A clamping device for lifting and transferring objects can employ slanting interfaces to convert a pulling action on the clamping device to a clamping action on the object. A pulling element in the form of a triangle can be disposed between a jaw and a jaw support of the clamping device. When the pulling element is pulled up, the base of the triangle shape pulling element can exert a force on the jaw against the jaw support, for securing a gripping action on the object.

A tong assembly for use with a work vehicle for grasping irregular shaped objects such as large rocks and smaller sized boulders. The tong assembly includes specially designed load engagement pads having a rectangular configuration of steel bars and attachable to the tong arms proximate their lower ends. A pair of the bars that extend parallel to one another, but normal to the tong arms have a serrated arcuate load engaging surface for enhancing the ability of the tong assembly to grasp and retain irregular shaped objects.

A transmission module for transmitting torques having a base, a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft parallel thereto, a first output shaft and a second output shaft, both rotatable about a common axis, the axes of the drive shafts are arranged parallel to the axis of the output shafts, a gear unit, where the two drive shafts, the gear unit and the first output shaft are rotatably supported in the base, and the second output shaft is rotatably supported in the first output shaft and the gear unit is designed in such a way that a synchronous rotary movement of the two output shafts can be effected by a rotary movement of the first drive shaft and a relative rotary movement of the two output shafts can be effected by a rotary movement of the second drive shaft.

A remote controlled luggage handler apparatus for loading and unloading luggage from tour buses includes a carrier body having a pair of drive tracks. A multi-axis arm has a base pivot unit coupled to a body top side, a proximal segment coupled to the base pivot unit, a distal segment, and a head pivot unit. A jaw comprises a jaw support coupled to the head pivot unit, a fixed mandible coupled to the jaw support, and a sliding mandible slidably coupled to the jaw support to secure a suitcase between the fixed mandible and the sliding mandible. A CPU, a first transceiver, and a battery are coupled within the carrier body. A remote control is in operational communication with the first transceiver to control the drive tracks and the arm. A charging port is configured to be installed within a storage bay of a tour bus to charge the battery.

A remote controlled luggage handler apparatus for loading and unloading luggage from tour buses includes a carrier body having a pair of drive tracks. A multi-axis arm has a base pivot unit coupled to a body top side, a proximal segment coupled to the base pivot unit, a distal segment, and a head pivot unit. A jaw comprises a jaw support coupled to the head pivot unit, a fixed mandible coupled to the jaw support, and a sliding mandible slidably coupled to the jaw support to secure a suitcase between the fixed mandible and the sliding mandible. A CPU, a first transceiver, and a battery are coupled within the carrier body. A remote control is in operational communication with the first transceiver to control the drive tracks and the arm. A charging port is configured to be installed within a storage bay of a tour bus to charge the battery.

A clamping device includes a rotatable element disposed between a jaw and a jaw support. The rotatable element has a slanting surface, interfacing a roller, and thus is configured to push the jaw toward an opposite jaw of the clamping device when rolling in a clamping direction. An auto lock mechanism is included in the clamping device, which can secure the rotating element for keeping the jaws separated. The auto lock mechanism can be activated or deactivated when the jaws are separated at a maximum or near maximum separation.

A clamping device includes a rotatable element disposed between a jaw and a jaw support. The rotatable element has a slanting surface, interfacing a roller, and thus is configured to push the jaw toward an opposite jaw of the clamping device when rolling in a clamping direction. An auto lock mechanism is included in the clamping device, which can secure the rotating element for keeping the jaws separated. The auto lock mechanism can be activated or deactivated when the jaws are separated at a maximum or near maximum separation.

A pipelayer machine is provided. The pipelayer machine has a main body, a boom pivotally connected to a first side of the main body, a hook winch provided on the first side of the main body and a boom winch provided on the second side of the main body. The boom winch and the hook winch can be connected to a structural assembly that positions the boom winch proximate the second side of the main body and positions the hook winch proximate the first side of the main body of the pipelayer machine. The hook winch can be provided in a hook winch frame and the hook winch frame can form a structural member in the structural assembly.

A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.

The present invention teaches a method for quickly and easily nesting and un-nesting bulk seed boxed. A first lower box is engaged with forks extending from a forklift truck, and the stacked boxes are elevated to a target height. Next, the forklift truck is advanced forward until the stacked boxes are in position in a box inverter apparatus, wherein the stacked boxes are positioned between opposing box engaging surfaces of rotary clamp pads. The rotary clamp pads engage the stacked boxes at a clamping location below the center of mass of the second, upper box unit. The forks of the fork truck carrying the first, lower box unit are then lowered until the first lower box unit is separated from the second, upper box unit, thereby affecting rotation of the second, upper box unit and rotary clamp pads until the second, upper box unit rotates a full 180 degrees to an inverted position. The forks carrying the lower box unit are raised upwardly such that the lower box unit nests inside the now inverted upper box unit. The rotary clamp pads are released from engagement with the outer surfaces of the upper box unit. Lastly, the nested first and second box units are removed from the box inverter apparatus.