Abstract: A bird feeder support pole that is configured to selectively elevate and lower a crossbeam assembly supporting one or more bird feeders. The support pole eliminates the need to climb ladders or other objects to replenish the feeder with a bird feed. The crossbeam assembly is mounted with a trolley assembly that is movable along a length of the support pole via an elevating mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly includes an attachment arm having an axle extending from a first end of the attachment arm. The attachment arm of the detachable wheel assembly further includes a securing portion forming a second end of the attachment arm, the securing portion of the attachment arm including a pin positioned to extend above a first frame member of a gantry truss and to secure the first frame member between the pin and a portion of the attachment arm. The attachment arm also includes a frame support corresponding to a second frame member of the gantry truss such that the frame support supports the second frame member when the assembly is secured to the gantry truss, and the assembly includes a wheel rotatably attached to the axle of the attachment arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device (1), having a drive carriage (2) that is movable relative to a carrier (3), wherein a scissor lift (7) having a plurality of scissor-lift members (8) is arranged with its first end on the drive carriage (2), wherein a carrier plate (11) that is movable relative to the drive carriage (2) by means of the scissor lift (7) is arranged at the second end of the scissor lift (7), wherein: a gripping tool is arranged on the carrier plate (11), the scissor-lift members (8) are hollow throughout and are sealingly interconnected in order to actuate the gripping tool by means of a gaseous medium.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a row unit for an agricultural vehicle comprises an upper carriage that is movable or slidable with respect to a generally horizontal beam of the vehicle. The row unit has vertical supports, where each vertical support has an upper end connected to the upper carriage and a lower end opposite the upper end. The row unit further comprises a lower carriage that is connected to the lower end of the vertical supports, such that the upper carriage determines a lateral position of the lower carriage with respect to the beam.

Abstract: Proposed is an overhead transportation system for transporting FOUPs in the environment of semiconductor production. The system includes a pair of rails and a hoist travelling along the rails on two pairs of independently controlled wheels. The wheels are driven from in-wheel drive motors and are provided with lateral guide rollers that prevent the wheels from contact with the side walls of the rails. The FOUP gripper mechanism for grasping FOUPs is suspended from the hoist on multifunctional electrically conductive straps, which raise a gripper-grasped FOUP by pulling it up together with the lower pulleys of the strap-guiding unit. The gripper mechanism is attached to a swinging member rotationally installed on a slider, which is laterally moveable from the hoist toward a work station. The in-wheel motors receive power from batteries on the hoist. Other drives are fed from an external source switched in to the hoist on work stations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a watercraft storage stacker crane system that incorporates an offset mast.

Abstract: An emptying device of a storage container of granular material and the like is provided with an access opening. The emptying device includes a support body; a suction head of the granular material; two or more lifting groups associated with the support body and susceptible to grab and lift the access opening; moving elements of the lifting groups designed to move a first lifting group by a movement which is independent with respect to a second lifting group; a control device of the moving elements configured to automate the movements of the lifting groups according to predetermined sequences in order to move, independently from each other, different portions of the storage container and to channel the granular material towards the suction head.

Abstract: A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus for hoisting and positioning a load in a self-balanced manner regardless of the position of its center of gravity. The apparatus comprises an upper platform adapted for being hoisted from a general hoisting point, a lower platform adapted the attachment of a load to be hoisted and positioned, and a six degrees of freedom actuator comprising six variable length tendons, adapted for moving the lower frame with respect the upper frame in the three directions of the space and tilted around the three axis of the space. A configurable counterweight system supported by the upper platform is arranged for modifying the center of mass of the apparatus over a horizontal plane, and processing means are configured for dynamically calculating a desired position of the counterweight system, for balancing the apparatus with the respect to a general hoisting point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist apparatus having an improved structure to load an object to be transported in a horizontal direction. The hoist apparatus includes a travel unit to travel along a rail, a carrier unit coupled to the travel unit so as to move in a first direction, and a cart unit coupled to the carrier unit so as to move in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the cart unit includes a body portion, in which an object to be transferred is located, and a drive portion to drive the body portion in the second direction.

