Abstract: A loading frame includes a rectangular u-shaped frame with an opening at one side, forks extendable and retractable between the closed side and the open side of the U-shaped frame, loading frame wheels on one arm of the U-shaped frame, and a truck interface on the other arm of the U-shaped frame. The loading frame wheels and truck interface support travel of the frame in a direction other than the direction of travel of the forks between the open and closed sides of the U-shaped frame.

Abstract: A fork-carriage apparatus for a lift truck and configured for pulling a load, including: (a) a mounting frame assembly; (b) a side shifter frame assembly slidably mounted to the mounting frame assembly; (c) a pivot frame assembly pivotably mounted to the side shifter frame assembly for translating therewith; (d) a fork assembly mounted to the pivot frame assembly for pivoting therewith; and (e) at least one load-pulling connector mounted to the pivot frame assembly and configured to connect the load to the fork-carriage apparatus for pulling the load.

Abstract: A swivelable adapter device used with skid steer loaders includes a mounting plate and a swiveling work tool plate for holding, rotating, and positioning skid steer attachments. Rotation about a longitudinal axis of skid steer arms is accomplished using a barrel within a barrel assembly allowing the work tool plate to be positioned from angles between horizontal and vertical. A mounting plate is attached to skid steer arms and is rigidly affixed to an inner barrel. An outer barrel with a notch plate and a work tool plate slides over a greased inner barrel. Swivel operation of the work tool plate is accomplished by hand, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems. Once positioned, the work tool plate is locked to a notch plate using a locking mechanism, such as a locking pin or locking latch. The device is reinforced with metal plates to handle torsion forces created by heavy loads.

Abstract: A pivot frame assembly pivotably mountable in a fork-carriage apparatus includes: (a) a lower cross member; (b) an upper cross member; (c) a pair of laterally spaced apart first and second side members connecting the upper and lower cross members; (d) a fork assembly mounting shaft supported by the first and second side members; and (e) a reinforced central support member laterally intermediate the first and second side members and connecting the upper and lower cross members.

Abstract: A device for use in lifting, transporting and installing sheet material has a base, wheels on which the base is supported, a mast that extends upwardly from the base, a carriage that is in engagement with the mast, a supporting head that is mounted to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism to provide support to the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the mast. The wheels include rear wheels that are connected to the rear of the base in a manner that permits steering of the device during movement across a surface, and a front wheel set that is connected to the front of the base. The front wheel set includes a wheel to each side of the device, and the wheels of the front wheel set are rotatable about a common axis. The connection of the mast to the base is such that the mast is rotatable relative to the base about a rotational axis. The device further has an actuator that is operable to change the angular position of the mast relative to the base.

Abstract: A fork-carriage apparatus for a lift truck includes: (a) a mounting frame assembly mountable to the lift truck for vertical movement; (b) a side shifter frame assembly slidably mounted to the mounting frame assembly; (c) a pivot frame assembly pivotably mounted to the side shifter frame assembly for translating therewith; (d) a fork assembly mounted to the pivot frame assembly for pivoting therewith; and (e) at least one load-pulling connector mounted to the pivot frame assembly and configured to connect a load to the fork-carriage apparatus for pulling the load.

Abstract: A lifting cart for assist in building construction processes using precast wall panels can include a panel handling mechanism coupled to a movable vehicle. The panel handling mechanism can include a clamping mechanism, a rotational mechanism, a linear mechanism, and a tilting mechanism. The movable vehicle can include two sets of wheels configured to move the vehicle in perpendicular directions. The lifting cart can handle the precast wall panels, from a wall panel package delivered to the construction site to the final location of the wall panels between beams of the building frame.

Abstract: A forklift linkage system (100) for movement has a levelling carriage assembly (110) movably contained within a channel assembly (120). A main long link pivotally connects to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a first pivot point (111) and a fork carriage assembly (150) at a second pivot point (151). A short link (140) pivotally connects near a midpoint (131) of the main long link (130) at a third pivot point (121) and at a fixed pivot point (121) relative to the channel (120), near a vertical offset position from the pivot point of the main long link (130) to the levelling carriage assembly (110) at a fourth pivot point (112).

