Abstract: In a method and a transport device for transporting objects, limp objects in particular, such as carbon fiber mats or the like, a holding surface of a holding unit for holding the objects includes several holding elements, and the disadvantages of the related art are avoided or at least greatly reduced. A central actuating unit actuates and not actuates all holding elements. It is possible to realize a centrally actuated selection of the holding elements that is carried out as a function of the shape and/or dimensions of the object to be held.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a large format workpiece includes first and second sets of support units on opposite sides of the workpiece. Each support unit includes a support arm carrying individual mounting fixtures such as suction units for suction-holding the workpiece. The support arm is pivotably mounted on a support column, which in turn is movable along a floor-mounted rail. A riveting machine includes an upper tool and a lower tool that are movable parallel to the floor-mounted rail. To make space for the machine to set rivets in the area that is supported by a given support arm, that support arm is released from the workpiece and moved away to allow the machine to carry out its riveting cycle at that area, while the greatest possible number of the other support units simultaneously remain in place and continue to support the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a large format workpiece includes first and second sets of support units on opposite sides of the workpiece. Each support unit includes a support arm carrying individual mounting fixtures such as suction units for suction-holding the workpiece. The support arm is pivotably mounted on a support column, which in turn is movable along a floor-mounted rail. A riveting machine includes an upper tool and a lower tool that are movable parallel to the floor-mounted rail. To make space for the machine to set rivets in the area that is supported by a given support arm, that support arm is released from the workpiece and moved away to allow the machine to carry out its riveting cycle at that area, while the greatest possible number of the other support units simultaneously remain in place and continue to support the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved technique for regulating the contact pressure of a pantograph brush on an overhead guide conductor is described. The brush is supported for vertical movement in a brush support member for adjustable wiping contact with the overhead conductor. The brush support member is in turn supported for movement in a vertical plane via a two-arm scissors arrangement which is supportable on the roof of an electric vehicle. A high-frequency signal picked up by a transducer situated in the area of the brush and representative of the instantaneous contact pressure of the brush on the wire is compared with an adjustable reference indication indicative of a desired contact pressure, and the resulting difference signal is employed to incrementally adjust the brush contact pressure.