Abstract: A safety feature prevents a two wheeled electric paper lift from raising a paper tray on uneven ground that includes a tilt switch positioned in parallel with an upper limit switch that controls the height in a vertical direction of the paper tray. When a tilt angle of the paper lift is greater than 50 the tilt switch will prevent the paper tray from being raised and thereby prevent the load on the paper tray from shifting or tipping over and causing injury to an operator.

Abstract: Ship's winch including a frame which can be attached to a vessel and on which the cable drum and the motor driving the cable drum are provided. Adjacent to the cable drum, a slipping clutch is provided and between slipping clutch and the motor, a freewheel mechanism is provided which works towards the frame. The slipping clutch is embodied not to transmit further load to the freewheel mechanism or motor, respectively, in case of a certain overload caused by tension in the towing cable. In addition, by positioning the freewheel mechanism/clutch in this manner, the motor output for pulling in a certain load under greatly varying stresses can be reduced.

Abstract: A portable lift is provided, the lift having a base, a lift arm, an elevator movably connecting the lift arm to the lift, and detachable wheels attached to the base. A hydraulic pump is in communication with the elevator, and a power drive is used to power the hydraulic pump. The portable lift may be towed or pulled behind a support vehicle, such as a truck or van. A method of operating the portable lift includes positioning the lift on a surface, detaching the wheels to expose an entry side of the lift to a surface, extending a stabilizer to the surface, conveying a vehicle onto the lift through the side entry, engaging the vehicle with the lift arm, and moving the lift arm with the elevator from a resting position on the base to a service position to provide standing room for a service technician beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a storage and manipulation system for manipulating and transferring cassettes used for storage. The system includes a rack for storing cassettes. The rack includes supports on which the cassette rests. A transfer device includes a slide, onto which the cassette can be transferred. The slide includes a lifting and lowering movement. The transfer device also includes grippers that grip the cassette and moving it onto or off the slide. The slide can be placed underneath the front part of the cassette and, by a lifting movement, elevate the front part of the cassette such that the cassette can be transferred along the support onto the slide. A rear part of the cassette is simultaneously supported by the support. The slide can also lower the front part of the cassette onto the support when the rear part of the cassette is transferred onto the support of the rack.

Abstract: A portable crane assembly for servicing a wind turbine. The crane assembly includes a first primary support member and a second primary support member being rotatably attached to one another. The first primary support member is configured to attach to a wind turbine component. The second primary support is coaxially rotatable with respect to the first primary support member. The crane assembly further includes a boom member pivotably attached to an end of the second primary support member. The portable crane assembly is disassemblable into components that can be manually carried. A wind turbine servicing system and a method for servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevator car assembly (10) comprises at least one runner (40) for engaging a wall (34) of a hoistway (30) such that the car assembly (10) may move within the hoistway (30) with the runner (40) in contact with the hoistway wall (30). The runner is preferably a wheel (40). The wheel (40) counteracts turning moments generated due to an offset between a suspension point of the car assembly (10) and its centre of gravity. Wheels (40) are preferably provided at a lower part of one side of the car assembly and at an upper part of an opposite side of the car assembly (10).

Abstract: In a method of operating a parking facility for motor vehicles that comprises fixed parking places arranged above each other and each having a guide for a pallet that is displaceable along the guide as well as a lift, which is disposed alongside the fixed parking places and also carries a guide for a pallet displaceable therein, in which method for displacement of a pallet between the guide of a fixed parking place and the guide of the lift the lift is stopped in such a way alongside a fixed parking place that the guides of the fixed parking place and of the lift are aligned with one another, wherein the guide of the lift at its end facing the fixed parking place is supported on a supporting surface connected to the fixed parking place, in order to improve the aligning of the guide in the lift with the guide in the parking place, it is proposed that the guide of the lift after being set down onto the supporting surface is pivoted about a horizontal parking-place-side pivotal axis, which extends transversely o

Abstract: A trough hoist apparatus that raises, dumps and lowers dough troughs includes a column assembly comprising a first column and a second column spaced laterally from the first column. A first externally threaded screw is mounted within the first column such that the first threaded screw extends vertically along a height of the first column. A second externally threaded screw is mounted within the second column such that the second threaded screw extends vertically along a height of the second column. A first drive assembly includes a first internally threaded drive nut internally receiving the first threaded screw. The first drive assembly is configured to rotate the first drive nut relative to the first threaded screw to move the first drive assembly vertically along the first threaded screw. A second drive assembly includes a second internally threaded drive nut internally receiving the second threaded screw.

