Abstract: A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device.

Abstract: A bundle gripper for a palletizing machine for picking up respectively at least one bundle and depositing the bundle on a pallet. The bundle gripper including a frame, an adjustable end stop, and at least one gripper finger such that the gripper finger has a front end and is adjustable on the frame. The gripper finger being movable between a first position and a second position. The bundle gripper also including a hold-down clamp coupled to the frame and positioned against the end stop for clamping the bundle against the gripper finger such that a distance between the end stop and the front end of the gripper finger in the second position is changeable to adapt to different lengths of the bundles. The end stop and the gripper finger are each movable to change the distance and the hold-down clamp is correspondingly adjustable to accommodate different lengths of the bundles.

Abstract: A thermoformed article stack guiding apparatus is provided with a frame, a guide ramp and an array of juxtaposed article guide channels. The guide ramp receives and guides individual stacks of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press from multiple rows and multiple levels. A first set of article guide channels is inter-nested with a second set of article guide channels in an alternating array. Each of the first set and the second set is spread out laterally in a direction from an entrance end of the guide ramp to an exit end of the guide ramp to accept respective stacks of inter-nested articles from an upper row and a lower row of a trim press and transfer the stacks into a common exit row. A method is also provided.

Abstract: System and apparatus for automatically stacking trays involve receiving trays on a receiving platform, detecting the arrival of the tray on the platform, and synchronously displacing the tray to a moveable tray cart located in a tray stacking area of a stacking tower. An automated tray sliding mechanism displaces the tray to the stacking area upon detection of the tray at the receiving platform. Trays displaced in the stacking area of a lower section of a stacking tower form a tray stack. A stack elevator of the tower engages and elevates the tray stack providing a space beneath the stack allowing the next incoming tray to be displaced into the stacking area and assume the provided space beneath the tray stack, the incoming tray thereby assuming the lowermost position in the tray stack. Trays are added to the lowermost position in the stack until the stack height reaches a predetermined height and is removed from the stacking area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for storing and/or transporting platforms of pipette tips. The system includes packaging in which a stacked tower of platforms may be transported. Embodiments of the present invention further include a loader for transferring platforms from the packaging to a rack for holding pipette tip platforms. The loader transfers the platforms by accessing the uppermost platform in the stack.

Abstract: A method for stacking firewood which comprises the steps of supplying an elongated strap, securing a first end portion of the strap about a piece of firewood, laying a first portion of the strap along a substrate, placing a plurality of logs in a side by side relationship to form a first row on top of the first portion of the strap, wrapping the strap about an end of the first row and then extending the strap on top of the first row, stacking further objects in a second row on top of the strap and first row, and wrapping the strap about a second end of the second row and again extending the strap on top of the second row. The steps are repeated until the desired amount of firewood is stacked.

Abstract: A pallet assembly for use with a stacking frame includes an upper deck for receiving material to be held by the pallet assembly. The upper deck defines two opposing edges and two opposing ends with the two ends of the upper deck includes at least one notch along a lower edge dimensioned for receiving a toe of a stacking frame positioned above the upper deck. A plurality of stringers extend a length of the upper deck, each stringer having an elongated body with two ends, a central portion, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a notch along the lower surface about the central portion. The stringers include an edge stringer on each of the two opposing edges of the upper deck and two intermediate stringers positioned apart and on opposing sides of a midpoint between the two edges. A support member is positioned beneath the upper deck between the two intermediate stringers and an end of the upper deck.

Abstract: A grabber for automatically grabbing and placing packing units of different dimensions and configurations includes a frame with a support, a hold-down device and a stripper attached to the frame. The support supports a bottom portion of a respective packing unit, and is generally horizontally movable with respect to the frame. The hold-down device is downwardly movable toward the support to clamp the respective packing unit between the support and the hold-down device. The stripper is disposed above the support and is generally horizontally movable. The respective packing unit is substantially immobilized by the hold-down device and the stripper as the support is retracted.

