Abstract: An automatically-guided, driverless vehicle for handling loads has a selectively openable and closeable load clamp. The clamp is equipped with various sensors for automatically sensing the load and other objects and surfaces surrounding the load, and controlling the movement of the clamp along a load-engaging direction, the vertical reciprocation of the clamp, and the opening and the closing of the clamp in response thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in grabbing a refuse container such that the container can be emptied into a refuse collection truck. The grabbing apparatus includes a pair of opposed articulated grabbing arms which have the capability of securely grabbing containers of substantially different sizes without crushing or otherwise damaging those containers.

Abstract: Apparatus attachable to the front end of a vehicle having a lifting apparatus for moving a load vertically, in which a pair of arms are each pivotably mounted on a main carrier which is rotatable about a horizontal transverse axis, for holding a cargo container chassis by engaging its longitudinal frame members, to raise and carry the chassis and to overturn it to an inverted position by rotation of the main carrier about the horizontal transverse axis, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. The attachment is used to stack or unstack cargo container chassis to reduce the amount of container yard space necessary for parking chassis not in use. The load-carrying arms include fixed and movable jaws to help hold the chassis. Only one load-carrying arm can move at a time, and only when the main carrier is in a safe position. The attachment is hydraulicly driven and may include its own engine or receive pressurized fluid from the vehicle on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A clamp attachment for use on a lift truck having a body adapted to be mounted on a lift truck which includes a plurality of elongate spaced parallel guides. Each guide supports a longitudinally movable slide connected to a load clamp and actuated by piston and cylinder assembly. The slides are reduced in weight by being tubular members and a solid heel support member is positioned in the outer end of each of the tubular members for providing strength. The heel support fills the cross-sectional area of the tubular slide. A heel plate which is connected to and supports a load clamp is bolted to the slide and heel support. The heel extends a distance into the end of the slide sufficient to reduce the stress concentration through a cross section containing a bolt to less than the stress concentration in the tubular slide alone. The solid heel support member is of a higher breaking strength than the tubular slide.

Abstract: An attachment for lift trucks to enable the truck to work in narrow aisles and manipulate loads in front of and to both sides of the truck without turning the truck. A side shifter which includes a pair of parallel moving arms for supporting the load in which the arms are pivotally supported from a track intermediate the ends of the arms. The side shifter retracts within the width of the truck, but extends beyond the sides of the truck for handling loads.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tread, such as a tank or earth moving equipment tread, into a roll for transport. First and second support members are mounted on a vehicle, such as a forklift truck. A blade having an inclined, tapered front portion is movably mounted on one of the support members and releasably engages the opposite support member to engage the tread and urge the end of the tread into a roll as the vehicle is moved over the tread. A roller is mounted between the support members rearward of the blade to urge the end of the tread into a roll. Pins mounted on the support members are movable into the center of the tread roll to support the roll above the ground for transport. Lock means are provided for the pins in either of the first or second positions.

Abstract: A carton clamp having a frame adapted to be mounted on a materials-handling machine, especially an automatically guided vehicle, includes clamp arms coupled directly together, independently of the frame, by motor-driven screw-type linear actuators which selectively open and close the arms. A centering assembly coupled to each clamp arm corrects for any imbalance of clamp arm speeds relative to the frame which may occur due to the fact that the screw actuators are free to move relative to the frame. The direct interconnection of the clamp arms by the screw actuators effectively doubles the clamping force which would otherwise be obtainable if the actuators were fixed to the frame.

Abstract: The wheeled frame remaining after removal of the detachable cargo container, is gripped by clamping mechanism of a carrying unit mounted on a tractor or lift truck, then elevated above the ground and pivoted from its normal horizontal disposition to vertical position, and then transported to a multiple storage unit where it is deposited and retained in the vertical position removably in one of a plurality of compartments making up the storage unit. A plurality of such wheeled frames may be stored in this manner by deposit in successive ones of the compartments, and they are removed from the compartment in the reverse order of deposit.

Abstract: A clamping attachment with a hydraulically actuated pivoting long arm and a pivoting short arm. The hydraulic actuators are connected in parallel where both arms move simultaneously inwardly until one arm contacts a load and stops and the second arm will continue inwardly. A biasing valve insures that the long arm opens first before the short arm opens. The long arm is actuated by first and second crank links to provide maximum force at the open position. The short arm is pivotally connected closer to the center line of the frame than the long arm allowing the long arm to be positioned in the maximum force position, allows positioning of the load close to the frame center line and reduces travel of the long arm. A swivel connection in the hydraulic control system prevents operation of any arm in the down position. The frame of the clamp is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A clamp attachment for use on a lift truck having a plurality of slides movable in vertically spaced parallel guides with first and second load clamps connected to the slides and actuated by first and second piston and cylinder assemblies. A ball and socket support supports each of the assemblies from the body for automatically aligning the assemblies for reducing shock load and binding of the assemblies. The supports are limited from rotating about their longitudinal axis. The piston end of the assemblies is removable for easily maintenance while the cylinder remains on the attachment. A front openable hydraulic compartment is positioned in front of the assemblies for simplifying maintenance and for reducing the thickness of the attachment.

