Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: A load-carrying attachment for a vehicle to unload cargo from or load cargo onto the vehicle. The attachment includes a pair of spaced horizontal support beam assemblies having first and second ends. A cross beam connects the first ends of the beam assemblies to form a fixed frame with the beam assemblies. The cross beam is attachable to the vehicle such that the assembly is movable along the periphery of the vehicle. The attachment includes a pair of leg members, one of the leg members being attached to one of the support beam assemblies. The leg members include hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the support beam assemblies and wheel assemblies which can be employed as wheels when moving the attachment or as bases when the attachment is being employed to load or unload cargo. The attachment further includes a mast which is slidably attached to the beam assemblies such that it is movable along the beam assemblies. The mast is positioned between the beam assemblies.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: A refuse container assembly for storing refuse material at a refuse transfer station is provided with a receptacle, having a refuse storage chamber and a refuse material intake and discharge opening at the upper end of the chamber, mounted on a support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle between a lower, upright position for receiving and storing thereat refuse material discharged into the opening by refuse collection vehicles and an elevated, at least partially inverted, position for discharging refuse material from the container through the opening into a refuse transportation vehicle, the assembly including a mechanism for pivoting the receptacle between the lower and elevated position, the mechanism including arms mounted on the support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle, first extendable and retractable actuator having one end connected to the support frame and the other end connected to the arms remote

Abstract: Apparatus for booking an elastomer such as a rubber sheet is disclosed. A conveyor has a series of driven rollers. A stop member is positioned to stop the movement of the elastomer by contacting the front end. The stop member may be fixed on a transfer or grasp member, typically a vacuum head which is employed to transfer the elastomer on to a flatcar.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a fixture used for the placement of seats in a vehicle body or cab structure. The present invention provides a "C" frame which may be attached to an overhead lifting device, a first link pivotally connected to the "C" frame, and a second link angularly and pivotally connected to the first link for penetrating between the seat back and seat cushion. A lifting mechanism is provided for raising the second link thereby causing the seat to be captured by the fixture so that the seat can be transported by the lifting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported thereby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accomplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and storing elongate load members such as logs includes a base frame and two pairs of opposed extensible columns pivotally connected to the frame. The apparatus is carried between loading sites on a truck bed from which it can be loaded and unloaded by its extensible legs that retract within and extend from each column. The legs are hydraulic cylinders that also extend the columns to lift the load. Each pair of upright columns are connected by cables that support a load as the columns are extended. A vehicle bed can then be backed onto the frame between the columns to receive the load. Each column includes a fairlead that enables the cables to raise the load twice the distance the columns are raised, so that the columns need only be extended half the height of the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A driveway for tractor-trailers is elevated along one side having a side coupling runner mounted to roll on wheels in a track along the side of the driveway facing a single-arm rotary loader. The runner is longer than the tractor-trailer and has a lift push gate at one or both ends for lowering in front of the tractor to push the runner along its track and has recesses for vertical coupling rods or tubes on the loader's trailer-lifting turntable to engage in to move the loader with the tractor to rotate the loader into alignment under the trailer and lift for transfer. Then the tractor driver can release the fifth-wheel and lift the gate and drive away. The loader is further rotated or driven and disengaged from the runner before the runner is returned by motor drive. The loader can load the trailer removed from the tractor onto a railway car as in my earlier U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A load carrying apparatus designed to be very low relative to its length, to be capable of crawling under a string of loaded pallets in a crawl mode, to be capable of carrying the string of loaded pallets in a walk mode, and to be capable of moving a string of loaded pallets forward or backward relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for transferring crosswound coils from a crosswound-coil delivery location of a textile machine into a box-shaped conveyance includes a flat conveyor for collecting crosswound coils in mutually adjacent rows, and grippers for unloading the collected crosswound coils, the flat conveyor and the grippers being combined into one structural unit, the structural unit being pivotable in a vertical plane through an angle of substantially 180.degree. and being controllably changeable in position in vertical and horizontal direction.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for the distribution of piece goods to different stations which is equipped with a transporting system for the pick-up and delivery of the piece good and with a chassis adapted to be driven; in order to enable the loading and unloading of differently constructed stations, the transporting system of the distribution apparatus includes a roller or chain type conveyor and a loading fork arranged coaxially thereto, whereby the loading fork is mounted on a chassis so as to be liftable and lowerable and both the conveyor and loading fork are adapted to be driven for loading and unloading.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided which is adapted to permit the chair to be separated from the wheeled chassis so that the chair may be positioned on a seat of an automobile. The wheeled chassis provides support for the chair on the side of the chair so that the chair may be brought into the automobile through the open door with the wheeled chassis moving beneath the automobile. The support for the chair is rotatably on the wheeled chassis so that the chair can be rotated into alignment with the seat in the automobile. The support for the chair is also vertically adjustable so that the chair may be lowered to rest on the automobile seat. The wheeled chassis and support for the chair may then be disassembled and stored in the automobile.

