Abstract: The present invention for the first time proposes a system for loading and unloading loose cargo in a cargo hold, preferably of a plane. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus for transporting the loose cargo between a tarmac level or the like and a cargo hold opening, wherein the conveyor apparatus comprises a transport organ on whose transport side the loose cargo lies during loading and unloading. Moreover the system comprises an intermediate conveyor means which rests on the transport side of the conveyor apparatus in the range of a cargo hold-side end thereof and extends into the cargo hold for conveying loose cargo lying on a conveying side of the intermediate conveyor means between the conveyor apparatus and the cargo hold.

Abstract: A bed conveyor for use in a truck used to transport palletized loads of stacked packages and for delivering the packages (e.g., by means of an overhead conveyor) to a location remote from the truck (e.g., a roof top). The bed conveyor comprises a plurality of rails that extent longitudinally along the bed floor of the truck, which rails define a top weight bearing surface for supporting the weight of the palletized loads of stacked packages. The bed conveyor also includes a pusher member at least partially disposed above the top surface of the rails, and drive means for driving the pusher member and the palletized load rearwardly on the rails of the truck bed. The truck may also include a lift platform rearward relative to the bed conveyor for raising the palletized loads off the truck bed for easier unloading onto the overhead conveyor.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp to provide a barrier along the ground adjacent to and at a level of the second end of each ramp.

Abstract: The cargo transport system according to this invention employs a tow vehicle that can automatically follow and run upon guide lines. The tow vehicle can tow cargo laden equipment such as container dollies to thereby automatically transport the air cargo. The air cargo is conveyed by an underground air cargo conveyor mechanism which has the conveyor line including the guide line installed underground to link the air cargo holding area in the airport terminal building and the aircraft parking area. Further, the system connects the loading/unloading cargo door of the aircraft and the underground loading/unloading position for the underground air cargo conveyor mechanism by an air cargo elevator.

Abstract: A battery replacement system for an industrial truck has an electrical propulsion drive and at least one battery compartment for holding a battery block. The battery block can be moved essentially in a horizontal direction into the battery compartment or out of the battery compartment. An external holding apparatus independent of the industrial truck is provided for the battery block. The industrial truck can be maneuvered over the holding apparatus such that the holding apparatus is positioned beneath the battery compartment. The battery block located within the battery compartment can be lifted slightly by the holding apparatus. The force required to lift the battery block can be produced by the electrical propulsion drive.

Abstract: The storage system is for use next to a glass processing line having a loading table, a glass cutting table and a breakout table. The storage system comprises a first tilt table and a second tilt table. A storage rack is positioned between the first and the second tilt table. The storage rack comprises a plurality of parallel storage slots extending longitudinally within the main frame of the storage rack. The storage slots storing the glass offcuts at a substantially vertical position of less than 90 degrees with reference to the horizontal. In use, the first tilt table receives horizontally-disposed glass offcuts from the breakout table and sends it to the storage rack. The second tilt table receives previously-stored glass offcuts from the storage rack to be directed to the loading table. A method of storing a glass offcut and a method of recycling glass offcuts are also disclosed. The storage system and methods allow to easily store and retrieve glass offcuts.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for increasing railcar capacity is disclosed. The device includes one or more augers that transfer and pack bulk materials into a railcar. In an embodiment, the one or more augers are compression augers. In another embodiment, the device includes two augers where one auger is a left-hand auger and the other auger is a right-hand auger. The left-hand auger and right-hand auger are mounted on a common shaft. The forces on the device arising from packing the railcar and compression of bulk materials by the one or more augers are offset by the common shaft. In an embodiment, one or more feeds supply bulk materials to the one or more augers. In another embodiment, the one or more feeds are feed augers. In another embodiment, the one or more feeds are feed belts. In another embodiment, the one or more feeds are feed drags. In another embodiment of the device provided, the one or more feeds transfer and pack bulk materials into a railcar.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor includes a support structure, a mechanically extendable section which is extendable along the longitudinal axis between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a conveyor belt reeved among the mechanically extendable section thereby defining a conveying surface and a drive. The drive is operable to drive the conveyor belt in at least one direction. The extendable section may be extended by driving the conveyor belt in one direction and retracted by driving the conveyor belt in an opposition direction. The mechanically extendable section may include a plurality of sections at least one made substantially from a unitary sheet of material.