Abstract: System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, includes at least one manipulator (3), adapted to grip and orient the objects in the desired positions and at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism (2), adapted to move said manipulator in the closed space in at least two different directions substantially horizontal. An electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, is able to electronically and automatically determine the movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator.

Abstract: A bridge crane or gantry crane is provided for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers in port zones. A crane trolley is movable along a crane carrier. A rigid mast is guided on the crane trolley and extends in a raising and lowering direction and can be moved using at least one lifting gear and cables on the crane trolley. A load accepting device for standard cargo holders is fastened to the lower end of the mast. The mast is rotatable about a longitudinal rotational axis. A lifting frame supports the lifting gear and is suspended on the crane trolley by a revolving arrangement that includes a revolving tube. An upper end of the revolving tube rests against the crane trolley using a revolving joint, while the lifting frame is mounted on a lower end of the revolving tube. The mast is arranged coaxially to the revolving tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a user installable gantry crane, wherein the gantry runways, supported by columns, utilize a lightweight truss, having a high weight to strength modulus, that permits assembly of the system without the need for rigging equipment.

Abstract: Method and system for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers and swap bodies, between railways and roads. The standard cargo holders are loaded onto driverless transport vehicles by means of handling equipment or are received by said transport vehicles, and the driverless transport vehicles transport the standard cargo holders between the handling equipment and a loading and unloading zone. Alternatively, a driving zone for driverless transport vehicles for transporting standard cargo holders to or from the handling equipment adjoins the handling equipment, and a loading and unloading zone for transporting standard cargo holders adjoins the driving zone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cable management synchronized with telescopic motion. The apparatus is configured such that cables for transmitting power or signals to a manipulator provided on a lower end of a telescopic tube and for receiving signals therefrom are wound or unwound in response to expansion or contraction of the telescopic tube. Moreover, the apparatus is configured such that the cables are prevented from being displaced from the correct positions, a noise is prevented from being generated, and the tension of each cable is adjusted even when it is in the clamped state.

Abstract: A bridge or gantry crane, in particular for handling ISO containers, includes a crane cart that can move along a crane support in the direction of travel of the cart. The cart supports at least one mast that can move in a vertical lift and lowering direction, and a load supporting means for containers being suspended at the mast. In order to optimize the handling rate of a bridge or gantry crane, at least one second mast is provided including a second load supporting means disposed behind and at a distance from a first mast as seen in the direction of travel (K) of the cart.

Abstract: A bridge or gantry crane, in particular for handling ISO containers, includes a crane cart that can move along a crane support in the direction of travel of the cart. The cart supports at least one mast that can move in a vertical lift and lowering direction, and a load supporting means for containers being suspended at the mast. In order to optimize the handling rate of a bridge or gantry crane, at least one second mast is provided including a second load supporting means disposed behind and at a distance from a first mast as seen in the direction of travel (K) of the cart.

Abstract: A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and replacing an existing component with an upgraded component disposed in an enclosure is described. The method includes removing a first portion of the component and mounting a tool capable of movement in four degrees of freedom on a surface of the enclosure. The tool is attached to a second portion of the component and the second portion of the component is removed from the enclosure. A replacement component, having a first and second portion, is installed inside the enclosure. Embodiments further provide a lifting apparatus having at least one support brace detachably coupled to opposing sides of an enclosure attached to a processing tool. The upper support beam is slidably coupled with the support brace and a lower support beam is rotatably and slidably coupled with the upper support beam.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus is provided with: a transporting device (120) having: a loading device (220) which can elongate in an elongation direction toward a side of the track portion; and an elongation mechanism (600) for elongating the loading device. The elongation mechanism is provided with: a first rack (510) fixed to the main body device (210) and a second rack (520) fixed to the loading device, the first rack and the second rack each extending in the elongation direction and facing each other with a space therebetween; and a first pinion (610) engaged with the first rack, a second pinion (620) engaged with the second rack, and an odd number of third pinions (630) engaged between the first and second pinions.

