A forklift arrangement is described which comprises a mast (12), a carriage (18) movable along the mast (12), a first link (36) interconnecting the carriage (18) and a fork support member (24), a second link (38) interconnecting the carriage (18) and the fork support member (24) and extending substantially parallel to the first link (36) throughout the range of movement of the fork support member (24) relative to the mast (12), and a third, stabilising link (44) interconnecting the first link (36) and a point fixed relative to the mast (12).

Systems and methods for detection of potential obstructions in a specified space. In some embodiments, the system and/or method comprises a robotic vehicle having one or more sensors configured to collect point cloud data from locations at or near a target drop zone. At least one processor performs an object detection analysis using the point cloud data to determine if there is an object in the target drop zone. To determine if there is an object or obstruction at the target drop zone, a volume of interest that is about the size of a pay load can be generated for the target drop zone. If point cloud data indicates an object within the VOI, an obstruction exists and the payload is held rather than dropped at the target drop location.

This disclosure relates to a combination of a pallet truck and a sled for delivering goods from a truck into a building, a method for making an in-building delivery of palletized loads from a truck, and a dual-use, half-size pallet that can be carried by either the pallet truck or the sled. The pallet truck is shaped and sized to nest with the sled by comprising an alignment feature configured to mate the sled with the pallet truck. The pallet truck is shaped, sized, and constructed to lift the sled along with at least two palletized loads of goods. The pallet truck is also shaped and sized to fit within a bed of a truck. The sled comprises an alignment feature compatible with the alignment feature of the pallet truck, and a lifting mechanism shaped, sized, and constructed to lift at least one of the palletized loads of goods.

Some illustrative embodiments of a fire tube implement for extraction and insertion of a fire tube may include an elongate shaft that is configured to extend outward and to be received within an opening in the fire tube. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft may carry at least one extender that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position normal to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. The at least one extender may be configured to engage an internal surface of the fire tube within the opening when the at least one extender is in the extended position. In some embodiments, a stabilizer may be laterally disposed from an exterior surface of the elongate shaft and securable to the fire tube. The elongate shaft may be operable by a powered machine.

An implement is disclosed for use in moving a fire tube in relation to a heat treater. The disclosed implement includes a frame extending along a first axis, a shaft extending from the frame along a second axis, and a stabilizer extending from the frame that is configured to inhibit rotation of the fire tube when the implement is employed to move the fire tube.

The order picker (1) comprising a vehicle (2, 25, 30); a robot device (3) on the vehicle (2, 25, 30), which is configured to manipulate objects within a working range (R_R); a pick-up device (4) on the vehicle for picking up a selection pallet (21) within the working range (R_R); a carrying device (5) on the vehicle for carrying an order pallet (16) within the working range (R_R); and a control unit, which is configured to activate the robot device (3) to convey load units (59) from a selection pallet (21) positioned in the working range (R_R) onto an order pallet (16) carried in the working range (R_R). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for order picking an order pallet (16) comprising load units (59) from a goods warehouse having selection pallets (20) arranged in rows and/or racks (23) using a vehicle (2, 25, 30) and a robot device (3) arranged thereon having a working range (R_R).

An apparatus for transporting a load onto a raised surface includes: a frame; and rear, middle, and front wheel assemblies coupled to the frame. Each wheel assembly includes: at least one leg, at least one wheel rotatingly coupled to the leg for rollingly supporting the frame, and at least one actuator operatively coupled to the at least one leg. The front wheel assembly is configured to extend forwardly from, and retract rearwardly toward, the frame. The actuators are configured to independently raise and lower the at least one rear, middle, and front wheel. A load support member is located below the frame and moveable between a first position where the center of gravity of the load is located rearward of an axis defined by the at least one middle wheel, and a second position where the center of gravity of the load is located forward of the axis.

A device for moving a fork carrier of a forklift includes an attachment unit arranged on a lifting mast with a scissor lever device having at least two oppositely rotatably mounted lever arm swings, which are rotatably contacted at at least one bearing point and which hold one fork carrier substantially normal to an axis of the lifting mast. The lever arm swings in a support region facing fork carrier and a support region facing the lifting vehicle have respectively at least one fixed support unit, and a support unit, which is displaceable when the scissor lever device is extended. At least one displaceable support unit, is slidable directly in contact with the lifting mast so that a direct force input into the lifting mast is established.

Embodiments relate to an autonomous robot including forks for loading a pallet onto its body. With the pallet loaded, the autonomous robot moves to a target location and then unloads the pallet automatically. To load the pallet, the forks are inserted below the top deckboard of the pallet, and then raised by lifting devices. The body of the autonomous robot is moved forward while retracting the forks to place the body under the pallet. Then the forks are lowered to mount the pallet onto the upper surface of the body. The autonomous robot navigates to the target location automatically, and then unloads the pallet by lifting the pallet from the upper surface of the body. Such loading or unloading of the pallet by the autonomous robot is performed autonomously without using additional equipment or manual involvement.

An apparatus for handling objects such as information technology equipment racks in an environment such as a data center. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a body having a first mount on a first interior side of the body; and second mount on a second interior side of the body and in same horizontal position as the first mount; and a lifting system comprising one or more lifting elements with one or more retractable wheels coupled each of the one or more lifting elements, wherein, when the lifting system extends outside of the body to handle an object, the object rests on the one or more retractable wheels that are in an extended position, and when the lifting system is substantially inside the body, the retractable wheels are in a retracted position, and the object rests on the first mount and the second mount of the body.