Abstract: A loading ramp having an elongated frame with guideways along its length on opposite side thereof. A moving panel having rollers at its front and rear adapted to roll along die guideways of the ramp to roll the panel along the length of the elongated frame. A table mounted at one end to the moving panel and support means to support the table at its other end out away from the panel. A loading bracket for mounting in the doorway of an aircraft and adapted to receive the upper end of the elongated frame to provide a ramp from the ground to the doorway of the aircraft. A power mechanism for powering the panel and connecting table upward and downward along the frame from adjacent the ground to the doorway of the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for centralized transfer of cargo to and from rail cars comprising a first railway to accommodate the rail cars; a staging area; and a second railway positioned between the first railway and the staging area to accommodate a movable transfer dock; wherein the cargo is transferred between the staging area and the rail cars via the movable transfer dock. Also disclosed is a cargo container system is provided comprising a rail car having a conveyor means on the floor thereof, a palletized cargo container specifically adapted for shipping cargo in a rail car comprising a base, two side walls extending upward from the base, a platform secured to the side walls and an open top, and wherein the palletized cargo container is movable on the conveyor means.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor includes a support structure, a mechanically extendable section which is extendable along the longitudinal axis between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a conveyor belt reeved among the mechanically extendable section thereby defining a conveying surface and a drive. The drive is operable to drive the conveyor belt in at least one direction. The extendable section may be extended by driving the conveyor belt in one direction and retracted by driving the conveyor belt in an opposition direction. The mechanically extendable section may include a plurality of sections at least one made substantially from a unitary sheet of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading aircrafts comprises a tiltable first conveyor part (7) adjustable in height and provided with a conveyor path (11) advancing and removing luggage (59), such as suitcases, parcels and the like cargo items, to and from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises further a second conveyor part (8) extendable from the first conveyor part and being adapted to be moved through an opening in the aircraft and into the cargo compartment of said aircraft. This second conveyor part (8) comprises a conveyor path advancing or removing the luggage to or from the storing site inside the cargo compartment. The second conveyor part (8) comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected conveyor units (30, 31) with their respective activatable conveyor paths and their respective sets of wheels (44).

Abstract: A device for loading and/or unloading a freight transport compartment includes using at least one conveyer unit that is installed in a loading area, the conveyer unit being capable of conveying in particular several goods units simultaneously. The invention reduces the costs and increases the flexibility of a loading/unloading device by providing the conveyer unit with at least one element that can be guided into the freight transport compartment and that forms a positioning surface for the goods units.

Abstract: A device for loading and/or unloading a transport cargo hold, in particular, on a goods vehicle, includes at least one transport unit, by which goods units, particularly several thereof, may be simultaneously transported. According to the invention, the costs of the device may be reduced and the flexibility increased, whereby the transport unit may at least partly be introduced into the transport cargo hold.

Abstract: A method for loading an aircraft (R) with shipping containers (3), the latter being passed on conveyor members (13) into the interior of the aircraft (R) and rotated there in a loading area (8), the position of the shipping container (3) in the loading area (8) is determined and the conveyor members (13) are operated via a control system in accordance with the determined position to rotate the shipping container (3).

Abstract: A ground apparatus for loading and unloading a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The apparatus has a frame including a first conveyor frame including a first conveyor with a flat cargo-engaging surface and a first end and a second end and a first actuator, for moving the first conveyor frame to a position wherein the first end of the first conveyor is at a selected elevated location with respect to the second end of the first conveyor.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one embodiment of the present invention in the form of an inclined ramp in combination with a lifting device for lifting and lowering articles to and from the tarmac from and to the upper loading area at the top of a service stairway next to a passenger terminal bridge/walkway.