Abstract: A device fixed to a first mast cooperates with a contact area located on the outside face of a second mast sliding substantially coaxially in the first mast. The device includes guide units including a roller mounted free to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the masts, a pad with a bearing face, and a device for displacing the axis of the roller perpendicular to the contact area of the mast, as a function of forces applied by the mast on the roller. The bearing area of the unit on the mast is thus formed by the roller only, or the roller and the pad.

Abstract: A multiple axis gantry for providing movement along multiple axis is provided. The multiple axis gantry includes a pair of horizontal tracks and a vertical track to which a work piece carriage is attached. One drive motor provides an input for horizontal movement of the vertical track and a second drive motor provides an input for vertical movement of the work piece carriage. The vertical track of the gantry is driven proximate both ends to prevent cocking or binding during horizontal movement. Furthermore, the multiple axis gantry is configured such that manufacture of a gantry having custom dimensions for the horizontal tracks and vertical track is simple and cost effective.

Abstract: A hoist assembly for use in a clean room includes a hoist body which is received in a hoist cover cavity of a hoist cover. A rigging is coupled to a winch of the hoist body and to an attaching member attachable to a load. The rigging is received in a rigging cavity of a rigging cover and the rigging cover is extendable in response to an extension of the rigging from the hoist body and retractable in response to a retraction of the rigging.

Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, for moving a load, especially a container, includes a first stored-programmable control unit which, if required, receives signals resulting in a safety-related control command to one or several electric or electro-mechanical operational elements, and a second stored-programmable control unit which is configured in such a way that it can at least partially monitor the control operation of the first control unit on the basis of safety-related signals transmitted to the second control unit. If the safety-related control command of the first control unit is improper, the second control unit is able to issue its own control command to an operating element.

Abstract: A sway dampener is provided for reducing sway motion of a gantry crane spreader that is suspended from hanger chains. The sway dampener is configured to resist motion of the hanger chain relative to the spreader, thereby retarding sway. The dampener includes first and second portions that are movable relative to each other in a resistive fashion, for example a piston-cylinder structure. The first portion is mounted to the spreader and the second portion is mounted to the hanger chain at an attachment point located a vertical distance above a point at which the hanger chain is pivotally mounted to the spreader so that horizontal sway motion of the attachment point relative to the spreader displaces the first and second portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for loads, especially to a suspension lift for vehicles or vehicle parts. Said lifting device comprises load receiving means (14) with at least one longitudinal beam (17) mounted on the load receiving means (14) and substantially aligned in the lifting and lowering direction (S). The device further comprises at least one guide element (15) mounted on the base frame (5) for laterally guiding the longitudinal beam and thus the load receiving element (14) and a lifting gear (19) for performing the lifting and lowering movement of the load receiving means (14). The aim of the invention is to provide a lifting device that facilitates an ample lifting/lowering movement of the load while considerably reducing the overall height of the lifting device. To this end, the longitudinal beam (17) is subdivided in at least two sections (17a, 17b, 17c) in the manner of a link chain.

Abstract: An empty container store for the temporary storage of empty ISO containers, in particular in fully automatic container terminals of sea ports or river ports includes a gantry bridge crane which spans the empty container store. The gantry bridge can be moved on an elevated craneway and has a traveling crab which can be moved thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof. A vertical lifting column is fastened to the traveling crab for lifting and lowering a load receiving means for the empty container. The load receiving means includes a spreader on a spreader support which is arranged on a spreader carriage which is guided on the lifting column by rollers on a spreader support.

Abstract: A pantographic device for conveying loads in vehicle assembly lines includes a horizontal assembled drive shaft on an upper frame and with the capacity to rotate, several parallel pulleys fixed to a drive shaft, two motors acting on the opposing ends of the drive shaft providing its rotational movement, and several flat belts fixed to the pulleys of the drive shaft on one end and two a lower frame on the opposite end, so that the rotation of the drive shaft in one direction and the other determines vertical lifting and lowering of the lower frame with regard to the upper frame.

