Abstract: A sorting device for packages includes a fifth wheel mounted on a support structure and rotatable around a vertical axis; a conveyor belt mounted on the fifth wheel and able to rotate therewith about the vertical axis; and at least one sliding surface placed below the plane of the conveyor belt, to close the openings which, during the rotation of the fifth wheel and of the conveyor belt around the vertical axis, are created between the sorting device and the conveyor belts adjacent to it.

Abstract: A conveyor device, comprising a) a plurality of rack elements arranged in a first row to define a first conveyor track. The conveyor device also comprises b) a plurality of rack elements arranged in a second row to define a second conveyor track. The conveyor device includes c) a robot unit with a traction device and a driving device, wherein said traction device is adapted to move said robot unit along said first or said second conveying direction and said driving device is adapted to engage said coupling interface of said movable carrier device to drive said movable carrier device. The conveyor device also includes d) a cross traverse rack element adapted to take up said robot unit, wherein said cross traverse rack element comprises a traverse movable load carrying device having an upper traverse load surface adapted to take up an object and a traverse coupling interface.

Abstract: A substrate processing device contains a substrate loading/unloading area for loading/unloading of substrates. The substrate processing device further has a process chamber, a carrier device with which the substrates are transported by a carrier transport device to the process chamber, and a gas-tight closing device between the process chamber and the carrier transport area as well as a gas-tight closing device between the substrate loading/unloading area and the carrier transport area. The substrate processing device allows substrate processing at a high quality with high process purity, thereby being suitable for mass production. The object is achieved by the substrate loading/unloading area being coupled with the carrier transport area by a substrate transfer area with a substrate transfer device for transferring the substrates from a substrate cassette provided in the substrate loading/unloading area and in which substrates can be arranged in different horizontal cassette levels of the substrate cassette.

Abstract: A workpiece feeder includes a forward stage that separates base plates from one another and adjusts the base plates into correct top-bottom orientation and a pickup unit that individually holds the separated and adjusted base plates and horizontally aligns the held base plate into correct planar posture while feeding the held base plate to a destination. The forward stage includes a stage body that has a stage surface on which the base plates are placed and is movably supported so as to shift the stage surface and a drive unit that applies separate impacts to the stage body so that the stage body moves to apply a bouncing force and a shifting force orthogonal to the bouncing force due to the separate impacts to the base plates.

Abstract: A direction change device for conveyance of dough includes a material conveyance platform that includes a table that is covered by a conveyance belt. Guide slots are formed in the table and are not completely covered by the conveyance belt. A swivel unit is provided under the material conveyance platform and includes two power sources that respectively provide reciprocal rotation of a predetermined angle and upward extension and backward contraction. The power source for extension and contraction has an end to which push bars are mounted to correspond to the guide slots of the table. A press plate is arranged above the guide slots. A dough sheet, when moved through the table, can be pushed upward by the push bars of the swivel unit and clamped and held by the press plate for subsequent rotation by an angle and then further proceeding forward for a subsequent operation of stuffing.

Abstract: A transferred object rotating device includes a mounting plate having an opening corresponding to a shape of a transferred object and being capable of moving from a mounting position to a rotating position, a boost unit capable of moving up to pass through the opening of the mounting plate in the rotating position, and a rotation plate capable of rotating about a power transmission shaft. The mounting plate moves to the rotating position after the transferred object is mounted on the mounting plate to close the opening. The transferred object is lifted by upward movement of the boost unit. The transferred object rotates while being sandwiched between the boost unit and the rotation plate. The transferred object mounted on the mounting plate in the mounting position can be transferred to the rotating position by the mounting plate, and rotate in the rotating position.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for packing an article (20) onto a shipping carrier (26), the article (20) having an arbitrary orientation relative to the conveyor (28) and being transported within an order-picking system on a conveyor (28; 28a, 28b) downstream towards a packing station (22), which includes a packing robot (12) for automatically loading the shipping carrier (26), wherein the article (20) is to be put down with one of its faces (38) onto the shipping carrier (26).

