The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.

A vacuum lifting device to facilitate the lifting and/or repositioning of an article having an external surface as set out herein comprises at least one pair of handles and a base having opposed first and second surfaces, the base having an aperture arranged through the base. The second surface is arranged is provided with a continuous sealing joint projecting downwards from the second surface defining an enclosed area which includes the aperture on the bottom surface of the base. The vacuum lifting device also comprises a suction conduit arranged to be connected to a vacuum generating member and configured to be in fluid connection with the second surface of the base through the aperture. The vacuum lifting device further comprises an extendable lifting member arranged between the at least one pair of handles and the first surface of the base, the lifting member is actuated by a lift actuating member for shifting the base in a vertical direction transferring said vacuum lifting device (10) between an extended and a compressed state. A method for using the vacuum lifting device is also disclosed.

A vacuum lifting device to facilitate the lifting and/or repositioning of an article having an external surface as set out herein comprises at least one pair of handles and a base having opposed first and second surfaces, the base having an aperture arranged through the base. The second surface is arranged is provided with a continuous sealing joint projecting downwards from the second surface defining an enclosed area which includes the aperture on the bottom surface of the base. The vacuum lifting device also comprises a suction conduit arranged to be connected to a vacuum generating member and configured to be in fluid connection with the second surface of the base through the aperture. The vacuum lifting device further comprises an extendable lifting member arranged between the at least one pair of handles and the first surface of the base, the lifting member is actuated by a lift actuating member for shifting the base in a vertical direction transferring said vacuum lifting device (10) between an extended and a compressed state. A method for using the vacuum lifting device is also disclosed.

A gripping device (10) for sheet-shaped elements (L) comprising: at least one longitudinal bar (20) adjustable in length and provided with a plurality of suction gripping members (30) connected along a longitudinal axis (A) of the longitudinal bar (20).

A gripping device (10) for sheet-shaped elements (L) comprising: at least one longitudinal bar (20) adjustable in length and provided with a plurality of suction gripping members (30) connected along a longitudinal axis (A) of the longitudinal bar (20).

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device that can be used to lift and/or position a remote-controlled (RC) aircraft as needed by a user (e.g., into/out of a transport vehicle). The device includes a handle that allows the user to grip and hold the device. The handle is operably connected to an arm that comprises an angled portion and a connector portion. The angled portion is angled to accommodate the canopy of an associated aircraft. The connector portion allows joining of the arm to an extender. The extender passes through the central portion of the aircraft to allow the user to lift and/or position the aircraft as desired.

A stop device for holding a unit load device in place on decking is described. In one example, the stop device includes a switchable magnet with an actuator to engage or disengage the stop device on decking using a switchable magnetic field of the stop device. The stop device also includes an interface bumper secured over a first surface of the switchable magnet, a foot plate secured over a second surface of the switchable magnet, and a handle rod assembly that extends from the switchable magnet for positioning the switchable magnet on the decking. The handle rod assembly includes a switch linkage, with the switch linkage extending from the actuator of the switchable magnet to a distal end of the handle rod assembly with a handle for a user. An individual can rotate a locking lever of the stop device to engage or disengage the stop device on the decking.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated container retrieval and delivery systems. In one embodiment, an example container handling system may include a platform, a first rotatable arm disposed on a lower side of the platform, where the first rotatable arm is offset from a front end of the platform, a motor configured to rotate the first rotatable arm from a first position to a second position, and a first wheel disposed at a distal end of the first rotatable arm. The container handling system may be configured to raise a container from an angled position to a horizontal position, and the container may be in the horizontal position when the first rotatable arm is in the second position.

A clamping device configured to handle large and fragile objects can include large jaws extended outside a smaller jaw support. The extended areas of the second jaw can be up to 4× of the jaw support, and can contain reinforced ridges configured so that a force applied from the second body portion to the second jaw spreads to the extended areas of the second jaw outside the second body portion, for example, to at least 80%. The clamping device can include an automatic locking mechanism for open and close the jaws from an operator far away from the clamping device.

A tank cover lifting tool is configured to remove or attach tank covers. The tank cover lifting tool includes a handle center support, a first handle connected to one end of the handle center support, and a second handle connected to another end of the handle center support. In addition, the tank cover lifting tool includes a first lifting block that is locked on the handle center support and that is configured to engage a first tank cover handle of a tank cover. Further, the tank cover lifting tool includes a second lifting block that is locked on the handle center support and that is configured to engage a second tank cover handle of the tank cover.