Abstract: A load-bearing support is provided for an industrial truck, which can be fastened to another device. At least one load can be displaced horizontally in relation to the industrial truck and can be fastened in such a way that the load-bearing support can be tilted in vertical direction, wherein the area through which the driver of the industrial truck can see at a corresponding lifting height of a lifting carriage is maximized. The load-bearing support has a rear and a front part, wherein the front part of the load-bearing support has at least one upper holder and a lower holder for the at least one load and the two parts are connected to each other in such a way that the two parts can be rotated and laterally displaced.

Abstract: A swivelable adapter device for use with skid steer loaders consists of a mounting plate and a swiveling work tool plate for holding, rotating, and positioning various skid steer attachments. Rotation about a longitudinal axis of skid steer arms is accomplished using a barrel within a barrel assembly allowing work tool plate to be positioned from angles between horizontal and vertical. A mounting plate is attached to skid steer arms and is rigidly affixed to an inner barrel. An outer barrel with a notch plate and a work tool plate slides over a greased inner barrel. Swivel operation of the work tool plate is accomplished by hand eliminating the need for hydraulic systems. Once positioned, the work tool plate is locked to a notch plate using a locking latch. The swivelable adapter device is reinforced with metal plates to handle torsion forces created by heavy loads such as trees.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow carrier provides transportation and dumping from a connection to a standard trailer hitch or tractor three-point mount. A pivoting ramp is used to load the wheelbarrow and a locking mechanism locks the wheelbarrow foot in place and the ramp in an upward position, once the wheelbarrow has been rolled onto the ramp and the ramp has pivoted from a downward position to an upward level position. The ramp pivots once the wheel of the wheelbarrow has rolled past the pivot point sufficiently to tip the ramp. Once the wheelbarrow is locked in the upward (level) position, a motor is activated to rotate a boom to which the ramp is attached with respect to a frame that is connected to the vehicle mount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: An unloading vehicle for the rotary unloading of a container, able to be covered by a fixed cover, which has a container base with two fork pockets, with a frame on which a carrier, provided with a pair of fork prongs, is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running horizontally and parallel to the fork prongs. In order to be able to handle not only the container but also its cover by an unloading vehicle, a further carrier is provided above the rotatably arranged carrier, which is provided with a receiving arrangement for taking hold of the cover of the container, and is vertically adjustable and/or able to be swiveled up and down with respect to the framed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: An intermodal container tipping apparatus includes an upper support structure configured to be releasably mounted to a container transfer device, such as a reach stacker or crane, and a second support structure configured to be releasably mounted to an intermodal container. The lower supports structure includes at least one arcuate beam. The at least one arcuate beam attaches the lower support structure to the upper support structure. Movement of the at least one arcuate beam relative to the upper support structure causes tipping of the lower support structure and any load attached thereto while substantially maintaining a relative position of the center of gravity of the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: The invention is a device mounted on a forklift to provide the operator with information of the distance from the pallet load to the upright part of the fork/tines. The invention has a source of a range determining signal such as sonic waves but other signals such as infra red or radar waves may be used. The emitted signals hit the palletized goods and are reflected to a detector or sensor and processed. The range information is transferred to a distance display device. The range/distance between the upright part of forklift tines and the palletized load combined with knowledge of the length of floor parallel tines of the forks will provide information to prevent any excessive penetration of the pallet hollow which excessive penetration can cause damage to either truck trailer walls, warehouse structures, or other palletized loads.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a deck frame, a platform, and a trolley assembly mounted on the deck frame. The trolley assembly includes a drive nut, a motor for rotating the drive nut, and a drive screw threadably coupled to the drive nut so that rotation of the drive nut causes the platform and the drive motor to translate linearly in relation to the deck frame. The lift and carrier assembly also includes an arm assembly mounted on the trolley system and comprising a first and a second arm member, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the first and second arm members for moving the first and second arm members so that first and second arm members move the platform between an upper and a lower position in relation to the deck frame.