Abstract: An alignment device to align a plate for electronic circuits comprises transport members able to transport the plate along a transport axis, at least from an entrance position to an alignment position defining an alignment plane. The device also comprises mobile members provided with: first movement members able to move the mobile members in a first direction directed along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the alignment plane so as to associate the mobile members with the plate; second movement members able to rotate the plate, associated with the mobile members, around the first axis; and at least third movement members able to move the plate, associated with the mobile members, in a second direction, directed along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis and substantially co-planar with the transport axis.

Abstract: A turnover device for turning over a substrate comprises a motor and a tumbler driven by the motor to rotate. The tumbler is provided with a transmission mechanism thereon and connected to an upper turntable and a lower turntable with the transmission mechanism, the tumbler can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to rotate, the transmission mechanism can drive the upper turntable and the lower turntable to move toward each other, and the substrate to be turned over is disposed between the upper turntable and the lower turntable.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for changing the direction of travel of a reel being moved by a incoming conveyor (12), for transfer to the following conveyor, in which method the reel is first brought to a turntable and the direction of travel of the reel is changed by turning the turntable. After turning, the reel is removed to a receiving conveyor. In order for the turntable to be able to turn reels, the width of which is greater than the diameter of the turntable, the reel is lifted on the turntable from the level of the incoming and receiving conveyors, for the duration of the turning.

Abstract: A carriage-type conveyance device using a carriage having a vertically movable object-supporting base that is controlled by a cam rail on the floor side, in which a turntable for changing the direction of the carriage has a low-floor structure. In the carriage-type conveyance device, the object-supporting base that is vertically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position is placed on a conveyance carriage (1), a cam follower roller vertically moving in association with the movement of the object-supporting body is provided at the bottom of the conveyance carriage (1), and a cam device (58) for pushing up the cam follower roller and a work section (3A) in which the object support base is supported at the lifted position are provided in a traveling route of the conveyance carriage (1).

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor track and at least one workpiece carrier that includes a first control curve and a second control curve, and a first control curve tracker and a second control curve tracker that are assigned to the conveyor track. The first control curve tracker is arranged in a first control engagement with the first control curve, and the second control curve tracker is arranged in a second control engagement with the second control curve. The control curves and associated control curve trackers are arranged so that the at least one workpiece carrier can be deflected laterally off of a subsection of the conveyor track via the interaction of the first control engagement and the second control engagement.

Abstract: A rotary indexing device for use in a group of treatment stations, includes at least one respective tensioning device for exchangeable tool holders disposed in a treatment zone. The rotary indexing machine has a rotary indexing unit with a lift-and-turn device on which support elements for tool holders are disposed. The lift-and-turn device of the rotary indexing unit is provided with a piston rod on which a first coupling element is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner. The first coupling element can be engaged with a further coupling element disposed above it by the lift stroke of the piston rod. The coupling element encloses the piston rod and is driven by a motor. The piston rod is rotationally fixed during the lift stroke.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus, which is able to adjust a substrate position. The apparatus includes a plurality of transport rails, a plurality of rollers on each transport rail, a pin up device and an adjustment device. The roller is transported the glass substrate, a pin and a joinball of the pin up device are supported and are raised the substrate from the roller. Finally, an adjustment device can adjust the glass substrate.

Abstract: A mechanism for rotating an object having a flat bottom surface on a conveyor system is described. Four circular disk segments whose rotational axes lie on a plane and are offset 90 degrees from each other are pressed against the bottom surface by a linear drive and subsequently rotated. The top surface of each disk segment lies against the bottom surface in the direction of a tangent of a circle around the rotational axis of the object. The recessed segments do not touch the bottom surface of the object. As the circular disk segments rotate, their outer circumferences rest against the bottom surface and rotate the object. This rotating mechanism is used in strapping machines and provides a method of rotation.

