Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough, allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: A fork lift style loading apparatus is provided to improve truck cargo loading and unloading efficiency by allowing an entire truckload of cargo to be set on forks which simply move horizontally into the truck for loading. Loading time is drastically reduced by loading the cargo onto the forks prior to truck arrival. The loading appartus includes a platform lift which adjusts vertically to the truck height, a fork lift body which supports the cargo, and a cargo stand which fits in the cargo bed of the truck. Loading pallets are not required and cargo is handled by the truckload rather than by a pallet load as in a pallet loading system.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough, allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically loading a cargo compartment of a vehicle is disclosed that maximizes the utilization of available space within the vehicle by determining an optimum load configuration based on various parameters of the vehicle and the containers to be loaded. A self-propelled robot loader is used to load the cargo compartment based on the determined optimum load configuration. The robot loader automatically withdraws from the cargo compartment as the loading is completed.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough; allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for merging goods which are stored on a plurality of storage lines, including the steps of continuously forming a unit of goods each unit including a plurality of different items which are loaded generally over the entire length of each storage line, carrying out the unit of goods from each of the storage lines after the plurality of items have been stored on each storage line, storing the goods on each of the storage lines after the goods have been counted, and changing the speed of carrying out of goods from each storage line according to the sizes of the goods. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the luggages' loading into and the unloading out of aircraft holds consisting of a movable truck which is located in the aircraft hold and receives in succession from the conventional belt elevator the luggages or packages to be conveyed to the operators within the aircraft hold, whereupon the movable truck is returned to the starting point to receive another luggage and so on until the loading operation is completed. The luggages' unloading operation is performed in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A bulk material such as garbage is introduced into a hopper inlet (14) of a compactor (12). A piston (18) in the compactor moves the bulk material out from the compactor (12) into a vault (26). In the vault (26) the material is compacted against a barrier wall (66) until an initial body of compacted material is formed between the inlet and the barrier wall (64). Then, the barrier wall (64) is retracted up into a position substantially within the plane of the top wall (32). Then, the compactor (12) is operated to compact additional bulk material (24) into the vault (26), and at the same time move the material (24) lengthwise through the vault (26). When the vault (26) is sufficiently full of compacted material (24), the vault (26) is expanded for the purpose of enlargening the cross sectional dimension of its inner space. A cargo receiving compartment (30) of a road vehicle (10) is positioned in registry with the outlet of the vault (26).

Abstract: A conveyor loader for loading railroad cars or the like with coal or other crushed, ground or particulate material includes a support providing a guideway extending along the line of railroad cars and a line of segmented carriages rollably mounted upon the guideway. An endless belt of elastomeric construction is supported by the line of carriages for movement of an upper run of the belt between the ends of the carriage lines. Motors are associated with each of the line of carriages and the conveyor belt for moving the carriage line and the belt in either of two directions relative to its supporting structure. During a loading operation with the loader, coal or other particulate material is delivered to the upper run of the belt from a central loading station and conveyed to an end of the belt where it is directed into a railroad car to be loaded.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a group of unit loads between a shipping dock and a vehicle bed comprises a transfer beam assembly which has a base equipped with wheels engageable with the surfaces of the shipping dock and vehicle bed, has a length greater than that of the vehicle bed, and is movable lengthwise by a reversible drive unit installed on the shipping dock, the movement being defined by guide rails on the shipping dock. Load engaging members mounted on the base of the assembly are vertically movable by inflatable tubes between a raised, load supporting position and a lowered load clearing position.

Abstract: An apparatus using a miner, tramming conveyor and cart-type belt system wherein the system has a plurality of interconnected rail mounted carts having a lower portion supporting a panel belt and an upper portion for supporting the conveyor in both a conveying and a tramming mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into an open-centered, light-weight sleeve which carries a plurality of the vehicles and is inserted into a standard cargo-carrying container. A sled, which is arranged to carry at least one vehicle, is movable on tracks which extend from outside of the sleeve across substantially its entire extent. Thus, vehicles can be driven onto the sled outside of the sleeve and then transported into the sleeve on the sled. Once in the sleeve a vehicle is raised by gantries which are located outside of the side walls of the sleeve. The gantries have lifting cylinders which releasably attach to cradle latches which are slidable on and attachable to tension members that are suspended from the sides of the sleeve. The cradle latches engage the ends of the cradles, which are carried in the sled below the tires of the vehicle. Thus, when the cradles are raised by the cradle latches they engage the vehicle's tires and the vehicle is raised with them.

Abstract: A boom conveyor including a cantilevered conveyor section having an operator's platform at its outer free end is disclosed. The conveyor section is mounted so that in use the outer free end is movable in a vertical plane between predetermined limits. A scissor support is disposed at or adjacent the outer free end and is passively extended by the raising of the free end of the conveyor to provide continual support to the platform. A release valve enables retraction of the support when the free end is lowered.

