Abstract: A ball transfer deck facilitates movement of heavy loads across the deck over an array of ball transfer units while reducing attendant operating noise. An annular elastomeric sleeve isolates the upper flange of each individual ball transfer unit from direct contact with the deck, thereby reducing noise generated by the contact between the ball transfer unit and deck. An associated pin stop mechanism is also installed in the ball transfer deck and can be selectively engaged to prevent the movement of a particular load across the deck. To decrease the probability of damage to the deck and increase the stability and strength of the pin stop mechanism, the preferred pin stop mechanism includes a wide upper flange that allows the pin stop mechanism to be easily attached to an upper surface to the deck.

Abstract: A ball mat for the loading deck of an aircraft is a known device to support cargo and assist the movement thereof. The ball mat comprises a cover plate (11), a floor plate (12) that extends substantially parallel to the cover plate (11), and a plurality of holders (13) into which balls (14) or ball elements (15) can be inserted, wherein the cover plate (11) comprises apertures (18) through which the holders for the balls (14) or ball elements (15) can be inserted, and wherein between cover plate (11) and floor plate (12) there is defined an interior (16) within which the holders (13) are disposed. The remaining space within the interior (16) is filled with foam to increase the stability of the ball mat and/or to prevent moisture from entering and/or from spreading therein.

Abstract: A ball-type anti-friction device which has a housing, a ball cage mounted within the housing for movement relative to the housing between a lower inactive position and an upper active position. The ball cage contains a relatively large ball mounted on relatively small bearing balls so that when the ball cage is in the lower or inactive position, the large ball is below the top surface of the housing and when the ball cage is in the upper or active position, the ball extends above the top surface of the housing. In a first embodiment, the housing contains a double acting fluid drive system. The fluid drive system includes two fluid chambers and a piston connected to the ball cage. The piston is selectively actuated by selective pressurization of the two fluid chambers. In a second embodiment, the ball cage is actuated by a single acting fluid drive system. A piston is connected to the ball cage and is biased downwardly to normally maintain the ball cage and large ball in the lower or inactive position.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring objects, including pedestrians, between sequential moving-surfaces disposed in a common plane. The device comprises first rollers housed in a platform and defining a first object bearing-surface disposed substantially in the common plane. In one embodiment, the rollers comprise balls; in another, they comprise cylinders. A plate mounted on the platform defines a comb that slidably meshes with ribs of a conveyer belt that defines one of the moving surfaces. Second rollers are housed in the plate, providing a second object bearing-surface. The platform pivots within a limited and adjustable angle towards and away from one of the moving surfaces, when an object becomes jammed between the platform and the moving surface, and slides perpendicularly to said angle, by a small amount, when the ribs force the comb laterally.

Abstract: A floor unit for use as part of the cargo deck of an aircraft to facilitate the reception and repositioning of cargo comprises a hollow profile (11) with a continuous covering surface (12) and a floor surface (13) disposed in parallel thereto. The covering surface (12) and the floor surface (13) are separated from one another by several profile webs (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) running in the long direction of the floor unit. The covering surface comprises a plurality of receptacle openings to receive ball elements.

Abstract: A conveyor having a plurality of spaced rollers mounted between a pair of elongated horizontal frame members for supporting an article and enabling the article to be conveyed longitudinally of the frame members. The conveyor has a workstation formed by a plurality of interrupter strips extending in the spaces between rollers. Each interrupter strip has a plurality of lifting pads which are selectively movable between a lower position in which the upper surface of the pads are below the tops of the rollers and an upper position in which the upper surface of the pads are above the tops of the rollers for supporting the article and frictionally engaging the article to maintain the article in a stable position above the strips. The interrupter strips also have a plurality of balls mounted for omnidirectional rotation on the interrupter strip.