Abstract: A machine for assisting loading and unloading objects in vehicles, stationary platforms, trailers with Dual V Groove Bearings mounted in a Cantilever design for superior tracking and strength, Cantilever Carrier Assembly allows for a small installation footprint, Cantilever Rails allow full weight support throughout the entire range of travel, Through the use of Interchangeable “SKINS” specific tasks relative to the tradesmen's requirements will allow the Ez-Loader to have a multi-function purpose including but not limited to loading platform and work area, Manual or Motorized extension and retraction of the “SKIN” and complete support system Retractable and Adjustable Ramps allow objects to be rolled up and onto the Ez-Loader, and Low “SKIN” height enables the Ez-Loader to easily fit under over rail tool boxes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of cell conveyers being supplied with a variety of pallets and products through an input section thereof, on which the products are firstly assembled; a main conveyer whereto the firstly assembled products are conveyed from said cell conveyers in a state that the firstly assembled products are loaded on the pallet, on which the products are finally assembled; and a return conveyer for returning the pallets to the input section of the cell conveyers after assembly process of the product is completed on the main conveyer. The pallets are supplied into the input section of the cell conveyers and then returned to the input section of the cell conveyers through the main conveyer and the return conveyer. The variety of products are firstly assembled on the cell conveyers respectively and then conveyed to the main conveyer to be finally assembled. The variety of products are output through an output section of the main conveyer.

Abstract: An auto reject unit includes a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and held stationary in operation along the upright axis. Driven rollers are mounted upon the turntable for selectively driving an article across the turntable in a direction. A motor is disposed to rotate the turntable about the upright axis in response to a command. The rotation adjusts the direction that an article disposed on the turntable will travel off of the turntable.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge grip aligner with buffering capabilities and a method for increasing the throughput of wafers through the device. According to one embodiment, the present invention has first and second buffer arms, and a chuck arm. A workpiece can be aligned while supported on the chuck arm. Once the workpiece is aligned, the chuck arm transfers the workpiece to the buffer arms so that a second workpiece can be aligned on the chuck arm. While the second workpiece is being aligned, an end effector can transfer the first workpiece away from the buffer arms and retrieve another workpiece to place upon the chuck arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of cell conveyers being supplied with a variety of pallets and products through an input section thereof, on which the products are firstly assembled; a main conveyer whereto the firstly assembled products are conveyed from said cell conveyers in a state that the firstly assembled products are loaded on the pallet, on which the products are finally assembled; and a return conveyer for returning the pallets to the input section of the cell conveyers after assembly process of the product is completed on the main conveyer. The pallets are supplied into the input section of the cell conveyers and then returned to the input section of the cell conveyers through the main conveyer and the return conveyer. The variety of products are firstly assembled on the cell conveyers respectively and then conveyed to the main conveyer to be finally assembled. The variety of products are output through an output section of the main conveyer.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge grip aligner with buffering capabilities and a method for increasing the throughput of wafers through the device. According to one embodiment, the present invention has first and second buffer arms, and a chuck arm. A workpiece can be aligned while supported on the chuck arm. Once the workpiece is aligned, the chuck arm transfers the workpiece to the buffer arms so that a second workpiece can be aligned on the chuck arm. While the second workpiece is being aligned, an end effector can transfer the first workpiece away from the buffer arms and retrieve another workpiece to place upon the chuck arm.

Abstract: The invention comprises a conveyor device 1, provided with a turning station (3) and a supply belt for supplying products to the turning station in a direction of conveyance with a first orientation. The turning station comprises a cam belt (20) that is rotatable in a closed loop and has cams (28) placed at regular intervals, and also a retaining element (26), for retaining products during the transition from the first track part (24) to the second track part (25). The cams on the belt (20) and the retaining element (26) ensure that at high speeds the products are positioned in an accurate manner during the change of direction. The invention also relates to a motor suspension (30). A drive motor (33) and a drive roller for a conveyor belt are suspended from two arms. With the motor suspension, the belt tension and belt orientation can be adjusted in a simple manner, and the motor can be removed in a simple manner for repair or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and rotating book packs (11), pamphlet bundles and the like upon deposition onto a conveyor belt (7) for stacking the packs (11) onto a pallet or a stacking plane, comprising a device (A) for grasping and rotating the pack (11) and an articulated device with chain (6) for advancing (B) the device (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for overturning containers such as bottles having a bottom which is not flat. The machine has a fixed base which supports rotational movement of devices for gripping/releasing, raising/lowering, and overturning the containers. Sensors are used for controlling and actuating the corresponding operating sequences associated with each device.

Abstract: A director assembly for selectively directing a transport carrier from one conveyor path portion to another. The director assembly having a pair of spaced director rails positioned below and in between drive and support rails of the conveyor. The pair of spaced director rails can be selectively raised and rotated and then lowered to direct the carrier to the new path portion.

