Abstract: The stacking board is designed as a stackable pallet (1). This exhibits on its underside, on opposite side borders (1a, 1b), in each case two hollow feet (2) and in each case two hollow latching protuberances (4, 5) with a smaller engagement depth than that of the feet. The feet (2, 3) on each longitudinal border of the pallet are located opposite the hollow latching protuberances (4, 5) on the other longitudinal border. In this manner, when a plurality of pallets are stacked one upon the other, depending on the orientation of the pallets, a tightly packed storage stack can be produced. In the case of this storage stack, the feet of the pallet placed on top are sunk into the hollow feet of the pallet located thereabove. Alternatively, a working stack can be produced, in which case the feet of a pallet placed on top engage into the hollow latching protuberances of the pallet located therebeneath. Thus, adjacent pallets are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a load to and from a load supporting platform having a first end pivotally coupled at a first end of a main frame having a support surface for supporting the platform in a substantially level position. The platform is pivotally raisable, from the support surface of the main frame to a raised position for discharging and accepting a load, either manually or by an actuatable member. A damping member interconnects the platform and the main frame wherein the damping member progressively increases resistance on the load bearing platform as the platform moves from the raised position toward the support surface of the main frame to reduce any impact on the load. The platform includes a lower frame and a cover biased away from the lower frame by a plurality of spring members wherein the cover is movable toward the lower frame by a load disposed on a support surface of the cover to actuate a load sensor, which indicates the presence of the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bale accumulator for accumulating at least one cylindrically configured bale of crop stock thereon following its discharge by a baler. The bale accumulator has a conveyor module for receiving a bale from the baler and conveying it to a storage module where it is held pending selective discharge by the operator.

Abstract: A substrate processing method includes the steps of accommodating a plurality of substrates within a carrier, where the carrier has a bottom that is open and has a function of stopping inclination of the substrates, transporting the substrates and the carrier to a processing chamber by a transport mechanism having a function of supporting weights of the substrates, and carrying out a process on the substrates within the processing chamber.

Abstract: In a commissioning process, variable lines are produced from articles of a variable supply of goods wherein each line consists of a selected number of groups consisting of a variable number of articles of the same type. A dispenser arrangement with a dispenser (D.sub.xyz) with an inlet matrix (SE) and an outlet matrix (SA) and buffers (P) between the matrices is used. Articles assembled into transport units with auxiliary packaging and/or transport material are supplied to the dispenser arrangement. The articles are individualized from the transport units of goods, the individual articles are fed through the inlet matrix into the buffers and transported in the buffers to the outlet matrix. From the outlet matrix articles are removed to collect lines of a predetermined combination and the collected articles are assembled to form line units using auxiliary packaging and/or transport material. The auxiliary packaging and/or transport material is supplied from the individualization step to the line assembly step.

Abstract: A new Round Bale Handling System for offering a simple inexpensive device for lifting and unrolling round bales. The inventive device includes a frame, a lifting shaft, two tow chains, and a roll shaft. In use, the farm tractor 4 is backed up and the lifting shaft 30 is forced longitudinally axially into a round bale 2. The farm tractor's hitch is then used to lift the round bale 2 and the round bale 2 can be hauled by the farm tractor 4 to any desired location. When the round bale 2 has been placed, the farm tractor 4 is then relocated around and backed up to the round bale 2 so that the farm tractor 4 is normal to a rolling axis of the round bale 2. The roll shaft 50 is then pushed through the round bale 2 along its rolling axis and the tow chain 40 is rotatably attached to the roll shaft 50 by use of the retaining pin 56 and the hair clip pin 58. The farm tractor 4 then pulls the roll shaft 50 and the round bale 2 rotates about the roll shaft 50 and unrolls as it does so.

