An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure having a plurality of internal and peripheral upright members arranged to define a storage grid including multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. The upright members are interconnected at their upper ends by a rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle thereon. The container handling vehicle is configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into the storage columns and to transport the storage containers horizontally above the storage columns. The peripheral upright members of the framework structure define a horizontal periphery of the framework structure. A vehicle elevator includes a vertically extending support, a platform, and a lift mechanism. The platform includes a horizontally extending structure arranged to carry the container handling vehicle and a connection device moveably attaching the platform to the vertically extending support. The lift mechanism is arranged to move the platform between a first lift stop position, which establishes access between the platform and the rail system, and a second lift stop position arranged within an accessing area such that a human operator/service personnel and/or robot can perform in-situ maintenance on the container handling vehicle while the container handling vehicle is arranged on the platform. The first and second lift stop positions are arranged vertically offset.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure having a plurality of internal and peripheral upright members arranged to define a storage grid including multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. The upright members are interconnected at their upper ends by a rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle thereon. The container handling vehicle is configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into the storage columns and to transport the storage containers horizontally above the storage columns. The peripheral upright members of the framework structure define a horizontal periphery of the framework structure. A vehicle elevator includes a vertically extending support, a platform, and a lift mechanism. The platform includes a horizontally extending structure arranged to carry the container handling vehicle and a connection device moveably attaching the platform to the vertically extending support. The lift mechanism is arranged to move the platform between a first lift stop position, which establishes access between the platform and the rail system, and a second lift stop position arranged within an accessing area such that a human operator/service personnel and/or robot can perform in-situ maintenance on the container handling vehicle while the container handling vehicle is arranged on the platform. The first and second lift stop positions are arranged vertically offset.

A lifting aid for an attic ladder includes a track system having a plurality of attachment means configured to secure about a corresponding number of attic ladder rungs. A hand winch is secured to the base of the device and is in mechanical operation with a tray which runs up and down the attic ladder to which the track system is secured.

A robotic transporter system for elevator cars including: a propulsion system configured to move an elevator car through an elevator shaft; and a robotic transporter configured to move the elevator car within a parking area, the robotic transporter including: an elevator containment slot to receive the elevator car and the propulsion system of the elevator car when the elevator containment slot is aligned with the elevator shaft.

A robotic transporter system for elevator cars including: a propulsion system configured to move an elevator car through an elevator shaft; and a robotic transporter configured to move the elevator car within a parking area, the robotic transporter including: an elevator containment slot to receive the elevator car and the propulsion system of the elevator car when the elevator containment slot is aligned with the elevator shaft.

A knockdown, portable lift is relatively compact and lightweight for transport and use where there is no existing means for lifting a load between a lower surface and an upper surface or where the existing means cannot be used. Components of the lift are stored in a base portion of the lift and are assembled on site for forming a lift frame extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A platform and drive assembly are supported on the lift frame and are driven together up and down tracks on each side of the lift frame using a rotary drive, such as a hand crank or electric motor, to power the drive assembly. The drive assembly is operable by a person on or off the platform from either the upper or lower surface or traversing stairs over which the platform is moving. The drive assembly incorporates a unique overspeed braking system and a unique clutch arrangement.

A knockdown, portable lift is relatively compact and lightweight for transport and use where there is no existing means for lifting a load between a lower surface and an upper surface or where the existing means cannot be used. Components of the lift are stored in a base portion of the lift and are assembled on site for forming a lift frame extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A platform and drive assembly are supported on the lift frame and are driven together up and down tracks on each side of the lift frame using a rotary drive, such as a hand crank or electric motor, to power the drive assembly. The drive assembly is operable by a person on or off the platform from either the upper or lower surface or traversing stairs over which the platform is moving. The drive assembly incorporates a unique overspeed braking system and a unique clutch arrangement.

Methods and apparatus for constructing refractory structures, e.g., glass furnace regenerator structures and/or glass furnace structures having walls formed of refractory block and buck stays externally supporting the walls are provided. Opposed pairs of supports are connected to at least a respective one of the vertically oriented buck stays with cross-support beams spanning the refractory structure between a respective pair of the supports. An overhead crane assembly is supported by the cross-support beams. In such a manner, refractory components of the refractory structure (e.g., refractory wall blocks and/or refractory checker bricks) may be installed using the overhead crane assembly.

Methods and apparatus for constructing refractory structures, e.g., glass furnace regenerator structures and/or glass furnace structures having walls formed of refractory block and buck stays externally supporting the walls are provided. Opposed pairs of supports are connected to at least a respective one of the vertically oriented buck stays with cross-support beams spanning the refractory structure between a respective pair of the supports. An overhead crane assembly is supported by the cross-support beams. In such a manner, refractory components of the refractory structure (e.g., refractory wall blocks and/or refractory checker bricks) may be installed using the overhead crane assembly.

A knockdown, portable lift is relatively compact and lightweight for transport and use where there is no existing means for lifting a load between a lower surface and an upper surface or where the existing means cannot be used. Components of the lift are stored in a base portion of the lift and are assembled on site for forming a lift frame extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A platform and drive assembly are supported on the lift frame and are driven together up and down tracks on each side of the lift frame using a rotary drive, such as a hand crank or electric motor, to power the drive assembly. The drive assembly is operable by a person on or off the platform from either the upper or lower surface or traversing stairs over which the platform is moving. The drive assembly incorporates a unique overspeed braking system and a unique clutch arrangement.