Abstract: A device for transporting vehicles during manufacturing is disclosed that allows for upward and downward movement of the vehicle but avoids adverse longitudinal or transverse swinging. The inventive device includes a moving carriage mounted on a fixed rail, an upper frame, a lower frame moveably connected with an elevation mechanism and at least one first pair of articulated arms for stabilizing the vertical movement of the vehicle. An additional pair of articulated arms may be provided which extend and retract in a plane that is perpendicular to the first pair of articulated arms. Additional stabilizing roller elements connected to a fixed rail are provided on a lateral arm of the upper frame to prevent swinging of the upper and the lower frames of the transporting device.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes two parallel longitudinal members interconnected by at least one connecting element. A lifting beam is movable by a drive mechanism along the longitudinal members and supports, directly or indirectly, a handling device. Extending parallel to and supporting the lifting beam is a guide rail, which is received in spaced-apart carriages, for displacement in longitudinal direction in a freely running manner, as the lifting beam is moved by the drive mechanism. The carriages are arranged in a space between the longitudinal members and secured to the connecting element, wherein the longitudinal members and the lifting beam are formed with longitudinal grooves for engagement of sliding blocks so that the connecting element, the drive mechanism and the carrying unit are securable to the longitudinal members in any desired longitudinal position, and the guide rail is securable to the lifting beam in any desired longitudinal position.

Abstract: A load carrier for supporting, raising or lowering a load includes a frame member, a telescoping mast, and a support frame. The frame member is adapted for being movably supported by a rail. The telescoping mast is supported by the frame member, with the support frame supported by the telescoping mast. The telescoping mast includes at least one fixed mast section and at least one movable mast section, with the support frame being coupled to the movable mast section. The movable mast section is supported for movement between a plurality of extended positions in which the support frame is lowered and raised with respect to the frame member and the fixed mast section with the movable mast section being guided by the fixed mast section when the movable mast section is moved to its extended position. The driver selectively moves the movable mast section to its extended position and includes at least one cord for raising and lowering the movable mast section.

Abstract: A telescoping tube assembly includes a frame and a first longitudinal tube section mounted on the frame. A second longitudinal tube section is disposed within the first longitudinal tube section and adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the first longitudinal tube section. The telescoping tube assembly includes a cabling system that includes a top pulley assembly and a bottom pulley assembly, the bottom pulley assembly adapted for movement in response to the telescoping motion of the second longitudinal tube section. One or more cables extend from the remote end of the innermost longitudinal tube section and traverse the top pulley assembly, the bottom pulley assembly and are fixed relative to the frame.

Abstract: An installation is described for hardening tubular concrete workpieces (1) in chambers (2) which are open at the top, can be closed with cover plates (3) and can be subjected to vapor and which can be charged with the aid of an overhead travelling crane (6) bearing a hoist (9) for workpieces (1). In order to achieve an advantageous construction constellation it is recommended that the overhead travelling crane (6) for the workpieces (1) has a gripping device for the cover plates (3) of the chambers (2).

Abstract: An automated load handling apparatus is provided for handling loads fastened to a spreader having corners and a load suspension mechanism. The load handling apparatus includes a lifting yoke having a horizontal supporting framework that may be suspended at its comers to the spreader, four axially displaceable pendulum supports arranged between the lifting yoke and the spreader for supporting the lifting yoke, a rigid load guide including a lifting mechanism having ropes corresponding to comers of the lifting yoke that may be fastened to the load suspension mechanism of the spreader, and a cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 arranged toward an end of the lifting yoke. The cylinder pair 7.1, 7.2 provides torque support to the lifting yoke relative to the load guide and is capable of displacing and/or pivoting the lifting yoke relative to the load guide. A sensor mechanism is arranged in the cylinder pair for detecting relative orientation of the lifting yoke relative to the spreader and/or the load guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking and placing an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated frame, first and second carriages slidingly engaged with the frame, first and second connecting rods pivotally engaged with the first carriage at one end and at least a third connecting rod pivotally engaged with the second carriage at one end, and a gripper pivotally and operatively attached to the connecting rods at their other ends. The method of operation includes moving the gripper in a first direction (upwardly) by sliding the first and second carriages away from each other along the frame, moving the gripper in a second direction (laterally), perpendicular to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages together along the frame in the same direction, and moving, the gripper in a third direction (downwardly), opposite to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages toward each other along the frame.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework having a connector connected to a bridge crane trolley and a motor mounted on the horizontal framework, a telescoping mast unit coupled to one side of the horizontal framework and having upper, middle, and lower mast assembly and adjusting a height of the lifting apparatus, a fork tine assembly adjusting the tine center to center distance, and a counterbalance coupled to the other side of the horizontal framework is provided. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a plurality of objects from a pickup station to a deposition station offset horizontally from the pickup station has a support movable in a horizontal transport direction between a position directly above the pickup station and a position directly above the deposition station, an elongated lift plate underneath the support and provided with grabs for picking up and releasing the objects, a flexible belt having a lower end extending in the direction and secured to the lift plate, a drive on the support for paying out and winding in the belt and thereby raising and lowering the plate, and rigid links connected between the plate and the support for inhibiting movement of the plate perpendicular to the direction.

