, and the first and second wrist members are configured to be independently rotated to carry out substrate motion profiles. Electronic device processing systems and methods of transporting substrates are described, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a system for pick and transfer of semiconductor chips. The system comprises: a rotating arm; two pick up heads attached at respective end portions of the rotating arm; and a camera system for inspecting a chip pick-up position in a vertical line of sight configuration. Also, an axis of rotation of the rotating arm is offset from the line of sight. Various embodiments also provide a corresponding method.

Abstract: A storage tray populator configured to populate a storage rack with a plurality of biological sample containers is provided. The storage tray populator may include a randomizer configured to receive the biological sample containers and randomly distribute the biological sample containers. Further, a transport apparatus may transport the biological sample containers from the randomizer to the storage rack. Additionally, a controller may control at least the transport apparatus. Thereby storage trays may be populated, and access to a desired biological sample may be improved. Methods for populating storage racks with a plurality of biological sample containers are also provided.

Abstract: A bale grab device is provided which includes: at least one frame member; a central projecting member; and at least two holding arms, wherein the holding arms are located on either side of the central projecting member and wherein each holding arm is configured to be capable of being independently moved between an open and a closed position wherein a separate gripping region is provided between each of the holding arms and the central projecting member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slipsheet and/or divider sheet and method for making the same, and method for moving and storing containers with use of the slipsheets or divider sheets. The sheets have an imprint or an embossing that provides a raised planar surface. The raised planar surface preferably comprises a plurality of ridges, crowns or crests, which are preferably arranged in a pattern throughout an upper surface of the sheet. To make the sheet, a die can be etched to have protuberances or bumps, and the die is preferably pressed into a sheet of pliable thermoplastic material. The sheet thus made has a plurality of indentation formed by the protuberances or bumps on the die, and the sheet has a planar outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges, crowns and crests between the indentations.

Abstract: A system for manipulating objects includes a scanner arranged to optically scan an object in a first position to obtain position data indicative of the first position, a manipulation module arranged to receive the position data and to generate orientation instructions therefrom for reorienting a manipulation arm from a first orientation corresponding to engagement of the object by the arm when the object is in the first position to a second orientation corresponding to engagement of the object by the arm when the object is in a second position, and an arm controller arranged to receive the orientation instructions and to control the manipulation arm to manipulate the object from the first position to the second position based on the orientation instructions.

Abstract: A system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an apparatus for raising, suspending, transporting, and lowering appliance units for installation and removal. Two support frame assemblies, each having telescopic legs attached to wheels and upper support brackets from which the appliance unit is suspended, are connected by a removable frame connector. The apparatus may then be rolled across a rooftop to move and place the appliance unit. The frame connector may be replaced with a retention connector and supplemented with a lower retention connector for efficient storage and transport of the apparatus.

Abstract: A substrate transfer robot includes an extensible/retractable arm unit, a robot hand and a sensor unit. The extensible/retractable arm unit is configured to extend and retract in a horizontal direction. The robot hand is provided with prongs for holding a substrate. The robot hand includes a base end portion rotatably connected to a tip end portion of the extensible/retractable arm unit. The sensor unit is arranged to be rotated by a rotating force of the robot hand. The sensor unit is configured to, when rotated, intersect a lateral end portion of the substrate held by the prongs when seen in a plan view and to detect a lateral end position of the substrate.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for the use of a first storage medium located in a first library unit in a storage medium library. It is determined that the first storage medium is to be moved by a transportation component. In response to determining that the first storage medium is to be moved by the transportation component, it is determined that the transportation component is located at a second library unit. In response to determining that the transportation component is located at the second library unit, it is determined that a second storage medium, which is in the second library unit, can be transported to the first library unit. In response to a determination that the second storage medium can be transported to the first library unit, the second storage medium is transported to the first library unit.

Abstract: A novel transport pallet (1) has an inclined load bed that extends from a low end to a high end. A vehicle (15) is driven onto the pallet 1 from the low end, which is close to the ground. As the pallet (1) is longer than the vehicle (15) carried on it, the gradient of the load bed is small as compared to conventional loading ramps. Thus, there is very little risk of the vehicle (15) grounding as it is driven onto the load bed. The vehicle (15) is secured to the load bed by tie-down points around the load bed. A forklift truck lifts the pallet (1) by engaging its forks within recesses at the high end. The truck then places the pallet (1), low end leading, into a shipping container (14), lowers the pallet (1) so that it rests on the floor of the container (14), and disengages from the pallet (1). Thus, the vehicle (15) is housed safely within the container (14), with little risk of damage during shipping.

Abstract: An insertion/extraction tool for inserting and extracting components in a housing includes a clamp member that attaches to a component in the housing. A lift member includes a bearing attached to the clamp member. A bridge includes a threaded member attached to the clamp member with a lead screw. The lead screw is threaded through the threaded member in the bridge and terminated at the bearing attached to the clamp member. The lead screw raises and lowers the lift member as it rotates, thereby translating the component relative to the housing.