Comprising Device On Carrier To Move Or Carry Load Laterally Thereto Or Therefrom Patents (Class 414/659)
  • Patent number: 11440782
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a material sorting system adapted to engage a material handling vehicle. The material sorting system can include a base including fork pockets adapted to receive a pair of forks from the material handling vehicle and a carousel assembly coupled to the base. The carousel assembly can include a plurality of storage units, and an actuation mechanism configured to move the plurality of storage units relative to the base. The base can also include at least one electrical contact within the base and in electrical communication with the carousel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Fernando D. Goncalves, John Bryant Kirk, Keith F. Dolezel, Joseph A. Weiss, Abdulhameed Al-Shaebi
  • Patent number: 11402847
    Abstract: An article transportation method, comprising: controlling an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to move to a bottom of a target article, the target article being an article to be moved; determining an offset distance between a critical position of the AGV and a critical position of the target article; controlling the AGV to perform position adjustment according to the offset distance until a central position of the AGV corresponds to a central position of the target article; and controlling the AGV to lift the target article at a current position and move the target article. A terminal and a computer-readable storage medium are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Bingyan Xu
  • Patent number: 10822010
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter is a bi-directional adjustable roller lift apparatus and a method of use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventors: Hugh Brown, Tatum Brown
  • Patent number: 10647514
    Abstract: A transport robot having a loading device (16-19) and loading arms for loading and unloading items to be transported (13) on the transport robot, wherein the item to be transported (13) is stored in a high-bay storage shelving (12) at the side of the direction of travel for the transport robot, and the loading device (16-19) is driven in a displaceable manner, and can be guided over at least one of the two sides of the outer contour of the transport robot, and can be brought into contact with the item to be transported (13), wherein the loading device (16-19) is formed by at least one loading arm (7, 8; 17, 18), designed as a longitudinal conveyor (6) for gripping under the bottom surface of the item to be transported (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Heron Innovations Factory GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Beer
  • Patent number: 8087868
    Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type suitable for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the forklift truck comprising a u-shaped chassis (3) having a vertical mast (17) mounted thereon. The vertical mast carries a side shift mechanism (21), the side shift mechanism comprising a fixed carriage (23) with a movable carriage (25) slidably mounted thereon. A pair of fluid actuated rams (27, 29) is provided to slide the movable carriage (25) laterally relative to the fixed carriage (23). A rotating cylinder (49) is provided to rotate a pair of forks (19) mounted on the movable carriage. The configuration achieves greater side shift without the use of rollers or chains and permits the use of a rotating cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Turnbull, Barry McGrane
  • Publication number: 20110318152
    Abstract: An elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hisashi Kyotani
  • Patent number: 7954602
    Abstract: A lift apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, a lift apparatus may comprise a support frame and a platform movably coupled to the support frame. Further, the platform may comprise at least one roller and a transmission connected to the at least one roller of the assembly, wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes the platform to move relative to the support frame. In another aspect of the present invention, a lift apparatus may include a telescoping platform. The present invention also contemplates a method of moving a wheelchair lift. Particularly, a wheelchair may be positioned such that at least one wheel of the wheelchair contacts a drive mechanism of a platform or a telescoping platform that are positioned at an initial position. Further, the at least one wheel of the wheelchair may be rotated to cause the platform or the telescoping platform to move relative to their initial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Stanislao
  • Publication number: 20110058918
    Abstract: A conveyance system and method for delivering at least one component of a windmill to a location is provided. The system is provided with a transporter and a transfer system. The transporter is positionable adjacent a base at the location. The transfer system is provided with a plurality of rails, a support and at least one slider. The rails are positionable on the base and the transporter. The support has a first portion of the rails of the transporter thereon. The support is positionable along a second portion of the rails on a surface of the transporter, and slidably movable between a retracted and an extended position whereby the support is selectively positionable adjacent the base. The slider carries the component(s) of the windmill. The slider is slidably movable along the rails of the transporter and the base whereby the component(s) is/are slidably transferrable between the transporter and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO. L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean Allen Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110027055
    Abstract: A cradle for supporting and installing a rolled curtain door comprises rollers configured to support, and permit rolling, of a rolled curtain door thereon. Extensions with rollers permit the cradle to support rolled curtain doors of varying length. A motor may be connected to the rollers to assist in rotating the door. The cradle may be mounted on the tines of a fork on a lifting device. A lift assembly having a tower and base may be attached to the cradle for manually positioning, and mechanically elevating the cradle and door when installing the door. The tower is extended by a piston-and-cylinder unit. A winch motor and cable, or a boom hoist attached to the tower may be used to load a door onto the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Charles L. NUNLEY
