Abstract: A rail and train system has at least a rail pair on which a rail vehicle that is provided with at least one wagon is movable. In the wagon, at least one lifting device is accommodated with which containers can be transported through an opening in the floor of the wagon and which is movable transverse to the length direction of the wagon. The rail vehicle can be provided with a chassis that is formed by two chassis parts that are positioned at a distance behind each other in the travel direction.

Abstract: According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a delivery box system to deliver a commodity material. In various instances, a single auger configuration, a dual auger configuration, a vertical auger configuration and/or further configurations or combinations of configurations are contemplated as described. One or more auger facilitates the metered release of the commodity material and ameliorates jamming of the commodity material against aspects of the delivery box system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a wafer pod includes: a cavity configured to receive and store a wafer; an alignment fiducial within the cavity, wherein: the alignment fiducial comprises two lines orthogonal to each other, and the alignment fiducial is configured to be detected by a robotic arm alignment sensor disposed on a robotic arm, wherein the alignment fiducial defines an alignment orientation for a robotic arm gripper hand to enter into the cavity.

Abstract: A system for removing carryback material from the interior surface of a dump body. A controller is configured to determine a pose of the dump body, determine the current profile of the dump body, and determine the pose of the perception sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a difference between the current profile and the reference profile, determine whether the difference between the current profile and the reference profile exceeds the carryback threshold. Upon the difference between the current profile to the reference profile exceeding a carryback threshold, the dump body is designated for a clean out operation. The controller is further configured to generate movement command signals to perform a clean out operation on the dump body to remove an amount of material from the interior surface so that the difference between the current profile to the reference profile is less than the carryback threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines or loaders, and systems used on loaders, configured to augment the control of the loader to accomplish repetitive tasks. Also disclosed are methods of learning a task for augmented control of a loader, and methods of controlling a loader to perform a learned task to provide augmented control of the loader.

Abstract: Automated inventory management and material (or container) handling removes the requirement to operate fully automatically or all-manual using conventional task dedicated vertical storage and retrieval (S&R) machines. Inventory requests Automated vehicles plan their own movements to execute missions over a container yard, warehouse aisles or roadways, sharing this space with manually driven trucks. Automated units drive to planned speed limits, manage their loads (stability control), stop, go, and merge at intersections according human driving rules, use on-board sensors to identify static and dynamic obstacles, and human traffic, and either avoid them or stop until potential collision risk is removed. They identify, localize, and either pick-up loads (pallets, container, etc.) or drop them at the correctly demined locations. Systems without full automation can also implement partially automated operations (for instance load pick-up and drop), and can assure inherently safe manually operated vehicles (i.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a hitch articulation angle including a camera for capturing a first image and a second image, a steering sensor configured to detect a steering angle, a velocity sensor configured to detect a vehicle velocity, a processor configured to for generating a bird's eye view of the first image and the second image through a perspective transform, generating a trailer hitch model from the first image in response to the steering angle and the vehicle velocity indicating a vehicle is traveling in a straight forward direction, generating a current hitch model from the second image, determining a hitch articulation angle in response to an angular difference between the trailer hitch model and the current hitch model, and a vehicle controller controlling the vehicle in response to the hitch articulation angle.

Abstract: Cable robots may be used to automatically load items onto one or more surfaces in any environment. An item may be received on a carrier that is connected to tensioning actuators of a cable robot by one or more cables in tension. The actuators of the robot may be manipulated in concert to move the carrier from a first position to a second position, which may be fixed or in motion, at which the item may be expelled from the carrier. The carrier may include induction wheels and/or conveyors for receiving the item thereon and for expelling the item therefrom. The cable robot may be provided in series with a conveyor and mounted to a frame, and used to load items onto a delivery vehicle, such that the frame may be withdrawn as items are loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a material receiving pit. A rotary rail car dumper includes a rotational frame supporting at least one baffle. The rotational frame is configured to dump a load from a rail car during rotational motion of the rotational frame between an upright position wherein the entire load is in the rail car and a dumping position wherein the load can exit the rail car. A backside airflow diverter is located beneath the rotational frame and includes a curved upper surface. A lower margin of the at least one baffle contacts the curved upper surface during at least part of the rotational motion of the rotational frame.

