An automatic loading and unloading device includes a frame, an unloading unit, a receiving unit and a receiving link unit. The frame defines a processing area, an unloading area and a receiving area. The unloading unit includes an unloading slide rail, and an unloading drive group movably disposed on the unloading slide rail for driving at least one plate to move from the processing area to the unloading area. The receiving unit includes a receiving slide rail, and a receiving lift group movably disposed on the receiving slide rail for driving the at least one plate to move from the unloading area to the receiving area. The receiving link unit interconnects the unloading drive group and the receiving lift group.

Disclosed is a palletizing device (10) with a vertically mobile transfer station (14) which is in conveying communication with upstream conveying equipment (18) for conveying items, packaged goods, packages (20), or the like, to be palletized. The transfer station (14) is followed in the conveying direction (22) by a vertically mobile loading station (16) which is in conveying communication with a stacking position (28) for palletizing the items, packaged goods, and/or packages (20). The transfer (14) and loading stations (16) which are independently adjustable in the vertical positions thereof are associated with a common support structure, having separate guide devices (30) for vertically mobile guiding and drive devices for vertical position adjustment of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16), respectively. In addition, a method for handling such a palletizing device (10) is disclosed wherein the base planes (26, 48) of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16) are approximately flush at least while a layer of items, packaged goods, and/or packages (21) is pushed over between the two stations (14, 16).

Disclosed is a palletizing device (10) with a vertically mobile transfer station (14) which is in conveying communication with upstream conveying equipment (18) for conveying items, packaged goods, packages (20), or the like, to be palletized. The transfer station (14) is followed in the conveying direction (22) by a vertically mobile loading station (16) which is in conveying communication with a stacking position (28) for palletizing the items, packaged goods, and/or packages (20). The transfer (14) and loading stations (16) which are independently adjustable in the vertical positions thereof are associated with a common support structure, having separate guide devices (30) for vertically mobile guiding and drive devices for vertical position adjustment of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16), respectively. In addition, a method for handling such a palletizing device (10) is disclosed wherein the base planes (26, 48) of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16) are approximately flush at least while a layer of items, packaged goods, and/or packages (21) is pushed over between the two stations (14, 16).

A method of transmitting electricity including providing a shippable container configured to transport a liquid electrolyte solution to a first charging station. The first charging station is configured to apply electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The first charging station charges the liquid electrolyte solution by applying electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The charged liquid electrolyte solution is loaded into the shippable container and transported to a discharging station. The electrolyte solution is electrically discharged at the discharging station and subsequently transported to a second charging station.

A method of transmitting electricity including providing a shippable container configured to transport a liquid electrolyte solution to a first charging station. The first charging station is configured to apply electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The first charging station charges the liquid electrolyte solution by applying electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The charged liquid electrolyte solution is loaded into the shippable container and transported to a discharging station. The electrolyte solution is electrically discharged at the discharging station and subsequently transported to a second charging station.

A method for the partial emptying of buoyant objects, which are stored in a loading aid having at least one opening is provided. A processing weight to be partially emptied is established. A fill weight is determined of the objects in the loading aid via a first weighing. The loading aid is at least partially immersed in a liquid bath. The loading aid is positioned or moved for a retention time predefined as a function of the fill weight and of the processing weight in the bath such that there is an on-average constant flow relative to the loading aid and such that the opening is disposed at least partially below a fill level surface of the bath, whereby the objects are taken along by the flow. The at least partially emptied loading aid is lifted out of the bath after the retention time has elapsed.

A method for the partial emptying of buoyant objects, which are stored in a loading aid having at least one opening is provided. A processing weight to be partially emptied is established. A fill weight is determined of the objects in the loading aid via a first weighing. The loading aid is at least partially immersed in a liquid bath. The loading aid is positioned or moved for a retention time predefined as a function of the fill weight and of the processing weight in the bath such that there is an on-average constant flow relative to the loading aid and such that the opening is disposed at least partially below a fill level surface of the bath, whereby the objects are taken along by the flow. The at least partially emptied loading aid is lifted out of the bath after the retention time has elapsed.

A method for unloading a container having packages with a rail device comprising a rail having a hand element displaceable in the longitudinal direction. The hand element has a plurality of finger elements having two flexible flank elements extending jointly from one end to the opposite end of the finger element. Each are connected flexibly to each other via a plurality of webs. The finger elements adjustable from a curved position into an extended position and back. The packages are stacked in the container forming a front face in which the rail device is brought close to the front face of the stacked packages. One hand element grips one package from the stack of packages and removes it from the stack. Following the removal, it is displaced along the rail and following the displacement grips one further package and removes it from the stack of packages.

A method for unloading a container having packages with a rail device comprising a rail having a hand element displaceable in the longitudinal direction. The hand element has a plurality of finger elements having two flexible flank elements extending jointly from one end to the opposite end of the finger element. Each are connected flexibly to each other via a plurality of webs. The finger elements adjustable from a curved position into an extended position and back. The packages are stacked in the container forming a front face in which the rail device is brought close to the front face of the stacked packages. One hand element grips one package from the stack of packages and removes it from the stack. Following the removal, it is displaced along the rail and following the displacement grips one further package and removes it from the stack of packages.

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a plant trimming machine. Plants are placed in a tumbler. As the tumbler rotates, leaves are sucked through the tumbler by a vacuum assembly and cut by at least one rotatable blade adjacent to the tumbler. The tumbler and blade are housed in separate cartridges so that they can be easily removed and inserted. Thereby, it is relatively easy to clean and replace a tumbler or blade with minimal downtime to the machine.