  • Publication number: 20100322752
    Abstract: An article transporting apparatus includes a traveling carriage adapted to run along a travel rail, a pair of front and rear lift guide masts mounted on the traveling carriage to be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other at upper ends thereof by an upper frame, a lift adapted to vertically move along the pair of front and rear lift guide masts, and an article transfer device provided in the lift, wherein one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts includes a plurality of posts mounted upright to be spaced apart from each other and a plurality of diagonal members for connecting the adjacent posts to each other, the one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts having a horizontal section area greater than that of the other of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ueda, Takashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 7841822
    Abstract: A manipulator for use with a lift truck includes a guide assembly mountable on a mast of a lift truck, a carriage assembly supported for movement along the guide assembly, and an arm assembly mounted on the carriage assembly for supporting a lift truck attachment such as a clamping apparatus. The arm assembly may include two arms pivotable with respect to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The manipulator can move a load in a widthwise direction of a lift truck and between opposite widthwise sides of a lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward Tygard
  • Publication number: 20100172728
    Abstract: A mast extends downward of the upper surface of a lower frame, guide portions that are capable of moving by sliding on a wall surface of the mast are plurally arranged in the elevating/lowering direction of the elevating/lowering portion, a lower frame is provided with a guide portion movement region A that enables movement of the lowermost guide portion among the guide portions to move downward of the upper surface of the lower frame. According to the present invention, it is possible to space apart the guide portions without lowering the storage efficiency of cargoes in an automated warehouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Amada
  • Patent number: 7618224
    Abstract: This invention is an oblique fork or channel parallel moving transfer system especially for lift or stacker vehicles for storage and retrieval of containers such as automobile parking pallets, racks, parts boxes, etc. on storage shelves, platforms or racks including those having a plurality of tiers for storing the containers. It can serve as a parking garage, warehouse or other storage-retrieval system. The lift vehicle has a lift or fork bed with one or more oblique channels or forks extended to engage a line of rollers or cooperating slide member on the container to move the container out from the tier and support it when the vehicle is engaged and moved parallel to the facing side of the tier. The vehicle lifts and lowers and rolls along an aisle for transfer to and from racks on either or both sides. Two cooperating lifts columns are at opposite corners farthest from the channel for transfer clearance to and from either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard D. Barry
  • Publication number: 20090162176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stacker crane (10) having at least one mast (12), a lift truck (14) movable along mast (12) and a load lifting means (16), located on lift truck (14), for moving a storage object (34) substantially perpendicular to mast (12). According to the invention the stacker crane (10) has at least one device (38, 40) for detecting a position of the storage object (34) in bay (48) during the supply of storage object (34) from load lifting means (16) to a storage location in bay (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Ralf Link, Peter Lambeck, Bernhard Breitenbach
  • Publication number: 20090022574
    Abstract: A wafer loading system accommodates sufficient wafer carriers to substantially maximize the processing speed capability of wafer processing systems. Wafer carriers are placed into and removed from the loading system by one or two overhead carrier loading elements, such as overhead track systems. Carriers may be loaded or removed while other carriers are in work. One or more transfer robots may move wafers from the carriers to buffers. Methods of operating the loading system allow delivery and removal of wafers to and from the processing systems to meet or exceed the processing speeds of the processing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Steve L. Eudy, Randy A. Harris, Paul Z. Wirth
  • Patent number: 7090457
    Abstract: A portable lift (10) for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment (12) into a storage cabinet (14) broadly comprises a frame (16) operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet (14); a trolley (18) for supporting the computer-related equipment (12); and a winch assembly (20). The frame (16) is operable to fold into a plurality of portions (28,30,32) for easy storage within a carrying unit (22). The trolley (18) includes a tray (126) on which the computer-related equipment (12) may be placed. The winch assembly (20) includes a winch (166), a plurality of pulleys (168,170,172), and a plurality of cable portions (180,182,184) that in operation are operable to vertically move the tray (126) within the frame (16) for positioning of the equipment (12) in the storage cabinet (14). The portable lift (10) is lightweight, easy-to-use, and may be assembled and disassembled by one user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Celeritas Technologies
    Inventor: Tony Martin
  • Patent number: 7001131
