Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A container handling assembly for lifting one or two containers. The assembly comprises a first and second jaw captively connected for cooperative movement whereby the jaws close when a load is applied. If a single container is lifted on the first jaw, the second jaw pivots to clamp the container on the first jaw. If two containers are lifted the jaws close to safely clamp both containers. In the unloaded position the second jaw projects beyond the first jaw thereby facilitating insertion of the jaws into coupling pieces of containers to be lifted. A number of safety features are incorporated to prevent lifting unless the containers are correctly loaded and to prevent unloading unless a release is activated.

Abstract: A system provides a lift-liner for efficient transport of units of bulk cargo (especially bulk cargo that is radioactive hazardous material waste), and economical disposal of the lift-liner for storage of the waste therein. The cargo is transported in the lift-liner from a remediation site to a railroad siding, during transport on a railroad gondola car, from the gondola car to a waste storage site, and within such storage site to a storage cell, in which the lift-liner and the waste therein are placed. The units are defined by the lift-liner, which is capable of containing up to ten tons of the waste. A container of the lift-liner is provided with straps connected to four walls and a bottom between corners of the container. The straps receive more than ten tons of vertical lifting force from a lift grid having a connector vertically above and aligned with each strap.

Abstract: An adjustable fork tractor system is disclosed. The system includes a pair of adjustable forks having remote ends and having near ends with vertical support bars having lower ends attached to the forks adjacent to the near ends and having upper ends with angled support brackets coupling the support bars with the forks adjacent to their near ends. A supporting structure is provided and includes two vertically disposed beams with a horizontal connecting rod coupling the beams adjacent to their lower ends. A channel iron couples the upper ends of the beams. The channel iron has an upper edge with downwardly extending notches along the length thereof. There is provided a pair of rigid sleeves with central apertures slidably received on the rod and fixedly secured at the juncture of the forks and vertical support bars to allow the lateral sliding of the adjustable forks with respect to the rod and supporting structure.

Abstract: A manual lifting and moving apparatus comprises a rigid bar having a pair of rollers on an axle at one end and a handle at the other end. Struts pivoted to the roller axle have a boom pivotally connected to their opposite ends. One end of the boom is received in a channel mounted on the rigid bar and connectible to the channel by a pin extending through a pair of aligned holes in the sidewalls of the channel, there being multiple pairs of aligned holes to provide plural selectable attachment points. The other end of the boom has a hook which can be engaged with a loading ramp adapter or used to lift various objects. The boom can also be secured in a collapsed position along the rigid bar, allowing the apparatus to be used as a pry bar, to maneuver a skid truck or lift a material-containing drum, and also allowing attachments, such as a hand truck adapter or a pallet truck adapter to be connected to the channel and to one end of the boom.

Abstract: A pallet jack attachment to be coupled to the forks of a conventional pallet jack so as to be able to engage and drag a standard pallet on which goods are stacked out of a shipping container when the pallet is loaded sideways therewithin. The pallet jack attachment includes a pair of arms projecting rearwardly in spaced, parallel alignment with one another. Locking tabs are welded to the rear ends of the arms and sized to fit within and slide through existing slots formed in the forks of the pallet jack so that the pallet jack attachment is reliably connected to the pallet jack. A channel having a pair of gripping fingers turning upwardly therefrom is located at the front of the pallet jack attachment. When the pallet jack is driven towards the side of a pallet, the channel and gripping fingers of the attachment are correspondingly advanced inwardly thereof via an access opening in the pallet.

Abstract: A vacuum based lifter device is provided for displacement of an article. At least one suction plate or suction cup is designed for connection to and disconnection from a vacuum source. The suction plate or suction cup is secured to equipment in order to be able to move it together with or relative to the article which is to be displaced. The device has a pallet-like structure into which fork members mounted on a fork-lift truck can be inserted. Parts of the structure define a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source having an electrically driven vacuum pump provided on the pallet-like structure and pneumatically connected to the vacuum chamber, and a mechanically or electrically controllable stop and release valve. The release valve is pneumatically coupled between the vacuum chamber and the suction plate or suction cup.

Abstract: A mobile machine for lifting massive objects which includes a primary hydraulic cylinder whose piston chamber is hydraulically connected on a high pressure end thereof to a high pressure end of one or more secondary hydraulic lifting cylinders for operation of the lifting cylinder(s) in unison to lift the object. The total maximum effective volume of the piston chamber(s) of the secondary cylinder(s) is at least equal to the maximum effective volume of the piston chamber of the primary cylinder. The sum total effective cross-sectional area of all of the secondary cylinder piston chambers is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the primary cylinder chamber to provide an output lifting force of the secondary cylinder(s) which is greater than the input force applied to a piston rod of the primary cylinder necessary to transfer hydraulic fluid from the primary cylinder to the secondary cylinder(s) to produce the enhanced output lifting force.

