Abstract: A shoe plate for use in a clamp assembly for a lift truck load handler. The shoe plate has a spine, an outside wear rib, and a load-side wear rib. The shoe plate is configured to couple detachably and interchangeably to either one of two clamp plates of a clamp assembly on a load-side of a lower portion of the clamp plate. The shoe plates are made of harder and more wear resistant materials than the clamp plates. The shoe plate has a first bracket at one end of the spine and a second bracket at the other end. Each of the brackets has a notch configured to mate with a front edge of the lower portion of either one of the two clamp plates. The brackets are also each configured to insert into a bracket recess in the load-side of one of the two clamp plates.

Abstract: A robot hand includes holding members radially receiving a tape reel between flat-plate-shape main bodies facing each other, and an actuator configured to open and close the holding members. The holding members are openable and closable between a reel hold position and a tape pull-out position, the reel hold position is a position at which a distance between inner surfaces of the main bodies is greater than a distance between outer surfaces of pair of side plates of the tape reel, the tape pull-out position is a position at which a distance between outer surface of the main bodies is smaller than a distance between inner surfaces of the pair of side plates. The holding members include rail portions and cut-outs provided in the rail portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods to manipulate objects may include an adjustable robotic end of arm tool including a pair of static forks or arms and a pair of movable forks or arms. The static forks may be configured to lift objects, such as pallets, totes, or bins. The movable forks may be configured to move between a plurality of positions, including a storage position and a lifting position. When in the lifting position, the movable forks may also be configured to lift objects, such as pallets, totes, or bins, such that the adjustable robotic end of arm tool may simultaneously or concurrently lift and manipulate multiple objects using the static forks and the movable forks, thereby improving speed and efficiency of operations or processes utilizing the adjustable robotic end of arm tool.

Abstract: A fluid control device provided with a plurality of switching valves and a plurality of relief valves. A sub-relief passage communicating with a tank when the switching valves are in any state other than neutral is branched from a parallel passage for guiding a high-pressure hydraulic fluid to the switching valves. A sub-relief valve is provided within the sub-relief passage, and a check valve that minimizes the flow of hydraulic fluid toward a hydraulic pressure supply source is provided between switching valves and the point of branching of the sub-relief passage in the parallel passage.

Abstract: A side shifter configured for use on a lift truck with an actuator of the side shifter embedded in and almost completely surrounded by the weight bearing components of the side shifter, particularly the fork base top bar and back carriage top bar. This arrangement provides additional protection to the actuator. Embedding the actuator in the weight bearing components of the side shifter also provides for a larger unobstructed view through the middle side shifter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-securing device (100), wherein the load-securing device (100) comprises at least one mast (151), a retaining element (110), a supporting element (120), and a guide rail (130), which has a curved track (131) that is bent by 90° at the lower end thereof, the load-securing device (100) is arranged on the at least one mast (151) in such a way that the load-securing device can be slid vertically in the x-direction, the guide rail (130) is extended substantially parallel to the at least one mast (151), and the supporting element (120) engages with the guide rail (130), wherein the supporting element (120) is supported by the guide rail (130) and wherein the retaining element (110) is arranged in such a way that the retaining element can be pivoted about a pivot point (112), wherein the retaining element (110) can be activated by the pivoting thereof into a substantially horizontal position, wherein the pivoting of the retaining element (110) in the vertical direction (x) is prevented

Abstract: Examples described here include a device that has a housing defining a cavity, and a force sensor. The device also includes a first hydraulic actuator positioned in the cavity, and a second hydraulic actuator positioned in the cavity. The first and second hydraulic actuators move between respectively relaxing modes and thrusting modes along respective longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axis of the first hydraulic actuator is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second hydraulic actuator. The device also includes a first actuated member coupled to the first hydraulic actuator, and a second actuated member coupled to the second hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A load-supporting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each including a base, and a slide, formed with an abutment, mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base. The support assemblies extend in the same direction, and a linkage assembly interconnects the slides and enables adjustment of the support assemblies toward and away from one another. The abutments of the slides define contact points that engage and stabilize a load relative to the support assemblies, when the load is supported by the slides. The bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mountable releasably to a lift operable for raising and lowering the load-supporting apparatus between raised and lowered positions. The support assemblies are enabled for adjustment toward and away from one another via the linkage assembly, when the bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mounted releasably to the lift.