    Abstract: A forklift (1) of the type adapted to be transported on a carrying vehicle comprising a wheeled chassis (6) on which are mounted a pair of platform engaging load rest supports (15). The load rest supports (15) comprise a pair of spaced-apart upright bars (20) which have a contact surface for engagement at Y of a platform (2). The forklift truck (1) also has a mast (8) carrying extendable forks (9) to allow a load (3) to be placed on and removed from an extended position across the platform. The load rest support (15) allows the mast (8) to be tilted and if the mast (8) can also be side-shifted, then it can be side-shifted without interference with the platform (2). This further prevents tilting of the forklift (1) in the direction of the arrow A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 6877945
    Abstract: A forklift has a travelling carriage, a straddle arm disposed on the travelling carriage, a mast disposed on the straddle arm to be reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction, a fork disposed on the mast to be movable up and down, and a cover disposed on the travelling carriage. When the mast is in a reach-in operation, the cover covers at least an upper side of an article supported by the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Yusoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ando, Toshio Wada, Kazuhiro Fujikawa, Tomohiro Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6655900
    Abstract: A skid loader attachment for increasing the versatility and ease of use of the skid loader. The skid loader attachment includes a frame assembly having a base portion. The base portion is designed for coupling to booms of a skid loader. The frame assembly has a plurality of tines. The tines forwardly extend from the base portion of the frame assembly opposite the skid loader. A plurality of arm assemblies are coupled to the base portion of the frame assembly. Each of the arm assemblies are articulated such that each of the arm; assemblies is positionable with respect to the frame assembly. Each of the arm assemblies are adapted for being operationally coupled to the skid loader such that articulation of each of the arm assemblies is controlled by an operator of the skid loader. The arm assemblies are adapted for facilitating manipulation of materials engaged by said frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Knutson
  • Publication number: 20030118430
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating an ordered stack of bags is herein disclosed. A stack apparatus according the present invention comprises a stacking conveyor mounted within a framework constructed and arranged such that the stacking conveyor is moveable vertically and laterally with respect to the framework. The stacking conveyor is moveable between a bag receiving position in which a filled bag is deposited on the input end of the conveyor and any one of a number of vertically and laterally predefined stacking positions in which the stacking conveyor conveys the filled bag onto a stack. The present invention may have a self adjusting supply conveyor secured directly thereto to obviate the need to return to a distinct bag receiving position. In addition, the stacking apparatus may be used in conjunction with a moveable skid for stacking bags in locations remote from the stacking apparatus, or may be constructed and arranged from movement directly to a location where bags are to be stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Robert G. Braaten, Kurt Bernard Snaza
  • Patent number: 6390763
    Abstract: A lift truck sideshifting carriage has an upper transverse slide guide with an upwardly-protruding first lip for slidably supporting an upper transversely-extending slide of a sideshifting frame. The sideshifting frame has a second upwardly-protruding lip for supporting the load-handling implement of the lift truck. The slide guide has a transversely-extending reinforcing portion which protrudes forwardly from beneath a forwardly-facing surface of the first lip, and extends throughout at least a major portion of the transverse length of the slide guide. A sideshifting motor, for moving the sideshifting frame transversely with respect to the slide, is mounted to the slide guide externally beneath the reinforcing portion of the slide guide. The forwardly-protruding reinforcing portion of the slide guide and the upwardly-protruding first lip of the slide guide are formed monolithically and homogeneously as a single member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn Prentice
  • Patent number: 5967740
    Abstract: A device for transporting objects to a destination has the aim of providing an economical and simplified design of a technical solution for transferring containers in an ergonomic manner such that the operating processes are substantially facilitated. A transfer mechanism contains, on a vertically adjustable platform, a carrier for the object to be transported, which carrier can be extended horizontally in the direction of the destination. There is provided a compulsory linking of the vertical adjustment of the platform and the horizontal adjustment of the carrier and a shared driving element is provided for both adjustments. The device is used for the transport of objects in semiconductor fabricating plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Jenoptik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John Pflueger, Lawrence R. Gravell
  • Patent number: 5964562
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging articles with an article holder includes a vertical mast having a vertical mast axis and a shuttle ring assembly. The shuttle ring assembly has a central aperture surrounding the mast and is coupled to the mast to allow the shuttle ring assembly to be translated vertically along the mast through multiple heights between a lower height and an upper height. The shuttle ring assembly includes a rotary member coupled to the mast to be rotated through multiple orientations about the mast axis. The rotary member includes multiple article-holding fixtures, angularly spaced from each other about the mast axis. The multiple orientations include a respective exchange orientation for each of the article-holding fixtures. The rotary member can be positioned in any one of the exchange orientations so that a selected one of the article-holding fixtures is in an associated exchange position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Computer Aided Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clay Bernard, II, Martin L. Wisecarver, Richard A. Baldwin, William A. Pearson, Frank P. Steblaj
