Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: A fluid bearing having improved operating characteristics. The platform to which the bearing is attached and which supports any load includes the necessary conduits for supply of fluid under pressure as well as the necessary structural integrity to support the expected load. The conduits are, with respect to the bearing and the plenum area of the bearing, in a particular, predetermined relative location. When the bearing is in a deflated condition and fluid under pressure is introduced, the initial fluid flows into the bearing and the plenum at a predetermined rate. The deflated bearing structure restricts fluid flow into the plenum until after the bearing is substantially inflated. The controlled flow to the bearing and the plenum allows a substantial pressure differential between the interior of the bearing and the plenum. Upon reaching inflation, fluid under pressure can freely flow into the bearing, into the plenum and between the plenum and the interior of the bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely transporting a roll of paper or the like and including the capability of lifting it to a stand or removing it therefrom. The apparatus includes roll supporting ramps and a pair of powered, articulated arms and is supported by air bearings. The device includes safety controls whereby the roll cannot be lifted to or from the pair of roll supporting ramps unless the roll is located at approximately the center of gravity and then the roll is moved along a line substantially vertically above the center of gravity.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling large rolls of paper or spools of wire including a pair of outwardly extending arms, supported by air bearings, which straddle the roll or reel along the axis in a lower hemisphere. The roll is lifted upon inflation of the bearing and transported to its desired location. The parallel arms are adjustable toward and away from each other to accommodate rolls of varying diameters and may include stabilizing members for use with a reel in the event the arms are not of a sufficient length to extend beneath both flanges.

Abstract: A fluid film bearing suitable for use with either liquid or gaseous fluid and capable of far greater lift because of the larger usable lifting surface. The larger lifting surface is achieved in that the bearing assumes a square, rectangular, or race track configuration, a configuration which is more easily adapted for use in combinations of multiple bearings for large lift capacity and further may more closely approximate the shape of an object to be lifted or moved. An integral high tensile strength, flexible membrane gives the fluid bearing sufficient strength to withstand internal pressures over elongated, non-circular peripheral portions and also gives the bearing a far greater ability to flex and conform to an uneven or undulated surface thereby enabling the bearing to comply with a surface of far less uniformity without the loss of support than was heretofore possible.