Abstract: An automatic unloading or discharging of a spool from the winding portion of a reeling machine to a carrier car is disclosed, wherein the spool held on the winding portion is first removed from the winding head as horizontal belt conveyors are vertically moved to an elevated position, then horizontally fed by the belt conveyors onto support arms disposed above the carrier car, thereafter lowered by the support arms toward the carrier car, and finally placed onto the carrier car as the support arms are relatively moved away from one another.

Abstract: A bulk material such as garbage is introduced into a hopper inlet (14) of a comparator (12). A piston (18) in the comparator moves the bulk material out from the comparator (12) into the vault (26). In the vault (26) the material is compacted against a barrier wall (66) until an initial body of compacted material is formed between the inlet and the barrier wall (64). Then, the barrier wall (64) is retracted up into a position substantially within the plane of the top wall (32). Then, the comparator (12) is operated to compact additional bulk material (24) into the vault (26), and at the same time move the material (24) lengthwise through the vault (26). When the vault (26) is sufficiently full of compacted material (24), the vault (26) is expanded for the purpose of enlargening the cross sectional dimension of its inner space. A cargo receiving compartment (30) of a road vehicle (10) is positioned in registry with the outlet of the vault (26).

Abstract: In an apparatus whereby spacer frames (1) for insulating glass being transported in an essentially vertical position and resting against a supporting wall (2, 6) to a receiving station, may be transferred on a carrier (20), in the area of the receiving station (5) in the supporting wall (6) a plurality of lifting elements (14) is provided, which may be moved upwards in slots (13) to raise the spacer frames (1). To be able to transfer a spacer frame (1) to the carrier (20) for spacer frames (1) located opposite the receiving station (5), the distance between the free ends (30) of the beams (21) of the carrier (20) facing the supporting wall (6) provided in the receiving station (5) and the supporting wall (6) may be reduced for example by the forward tilting of the supporting wall (6). When the supporting wall (6) is tilted forward, the free ends (30) of the beams (21) of the carrier (20) engage two openings (17) in the supporting wall (6) and one spacer frame (1) is transferred to the carrier 20.

Abstract: A load transfer device for palletized loads including a superstructure supporting a movable assembly having a plurality of teeth, and a lifting assembly associated with the teeth to provide for rapid load transfer. The transfer device includes a sighting mechanism to control the alignment of the superstructure, lateral jacks to correct the alignment of the superstructure, and a central pivot which authorizes a transverse displacement of the superstructure and/or rotation in its plane.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of assembling vehicle wheels at a location remote from a vehicle assembly plant in a predetermined sequence for transport to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the same predetermined sequence. Seats of vehicle wheels, which may include wheel rims and tires of various sizes and types, are assembled at the remote location in the predetermined sequence. These wheel assemblies are then loaded in the same sequence onto a highway cargo trailer and transported to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A method of sorting goods and a system therefor. An efficient method of sorting goods which arrive in the unit of items into groups which have been determined in advance in the order of delivery in a prescribed quantity so as to allow sequential loading of goods in a truck or the like in first-in-last-out manner. The loading order is dependent on the item and quantity for a destination and/or a number of destinations, and to deal with changes in orders which frequently occur.The system applicable to this method includes plural assembling and storage conveyors for assembling goods in classified groups, a diverting conveyor which sort out goods arrived in the unit of items into said assembling and storage conveyors and a controlling system which controls said diverting conveyor and the sorting out operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading and unloading station for commercial vehicles and containers consisting of a travelling unit, a roller conveyor or chain conveyor, and a transport conveyor, wherein, in accordance with the invention, the transport conveyor and the roller conveyor or chain conveyor are swivel-mounted on the travelling unit and are designed to slide in transverse direction and can be adjusted in transverse and vertical direction. In this case, the travelling unit can be mounted on a stationary or a supporting structure to move in the direction of transport and transversely thereto. The travelling unit may also be equipped with a lifting mechanism to adjust the height of the chain and transport conveyor. Furthermore, the transport conveyor may be provided with support rollers that run transversely to the direction of transport. Finally, a height equalizer may be mounted on the supporting structure.

Abstract: A portable self-powered load conveyer is structured on a wheeled frame with a drive-over ramp feature allowing ground level loading of bulk materials. Pivotally attached to the wheeled frame, is an elevator with height adjustment mechanics for depositing the bulk materials as required at a higher level. The wheeled frame is equipped with retractable street wheels and a tow hitch for moving the conveyer from job site to job site by towing. Dual sets of positionable wheels, also on the frame, allows backward, forward, turning, and sideways self-powered movement of the conveyer assemblage around the job site. The self-powering is accomplished by an installed internal combustion engine and controlled hydraulic pressurized mechanics. The control arrangement allows for the entire conveyer assemblage to be managed by a single operator.