Abstract: A traveling rail 8 is provided in a clean room at slightly above head height, and arms 44, 46 placed atop one another and a fork 56 are used to allow a tracking cart to travel along the rail to load a workpiece 20. A fork elevating section 54 is provided at the tip of the lower arm 46 to elevate and lower the fork 56. A loop can be constructed without obstructing personnel in the area and faster loading times can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transloading apparatus for transcontainers such as freight containers, interchangeable containers and semi-trailers including a crane trolley adapted to travel on a crane or portal, to which, by way of a lifting means, a load receiving means is fitted in a manner for raising and lowering.In order to enable the load receiving means to be guided and aligned more accurately in relation to the transcontainer, provision is made to connect to the load receiving apparatus two horizontally movable columns or lifting structures at a distance from one another which is fixed or can be adjusted in a defined manner and to render these vertically displaceable. Preferably each of the columns or each of the two lifting structures can be connected by way of a pendulum suspension to the load receiving means.

Abstract: A lifting and transport apparatus for containers has a fixed rigid horizontal beam on the lower flange of which two wheeled carriages are displaceable either together or separately to allow, in the latter case, a change in the distance between the carriages and, in the former case, displacement of the container. A cross beam on each of the carriages can carry at its ends fixed columns which guide respective lifting elements having claws at their ends engageable with the container. The entire assembly is free from cables or the like which can introduce sway.

Abstract: This is a top-lifting rotary loader and system for cargo containers and is especially suited for loading and unloading double-stacking container well cars and single level railway cars, semitrailers, etc. This loader has a vertical pivot post about which turns a parallelogram linkage connecting a mast vertically supported on one or more wheels to revolve about the post and a second parallelogram linkage extending from the mast out to support a depending parallelepiped linkage frame pivotally supporting a loadspreader having depending aligning columns adjustable to align transversely both a railway and a highway vehicle, and cylinder or cam track means for lifting or lowering the the second parallelogram linkage arms to transfer a load. The loader can be automated to various degrees with cam tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transloading apparatus for transcontainers such as freight containers, interchangeable containers and semi-trailers including a crane trolley adapted to travel on a crane or portal, to which, by way of a lifting means, a load receiving means is fitted in a manner for raising and lowering.In order to enable the load receiving means to be guided and aligned more accurately in relation to the transcontainer, provision is made to connect to the load receiving apparatus two horizontally movable columns or lifting structures at a distance from one another which is fixed or can be adjusted in a defined manner and to reader these vertically displaceable. Preferably each of the columns or each of the two lifting structures can be connected by way of a pendulum suspension to the load receiving means.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent railcar tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars and/or boats or trucks in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one vehicle such as a railcar on a first of the railcar tracks and placing the load on another vehicle such as a railcar on a second of the railcar tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected railcars and other vehicles.