Abstract: The present invention is a forklift attachment device which automatically secures to the tongs of a forklift when the tongs are raised. The present invention functions to prevent a forklift load from becoming dislodged prematurely. The operative portion of the present invention is a pair of elastomer locking brakes which are positioned along the tongs of the forklift. The forks are inserted into the device. As the load is moved upwardly, levers attached to the locking brakes fall downwardly causing the locking brakes to move into operative engagement with the forks. When the load is returned to a position on the floor, the levers are returned to the starting position causing the locking brakes to release the attachment from the forks.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for lifting objects includes a frame and two or more clamping arms pivotably supported by the frame for movement into and out of contact with an object to be lifted. An internal support is supported by the frame for reinforcing the inner walls of a cavity in the object to be lifted. The insert may be supported by the frame for vertical movement with respect to the frame so that when the insert is not needed, it can be raised above the object. The insert may passively reinforce a cavity, or it may be equipped with movable reinforcing portions which can be moved into and out of contact with the walls of the cavity which is to be reinforced.

Abstract: A winch and rail assembly support structure is adapted to mount to a front of a vehicle. A winch is supported by the winch and rail assembly support structure. A rail assembly is configured to removably connect to the winch and rail assembly support structure. The rail assembly comprises two opposing elongated rails, each elongated rail comprising two opposing tracks, and a pulley supported at a distal end of the rails. A fork assembly comprises an elongated fork support arm configured to span between the rails, a pair of forks configured to connect to the fork support arm, and a plurality of roller wheels connected to the elongated fork support arm. A first pair of the roller wheels is configured to ride within the two opposing tracks of a first one of the rails, and a second pair of the roller wheels is configured to ride within the two opposing tracks of a second one of the rails.

Abstract: A dispensing bucket apparatus that removably connects to a loader vehicle. The apparatus is a bucket that is adapted to receive and hold a flowable material and has an exit opening in its front end that is selectively opened and closed by a gate. The position of the gate may be controlled by the user from within the loader vehicle to control the flow and flow rate of the flowable material from the bucket. The side walls of the bucket converge toward the front of the bucket and form a funnel that directs the flowable material to the exit opening. The construction of the apparatus is such that the user can view the pour at all times and, thereby, reduce spillage and waste. An alternate embodiment includes a tilting mechanism that provides for attachment of the bucket to a forklift and for tilting of the bucket. A removable chute allows the pour opening to be extended further from the front of the bucket.

Abstract: The present invention provides new drum lift indicators and inventory control devices for use with drum handling equipment. The drum lift indicators and inventory control devices provide signals indicative of whether drums are properly clamped in the drum lifting equipment. The devices may also provide various other information, for example a count of the number of drums lifted and the amount of time the drum lift indicator and inventory control device is in service. One drum lift indicator and inventory control device according to the present invention has a clamp sensor positioned on a drum lifting clamp, in which the clamp sensor has a sensor signal indicative of whether the drum lifting clamp is clamped onto the drum. A drum clamp indicator is connected to the drum clamp sensor and receives the sensor signal from the clamp sensor. An operator receivable indicator signal is produced by the clamp indicator in response to the sensor signal when the drum lift clamp is clamped onto the drum.

Abstract: Pallet stops are provided for blades of a forklift truck. The pallet stops have elongated bodies of a predetermined length, and are easily placed on or removed from forklift blades in predetermined locations. For retrofitting existing forklift blades, the elongated bodies include magnets for removably securing the pallet stops to the blades, while for new forklift blades, the blades may have threaded openings formed in predetermined locations, and elongated pins may be selectively inserted into one of the threaded openings on each blade.

Abstract: A materials handling apparatus that is securable to a materials handling vehicle so as to permit an operator to position an arm carrying a pusher element over a stack of large heavy packages and to bring the pusher element to bear on the top package on the stack so as to push the package from the stack onto a carrier such as a pallet.

