Abstract: A reservoir system for rod-like articles such as cigarettes includes a control system which operates to monitor the maximum time any articles can have remained in the reservoir, and initiates a reservoir emptying cycle when necessary so as to avoid occupation in the reservoir by any articles in excess of a predetermined maximum time. The reservoir may take the form of a reversible conveyor for a stream of articles in multi-layer stack formation, or a module for storing articles in containers including a container loading, unloading and transporting unit. A first-in first-out buffer reservoir may be associated with the main reservoir, and may be provided by a variable length portion of a delivery conveyor leading to the reservoir.

Abstract: An ejection apparatus for dispensing an item from a stack of items, for example, in a vending machine, includes an ejector member mounted for reciprocal movement. A movable member is connected to the ejector member and can be relatively rigid when transmitting force to the ejector member during an ejection stroke but can be bent during a return stroke to enable a compact storage configuration. A tube member can receive the movable member and bend it during its return stroke.

Abstract: An automatic system for arranging stacks of tortillas, first into rows, and then into a single file. The stacks of tortillas emerge at random from a stacker in a baking line or lines and are formed successively into a row, and then into a file of uniformly spaced stacks in a direction normal to the baking line or lines for travel into a packaging machine.

Abstract: A device for picking up, via suction, a lead frame from a lead frame magazine and placing it on a guide rail so that the lead frame is fed to a bonding machine. This device includes a plurality of lead frame suction nozzles disposed in at least two parallel rows such that one row of the two parallel rows of the lead frame suction nozzles is movable toward and away from an other row of the lead frame suction nozzles. In addition, the lead frame suction nozzles in each of the two rows can be moved closer to and away from each other within each of the rows.

Abstract: A carrier for motorcycles and the like secondary vehicles to be secured to a primary self-propelled vehicle. The carrier employs a docking unit which can be lowered to ground level allowing for ease of loading a motorcycle thereon. The docking unit may then be retracted by a pivoting conveyor assembly that guides the docking across roller supports to a raised position. The conveyor assembly rests upon a series of nested sleeves that allow the conveyor assembly to pivot to an inclined, loading/unloading orientation to the horizontal, transporting orientation. Elastomeric suspension elements dampen shock loads transferred to the device during travel. The device includes mounting shafts for securement either to a receiver hitch or a trailer. A system of interlocking pieces restricts relative motion of the device during travel. Tie downs and wheel chocks further assist in control of a vehicle during loading and transporting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable yoke assembly adapted to pivotally connect components of a continuous haulage system designed for use in underground excavation environments. The yoke assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the component it is carried on by selectively securing the assembly to the component through a series vertically aligned openings.

Abstract: A device for turning over work pieces includes a base, a pair of conveyor belts for transferring the work pieces in one direction, with the work pieces being kept on upper surfaces thereof. The pair of conveyor belts are mounted on the base in a parallel relationship with each other, putting a separation therebetween. The turning-over device further includes a receiving holder provided with a substantially U-shaped receiver and a connection joined thereto, having a rotation axis horizontally extending at a right angle with the transfer direction of the conveyor belts. The receiving holder is located between the pair of conveyor belts and is rotatable between a first position, wherein the work piece is inserted into the U-shaped receiver and a second position, wherein the work piece is discharged from the U-shaped receiver.

Abstract: A latching device is provided for coupling a vehicle tool carrier with a variety of tools such as a bucket. The device serves to releasably secure the tool with the carrier once the carrier has been positioned with the tool. A detent mechanism is provided on the device to retain it in either its latched or unlatched position. A lost-motion connection is provided between the latching handle and latch pin to permit the link interconnecting the handle and pin to move to an over-center position when the device is in the latching configuration. A spring serves to hold the link in its over-center position. The latch handle swings through an angle of approximately 70 degrees as it moves between its latched and unlatched positions to minimize interference with the carrier and tool structures and simplify activation by the operator from his seat.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating and reversing a stack of containers includes a supply conveyer that supplies the stack of containers, a lifting device that lifts the stack of containers upwards into a separating and reversing device that separates and reverses each of the containers while transporting them downstream. An ejection conveyer positioned at a downstream end of the separating and reversing device ejects each of the separated and reversed containers.

Abstract: A material-handling vehicle comprising a structure having a ground engageable propulsion device, a loader arm, having a longitudinal axis, mounted at the rear of the structure for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab disposed on the structure on one side of the loader arm longitudinal axis and an engine mounted on the structure to provide power for the swinging movement of the arm and propulsion of the vehicle, wherein the engine is located on one side of the loader arm longitudinal axis and the engine has an output shaft and the engine is transversely disposed with its output shaft transverse to the vehicle.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser formed of a plurality of transparent tubular golf ball containers attached by a mounting bridge member and a strap. A connector on the strap permits attaching the dispenser to a rigid object. Each container includes a loading opening and a dispensing opening. A pivotable golf ball dispensing cradle, located at the dispensing opening and spring biased in a normally closed position, is actuated by a lever to transport a golf ball from within the tubular container through the dispensing opening for removal by a golfer.