Abstract: Spherical sorting rollers are arranged in rows transversely of an article conveyance path, and line shafts, which are connected to a drive source and are rotated thereby, are disposed sideways in parallel with the rows of the sorting rollers. The spherical outer peripheral surfaces of the spherical sorting rollers and the line shafts are brought into abutment with each other to drive the sorting rollers simultaneously. The spherical sorting rollers are each supported individually by a roller supporting frame. The roller supporting frame can turn at a predetermined position about a vertical axis which passes through the center of each roller. The roller supporting frames are turned in a sorting direction simultaneously by a swing mechanism, whereby an article which has been conveyed up to a sorting position is sent out sideways from above the article conveyance path.

Abstract: An improved ball deck having a plurality of driven balls arranged in rows, with each driven ball supported on a freely rotatable ball and a pair of drive wheels secured to parallel shafts positioned on either side of the driven balls in each row, and a tray for each row of driven balls having bearings in the end plates thereof. Chain drive sprockets attached to each of the shafts with adjustment means for adjusting the trays to control the tension in the chains.

Abstract: A roller assembly is removably mounted on the floor of a vehicle. The assembly has a floor unit which is mounted on the vehicle floor and an erectable unit pivotally supported on the floor unit. This assembly has a retracted configuration in which the erectable unit is retracted in abutment against the floor unit. In the retracted configuration the assembly is adapted for moving cargo therelong in a first direction. The assembly further has an erected configuration in which the erectable unit is retained in a position normal to the floor unit. In this second configuration the assembly is adapted for moving cargo in a second direction at an acute angle relative to the first direction. To facilitate movement of the cargo, a first set of rollers is mounted on the floor unit of the assembly for universal movement and a second set of rollers is mounted on the erectable unit of the assembly for rotational movement about a single axis.

Abstract: A method of installing a level ball bearing floor. The method includes applying a self-leveling coating over a base. A plurality of support plates are mounted on the self-leveling coating. A plurality of ball bearing units are then mounted on each support plate. The ball bearing floor maintains each of the ball bearing units of within 1/16 of an inch of the same height.

Abstract: A cargo deck bearing assembly (8) comprising a housing (10) formed of a lightweight material, and means (14) integral therewith for attaching the housing (10) to an airplane cargo deck. A plurality of cavities (18) are provided in the housing (10) at its upper surface (20), generally arranged in the form of a circle. A generally hemispherical cup (22) is disposed in each of the cavities (18). A plurality of small bearing balls (24) are disposed in a single layer over the inner surface of the cup (22), and a single larger bearing ball (28) is disposed over the layer of small bearing balls (24). A rigid skid plate (30) is affixed to the upper surface (20) of the housing over the bearing balls. The skid plate (30) is provided with a plurality of circular apertures (34), one aperture superposed over each of the larger bearing balls (28). The structure results in a lightweight cargo bearing assembly (8) providing low resistance to movement of cargo bins thereover in any direction.

Abstract: A dirt ejecting ball transfer unit comprises a housing containing a cup with a substantial aperture, and a load bearing ball supported on ball bearings. The housing is provided with a series of apertures that overlap with the cup's substantial aperture to define a plurality of passage entries into the housing apertures. The passage entries have an elongate shape. The housing apertures have a minimum width which is substantially larger than the minimum width of the passage entries. Dirt and other contaminants that penetrate the seals of the ball transfer unit are quickly ejected through the housing apertures when the ball is rotated under load, thereby preventing failure of the ball transfer unit.

Abstract: A ball transfer unit adapted to receive cargo for movement thereover having a ball race assembly including a cup member having a cylindrical wall extending therearound and having a terminal end at the outer extremity of said cup. The wall in proximity to said terminal end is provided with external threads. A plurality of roller balls repose in the cup. A rotatable cargo engageable ball rests on the roller balls. A ball cover is provided to prevent inadvertent removal of the cargo engaging ball from said assembly while allowing free rotation thereof. The ball cover has a terminal end and, in proximity to said terminal end, the cover is provided with internal threads. The external and internal threads are engageable to hold the ball cover in place on the ball race assembly during normal use and the ball cover being readily disengageable to permit disassembly and cleaning of the components of the unit. The unit has a flat, planar bottom surface on which to rest during disassembly.

Abstract: A ball transfer cube includes a prismatically shaped cubed housing, a bearing race, small ball bearings, a main ball bearing and a housing cap for insertion into a prismatically shaped grating used by shipping companies.