Abstract: A pick and place device for picking up and re-positioning an article (11) carried by a support surface, comprising a first part which includes a plate portion (8, 8?) which is movable parallel to the support surface so that a leading edge thereof penetrates below the article, between the article and the support surface, and a belt of flexible material (9, 9?) which is wrapped around at least the leading edge of the plate portion so that it is sandwiched between the plate and the article when the former penetrates therebelow and as the plate portion moves below the article there is substantially no relative sliding movement between the sandwiched portion of the belt and the article.

Abstract: The device for transferring items to a transport system or to a storage unit has a feed unit for conveying a plurality of items in three parallel feeding lines. Further, is has a transfer station for receiving the items from the feed unit and for transferring the items to the transport system or to the storage device. The transfer station includes three temporary storage lines arranged in parallel. The items are provided by the feed unit in a manner that the items in each of the temporary storage lines are arranged offset from the items in the other temporary storage lines with respect to a first direction. A pusher in the transfer station pushes the items in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a single temporary storage line.

Abstract: A cover removal apparatus includes a frame, an electromagnet and a power source, which is electrically coupled to the electromagnet for selectively energizing the electromagnet. The removal apparatus may further include means for positioning the electromagnet relative to a cover and/or means for loosening the cover.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle, such as an AGV, for loading and unloading a transport and wherein the vehicle includes a pair of freely floating forks. The forks are freely moveable in the vertical direction as well as capable of pivoting or tilting about an axis relative to a fork carriage, however when a load is applied, the forks are locked are prevented from such free floating movement.

Abstract: A sturdy attractive cart with an upper portion, a lower portion, wheels, and steering suitable for both maneuvering while in a store, and on more rugged terrain. The cart may be carried suspended from a trailer hitch behind a motor vehicle. The cart has a vertical positioner to raise and lower the upper portion and lower portion relative to the other. The cart may be used as an off-road utility trailer, being towed by a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of separating a number of vials from a plurality of vials disposed in several rows is disclosed. The vials being at first caused to move onto one transfer plane and being then caused to move further beyond the transfer plane in order for the vials intended to be separated to reach a surface adjoining the transfer plane, via the transfer plane, and that the remaining vials remain on the transfer plane. Providing a method of the type mentioned herein above, ensures that the vials are evacuated properly and completely without discrete vials toppling. This is achieved in that the vials still standing on the transfer plane adjacent the surface are next lifted or that the surface is lowered in order for the vials remaining on the transfer plane not to touch the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacker crane (10) having at least one mast (12), a lift truck (14) movable along mast (12) and a load lifting means (16), located on lift truck (14), for moving a storage object (34) substantially perpendicular to mast (12). According to the invention the stacker crane (10) has at least one device (38, 40) for detecting a position of the storage object (34) in bay (48) during the supply of storage object (34) from load lifting means (16) to a storage location in bay (48).

Abstract: A disk drive handling apparatus includes a manifold, one or more vacuum suction elements in fluid communication with the manifold, and one or more tips. Each tip is coupled to an end of a corresponding one of the vacuum suction elements. Each tip is compliant in one or more axes of motion.

Abstract: An inner wall surrounding an inner space for vertically circulating a rack, and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall are provided. Then, a rack is disposed in the inner space. A pair of extensions are provided at diagonal positions of the rack. The extensions are attached to an endless drive member in a manner that the extensions protrude toward an outer space between the inner wall and the outer wall through slits of the inner wall, and, a drive mechanism for a drive member is provided in the outer space. Further, a tunnel passing through the outer space to connect the inner space and an area outside of the vertical carousel is provided for transportation of an article into, and out of the tunnel.

Abstract: A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.

Abstract: A hoist system hoists a flat screen television or a heavy object in a room for attachment to a wall mounted attachment fixture. The hoist system has a wheel-supported base, and a central pillar with a raising and lowering element. The central pillar has a counter weight projection arm with a plurality of notches for carrying a counterbalance weight. A projection arm extends from the movable element in the direction opposite to the counterbalance weight arm with a downward pointing extension that carries a plurality of adjustable L-shaped brackets. The hoist system is brought close to a television or heavy weight at ground level and the L-shaped brackets are inserted therebelow. Weight balance is checked and a counterweight is placed on an appropriate notch in the counterbalance weight arm. The flat screen television or heavy object is then lifted to the correct height for wall attachment.