Abstract: Device for automatically filling a container for collecting flat objects, such as mail envelopes, including a receiving location where the envelopes are delivered one by one, preferably in a vertical position and stood up on their edge, from a conveyor, in particular with driving belts pinching the envelopes between them until the moment when they are released into the location in order progressively to form a stack, this location including at least one and preferably two opposite parallel jogging edges extending perpendicularly to the planes of the successive envelopes in the stack formed between these edges, and a horizontal bearing sole, the first envelope in the stack furthermore being pressed against a moving stop which moves in a horizontal direction as the stack is formed, wherein the bearing sole consists of two retractable flaps placed facing one another in the same horizontal plane in order to support the stack of envelopes, these flaps being mounted so that they can pivot about two parallel axles a

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning indexing notches of disk-shaped members, such as semiconductor wafers, include providing an alignment rod that is driven by another roller to cause rotation of the disk-shaped members. The circumferential surfaces of the alignment rod and the drive roller are in frictional contact. Initially, the disk-shaped members rest upon the alignment rod, so that rotation of the alignment rod causes rotation of the disk-shaped members until indexing notches are seated on the alignment rod. In the preferred embodiment, the seating of the indexing notches transfers at least a portion of the weight of the disk-shaped members to a reciprocating structure, such as a comb member. After all of the indexing notches have been aligned, a second weight transfer occurs, with the reciprocating structure following the contour of the drive roller and the disk-shaped members coming to rest on the drive roller. The disk-shaped members can then be uniformly rotated to locate the notches as desired.

Abstract: A lifting device (10) is provided for lifting bales (14) of material. In broad terms, the lifting device (10) comprises a lifting arm assembly (12), and a winch assembly (16). The lifting arm assembly (12) includes a pair of lifting arms (22,24) pivotally coupled with an axle (26), and a closing arm (28). The lifting arms (22,24) are shiftable between spread and drawn positions, and between lowered and raised positions. A linkage assembly (86) intercouples the lifting arms (22,24), and is adapted for shifting the lifting arms (22,24) between the spread and drawn positions. The closing arm (28) is pivotally attached to the axle (26), and is adapted to engage the linkage assembly (86) for shifting the lifting arms (22,24). The closing arm (28) is shiftable between a bale-disengaging position where the lifting arms (22,24) are in the spread position, and a bale-engaging position where the lifting arms (22,24) are in the drawn position.

Abstract: A currency validator with a cash cassette for use in vending machines has an acceptor module for receiving various sizes and denominations of currency, a sensor which confirms the validity of the currency and a drive unit which transfers the currency to a stacker mechanism for inserting the currency into a cassette cash box that is securable and tamper resistant. The currency validator also has a screw drive mechanism operative with the stacker wherein the screw drive mechanism controls the movement of the stacker to insert the currency into the cassette cash box. A processor controls the stroke or movement of the stacker mechanism depending upon the size of the currency inserted into the currency validator. Moreover, the cassette cash box is structured such that the stacker is included within the cassette cash box and is operatively controlled by the rotation and movement of the screw drive mechanism which may also be included in the cash cassette.

Abstract: Apparatus for singulating sheets of paper and detecting a double feed. The apparatus includes: a sheet feeder having a feed deck; a separator wheel housing secured to the feed deck; a separator wheel mounted in the separator wheel housing; a stone mount located beneath the separator wheel, the stone mount being secured to the feed deck; a separator stone mounted in the stone mount beneath the separator wheel; a Hall effect sensor located in the stone mount downstream of the separator stone; and a magnet secured to the feeder, the magnet being biased against the Hall effect sensor, whereby the Hall effect sensor can detect feed without being effected by any fluctuations in the feed deck.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing cargo during transport in a cargo hold wherein the cargo is centerloaded to provide adequate air circualtion and to distribute the weight. Centerloading leaves small voids and large voids between the walls of the cargo space and the walls of the cargo space. Inflatable deflatable bags are placed in the small voids and expandable braces are also positioned in the larger voids. The braces feature two blocks, one block on the end of a threaded shaft opposite the other block. A speed nut on the threaded shaft is turned to adjust the position of between the two blocks. The bags are flexible plastic with a valve for admitting air into the bag and a separate cap for releasing the air conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: An otherwise conventionally pivotal dumping primary hopper is disclosed having in addition to a discharge gate an entry door at the front and a receiving track within the bottom of the hopper. A traversing, nesting secondary hopper having a second discharge gate rides along a traversing rail ahead of the primary hopper. With the primary hopper emptied, a gear reduction drive is utilized to thrust the secondary hopper along the traversing rail, through the entry door, and into the primary hopper along the receiving track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting components comprising at least one pick up device carried by a carriage and adapted to pick up a component and bring it into registry with a sensing device for sensing the component and oriented it. The device operates so that the sensing operation is performed during the movement of the pick up device so as to speed up the operation. Embodiments are shown wherein a plurality of pick up devices are carried by the same carriage and various feeders arrangements are disclosed so as to permit simultaneous pick up of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A coin mechanism capable for simultaneously accepting two coins in generally opposed coin slots measures the diameter and thickness of each coin at the commencement of the actuation of the coin mechanism and includes a rocking blade to obstruct one of the coin slots so as to prevent unauthorized removal of a coin.