Abstract: A side shifter configured for use on a lift truck with an actuator of the side shifter embedded in and almost completely surrounded by the weight bearing components of the side shifter, particularly the fork base top bar and back carriage top bar. This arrangement provides additional protection to the actuator. Embedding the actuator in the weight bearing components of the side shifter also provides for a larger unobstructed view through the middle side shifter.

Abstract: A bale trailer has two parallel bale cradles that are adjustable to accommodate different shapes and sizes of bales. Each cradle is balanced toward an unloading position and each is automatically returned to the carry position after unloading by the action of a spring.

Abstract: A load-supporting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each including a base, and a slide, formed with an abutment, mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base. The support assemblies extend in the same direction, and a linkage assembly interconnects the slides and enables adjustment of the support assemblies toward and away from one another. The abutments of the slides define contact points that engage and stabilize a load relative to the support assemblies, when the load is supported by the slides. The bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mountable releasably to a lift operable for raising and lowering the load-supporting apparatus between raised and lowered positions. The support assemblies are enabled for adjustment toward and away from one another via the linkage assembly, when the bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mounted releasably to the lift.

Abstract: A hay lift assembly for use to lift and move one or more bales of hay. This may be accomplished by a first gripping member coupled to a second gripping member mounted on a tractor. The second gripping member may be moveable in a first direction relative to the first gripping member. Each gripping member may form a gripping surface that faces the other gripping surface, and each gripping surface may extend in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of a the tractor. The first and second gripping members pivot jointly in a first plane for changing the orientation of a bale of hay gripped between the first and second gripping members and for changing the orientation of the gripping members relative to one or more bales of hay to be gripped.

Abstract: A tool coupler system is disclosed for use with a machine. The tool coupler system may have a tool coupler with a hydraulic actuator configured to selectively lock a tool to a machine. The tool coupler system may also have a first hydraulic pump configured to generate a first flow of pressurized fluid, and a second hydraulic pump configured to generate a second flow of pressurized fluid. The tool coupler system may further have a valve configured to selectively direct the first or second flows of pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator of the tool coupler.

Abstract: A tire manipulation system for efficiently manipulating the position of a tire. The tire manipulation system generally includes a mounting device for removable attachment to a tractor, a telescoping main support structure attached to the mounting device, a main actuator connected to the main support structure, a pivot axle rotatably connected to the main support structure, a support frame connected to the pivot axle, and a pair of telescoping supports each having an actuator and a gripping member for engaging a tire to be manipulated. The gripping members first engage the perimeter of a tire to be manipulated and then using the loader system of the tractor the user is able to manipulate the attitude of the tire.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a load-handling clamp mountable on a vehicle, the clamp having a pair of opposed load-engagement clamping surfaces capable of clamping opposite sides of different types and configurations of loads. At least one of the clamping surfaces is closeable toward the other clamping surface along a direction which extends substantially laterally across a direction of forward approach of the clamp toward the load. The control system is capable of generating a variable signal indicating a desired forward, vertical and/or lateral pre-engagement position of the clamp from which the clamping surfaces can correctly engage the load.

Abstract: A side lift spreader for handling empty containers, and method for adjusting a main frame of an inverted side lift spreader. The inverted side lift spreader comprises a main carriage connectable to a lifting device, movable along a front side of a mast of the lifting device, the main frame being carried by and sideways movable with respect to the main carriage, and main frame guiding means for guiding movement of the main frame with respect to the main carriage. The main frame guiding means comprises at least two links, one first portion of each link connected to the main frame and one second portion of each link connected to the main carriage. The second portions of the links are arranged at the main carriage at respective points of attachment which are located, in use of the spreader, at an opposite side of the mast compared to the front side.

Abstract: A control for a load-handling device including a gripper for handling a load and being connected to pressure controlled gripping, lifting and tilting actuators The control including a pressure-sensing actuator assembly, a gripping pressure regulator and pressure control assembly. The pressure-sensing actuator assembly being is placed in pressure communication with the lifting and tilting actuators. The gripping pressure regulator regulates the gripping pressure. The pressure control assembly includes interrelated movable members for interacting with the pressure-sensing actuator assembly and for acting on the gripping pressure regulator. The pressure-sensing actuator is adapted to sense the weight of the load from the pressure of the lifting and tilting actuators and to communicate this pressure to the pressure control assembly.

