Abstract: A slip sheet handling apparatus is specifically adaptable for retrofit attachment to a standard lift jack unit and is characterized by having a platen which is pivotally connected to the tines of the jack unit for tilting movement, and a gripper assembly is slidable along the platen to automatically cause upward and downward tilting movement of the platen as the gripper assembly is advanced into engagement with a slip sheet beneath a load and draws the slip sheet onto the platen in transporting the load from one site to another.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus is characterized by having a transfer starwheel with individual pockets which are successively advanced beneath a feeder unit, such as, a downstacker mechanism, each pocket having a ring gear and individual feed screw elements controlled by the ring gear to successively engage an outer rim of an individual can end advanced into the pocket by the downstacker and subsequently remove each end from the pocket through rotation of the ring gear when it moves into alignment with a discharge chute. One or more discharge chutes may be placed in the path of movement of the pockets of the transfer starwheel, and output level sensors at each discharge chute determine when ends are to be supplied to each chute.