Abstract: In the conventional air cargo transportation system, the transportation of the cargo that is stored inside of the airport terminal building, to the area of the loading/unloading door is normally performed using the package/cargo carts. However, numerous workers were needed to load the cargo and drive the carts, which is very labor intensive and entails high manpower costs. The conventional system is also dangerous as they move along the complex tarmac markings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly loading vehicles or other load carrying compartments has an extensible conveyor attached to a base frame by means of a wheel and track design. The load may be applied to the extensible conveyor from any direction by a variety of means. Items are applied to the extensible conveyor until the load is substantially equivalent to the maximum load capacity of the load carrying compartment. The conveyor is then extended into the compartment and retracted. As it retracts, the load remains within the compartment. The device preferably has a number of safety features to avoid accidents.

Abstract: A transportation arrangement includes a closed track with a chain running along the closed track. A plurality of base frames are arranged on the chain and move along the track by the chain which is powered by a motor. A plurality of counter frames are each pivotally connected to a pivot edge of one of the base frames where the pivot edge of the base frames is arranged at a radially inside edge of the base frames with respect to the closed track. A lifting station is arranged at the closed track, with the chains moving the base frames into and away from the lifting station. A lifting jack in the lifting station raises a lifting edge of the counter frames located at the lifting station. The lifting jack pivots the counter frame about the pivot edge of the base frame. The base frames are attached to a portion of the chain, and are rotatable with respect to the portion of the chain to which the respective base frames are attached.

Abstract: A cart loading system for loading materials on a cart in a orderly and compact manner even if the materials being loaded have different dimensions. The cart loading system includes a frame for positioning on a floor surface adjacent to a material shaping table, and at least one material support arm assembly for moving a piece of material from the material shaping table to a position over the frame. A carriage assembly is provided for moving a material cart in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the frame, and includes a subframe movable in the second direction on the frame and a shuttle mounted movable in the first direction with respect to the subframe. A first moving assembly is provided for moving the shuttle in the first direction on the subframe, and a second moving assembly is provided for moving the carriage assembly in the second direction on the frame. A detection assembly detects movement of material on the support arm assembly and generates a detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading aircrafts comprises a tiltable first conveyor part (7) adjustable in height and provided with a conveyor path (11) advancing and removing luggage (59), such as suitcases, parcels and the like cargo items, to and from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises further a second conveyor part (8) extendable from the first conveyor part and being adapted to be moved through an opening in the aircraft and into the cargo compartment of said aircraft. This second conveyor part (8) comprises a conveyor path advancing or removing the luggage to or from the storing site inside the cargo compartment. The second conveyor part (8) comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected conveyor units (30, 31) with their respective activatable conveyor paths and their respective sets of wheels (44).

Abstract: A specimen conveying system includes a plurality of conveying mechanisms arranged to convey a specimen-contained container in given positions, each of the conveying mechanisms including a belt-conveyor type conveying lane, a motor-vehicle guide laid between first and second conveying mechanisms of the plurality of conveying mechanisms, and a motor vehicle guided and self-propelled by the motor-vehicle guide. The motor vehicle includes a first coupling section provided at a front of a main body of the motor vehicle and coupled to one end of the first conveying mechanism, a second coupling section provided at a rear of the main body of the motor vehicle and coupled to one end of the second conveying mechanism, and a belt-conveyor type conveying lane formed on a top surface of the motor-vehicle body and selectively connected to the belt-conveyor type conveying lanes of the first and second conveying mechanisms, thereby transferring the specimen-contained container.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading aircrafts comprises a tiltable first conveyor part (7) adjustable in height and provided with a conveyor path (11) advancing and removing luggage (59), such as suitcases, parcels and the like cargo items, to and from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises further a second conveyor part (8) extendable from the first conveyor part and being adapted to be moved through an opening in the aircraft and into the cargo compartment of said aircraft. This second conveyor part (8) comprises a conveyor path advancing or removing the luggage to or from the storing site inside the cargo compartment. The second conveyor part (8) comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected conveyor units (30, 31) with their respective activatable conveyor paths and their respective sets of wheels (44).

