Abstract: A method for carrying and transporting computer tape cartridges comprising a container top pivotally secured to a container base. Both the top and the base are provided with hollow walls and ends. Both the base and the top are further provided with ribs and ridges which hold computer tape cartridges stationary while the container is being carried and/or transported.

Abstract: A parts transfer apparatus for progressively advancing workpieces through successive work stations. A frame is movably mounted within a surrounding, rigid, support structure. Workpiece engaging devices are mounted on the frame for engaging a workpiece in each work station. Pairs of cams are fixedly mounted on the support structure and disposed on opposite sides of the frame to define a reciprocal path of movement for the frame. Cam followers mounted on the frame engage and move along the pairs of cams. A drive mechanism, preferably in the form of opposed acting fluid cylinders, is coupled between the support structure and the frame for reciprocatingly driving the frame between the first and second ends of the support structure.

Abstract: A stop assembly allowing a body to pass over it in a forward direction but obstructing passage in the opposite backward direction. The rollout stop assembly (10) includes a frame (18) and a pair of stops (20) mounted therein. Each stop includes a camming surface (30) which causes the stop to rotate downwardly into the frame upon engagement by the forward moving body (16), thereby allowing passage. Each stop also includes an abutment surface (32) engagable with the passed body that prevents backward movement of the body.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus includes a stacking unit and a bundling unit arranged under the stacking unit. Located at the end of a prestacking space, as seen in the direction (F), is a limiting element which serves as a stop for the folds of the printing products. While the printing products fed, with their fold forward, in the feed direction (F) are being deposited on one another to form a prestack, they are supported approximately centrally by a supporting element in their edge region located opposite the fold. For depositing the prestack so formed into a rest table, supporting arms are pivoted into a position of rest and slide plates are moved out of the region of the stacking space. A residual bend of the printing products is thus preserved in their edge region, thereby improving the stability of the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth wherein a central, elongate support bar includes a rear pivot pin mounted to a cross frame that is in turn integrally mounted between spaced frame rails of an associated truck. The support bar includes a through-extending aperture adjacent its forwardmost end to receive a pin, wherein the pin is integrally secured to a lower rear flange of the rear bumper of the vehicle. Upon release of the bar relative to the pin, the bar is pivoted downwardly to release the tire slidingly towards an individual subsequent to its being sandwiched between the bar and bottom surface of the truck bed. A modification of the instant invention includes the tire mounted upon a slide to securely maintain the tire in its downwardly sliding position relative to the support bar, and may further include an air cylinder to dampen dropping of the bar upon release relative to the pin.

Abstract: A spring-loaded outboard side lock for restraining the movement of a cargo body. The outboard side lock (10) includes a base (20) secured to the outboard sides of a main cargo deck (12), the base having a guideway (38) in which a plunger (22) is slidably mounted. The plunger has formed in it a recess (44) and a pair of abutment walls (52) that extend generally perpendicular to the bottom of the plunger. An actuator (54) is disposed within the recess and is coupled to a lever (24) for reciprocal movement, and a pair of springs (50) extend between a pair of transverse spring abutting wings (64) of the actuator and the abutment walls of the plunger.

Abstract: A device for stacking egg-trays comprising a feed conveyor (2) advancing the trays one after the other, a second conveyor (3) for discharging the trays stacked on each other, a transport mechanism (15) operating between the feed and the discharge conveyor having carrying forks for transporting one tray at a time onto a support platform (30) which collects the trays and periodically oscillates through a 90.degree. arc so as to stack the subsequent trays in a staggered relationship. The platform is also capable of a vertical movement from a high position to a low positioin and vice versa for depositing a stack of trays upon the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A movably mounted auxiliary hopper and a platform therefor are provided for discharging small articles contained in the container to a cooperably associated dispensing hopper mounted on the platform, the dispensing hopper being adapted to feed articles in an oriented position to a cooperably associated chute directed to a receiving station. The auxiliary hopper comprises a container having bottom, side and end walls and an open top for receiving a charge of small articles therein, the container being adapted to provide gravity flow of the articles to a discharge end of the container. A U-shaped trough extends from the discharge end of the container and which communicates with the interior of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a vehicular debris collection hopper and transferring it to a debris receptacle.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle is disclosed which includes a substantially rectangular material container with an open rear end. The container is pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame so that the front end of the container can be lifted to cause material in the container to be discharged through the open rear end. A tailgate is mounted to the open rear end of the container and can be selectively moved between a closed position where the tailgate overlies and closes the open rear end of the container, a partially raised position to permit metering of a material therethrough, and a fully raised position where the tailgate is free to swing outwardly about a pivotal axis. A pair of hydraulically actuated lifting members selectively move the tailgate between the three positions.

