Abstract: A work machine includes a pivotable arm having a first gripping device formed therein, the arm operatively connected to an attachment for securing an object between the first gripping device and the attachment. A second gripping device is removably securable to the arm near the first gripping device, the second gripping device configured to at least partially secure an object between the second gripping device and the attachment.

Abstract: A control system for a work implement on a machine is disclosed including a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, and a controller. The first hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly, a pressurized fluid source, and a fluid tank. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a head end, a rod end, a cylinder, and a rod. The pressurized fluid source and the fluid tank are selectively connected to the head end or the rod end. The second hydraulic circuit includes a valve configured to receive a connection to tank signal and selectively connect the head end or the rod end to the fluid tank. The controller is configured to generate the connection to tank signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boom construction and a tool articulated thereto, the boom construction comprising a first boom and a first actuator controlling the same, a second boom articulated to the first boom, and a second actuator controlling the same, as well as a third actuator controlling the position of the tool, wherein in the method: the first actuator is controlled manually; and/or the second actuator is controlled manually and the third actuator is also controlled at the same time automatically to control the position of the tool. For example, the first actuator is controlled by use of a first set point; and/or the second actuator is controlled by use of a second set point; and in addition, the third actuator is controlled simultaneously by using for the control a variable dependent on at least one of said set points.

Abstract: A media transportation mechanism has: a storage unit that stores disc-shaped media with a center hole in a stack; a transportation arm that moves vertically and has a gripping member to hold a medium stored in the storage unit, and a separating member that moves radially to the medium from the hole of the medium; and a transportation arm drive member that sets the ascent speed of the transportation arm to a first speed, and to a second speed that is slower than the first speed, when moving the transportation arm vertically up while the gripping member holds the medium.

Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: A SALT ring handling system having a platform, a track system operatively connected to a lower side of the platform, and a pickle fork operatively connected to the track system. The platform may include an upper deck, a lower deck, a spacer for positioning the deck near a riser, and an engaging mechanism for operatively connecting the platform to a carrier system. The track system may include a vertical track assembly and a horizontal track assembly for transferring the vertical track assembly in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical track assembly may include a lift mechanism that is operatively connected to the pickle fork, and the lift mechanism may transfer the pickle fork in a substantially vertical direction. The pickle fork may include one or more extensions for engaging a portion of a SALT ring.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments include a carton feeding system for feeding a plurality of cartons to a conveyor track, comprising a plurality of feeding devices, where each feeding device comprises a pick-up head with a plurality of vacuum cups, and an erecting finger pivotally suspended at the pick-up head, where the pick-up head has a pick-up position (P1) in which the holding plane of the pick-up head is positioned parallel to the folded carton blank that is to be picked up, and an insertion position (P2) in which the erecting finger is pivoted with respect to the holding plane of the pick-up head in such a way that the carton is opened, and where at least two cartons are inserted simultaneously into the conveyor track.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool movable through segments of an excavation cycle, a motor configured to swing the work tool during the excavation cycle, at least one accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor during the excavation cycle, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive input regarding a current excavation cycle of the work tool, and make a determination based on the input that the current excavation cycle is associated with one of a set of known modes of operation. The controller may be further configured to cause the at least one accumulator to receive fluid and discharge fluid during different segments of the excavation cycle based on the determination.

Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a EUV cleaner system and process for cleaning a EUV carrier. The euv cleaner system comprises separate dirty and cleaned environments, separate cleaning chambers for different components of the double container carrier, gripper arms for picking and placing different components using a same robot handler, gripper arms for holding different components at different locations, horizontal spin cleaning and drying for outer container, hot water and hot air (70C) cleaning process, vertical nozzles and rasterizing megasonic nozzles for cleaning inner container with hot air nozzles for drying, separate vacuum decontamination chambers for outgassing different components, for example, one for inner and one for outer container with high vacuum (e.g., <10?6 Torr) with purge gas, heaters and RGA sensors inside the vacuum chamber, purge gas assembling station, and purge gas loading and unloading station.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method allows for the towing of a vehicle. Specifically, the apparatus cradles an exposed wheel hub of a vehicle having had a tire removed. The wheel hub sits within the cradle or well, while the apparatus is disposed on a tow truck or a tow dolly. The tow truck or tow dolly safely moves the vehicle without damaging the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and a tilt angle sensor configured to generate a first signal. The hydraulic system may further have at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity, and a controller. The controller may be configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal and, when the first signal indicates that the actual tilt angle has entered a specified range of tilt angles during lifting, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal as the actual tilt angle remains within the specified range.