Abstract: An assembly for turning bundles includes a planar surface that receives bundles from an upstream station. A sensor detects movement of the bundle toward the surface and initiates a timing sequence. The sequence includes slowing the bundle over the surface so that it does not contact the stop at high speed. The stop is then retracted after the bundle movement is terminated and a portion of the surface is lifted and rotated through approximately ninety degress to re-orient the bundle. After the bundle is lowered to the planar surface, it is then advanced by a drive assembly from the surface toward a downstream station.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing articles in a selected, approximately horizontal conveying direction, includes a plurality of side-by-side disposed table elements each having an upper, approximately horizontal article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surfaces together form an approximately horizontal conveying table. A first drive oscillates each table element parallel to its article-supporting surface in a motion having two motion components oriented in perpendicular, horizontal directions and a second drive vertically oscillates each table element. A first synchronizing arrangement synchronizes the horizontal oscillations in the direction of the two motion components and a second synchronizing arrangement synchronizes the vertical oscillations with the horizontal oscillations.

Abstract: An automatic pallet changer is composed of a pallet lifting mechanism and a revolving mechanism. The pallet lifting mechanism has a pallet platform and a lifting rod which is fastened with the bottom of the pallet platform. The pallet platform and the lifting rod are driven by oil pressure to move up and down in a linear manner. The body of the lifting rod is provided with a vertically-oriented first position confining portion. The revolving mechanism has a gear and a rack gear member. The gear is pivoted to the bottom of the pallet lifting mechanism at a fixed height and provided axially with a slide channel in which the lifting rod is slidably disposed. The slide channel is provided in the inside thereof with a vertically-oriented second position confining portion, which is complementary in shape to the first position confining portion of the lifting rod for enabling the lifting rod and the pallet platform to turn synchronously.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic execution of operations in the fabrication of circuit boards or similar boards. The apparatus comprises a conveyor (4) consisting of two parallel conveyor halves (5, 6) provided with a traction element (7) to convey the circuit board. The conveyor halves, guided by a first set of guide bars (8, 9), can be moved in a direction transverse to the conveying direction while remaining parallel to each other, to permit adjustment of the width of the conveyor; a 3-D transfer gear (10) disposed above the conveyor (4) and provided with a gripper (11). The apparatus is provided with tools (12) which can be manipulated by the gripper (11) of the transfer gear, and a control unit (13).

Abstract: A handling and orienting device comprises a carrier plane surface that includes a series of driven rollers between which a table equipped with driven balls is located, the carrier plane and table are relatively movable upward and downward, as well as shifted sidewise in one or the other direction. The driven balls are actuated by a rotating disk and the disk is able to rotate in one or the other direction.

Abstract: In order to twist single packs transported in a row through 90.degree., for example, in such a way that after all the packs have passed through the device, the row which is still disposed in the conveyer device is turned, it is proposed that a workpiece carrier (1) be arranged detachably on the conveyer line and be able to be brought to engage with a decoupling unit (E,E') which has a rotating member (5,5') driven pivotally with a first axis (6,6'), and that the first axis (6,6') is oriented vertically to the direction (3) of transportation of the conveyer device.

Abstract: A turntable for a conveyor system includes a cylinder having a longitudinal axis mounted to a stationary base plate; a non-rotatable piston disposed within the cylinder and mounted for reciprocal movement along the longitudinal axis; a bushing disposed about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder for rotatably mounting a plate for supporting an article and a stabilizing device coaxially mounted with the bushing for stabilizing the article supporting device during rotation. The article supporting device is raised and lowered with respect to the base plate by the reciprocal movement of the piston but its rotational movement is independent from that of the piston.

Abstract: A rotary device performing the task of changing the direction of advancement of a plastics card or metal plate, suitable for being inserted in a punching machine, constituted by a bearing structure, a linear conveyor for the plastics card or metal plate and a drive motor, in which the bearing structure comprises a lower, fixed framework, inside which the drive motor is housed, above which a upper, rotary framework is rotatably supported, on which the linear conveyor is positioned. A first positive transmission connects the drive motor with the upper, rotary framework of the structure, causing the upper, rotary framework to rotate by a predetermined angualr rotation, and a second positive transmission connects the drive motor with the linear conveyor which conveys the plastics card or metal plate. Between the two positive transmissions and the drive motor two free-wheel mechanisms are interposed, which cause the two positive transmissions to be selectively actuated.