Abstract: A billing statement system comprising a billing statement having a plurality of sheets or pages of multiple lengths or which are otherwise of multiple sizes and/or shapes. The billing statement preferably comprises a plurality of sheets wherein at least one sheet is of different, generally larger, size than the other sheets, and in which the larger sheet has a first region with a consumer's mailing address on one side and a provider's mailing address on the reverse side, and a second region which contains detail or summary information on the charges due. The billing statement system includes a collator apparatus for collating billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths, and a folder apparatus for folding collated billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths.

Abstract: The bale handler attachment (10) has a frame (26) with a base member (26), an upper member (30) parallel to the base member and a pair of connecting members (32 and 34). A pair of connector assemblies (118 and 120) are connected to the frame (26). A plurality of parallel straight tines (36) are connected to the base member (28). A right shaft (42) and a left shaft (54) are pivotally attached to the frame (26) for pivotal movement about parallel axies that are perpendicular to the axies of the straight tines (36). Arcuate tines (74 and 78) are attached to the right and left shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tiebar (72) connects the upper ends of the shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tie bar (72) connects the upper ends of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary motion feeder for use in placing work products into one of the flights of a feed conveyor of a packaging machine is disclosed. The rotary motion feeder includes a planetary feeder assembly supported on a framework, the planetary feeder assembly being moved in timed relationship with the feed conveyor. The planetary feeder assembly includes a plurality of upwardly extending planetary shafts, each planetary shaft having a feed paddle mounted on the end thereof, the feed paddle being constructed and arranged to at least partially extend through a comb plate formed as a part of a feed magazine for stripping work products therefrom, and moving the work products through an arcuate path into one of the flights of the feed conveyor as it moves along the path of travel through the packaging machine. The rotary motion feeder is also constructed and arranged to move horizontally stacked work products into the flights of the feed conveyor.

Abstract: Plates supporting articles in the course of manufacture are driven by adherence on an endless chain and are transferred to workstations situated to the side of the chain where the manufacturing operations are carried out. The transferral of the plates takes place along guide tracks perpendicular to the chain, by means of a transverse drive member actuated by a ram and interacting with a complementary part formed on each plate. The plates are thus brought into a position remote from the chain and close to a machine or to an operator. Means control the position of the plates at the intersection of the chain and of the guide tracks. The device applies to a line for the automatic or semi-automatic manufacture of shoes.

Abstract: The separation of different minerals based on differences in density, surface tension effects and general relative settling rates of the different media over a range of particle sizes is effected in a unique hydraulic mineral separator system. The system and process are particularly useful in the separation of mercury from mercury contaminated soils, sands, gravels, clays and process sludges, (such as chlor-alkali sludges). Sonic vibrations are used to enhance recovery of finely divided mercury and conditioning agents are also used to advantage to reduce surface tension effects and further enhance recovery.

Abstract: This innovation describes a slice stacker, designed in particular for cheese slices and other slice-shaped objects, consisting of a brush belt with resting overhead or lower shot belts, which register slices from the top or from the bottom.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming stacks of articles, whereby the articles are conveyed on a conveying surface and in a first traveling direction to a pickup station, and are lifted successively in a second traveling direction, crosswise to the first direction, off the conveying surface at the pickup station and transferred on to a further surface, higher than the conveying surface, to form, on the higher surface, a stack presenting at least two superimposed, mutually contacting articles; the articles being conveyed and the stacks of articles being formed continuously and substantially seamlessly.

Abstract: A battery changing system in combination with a battery holder is provided. The battery changing system includes a mobile frame, a battery lift assembly including a pair of lifting arms forming an opening for receiving the battery holder. Mounting structure pivotally connects battery lift assembly to an end portion of the frame. Actuating structure extends between the battery lift assembly and the end portion of the frame to pivot the battery lift assembly between an initial position engaging the battery holder positioned on the ground and an operative position wherein the battery holder is raised to a selected elevation above the ground. The battery holder includes hanger structure fixed to opposing sidewalls thereof. Each hanger structure includes a rearwardly extending wall defining a rearward edge and a downwardly facing fulcrum surface disposed forwardly of the rearwardly extending wall.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for releasably securing an implement to a work vehicle. The coupling system includes top wedges which are engaged in wedge-shaped sockets, and tapered lower hooks that apply a continuous force to a pin or cylindrical rod which operates to tightly engage the wedges in the wedge-shaped sockets, thereby preventing movement and resultant wear between the engaging portions of the coupling assembly and having the capability of handling heavy, high load inducing attachments as well as existing attachments.