An elongated container has a convex shape with a bulge defining a center width of the elongated container. An apparatus and method for lifting the elongated container are described. The apparatus performs a pick operation from a front side of the elongated container. The pick operation includes approaching and gripping the elongated container from the front side. During the pick operation, an outer dimension of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to an elongated direction defined by the elongated container is smaller than the center width of the elongated container.

A lifting assistance apparatus includes a vertically-suspended lift control device configured to selectively linearly retract, linearly extend, or hold a retractable load-bearing feature, a lifting attachment attached to the retractable load-bearing feature, where the lifting attachment includes an angled portion having two horizontally opposed lifting arms connected via a member and configured to fit to a container with a protrusion, such that the two lifting arms when positioned directly below the protrusion are configured to selectively contact and lift the container as the lifting attachment is at least partially lifted by a retraction of the load-bearing feature, and a graspable portion configured to permit a user to select a horizontal position and height of the container using the control device by moving the container vertically and/or horizontally, where the control device operates to provide assistance to the user when moving the container in the vertical direction.

A lifting device for removably attaching handles to an object for lifting thereof includes a first strap having a connector engaged to a first end thereof. The connector is can selectively engage the first strap proximate to a second end thereof. The first strap is can be positioned around a circumference of the object, such as a cooler. The connector is positioned to engage the first strap to removably couple the first strap to the object. A set of handles is engaged to the first strap. A respective handle can be grasped in a hand of a user. The user thus is positioned to exert an upward force upon the object, enabling the user to lift or to tilt the object.

A lid assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a lid assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall, a rim around the cylindrical sidewall, and a top portion having an opening formed therein. A removable stack is configured to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to direct exhaust from the portable biochar kiln. A gasket cover is interchangeable with the removable stack to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to form a substantially airtight seal over the opening formed in the top portion when a burn is complete in the portable biochar kiln to self-extinguish embers in the portable biochar kiln.

An elongated container has a convex shape with a bulge defining a center width of the elongated container. An apparatus and method for lifting the elongated container are described. The apparatus performs a pick operation from a front side of the elongated container. The pick operation includes approaching and gripping the elongated container from the front side. During the pick operation, an outer dimension of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to an elongated direction defined by the elongated container is smaller than the center width of the elongated container.

A drum loading and unloading system and method for loading and unloading a drum. The system includes a portable base unit having pedestals for holding a drum at a predetermined position for loading and unloading material from the drum; a pair of pneumatic cylinders attached to the portable base supporting a cross-beam; a pumping piston attached to the cross-beam for pumping material into and out of the drum; and a lifting device attached to the cross-beam for lifting the drum onto the pedestals of the portable base.

A gripper assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a gripper includes an attachment for connecting to a loader, the attachment having a mating surface configured for engagement with the biochar kiln. The example gripper assembly also includes a substantially C-shaped claw having a first arm and a second arm. The example gripper assembly also includes a motor on the attachment. The motor operates to open and close the first and second arms in a pinch-and-release motion to grasp and release the biochar kiln. The motor further operates to rotate the first and second arms to tilt the biochar kiln for dumping operations. The motor further operates to raise and lower the first and second arms to raise and lower the biochar kiln relative to the ground for moving operations.

A lid assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a lid assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall, a rim around the cylindrical sidewall, and a top portion having an opening formed therein. A removable stack is configured to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to direct exhaust from the portable biochar kiln. A gasket cover is interchangeable with the removable stack to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to form a substantially airtight seal over the opening formed in the top portion when a burn is complete in the portable biochar kiln to self-extinguish embers in the portable biochar kiln.

A drum loading and unloading system and method for loading and unloading a drum. The system includes a portable base unit having pedestals for holding a drum at a predetermined position for loading and unloading material from the drum; a pair of pneumatic cylinders attached to the portable base supporting a cross-beam; a pumping piston attached to the cross-beam for pumping material into and out of the drum; and a lifting device attached to the cross-beam for lifting the drum onto the pedestals of the portable base.

A gripper assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a gripper includes an attachment for connecting to a loader, the attachment having a mating surface configured for engagement with the biochar kiln. The example gripper assembly also includes a substantially C-shaped claw having a first arm and a second arm. The example gripper assembly also includes a motor on the attachment. The motor operates to open and close the first and second arms in a pinch-and-release motion to grasp and release the biochar kiln. The motor further operates to rotate the first and second arms to tilt the biochar kiln for dumping operations. The motor further operates to raise and lower the first and second arms to raise and lower the biochar kiln relative to the ground for moving operations.