Abstract: A load handling operation control apparatus for an industrial vehicle, which has a load carrying apparatus provided movably on a vehicle body, is provided. A load carrying apparatus 2 is positioned with a load handling target 41, 42 according to its movement. A load handling control section 47 has a display device 28 and a detection device for detecting the position of the load handling target. A image control section 46 displays positioning information for supporting positioning of the load carrying apparatus 2 with respect to the load handling target 41, 42 on the display device 28 based on a positional detection result detected by the detection device.

Abstract: A load lock chamber and method for transferring large area substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a load lock chamber suitable for transferring large area substrates includes a plurality of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers. The configuration of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers contributes to reduced size and greater throughput as compared to conventional state of the art, dual slot dual substrate designs. Moreover, the increased throughput has been realized at reduced pumping and venting rates, which corresponds to reduced probability of substrate contamination due to particulates and condensation.

Abstract: A luggage storage structure for an automobile includes: a storage concave portion formed so as to project downward on a floor panel and capable of storing luggage, a plate member for approximately closing an upper part of the storage concave portion, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the plate member approximately up and down in an upper part of the floor panel. The luggage structure is securely protected by the plate member and the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fork-lift truck including a vehicle body which has rear wheels and a lift frame for load-carrying means, and including a wheel bearing means. For an increase in stability in standing of the fork-lift truck, a shifting or pivoting device interacting with the vehicle body is provided, which moves the wheel bearing means with respect to the vehicle body while varying the axle base and the distance of the load center from the front wheel.

Abstract: A forklift truck has a frame, a cab including a roof to protect the driver and a lift support structure connected to the frame. A load-carrying fork is mounted on the lift support structure for vertical movement and the lift support structure, the roof and the frame are all welded together to form a single load-bearing assembly.

Abstract: A lift and rotate dolly (10) functioning to allow a user to lift and rotate material (22) in situations where space is limited such as an elevator. The lift and rotate dolly (10) has a frame (12) which has a frame bed (12A) having a right-rear castor wheel (18RR), left-rear castor wheel (18LR), right-front castor wheel (18RF), and left-front castor wheel (18LF) mounted thereon. The lift and rotate dolly (10) further has a mast (14) securely mounted at a bottom distal end to the frame bed (12A). The mast (14) is vertically aligned and the frame bed (12A) is horizontally aligned forming a perpendicular angle therebetween. The mast (14) further has a mast slot (14A) positioned on a front side therein. The mast (14) further has at least one mast pulley (14F, 14R) rotatably mounted at a top distal end. The lift and rotate dolly (10) further has a lift (20) slidably mounted on the mast (14). The lift (20) comprises a lift pin (20) securely fastened at a front end to a lift plate (20B).

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: A loader attachment includes a frame with a pair of arms pivotally connected thereto and depending therefrom. A tine is pivotally mounted at the lower end of each arm, and projects forwardly from each arm. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the frame and the arms to selectively pivot the arms inwardly towards one another and outwardly away from one another. A parallelogram linkage is provided on each arm to maintain the orientation of the tine on the arm as each arm is pivoted. A drive linkage interconnects the two parallelogram linkages such that the tines maintain an orientation relative to one another as the arms are pivoted. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and the drive linkage to permit selective rotation of the tines in opposing directions on the lower ends of the arms.

Abstract: A fork lift truck includes a fork level sensor located in the forks, away from the vertical mast of a lift truck for detecting the true level of the forks, and a vision system including a camera which may take several forms. In one form, a single camera is mounted in a housing which may be moved to a protected location vertically either by sliding in the carriage assembly, or by use of a parallelogram device. In another form, multiple cameras are employed where a second camera may either mounted above the first camera in the same housing or mounted between the forks. Alternatively, the first camera may perform multiple roles by being moved vertically from a first predetermined location below the bottom of the forks to a higher elevation a second predetermined location relative to the forks.