Abstract: An extendable boom fork lift vehicle is disclosed wherein the bottom and its actuator are positioned over the rear axle of the vehicle such that the weight of the frame between the front and rear axles and behind the rear axle may be reduced. A modified boom and jib are also described wherein the jib may be selectively fixed relative one telescoping member of the boom. A light-duty carriage is provided to operably engage and articulate a secondary heavy-duty carriage.

Abstract: An industrial robot has respective actuators mounted within the main body for moving the upper arm, the forearm, and the wrist via respective gear trains, thereby providing light-weight joint sections and eliminating the need for external cables swinging along with the arms. The upper arm, forearm, elbow, and wrist units are made in modular form for easy replacement and substitution of different length arm units.

Abstract: A tractor mountable handling device for handling baled material, such as giant round hay bales, employs an open center, open coil helical screw that is screwed into the bale, and a frame for holding the bale on the three-point hitch of the tractor or on a front loader thereof. The helical screw is rotated under power to engage the baled material, and is reversely rotated to release the material. The pitch of the screw is selected small enough so that the bale will not rotate and release itself from the helical screw under its own weight while being handled by the device.

Abstract: A device for realignment of sidewalk sections displace by settling or tree root lifting, where a hazardous step exists at a joint or crack. A rigid beam is laid longitudinally on the sunken section, with cross beams reaching to the section sides. Hooks are suspended from the ends of the cross beams, and hooked under the edges of the slab. The hooks are shaped for stability, not requiring clamping on, or boring into, the slab. A jack lifts one end of the main beam, raising the hooks, and lifting one end of the slab, with evenly distributed force to avoid cracking the concrete. Fill-dirt is thrown under the raised section to restore vertical alignment. The device is operable by one person. It pivots the slab in a vertical plane, guiding accurate return to position.

Abstract: A tray stacking apparatus includes a pawl having a projection piece, a roller for opening the pawl, a roller for returning the pawl, and an urging device for urging the pawl into an open position or a closed position. The pawl is opened during its descent, and is returned to its original closed position at a bottom limit position. The tray stacking operation is effected by one driving operation without the pawl rubbing against the tray and thus, powder is not produced by a rubbing of the pawl against the tray so that a clean working environment may be maintained.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operably controlling three functions of the loader mechanism on a tractor-loader is disclosed wherein a longitudinal, fore and aft movement of the control lever effects operation of one function, while a transverse movement of the control lever effects operation of a second function, and a rotational movement of the control lever about the axis thereof controls the third function of the loader mechanism. The control lever includes an elongated inner member affixed to a plate being supported from the frame by a universal joint permitting pivotal movement of the plate in the transverse and longitudinal directions in response to a corresponding manipulation of the control lever. The control lever also includes an elongated tubular member rotatably mounted on the inner member and connected to an additional linkage to translate rotational movement of the elongated tubular member into linear motion for controlling operation of an auxiliary device on the loader mechanism.

Abstract: A work piece support device features two pincer members which can be moved toward and away from each other and which can be varied in length in manner to accomodate different shaped work pieces. The device is mounted on a manipulator which selectively displace the same in three mutually opposed directions. Location and locking probes can be used in combination with the support device to locate and/or lock the work piece in place.

Abstract: A linear unit for transferring objects, particularly for removing workpieces from a linear conveying track, comprising vertically and horizontally movable grippers for grasping the objects and comprising a gripper carriage which is movable between a pick-up position and delivery position and having first and second carriage parts, wherein the movement sequence of the grippers for receiving the objects in the pick-up position and for depositing the objects in the delivery position is effected due to relative movement of the second carriage part with respect to the first carriage part.

Abstract: A transport device for handling wafers of different diameters utilized in the manufacture of semiconductors. A robotic arm is equipped with a fork-shaped wafer support board and an arm slide movable relative to the robotic arm. The fork-shaped end of the support board is provided with fixed pins on one side to support wafers and on another side with plate springs carrying pins which can be depressed by the weight of a wafer to accommodate larger size wafers. The device permits wafers of different diameters accurately and safely to be transferred from its center to a predetermined station without the need for changing the wafer support board or correction of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A system for lifting and tilting a vehicle sideways is disclosed. The system includes a hoist having a base shaft, a lifting shaft pivotedly mounted at its end to the base shaft, and a mast shaft which is likewise pivotedly mounted at its end to the base shaft. An arrangement of pulleys is positioned on the mast shaft and lifting shaft. A cable connects the pulleys and provides a mechanical advantage lifting system for raising the lifting shafts under the power of a power driven winch.