Abstract: A transportable jack system includes a jack disposed on a base. The base includes a base plate with a plurality of wheel openings formed therein, and a biasing member disposed between a wheel and the base plate. The biasing member is configured from a single piece of material consisting of a top horizontal portion, a bottom horizontal portion, and an angled middle portion disposed between the top horizontal portion and the bottom horizontal portion. The biasing member biases the base away from a ground surface when a load applied to the jack is below a predetermined threshold and deforms when the load is above the predetermined threshold, wherein the deformation allows the base plate to contact the ground surface.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) that is configured to operate with a navigation and guidance system includes a base frame structure that supports a material handling apparatus. Casters may be attached at peripheral portions of the base frame structure to movably support the base frame structure away from a ground surface. Drive wheel assemblies may be disposed between two of the casters and configured to propel and steer the AGV. A suspension system may have intersecting swing arms that are pivotally mounted at the base frame structure and independently attach at each of the drive wheel assemblies. The suspension system biases the drive wheel assemblies against the ground surface to maintain friction of the drive wheel assemblies against the ground surface, such as for traversing sloped or uneven surfaces.

Abstract: An equipment rack having one or more caster bracket assemblies. The caster bracket assembly is selectively mountable on a frame of the equipment rack at multiple mounting locations. The caster bracket can define a gap between the caster bracket assembly and a brace of the equipment rack frame which may be used for ingress/egress of cables or wires. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a shipping container comprising a metal trough having a bottom, a front end, a back end and two sidewalls. A push plate disposed at the back end of the metal trough. A force mechanism coupled to the push plate and configured to move the push plate from the back end of the metal trough to the front end of the metal trough. A support mechanism configured to support the metal trough to allow a shipping container to be moved into a position to encompass the metal trough through a door of the shipping container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that reduce release of dust generated during rotary dumping of rail cars in a dumping facility. The method includes removing dust laden air from a space bounded by a backside airflow diverter, a rotational frame, a first baffle and a second baffle while the rotational frame is rotating with a rail car by drawing the dust laden air through a secondary air intake that passes through the backside airflow diverter into a backside hood. A dust control apparatus includes a diverter, overlying a backside hood having a concave curved upper surface; and at least one secondary air intake positioned to pass through the diverter being located approximately where pressure in the backside hood remains neutral or negative relative to a pressure even there is a transient increase in air pressure in a lower portion of the backside hood.

Abstract: A five-legged moving and storage container has self-leveling or self-raising ability: two wheeled legs at the second end of the device extend as the first end is pulled up a tilted tow truck bed. By extending the legs to raise the second end of the moving container at the same rate that the first end is pulled up the slope of the bed, the container is maintained level. As the tow truck bed is leveled, the legs can then be retracted to match and again the device remains level. No special infrastructure is required: it may be loaded and unloaded in any location having a normal flat-bed tow truck. It may have three additional legs at the other end: one in the middle with a wheel, two at the corners without, allowing it to raise itself or be raised and stabilized at dock height.

Abstract: An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed.

Abstract: A shuttle van system for a container terminal, including: at least one rail and a transfer device. The transfer device includes a plurality of shuttle vans and a plurality of transition platforms. Each shuttle van includes: a base frame, a wheel group, a wheel driving device, a lifting device, and a supporting plate. Each transition platform includes brackets. The shuttle vans run on the rail between the brackets. The lifting device of the shuttle van is configured to lift the container from the supporting plate. The container is transferred from the supporting plate of the shuttle van to the bracket after contraction of the lifting device.

Abstract: A transport container, in particular as a component part of a rail vehicle, having a transportation space for receiving goods to be transported, which on its upper side includes at least one opening, wherein the transport container includes a grate which at least in part covers the opening.

Abstract: A transportable drive-over conveyor system comprising a drive-over hopper for receiving grain or other material and having a belted conveyor for conveying the grain or other material, a transition section pivotally connected at an upstream end to the drive-over hopper, an auger mounted at a downstream end of the transition section, wherein the transition section transfers the grain or other material from the belted conveyor to the auger.

Abstract: A loading apparatus assists in loading particulate bulk material into a transport container, for example a railcar having a loading opening in a top side thereof. The loading apparatus is used with a main loading spout extending in a longitudinal direction and having a discharge opening at a bottom end for discharging particulate bulk material therethrough. The loading apparatus has a pair of secondary spouts operatively connected with the main loading spout such that: i) a primary flow of the particulate material is discharged into the transport container downwardly through the discharge opening in the longitudinal direction of the main loading spout; and ii) a secondary flow of the particulate material is discharged into the transport container through said at least one secondary spout in a respective lateral direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the main loading spout.

