A continuous foam-type band suitable for placement about a cylindrical container such as a compressed air or gas cylinder is disclosed, and use of the band as a handle as well as a means for isolation and protection of the compressed air or gas cylinder or similar containers is also disclosed.

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.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to transporting containers using an autonomous dolly. Some of these embodiments include systems for transporting containers along delivery paths comprising: an autonomous dolly having a microcontroller and a support portion configured to carry a plurality of containers; a mobile device with a microcontroller in communication with the microcontroller of the dolly; and one or more sensors in communication with the mobile device, the one or more sensors and mobile device configured to triangulate the location of the mobile device; wherein the dolly's microcontroller is configured to receive tracking information from the mobile device's microcontroller and to cause the dolly to follow the mobile device along a delivery path defined by movement of the mobile device from a starting point to an ending point.

There is provided a device for handling tires having an anchor for attaching to a prime mover and a clamping device rotatably mounted to the anchor that rotates relative to the anchor about a rotation axis. The clamping device has a plurality of engagement members connected by a mechanical linkage and a carrying body with a plurality of guides. The weight distribution of the clamping device is balanced about the rotation axis. Each guide carries one of the engagement members and is oriented to allow the engagement members to move perpendicular to the rotation axis between clamping and release positions. The mechanical linkage includes a rotating actuator and controls movement of the engagement members along the guides. The movement of each engagement member is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis relative to the movement of the other engagement members. The device has an actuator that actuates the mechanical linkage.

A fermentation basket for placement in a fermentation tank during wine fermentation which includes a perforated bottom side, at least one perforated vertical side, an open top side having an upper edge with a circumference or perimeter, hoist handles, and forklift pocket legs. The basket is used in connection with a hoist bar that couples to a forklift rotating carriage and together enable manipulation and rotation of the fermentation basket, including lower the fermentation basket into, and raising out from, a fermentation tank, and rotating the fermentation basket to dump pomace after fermentation.

This invention relates to a gas tank handling attachment for a truck mounted forklift truck (TMFL) comprising a frame, a pair of clamping arms pivotably mounted on the frame, and a pair of pivoting rams mounted on the frame, operable to pivot the clamping arms to and from a stowed configuration and an operating configuration. The frame comprises a pair of spaced apart uprights bridged by a bracing cross-member, and there is provided, mounted on the frame, means to releasably engage a fork carriage. One of the clamping arms is mounted on one upright and the other clamping arm is mounted on the other upright. In the stowed configuration, the clamping arms are substantially parallel to and extend upwardly from the uprights, and in the operating configuration the clamping arms are substantially orthogonal to and project forwardly from the uprights. An operator can operate the attachment to engage/disengage a gas tank from inside the driver's station of the TMFL.

A lift dolly assembly includes a lift dolly having a base plate, a handle, and a frame. The dolly includes one or more wheels to permit the frame and the base plate to carry an object or load by tilting the dolly backwards. The assembly also includes a track, a lift mechanism, and a lift plate. These components are configured to work in communication with the dolly to support and allow the elevating and orienting of an object or load. In general operation, an object is located on a base plate 105 and is secured to a lift plate. The object may then be selectively lifted and oriented to a non-vertical orientation to allow the base of the object to extend fully outward beyond the base plate.

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 fermentation basket for placement in a fermentation tank during wine fermentation which includes a perforated bottom side, at least one perforated vertical side, an open top side having an upper edge with a circumference or perimeter, hoist handles, and forklift pocket legs. The basket is used in connection with a hoist bar that couples to a forklift rotating carriage and together enable manipulation and rotation of the fermentation basket, including lower the fermentation basket into, and raising out from, a fermentation tank, and rotating the fermentation basket to dump pomace after fermentation.

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.