Abstract: In a mail processing system, a support element has a flat floor with elements spaced from each other so that a comb-type or fork-type structure is produced, wherein the elements have front section extending upwards. A first transport device has a number of bands equipped with sectional separators, which are spaced from one another. To transfer piled postal items from the support element to the first transport device the floor is aligned with the transport device, and the floor and the transport device are interlocked, so that at least a part of one of the bands extends between the elements.

Abstract: A pallet cover includes a deck. A plurality of flanges extend upwardly from the deck and a plurality of legs extend downwardly from the deck. The pallet cover includes a plurality of adjustable corner members that allow the pallet cover to fit pallets of varying sizes. The adjustable corner members operate in an “accordion-like” fashion so that they can be reused on multiple pallets and still retain their original size.

Abstract: A method for storing and transferring containers comprises the steps of a container information-receiving step for receiving information of the containers transmitted from a loading/unloading unit while the containers stacked in the container ship are unloaded by means of the loading/unloading unit, a transferring unit-moving step for moving a transferring unit to the loading/unloading unit having transmitted the information of the containers so that the containers are loaded onto the transferring unit, a storage-determining step for analyzing the received information of the containers to determine whether the containers placed on the transferring unit are to be moved to a stacking unit so that the containers can be stored or are to be moved to a taking-in/taking-out unit so that the containers can be removed from a container terminal, and a container-transferring step for moving the transferring unit to a position selected on the basis of the determination as to whether the containers are to be stored or not

Abstract: A van semi-trailer and a method for shipping the same are provided. The van semi-trailer comprises: a van body; wheels and a leg at the bottom surface of the van body; bottom corner fittings at the bottom surface of the van body; top corner fittings provided on top surface of the van body and respectively aligned with access holes penetrating through the top surface of the van body; and auxiliary supporters inside the van body, wherein each auxiliary supporter has a lower end connected to a base frame of the van body and an upper end aligned with the respective access hole and connected to the respective top corner fitting. Therefore, it is possible to ship the van semi-trailer, while the original structure of the van semi-trailer is maintained substantially and the manufacture difficulty is not increased; the auxiliary supporters may be manufactured at low cost, easily implemented and recycled.

Abstract: A stacker adapted to generally stack product in a vertical fashion is provided. The stacker includes a first generally vertical conveyor having a first conveyor belt and a first plurality of flights mounted generally perpendicularly to the first conveyor belt. The first plurality of flights at least partially defines a plurality of stacking platforms. At least one positioning sensor for sensing a relative position of the flights is provided. An advancement sensor is provided for sensing product entering the stacker. A first drive incrementally drives the first conveyor responsive to the advancement sensor so that the stacking platforms descend. Each of the stacking platforms can receive individual or single items to be stacked into a tray or can sequentially receive multiple items, either pre-stacked or stacked on a given flight, and then be indexed downwardly to allow the next stack to be formed on the subsequent stacking platform. A method and system for handling and stacking products is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation and a method for automatically processing individual hand-held bags between two storage areas, the bags respectively having a base surmounted by two opposed lateral flanks, said bags being adapted to rest in equilibrium on their base, said bags being transferred from one storage area to the other via a longitudinal transfer platform, as claimed in the invention, the installation comprises: means for forming rows of bags resting on their base on one of said storage areas; means for driving each of said rows in translation in a first direction over said longitudinal transfer platform; and means for driving each of said rows of bags supported by said platform in translation in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to transfer said row of bags to the other storage area.

