Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling the contents of a first chamber to be moved into a second chamber without exposing either chamber to elements making particulate-producing sliding contact. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes providing a carrier for a vertically spaced array of articles such as semiconductor wafers and having a clamping device for clampingly holding each of the articles; locating the carrier within the second chamber; opening the carrier by moving a first portion of the carrier upwardly from a second portion or,he carrier without producing sliding contact within the second chamber; and releasing the a clamping device without producing sliding contact within the second chamber, whereby the articles are accessible within the second chamber.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable void filler for separating cargo during transit in trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and the like includes an outer tubular housing having a diamond-shaped tubular core. The housing and core are collapsible into a generally flat configuration along score indentations. In one embodiment, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a plurality of collapsible wall portions along the outer housing that collapse inwardly from the periphery of the housing and engage the core. In other embodiments, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a cord or elastomeric bands which are tightly stretched around the periphery of the housing and is held in a series of aligned notches.

Abstract: A method is provided for restraining a truck from movement during the loading and unloading thereof while the truck is parked in a driveway in a loading dock. The truck restraining device has a lock assembly comprising a base and a locking arm pivotally mounted to the base for rotating between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the locking arm is substantially horizontal for permitting the truck to drive over the restraining device whereas, in the extended position, the locking arm extends upwardly for engaging the truck wheels for restraining movement of the truck.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-tier parking facility system for depositing and removing vehicles, particularly passenger automobiles. The facility includes parking devices which are arranged in a plurality of levels in corresponding parking spaces. Each parking device has plural comb-like carrying arms for receiving the vehicles. A tier conveyor is vertically movable between drive-in and drive-out areas for receiving and discharging the vehicle at a selected level. The tier conveyor includes a transfer device having comb-like carrying arms. The transfer device includes a lifting device for transferring the vehicles to and from the parking device respectively. The parking devices are horizontally movable on parking rails arranged in the parking space and on travel rails arranged on the tier conveyor. The parking devices are pulled out of and pushed into the parking spaces or boxes by a hauling device which is arranged at the tier conveyor.

Abstract: Palletizers and methods of palletizing are disclosed. The palletizers are adapted to receive and arrange units of material and to concurrently fabricate first and second layers therefrom; or to place them in layers at either of first and second delivery support areas; or both. A plurality of layer forming stations can be vertically spaced, horizontally spaced, or both. Plural load forming stations can be horizontally spaced, vertically spaced, or both. Pallets can be sequenced into the load forming stations when empty or partially empty; and can be sequenced out of the load forming stations when empty, partially empty, or full. A given layer may be a hybrid layer comprised of the sum of partial layers fabricated separately. In some embodiments, the transfer apparatus can transfer layers to more than one of more than one load forming stations.

Abstract: A towed rotary cutter has a main frame defined by the cutter housing supported at its rear by ground wheels that are coupled to the frame through means of a pivotably mounted axle. A hitch is pivotally mounted at the front end of the frame and carries a clevis assembly at the forward end thereof. A pair of parallel, transversely spaced leveling rods extend between the hitch and wheel axle with the rear ends of the rods being defined by eyes that are received on respective pins formed integrally with the opposite ends of a cylindrical equalizer bar that is pivotally mounted to the axle. These pins are radially spaced in opposite directions from the pivot axis of the equalizer bar. The forward ends of the leveling rods are pivotally coupled to the hitch with one of the rods including an adjustment for changing its effective length extending between the axle and hitch.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system for hauling bulk material, particularly municipal solid waste, by rail and truck utilizes multiple rectangular, open-top boxes each having a removable lid. Each box and associated lid include one or more channels that can be engaged simultaneously by a forklift that includes two fork groups wherein one fork group can be engaged in the channels of the box while a second fork group is engaged in the channels of the associated lid. In operation, the forklift can engage the lid and box simultaneously, remove the lid from the box and then dump or otherwise manipulate the box while the lid remains positioned on the forklift.

Abstract: A lifting and tilting device for facilitating removal, repair and re-installation of large commercial and recreational vehicle wheels comprising a frame supported by wheels, a fork supporting tines, and a hydraulic jack interposed between the frame and the fork. The fork, in addition, includes a kicker. As one actuates the jack, the fork is vertically raised from a wheel receiving position to a predetermined height. Once the fork reaches this predetermined height, the kicker, upon further actuation of the jack, operates to tilt the fork and tines upwardly and outwardly to move the wheel carried thereon into an inclined work position.