Abstract: A method for positioning a mobile platform at a station that includes moving the mobile platform near a bumper by applying torque to a drive shaft. The mobile platform is maneuvered until a contact stop of the platform is touching the bumper. A locking mechanism is engaged to the mobile platform before the torque to the drive shaft is released to assure position retention at the station. A system for precise positioning of a mobile platform at a station is provided that includes a stationary bumper at said station. A mobile platform has stop contacts, a drive shaft, and sensors for measuring contact with said stationary bumper. The mobile platform having a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the drive shaft in response to input from at least one of the sensors in response to contact with the stationary bumper to provide the precise positioning of said mobile platform.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the flush transfer of large-surface-area panels of different types of construction to a transporting vehicle, having the following features. At least one conveyor for supplying panels of at least one type of construction. At least one pivoting-stack apparatus, having a gripper frame and having adhesion elements fastened thereon. At least one stack framework on a mobile carriage, wherein the latter is connected to at least one transporting vehicle by a switchable coupling. The transporting vehicle is supplied with power, and controlled electronically and/or electrically, by a multiplicity of lines installed in the floor region. An electrically controlled parking brake on each transporting vehicle, for arresting purposes.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a vehicle on a vehicle base station such that a first payload is aligned with an aperture in the vehicle base station. The method includes aligning an empty docking station of a payload advancing assembly with the aperture. The method includes removing the first payload from the vehicle and placing the first payload in the empty docking station of the payload advancing assembly, where the full docking station includes a second payload. The method also includes aligning a full docking station of the payload advancing assembly with the aperture and securing the second payload to the vehicle.

Abstract: A load carrier includes a load changing frame that has first and second end portions. The load changing frame has two longitudinal frame beams, two transverse frame beams arranged at the end portions of the load changing frame, and a first, upwardly tapering lifting stand. The second end portion of the load changing frame includes a second lifting stand, which is shaped and arranged in accordance with the first lifting stand. The transverse frame beams are elongated to extend outward from the longitudinal frame beams for mounting of supports facing the support surface. A plurality of such load carriers are adapted to be stacked on top of each other, wherein each overlying load carrier with its lifting stands is adapted to straddle the lifting stands of the underlying load carrier vertically from above, wherein the length of the stack corresponds to the length of the load carrier.

Abstract: A method for unloading a loaded railcar in a rotary dumper, comprising moving a railcar having a railcar cover into an unloading position within a dumper and bracing the railcar for inversion; rotating the railcar approximately 180 degrees in a forward direction while simultaneously rotating the cover about one longitudinal side sill of the railcar in a reverse direction into an open position; maintaining the railcar in an approximately inverted position until the load has been unloaded; rotating the inverted railcar in a reverse direction back into an upright position, while simultaneously rotating the railcar cover in a forward direction into a closed position atop the railcar; unbracing the railcar and moving it out of the rotary dumper. The method may include locking and unlocking the cover, and engaging and disengaging cover lifting components within the dumper.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: A truck dumper including a material receiving hopper, a tilt table configured to dump a load from the truck or truck trailer into the material receiving hopper. The invention includes a stilling shed positioned above the material receiving hopper and at least one curtain baffle suspended below the roof of the stilling shed. The curtain baffles are positioned such that there is a gap located near the roof and an upper margin of the at least one curtain baffle through which air can flow. The invention further includes an air exhaust structure configured to exhaust dust laden air from the interior of the stilling shed.

Abstract: A system for the shipment of less than a full load in a secured collapsible sub-container from the shipper's location to a first central hub for combination with other partial shipments to make a full load for transfer to a second hub and ultimate delivery to a destination. The sub-container being readily foldable for storage in a full load freight container without taking up freight carrying capacity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading a railcar with crop material. A grain cart has a frame, ground wheels, a hitch assembly, a storage container and an auger assembly having a discharge end for removing particulate material from the storage container discharging it out the discharge end. A spout can be moveably connected to the discharge end of the auger. The method can include loading the storage container of the grain cart with crop material, maneuvering the grain cart adjacent to a railcar using a tow vehicle and discharging crop material from the storage container of the grain cart into the railcar using the auger assembly. A mobile computer or other processing device can be used to determine how much crop material is being loaded into the railcar during the loading by the grain cart.