Abstract: A roll clamp for handling of rolls or other loads carried by a lift truck. The clamp includes a rotator having a rear base plate for being mounted upon the lift mast of the truck, permitting it to be raised or lowered to a vertical position. A frame is gimballed to the rotator front plate. Extending forwardly from the clamp assembly is a pair of clamp arms which are swingably disposed, or pivot relative to the frame for closing and opening by movement toward and away from each other. The rotator rotates the frame relative to the mast about a clamp rotation axis. Hydraulic cylinders selectively open and close the arms, which have clamp pads at their distal ends for engaging the load surfaces. The rotator base plate carries a swash ring defining a plane skewed relative to the axis of clamp rotation.

Abstract: A commodity retrieval and storage arrangement which includes shelves for storing a plurality of like configured commodities. A movable carriage is vertically and horizontally displaceable along the shelves and carries apparatus for engagement with the commodity selected, apparatus for transferring the selected commodity to the carriage and apparatus for securely holding the selected commodity to the carriage. After transfer of the commodity to the carriage, the carriage may be moved to a commodity processing area.

Abstract: A rectangular frame is mounted on the mast of a conventional forklift. The frame extends outwardly from the front of the mast and includes a gear mounted thereon. First and second arm pairs depend from the gear and are rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the frame. Each arm pair includes two axially aligned elongate members mounted for movement both away from and toward one another. A grasping element is mounted on the end of each member for grasping opposing sides of a bin when the elongate members move toward one another.

Abstract: A fluid power system for actuating three separately controllable double acting fluid motors each selectively providing a separate function in which the number of hydraulic lines to the motors is minimized. A first function valve supplies power to the first motor and a second function valve provides power to a selector valve which selectively connects the power to the second and third motors. The selector valve is pilot actuated from one of the lines to the first motor and a control valve supplies power to the one line for actuating the selector valve. The system is particularly useful for a lift truck for minimizing the number of hydraulic lines connected to the motors on the carriage of the truck.

Abstract: A lift truck rotatable paper roll handling clamp of the pivoted arm type for clamping paper rolls of varying diameters and shifting the position of the roll relative to the lift truck between a position of unequal extension, wherein the forward end of one clamp arm extends a greater distance forwardly than the forward end of the other clamp arm, and a position of equal extension wherein the forward ends of the clamp arms extend a substantially equal distance forwardly of the lift truck. The clamp has a rotatable frame upon which a subframe is mounted by a first pivotal connection for selective tilting of the subframe relative to the rotatable frame. Mounted upon the subframe are a pair of clamp arms, each being pivotally connected to the subframe at spaced pivotal connections located on either side of the first pivotal connection. One clamp arm is longer than the other, and pivots with respect to the subframe through a greater maximum angle than does the other arm.

Abstract: A lift truck load clamp, for handling cylindrical loads such as paper rolls, having an automatically adjustable load positioner extending between the clamp arms which moves forwardly in response to closure of the clamp arms and rearwardly in response to opening thereof to assist the lift truck operator in positioning the clamp arms with respect to rolls of different diameters such that the contact pads of the clamp arms automatically grip such differently-sized rolls in diametrically-opposed relation. The load positioner is particularly adapted for use with clamps wherein both clamp arms are movable with respect to a clamp frame, because each end of the positioner is separately movable forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the frame in response to movement of the respective adjacent clamp arm.

Abstract: The installation is of the type comprising a warehouse providing rows and columns of container-receiving cells opening at one end into a passageway accommodating a horizontally and vertically displaceable loading- and unloading unit. The floor section of each cell comprises a pair of longitudinal rails (4) inclined towards the passageway at a slope of 2-4%. The container (C) is handled by devices engaging its four lower corner blocks (18) so as to minimize the effects of stresses on the container structure during handling and storage. One end of the container is deposited onto a trolly (31) freely rolling on the rails. The other end is manoeuvred by a power-actuated carriage (14) rolling on an elevator platform (5) and is deposited onto supports (30) projecting upwardly from the lower end portions of the rails. (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A commodity retrieval and storage apparatus which includes shelves for storing a plurality of like configured commodities. A movable carriage is vertically and horizontally displaceable along the shelves and carries apparatus for engagement with the commodity selected, apparatus for transferring the selected commodity to the carriage and apparatus for securely holding the selected commodity to the carriage. After transfer of the commodity to the carriage, the carriage may be moved to a commodity processing area.