Abstract: A ball transfer unit for use in a conveyor track for material handling applications, such as the movement and handling of freight, comprising a housing which contains a conveyor ball supported by the surface of a plurality of ball bearings. The ball transfer unit also comprises a floating annular seal such that the seal is continuously biased against the conveyor ball to prevent the introduction of fluids, contaminants, and harmful chemicals into the race of the ball transfer unit.

Abstract: A ball deck is disclosed capable of conveying a container having an uneven bottom surface. The ball deck, having an upper surface, houses a plurality of ball transfer units. Each ball transfer unit has a first housing having an upper end terminating adjacent the upper surface of the ball deck. A first load supporting ball, which is preferably hollow, is disposed in an upper section of the housing and has a portion extending above the upper surface of the ball deck. A second load supporting ball, having a lesser diameter than the first ball, supports the first ball. A spring biases the balls axially upward by allowing the first ball to move between an upward position and a downward position when supporting an irregular load surface.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a plurality of driven transport wheels (2) each suspended for rotation about a centerline (3) thereof and for pivotal movement about a steering axis (4) directed perpendicularly to the transport surface (1), and a string (5) passing over a driving and a driven sheave (6 and 2, 7, respectively). The driven sheave (2, 7) is pivotable along with the associated transport wheel (2). According to the invention, the string (5), between the driving and the driven sheaves (6 and 2, 7, respectively), passes closely to the associated steering axis (4) over divert rollers (8).

Abstract: A system of rollers that form a conveyor for parcels. The roller units are made up of segmented roller elements so that the parcels can be conveyed in any horizontal direction. Each roller unit has a plurality of spokes to maintain the segmented roller elements in position. A replaceable bearing unit permits the series of roller units to be accommodated on shafts of various configurations.

Abstract: A modular roller mat for providing rolling movement of cargo units over the floor of a cargo deck. The roller mat comprises a plurality of interconnected roller tray assemblies. Each roller tray assembly comprises a tray and a plurality of modular roller assemblies including a housing and a roller unit. The tray includes a floor, a first side wall, a second side wall and a flange extending inwardly from each side wall. The housing includes a plate and a downwardly extending collar. The plate extends between the side walls of the tray and is removably attached to the flanges of the tray. The collar includes an annular sleeve through which the roller unit is inserted. The roller unit includes a rotatable retainer member. Once inserted, the roller unit retainer is rotated such that retaining lugs on the roller unit retainer engage the sleeve to retain the roller unit in the housing. The roller assemblies are easily removed and replaced in the tray and are interchangeable with one another.

Abstract: There is disclosed a direction-changing roller for suspension frames of photographic material developing machines, over which the photographic material to be developed is guided in a meandering path. The roller has a cylindrical roller body on each end of which there is arranged a respective collar-shaped flange. There are further rollers inserted in the roller body. The surfaces of the further rollers are flush with the outline or surface of the roller body. Each further roller is mounted to be freely rotatable about an axis extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the direction-changing roller and radially offset from this axis of rotation.

Abstract: The load bearing ball of the type which has a main ball (1) of substantially high diameter on which the loads rest, in turn rests on a plurality of balls (2) of diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of ball (1), which are placed on the bottom (3) of a suitable container (4), the latter having a substantially hemispheric shape. A main feature of the invention consists of the particular structure capable of closing the container and capable of holding the several balls in the interior of the container. This structure serves also for the purpose of fastening the main large ball to the border of the opening (6) formed on the supporting plane (7) of the same load bearing ball.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit comprises a conveyor ball resting on mounting balls in a mounting shell. A retaining ring is provided to hold the conveyor ball on the mounting balls in the mounting shell. The mounting shell can be set into an opening in a supporting structure and rests on the supporting structure by way of a shell rim. The unit is fixed in place by resilient first locking elements comprising in a first embodiment of the invention resiliently deformable projections which also define radial recesses in the interior of the mounting shell into which recesses projections formed on the retaining ring can be inserted in order to fix the ring within the mounting shell.