Abstract: A lift truck clamp arm assembly for engaging large cartons, which may contain large household appliances. Pivoting clamp pad support assemblies are adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad supported on the clamp arm assembly by attachment to the adjustable clamp pad support assembly, to provide desired pressure concentrations at selected parts of a carton to be gripped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jig unit for fixing a substrate and a substrate transfer apparatus including the same. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a jig unit for fixing a substrate including: a support part for supporting an edge-side lower portion of a substrate; a hinge part having a hinge formed at a predetermined height from an upper surface of the substrate supported to the support part and rotating so that a rotation range by the hinge applies a force to the edge side of the substrate beyond the range that vertically presses the upper surface of the substrate; and a substrate fixing part for fixing the substrate to the support unit flatly by applying tension to the edge side of the substrate simultaneously with pressing the upper surface of the substrate is provided.

Abstract: A lift truck clamp arm assembly for engaging large cartons, which may contain large household appliances. Pivoting clamp pad support assemblies are adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad supported on the clamp arm assembly by attachment to the adjustable clamp pad support assembly, to provide desired pressure concentrations at selected parts of a carton to be gripped.

Abstract: A gripping arm for a clamping attachment for a forklift has a load engaging inner arm including portions defining a load face. The inner arm is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the load face and pivots about a second axis normal to the first axis to engage and secure a load.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.

Abstract: A robot for handling rolls of web material, is disclosed. The robot includes an articulated arm (60), moving according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes and supporting a suction head (61A).

Abstract: A lifting system for shelves and store gondolas which provides for a gripping engagement of the upright posts of the frame of the shelving which supports the load on engaged shelves and products. The device features a dolly and extending members having an opening on distal ends to grip the post. Tapers on the members provide for deflection of any kickplates present. The dollies may be employed in a plurality around the shelf and engaged with connector bars between them for a unified movement of the dollies elevating the shelf.

Abstract: An apparatus such as an attachment for a skid steer used to remove and transport sidewalk segments may include a plurality of translating forks configured to drive into the ground surrounding the segment. The apparatus also may include a plurality of bearing surfaces for contacting and applying an upwardly directed force to the underside of the segment. Each of the forks may be tapered to slide into the ground more easily, and each bearing surface may be removably attached to the apparatus for easy repair or replacement. By limiting the amount of the apparatus that penetrates the ground to the plurality of forks, the apparatus provides a method of removing sidewalk segments that is quick and efficient, resulting in minimal disturbance to the ground and easier preparation for pouring a new sidewalk segment.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: A method for feeding a supply station of a packaging unit with a new reel of sheet packaging material comprises releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder to a support structure; coupling an end portion of new reel with holder connected, in turn, to support structure; carrying out on end portion at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion to a first edge of a terminated reel previously connected to packaging unit; moving new reel together with holder from support structure towards supply station; and releasably connecting a fixed part of supply station to holder together with new reel.

Abstract: A bale lifting device for the lifting, moving, and handling of cargo and/or bales of fibrous material such as hay. The bale lifting device having a pair of generally facing hydraulic cylinders configured for moving a pair of forks from a close inner position to a spaced apart outer position.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic grip-control unit provided with at least two gripping arms driven hydraulically to seize loads while cooperating with a striker arm of the grip with the control unit in use being connected hydraulically between a hydraulic fluid source under pressure and hydraulic cylinders each of which drives a gripping arm to form a closed supply circuit in which the source feeds fluid to the cylinders connected hydraulically in parallel and with the unit including a flow divider connected along said supply circuit between said source and said cylinders to apportion the flow of the circuit between the cylinders in parallel.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism that is particularly suited for use as an attachment to a skid steer loader or forklift. The clamping mechanism can grasp both regularly and irregularly shaped objects between a moving clamp and retractable paddles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial truck (10) having a load-receiving device (14) for the purpose of receiving a load (34), said load-receiving device (14) having a clamping device (23) in order to hold a clamping region (36) of the received load (34) in clamping engagement, the clamping device (23) having at least one clamping mechanism (24, 28) which can move between a clamping position and a release position, a drive arrangement (40), which is coupled to at least one of the clamping mechanisms (24, 28), for the purpose of moving the clamping mechanisms (24, 28) and an elastic device (42) which prestresses the clamping mechanisms (24, 28) towards one of the positions. With the industrial truck according to the invention, provision is made for the elastic device (42) to prestress the clamping mechanisms (24, 28) in the direction of the clamping position and to exert a clamping force on the clamping region (36) of the load (34) in the clamping position.

