A lifting devices can include a tube with a first slot and a second slot. The devices also include an insert with a first insert projection connected to a second insert projection by a central portion. The first insert projection extends through the first slot and the second insert projection extends through the second slot. A first plate and a second plate are each connected to the central portion of the insert. The lifting devices can be used in a method of lifting a tanker truck or other structures.

A lifting devices can include a tube with a first slot and a second slot. The devices also include an insert with a first insert projection connected to a second insert projection by a central portion. The first insert projection extends through the first slot and the second insert projection extends through the second slot. A first plate and a second plate are each connected to the central portion of the insert. The lifting devices can be used in a method of lifting a tanker truck or other structures.

It is described herein an apparatus for removing and installing a battery for an electrically driven vehicle, and a related method for removing and installing a battery into an electrically driven vehicle. The apparatus may comprise a guide system, a battery containment structure, and a linear motion device. The guide system may comprise a first track and a second track. The battery containment structure may comprise a first plurality of bearings and a second plurality of bearings, and may be configured to receive and hold the battery. When the battery containment structure is acted upon by a linear force applied by the linear motion device to lower and raise the battery containment structure, the first plurality of bearings moves linearly along the first track while the second plurality of bearings moves linearly along the second track,

A payload coupling apparatus is provided that includes a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a side wall positioned between the upper and lower portions, an attachment point on the housing adapted for attachment to a first end of a tether, a slot in the housing that extends downwardly towards a center of the housing thereby forming a hook or lip on the lower portion of the housing beneath the slot, a plurality of holes in the upper portion of the housing; and a plurality of holes in the lower portion of the housing. A method of retracting a payload coupling apparatus during UAV flight is also provided.

A payload coupling apparatus is provided that includes a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a side wall positioned between the upper and lower portions, an attachment point on the housing adapted for attachment to a first end of a tether, a slot in the housing that extends downwardly towards a center of the housing thereby forming a hook or lip on the lower portion of the housing beneath the slot, a plurality of holes in the upper portion of the housing; and a plurality of holes in the lower portion of the housing. A method of retracting a payload coupling apparatus during UAV flight is also provided.

A storage arrangement that includes a rack receiving space; and a movement space. The rack receiving space includes at least One movable rack and the movement space may contain a movement device that interacts with the at least one rack. The movement space is arranged above the rack receiving space in a direction of gravity, and the movement device is releasably engaged with the at least one rack.

Techniques facilitating increased operational reliability for jib cranes are provided. In one example, a jib crane can comprise a mast, a shaft mechanism, and a rod. The mast can extend vertically from a base structure. The shaft mechanism can be disposed within the mast. The rod can be coupled to a boom arm and can be disposed within the shaft mechanism. Rotation of the rod can facilitate continuous rotation of the boom arm about a longitudinal axis of the rod with respect to the base structure.

An end effector includes an elongated body that is non-circular in cross section. A guide rail is mounted on a top surface of the elongated body. A hook carriage includes a linear motion guide that moves linearly along the guide rail to position a hook member. A locking mechanism locks the hook carriage at a preselected position along a length of the guide rail.

An engine hoist attachment assembly for hoisting a vehicle component includes a tube, a bar, and a pair of rods. The tube has a first end that is configured to slidably insert a terminus of a boom of an engine hoist to removably couple the tube to the boom. The bar has a back face that is coupled to and extends bidirectionally and perpendicularly from a second end of the tube so that the bar is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the engine hoist is positioned. The pair of rods is coupled to and extends in parallel from a front face of the bar. The rods are configured to position under a vehicle component, positioning a user to utilize the engine hoist to selectively lift and lower the vehicle component.

An engine hoist attachment assembly for hoisting a vehicle component includes a tube, a bar, and a pair of rods. The tube has a first end that is configured to slidably insert a terminus of a boom of an engine hoist to removably couple the tube to the boom. The bar has a back face that is coupled to and extends bidirectionally and perpendicularly from a second end of the tube so that the bar is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the engine hoist is positioned. The pair of rods is coupled to and extends in parallel from a front face of the bar. The rods are configured to position under a vehicle component, positioning a user to utilize the engine hoist to selectively lift and lower the vehicle component.