A system for delivering packages comprising a plurality of containers, each container having a plurality of package storage compartments and each compartment comprising an individually controlled access door on an external wall of the container. One or more packages are placed in at least some of the plurality of modules at a distribution center wherein the container is configured to be transported between the distribution center and a pickup location. Upon arrival at the pickup location, the container is parked and wherein recipients of the packages in the compartments of the container are notified of the arrival of the packages at the pickup location. Each recipient is provided access to the compartment containing the package intended for that recipient.

A system for delivering packages from a warehouse to end destinations, the system comprising a fleet of self-propelled long-range transports and a fleet of containers, each configured to be loaded at the warehouse with packages destined for end destinations. Each long-range transport is configured to be loaded with at least four of the loaded containers and transport the at least four of the loaded containers from the warehouse to one or more intermediate destinations. Upon arrival of one of the loaded long-range transports at one of the one or more intermediate destinations, at least one of the loaded containers is separated from the loaded long-range transport, whereupon the separated container delivers packages to end destinations proximate to the one of the one or more intermediate destinations. After delivery of at least some of the packages loaded thereon at the warehouse, the container is once again loaded on the long-range transport and returned to the warehouse to be loaded with more packages.

A multi-use package receptacle for deliveries to and pickups from a home or business, the receptacle comprising a first compartment for receiving a package delivered from a delivery service and a second compartment for receiving an item to be picked up by a pickup service. An access control unit configured to lock and unlock the first and second compartments, wherein the access control unit grants access to both the first and second compartments to a user associated with the home or business, and the access control unit grants access to the first compartment to a verified delivery service and grants access to the second compartment to a verified pickup service.

The invention is an apparatus and method for lifting objects onto the bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a rack assembly, a swing arm assembly, and at least one hydraulic arm. The invention can be optimized and adapted to fit on a standard pickup truck or a flatbed truck.

Photovoltaic module feeder assemblies, systems and methods are provided which comprise two rotatable arms, a grabber bar, and at least two gripping pieces. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of articulation points. The grabber bar is coupled to the distal end of each rotatable arm, and the gripping pieces are connected to each grabber bar. When the rotatable arms rotate to position the grabber bars in alignment with a photovoltaic module, the gripping pieces activate and grip or support the photovoltaic module. The rotatable arms maintain the short sides of the photovoltaic module in a horizontal position by utilizing one or more of the plurality of articulation points. The photovoltaic module feeder assembly may be coupled to a mobile unit having a conveyor and guide rails for moving and holding a pallet of photovoltaic modules. Disclosed methods may be controlled by software that can determine a just-in-time installation schedule.

Embodiments for a trailer mounted log loader are described. The trailer mounted log loader includes an A-frame made of square beams which have a connection plate attached at one end forming an apex of the A-frame. A hollow connection adapter is positioned between and connected to the connection plates of the A-frame. An extendable boom arm is situated within the hollow connection adapter. The extendable boom arm has an attachment point at a distal end opposite from the hollow connection adapter where an attachable attachment is connectable to the extendable boom arm. A pair of pivot arms are connected to a base of the A-frame. The A-frame pivot arms are in turn pivotally connect to a pair of uprights . . . . The ability to remove the uprights from the support posts allows the trailer mounted log loader to be mounted to any trailer or truck bed or stored when not in use.

A portable gantry crane formed of composite members includes a composite material I-beam. Two or more support members are formed of a composite material and each support member supports the I-beam when the portable gantry crane is in an upright position. Two or more end housings are included, each end housing enclosing a top end of one of the two or more support members and coupled thereto using adhesive. A plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure including a latch, and each end housing having a latch receiver, each latch in combination with a latch receiver allowing one of the latch structures to be releasably fixedly coupled with an end housing. In implementations a plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure having a latch structure enclosure and each latch structure enclosure at least partially enclosing one of the end housings.

Embodiments for a trailer mounted log loader are described. The trailer mounted log loader includes an A-frame made of square beams which have a connection plate attached at one end forming an apex of the A-frame. A hollow connection adapter is positioned between and connected to the connection plates of the A-frame. An extendable boom arm is situated within the hollow connection adapter. The extendable boom arm has an attachment point at a distal end opposite from the hollow connection adapter where an attachable attachment is connectable to the extendable boom arm. A pair of pivot arms are connected to a base of the A-frame. The A-frame pivot arms are in turn pivotally connect to a pair of uprights . . . . The ability to remove the uprights from the support posts allows the trailer mounted log loader to be mounted to any trailer or truck bed or stored when not in use.

The invention is a strut assembly for attaching to vehicle frames as a set to provide a secure and stable anchor or effective platform for a vehicle mounted hoist or other load bearing or load resisting accessory. A particular embodiment is directed to fitting into rectangular apertures found in pickup truck bed side panels, and these strut assemblies are attached to the frame of the vehicle.

A loading system laterally loads and unloads an upper body structure onto a vehicle platform of a motor vehicle. The system includes two loading arms pivotably mounted on lengthwise ends of the vehicle platform. The loading arms jointly swivel between upward and lateral orientations with respect to the vehicle platform and jointly extend and retract. Each loading arm has an engaging portion at a distal end of the respective loading arm to engage a corresponding support portion at a respective lengthwise end of the upper body structure. The loading arms engage and release the upper body structure by swiveling into the lateral orientation and extending and retracting within the lateral orientation. The loading arms mount the engaged upper body structure on top of the vehicle platform by swiveling with the engaged upper body structure into the upward orientation and retracting with the engaged upper body structure within the upward orientation.