Abstract: A shovel includes an engine; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; an attachment including a boom, the attachment being driven with hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump; a motor generator configured to assist driving by the engine; an electric power accumulating part configured to accumulate electric power generated by the motor generator; a motion state detecting part configured to detect the motion state of the attachment; and an assist control part configured to control the execution of an assist by the motor generator using the electric power accumulated in the electric power accumulating part. The assist control part is configured to cause the motor generator to assist the engine during a boom raising motion after an excavation motion.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and sensor apparatus for determining a spatial positioning of loading equipment is disclosed. The loading equipment has an operating implement for loading a payload, the operating implement being coupled to a support for movement relative to the support. The apparatus includes an orientation sensor disposed on the support and being operable to produce an orientation signal representing an orientation of the support. The apparatus also includes a displacement sensor operable to produce a displacement signal representing a displacement of the operating implement relative to the support. The apparatus further includes a processor circuit operably configured to receive the orientation signal and the displacement signal, use a kinematic model of the loading equipment to compute a spatial positioning of the loading equipment, and produce an output signal representing the spatial positioning.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for material distribution, including a draw-bar to which is fixedly connected a bucket body. Wheels are attached to the drawbar on opposite sides of the bucket body between an open side and a gate thereof. A lower edge of the open side of the bucket body, which can receive material, is in the form of a cutting blade or teeth. The gate, which is disposed opposite from the open side, can be opened and closed. At least part of a top side of the bucket body forms a platform for an operator. At least one engine is provided and is drivingly connected to the wheels. A handlebar is connected to the bucket body, forward of the platform, for pivoting the bucket body about the wheels so that the cutting blade or teeth can be brought into or out of contact with a surface.

Abstract: A manipulator tool for installing and retrieving objects from a fixed or floating structure in a subsea tidal environment includes an articulated arm attached to the fixed or floating structure. The tool may be configured to compensate for movement of the objects due to tidal forces. In one embodiment, a stewart platform is used as a compensator to maintain the objects in a substantially stationary position in the tidal environment.

Abstract: A mobile container manipulator device (3) includes ISO container engagement parts (5, 6) interconnected by a manipulator body (4), each of which container engagement parts (5, 6) is to be coupled to a respective ISO container (2). The manipulator body (4) has an adjustable length and has length adjustment element (12) providing a variable distance between the container engagement parts (5, 6). The respective connections between the manipulator body (4) and each container engagement part (5, 6) each have at least one pivot joint (13, 16, 21) and have angle adjustment elements (15, 18) providing a variable angular orientation of the container engagement part (5, 6) with respect to the manipulator body (4). The container manipulator device (3) is used for lightering a grounded container ship.

Abstract: A construction equipment machine of the loader type is provided and has at least a chassis, a traction arrangement and a loader arrangement. The loader arrangement includes a loader boom structure which is controlled through a two way boom hydraulic cylinder system, and a boom suspension system through which a lift-side of the boom cylinder system may be connected to a hydraulic pressurized accumulator while the drop-side of the boom cylinder system is connected to a tank return line. The tank return line has a flow limiter for limiting the flow of hydraulic oil in the direction from the drop-side of the boom cylinder system to the tank.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for safely lifting large off-highway truck bodies and also allows for lifting these truck bodies inside off-highway truck service bays with limited overhead lifting clearances. The invention minimizes the stresses on the truck body and on the lifting cables/slings. This lifting apparatus and method incorporates temporary lifting eyes installed through lifting hole receivers in the truck body floor. The temporary lifting eyes can be designed such that their strength is gained thru interlocking steel members versus simply welding.

Abstract: The present invention innovates a new way method, system and device for storage trailers, wherein, an improved storage device suitable for accommodating the trailer, comprises at list two-parts, one, is a frame connected to a wall, or to the floor for example, with a lifting, or pulling mechanism, and with an anchoring part suitable to hold the trailer fitting second part of the invention, wherein, the mechanism of the first frame enabling lifting the lower horizontal trailer, towards the wall for example, to a stand position, parallel to the wall.

Abstract: Method and device for handling, particularly stacking, profile parts.

Abstract: A lifting block and a method of using it for supporting a load (8) from a first lifting device (2) or sharing the load between the first lifting device (2) and a second lifting device (3), particularly for use on a vessel (1) and deep water applications. The lifting block (7), with at least one sheave (10), has first and second connection elements (14, 15) associated with it. In one arrangement (single fall) a lifting wire or rope (4) is fed around the sheave (10) and terminated in an end stop (14) which also provides the first connection element. When the first lifting device (2) is operated alone, the end stop (14) rests on the block (7). When the second connection element (15), secured to the lifting wire or rope (5) of a second lifting device (3), is joined to the first connection element (14) the load is snared between the two lifting devices (2, 3) which can then be operated in unison to position the load at a required, deeper position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting clamp comprising a frame, a first clamping part, rotatably connected to the frame and provided with a first gripping surface, a second clamping part, coupled and/or connected to the frame, provided with a second gripping surface, and arranged with respect to the first clamping part so as to clamp an object between the second gripping surface and the first gripping surface, an operating arm, connected to the first clamping part in order to rotate said first clamping part under the effect of an operating force, a lifting eye, connected to the operating arm, in which the lifting eye is pivotably coupled to the operating arm by means of an arm in order to exert the operating force on the operating arm under the effect of a hoisting force on the lifting eye which is at an angle of 90-180 degrees with respect to the direction of the operating force.