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 curbside lift apparatus for transferring wheelchair passengers to and from trains and public transit vehicles using existing pedestrian passenger entryways. Free-standing base wall structures support parallel guide tracks inclined toward the transit vehicle, such that a passenger lift car guided by such tracks and carried by chain and sprocket elevator means between the wall structures advances toward and retracts from the passenger vehicle in being raised and lowered, thereby shortening the crossover distance between vehicle passenger deck and lift car spanned by a hinged bridge on the lift car lowered to the deck. Simplified, enclosed, vandal-resistant construction of the mechanical apparatus and an automatic sequencing control system for the same accessible only to an authorized attendant assure prompt, safe operation of the apparatus under various contingencies.

Abstract: A cargo container lift device comprised of a plurality of upright posts which define a bay into and out of which a transportation vehicle is driven. Vertical plates are slidably mounted on each of the posts and engage laterally extending supports which are movably connected to the cargo container. Hydraulic rams connecting the posts and plates permit the reciprocative movement of plates. Wheels mounted on the plates for common movement therewith counteracts the torque on the plates from the cargo container.

Abstract: A heavy load conveyor system (10) according to the present invention includes substantially horizontal support member (14) having a working surface (12), a plurality of substantially vertical legs (18 and 20), a base (22 and 24) and a plurality of links (26 and 28) pivotally connected at one end to the legs and at the other end to the base. A removable link brace includes a fixed member (38) and a removable member (40) having a lever member (42) and a link engaging member (46). A carriage (50) is supported by wheels (58) on tracks (54 and 56) which are substantially parallel to the plane of motion of the links and includes a plurality of rollers (60) which are substantially parallel to the tracks.

Abstract: This loader has two rotary arms which turn a load spreader fork frame off-parallel so that only one fork is extended to couple. The fork frame has a fork at each end with a cam track diagonal across the bottom engaged on the extended fork by a coupling roller extended from a vehicle to pull the fork frame to the vehicle until the roller leaves the track when the frame has engaged between pedestals on the vehicle. The frame is engaged and rotated through many more degrees and the most effective degrees of a circle for a transfer run (now over 180.degree.

Abstract: A crane is mounted on a platform having ground engaging legs adapted to support the platform in an elevated position straddling railroad tracks so that a railway car to be loaded or unloaded is adapted to be moved beneath the platform. The legs are adapted to be displaced between raised and lowered positions relative to the platform and are in the lowered positions thereof when the platform is so ground supported. When a railway car has been moved beneath the platform, the legs are displaced toward their raised positions whereby the platform is lowered onto the car to rest on the top edges of the side walls thereof. Preferably, the legs are also adapted to be displaced laterally between extended and retracted positions relative to the platform and are retracted when the platform rests on the car to minimize lateral projection of the apparatus relative to the car.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and stacking building frame structures, wherein the apparatus is positioned adjacent the end of a frame-conveyor system so as to receive a plurality of completed frame sections which are stacked within the apparatus, whereby the stacked frame sections are arranged to be removed by a transfer vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base-frame support having a pair of oppositely positioned, tiltable, truss sections. These truss sections include a carriage structure having a conveyor mounted thereto, the carriage structure being movable upwardly in order to stack the building frame structures on a pair of suspended racks which allows various transfer vehicles to remove the stacked group of frame sections.