Abstract: A conveyor system with driven balls, in which each driven ball is supported by at least one driving roller. The point of contact between the driving roller and the ball is located at some distance below the horizontal plane through the center of the ball, which distance is smaller than the radius of the ball.

Abstract: A conveyor table for displacing articles along a transporting surface includes a support construction and substantially rotation-symmetrical conveyor members, the conveyor members being suspended for rotation about axes thereof relative to the support construction, circumferential portions of the conveyor members defining the plane of transport. The direction of transport of the conveyor members is adjusted by rotating said conveyor member relative to the support construction about a line perpendicular to the plane of transport. A guard includes substantially circular openings, through which openings extend corresponding conveyor members. The guard screens the system for operating and driving the conveyor members from the user and the articles to be transported and makes it possible to arrange to the conveyor members at a relatively great distance from one another.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit comprises a conveyor ball resting on mounting balls in a mounting shell. A retaining ring is provided to hold the conveyor ball on the mounting balls in the mounting shell. The mounting shell can be set into an opening in a supporting structure and rests on the supporting structure by way of a shell rim. The unit is fixed in place by resilient first locking elements comprising in a first embodiment of the invention resiliently deformable projections which also define radial recesses in the interior of the mounting shell into which recesses projections formed on the retaining ring can be inserted in order to fix the ring within the mounting shell.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit comprises a conveyor ball mounted on a plurality of mounting balls in a mounting shell. A spring arrangement is provided to support the mounting shell resiliently in a housing and the conveyor ball is retained on the mounting balls by a retaining ring. A first holding device is provided to keep the housing substantially perpendicular to the surface of a supporting structure for the conveyor ball unit against a force acting on the conveyor ball. A second holding device is provided to hold the housing within an opening defined in the supporting structure and is located at an upper end of the housing. To simplify installation and removal of the unit in the supporting structure, the outer periphery of the second holding device is larger than that of the housing and locking elements are provided to fix the unit in the supporting structure.

Abstract: A rolling ball assembly for a rolling ball deck with a spherical ball (10), a support for the ball to permit free rotation about any horizontal axis through the ball; a pair of horizontal drive shafts (4, 5), one on either sie of the ball; a collar (8, 9) on each driving shaft, with the periphery of each collar being in driving engagement with the ball at or close to a horizontal plane through the equator of the ball, and between the horizontal axis of the ball perpendicular to the drive shafts and the horizontal axis parallel to the drive shafts so the ball may be rotated about any horizontal axis through rotation of the drive shafts.

Abstract: A conveyor system with driven balls, in which each driven ball is supported by at least one driving roller. The point of contact between the driving roller and the ball is located at some distance below the horizontal plane through the center of the ball, which distance is smaller than the radius of the ball.

Abstract: Ball units for conveyor systems are known in which a load-bearing ball is seated in an essentially radially symmetric bearing unit having ball bearings in a bearing shell. The load-bearing ball is held in the bearing unit by a securing apparatus. The bearing unit has a supporting structure that enables the bearing unit to be fixed in an opening of a carrier plate in such a way that it can support a load. Detents are provided to lock the unit in the opening against the load direction. It is suggested that the bearing shell should be constructed integrally with the supporting structure as a semielastic formed element.

Abstract: A caster roller unit for a freight conveyor track includes first and second support rollers to support the freight articles from below. The rollers are mounted on a roller carrier rotatably independently of each other about horizontally extending, mutually aligned axes. The roller carrier is supported on a stationary housing base member by a ball bearing assembly rotatably about a vertical axis which is eccentric with respect to the axis of the rollers. The roller carrier, for each of the support rollers, has an upwardly open bearing shell member in the form of a cylinder portion accommodating a plurality of bearing needles on which the respective support roller is rotatably disposed and the longitudinal axes of which are oriented parallel to the horizontally extending axis of rotation of the respective support roller.

Abstract: A right angle deck having a plurality of shafts with alternating left and right hand roller clusters. A single motor is connected to rotate the shafts with left hand clusters and a single motor is connected to rotate the shafts with right hand clusters; the motors being independently controlled and reversible.