Abstract: A hub and distribution system (600) is disclosed. It comprises the steps of: delivering (602) a container via rail to a terminal; assigning (604) a corridor as to where to deliver the container, the corridor including a block of pathways in proximity to a track side location; picking (606) the container from a rail car and placing (608) it in one of the pathways in the corridor; and transporting (610) the container to a desired remote destination. The system provides an efficient, effective and semi-automated post-blocking method, such that each post-blocked group of containers has a similar desired remote destination, so that the containers can be easily located, loaded, handed-off and transported to a desired location.

Abstract: In a method for operating vacuum-operated hoists (1) with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism (4) and with a controllable means of generating the vacuum, and with at least one motorized lifting drive (2), with a load detection device (8) being used in order to detect the weight of a load (3) picked up by the hoist (1), the load detection device (8) generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load (3) exceeding a predetermined tare weight (T) of the hoist (1) if the vacuum (V) is insufficient to lift the load, said protection signal indirectly or directly deactivating the lifting drive (2) with the aid of a switch-off control (2S) and/or preventing further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins. This function prevents the lifting of loads exclusively by a suction cup effect of vacuum-operated lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: The fork-lift truck comprises a body (11) with one or more directional rear wheels and a mast (12) with a slide (13) sliding and hearing front forks for gripping and supporting the load. According to the invention, the truck comprises an intermediate frame (14), bearing the front wheels (21; 22) and oscillating with respect to the body (11) around a transversal axis (X-X) parallel to the axis (Y-Y) of the front wheels, as well as operating-cylinder means (30) interposed between said frame and said body. Said mast (12) is dismountably fastened to said intermediate frame (14), so as to be made to oscillate integrally with the frame itself around said transversal axis (X-X) by means of said operating-cylinder means (30) to swing forwards and rearwards, with both idle (21) and driving (22) front wheels, whereas it can be easily disassembled and assembled with respect to the intermediate frame (14).

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a boom assembly. The boom assembly is movable relative to the chassis. The machine further includes a grapple assembly suspended from the boom assembly. The grapple assembly comprises a grapple head fluidly connected to a first hydraulic circuit for actuating the grapple head to a grasping configuration, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to a second hydraulic circuit for rotating the grapple head. The second hydraulic circuit includes a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a first position configured to block a fluid flow between a first port of the hydraulic motor and a second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve also has a second position configured to allow a fluid flow between the first port of the hydraulic motor and the second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve allows the grapple head to rotate freely when the grapple head is in a grasping configuration.

Abstract: A galley unit for storing at least one container therein comprising a deck defining a surface for supporting the at least one container, and at least one support arm including a first member and a second member interconnected by a lift cylinder, wherein the first member is attached to the galley unit and the second member is attached to the deck. The deck is selectively movable between a fully lowered and a fully raised position.

Abstract: An industrial robot that uses a simulated force vector to allow a work piece held by the robot end effector to be mated with a work piece whose location and orientation is not precisely known to the robot. When the end effector makes contact with the location and orientation in which the other work piece is held the robot provides a velocity command to minimize the force of the contact and also provides a search pattern in all directions and orientations to cause the end effector to bring the work piece it is holding in contact with the other work piece. The search pattern and the velocity command are continued until the two work pieces mate.

Abstract: A frac blender mounted on a transport vehicle and adapted for movement along a vertical, linear path between a raised stowed position and a lowered operating position. The frac blender is moved between positions by a drive system that is slip connected to the frac blender for minimizing binding stress. The frac blender is supported by a support member that is slip connected to the transport vehicle via a support frame for minimizing bending stress.

Abstract: An industrial robot that has uses a simulated force vector to allow a work piece held by the robot end effector to be mated with a work piece whose location and orientation is not precisely known to the robot. When the end effector makes contact with the location and orientation in which the other work piece is held the robot provides a velocity command to minimize the force of the contact and also provides a search pattern in all directions and orientations to cause the end effector to bring the work piece it is holding in contact with the other work piece. The search pattern and the velocity command are continued until the two work pieces mate.

Abstract: A multi-chamber system of an etching facility for manufacturing semiconductor devices occupies a minimum amount of floor space in a cleanroom by installing a plurality of processing chambers in multi-layers and in parallel along a transfer path situated between the processing chambers. The multi-layers number 2 to 5, and the transfer path can be rectangular in shape and need only be slightly wider than the diameter of a wafer. The total width of the multi-chamber system is the sum of the width of one processing chamber plus the width of the transfer path.