Abstract: A gantry crane 10 is provided having a gantry structure 12 with a pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and a pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. A lift frame 14, having opposed first and second ends 14a and 14b, is suspended from the gantry structure 12. A stabilizing beam 68 operatively connects the lift frame 14 to the gantry structure 12 to prevent sway of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is positioned between the pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and the pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. Preferably, the stabilizing beam 68 is connected proximate a longitudinal center of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is connected to vertical guides 70 and 72 that are connected to the gantry structure 12 so as to be vertically moveable along the guides 70 and 72. A four corner cross-reeving/clutch system 79 is provided to dampen rotational sway of the ends 14a and 14b of the lift frame 14.

Abstract: A lifting device intended to support a load without pendulum movement has at least six hydraulic control cylinders connected by individual articulations to a horizontally movable support above the load and to a load lifter below that support. At least four of the control cylinders are mutually oblique. The articulations in each case allow swiveling action about two mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically handling a workpiece between automated workstations wherein the workpiece is lifted from an unloading workstation, moved along a predetermined linear reciprocal path between work stations while simultaneously inverting the workpiece, and lowering the workpiece into a loading workstation. The apparatus provides a vertical lift portion and an articulating portion for manipulating the workpiece. The vertical lift portion utilizes a compact design to minimize space requirements and moving parts by providing both vertical movement and rotational movement within a common structure. The articulating portion is attached to the bottom of the vertical lift portion and provides a pivot arm that is pivotally attached to a workpiece holder. The vertical lift portion provides a rotational input to a harmonic drive unit which has its output coupled to the pivot arm. When the pivot arm rotates, a continuous timing belt provides for counter-rotational movement of the workpiece holder.

Abstract: A stacker crane comprising a trolley moveable above the ground, the trolley including a frame, a turntable supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame about a generally vertical rotation axis, and a rotate drive which rotates the turntable relative to the frame, a mast assembly depending from and fixedly mounted to the turntable so that the mast assembly rotates with the turntable relative to the trolley frame, a carriage supported by the mast assembly for vertical movement relative thereto and for common rotation therewith relative to the trolley frame, a load engaging mechanism mounted on the carriage, and a hoist assembly including a hoist drum which has an axis of rotation fixed relative to the trolley frame and which is rotatable in one direction and in an opposite direction, and a hoist rope wound around the drum and connected to the carriage such that rotation of the drum in the one direction raises the carriage and rotation of the drum in the opposite direction lowers the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dockside crane for moving cargo between a dock and a water-borne vessel. The crane has an elongated girder extending horizontally over the dock and the vessel. The crane can vertically raise and lower the girder to change its elevation, so as to minimize distance and time travel for the cargo. A trolley moves horizontally on the girder, and has a cargo engaging device which is lowered to and raised from cargo locations on the dock and vessel. The cargo engaging device can be raised sufficiently adjacent to the trolley, and may be held tightly thereagainst, to permit large horizontal accelerations and velocities with virtually no attendant sway of the trolley or cargo. Preferably, paddles extend downwardly from the trolley to beneath the center of gravity of the cargo, to further ensure no sway is encountered.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable telescoping tube positions test devices that inspect large stationary objects. The tube has three dimensional adjustment capabilities and is vertically suspended from a frame. The tube sections are independently supported with each section comprising U-shaped housing secured to a thicker support plate. Guide mechanisms preferably mounted only to the thicker plates guide each tube section parallel to a reference axis with improved accuracy so that the position of the remote end of the telescoping tube is precisely known.

Abstract: A transport means for transporting pieces three-dimensionally, wherein the sections belonging to a section pair (1.sup.1, 1.sup.2, 4.sup.1, 4.sup.2) are box-like; a traction member (14.sup.1, 14.sup.2 ; 16.sup.1, 16.sup.2) has been disposed over its essential length inside the section (1.sup.1, 1.sup.2 ; 4.sup.1, 4.sup.2) and secured to the carriage with a tension means (31); and the transport means comprises return sheaves (15; 17), which have been placed in pairs, spaced at the distance of the section, with the carriage (2.sup.1, 2.sup.2 ; 5.sup.1, 5.sup.2) between the return sheaves; and the traction member has been disposed to run from the carriage over the return sheaves back to the respective carriage for forming a closed loop of the traction member and the respective carriage; and a power means (3, 6) has been arranged to move the traction member and by its mediation, the respective carriage.