Tooling (100) for picking up two-dimensional workpieces comprises a main body (110) and a plurality of holding elements (131, 132) arranged on the main body (110), wherein the holding elements (131, 132) are movable relative to the main body (110) independently of one another. Each of the holding elements (131, 132) is fastened in an end region of an arm (121.1 . . . 10, 122.1 . . . 10). The arms (121, 122) are movable passively relative to the main body (110) along a linear movement path in a longitudinal extension of each particular arm (121, 122). The tooling (100) comprises, for each of the arms (121, 122) a fixing apparatus, by means of which a position of each particular arm (121, 122) along the movement path is fixable. On account of its passive character, the tooling (100) according to the invention is lightweight and can be produced cost-effectively. Compared with fixedly configured tooling, reduced costs arise on account of the configurability, because different types of tooling do not have to be kept available and provided. The storage area for replacement tooling is saved, and also an automatic tooling changing station or a manual tooling change become superfluous. As a result of the geometry according to the invention, the tooling (100) can be set easily, no complex movements and accordingly no complicated setting devices (for example multiaxial robots) are necessary.

A clamp for reinforcing a solid surface is disclosed and may be used with a top rail and a bottom rail. The clamp has a top jaw and a bottom jaw, each with a channel constructed to receive and align the top and bottom rails respectively in a first direction and a second direction. Each jaw has its own channel lip, shaft hole, and alignment pin hole. An alignment pin may be disposed of in the pin holes to inhibit the rotation of the jaws relative to each other. A shaft may be disposed of in the shaft holes, and the shaft may be at least partially threaded with a knob connected to the shaft. The clamp may have three configurations: a locked configuration; a sliding configuration; and a rail removal configuration. Multiple clamps may be used to construct a multidimensional frame to reinforce and support the solid surface.

A clamp for reinforcing a solid surface is disclosed and may be used with a top and bottom rail. The clamp has a top and bottom jaw, each with a channel constructed to receive and align the top and bottom rails respectively in a first and second direction, respectively. Each jaw has its own channel lip, shaft hole, and alignment pin hole. An alignment may be disposed of in the pin holes to inhibit to rotation of the jaws relative to each other. A shaft may be disposed of in the shaft holes, and the shaft may be at least partially threaded with a knob connected to the shaft. The clamp may have three configurations: (1) a locked configuration; (2) a sliding configuration and (3) a rail removal configuration. Multiple clamps may be used to construct a multidimensional frame to reinforce and support the solid surface.

A method of lifting an object, includes the steps of using a flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism and generating and directing an acoustic sound. The sound thus generated has a predetermined frequency, imparted on the object, at various object locations. The acoustic sound communicates through first and second coils associated with the sound producing mechanism, such as a conical rubber member associated with the coils. The first coil harnesses electrical current and the second coil harnesses frequency, producing a force causing the rubber sound producing speaker cone mechanism to expand its surface area and push air outward. The pushed air provides a force for imparting movement of an object in the vicinity of the flexible sound producing speaker cone mechanism. Lifting by air is augmented by magnetic fields generated.

Gantry crane vehicle for performing one or more tasks in a photovoltaic array and method thereof. The gantry crane vehicle includes one or more base plates, and one or more tracks above the one or more base plates. Additionally, the vehicle includes one or more gantry assemblies configured to slide along the one or more tracks, and one or more first support trusses configured to support the one or more tracks above the one or more base plates. Moreover, the vehicle includes one or more second support trusses connected to at least some of the one or more first support trusses, and one or more storage cabinets located on the one or more base plates. The one or more storage cabinets include one or more top surfaces and one or more side surfaces, and the one or more top surfaces are located below the one or more tracks.

A suction device includes an adapter having in the interior thereof a supply passage to which a negative pressure fluid is supplied, a bellows connected to a distal end of the adapter, and a pad member disposed at a distal end of the bellows and to which a workpiece is attracted under suction. In addition, the suction device attracts the workpiece under suction by a negative pressure fluid which is supplied to the pad member through the supply passage and the bellows. An attachment which is capable of being tilted with respect to the axis of the bellows is provided in the interior of the bellows. In the attachment, a main body portion thereof is disposed in facing relation to a suction surface of a skirt, and a shaft portion is inserted into the supply passage at a time that the workpiece is attracted under suction.

The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the lifting tube, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means comprising a blocking member, a ventilation valve and a control valve, the valve means being designed such that the control valve is adjustable independently of the position of the blocking member and the valve means being designed such that when the ventilation valve is shifted into the ventilation position the blocking member always closes off the flow path between the tube interior and the suction grip device. The invention also relates to a tube lifter comprising an operating device of this kind.

The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the lifting tube, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means comprising a blocking member, a ventilation valve and a control valve, the valve means being designed such that the control valve is adjustable independently of the position of the blocking member and the valve means being designed such that when the ventilation valve is shifted into the ventilation position the blocking member always closes off the flow path between the tube interior and the suction grip device. The invention also relates to a tube lifter comprising an operating device of this kind.

An apparatus for installing and removing glass panels and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base portion, a back support structure secured to the base portion, and a glass adjustment system moveably coupled to the back support structure. Methods for using the apparatus to install and remove glass panels from, for example, ice rink boards, are also disclosed.

Disclosed are systems, method and devices for the processing of plasterboard sheets to provide cut plasterboard panels which are appropriately dimensioned for installation on a building site. The technology provides devices for measuring building framing, translating the building measurements to cut instructions, equipment and processes for cutting the plasterboard sheets, systems and methods of unloading, stacking and transporting the cut plasterboard panels, as well as instructions for installation.