Abstract: A hydraulic force control system is disclosed for controlling the clamping force applied to a load by the clamp arms of a clamping attachment of a load-lifting vehicle to prevent the arms from over- or under-clamping the load. The system includes a force control circuit interposed between the vehicle's conventional hydraulic circuit and clamp cylinders of the attachment that operate the arms. When a manual control valve in the conventional circuit is moved to operate the clamp arms, a load sense cylinder in the control circuit lifts a load carriage of the attachment, causing the pressure side of the sense cylinder to sense the weight on the load carriage. Carriage movement actuates a sequence valve in the control circuit to hydraulically connect the pressure sides of said sense and clamp cylinders so that clamping force applied to a load by the clamp arms is proportionate to the weight of the load.

Abstract: A clamping plate assembly for movement laterally into and out of engagement with a load includes a main plate member which has front, rear, upper and lower edges. Along the lower edge of the main plate member, an auxiliary plate overlies a portion extending from the lower edge a predetermined distance toward the upper edge thereof, and is removably attached to the main plate member. A yieldable friction material then is over substantially the major portion of the auxiliary plate and the portion of the main plate member not covered by the auxiliary plate.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: A coil handling device for engaging a coil having a depth and an interior surface defining a diameter and defining a longitudinal axis, is configured to engage the coil with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically and reorient the coil to position the longitudinal axis horizontally. The handling device includes a transport assembly, a lift assembly and a manipulating assembly. The manipulating assembly is mounted to the lift assembly and includes a pair of spaced apart support arms and a pivoting carriage carried by the support arms. The carriage includes a locking arm for engaging the interior surface of the coil along the depth of the coil and a thrust lever including a bearing arm and a lever arm disposed at an obtuse angle to one another opposite the locking arm.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for supporting, moving, lifting, lowering, and/or tilting a workload is formed by an expandable base frame, a mast, a lifting assembly, a tilting assembly, and a translation assembly. The portable apparatus can be translated generally along a surface to a workload on the translation assembly. The workload can be positioned so that at least a portion of the workload is supported by the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly can lift the workload generally along the mast to a desired elevated position. Further, the tilting assembly can tilt the mast, and thus the workload, so that the workload can be lifted through an overhead opening to an elevated installation location.

Abstract: A device for handling containers, such as drums, is provided to facilitate holding a drum during drum handling by engaging the drum with a first clamping member and a second clamping member which can be selectively locked with a locking mechanism to facilitate the secure holding of the drum during handling by facilitating the maintenance of the drum in clamped engagement with the device.

Abstract: A coil handling device for engaging a coil having a depth and an interior surface defining a diameter and defining a longitudinal axis, is configured to engage the coil with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically and reorient the coil to position the longitudinal axis horizontally. The handling device includes a transport assembly, a lift assembly and a manipulating assembly. The manipulating assembly is mounted to the lift assembly and includes a pair of spaced apart support arms and a pivoting carriage carried by the support arms. The carriage includes a locking arm for engaging the interior surface of the coil along the depth of the coil and a thrust lever including a bearing arm and a lever arm disposed at an obtuse angle to one another opposite the locking arm.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a skid loader for lifting and transporting stacks of strapped blocks which includes a frame having an upper and lower horizontal bar, a pair of arms pivotally mounted with the upper bar which are in sliding engagement with the lower bar. A drive member is carried by the frame between the arms for moving the arms between a disengaged and an engaged position. A foot assembly which includes first and second legs and a grabber foot is connected with each of the arms. Each grabber foot includes a planar inner face and is pivotally mounted with a second leg to extend substantially perpendicularly of the associated arm with its inner face canting slightly upwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: The invention provides a cart for transporting elongated objects such as compressed gas cylinders and for moving the objects from a first surface having a first height to a second surface having a higher or lower second height. The cart is designed such that an object retainer which is pivotally mounted to the frame of the cart can be removably engaged with the object to be transported at a location which is at or near the center of gravity of the object. The cart of the invention can also comprise a height adjustable object retainer and a height adjustable object rest. The cart will be made movable by a moving means mounted on the base of the cart.