Abstract: A stick placer is disclosed for placing a stick at a target position, the stick placer comprising a base, a vertically elongated container attached to the base for containing a plurality of sticks in a planar mat, a stick dispensing mechanism secured to the vertically elongated container for selectively dispensing a bottom stick of the plurality of sticks from the vertically elongated container, guiding means secured to the base for guiding the dispensed stick to a horizontal resting position, grasping means for grasping the stick in the horizontal resting position and moving means attached to the grasping means and to the base for selectively moving the grasping means between the horizontal resting position and the final target position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a conveying and stacking device for corrugated boards, which is used in a conveyor of a corrugated board production line to stack corrugated boards by a specified number and comprises an exhaust facing the downstream of the conveyor and a sucker arranged at the upstream of the exhaust and facing the procession of the corrugated boards. The sucker and the exhaust are arranged in an elevator for elevating the corrugated boards and respectively suck air and exhaust air simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to the separation and transportation of a disc shaped substrate (102; 202) such as e.g. a solar wafer. The invention is characterized by the fact that separations take place within a fluid, and that adhesion forces resulting from a thin fluid film develop between a gripper (108; 208) and the substrate to be separated (102; 202) that enable adherence to the gripper (108; 208). Through unloading perpendicular to the feed direction (105; 205) or particularly in parallel to the planar design of the substrates (102; 202), a very gentle and efficient separation of disc shaped substrates (102; 202) is possible with a short cycle time.

Abstract: A method of assembling pallets 14, 20, 28 containing first stock units 50 for use in the fulfilment of stock orders, the method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of first pallets 14 each containing a quantity of the first stock units 50 and moving a portion of the first stock units 50 from at least one of the first pallets 14 onto one or more second pallets 20 in establishing desired quantities of the first stock units 50 in the first and second pallets 14, 20 for use in the fulfilment of the stock orders. In one form, the sequence of order fulfilment is controlled to increase the quantity of first stock units on the first pallets used in fulfilling the stock orders. A distribution system and control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulating handle for an item of cookware is provided. The articulating handle is configured for connection with the cookware through a hinge assembly. The handle may be locked into substantially horizontal position such as for use of the cookware, or a substantially vertical position for storage. As such, cookware including such a handle can be stacked in a space-saving manner. A method for stacking cookware and a stack of cookware incorporating such a handle are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for removing and disposing a stack of flat products from a stacking device into a bundling device, in particular, in a folding box manufacturing machine, wherein the stack is grasped in the stacking device by a gripper mounted to a robot arm, and is disposed in the bundling device, wherein the first stack grasped by the gripper and/or the subsequent second stack is/are rotated before being disposed in the bundling device.

Abstract: A system for feeding a fuel cell stack including fuel cells having separating plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The system includes a separating plate supply unit for feeding the separating plates; an MEA supply unit for feeding the MEAs; a feeding unit on which the separating plates and the MEAs are fed, the feeding unit being configured to move upward and downward; and a transfer unit for receiving the separating plates and the MEAs from the separating plate supply unit and the MEA supply unit, respectively, and for loading the separating plates and the MEAs onto the feeding unit. A method for feeding a fuel cell stack includes feeding one of the separating plates, moving a magazine a predetermined amount, lowering a plate of a feeding unit, feeding one of the MEAs, and determining if the separating plates and the MEAs have been fed as much as a required number.

Abstract: Palletizing systems and methods increasing the efficiency at which pallets of mixed products are built. The systems and methods include a pallet building module for receiving customer orders and generating pallet building instructions for arranging the products on the pallets, among other functions. The pallet building module is in communication with a number of robot cells that include source products and pallet building robots for building pallets based upon instructions generated by the pallet building module. The system includes other modules for system control including conveyor controllers, forklift controllers, and automatic guided vehicle controllers, among other controllers. Methods for building pallets of mixed product from source products within more than one robot cell.

Abstract: A bale wagon is disclosed having rolling rack tines that pivot, by only a few degrees, so as to reduce the angle between said rolling rack tines and the bale wagons loading bed surface at several preset positions, allows improved control over the lean angle of the unloaded bales.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a plurality of pieces of material has an assembly region, one or more platens on a first longitudinal side of the assembly region, and, a plurality of press rams on a second longitudinal side of the assembly region opposite the first longitudinal side. The press rams are movable transversely across the assembly region to immobilize or partially immobilize pieces of material in the assembly region permitting accurate and precise alignment of the pieces relative to each other in the assembly region.