Abstract: A heavy duty structure that forms a mobile loading system is shown that is comprised of a ramp means, a dump means and crawler undercarriage for use in loading trucks by making use of bulldozers. The crawler undercarriage supports the carrier or platform which provides the base for the superstructure, power units and hydraulic systems. The system's power unit supplies the source of power to move the crawlers so the structure may be moved to any locality on the job-site. The system's power unit also supplies power to the hydraulic systems provided to raise and lower the ramp and dump means. The carrier supports a mast means which supports the ramp means and dump means. The ramp means provides a bridge or lifting means onto which a pair of bulldozers may be alternatively driven to move the overburden to the dump means.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of handling grown crystal ingots from a crystal-growing furnace, which apparatus and method include: lifting and moving an upper crystal chamber with the crystal supported therein to one side of the furnace; and gently lowering the crystal into a lower crystal chamber positioned beneath the upper crystal chamber and on a wheeled vehicle, which permits ease in removal and transport of hot heavy crystals with minimum damage or fracture.

Abstract: A battery charging system for battery-powered vehicles has a battery transfer station, at which a vehicle is positioned for removal and replacement of the spent and charged battery. The spent battery is removed from the vehicle and transferred to a charging system, and a charged battery is transferred from the charging system to the vehicle. In one form, the batteries are conveyed through a continuous charging system, upon removal from the vehicle, and a fully charged battery is deposited in the vehicle. In another form, batteries are transferred from and to the vehicle by a battery transfer system which transfers the batteries to and from storage and charging bays. In all cases, the discharged battery is removed from the vehicle, and a charged battery is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved cargo handling apparatus is described herein, which includes a crane truck, adapted to travel along a wharf sloped surface and to be fixedly positioned in the proximity of a mooring position of a ship for the loading or unloading of cargoes, and a cargo transportation truck or trucks adapted to travel along a path parallel and adjacent to the path of the crane truck between a crane positioned on the shore side of the wharf and the fixed positioned location of the crane truck.

Abstract: A battery changing apparatus for replacing a spent battery with a charged one on an electrically powered vehicle including a support with at least two battery support sections for supporting batteries adapted for use on an electrically powered vehicle. A spent battery is removed from the vehicle and transferred to one of the support sections. The relative positions of the apparatus for removing and transferring the battery and the support can be changed so that a charged battery can be removed from another support section. The apparatus for removing and transferring the battery can remove the charged battery from the other support and transfer it to the vehicle.

Abstract: A self dumping refuse container assembly comprises a support frame adapted to be attached to a secure supporting surface and a container mounted on the frame for pivotal movement in a vertical plane between a lower, normally upright position for receiving refuse material and an elevated, at least partially inverted position for discharging refuse into a refuse collecting vehicle or the like. The container includes at least one refuse material intake opening in which a feed chute is located. The container also includes a refuse material discharge opening. A lid member is connected to the container for pivotal movement between a closed position overlying the discharge opening and an open position under the influence of gravity as the container is moved between the lower and elevated positions. A motor is provided for moving the container between its lower and elevated positions.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a patient can be transferred from a transport carrier onto a table support. Couplings are provided for the connection of the patient positioning table to the transport carrier or to the table support. By means of the invention, a reliable locking of the patient positioning table onto the transport carrier or onto the table support which is independent of human error is to be guaranteed. The locking is to render a rotation of the patient positioning table of 360.degree. around a horizontal axis possible.

Abstract: A bulk material unloader in which a clamshell bucket is suspended from a boom which is luffed from a position over the material to be unloaded through the vertical to a position over a bulk material receiving hopper. The hoists and/or the anchors for the bucket hold and close ropes are mounted on the unloader base on the opposite side of the hopper from the boom pivot such that the suspended length of the hold and close ropes is increased as the boom is luffed through the vertical and the bucket is thereby lowered into the hopper with the hoists remaining inactive until the bucket is in position to be opened and discharged with minimum dusting effect.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transferring a load such as a stack of cardboard sheets from an aerator to the receiving end of a cutting press. Sheets of material are stacked on a first pallet having a plurality of spaced support members defining a fork-like configuration having an elongated passage between each pair of spaced supports. The free ends of the spaced supports are adapted for common connection to a transverse rod to provide a generally rigid support surface defined by the spaced supports. The pallet is transported with the stack loaded on its support surface by a forklift to a predetermined location above a movable base pallet which is adapted to align the first pallet in superposed relation thereupon as the first pallet is lowered in place. The base pallet includes a plurality of spaced supports corresponding to the spaced supports of the first pallet. After the two pallets become engaged, the connecting rod of the first pallet is removed.