Abstract: A hopper for moving and accurately placing granular materials and granular slurries. The hopper comprises: an elongate feed trough having two opposite end portions and an open top side portion so that the trough may be filled along the open top side portion; an elongate auger having flexible blades, to facilitate non-jamming operation, positioned in and extending along a bottom portion of the trough, said auger having a drive and a floating discharge end portion; a drive positioned adjacent to one end portion of the trough and releasably connected the drive end portion of the auger; a discharge sleeve positioned in the other end portion of the trough encircling the other floating discharge end portion of the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation and storage of compressible items in a compressed state, the apparatus comprising a lower member featuring a horizontal floor; an upper member featuring a horizontal roof, the upper member being slideably connected to the lower member; a platform between the floor and roof that is slideably connected to the upper and lower member; a rotational expulsion mechanism attached to the lower member, upper member, and platform; and an attachment point, said attachment point facilitating the connection of the apparatus to a vehicle. Compressible items may be loaded onto the platform, after which the platform is raised so that compressible items may be loaded between the floor and platform. The roof may then be lowered, compressing both those items between the roof and platform and those items between the platform and floor.

Abstract: A lift table modified to permit user configuration to achieve a plurality of functions is provided. The lift table may be configured for any of these functions by the end user, without the use of special tools or training. In one embodiment the lift table is provided with coupling devices such as pockets, flanges, brackets, etc. which can be coupled to a plurality of standard sized or spaced attachments for multiple purposes such as pallet forklift, tilt/layover, conveyor, turntable and the like.

Abstract: A material handling system generally consisting of a base assembly including a support means mountable on the operating arms of a vehicle, an arm member pivotally connected to the support means and movable between open and closed positions relative to the support means for clamping an article mounted on the support means therebetween and means for displacing the clamping member between the open and closed positions; a material container assembly including a support means mountable on the support means of the base assembly, a container mounted on and pivotally connected to the support means of the material container assembly and engageable by the clamping arm member of the base member when the support means of the material container assembly is mounted on the support means of the base assembly; and means operatively interconnecting the clamping arm member of the base assembly and the container of the material container assembly when the material container assembly is mounted on the base assembly for effecting

Abstract: A slip sheet handling apparatus is specifically adaptable for retrofit attachment to a standard lift jack unit and is characterized by having a platen which is pivotally connected to the tines of the jack unit for tilting movement, and a gripper assembly is slidable along the platen to automatically cause upward and downward tilting movement of the platen as the gripper assembly is advanced into engagement with a slip sheet beneath a load and draws the slip sheet onto the platen in transporting the load from one site to another.

Abstract: A boom hoist is disclosed having top and bottom mast sections joined together midway of an upstanding mast at a swivel joint defined by mating flange faces where the top mast section rotates about a central core extending into each mast section. A boom arm is pivotally carried by the top mast section and a universal attachment base is carried by the bottom mast section having a tongue connection for connecting the hoist to a plurality of associated structures for hoist operation. Advantageously, a side mount assembly for mounting the hoist near a side of a vehicle, a three-point hitch mount assembly for mounting the hoist to a farm tractor, a fork lift mount assembly, a floor mount assembly, and a roller frame mount assembly are provided for the hoist.

Abstract: An attachment to a fork lift consisting of a rectangular frame connected via a hinge mechanism to a hook piece. In use, the frame pieces are slid over the tines of the fork lift, with screws securing the device in position. The hook piece thus extends to the side of the fork lift, and can then be used to carry long cylindrically shaped objects through tight spaces in a conventional fork lift manner. The hinged connection between the hook piece and the frame piece allows easy loading and unloading of the objects.

Abstract: A lifting and dumping apparatus is shown for dumping the contents of a refuse container. A fixed frame is connected to a lifting attachment for moving the fixed frame between a rest position and an elevated position. A support frame is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame and has a pair of fork arms for engaging the refuse container. A rotator arm and actuator piston mechanism rotates the support frame, and hence the refuse container, between a horizontal position and a dumping position.

Abstract: There is provided a panel lifting apparatus for detachable attachment to a panel lifting hoist or trolley. The apparatus comprises a primary support member, a clamp for gripping engagement with a panel to be lifted, a control device for actuating the clamp via a cable linking the clamp and the control device. When a panel is to be lifted from a position off the apparatus and onto the hoist or trolley, the clamp is brought into engagement with the panel and the control device is actuated to draw the panel onto the hoist or trolley enabling the support and carriage of same.