Abstract: Device (10) to convey yarn packages which is suitable to take the yarn packages from a supply machine such as a winding machine, open-end spinning machine, two-for-one twisting machine, take-up frame for manmade filaments, fly frame, finishing machine, etc., the yarn packages being taken substantially at the outlet of the supply machine and then being delivered to transient storage containers, which may consist of creels, support shafts, dyehouse chests, cases, cartons, pallets, etc.

Abstract: A self guided vehicle has a roller deck controllably powered by an electric motor to accept and deliver loads on both the left and right side of the vehicle. An infrared communication system is employed to coordinate the overall transfer of these loads between the vehicle and a docking station. The communication system performs the multiple functions of locating the docking station relative to the left and right side of the vehicle, determining the direction the load is to be transferred, and controlling the direction of motor rotation to effect such a transfer.

Abstract: A storage system for products using supporting units, consisting of a staging containing a number of storeys, on one side of the staging at least one supply-conveyor and at least one entry elevating device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging, as well as a device for placing the supporting units into the staging and on the other side of the staging at least one exit elevating device, which also is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging and at least one exit conveyor. According to the invention, in each storey (4) of the staging (2) one or more conveyors (5) are mounted which are connectable to both sides of the staging with one driving device (11), which is movable vertically on the entry elevating device (9) and the exit elevating device respectively.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a longitudinally movable main conveyor suspended from a rollable trolley riding on a longitudinal rail and is supported on a steerable wheeled frame having a barrier plate mounted thereto. The main conveyor is fed by at least one feed conveyor which is stationarily mounted and preferrably is inclined to extend from below the main conveyor.

Abstract: A materials handling system primarily for use in tunneling operations for transporting extracted material from a tunnel is disclosed comprising an overhead track from which are suspended an elongated conveyor and a train of mine cars or other transport units. The conveyor conveys materials from a loading zone to a discharge zone. The suspension arrangement for the conveyor and the train of mine cars is such that one mine car can be positioned at a materials receiving station beneath the conveyor for receiving materials discharging therefrom at the discharge zone while the remaining mine cars wait at a queuing station beneath the conveyor for movement in turn to the materials receiving station.

Abstract: An efficient apparatus for automatically piling paper bag packages of Portland cement in alignment on a platform of a truck comprises a back and forth traveling supply conveyor and a loading device connected at the delivery end thereof. The loading device has two distributing carriages which respectively can receive each package supplied from the conveyor and carry it transversely to the predetermined position, and also has bottom gates through which each package passes to fall onto the exact aligned position on the platform.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a device comprising a package stock truck moved in the row direction of warper creels, a package feeding conveyor for feeding yarn supply packages to the position of the stock truck, a first package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the package feeding conveyor onto the stock truck, and a second package transfer mechanism for transferring the packages on the stock truck to each of pegs of the warper creels.

Abstract: The arrangement conveys cans which deliver and receive textile material, between machines delivering such material and machines which are substantially of the same type but use such material, along a closed transport or conveying path. The conveying path is of a structure comprising sections which extend parallel to each other including a siphon-shaped stand-by section containing parallel legs. Using such sections there is rendered possible a space-saving arrangement and simultaneously ready accessibility to the different sections of the conveying path and the machines for operating the machines and eliminating faults and malfunctions at the machines and the sections of the conveying path.

Abstract: A buffer storage unit for substantially plate-like ceramic articles includes at least one carriage movable along a feed-in path and adapted to contain a plurality of articles, and being formed by plural frames laid in vertical planes and attached to a carrier structure, each frame including a pair of vertical uprights to which are attached plural horizontal bar elements which define a plurality of planes for supporting the articles. A roller carrier is operative to insert rollers through vertical spaces left between the frames in a vertical direction. Engagement elements flank the carriage and is operative to hold the rollers in position during a loading/unloading step. The engagement elements are provided with elastic members at least at one of the roller ends.

Abstract: A spool transporting assembly for the sequential transfer of textile spools wound on tubes, includes a spool preparation station having a support surface for textile spools, a spool receiving device, and a spool transporting device for transporting textile spools from the spool preparation station to the spool receiving device, the spool transporting device including a gripper head being movable in at least one plane into and out of a centered spool receiving position being fixed relative to the spool preparation station, the gripper head including gripper elements for gripping textile spools of different diameters in the centered spool receiving position.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for conveying free-flowing material such as coal, ore lumps, and the like from a source to a railroad car loading station or the like, and for unloading the material from the conveyor into the cars without the need for moving the cars regardless of the number of cars at the station. The apparatus comprises gantry means, arm means mounted on and extending from said gantry means, sweep means pivotally mounted on the arm means, and power means for controlling the pivoting and positioning of the sweep means relative to a conveying means.