Abstract: A method for using a tie down device (10) for securing an automotive vehicle (100) by its wheels (104) and tires (102) into a transport vehicle (200), is described. The tie down device includes a first strap (12) and a second strap (16) with the second strap connected at its first end (16A) to the first strap near the first end (12A) of the first strap. The first end of the first strap has a first loop (14) which forms the first end (10A) of the device. The second end (16B) of the second strap has a second loop (18) which forms the intermediate end (10C) of the device. To configure the device, the second end (10B) of the device is passed first through the second loop and then through the first loop. The device is then positioned on the tire such that the second strap extends over the top of the tire on the wheel and the first strap extends around the tire.

Abstract: A robot system has an enhanced cooling efficiency of the interior of a robot controller thereof. A robot mechanical unit has a base with an internal vacant space. The robot controller is arranged in close contact with the base of the robot mechanical unit, and a radiating fin of a servoamplifier arranged within the robot controller projects into the vacant space within the base. Most heat within such a robot controller is generated by the servoamplifier. The radiating fin dissipates the heat generated by the servoamplifier into the vacant space within the base of the robot mechanical unit. The base has a large surface area, which makes it possible to efficiently dissipate heat within it for cooling of the same. This improves the cooling efficiency of the interior of the robot controller.

Abstract: A support rack for carrying articles behind a vehicle is disclosed. The rack includes a base member, a forward beam, a rearward beam, a top member, and lock arms. The base member is securable to the rearward end of the vehicle. The forward and rearward beams are pivotally connected to the base member and project upwardly therefrom. The beams are parallel to each other and together form a parallelogram with the base member and the top member. The top member is pivotally connected to the forward and rearward beams. The lock arms are for releasably locking the forward beam and the rearward beam in upright positions above the base member. Support arms are also slidably coupled to the top member for securing bicycles thereon. A crank clamp attachment structure is also provided, which fits on top of the top member to hold extra bicycles. The crank clamp attachment structure includes crank clamps and wheel rails.

Abstract: Brush contact for a vehicle, in particular a vehicle that runs on rails and that has a propulsion unit that is to be supplied with an electric current, with a sliding element for the transferral of the electric current from a live conductor, which is carrying an electric current, into the vehicle, whereby the sliding element contains carbon in at least one part of its contact surface that is turned toward the live conductor, whereby the brush contact is characterized by the feature that the contact surface that is turned toward the live conductor has at least one current-transferral region of a layer that comprises a composite material based on carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device for use in grooved truck beds, especially for use with grooved bed liners commonly used in pick up trucks. The restraining device includes a lower portion which protrudes downwardly into the grooves of the truck bed and an upper portion which is a platform member affixed to the downward protrusions. By placing the platform in a position to contact the cargo to be restrained and engaging the downward protrusions into the bed grooves, movement of the cargo will be inhibited. Additional verticality for the device can be achieved by making the platform thicker or by adding at least one vertical member. The downward protrusions can be designed to engage a variety of bed-liner-groove configurations.