Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveying roller includes a shaft and a body member placed on a periphery of the shaft. The body member is provided with an inner layer placed on the periphery of the shaft and an outer layer placed on a periphery of the inner layer. The inner layer is made of a thermoplastic resin having a predetermined volume reduction rate. The outer layer is made of an elastomer. The conveying roller has an increased adhesion between the shaft and the body member.

Abstract: A roller body having a shaft formed from a first thermoplastic material and defining at least one roller. The shaft is a single component injection-molded shaft. A casing at least partially encases the roller and is formed from a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material. The casing is bonded to the roller by an injection-molding process.

Abstract: The present invention features a new type of spring-loaded axle. The spring-loaded axle of this invention has a single element. The single component of this invention has a specially-designed spring that acts both as a detent and an axle, all in one. The spring includes an elongated, flexible, coiled, spring portion that has a compressible, coiled midsection that is flanked by a generally non-compressible, coiled section on either side of the compressible, coiled midsection. At the distal end of each of the non-compressible, coiled sections is located a flexible, generally non-compressible, curvilinear, coiled end section. Each of the conically-shaped, coiled end sections acts like a detent; further, because of their conical shape, they can automatically adjust to the bores of the supporting frame. The elongated, coiled spring portion acts like an axle.

Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modularly constructed, flexible, expandable conveyor comprises a pair of flexible, expandable X-shaped link assemblies, preferably in the form of a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other in order to form an X-shaped chain. Each X-shaped chain terminates in an end plate having mating bolt holes therein so that successive chains may be joined by passing bolts through the mating bolt holes in overlapped end plates. Then, knurled hand knobs are turned onto the bolts to clamp together the overlapped end plates. The end plates enable the X-shaped chain in any given module to expand or collapse independently of the X-shaped chains in other modules. The conveyor surface preferably includes a field of skate wheels mounted on rods extending between the link assemblies, at spaced locations along the length of the conveyor. The conveyor is sufficiently flexible to be able to form a curved conveyor surface.

Abstract: A parcel conveyor having a number of rollers forming a supporting surface for the cargo to be transported is disclosed. The conveyor is divided into a number of separate roller/shaft units having the same shape which are linked together by a single, longitudinally rigid but sidewards flexible, driving device, such as a cardan chain. The units run on rollers on the floor and can be pushed or pulled centrally in a straight line or in a curve by way of the driving means. By use of such a conveyor, luggage can easily be transported on the cargo supporting rollers all the way to the end of the conveyor even as the conveyor is progressively pulled out of a cargo compartment as the cargo compartment is filled with luggage.

Abstract: A portable skidway utilizes tubular skidding cylinders joined by connecting rods that encircle the ends of the cylinders and are contained within flanges. The rods align tangentially with the outer surface of the cylinders to locate such rods directly on the ground when the skidway is in use.

Abstract: A roller conveyor comprises rollers (10) journalled on through shafts (13), which are linked together by means of alternatingly arranged links (11, 11a). Links (11a) mounted between adjacent rollers (10) on a mutual shaft (13) have support surfaces (12) on one side of the plane of the conveyor. These links (11a) are placed separately, so that links on each side of one roller (10) are linked to different adjacent shafts (13) and are pivotable at least 135.degree. to each side of the conveyor plane.

Abstract: A new conveyor belt, which is adjustable in space between the rollers and in the height of the rollers, and which can also set up a conveying section at a given angle. The device mainly comprises a plurality of connection plates and roller rests. The connection plate may be made with a bend angle so as to set up a curved conveying section. The roller rest is furnished with three trumpet-shaped holes at different heights so as to have the rollers set up at a suitable height or at a desired slope.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for shaping and forming plastic foams as a foamable extrudate is extruded through the orifice, preferably arcuate, of an extrusion die. Immediately adjacent and downstream of the die orifice are opposed sets of curved rollers, each having substantially the same center of curvature as the die orifice. The roller set on one side of the extrudate pass line is adjustable as a set with respect to and substantially parallel to the pass line, while the rollers of the set on the opposite side are adjustable individually each to float with controlled pressure against the extrudate as it expands and moves between the roller sets. Each roller is comprised of a plurality of thin, cylindrical, circular wafers which are drivingly interconnected and journaled on curved core shafts.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises a plurality of interconnected cradles and a rotatable member mounted in each cradle. The rotatable members extend above the respective cradle for rolling contact with an object placed on the conveyor to allow the objects to move relative to the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention is in an aircraft provided with a flexible rail roller construction adapted to be positioned on the deck of a cargo space to provide for movement of cargo thereover and arranged to be quickly and easily moved to a storage position below the deck. To accomplish this the rollers are provided in a flexible track movable through a 180.degree. arc at one end of the deck by engagement with a curved arcuate guide surface to extend in an inverted position beneath the deck. In a preferred embodiment roller supporting axles extended between midpoints of rigid plate-like links.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor of the chuting or rollerway type wherein workpieces of regular or irregular shape having easily damaged surfaces are supported within protective work carriers which roll or slide along the conveyor. The work carriers are of cylindrical shape and formed with a through co-axial bore.

Abstract: A truck mounted extendable flexible conveyor for use in loading and unloading truck cargo. When the conveyor is not in use, it is collapsed and securely stored in a vertical position in a rear corner of the truck. For use the conveyor is pulled down by the driver to a horizontal position and then extended in a straight or curved direction as required. One end of the conveyor is pivotally mounted on a shaft attached to the truck, with coil spring means extending between the conveyor and a stationary mounting plate to assist in movement of the conveyor between stored and use positions.

Abstract: A link type rail structure for a conveyor device where the rail structure is adapted to be moved between a rigid, straight line attitude which can support weighted objects thereon, and a curved line attitude which permits the rail structure to be coiled up for storage. The rail structure is characterized by element structure and function that substantially eliminates pinch points between successive connecting and supporting links of the rail structure.