Abstract: A transport for loading semitrailers and other similar cargo carrying vehicles includes a portable conveyor shaped to extend into a trailer, and load the same from front to rear. The portable conveyor is preferably self-propelled, and has steerable front wheels at the downstream end of the conveyor, with a steering arm to manually pilot the conveyor into the trailer, and around the loading dock area. A guidance mechanism positions the portable conveyor in a selected storage position in the loading area, and comprises a pair of guides which depend from the upstream end of the conveyor, and matingly receive a floor mounted guide rail therebetween. Ramp blocks are located at the base end of the guide rail to positively and safely stop the conveyor in the storage position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring cigarettes or the like at a transfer station between a mass flow conveyor system including a reversible transfer conveyor and a movable trolley having vertical compartments for holding batches of cigarettes, comprises means for separating articles in the trolley from articles on the transfer conveyor including movable bands defining spaced outlets and an apertured plate, which bands and plate are sequentially moved to close or open the outlets. Two compartments are normally filled or emptied simultaneously. The cigarettes are supported in the compartments by movable captive platforms which are operated on by hoist means associated with the transfer station.

Abstract: A soil transporting vehicle for pressurized receiving and transporting of soil excavated by a shield machine. The vehicle includes a cylindrical soil container having a first opening and a second opening aligned along the longitudinal axis and being pressure-resistant. A soil conveying mechanism is arranged in the container adjacent to the opening for moving the soil axially. A chassis rotatably supports the container and a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the container about its axis from a soil introduction position where the openings are directed upwardly and a soil discharge position where the openings are directed downwardly. An inlet for introducing gas under pressure and a pressure regulating valve are provided on the soil container. The pressure is regulated to be substantially equal to that of the pressure compartment of the shield machine. A compressor is connected with the gas inlet.

Abstract: A passenger and luggage handling system for an air terminal utilizes a unique bus-type vehicle according to the invention which has a passenger compartment in the elongated body which is separated from the luggage compartment extending longitudinally therealong, preferably beneath the passenger compartment. At one end of the vehicle the passenger compartment has an elevatable stairway having a member which can be lifted strictly vertically to the height of the aircraft door, thereby entraining a corresponding number of steps of the stairway also strictly vertically. The luggage compartment is provided with means, e.g. a conveyor, for moving the luggage through this compartment or into and out of the compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed vehicle and a complex equipment for managing services at airports, for the direct transport of passengers and luggages from the administrating and luggage manipulating area to the airplane.The essence of the closed vehicle according to the invention is, that a part of the passenger space is forming a flight of stairs, the height of which can be optionally adjusted, furthermore the passenger space is formed in the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. Preferably the lifting device of the flight of stairs is fixed to the stair-step, which can be lifted to the highest point. The displacement clearance between the elements connecting the stair-steps following each other corresponds to the height of the stair-step. The attainable maximal height of stairs is determined by the number of stair-steps applied.Preferably, the luggage space is arranged below the passenger space; in the luggage space at least one continuous transit path is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unloading bulk mail vans in accordance with which the conventional roll-in or piggyback unloading dock conveyors of bulk mail handling centers, such as are operated by the United States Postal Service, are equipped with an auxiliary load receiving conveyor that serves as an implement which provides for largely mechanical transfer of the individual bags and cartons of the bulk mail from their positions of rest in the vehicle to the roll-in conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor is located at the load receiving end of the roll-in conveyor and comprises a positionable conveyor head in the form of a cantilever mounted belt conveyor apparatus having an upright two wheeled chassis that has a draft type connection to the roll-in conveyor frame for movement part and parcel with the roll-in conveyor to bring the conveyor in through the vehicle end opening into close adjacency with the stacked bags and cartons that form the bulk mail to be handled.

Abstract: The invention is a produce handling system with a self-unloading trailer and a free-standing conveyor. The trailer has an unloading conveyor in its bottom covered by removable doors. The free-standing conveyor has an infeed section that receives the produce from the trailer unloading conveyor pivoted to an out feed section which delivers the produce from the infeed section to a stacking position such as a truck.

Abstract: There is provided herein an automatic can changing device for spinning preparation machines such as for drawing frames, carding or combing machines in which a stationary conveyor is provided that is associated with a fiber lap delivery station, with mechanism for removing empty cans from the conveyor and presenting them to the fiber lap delivery station for the filling operation and thereafter removing these filled cans from the fiber lap delivery station and depositing them in an intermediate station preparatory for introduction to movable carriages also being shown.