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 method for handling conventional stacks of baked goods trays for the baking industry. A platen is moved underneath side-by-side stacks of trays. The platen supports the underside of the stacks of trays and prevents lateral movement of the bottom of the stacks by guiding the platen into channels that exist in the bottom of the trays. The platen is attached to an upright which is tiltable and which extends along one side of the baked goods trays when on the platen to support the stacks along their vertical height. Tilting of the upright causes the platen to lift and the trays to tilt against the upright where they are supported underneath and along the side and thus can be moved and handled. By utilizing the split platen and the tall tiltable upright with a motorized vehicle, an economical and efficient method of handing baked goods tray stacks is possible, eliminating significant manual labor and risk of worker injury.

Abstract: A manually movable lift truck having a base with a self-contained power plant therein and a column rising therefrom. The column includes a hollow post with a rotatable featureless shaft therein. A flexible chain has an outer end connected with a lift fork, and runs upwardly and then down into the interior of the post. Miter gears and a sprocket are mounted at the top of the post, and the chain runs over this sprocket. The portion of the chain between the sprocket and lift fork is the only active portion thereof, and the remaining portion remains loose and free.

Abstract: A drum handler is provided for manipulating drums of known dimensions. The handler includes a frame and carriage attached to the frame to move along a vertical line of travel. A lift drive is provided for moving the carriage along the line of travel. A drum engagement is carried on the carriage for movement therewith. The drum engagement member includes mechanism for gripping a drum. A rotary drive is provided for rotating the gripping member about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: A power-operated lift, adapted to be mounted in a vehicle trunk has linkage means for raising a load-supporting platform in a vertical direction. The platform can be manually moved in a horizontal direction to remove the load from the trunk. The platform can be pivoted about the frame to provide access to a wheel well beneath the lift. A reversible motor is connected to the linkage for either raising or lowering the platform with respect to the trunk floor.

Abstract: A fork lift truck includes a generally U-shaped frame having a pair of hydraulic driven wheels on the front end and a caster on the back end. A mast projects upwardly from the frame and is designed to move between the forward end of the vehicle and a retracted position behind the front wheels. A carriage is mounted on the forward end of the mast and reciprocates upwardly and downwardly on the mast in response to chains connected to a hydraulically driven piston which is mounted on the mast.

Abstract: A load carrying attachment has a supporting frame mounted on an elevationally movable carriage assembly mounted uprights of a lift mast and a load engaging frame having a load engaging device. A connecting device connects the load engaging frame to the supporting frame and guides the load engaging frame for movement in a preselected plane in directions transverse the uprights. The load engaging frame is freely transversely movable in the plane in response to an external force being applied to the load engaging frame and alleviates damage to the load engaging frame or a carried load due to misalignment with a transporter. A sensing device is provided for sensing the position of the load engaging frame and delivering a vehicle braking signal in response to the load engaging frame being at either a first or a second preselected transverse position. The load carrying attachment is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: In apparatus for transporting and storing bobbins, especially for removing them from automatic spinning machines, the bobbins are received and collected in an inclined collecting chute from a conveyor belt, are then brought into a horizontal arrangement as a result of the pivoting of the collecting chute, and are pushed in groups from the collecting chute into a transfer chute. A conveyor carrier belonging to a suspension conveyor and provided with at least one chute portion for receiving a group of bobbins is brought into a position adjacent to the transfer chute. The transfer chute is moved into a position located next to the chute portion of the conveyor carrier, and the bobbins are transferred into the chute portion of the conveyor carrier. The bobbins are subsequently moved into a desired target position by means of the conveyor carrier.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for closely connecting a lift mast assembly to a frame member of a work vehicle includes a first apparatus for pivotally connecting a first end portion of lift mast upright guide member to a first shaft, a second apparatus for connecting a first end portion of the first shaft to a first support flange and guiding the first shaft for slidable movement in directions substantially parallel to a wheel spindle axis, and a third apparatus for connecting a second end portion of the first shaft to the vehicle frame member and maintaining the first shaft from slidable axial movement relative to the first support flange. An arrangement for passing pressurized fluid to a location between the first end of the first shaft and a support flange second side is provided to force the first shaft from connection with the first support flange. The mounting arrangement is particularly suited for use on a fork lift truck.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cargo-handling vehicle equipped with a cargo-handling apparatus and having a single power plant adapted to commonly drive a hydraulic pump for driving and a hydraulic pump for cargo-handling. A driving command signal in the form of an analog or digital electric signal output from a driving operation device in response to the operated amount thereof is output to first conversion means. The first conversion means converts the driving command signal or the operated amount of the driving operation device to power plant revolution data for driving which is determined by the preset function, and then outputs the data to selection means. A cargo-handling command signal in the form of an analog or digital electric signal output from a cargo-handling operation device in response to the operated amount thereof is output to second conversion means.