Abstract: A parallel arm clamp assembly having longitudinally-movable elongate slide members mountable transversely on the front of a lift truck and attaching members for connecting relatively narrow opposing clamp arms to the ends of the slide members so as to extend perpendicular thereto. Each slide member has an elongate rear portion longitudinally mounted within a slide guide and a longitudinally-extending elongate front portion external of the respective guide protruding forwardly therefrom, the elongate front portions of the respective slide members intersecting a common plane extending vertically and longitudinally with respect to the slide members. The clamp arm attaching members each have a pair of legs formed monolithically and homogeneously into a single member with the legs oriented at substantially a 90.degree. angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: A drum lifter comprises a base including a pair of parallel spaced fork tubes adapted for receiving at one end and positioning over a pair of vertically adjustable forks of a lift truck. A support plate spans the other ends of the tubes and mounts thereover a transverse support pipe with spaced stops thereon. A pair of spaced sleeves are mounted upon the pipe between the stops, each sleeve having an upright jaw support plate secured thereto. A pair of laterally spaced opposed arcuate drum-engaging jaws project forwardly from the sleeves and are pivotally mounted upon the jaw support plates for rotation upon vertical axes. A stop plate is mounted on and extends laterally outward of each jaw and is engageable with the support plate when the jaws are in a horizontal position for holding the jaws to operatively clamp a drum therebetween.

Abstract: An ingot grab apparatus comprising a pair of grab legs supported for general horizontal movement toward and away from one another. A grip point is associated with each leg and is mounted on its respective leg for movement along an incline extending downwardly and inwardly and upwardly and outwardly. The grip points generally face one another for engagement with the side surfaces of an ingot such that when the legs are moved toward one another to engage an ingot and the carrier is elevated, the grip points are forced downwardly and inwardly into the ingot.

Abstract: Lifting gear for a filled sack comprises a pair of clamping bars between which the gathered and flattened mouth portion of the sack can be clamped after the mouth portion has been slung thereabout. The bars are in the form of parallel cantilever arms and rotatable about an axis parallel thereto, one of the bars also being displaceable to and from the other bar while remaining parallel thereto.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit especially for use with multi-function hydraulic devices, such as for industrial lift truck attachments, in which a combination of valve means are adapted to operate two or more hydraulic systems, the valve system being designed such that a minimum number of hydraulic conduits are required to connect the main hydraulic system to the hydraulic devices, as from a lift truck to an attachment supporting carriage on a lift truck upright, and no electric lines are required to be connected to switching devices between the hydraulic devices, such as to solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: A load-handling clamp for lift trucks having load-engaging, nonresilient contact pad surfaces specially textured for resisting slippage of the load variably depending on direction of slip. Each load-engaging surface of the contact pads is constructed of a nonresilient material, preferably metal, in which is formed a series of spaced parallel grooves, each having beveled longitudinal edges and lands therebetween, extending generally parallel to the direction of travel of the lift truck. The provision of the grooves and their orientation with respect to the lift truck provide a load-engaging surface having minimal resistance to slippage between pad and load in the direction of travel of the lift truck during engagement of the load by the clamp, but much greater resistance to slippage perpendicular to the grooves for holding the load. In addition, the surface is exceptionally resistant to wear and to clogging with bits of paper or cardboard from the loads handled.

Abstract: A slide structure for lift truck mounted parallel arm clamps, fork positioners and the like. A slide guide frame adapted to be mounted on the load carriage of the lift truck carries a plurality of elongate, transversely movable horizontal slide members for mounting opposed, openable and closable load arms. Each slide member has an elongate rear portion extending along the length thereof which fits inside a respective guide, and an elongate front portion, also extending substantially along the length of the slide member, which is always external of the guide and to which the clamp arm or other load arm may be attached directly.

Abstract: A fluid power system having a source of pressurized fluid serving a plurality of separately controllable double-acting fluid motors. A network of selectively operable control valves and hydraulic lines serving the motors is provided, selective ones of the lines being operatively jointly connected to one another and to the control valves in such a way as to reduce the number of hydraulic lines serving the motors to less than the normal number while retaining the separate controllability of the motors. Several different embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A lift truck-mounted load clamp for handling paper rolls having selectively openable and closeable opposing clamp arms with elongate, arcuate, concave contact pads hingedly connected to the forward ends of the respective clamp arms. Each contact pad is provided with exceptionally compact, durable restraints which limit the hinged movement of the respective pad, such restraints each comprising a cable having a swaged-on eye at one end pivotally connected to the contact pad and a swaged-on ferrule at the other end which is slidably contained within a yoke mounted on the clamp arm. A pair of such restraints are provided for each respective contact pad, the restraints being located exterior of each longitudinal edge of the clamp arm rather than interior thereof.