Abstract: A cluster for a material handling conveyor in which a plurality of rollers are mounted on a body member at an acute angle to a driven shaft, with bushing pressed into and recessed from each end of each roller to provide a consistent frictional force between the rollers and the member under various conditions of moisture.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit for installation in a mounting opening in a conveyor track panel. A conveyor ball is rotatably mounted on a plurality of mounting balls in a mounting shell and projects upwardly out of the conveyor ball unit. A ball guide of annular configuration embraces the conveyor ball from above to secure the conveyor ball and the mounting balls in the mounting shell. At its peripheral edge the ball guide has at least two locking elements each of which, in the assembled condition of the unit, securingly engages by means of a locking shoulder under a peripheral flange on the mounting shell, to hold the mounting shell and the ball guide together.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the movement of flat bottomed articles in a plurality of different directions relative to a supporting platform. The article is supported on a plurality of clusters of helical, freely rotatable rollers mounted on a plurality of shafts. Selected ones of the shafts, or groups of shafts, each lying in one of a plurality of zones, are selectively driven in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction or are held in stationary. Selective control of the shafts enable the apparatus to move the article parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform in two selected directions, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in two selected directions; diagonally of the longitudinal axis in four selected directions, and either clock or counterclockwise about an axis normal to the flat bottom of the article.

Abstract: A multi directional wheel, particularly for use with guide structures and conveying structures, driven or undriven, consists of only two different parts, namely an integral one piece molded synthetic resin hub and an integral one piece molded synthetic resin roller. A plurality of such rollers are mounted about the periphery of the hub so that the axes of the rollers are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the hub, with bearings being provided by the inherent structure of the hub and rollers. Bearing supports extend outwardly from the hub and engage between subrollers that make up the rollers, so that the rollers may be closely spaced to each other without any intervening structure, to lessen flat spots between adjacent rollers. Rollers are snap fit into the bearing supports in the axial direction, so that two wheels may be mounted together as mirror images to prevent withdrawal of the rollers on the snap fit assembly.

Abstract: A transporting direction controlling or translating device employs a rotor member having a plane contacting with an object to be transferred. The rotor member is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft which is tiltable in variable directions for tilting the plane. By the tilting direction of the plane and the rotating direction of the rotor member, the transporting direction can be changed. Preferably, the rotor member comprises a substantially cylindrical or disc-shaped roller with the contacting plane. The roller is adapted to contact with the object at a point on the contacting plane. In such case, the force to feed the object is exerted on the object in tangential direction relative to the circular trace of the contacting point. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the contacting point, at which the contacting point comes in contact with the object, transporting direction can be changed.

Abstract: The present invention has to do with aircraft cargo handling and loading equipment and specifically with a type of roller deck surface employed thereon.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus comprises: a plurality of bearing units, each of the bearing units holding balls so as to have the balls freely rotate and the balls being arranged so as to have a predetermined distance in a relatively positional relation; and a plate for linking the plurality of bearing units on a plane to have the bearing units kept constant in a distance in a relatively positional relation. The bearing units are placed in holes drilled in the linking plate, and are connected to the linking plate slightly loose by a joint mechanism so as for the connection to be flexible during movement of the apparatus. The apparatus can be of 4 to 20 mm in height.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit for use in a conveyor track for example for moving freight material comprises a housing accommodating a conveyor ball member supported in a mounting shell member by way of a plurality of mounting balls. The mounting shell member is supported resiliently by spring means. To prevent the mounting shell member with conveyor ball member supported therein tilting in the housing under the effect of a load thereon, upon resilient deflection of the spring, with the result of the conveyor ball member becoming jammed, the conveyor ball member is supported in the mounting shell member only at an annular region thereof and the mounting shell member is itself supported on the spring means in that annular region. The spring means comprises a plurality of plate springs, with the outer periphery thereof being held in concentric relationship in the housing, thereby providing that the conveyor ball member and mounting shell member are self-centering in the housing, to reduce the risk of jamming.