Abstract: A method for loading a stack of filled cartons onto a transport vehicle includes lifting the cartons at the first station on a rotator lift truck and then rotating the cartons through an acute angle to cradle the cartons for carrying purposes. The cartons are then carried in their rotative position towards a second station, and again rotated to an upright position. The cartons are compressed at the second station and thereafter loaded onto the transport vehicle by a second lift truck. The rotator lift truck utilized for effecting the lifting, rotating, carrying and compressing steps includes a mast assembly mounted forwardly thereon and a rotator attachment mounted on the mast assembly for vertical movements and for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A main body of an industrial truck is formed with mounting bracket sections to which an instrument assembly and counterweight for a tractor and a mast assembly and counterweight for a forklift truck are selectively mountable, so that the industrial truck serves as the tractor and the forklift truck. Additionally, a top panel having an operator's seat is mounted on the main body in a manner to be turnable end for end in accordance with the intended purposes.

Abstract: A load rotating attachment for a lift truck provided with an elevating carriage has a back plate sub-assembly including an upright wall adapted to be secured to the carriage adjacent and forwardly thereof. A front plate sub-assembly has an upright wall juxtaposed to the back plate wall and pivotally mounted thereon for rotation relative thereto with the major planes of the walls in parallelism. An upright framework is fixed to and extends above the back plate wall and supports a hydraulic ram thereon. A fixed upright of the framework serves as a guide track for a movable guide having a roller arm with guide rollers supported thereon for tracking on the guide track. The piston rod of the ram is pivotally connected to a drive link which in turn is pivotally coupled between and to said movable guide and to the rotatable front wall for bodily travel and pivotal motion in a path extending partially around and radially offset from the pivotal mounting of the front and back walls. This produces a 180.degree.

Abstract: Container handlers comprise a plurality of double-acting hydraulic cylinders to effect the various side shift, twist lock, tilt, height adjustment, and spread modes of operation. Separate control valves and hoses, entrained over the mast assembly having the attachment thereon, are required to effect such functions selectively. This invention is directed to a programmed electro-hydraulic control circuit when reduces the required number of hoses to two and provides a non-complex system which can be operated expeditiously.

Abstract: An improved load-tilt attachment including a particular arrangement for rotating a receptacle carried on the front plate of the load-tilt attachment, the attachment being mountable on an upright for a vehicle. The improved attachment comprises a gear support means mounted in generally parallel alignment with a reciprocal moving means which is connected to a longitudinal gear section mounted on the linear gear support means for reciprocal movement.

Abstract: An internal fluid communication system in combination with a fluid operated power cylinder, such as that used on industrial lift trucks, in which a pair of tubular sections in telescopic relationship is disposed lengthwise within the power cylinder, forming a fluid passageway through the cylinder for transmitting fluid from one end of the cylinder to the other. The cylinder may be of either the ram or the cylinder and piston type. Two or more tubular sections may surround the first tubular section and form a plurality of parallel fluid passages passing through the power cylinder from one end to the other without communicating with the operating fluid in the cylinder. In the embodiment of the invention applicable to a cylinder and piston type hydraulic motor, one tubular section is disposed in the piston rod and the other tubular section passes through the piston and is in telescopic relationship with the tubular section in the piston rod.