A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a work surface of a structure. The apparatus may comprise a motion platform and an overhead support system. The motion platform may be configured to be positioned above the work surface of the structure to perform the operation on the work surface. The overhead support system may be configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location.

A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a work surface of a structure. The apparatus may comprise a motion platform and an overhead support system. The motion platform may be configured to be positioned above the work surface of the structure to perform the operation on the work surface. The overhead support system may be configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location.

A bracket for attaching a lifting/lowering device to a support member of a safety structure, the bracket including: a body configured to at least partially contact or envelop a support member of a safety structure, wherein at least one surface of the body has at least one cut-out that includes at least one shaped end for contacting a support member pin inserted into the support member of the safety structure, and wherein the body includes at least one surface for mounting or securing the bracket to a lifting/lowering device. A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly and method of installation are also disclosed.

The invention provides a mechanical bar conveying device consisting of a horizontal travel limiting device (1), a vertical axis servo reducer (2), a vertical descent depth detector (3), a vertical axis travelling mechanism (4), a horizontal axis servo reducer (5), a horizontal drive gear (6), a horizontal tow chain (7), a horizontal moving mechanism (8), a manipulator torque detector (9), a safety detection mechanism (10), a main frame (11), a horizontal frame (12), a vertical movement mechanism (16), a tow chain bracket (17), a tow chain (18), a vertical rack-and-pinion mechanism (19), a horizontal linear guide track (20), a vertical beam (21), a claw clamping mechanism (22), a claw ball screw (23), a manipulator servo reducer (24), a manipulator depth detector (25), and a claw and travel limiting combined mechanism (26). The device realizes automatic conveying of bars, and avoids the problems of manual conveying process, such as high environmental temperature, large intensity, low work efficiency and high risk of industrial accidents.

The invention provides a mechanical bar conveying device consisting of a horizontal travel limiting device (1), a vertical axis servo reducer (2), a vertical descent depth detector (3), a vertical axis travelling mechanism (4), a horizontal axis servo reducer (5), a horizontal drive gear (6), a horizontal tow chain (7), a horizontal moving mechanism (8), a manipulator torque detector (9), a safety detection mechanism (10), a main frame (11), a horizontal frame (12), a vertical movement mechanism (16), a tow chain bracket (17), a tow chain (18), a vertical rack-and-pinion mechanism (19), a horizontal linear guide track (20), a vertical beam (21), a claw clamping mechanism (22), a claw ball screw (23), a manipulator servo reducer (24), a manipulator depth detector (25), and a claw and travel limiting combined mechanism (26). The device realizes automatic conveying of bars, and avoids the problems of manual conveying process, such as high environmental temperature, large intensity, low work efficiency and high risk of industrial accidents.

A system includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV). A loading table is positioned on the AGV. The loading table is configured and sized to hold more than one storage container. A frame extends from the AGV. A robotic arm is mounted to the frame. In one form, the frame includes a gantry that moves relative to the rest of the AGV. Alternatively or additionally, the robotic arm is able to move relative to the gantry. By holding more than one storage container, the AGV facilitates automatic batch picking or placing of items. The gantry increases the degrees of freedom of movement of the robotic arm.

An apparatus for lifting and lowering manhole covers is shown and described. The apparatus for lifting and lowering manhole covers includes a main beam secured to a vehicle connection support. A winch is secured along the main beam. The winch is configured to secure to a manhole cover. A support leg secured to the main beam such that the winch is positioned between the vehicle connection support and the support leg.

A lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) has three booms (2, 19) of adjustable length, which in each case have a first end section (4, 20) and a second end section (5, 21) opposite the first end section (4, 20). While the first end sections (4, 20) of all booms (2, 19) are articulatedly connected to one another, the second end sections (5, 21) are articulatedly and rotatably mounted in respective bearings (7, 24, 29). The bearings (7, 24, 29) are thereby arranged at fixed positions relative to one another. Furthermore, in each boom (2, 19) at least the first end section (4, 20) can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the boom (2, 19) with respect to the second end section (5, 21). In particular, the booms (2, 19) always form a tripod, which is characterized by a high stability. The lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) is therefore suitable for lifting very heavy loads, wherein greater ranges can be achieved compared to known lifting devices. In addition, the lifting device (1, 14, 18, 28, 31, 36, 46, 50) can be pivoted further than known lifting devices.

There is provided a method of installing spiral hangers about a messenger line installed between first and second utility poles with a cable being lashed to the messenger line with a lashing wire. The method includes attaching a first and second spiral hangers to the messenger line between first and second utility poles with the first spiral hanger disposed about the messenger line and the cable. The method includes removing the lashing wire from being around the messenger line and the cable adjacent the second spiral hanger. The method includes moving the second spiral hanger towards the second utility pole. The method includes attaching a successive spiral hanger to the messenger line between the spiral hangers and repeating the moving of the second spiral hanger and attaching another successive spiral hanger.

There is provided a method of installing spiral hangers about a messenger line installed between first and second utility poles with a cable being lashed to the messenger line with a lashing wire. The method includes attaching a first and second spiral hangers to the messenger line between first and second utility poles with the first spiral hanger disposed about the messenger line and the cable. The method includes removing the lashing wire from being around the messenger line and the cable adjacent the second spiral hanger. The method includes moving the second spiral hanger towards the second utility pole. The method includes attaching a successive spiral hanger to the messenger line between the spiral hangers and repeating the moving of the second spiral hanger and attaching another successive spiral hanger.