Abstract: An extendable gravity loader includes an extendable gravity propelled conveying surface and a user interface section having a driven conveying surface. The sidewalls of the gravity loader define an upper edge which is above a conveying surface of the loader to prevent packages from being laterally dislodged therefrom. The sidewalls allow for a minimal height of the extendable units, while still providing a structurally robust loader with a minimal drop off between the conveying surfaces of the respective units. The user interface section provided at an outer end of the loader may have at least a portion that is vertically adjustable via an actuator at the extendable unit of the loader.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading aircrafts comprises a tiltable first conveyor part (7) adjustable in height and provided with a conveyor path (11) advancing and removing luggage (59), such as suitcases, parcels and the like cargo items, to and from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises further a second conveyor part (8) extendable from the first conveyor part and being adapted to be moved through an opening in the aircraft and into the cargo compartment of said aircraft. This second conveyor part (8) comprises a conveyor path advancing or removing the luggage to or from the storing site inside the cargo compartment. The second conveyor part (8) comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected conveyor units (30, 31) with their respective activatable conveyor paths and their respective sets of wheels (44).

Abstract: An extendable gravity loader includes an extendable gravity propelled conveying surface and a user interface section having a driven conveying surface. The sidewalls of the conveyor define an upper edge which is above a conveying surface of the loader to prevent packages from being laterally dislodged therefrom. The sidewalls allow for a minimal height of the extendable units, while still providing a structurally robust loader with a minimal drop off between conveying surfaces of the respective units. The user interface section provided at an outer end of the loader may have at least a portion that is vertically adjustable via an actuator at the extendable unit of the loader. The actuator may be mounted to the gravity loader at a pair of compression springs, which function to absorb shock to the actuator when packages or the like are dropped or otherwise impact the user interface section.

Abstract: The cargo transport system according to this invention employs a tow vehicle that can automatically follow and run upon guide lines. The tow vehicle can tow cargo laden equipment such as container dollies to thereby automatically transport the air cargo. The air cargo is conveyed by an underground air cargo conveyor mechanism which has the conveyor line including the guide line installed underground to link the air cargo holding area in the airport terminal building and the aircraft parking area. Further, the system connects the loading/unloading cargo door of the aircraft and the underground loading/unloading position for the underground air cargo conveyor mechanism by an air cargo elevator.

Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A waste collection device, comprising at least one container which is arranged in a pit in the presence of at least one pillar for waste insertion, elements being provided for emptying the container into a vehicle arranged at the rim of the pit.

Abstract: An improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways. The automobile uses ramp 1 to enter station 2 and park in port 3. The port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to a pallet guideway 5. The system then moves the pallet 6 along the pallet guideway next to a port 7 and parks. A mechanism on the pallet transfers the vehicle from the port 7 to the pallet 6. The pallet accelerates on a pallet guideway 8 and moves next to a train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on a train guideway 10. The pallet docks with an empty slot 11 on said train while both are moving. The pallet moves the automobile onto said train and undocks. The empty pallet continues along the pallet guideway 12 back to the station to pick up another vehicle. As said train approaches the next station, an empty pallet docks with the train at the said slot that contains the automobile. The pallet transfers the automobile from the train to the pallet.

Abstract: A wheeled elevator apparatus for use in transferring freight between a highway truck and a freight storage dock or building, the apparatus including an elevatable platform powered by hydraulic cylinder means and including two oppositely directed ramps hingedly connected to said platform to provide access to said platform for pallet jacks moving pallets of freight, one of said ramps being long enough to reach inside the highway truck to form a bridge from the elevatable platform to the highway truck, the bridge having side curbs and being sufficiently narrow and laterally off-set to permit an independently operated roller, skate-wheel, or belt conveyer to function simultaneously beside the elevatable platform for moving small individual packages of freight between the same building or dock and the same truck.

Abstract: A baggage slide attached to a movable elevated passenger walkway/bridge.

Abstract: The system includes a medication-receiving assembly which collects medications automatically dispensed from storage assemblies therefor and a transport assembly for moving the collected medications to a loading assembly, wherein the loading assembly is arranged and positioned so that the medications move by gravity action from an upper end thereof, past a pair of opposing, angled deflectors which are individually controllable and which guide the medications into selected portions of a medication bin in a medication cart, which accommodates medications for a large number of patients, such as all the patients on a hospital ward. Supplemental medications not present in the storage assemblies can be provided with a hand-loaded supplemental doses assembly. The medication cart may then be moved directly to the ward and the bedside of the individual patients in turn.

Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting microtitration plates in an automatic handling machine is disclosed comprising at least one linear-transport device on which a carriage, which has at least one place of deposit for a microtitration plate, is transported in a straight line, under automatic control, between two limit positions. A lifting device is included with vertically displaceable bolts by which the microtitration plates can be lifted off or deposited on the carriage. At least one rotary device is also included in which a rotary element which has at least one resting place for a microtitration plate can be moved, under automatic control, about a fixed rotation shaft.

Abstract: A wheeled elevator apparatus for use in transferring freight between a highway truck and a freight storage dock or building, the apparatus including an elevatable platform powered by hydraulic cylinder means and including two oppositely directed ramps hingedly connected to said platform to provide access to said platform for pallet jacks moving pallets of freight, one of said ramps being long enough to reach inside the highway truck to form a bridge from the elevatable platform to the highway truck, the bridge having side curbs and being sufficiently narrow and laterally off-set to permit an independently operated roller, skate-wheel, or belt conveyer to function simultaneously beside the elevatable platform for moving small individual packages of freight between the same building or dock and the same truck.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of blowable thermal insulation, whereby thermal insulation, such as woodfiber wool, cellulose wool, mineral wool, glass wool and/or like is being led by means of one or several filling means (3a) to a transport space (1), such as a container or like, the internal volume of which may be changed, in order to transport thermal insulation in the transport space (1) to its destination of use and to unload same from the transport space (1) to a reception point essentially by blowing carried out by a blow arrangement. Thermal insulation is being led to a filling space (1x), that is limited from the transport space (1) by means of a filling device (3b), which filling space is being expanded along filling of same by moving the filling device (3b) in the transport space (1) in the longitudinal direction of same (s1) towards unloading end (Pp) of same. The invention relates also to an apparatus operating according to the method.

Abstract: An airport loading system which utilizes various conveyor and elevated configurations to load aircraft rapidly while requiring significantly less processing area. The aircraft loading/unloading turn around time is significantly reduced because the pallets in which the freight is loaded are not lowered to the freight ramp but instead transferred to the system platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving materials loading apparatus. In particular, a paving materials loading feeder 16 is so disposed that a lower end 19a of a loading frame 19 thereof is connected to a receiving hopper 17, a discharge port 19c, 19d is formed in a middle part of the loading frame 19 between the lower end 19a and a discharge end 19b, and a lid 35 is provided on the discharge port 19c, 19d so as to be openable and closable. The loading feeder 16 may also be raised and lowered. The invention also relates to a paving machine provided with a front hopper 2 and a rear hopper 3, on a self-propelled vehicle 1. In particular, the paving materials loading apparatus of the above construction is mounted on the self-propelled vehicle 1 so that the discharge port 19c, 19d of the loading feeder 16 is located above the front hopper 2 and the discharge end 19b of the loading feeder 16 is located above the rear hopper 3.

Abstract: A slide extends from an upper level platform to a lower level. The slide includes a bed with a smooth top surface and side frames that project upwardly from the bed. The bed is a sheet having upraised lips along its side edges. The lips are received by first channels in the side frames. Crossbars extend transversely beneath the bed, with the ends of the crossbars being received by second channels in the side frames. A groove is formed in the top surface of the bed, which groove receives a line. The line is coupled to a motor and to a carrier located on the slide, wherein the carrier traverses up and down the slide. Objects can be raised and lowered between the two levels using the carrier. Alternatively, objects can be allowed to slide down the bed.

Abstract: A scrap handling system includes a bay having an area for receiving an open-topped roll-off container, a feeder conveyor for conveying non-balling, flowable, metal chip scrap to the bay, and a scrap leveler having an input end positioned to receive metal chip scrap from the feeder conveyor, and further having a screw configured to deposit the metal chip scrap in the container and to engage the metal chip scrap as the scrap is deposited to distribute and level the metal chip scrap in the container. A leveler support pivotally supports the leveler at the input end, and a lift is attached to the other end and is configured to move the scrap leveler between a raised position providing room to remove and replace the container, and a lowered position positioning the leveler parallel a top of the container to level the metal chip scrap as the metal chip scrap is deposited.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting valuables is provided which comprises at least a vehicle (2) provided with a loading space (3) with containers (4) for valuables (5) which may be received therein, removed therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a loading arrangement for loading the containers (4) in the loading space (3), removing them therefrom, respectively.