Abstract: A roll-way is assembled from roll blocks to permit frictionless displacement of goods or vehicles placed thereupon. The roll blocks contain a base body having a roll surface into which there is embedded a multitude of rolling balls that are closely spaced from each other and located in associated spherical cavities. The rolling balls protrude from the associated spherical cavities by less than half of their circumference and are embedded in a rollingly movable manner in the roll surface.

Abstract: An die transfer and quick change system comprising at least four T-lift units installed in T-slots formed in the surface of the machine bolster. The T-lift units are installed in the bolsters so that there are at least two systems for positioning the die parallel to the machine or press and at least two systems for positioning the die perpendicular to the machine or press. A control mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the air bag in each of the T-lift units. The control mechanism provides for two separate T-lift systems which are inflated or deflated independently of each other. A pre-staging table is provided adjacent the machine or press bolster for pre-staging a plurality of dies thereon and for transporting selected dies to and from the machine.

Abstract: A trailer wherein a body frame supports front and rear wheels rotatably at the left and right side portions thereof; a cargo base member has a plurality of rotors for transferring a cargo, arranged rotatably and in a mutually spaced manner on the cargo base member; and stoppers are provided at the front, rear, left and right portions of the body frame and the central portion of the cargo base member so that the stoppers can be vertically moved by operating rods connected to all of the stoppers for holding the cargo on the cargo base member. The front, rear, left and right stoppers are urged so that the stoppers normally project to a level higher than the upper surfaces of the rotors on the cargo base member. The central stopper is provided pivotably and movable vertically so that the cargo can be rotated easily on the cargo base member.

Abstract: A worktable providing rolling support for workpieces thereon has a multiplicity of spaced, generally circular passages extending therethrough with at least one outwardly extending channel. Removably seated in the passages are ball insert units rotatably supporting a ball therewithin and having a locking element projecting laterally outwardly therefrom adjacent the lower end and resiliently bearing against a surface of the table member to secure the ball insert unit in firm assembly therewith. The projecting locking element may be rotated into alignment with the channel of the passage to effect release of the ball insert unit from the table member, and for movement upwardly and downwardly in the passage.

Abstract: A rolling support device or ball roller comprises a main ball housed in a casing comprising a substantially hemispherical bearing bush, an outer shell and a retaining ring assembly connected to the outer shell to retain the main ball and the bearing bush therein with a portion of the ball exposed through the ring to contact a member to be supported thereby; the outer shell is shaped to be received in an opening in a supporting member and the retaining ring defines a shoulder determining the limit of insertion; resilient tongues projecting from the casing act to retain the device in such an opening, for which purpose the tongues have an elbow portion each provided with at least one radially outwardly projecting tooth for biting into the side wall of an opening receiving the device to resist withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: Ball element for use in material handling equipment in which a rotatable ball is movable by a pneumatic piston from a first to a second position relative to a friction surface.

Abstract: Conveyor element with spaced rollers, including a main body with bores which contain plungers that are movable by means of an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A mounting member having an upper peripheral side wall to receive a ball member, and a lower connecting portion to be placed in locking engagement through a bottom opening in a base member. The side wall is positioned within a base support member for limited up and down movement; a plurality of spring-like washers are positioned between the mounting member and the base support member to urge the mounting member and the ball member which it supports to an upper support position.

Abstract: Ball element for use in material handling equipment in which a rotatable ball is movable by a pneumatic piston from a first to a second position relative to a friction surface.

Abstract: Conveyor system with spaced rollers, including a main body formed with bores which contain plungers that are movable by means of inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A "no-lift" container trailer is disclosed having a vertically movable roller tray with parallel rollers thereon which when tangent to the roll plane, and solely support a container thereon allow the container to be moved onto or off the trailer. A vertically movable caster tray of the trailer has fixed caster wheels thereon with their axes of rotation intersecting a vertical axis near the center of the trailer. When the wheels provide sole support for the container at the roll plane the container may be rotated about the vertical axis to any desired position. Manually operated cams are provided to sequentially move only the rollers tangent to the roll plane for supporting the container only on the rollers to move both the rollers and wheels tangent to the roll plane, and to move the rollers below the roll plane for supporting the container only on the wheels thus transferring the containers between the rollers and the wheel at the roll plane without lifting the container.