Abstract: A handling device of the push-pull type for handling a load (17) disposed on a sheet-like loading unit (16) comprises a fixed portion (18) and a movable portion (19). Driven handling means (25) is present and has a first and a second operating strokes during which it translates the movable portion (19) relative to the fixed portion (18) from a retracted position to an extended position respectively, and vice versa. The movable portion (19) is provided with gripper means (15) capable of being drivingly opened and closed and intended for gripping the loading unit sheet (16) when the movable portion (19) is at the extended position and pulling the load between the extended and retracted positions. The driven handling means (25) is connected by a kinematic linkage with the gripper means (15) to cause opening and closing of the latter over at least one length of the operating strokes of said handling means.

Abstract: The tire-stacking device includes a platform for placing a plurality of tires side by side when the device is in a horizontal position. The device is thereafter raised by the lifting apparatus of a lift truck to a vertical position. The stack of tires is supported in this vertical position by a clamping arrangement attached to the base end of the device. The clamping arrangement is selectively releasable to permit an operator to deposit the stack of tires at a desired location. A hook is also provided for connecting the device to the lifting apparatus of a lift truck. A fork apparatus is further provided to be used in cooperative arrangement with the hook, a pair of existing fork lift forks, and a lift truck to lift and transport objects. A cart apparatus is also provided for facilitating the mounting and dismounting of the hook to the lifting apparatus of the lift truck.

Abstract: The handling device is mounted on the lifting blades of a forklift truck and held in position by a safety chain. A frame includes a pair of spaced support members adapted to support the wheels of a wheel assembly therebetween. A removable adapter bar is stored on a stop plate of the frame when larger wheeled assemblies are handled, and may be moved to the outer ends of the support members when smaller wheeled assemblies are handled, in which case the bearing races at the ends of the wheel assembly are supported on conventional bearing race adapters which are supported on the stop plate and the adapter bar. The adapter bar is retained on the stop plate by a pair of spaced plates and a pin on the adapter bar which is received in a hole in the stop plate. The adapter bar is retained at the outer ends of the support members by a pair of spaced plates on one support member and a hole in the other support member which receives the pin on the adapter bar.

Abstract: Drum lifting attachments for allowing forklift trucks to be able to raise and lower 55 gallon storage drums. A first embodiment includes a drum lifting attachment having two pairs of arcuate lifting arms positioned side-by-side to allow for lifting two 55 gallon plastic drums simultaneously. This embodiment includes a pair of arcuate arms for each drum. A rotatable rectangular flap can fold-down over the portion of the side-by-side connection between the two pairs of arcuate arms inorder to allow for the lifting of a different diameter sized drum. Optionally, the fold-down flap can have arcuate shaped sides. Optionally, plural flaps of increasing sizes can be folded down to adjust for the different diameter drums. A second embodiment includes a forklifting attachment that includes four sets of arcuate arms for allowing four 55 gallon drums to be able to be lifted simultaneously. The drums to be lifted in include standard 55 gallon metal drums, 55 gallon conical drums and drum sizes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A turn-table attachment mountable on the tines of a vehicle mounted, vertically moveable, lift fork comprising a base frame with tubular tine receptive sockets, a turn-table rotatable about a fixed vertical axis projecting upwardly from the base frame, an auxiliary lift fork mounted in fixed position on the turn-table and having parallel spaced fork tines projecting radially outwardly of the turn-table periphery, power operated actuators carried by the base frame and selectively coupled to the turn-table for rotating the latter through an arc of at least 180.degree. whereby to position the auxiliary forks on opposite sides of the vehicle as selected.

Abstract: Converts any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. A safety chain is incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power hoist, with load sensing brake, and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift, which continuously grips the core firmly, in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the hoist cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the hoist cable is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and rail system (80) for installing divider wall panels (100) into ceiling rails, is described. The apparatus includes a base (12) which is adapted to be attached to a forklift truck (200). A frame (22) is rotatably mounted on the base and includes vertical members (24) to which are mounted support channels (50) and a holding channel (54). The channels act together along the sides (100C) of the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. An end channel (60) is connected to one of the support channels and to the holding channel and is mounted to one end (100B) of the panel. The rail system includes an entry rail (82) comprised of rail segments (84 and 86) with a keyway (88) therebetween and a rail key (95). In use, the panel is mounted in the apparatus which is attached to the forklift truck. The channels are tightened around the panel to hold the panel in the apparatus. The forklift truck then lifts the apparatus and the panel.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transportation of goods, such as paper rolls, having a load carrier which includes a goods-carrying bottom plate.The arrangement includes a lifting post (4) which is upstanding centrally from the bottom plate (2) and by which a loaded load-carrier can be lifted.