Abstract: Several devices are used in safely moving lumber and restocking lumber storage/display racks, and a method for restocking lumber in the storage/display rack is used to safely removed and replace partial lumber bundles over new bundles or lumber. As lumber is sold and taken from the rack, it has to be replaced. The remaining pieces of a stack bundle, a partial bundle, is removed by a fork lift using pull arms attached at each end of the forklift carriage/backrest. The pull arms assure that all of the remaining pieces of the stacked bundle can be safely picked up by the forklift to be set aside. A bundle of lumber is then placed on the rack. The partial bundle is then picked up and placed on the new bundle.

Abstract: A palletizer for quickly and efficiently stacking a plurality of articles on a pallet by forming a stack of articles from the bottom of the stack. The palletizer comprises an article receiving section that forms articles into rows and moves the rows onto a platform, moveably disposed in a stack forming section, to form a layer of articles. A clamping mechanism in the stack forming section selectively clamps onto one or more layers to suspend a stack above the platform. A moving mechanism moves the platform between its lowered and raised positions. The platform has a conveyor to receive rows and transfer away loaded pallets. A conveyor moves pallets onto the platform. Another conveyor moves the loaded pallet away. The platform raises layers to form the stack from the bottom, with previous layers suspended by the clamping mechanism, and then raises the pallet to form the loaded pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for placing circuit boards in a receiving container, comprising the following steps: a) gripping and lifting a circuit board with a first grappling device, b) moving the first grappling device and the receiving container relative to each other, such that the receiving container is located below the first grappling device, c) the first grappling device lowers the circuit board into the receiving container, d) gripping and lifting a partition layer from a dispenser with a second grappling device, e) reversion to step b), such that the receiving container is accessible from above and is below the second grappling device, f) the partition layer is placed in the receiving container on top of the previously placed circuit board and g) start the process at a).

Abstract: A method for stacking cases on a pallet includes supplying cases to a buffer, determining physical characteristics of buffer cases including dimensions of a case base and case height, and determining available positions on the pallet where a buffer case can be placed. Rules for selecting a case from the buffer for placement on the pallet are applied to at least a portion of the buffer cases to identify a selected buffer case that satisfies at least one of the rules and a corresponding place on the pallet for the selected case. Then the selected case is removed from the buffer and placed on the pallet in the corresponding place by an industrial robot.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An auto stacking machine includes a worktable (10), a plurality of chutes (20), a pair of receivers (30), and a cushioning apparatus. Three vertical plates (14) are mounted on the worktable. The chutes are attached to outmost ones of the vertical plates respectively, for receiving slot covers (60). The cushioning apparatus includes a plurality of resilient members (55) positioned behind corresponding slideways, for cushioning the dropping strip articles. Each receiver includes a number of receiving spaces, for receiving and stacking the strip articles therein. The receivers are attached to the worktable, and are horizontally moveable. A controller is arranged under the worktable, for electrically controlling movement of the receivers to switch positions of the receiving spaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking semiconductor wafers comprises a housing configured to releasably maintain a plurality of semiconductor wafers in fixed positions relative to the housing. The apparatus also includes a transfer guide proximate to the housing, the transfer guide configured to facilitate the transfer of the plurality of semiconductor wafers into the housing. Also included is a member configured to detach the semiconductor wafers from the housing so as to collect the semiconductor wafers into a stack.

Abstract: A stack processing tray for use with tray-based integrated circuit device handling systems. The stack processing tray has a plurality of cells, each cell being configured to receive at least two integrated circuit devices in a vertically superimposed, stacked relationship. Increased efficiency in the handling and processing of integrated circuit devices is realized as the tray-based integrated circuit device handling system performs fewer tray movements, and therefore less work, to handle a given number of integrated circuit devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving traffic cones from roadway surfaces comprises a framework which is adapted to be attached to a roadwork vehicle so as to be movable therewith along a roadway surface. A knock-down bar upon the framework knocks down a normally upstanding traffic cone, and a substantially horizontally oriented, substantially conically configured spearing mechanism mounted upon the framework is inserted into the hollow interior of the traffic cone. The spearing mechanism and traffic cone are pivoted to a vertical orientation, and subsequently elevated so as to place the traffic cones onto a platform in a nested stacked array.

