Abstract: A loading apparatus for vertically stacking a plurality of articles includes a staging assembly. The staging assembly includes a staging platform configured to receive and support the articles. The staging platform is vertically movable to a plurality of vertical levels. The staging assembly further includes a lift drive to raise and lower the staging platform, and a positioning system to move the articles off of the staging platform at selected ones of the plurality of levels. A conveyor assembly is configured to transport the articles to the staging assembly. The positioning system may be operable to remove the articles from the conveyor assembly and position the articles on the staging platform. The positioning system may be operative to position the articles on the staging platform while the lift drive is raising or lowering the staging platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique electromagnetic device, e.g. motor, construction in which a cylindrical tubular casing contains a stator assembly, a rotor assembly and bearings. The rotor assembly is supported by the bearings within the tubular casing which are in turn supported by a pair of end bells provided at each axial end of the tubular housing to close the same. Each axial end of the tubular housing contains, on an inner periphery thereof, an annular groove, at least one of the annular grooves having a tapered side wall at that side wall closest to an end of the housing such that the width of the associated groove progressively decreases along its depth. Each of the end bells contains a groove on an outer peripheral surface thereof which fits within the tubular housing, the outer peripheral grooves of the end bells substantially aligning with the interior peripheral grooves of the tubular housing.