Abstract: A device and a method for turning stacks of sheet-shaped material include a device for transporting the stacks into a pivot fork. The pivot fork is part of a turning unit and includes upper grippers, lower grippers and a stack stop. The pivot fork is open on one side to receive the stacks. The pivot fork is supported at its other end to pivot on a horizontal pivot shaft that extends in a direction transverse to a direction of introduction of the stacks and is disposed off-center relative to the pivot fork.

Abstract: In the present method, which includes use of an operating head, groups of articles are intermittently picked up from a plurality of identical flanked channels (10, 20, 30) which bear articles (3) equidistanced from one another. The articles are ordered in groups in identical flanked lines (F1, F2, F3) and in a number that is equal to the number of channels. In the method, each group of articles is transferred above a supply line (40) provided with equidistanced compartments corresponding to the articles arranged on the channels. Each line of articles is unloaded into underlying compartments (4) of a series of compartments in the line. It is thus possible to insert into the compartments of a series of compartments an equal, smaller or greater number of articles than the number of channels.

Abstract: A device for non-cooperatively capturing an object is provided. The device includes a boom having a fixed end coupled to a structure and a free end. The boom also includes boom deployers for moving the fixed end of the boom relative to the structure. The device also includes a capture head, coupled to the free end of the boom, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus controls the boom deployers and capture head to move the capture head in close proximity to the object. The control apparatus moves the capture head in closer proximity to the object if the capture head is not close enough to the object to capture the object. The control apparatus minimizes forces applied to the object, and activates a non-cooperative capture device. The non-cooperative capture device makes initial contact with the object, establishes intimate contact with the object, and captures the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system.

Abstract: A workpiece transporting apparatus includes a hand, a rotating portion for rotatably holding the hand, an arm provided in the hand and having one end provided at the rotating portion, and a holding portion provided in the hand and provided to another end of the arm for holding a workpiece, in which a center portion of the holding portion is disposed with a predetermined interval from an axial line extended from a rotational center of the rotating portion toward another end of the arm.

Abstract: A grapple device includes a torque tube, a pivot, a rod and cylinder, a pivot link, and a tooth. The torque tube has first and second torque pivot points and is adapted to be mounted on a bucket. The pivot is rotatably connected to the first torque pivot point at a pivot cross tube located at a second end of the pivot, and the pivot further comprises a pivot collar at a first end, and first and second pivot faces adjacent the pivot collar. The rod and cylinder are operatively connected to the second torque pivot point, includes a rod and a cylinder, and has a rod pivot at a first end of the rod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting a worker into an elevated work position. The apparatus includes a worker-support cage configured for engagement with a bucket of a front-end loader.

Abstract: A robot gripper for grasping, transporting, and depositing goods in transit including a gripper base having a coupling device for attachment to a robot arm, a carrying device extending in the longitudinal direction of the gripper and having a carrying surface which carries the object in transit and extends substantially in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the gripper, and a displacement device disposed above the carrying device and serving to apply force to the object in transit in the longitudinal direction. The carrying device and the displacement device are capable of being moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. A holding device is provided on the displacement device, by means of which holding device a holding force can be generated in order to prevent an object in transit resting against the holding device from losing contact therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for the moving and spreading of loose materials, such as dirt. A frame attaches to the three point hitch on a tractor. A bucket is rotatably attached to the frame, and a blade is attached to the frame and positioned within the bucket so as to substantially span the height and width of the bucket interior. In a first position, the bottom wall of the bucket is positioned substantially horizontally. The tractor moves so as to insert the open mouth of the bucket into a quantity of loose material, then raises the bucket and moves to a desired location. The bucket is lowered so that drag members on the bucket contact the ground; forward movement of the tractor causes the bucket to rotate, creating an opening between the bucket and the blade and causing the loose material to flow out of the bucket onto the ground.

Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.

Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.