Abstract: A system for forming a plurality of discrete objects into a stack is disclosed which system includes a frame having a top, a bottom and sides; a conveyor associated with the frame and having an end edge for dispensing discrete objects, a first support mounted on the frame near the end edge for receiving objects from the end edge and having an opening with a width smaller than the width of the objects, a first actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between first and second positions relative to the end edge; a second actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between upper and lower positions relative to the frame; a second support mounted on the frame beneath the first support having a width less than the width of the opening in the first support; a third actuator operatively connected to the second support for moving the second support between high and low positions, the second support high position being higher than the first support

Abstract: A protector for sheet metal coil is formed of plastic with a flange and sleeve which are joined together at a ridge portion. The protectors incorporate symmetrically disposed groupings of stacking features or components which include a finger within a stacking access opening, a stacking tab, and a stacking opening. The fingers are employed to resiliently engage the inner surface of a core of a coil and incorporate a receiver surface for freely abuttable engagement with a stacking tab of a second protector when arranged in mutual stacking relationship. The stacking openings function for stacking purposes to receive the protruding finger of a next stack protector.

Abstract: A system and method for stacking a predetermined number of nestable objects is disclosed, including several alternative embodiments. The system is preferably designed for use with a plurality of nestable objects each having a measurable thickness. A cavity is configured for containing the nestable objects in an orientated position. The objects may be taken directly from a manufacturing process or otherwise loaded to the system at a receiving end. An ejector mechanism operates at the receiving end of the cavity to tamp, by relatively short strokes, successive objects into the cavity until a predetermined number of objects is achieved. At the point of tamping the last object into the cavity, the ejector executes a longer stroke to advance the now vertically oriented and stacked objects toward a discharge end of the cavity. A flange is functionally positioned proximate the discharge end of the cavity to create a span within the cavity having a length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling strapped units of boards, said apparatus comprising a stacker carrier (5) capable of moving the strapped units (2) placed on a support bed (4) in a storage area into storage stacks and off from said storage stacks, respectively. To the opposite sides of said stacker carrier (5) are adapted lift units (23, 24) adapted so as to be individually movable and arranged to cooperate so as to elevate/lower the strapped units of boards resting on said support bed (4). The invention also 23 concerns a support bed suitable for use in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of selecting cases in which to pack items in an item order and selecting the sequence and configuration of placement of items into the selected cases. One such method includes examining an order comprising a list of items to be packed, determining the cases available for packing, determining the minimum number of cases required for packing the items in the list of items to be packed, selecting a case to be packed with one or more of the items in the list of items to be packed, wherein said selecting a case comprises determining a desired average volume per case and selecting the smallest of the cases available to be packed that comprises a volume in excess of the average volume per case, and determining the configuration of placement in the case to be packed of items in the list of items to be packed. Such steps may be repeated until all items in the item list are selected and configured for packing.

Abstract: A piggy back shipping/storage package, a bracket for use in building the package, and method for building the package. The bracket has an article attachment lug for being attached to the top of a lower article mounted on a lower pallet, and a pallet supporting platform for supporting the bottom of an upper pallet on which an upper article is supported.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discharging sheets from a starwheel assembly and creating stacks of a desired number of sheets without interrupting the rotation of the starwheel assembly. The present invention separates sheets such that one separated sheet completes a stack and the other separated sheet is supported by a separator to begin a new stack. The completed stack is preferably transported away from the starwheel assembly by a conveyor as the new stack supports additional sheets that are discharged from the starwheel assembly. The new stack will preferably move away from the starwheel assembly to provide clearance for the accumulation of additionally discharged sheets. The apparatus can allow for cyclical repetition of the separation of sheets, the stacking of sheets, and the transportation of stacks such that continual rotation of the starwheel assembly is not interrupted.