Abstract: A method for positioning a large load into a transport position is provided. According to the method, the load is placed upon a frame structure with a substantially horizontal extension. The raising device is placed transport plane underneath the frame structure. The raising device is then extended in a vertical extension reaching between the transport plane and the frame structure so that the frame structure and the load are raised above the transport plane and are held in position by the raising device. Subsequently, the vertical extension of the raising device is decreased into the transport position. Further, a method for positioning a large load into a storage position and a transport system for such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for loading and unloading a cargo compartment of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, with a cargo receiving device is provided. The system includes a cargo receiving device including a base structure arrangement having a horizontal lower contact surface, and a locking mechanism configured to engage one or more corresponding holding members provided in a cargo compartment of a vehicle. The system also includes a transport device including a horizontal upper contact surface configured to be disposed in abutting contact to said lower contact surface, a drive unit configured to initiate horizontal movement of the transport device, a lift unit configured to initiate vertical movement of the upper contact surface, and an actuating unit configured to actuate the locking mechanism of the cargo receiving device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a step apparatus includes a post device, at least one step platform, and a hitch connecting device. Step platform includes a rectangular loop and two parallel plates, each of the parallel plates connecting on a first end to opposing side walls, respectively, of the post device and on a second end to the rectangular loop. The hitch connecting device connects the post device to a transport vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for exchanging a discharged traction battery (113) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (3) for a recharged traction battery (114). The device comprises means (220, 221) for aligning the vehicle on a reference dimension relative to the direction (Y) transverse to the vehicle, means (219) for aligning the vehicle on a reference dimension relative to the direction (X) longitudinal to the vehicle, vehicle lifting means (21) for raising and lowering the vehicle, means (25) for immobilising the vehicle relative to the vertical direction, lifting means for raising or lowering the means (23) for unlocking the battery from or locking the battery to the vehicle. The device further comprises handling means (115) for transporting the batteries.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a bed coupled to extendible legs that extend away from the bed. The extendible legs comprise lift the bed to a desired height level, whereas the bed attaches to a vehicle and facilitates transferring weight from the extendible legs to a vehicle attachment component on the bed. A vehicle is also disclosed, which includes extendible arms, which extend away from an arm housing component. The extendible arms attach to a load and hold the load in a suspended position. In another aspect, a method is disclosed which includes ascertaining parameters associated with loading a load onto a vehicle and determining a placement configuration of an arm component onto the vehicle according to the parameters. The arm component attaches to the vehicle according to the placement configuration and facilitates holding the load in a suspended position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a cargo transfer system, a method of transferring cargo containers, and a method of handling cargo containers including a cargo transfer pallet capable of supporting a plurality of cargo containers thereon, a cargo loader vehicle capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon, and a cargo staging structure capable of receiving the cargo transfer pallet thereon and capable of receiving the cargo loader vehicle therein such that the cargo transfer pallet is supported by the cargo staging structure over at least a portion of the cargo loader vehicle.

Abstract: An example of an aim with the disclosed method and system may be seen to provide a method and system which does not require more square meters of footprint than existing solutions or even requires less square meters of footprint, while still being as effective as, or even more effective than reference methods and systems. The handling system comprises a moveable unit 101 adapted to move linearly in a travelling direction 406 of said moveable unit, where the moveable unit comprises a loading device 100 adapted to load one or more objects 102 at a time into or onto the airport trolley by activation of the loading device 100.

Abstract: A method for moving a packed column section about a remote manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the packed column section can include a first course, a second course, packing disposed within the first course and second course, and a plurality of distributors. The method can include the steps of placing the packed column section on top of a movable platform, the movable platform configured to support and distribute the weight of the packed column section; and moving the packed column section from a first point to a second point, the second point being in an open area adapted for stacking a plurality of packed column sections on top of each other to form a column.