Abstract: An attachment for industrial trucks, especially lift trucks, is designed as a multi-articulated lever mechanism (11), preferably as a three-hinge arm. This is articulated to a support plate (1), which can be locked and/or fixed in a bracket of the industrial truck. The lever arms (5, 6, 7) of the lever mechanism (11) are rotatable in relation to one another in articulated axles (3, 8, 10), and can be driven, individually and/or in a simultaneous movement, at least in the horizontal direction by mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical devices. A load pickup device (12), which can be used preferably as a pivoting retractable fork, is arranged at the last, freely hanging lever arm (7). At least one of the lever arms (5 or 6 or 7) is adjustable in height along its articulated axle (3 or 8 or 10).

Abstract: A lifting device for attachment to a vehicle such as a four wheel motorcycle, the lifting device including upper and lower mounting members and for mounting the device to the framework of the vehicle, a mast which is pivotally connected to the mounting members for tilting movement about a generally horizontal axis by members of a tilting ram which acts between the mounting members and the mast, the lifting device further including a pair of forks and a forklift ram which is operable to raise and lower the forks.

Abstract: A protective sheath for forklift tangs to protect plastic pallets and other structures from impact damage from contact with tang ends. The sheath extends over the tang and carries a bumper at the distal end which abuts the distal end of a tang. The bumper is formed from resilient, energy absorbing material and includes at least two transverse walls generally parallel to the tang end, with a free air space between the members. An insert bonded to the tang that extends into a corresponding sheath recess limits slippage of a pallet on the sheath. A clamp surrounding the proximal end of the sheath and the tang, between two spaced sheath ridges, securely holds the sheath and bumper onto the tang.

Abstract: The tire-stacking device includes a platform for placing a plurality of tires side by side when the device is in a horizontal position. The device is thereafter raised by the lifting apparatus of a lift truck to a vertical position. The stack of tires is supported in this vertical position by a clamping arrangement attached to the base end of the device. The clamping arrangement is selectively releasable to permit an operator to deposit the stack of tires at a desired location. A hook is also provided for connecting the device to the lifting apparatus of a lift truck. A fork apparatus is further provided to be used in cooperative arrangement with the hook, a pair of existing fork lift forks, and a lift truck to lift and transport objects. A cart apparatus is also provided for facilitating the mounting and dismounting of the hook to the lifting apparatus of the lift truck.

Abstract: An attachment for a forklift truck to facilitate the removal or clearing of snow or other materials and debris with the truck, including a frame having two rectangular elongated tubes adapted to receive the tines of the forklift, a plurality of transversely extending crossbars connecting said tubes together, ground-engaging members attached to each tube, a plow blade pivotally attached to the frame, and a shear pin assembly connected between the blade and the frame preventing uneven ground and/or obstructions on the ground from damaging the blade.

Abstract: A device for compressing tires and other compressible items in a shipping container comprises a support frame 22 attached to the lift end of a forklift. A fixture 20 is attached to and moves vertically with the support frame. The fixture comprises a horizontal compression platen 30. A vertical pusher plate 50 extends above and below the platen. The upper pusher plate 53, which is above the platen, can fold down so that the platen can be brought near the ceiling of a shipping container above a stack of tires. The fixture weighs enough to compress tires stacked below the compression platen. Additional tires are stacked above the platen and compressed tires. The upper pusher plate is then folded up, against the tires. Two hydraulic cylinders push the pusher plate away from the support frame to pull the platen from between the tires.

Abstract: A plow attachment for a forklift vehicle that has elongated cavities extending from the rearside of the scrapper blade to receive the lift arms of the forklift vehicle. A connecting link is used to hold the plow attachment on the lift arms, and the plow attachment includes adjustable elements that permit the plow attachment to be mounted on the lift arms at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a supplementary unit for a travelling fork lift truck used for picking up platelike mounting elements. The platelike mounting elements are picked up by a pick-up means of the supplementary unit, said pick-up means being secured to a frame via a carrier arm and a guide rod. The frame is adapted to be lifted by the forks of the fork lift truck. When the carrier arm is pivoted through an angle of 90.degree., the pick-up means, which is guided by the guide rod, will be turned through an angle of 180.degree.. The pivoting movement of the carrier arm is carried out by a hydraulic lifting cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for lifting objects includes a frame and first and second opposing clamping arms pivotably supported by the frame about first and second parallel axes. Each clamping arm has a contact portion. A drive member is connected to the first and second clamping arms to simultaneously pivot the first and second clamping arms about the first and second axes. The height of the contact portions when spaced apart by a first separation is the same as when spaced apart by a second separation. As a result, the clamping apparatus can securely grasp both square and elongated rectangular objects.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to convert any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. Two safety chains are incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power winch and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the winch cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the winch cable is activated. Even though a fork truck may be stationary, the center lift is free to guide into the roll because the roll center lift is connected to a flexible cable and flexible chain.