Abstract: A robot assembly including multiple independently operable robot assemblies are provided for use in semiconductor wafer processing. The robot assembly includes independent co-axial upper and lower robot assemblies adapted to handle multiple objects. The upper robot is stacked above the lower robot and the two robots are mounted concentrically to allow fast wafer transfer. Concentric drive mechanisms may also be provided for imparting rotary motion to either rotate the robot assembly or extend an extendable arm assembly into an adjacent chamber. Each robot can be either a single blade robot or a dual blade robot. Also provided is an apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers comprising a pre/post process transfer chamber housing multiple independent robot assemblies and surrounded by a plurality of pre-process chambers and post process chambers. Within each process, pre-process and post-process chamber is an apparatus for holding a plurality of stacked wafers.

Abstract: A pallet formed of a honeycomb material. The honeycomb material includes an upper surface on which goods may be placed, a lower surface, a first pair of opposed perimeter walls, and a second pair of opposed perimeter walls. A first pair of slots is integrally formed in the lower surface of the honeycomb material. The first pair of slots extend between the first pair of opposed perimeter walls. A second pair of slots is also integrally formed in the lower surface of the honeycomb material. The second pair of slots extend between the second pair of opposed perimeter walls. Both the first and second pair of slots are engageable by forks of a material handling device.

Abstract: A method for moving a substrate to a predetermined location with a specified orientation with a robotic manipulator, the robotic manipulator having a plurality of joint actuators and an end-effector for holding the substrate, wherein the end-effector is independently rotatable with respect to the remaining robotic manipulator. The method can select a reference point on the end-effector for determining a position of the end-effector, wherein the reference point is offset from a wrist of the robotic manipulator, determining a motion path for movement of the end-effector of robotic arm toward predetermined location with specified orientation, and generating motion profiles for translational and rotational components of movement of the end-effector of robotic manipulator along the motion path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. A cargo sled is stuffed into/stripped from a container. The method encompasses a marine terminal that stores sleds prior to stuffing into a container. Method and apparatus reduce the required number of cargo containers by up to a factor of eight.

Abstract: An automated conveyance system moves green tires (24) with monorail carriers (18) to tire molding presses (40). Each monorail carrier (18) deposits a green tire (24) into an elevator system (31) which, in turn, transfers the green tire to within reach of a press loader (38) for tire press (40). The elevator system (31) also provides a buffer storage for the tires in process. In one embodiment, the green tire in the basket (28) is rotated about a vertical path through which the basket moves to within reach of the press loader. In another embodiment, the elevator system (31) can move the green tire by linear translation from the vertical path through which the basket moves to within reach of the loader (38).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for attaching an additional set of forks or some other apparatus to a carriage without having to remove the existing tines.

Abstract: A palletizing system includes a reusable pallet and a reusable anchoring device for securing a load. The anchoring device comprises a strap and clamping mechanism for selectively receiving and clamping to the strap and, alternatively, releasing the strap. The pallet includes a base and one or more housings fixed to the base for receiving the clamping mechanism. Each housing has an opening for receiving the clamping mechanism and providing access to the clamping mechanism so that the clamping mechanism can be manipulated in the housing, and an aperture for receiving the strap, the aperture being sized to prevent the clamping mechanism from passing through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates includes a chamber, a substrate transfer element for transferring a substrate to and from the chamber, and a substrate support for receiving and holding a substrate within the chamber. The apparatus also includes multiple pins positioned and configured to be received by respective holes in the chamber bottom and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A pin actuation system is provided for moving the pins between the retracted position and the extended position. The pin actuation system controls the velocity at which the pins move and varies the speed of the pins by accelerating or decelerating at particular points during the pin cycle. A reduction in the cycle time is facilitated by accelerating the lift pins to relatively high speeds and then slowing the pins down prior to their arrival at locations where the substrate or wafer may be damaged.

Abstract: A system provides a lift-liner for efficient transport of units of bulk cargo (especially bulk cargo that is radioactive hazardous material waste), and economical disposal of the lift-liner for storage of the waste therein. The cargo is transported in the lift-liner from a remediation site to a railroad siding, during transport on a railroad gondola car, from the gondola car to a waste storage site, and within such storage site to a storage cell, in which the lift-liner and the waste therein are placed. The units are defined by the lift-liner, which is capable of containing up to ten tons of the waste. A container of the lift-liner is provided with straps connected to four walls and a bottom between corners of the container. The straps receive more than ten tons of vertical lifting force from a lift grid having a connector vertically above and aligned with each strap.