Abstract: A rail-road intermodal freight system. In an embodiment, a plurality of L-cars are provided. In an embodiment, each L-car may be configured for support at its forward end on a preceding L-car, and at a rear base on a set of flanged rail wheels. In implementing the system, a freight yard is provided with rail components which are switchable to enable decoupling and a turn-in-place operation, wherein each care is lifted from the preceding L-car in the train, and the neck portion of the L-car lowered to the ground. When in the lowered position, downwardly extending legs on the over-the-road trailer enable an over-the-road tractor to attach the over-the-road trailer in conventional fashion, for removal of the over-the-road tailer from the L-car. Loading of an over-the-road trailer on the L-car takes place via a reverse process, wherein the trailer is backed up on to the L-car.

Abstract: A method of transporting containers on a rail car is described. The method includes the steps of, first, providing a frame having at least two longitudinal beams and at least two cross beams. The at least two cross beams extend substantially perpendicular to, and interconnect, the at least two longitudinal beams. The two longitudinal beams may be cambered along the length of the beams. Next, the method includes the step of attaching a first container to a first end of the frame. Then, the first container and the frame are loaded into the rail car. Finally, the method includes the step of loading a second container into the rail car and onto a second end of the frame.

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 system for replacing a discharged battery in a vehicle featuring a trolley with wheels operatively connected to a driving mechanism, the trolley can be directed to a battery tunnel of a vehicle via sensors; a moving battery tray mounted atop the trolley via a hydraulic cylinder, which functions to move the moving battery tray upwardly and downwardly; a charged battery removably disposed atop the moving battery tray; a locking system for locking the charged battery into the battery tunnel of the vehicle. The system allows the trolley to deliver the charged battery from a charging station to the vehicle. The discharged battery is removed from the vehicle in the same process the charged battery is installed in the vehicle. The trolley can carry the discharged battery back to the charging station for recharging.

Abstract: A system and method for discharging material from a chute on a farm implement into a container or bin such that the discharged material is evenly distributed in the container or bin. The system and method includes a farm implement with a bin for holding material, a conveyor for discharging material from the bin and a chute at the end of the conveyor for directing the material discharged from the conveyor. The chute may be moved into a plurality of positions based on sensor outputs to facilitate the even distribution of material in the container or bin receiving the discharged material.

Abstract: Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly.

Abstract: A device for transporting freight articles in a ground or rail haul operations comprises a hollow housing including four corner sections, side walls, two center sections defining four openings each disposed between one edge of a center section and an edge of a respective corner section, a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the two center portions are manufactured from see through or clear material. A door is mounted to selectively open and close a respective opening and swinging outwardly and towards a respective corner portion to selectively open the respective opening. Two channels are provided in the bottom portion, each in open communication with opposite sides of the bottom portion. Four feet or wheels are mounted on the bottom portion. Four receptacles are provided in the top portion, each sized and shaped to receive a foot therewithin.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods, systems and apparatuses for loading and unloading freight from railcars and methods for intermodal transportation of freight on railcars. The freight may be a shipping container or a semi-trailer. The system for loading and unloading freight on railcars includes a sled capable of moving laterally between a loading location and a railcar.

Abstract: One variation may include a system including a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein and a receiving platform in the vehicle compartment having a plurality of guide features for guiding vehicles into the vehicle compartment of the mobile host, and a loading station including a loading platform having a plurality of vehicle guide features for guiding vehicles over the loading platform and onto the receiving platform. One variation may include a method comprising loading a vehicle into a mobile host having a vehicle compartment defined therein, wherein the mobile host includes a receiving platform having a plurality of raised guide features, and wherein the loading comprises guiding the vehicle onto the receiving platform using the plurality of raised guide features.

Abstract: A handling installation (1) for handling flat articles (2) stacked on edge and a loading method, the handling installation (1) including a transport trolley (300) provided with a box (303) having an inclined bottom wall (307), an end wall (306) facing which an opening (304) is provided, first and second storage units (100, 200) respectively having a loading zone (101) and a storage zone (201), and an unloading zone (203) provided upstream from said storage zone (201) and mounted to move between a transfer position in which it is coplanar with said storage zone (201) and an unloading position in which it is coplanar with said bottom wall (307).

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: In a method for milling an opencast mining surface or for milling off layers of an asphalt or concrete traffic surface with a milling machine removing the ground surface, by milling the ground surface along a predetermined milling track and by transporting the milled material via a conveying device to at least one container of a truck that travels along next to the milling machine, a relative position between the container and the conveying device is automatically controlled to regulate the loading of the container.

Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.