Abstract: Device for supporting rails in a railroad track for rail-borne vehicles includes a support plate (3) positioned on a support bed (6) with profiled surfaces on the support plate and the support bed having upwardly extending flanks (4a, 7a, 5a, 8a) forming different angles. The flanks extend in the long direction of the railroad track. Elastic elements (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are disposed between the flanks (4a, 7a, 5a, 8a) of the support plate in the support bed, whereby the support plate can pivot relative to the support bed when a load (P.sub.H, P.sub.V) acts on the rails. The support plate pivots toward the center of the railroad track. As a result, the rail head (1d) of the rail attached to the support plate (3) is essentially offset vertically during the pivoting action, so that the rail gauge of the railroad track remains unchanged.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A container manipulating method and apparatus which includes at least one vertically disposed pedestal assembly (12); a tubular column assembly (14); a container support assembly (16); and a container retaining means (18). This method and apparatus houses all of the independently controlled and powered drives for the lifting, turning, and tilting actions completely interior of the column assembly (16). The column assembly (14) may include at least one end seal and a slot closure for minimizing unwanted materials entering or leaving the column assembly. The container (22) retained on the container support assembly (16) may be manipulated from a first position to a subsequent position by lifting, lowering, turning, and tilting movements in series or in combination.

Abstract: A piece of movable equipment is provided with a male docking bar (10) . An immovable piece of equipment is mounted to an immovable fixture which has a female docking bar (28). The female docking bar (28) has freedom to move in a first axis. The movable piece of equipment is brought into contact along a second, orthogonal axis to meet the immovable piece of equipment, at which point lugs (12) on the male docking bar mate with corresponding holes (30) on the female docking bar. The male locking bar can then be interlocked (16, 32) to the female docking bar. The movable piece of equipment can then further be moved along the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining articles in the bed of a truck such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus of the present invention includes a rigid support member secured at its upper end to one side wall of the bed of a truck, a pulley assembly secured to the lower end of the support member and to the floor of the bed of the truck adjacent the one side wall, a strap anchoring assembly secured to the floor of the truck adjacent the other of the side walls of the truck bed, a winch secured to the upper end of the rigid support member, and a flexible strap having a first end secured to the winch, a second end secured to the strap anchoring assembly, and an intermediate portion for engaging the articles loaded within the trunk bed to restrain them against the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: A strapping system for maintaining a motorcycle in an upright position during transport including two interconnected straps with cuffs engaging the grips of the handle bars.

Abstract: A handling and transporting apparatus having a lifting and lowering frame supported by hydraulically actuated parallelograms at each end from transporting frames.

Abstract: An automated ordering system has a gathering conveyor belt and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing products onto the gathering conveyor belt, the plurality of product dispensers arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns wherein each row of product dispensers and each column of product dispensers share common control elements. The product dispensers are of cartridge type utilizing gravity to eject products from a cartridge suspended above the gathering conveyor belt onto the gathering conveyor belt. A universal product dispenser platform accepts a wide range of different sizes and shapes of cartridges storing products to be dispensed. The universal product platform provides support for an actuator for singulating products mounted to the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading overburden and ore into rock trucks that includes pushing the material onto an oscillating feed table that then feeds the material onto an inclined conveyor having an endless belt made of a series of overlapping rigid flights.

Abstract: Space adjusting, lading separating, decking and bracing members for use in freight carrying vehicles. The members comprise the combination of apertured tracks which are placed on the walls, ceiling and floor, at least two apertured crossbars and at least one load bearing member that can be placed horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: A void filler including a casing with opposed vertical side walls and opposed face walls. The casing confines an expandable and collapsible core formed of centrally folded strips with the opposed ends of each strip secured to the opposed side walls. The strips are formed in two facing groups, each of a general chevron pattern with the strips collapsing entirely within the casing upon an inward movement of the opposed side walls into parallel overlying engagement, the strips folding between the side walls and defining a minimal layering of panels between the side walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.