Abstract: A groomer attachment for forklift vehicles includes an elongated rigid member having a top and a bottom. A pair of spaced-apart fork receiving pockets are connected to the rigid member. A flexible blade extends from the bottom of the rigid member. Preferably the rigid member has a front and a rear. The attachment then has a pair of spaced-apart flexible blades extending from the bottom of the rigid member, a first blade being adjacent the front thereof and a second blade being adjacent the rear thereof. The rigid member may be channel-shaped.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for lifting and moving a barrel. The apparatus includes a frame which can be connected to a fork lift, at least one support member pivotably connected to the frame for engaging and supporting the barrel, a power source for selectively moving the support member(s) from a substantially vertical to a substantially horizontal position and vice versa, and an apparatus for removably attaching to the bead of the barrel.

Abstract: A process of handling a frame of a vehicle and an apparatus for a lift truck for handling a frame of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support frame operatively connected to and cantilevered from the lift truck and a carriage suspended from the support frame. The carriage includes at least two oppositely acting depending arms for handling the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A device for the lifting, manipulation and transport of heavy rolls of material from shipping containers to/and from production apparatus is disclosed. The device has a mandrel which grips rolled stock at the roll core by means of expansion inside the roll core, and manipulates the rolled stock from its shipping position to a position suitable for placement on the mandrel of equipment to utilize the rolled stock. The device allows for transport of the rolled stock from shipping or storage locations to machinery for use. The device is capable of straddling shipping pallets and the like to allow for positioning the mandrel over the rolled stock while maintaining a relatively low center of gravity. Attached to the vertical lift plate is a second plate which is capable of sideways movement of the rolled stock and the mandrel for horizontal positioning. Primary energy sources are provided by electrically powered hydraulics or manually actuated hydraulics, winches, or lead screws.

Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) adapted for attaching to a pair of substantially parallel forklift tines (14) is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes an L-shaped support bar (18) having a horizontal leg (18a) with at least one slot (26) therein and a vertical leg (18b). A fastener (27,28) passing through the slot (26) interconnects the support bar (18) to a clamp plate (22). A pair of slider bars (20), each having a pair of substantially vertical counterbores (24a) therethrough, are connected by separate adjustable fasteners (24) to the clamp plate (22).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for carrying bales which forms an extension of a vehicle, such as a fork-lift truck. The bale-carrying device includes a frame (4) which can be fixed to the vehicle and carries a lifting device (5) which can be raised and lowered relative to the frame (4). The lifting device (5) includes two carrying arms (6, 7) which are carried by and extend from the lifting device (5) outward generally in the direction of vehicle travel. The carrying arms (6, 7) are provided with opposing vertical contact faces (8) which are parallel and can be closed to grip a bale and opened to drop a bale. Such bales are generally tied by horizontal binding wires, and to simplify the task of unbailing a bale, at least one of the two carrying arms (6) has a cutting device (10) which extends along the entire height thereof. A cutting device (10) carries a cutting blade (12) for cutting through the bale-binding wire.

Abstract: An improved dry mix dispensing apparatus and method for controllably dispensing materials from bulk storage bags are disclosed. A support structure is provided for elevating loaded bulk bags over a collector and discharge means that controllably empties the contents of the bag, one batch at a time, as needed, into an underlying batch mixer. The collector only processes that material currently being dispensed, and the bag continues to store the bulk material until actually dispensed through the collector. The dispensing apparatus is rapidly collapsible in the vertical and lateral directions for ease of transport and movement about the construction site.

Abstract: Lift truck accessories for stacking and moving stacks of tires are disclosed. The tire-stacking device includes an elongated platform upon which a plurality of tires may be placed side by side when the device is in its horizontal position. The tire-stacking device can be raised by the lifting apparatus of a lift truck from its horizontal position to a vertical position. When in its vertical position, the stack of tires is supported by a clamping arrangement that is attached to the base end of the tire-stacking device. A second embodiment of the invention is a tire transporter that is always maintained in a vertical position but includes a clamping arrangement which is similar to the tire-stacking device. The tire transporter is relatively shorter than the kite-stacking device and enables a lift truck operator to move stacks of tires through low-clearance areas such as under doorways as well as into and out of trucks.