Abstract: A handling process for a wheel of large mass from a storage position, in particular to enable its mounting onto the hub of a vehicle, wherein said process comprises the following steps: a handling device that comprises at least two flexible non-elastic attachments parallel to one another and linked by at least two flexible and non-elastic fastening means is positioned on said wheel, said attachments and said fastening means enable the tire tread mounted on said wheel to be encircled over substantially 360°, said attachment thus being position at each side flank of said wheel, the ends of said different flexible attachments are brought together so as to imprison said wheel within said handling device, said ends of said different flexible attachments of said handling device are hooked onto a handling and lifting device, such as a winch integral with a bridge crane, said bridge crane ensuring the lifting and displacement of said wheel.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: A robot tool for setting plugs (18) in industrial production has a robot attachment region (2) for attaching the robot tool (1) to an industrial robot. To further simplify or automate the setting of plugs in industrial production, in particular of motor vehicles, the robot tool (1) has a pushrod (42) that can be moved back and forth and with which a plug (18) can be picked up and advanced.

Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.

Abstract: A blade handling apparatus includes a mount frame; a stinger boom carried by the mount frame; and a lift block assembly including a lift block carried by the stinger boom; a pair of rod housings carried by the lift block; a pair of push rods slidably carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively; and a pair of blade lock pins carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively, and engaged by the pair of push rods, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for transporting, removing or inserting rod-like elements from or into a storage frame (18), the rod-like elements, like smoking rods, serving for storing products, each having a sausage-shaped body (44) and a loop (42) for a pendulously storage of the products (W). The handling system comprises a robotic device (22) with at least one robotic arm (24) being movably in three dimensions, at least one gripping device (26) for reversibly gripping the rod-like elements, wherein the gripping device (26) is attached to the robotic arm (24) of the robotic device (22). Moreover, a preventing unit (52) for preventing uncontrolled movement of the products (W) hanging up on the rod-like elements is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for using a gantry crane to efficiently and safely transport loads such as containers and ship hatch covers from one location to another along a known path while avoiding collisions between the loads and obstructing objects which may be situated in the known path. A transceiver emitting laser beams may be used to establish both the position of the spreader and its load and the profile of the known path. Continuous comparisons are made by computer between the location of a dynamic digital protective envelope constructed around the crane spreader and its load, if any, and a digital representation of the profile of the known path to be traveled by the spreader and its load, if any. In the event, the comparison indicates intersection of the protective envelope and the path profile, a speed limit is imposed on the motor controlling the movement in the X axis of the trolley or in the Z axis of the spreader, as required to prevent a collision.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method allows for the towing of a vehicle. Specifically, the apparatus cradles an exposed wheel hub of a vehicle having had a tire removed. The wheel hub sits within the cradle or well, while the apparatus is disposed on a tow truck or a tow dolly. The tow truck or tow dolly safely moves the vehicle without damaging the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for delivering a tubular to a well centered drill axis includes rotating a transfer arm to which a tubular is secured about a first axis from a horizontal position to a vertical position at which a center of gravity of the transfer arm and the tubular is disposed above the first axis; and rotating an upper link of the transfer arm about a second axis while oppositely rotating a clamp support beam about a third axis from the vertical position toward the drilling apparatus while a lower link remains in the vertical position. In delivering the tubular to a drilling apparatus, a tubular supply apparatus controls the speed and acceleration of the tubular without having actuators thereof change between compression and tension states or between rotational states.

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bulk material is provided for scooping a quantity of the bulk material into a standard equipment bucket of an excavating or front loader equipment, covering the bucket with a single soft-sided container such that a bottom of the single soft-sided container spans and covers a mouth of the bucket, securing the single soft-sided container over the bucket to close the mouth of the bucket, and inverting the bucket such that the mouth of the bucket is oriented substantially downward to transfer the quantity of the bulk material from the bucket directly into the single soft-sided container.

Abstract: A hub for a wind turbine with a first end facing a nacelle of the wind turbine and a second end facing a direction opposite the nacelle. The hub has at least one opening between the first and second end, which opening is adapted for receiving a wind turbine blade, and the hub is adapted to rotate in relation to the nacelle by means of the wind turbine blade. A self-supporting front structure is connected to the second end of the hub, the front structure extending from the second end of the hub and away from the nacelle and being arranged to support a spinner module, the spinner module being adapted to house the front structure and hub. The front structure has a projecting part, which is part of the self-supporting structure and can extend from the front structure and away from the nacelle and has a connection point.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having a opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an excavation machine comprising: a mast having a longitudinal direction; a bar presenting a first end provided with an excavation tool; and a carriage movable along the longitudinal direction of the mast and including a first holder member for holding the bar relative to the carriage, said carriage being suitable for moving the bar along the longitudinal direction of the mast. The invention is wherein the first holder member is pivotable relative to the carriage and by the fact that the first holder member presents a locked state in which the bar is prevented from moving in translation relative to the carriage, and an unlocked state in which the bar is free to move in translation relative to the carriage.