Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.

Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slipsheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slip-sheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slipsheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: A paper roll-handling clamp for lift trucks of the pivoted arm type. The pivoting movement of the clamp arms with respect to one another to perform the clamping function is accomplished by use of a generally forwardly extending, selectively extensible and retractible multi-stage telescoping hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, which gives the clamp arms an exceptionally wide range of motion.

Abstract: A high visibility telescopic mast assembly for lift trucks having a pair of mutually reciprocable mast sections, a load carriage movably mounted thereon and a fluid actuated extensible-contractable fluid ram assembly for selectively lifting the load carriage and one of the mast sections with respect to the other mast section. The fluid ram assembly is mounted centrally between the uprights of the respective mast sections and is contractable to a height adjacent the longitudinal midpoint of the fully contracted mast so as to provide relatively unimpeded visibility over the top of the ram assembly between the uprights when the mast is contracted. The ram assembly is connected to the extensible mast section in such a way that the ram begins to lift the mast section at a speed identical to the speed of ram extension while the ram assembly is still substantially fully contracted.

Abstract: A three-stage, four-section telescopic ram employing a plurality of internal fluid passages, with valving provided in certain of these passages, to produce a uniform overall extension speed when pressure fluid is supplied to the ram at a substantially constant rate.

Abstract: A lift truck-mounted load clamp for handling paper rolls having selectively openable and closeable opposing clamp arms with elongate, arcuate, concave contact pads hingedly connected to the forward ends of the respective clamp arms. Each contact pad is provided with exceptionally compact, durable restraints which limit the hinged movement of the respective pad, such restraints each comprising a cable having a swaged-on eye at one end pivotally connected to the contact pad and a swaged-on ferrule at the other end which is slidably contained within a yoke mounted on the clamp arm. A pair of such restraints are provided for each respective contact pad, the restraints being located exterior of each longitudinal edge of the clamp arm rather than interior thereof.

Abstract: A paper roll-handling clamp for lift trucks of the pivoted arm type capable of clamping a paper roll and shifting the position of the roll relative to the lift truck between a position of equal extension, wherein the forward ends of the clamp arms extend a substantially equal distance forwardly of the lift truck, and a position of unequal extension wherein the forward end of one clamp arm extends a greater distance forwardly than the forward end of the other clamp arm. The shifting movement of the clamp arms in unison occurs about a first transverse pivot axis, while the pivoting of the clamp arms with respect to one another to perform the clamping function occurs about a second transverse pivot axis located a spaced distance away from the first pivot axis and movable with respect thereto.

Abstract: A single-acting, three-stage, four-section telescopic ram for use in conjunction with a triple-lift type mast in a lift truck. The ram features an extremely low overall length when fully contracted, thus affording good operator visibility. The ram also is capable of producing surprisingly "high-lift" despite its low contracted profile. Further, the ram features an internal construction that produces constant lifting and lowering speeds for a load, as well as providing for positive control over the sequence of movements of parts in and on an associated mast.