Abstract: Process and plant for handling and stacking a plurality of thermoformed containers or lids, including the steps of: obtaining during a thermoforming phase mouldings of lids and containers, having at least three stacking protrusions or spacers, all having the same space arrangement in all the thermoformed products of the same moulding, at least one of the stacking protrusions or spacers of a same thermoformed object being set out in a non specular symmetric way with respect to at least a center line of the respective container or lid and at a distance from the same center line of the respective container or lid different from that of the others, arranging one or a moulding of said containers or lids in at least one support template to keep them in order according to the spatial arrangement that they had during the thermoforming phase, turning through a predetermined angle every other object or moulding of objects either containers or lids before or during their transfer to a stacking station, and stacking

Abstract: An auto stacking machine includes a worktable (10), a plurality of chutes (20), a pair of receivers (30), and a cushioning apparatus. Three vertical plates (14) are mounted on the worktable. The chutes are attached to outmost ones of the vertical plates respectively, for receiving slot covers (60). The cushioning apparatus includes a plurality of resilient members (55) positioned behind corresponding slideways, for cushioning the dropping strip articles. Each receiver includes a number of receiving spaces, for receiving and stacking the strip articles therein. The receivers are attached to the worktable, and are horizontally moveable. A controller is arranged under the worktable, for electrically controlling movement of the receivers to switch positions of the receiving spaces.

Abstract: A work loading method and a work loading apparatus with excellent productivity are provided. For this purpose, a work loading method includes the steps of: positioning the work with two centering devices (3a, 3b) every other press shot; and making pairs of two robots (4a, 4d) each, which are located diagonally from each other, out of four of the robots (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in total, the two robots of each pair holding the works, which are on two of the centering devices, and performing a loading operation into the pallets, each pair alternately holding the works and performing the loading operation each time two of the centering devices position the works.

Abstract: In a palletizing device including a layer formation structure defining a layer building plane, a contact element moves between a first position an a second position, said first position being at least one of at and below said layer building plane and said second position being above said layer building plane

Abstract: An improved downender device for translating heavy objects such as steel coils from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. Comprises a downender transport table having a center channel, a drive chain disposed in said center channel, and an arbor for receiving heavy objects. The arbor may extend and retract without interfering with the drive chain, which includes a series of catchers for pushing the heavy objects along a table of rollers.

Abstract: A stacker (10) for plate members includes a platform (15) on which plate members (20) are to be stacked and at least one pair of guides (11, 13) disposed at both sides of the platform (15) relative to a transferring direction of the plate members. Each of the guides (11, 13) has a ridge (12a, 14a) spirally formed on a rotational axial portion (12, 14) and a groove (12b, 14b) formed along the ridge (12a, 14a). The aforementioned at least one pair of guides (11, 13) are rotated with opposite edges of the plate member (20) engaged with the grooves (12b, 14b) of the guides (11, 13), to thereby move the plate member (20) toward the platform (15).

Abstract: A golf ball stacking and dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper having two pyramidal shells each of different dimensions. Each of the shells is truncated and has a respective open substantially rectangular rim defining a respective open base of a different dimension than that of the other. The shells are joined together where each is truncated so as to converge together and define a funnel opening between the shells. Each of the shells is configured to form a self-supporting stack of golf balls atop each other as a stacking tray closes the open base of one of the shells and the golf balls are poured through the other of the shells. A method of forming different size pyramidal stacks of golf balls by pouring golf balls through one pyramidal shell of a hopper to fill the other pyramidal shell thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A substantially flat and relatively thin vehicle chassis enables compact storage of multiple vehicle chassis. This compact storage is achieved by high density vertical stacking of the vehicle chassis, which improves packaging and shipping efficiency, reduces plant floor usage for storage during or before testing, assembly or shipping processes, and may reduce overall manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and/or vehicle costs.