Abstract: An automatic debris removal system for use in combination with a pre-existing construction hoist of the type including a plurality of telescoping extension members. Such a hoist includes a carriage device which traverses the extended hoist by means of a cable/winch mechanism that is an integral component of the hoist. The present debris removal system includes a tilting dumpster or bucket which is mechanically coupled to the carriage device and is transportable from ground level to the roof under construction for carrying debris and other materials. The present system includes a detachable chute device which is attached at the base of hoist to receive debris from the dumpster which is conducted by gravity to a dump truck for disposal. The present system also includes an automatic release mechanism for dumping the contents of the bucket as it contacts the chute at the lowermost position of its travel.

Abstract: A wafer lifter basket assembly includes a wafer lifter basket and a base, the base including a bracket and a bracket holder. The wafer lifter basket is mounted to the bracket, and the bracket holder is releasably connected to the bracket holder via spring-loaded plungers, which release upon the wafer lifter basket encountering a force of at least a predetermined level.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for carrying out the multi-level stacking and moving of merchandise units using lift trucks configured for slipsheet palletizing. The system employs a blocking assembly in conjunction with slipsheets employed for such warehousing practices. This blocking assembly preferably is formed of a corrugated polymeric material having a forward flap-like blocking component which extends downwardly from a die-formed crease over the packaged components of a lower assembled merchandise unit. The crease provides sufficient compressive stress distribution from abutting engagement with an errant lift truck forward fork tip to avoid damage to upper level packaged merchandise within the lower unit. The blocking assemblies are quite light and thin, and the flap-like blocking components thereof may be utilized as a slipsheet in the event that the grasping tab of a slipsheet is torn by the gripping mechanism of a lift truck.

Abstract: First and second pairs of jaws are located above the second pair by a predetermined amount. The first pair of jaws is arranged to grasp the lid of a container while the second pair of jaws is arranged to grasp a carrier disposed in the container. A vertically extending column is adapted to be moved laterally along a predetermined path and for supporting the first and second pairs of jaws. A jaw vertically moving controller is provided so as to lift and lower the first and second pairs of jaws along the column. On the other hand, a jaw controller is provided so as to selectively and respectively open and close the first and second pairs of jaws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a plurality of workpieces in a tightly spaced array within a guide block. The apparatus of the invention includes an insertion head mounted to a robot assembly arm. The insertion head includes a pair of resiliently mounted gripper fingers that can be operated to pick up an individual workpiece from a supply station. The gripper fingers include a spring member that biases the gripper fingers into an engagement position. Once the workpiece has been acquired by the insertion head, the insertion head is used to alternately rotate the workpiece while applying a downward force to slide the workpiece into the defined location within a receptacle. After the workpiece has been inserted, the gripper fingers are moved to their retracted position to press the workpiece completely downward into the receptacle.

Abstract: An overhead traveling carrier system carries a package along a rail supported by a roof, and stops a vehicle at a target position; when the vehicle of the overhead traveling carrier system enters an area around the target position, the overhead traveling carrier system stops the vehicle, and changes the relative position between the vehicle and a handling unit mounted on the vehicle during the downward motion of the handling unit toward the destination, thereby speedily aligning the package with the destination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation and storage of compressible items in a compressed state, the apparatus comprising a lower member featuring a horizontal floor; an upper member featuring a horizontal roof, the upper member being slideably connected to the lower member; a platform between the floor and roof that is slideably connected to the upper and lower member; a rotational expulsion mechanism attached to the lower member, upper member, and platform; and an attachment point, said attachment point facilitating the connection of the apparatus to a vehicle. Compressible items may be loaded onto the platform, after which the platform is raised so that compressible items may be loaded between the floor and platform. The roof may then be lowered, compressing both those items between the roof and platform and those items between the platform and floor.

Abstract: A lift table modified to permit user configuration to achieve a plurality of functions is provided. The lift table may be configured for any of these functions by the end user, without the use of special tools or training. In one embodiment the lift table is provided with coupling devices such as pockets, flanges, brackets, etc. which can be coupled to a plurality of standard sized or spaced attachments for multiple purposes such as pallet forklift, tilt/layover, conveyor, turntable and the like.