Abstract: An improved chain conveyor and pallet structure are disclosed in which the pallet contacts the middle link of the three-link chains typically employed in chain conveyors, and is supported upon the outer and inner links of the chain. The distance between the pallet contact members and the support surfaces is increased such that the pallet may be removed from the chain conveyor for repair or placement on a second conveyor. In another feature of the present invention, the pallet is supported on the center link on both its upper and lower run, allowing the use of heavier sturdier pallets. At least some of the rollers in the middle links are preferably of a greater diameter than the rollers on the inner or outer links reducing the stress between the link and the pallet, and increasing the lift of both members.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sequentially loading sheet material articles into a plurality of compartments in a plurality of containers includes a loader assembly which is disposed at a loading station. An infeed shuttle assembly moves an empty container to a carriage disposed at the loading station. The carriage is movable back and forth along a linear path to sequentially position compartments of the empty container at the loading station. In addition, the carriage is operable to rotate the container about a vertical axis to at least partially position another compartment at the loading station. When the compartments of the container have been loaded with sheet material articles, an outfeed shuttle assembly engages the loaded container and moves it away from the carriage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conveyor having endless ropes for frictionally transporting articles. The conveyor comprises at least one linear conveyor and a transfer mechanism. Each linear conveyor includes endless conveying ropes and at least two conveyor supports. Each conveyor support preferably includes an elongated substantially vertical body, at least one substantially horizontal platform depending therefrom, and a channel in an uppermost platform to slidably support the endless conveying rope. The transfer mechanism comprises a turntable, a third linear conveyor for receiving an article, a sensor for sensing when an article has been received from a first linear conveyor onto the turntable, a lifter for lifting the turntable, and a rotator for rotating the turntable. The lifter is also for lowering the turntable to a second linear conveyor, and the third linear conveyor is also for delivering the article to the second linear conveyor.

Abstract: A device including a ball carrier table having an opening in it scenter provided with a turntray with driven carrier balls is used to change the orientation of an article, such as a stack of sheets of boards. The carrier balls are driven by an arrangement including one or more continuous belts having an upper surface engaging a lower part of each of the carrier balls. The motion of the turntray is obtained by an arrangement for rotating the turntray around an axis extending peripendicular to a plane of the table and the turntray can be shifted vertically between a lower position in the plane of the table to an upper position raised above the plane of the table.

Abstract: Package handling apparatus comprises an enclosure having a downwardly directed opening, a source of air flow arranged to draw air into the enclosure through the opening, and lowers for varying the air flow into the enclosure. A conveyor is arranged in the opening and is movable relative to the opening, the conveyor being positioned to be in the flow of air into the enclosure and to provide a movable support for a package which is urged against the conveyor by the flow of air past the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for unstacking cross-nested articles includes an elevator which raises the stack as articles are removed two-at-a-time from the top thereof by a continuous-chain transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyor carries the removed articles to a discharge station where they are dropped onto two vertically spaced-apart discharge conveyors. In one embodiment, the upper discharge conveyor comprises laterally spaced-apart tracks arranged so that the bottom article drops therethrough to the lower discharge conveyor, while the top article is caught on the upper discharge conveyor. A finger on one of the conveyors turns selected articles 90.degree. so that all articles are aligned in the same direction as they exit the lower conveyor. In another embodiment both discharge conveyors comprise laterally spaced-apart tracks, and a turntable is vertically movable between the tracks to lower the articles onto the discharge conveyors, the turntable rotating 90.degree.