Abstract: A dock (D) is provided with a reciprocating slat conveyor (12). A trailer (T) is provided with a reciprocating slat conveyor (10). The dock (D) includes a dock end (100) that includes mechanism for aligning the trailer conveyor (10) with the dock conveyor (12). This mechanism includes a guide rail 108 that is secured to a vehicle supporting apron (106) and is positioned to fit between the wheels (W) on one side of the rear of the trailer, for guiding the wheels towards the dock (D). The dock end (100) includes lifting rods (18, 20) which include lifting cams (22, 24). The cams (22, 24) are initially positioned below rear corner portions (14, 16) of the trailer (T). The lifter rods (18, 20) are then rotated to move the lifting cams (22, 24) up into a lifting position against the corner portions (14, 16). The lifter rods (18, 20) and cams (22, 24) are rotated to effect a vertical adjustment in position of the trailer conveyor (10) relative to the dock conveyor (12).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cart loading machine that provides for improved operating efficiencies, and includes a cart loading station, an infeed conveyor, a pattern forming area, a carrier sheet and wiping mechanism, and a fork loading apparatus. The cart loading station includes a framework defining a cart loading position and a cart waiting position. With the carrier in its extended position having carried a fully formed pattern to the cart loading position, a wiping mechanism is extended from beneath the carrier plate to contact the bundles as they sit on the carrier so that when the carrier moves back to its retracted position, the bundles are blocked and stripped therefrom. The wiping mechanism is then retracted below the carrier to permit the loading of a subsequent pattern of bundles thereon. This wiping mechanism eliminates the need for an overhanging blocking mechanism thereby permitting more efficient loader design and easier access to the pattern forming and bundle stripping areas.

Abstract: A vehicle transport system and accompanying guide device designed to serve in automated warehouses has a guide rail that guides the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle has a carrying platform. The vehicle runs along the rail astride it and linked by connecting guides. The guide rail is located beneath an upper surface of the carrying platform so that material carried thereon can be transferred across the rail to staging areas on the other side of the rail. By locating the vehicle astride the rail, the guide rail, which projects upwardly from the floor, does not interfere with access to the carrying platform. In an embodiment of the invention, the drive wheel of the vehicle is located at a longitudinal midpoint of the transport vehicle to minimize the parasitic effects on the guides connecting the vehicle to the rail generated by application of traction forces, applied by a drive wheel, to the side of the rail.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.

Abstract: Business forms are stacked using a cart having first and second portions pivotally movable with respect to each other from a substantially L-shaped configuration to a substantially in-line configuration with each portion having a conveyor associated with it, and a docking station. The cart with the first and second portions in the substantially L-shaped configuration is moved into operative association with the docking station. The cart is lifted and rotated in the docking station so that the second portion is substantially horizontal, and the first portion of the cart is pivoted with respect to the second portion so that the first portion is in the substantially in-line configuration with respect to the second portion. The conveyors are operated so that business forms are moved onto the first portion, and then onto the second portion, with the second conveyor operating at a speed of at least fifty percent greater than the first conveyor (e. g. about ten times as fast).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable drive-over grain hopper for use in moving grain. The hopper has an endless chain linkage with laterally extending paddle assemblies spaced therealong. A grain transfer bed extends from a low profile location in position to receive grain from a belly-dump or side-dump truck or trailer to a higher elevation discharge outlet. The grain transfer bed has a generally planar lateral width which is the same from the grain inlet to the discharge outlet, and is substantially spanned by each paddle assembly. Fold-down ramps are provided adjacent the inlet to allow a truck or trailer to drive over the grain hopper, which has a very low profile. The grain hopper has removable wheels and a removable hitch to allow it to be relocated as desired.