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.

A boom clamp attachment has a gib frame, a boom quick-connect, a shaft arm axle, a shaft arm torque assembly, and at least one gib clamp assembly. The gib clamp assembly has a clamp support member having a first gib clamp at a first end and second gib clamp at a second end. The gib clamp has a fixed finger and a moveable finger, the moveable finger controlled via hydraulics. The boom clamp may hoist, tilt, and position an assembled section of panels.

A method and apparatus for moving objects between locations using a moving apparatus coupled to a lifting device, such as a forklift. The moving apparatus is engageable with the lifting device when seated on a surface and is secured to the lifting device by a retaining assembly when the lifting device lifts the moving apparatus off the surface. The moving device includes a connector assembly which is used to retain or secure an object, article, or piece of equipment to the moving apparatus. The connector assembly may be any suitable hitch-type apparatus such as a standard ball hitch or a gooseneck hitch. In other embodiments, the connector assembly may include a platform which is rotatably mounted to a body of the moving apparatus. The platform defines a platform channel into which a portion of the object, article, or piece of equipment is received.

A method and apparatus for moving objects between locations using a moving apparatus coupled to a lifting device, such as a forklift. The moving apparatus is engageable with the lifting device when seated on a surface and is secured to the lifting device by a retaining assembly when the lifting device lifts the moving apparatus off the surface. The moving device includes a connector assembly which is used to retain or secure an object, article, or piece of equipment to the moving apparatus. The connector assembly may be any suitable hitch-type apparatus such as a standard ball hitch or a gooseneck hitch. In other embodiments, the connector assembly may include a platform which is rotatably mounted to a body of the moving apparatus. The platform defines a platform channel into which a portion of the object, article, or piece of equipment is received.

A handling device (103) for loads (105) includes a radar transmitter (107), a radar sensor (111) and a data-processing device. The radar transmitter (107) is configured to irradiate at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105). The radar sensor (111) is configured to detect at least part of the irradiated handling device (103) and/or the irradiated load (105). The data-processing device is configured to determine the position of at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load 105) with reference to a signal from the radar sensor (111). At least a part (405) of the handling device (103) is radar-absorbing.

A handling device (103) for loads (105) includes a radar transmitter (107), a radar sensor (111) and a data-processing device. The radar transmitter (107) is configured to irradiate at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105). The radar sensor (111) is configured to detect at least part of the irradiated handling device (103) and/or the irradiated load (105). The data-processing device is configured to determine the position of at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load 105) with reference to a signal from the radar sensor (111). At least a part (405) of the handling device (103) is radar-absorbing.

A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

A mobile omnidirectional device having a base support, four wheels pivotally connected to the base support, each wheel being driven by a drive motor, a controller for individually controlling each of the drive motors, and a power source for powering the controller and the drive motors. The device provides a zero inch turning radius and can be configured as a jib hoist or a rolling transportation cart.

A teleoperated robotic system that includes master control arms, slave arms, and a mobile platform. In use, a user manipulates the master control arms to control movement of the slave arms. The teleoperated robotic system can include two master control arms and two slave arms. The master control arms and the slave arms can be mounted on the platform. The platform can provide support for the master control arms and for a teleoperator, or user, of the robotic system. Thus, a mobile platform can allow the robotic system to be moved from place to place to locate the slave arms in a position for use. Additionally, the user can be positioned on the platform, such that the user can see and hear, directly, the slave arms and the workspace in which the slave arms operate.