Abstract: A lifting and rotating device for use with a workpiece transport system is disclosed. The device lifts a workpiece carrier off of a conveyor system and accurately rotates the workpiece carrier to a stop position located at any position throughout 360.degree. of rotation from the start position to provide access to any pre-determined side of the workpiece supported on the workpiece carrier from a common point at the work station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for turning flat articles. The apparatus includes a frame; a pair of substantially horizontal, pivotable belt assemblies for receiving a serial stream of the articles traveling along a path, each of the belt assemblies having an upper and a lower reach and an entrance and an exit end; a rotatable and vertically reciprocable disk member suitably mounted to the frame and situated between the belt assemblies; a biased, pivot ball suitably mounted to the frame and located above the reciprocable disk member; and an idler roller situated above the upper reaches of the belt assemblies at the exit ends thereof and engageable with the exit ends of the belt assemblies for transporting the flat articles downstream from the disk member and ball.

Abstract: A receiving and arranging apparatus for bringing electronic components, or other workpieces, into a molding apparatus and unloading them from suitable magazines into a mechanism which arranges them in a proper orientation for placement into a mold. The apparatus includes a vertically movable and horizontally rotatable turntable mechanism which operates in conjunction with a conveyor system to arrange the electronic components in a side by side manner for transfer to a subsequent workstation in the molding process.

Abstract: A packing machine for automatically banding a package is described, wherein belt conveyers are provided in combination with a table for transporting a package to be banded with respect to an arch on the table for enabling the machine to band the package with a band guided by the arch, and means is provided for vertically moving the table with respect to the conveyers between an initial lower position in which the conveyers may transport the package with respect to the arch and a position of a level higher than the level at which the conveyers are located so as to enable the machine to smoothly turn said package on the table elevated to the higher level in accordance with a selected package banding mode.

Abstract: A machine for stacking bundles of signatures and like products supplied in a continuous flow with their backs oriented in the same direction is provided by this invention. The machine comprises a support frame, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor supported by the frame having an input end for supplying the products to be stacked and an output end of loading the stacked products, and a platform for rotating an individual product. The platform is mounted rotatably on the frame about a vertical axis passing through the conveyor, and is translatable along the axis between a lowered position of substantial alignment with the plane of the conveyor, and a raised position in which the products on the conveyor can pass beneath the platform.

Abstract: A tube transfer system wherein a hand of tubes is delivered to ender devices in any of four orientations, the system including a by-pass section for receiving hands when the ender devices are unable to accept tubes. The by-pass section is reversed to deliver by-passed hands to the ender devices when newly formed hands are not delivered to the system.

Abstract: Two gripping means (50 and 58) are used alternately to transfer articles (16) from a blow station (14) to conveyor belts (20). The gripping means are mounted on a carriage (30) which is movable transversely of the blow station to move the gripping means in turn into alignment with the blow station or above one of the conveyor belts. Horizontal moving means (66 and 70) is associated with each gripping means to move it to and from the blow station to collect articles. Vertical moving means (42) is associated with each gripping means to move it downwardly on the carriage to release articles on to one of the conveyor belts.

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.

Abstract: A turntable for a conveyor system has a main frame, a plurality of load-carrying rollers supported by the main frame for rotation about transverse axes to transport a load between upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor system, a lift frame supported by the main frame, a load-supporting table carried on the main frame, and glide rollers for allowing rotation of the table relative to the lift frame. Air jacks move the lift frame between a first position where the table is slightly below the load-carrying rollers to allow the load to be transported over the load-carrying rollers and a second position where the table is above the load-carrying rollers to lift the load off the load-carrying rollers. A lift-leveling mechanism provides level movement of the lift frame relative to the main frame and includes a plurality of guide plates mounted on the main frame.

Abstract: A turning device for piece-goods and bagged goods has transporting devices for transporting goods, and a supporting element located between the transporting elements and turnable about a substantially upright axis so as to support the goods and turn the latter. A transporting element is arranged under the supporting element and has a plurality of transporting members on axles, wherein the axle supporting one of the transporting members extends in the central area of the supporting element through a hollow axle of the latter. The supporting element and/or transporting element are movable between proximal and distal positions relative to one another.

Abstract: Head-to-tail turning of one pipe out of two in a series of pipes being presented at irregular intervals which may occur at even or odd multiples of a step. A horizontal transporter moves by intervals of two steps and a turning device for one pipe out of two moves by one step as necessary to place itself in a position for turning beneath the pipe to be turned. Pipes are arranged head-to-tail, horizontally and vertically, one joint alternating with one smooth end at each end of the pipes in the production of pipe bundles.