A transport device is for carrying and moving objects from one location to another. In an embodiment, the transport device includes a chassis and at least four motor-driven omnidirectional wheels arranged on the chassis. The chassis is configured to adapt the wheelbase and the track gauge of the omnidirectional wheels according to the size of the object. A corresponding method for operating such transport device is further specified in an embodiment. The embodiments of the application lie in the universal usage of the transport device for nearly all sizes and shapes of an object.

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.

There is described a method for feeding a supply station (6) of a packaging unit (1) with a new reel (3a) of sheet packaging material, comprising the steps of releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder (11) to a support structure (5); coupling an end portion (52) of new reel (3a) with holder (11) connected, in turn, to support structure (5); carrying out on end portion (52) at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion (52) to a first edge (53) of a terminated reel (3a′, 3b) previously connected to packaging unit (1); moving new reel (3) together with holder (11) from support structure (5) towards supply station (6); and releasably connecting a fixed part (12) of supply station (6) to holder (11) together with new reel (3a).

There is described a method for feeding a supply station (6) of a packaging unit (1) with a new reel (3a) of sheet packaging material, comprising the steps of releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder (11) to a support structure (5); coupling an end portion (52) of new reel (3a) with holder (11) connected, in turn, to support structure (5); carrying out on end portion (52) at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion (52) to a first edge (53) of a terminated reel (3a′, 3b) previously connected to packaging unit (1); moving new reel (3) together with holder (11) from support structure (5) towards supply station (6); and releasably connecting a fixed part (12) of supply station (6) to holder (11) together with new reel (3a).

A pallet transportation apparatus including a pallet support array supported on a pallet transportation chassis for reciprocal motion and comprising pallet supporters that receive and support pallets. A mast assembly is fixed to the chassis and includes guides that support and guide the pallet support array through a reciprocal lifting and lowering motion, causing the pallet support array to lift and lower pallets. A prime mover moves the pallet support array through its reciprocal lifting and lowering motion, and a motion control system schedules the reciprocal lifting and lowering motion of the pallet support array.

A pallet transportation apparatus including a pallet support array supported on a pallet transportation chassis for reciprocal motion and comprising pallet supporters that receive and support pallets. A mast assembly is fixed to the chassis and includes guides that support and guide the pallet support array through a reciprocal lifting and lowering motion, causing the pallet support array to lift and lower pallets. A prime mover moves the pallet support array through its reciprocal lifting and lowering motion, and a motion control system schedules the reciprocal lifting and lowering motion of the pallet support array.

A load storage system is provided for holding standardized containers including a first stocker for being positioned on a first story and a second stocker for being positioned on a second story. The first and second stockers each include at least one load support for supporting the standardized containers. A floor is positioned between the first and second stockers. The floor defines a portal between and directly connecting the first and second stockers. The portal is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers. A vertical transfer device is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers and is configured to move the standardized containers through the portal between the first and second stockers. A method of operating the load storage system is also provided.

A load storage system is provided for holding standardized containers including a first stocker for being positioned on a first story and a second stocker for being positioned on a second story. The first and second stockers each include at least one load support for supporting the standardized containers. A floor is positioned between the first and second stockers. The floor defines a portal between and directly connecting the first and second stockers. The portal is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers. A vertical transfer device is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers and is configured to move the standardized containers through the portal between the first and second stockers. A method of operating the load storage system is also provided.

A brake component handling apparatus (10) comprising a frame (12) structure having a plurality of wheels (16). A shaft (14) is supported to extend upwardly from the frame (12). A support member (34) is rotatably secured to the shaft and an engagement member (36) is provided on the support member (34) to engage with a component of a brake assembly. The support member (34) comprises first and second plate members (50, 52) secured parallel and adjacent each other such the first plate member (50) is rotatable relative to the second plate member (52) and a locking mechanism is provided such that the first plate member (50) can be fixed relative to the second plate member (52).

A brake component handling apparatus (10) comprising a frame (12) structure having a plurality of wheels (16). A shaft (14) is supported to extend upwardly from the frame (12). A support member (34) is rotatably secured to the shaft and an engagement member (36) is provided on the support member (34) to engage with a component of a brake assembly. The support member (34) comprises first and second plate members (50, 52) secured parallel and adjacent each other such the first plate member (50) is rotatable relative to the second plate member (52) and a locking mechanism is provided such that the first plate member (50) can be fixed relative to the second plate member (52).