  • Patent number: 5868544
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo loader is provided including a platform having a plurality of rollers for supporting cargo thereon. A base member is disposed below the platform and a plurality of telescoping jacks are disposed between the platform and the base member for lifting the platform. A supply of pressurized gas is connected to the plurality of telescoping jacks. An automatic load balancing system is provided for balancing the load on the platform. The cargo loader is designed to be lightweight and portable so that it can be loaded onto the aircraft and transported therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Cox
  • Patent number: 5622469
    Abstract: There is provided an improved blade for a fork lift truck, the blade helping to prevent damage to pallets or other objects. The blade includes a freely rotatable member mounted at the distal end of the blade, the rotatable member being mounted to at least partially protrude beyond the distal end and the member being rotatable about an axis which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Heinz Weber
  • Patent number: 5586620
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Ned E. Dammeyer, Todd M. Fullenkamp, Harold A. Stammen
  • Patent number: 5553990
    Abstract: Wheelchair lift (10) includes a platform (12) mounted on a carriage (14) for vertical travel between the ground and an elevated location along a mast structure (16) through the use of a linear, lift actuator (18). Platform (12) includes an upper main section (20) and a lower movable section (22) that is horizontally extendible and retractable by a linear, platform actuator (24). The actuators (18) and (24) are cooperatively interconnected with and controlled by a power system (28) so that platform (12) is raised to a desired height before the movable section (22) is extended, and conversely the movable section (22) is fully retracted before the platform (12) is allowed to lower to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: David Kytola, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5516255
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Edward Tygard
  • Patent number: 5468116
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: RTI Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Reichert, Donald Beuch
  • Patent number: 5460475
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine including a multi-reach shuttle including six overlaid plate assemblies supported for extension and retraction relative to each other by intervening sets of rollers. The rollers are arranged to maximize the range of extension of each plate assembly relative to a preceding plate assembly so that fewer plate assemblies are required to achieve a desired reach. Also, the rollers are positioned to provide an increased number of rollers at primary load bearing positions and fewer rollers at secondary load bearing locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: H. K. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Lloyd, LaMar A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5297917
    Abstract: A method of remote control of a mobile carriage including at least one transmit and receive antenna for movement into an underground gallery connected to the surface by a shaft provided with an elevator for effecting deep storage of radioactive wastes. The method involves fitting the site with a plurality of waveguides from a control station which includes a signal generator and a signal receiver and being situated on the surface. The plurality of waveguides are disposed with at least one first waveguide at the surface extending from the control station to the entrance to the shaft. At least one second waveguide is disposed along the shaft and connected at its top end to the first waveguide. At least one third waveguide is disposed along the gallery and connected to the second waveguide in the vicinity of the entrance to the gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: ACB
    Inventor: Gerard Freneix
  • Patent number: 5217343
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a fork lift truck wherein a side shifting carriage is slidably supported on horizontal bearing bars that are directly attached to the upright of the lift truck. Lifting bars secure the bearing bars together and carry load roller bearings supported in the guide slots of the uprights. A hydraulic motor anchored to the bearing bar assembly at one end and the carriage at the other controls horizontal sliding of the carriage relative to the bearing bars. The interfitting arrangement of the bearing bars in the carriage reduces the load moment arm, reduces the weight requirement, and provides the operator with greater visibility as compared to prior side shift carriage mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Swingshift/Brudi Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Bostad, Alan Johnson, Emmett Frison
  • Patent number: 5156513
    Abstract: This invention consists of an assembly and apparatus for handling clothes on hangers, and more exactly of an apparatus able of moving clothes or the like from one place to another inside a factory or a warehouse, following instructions that could be provided by an external computer. The apparatus includes basically an autoguided vehicle, a manipulator of two degrees of freedom and a clamp, movable in four degrees of freedom, being all the aforementioned elements specifically designed for controlled handling clothes on hangers. When applied in a factory, a set of apparatus like this one of the invention, communicated with the proper computer, could automate the operations and the internal management of the warehouse or workshop (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Investronica, S.A.
    Inventors: Mario A. Galan, Fernando D. Zorita, Juan C. Cristos
  • Patent number: 4993906
    Abstract: A green tire feed system provided between the forming process and the vulcanizing process in a tire manufacturing installation. This green tire feed system comprises pallets, each adapted to be charged with green tires, pallet loading tables disposed respectively in front of the respective vulcanizing machines installed in a row, shelves disposed in opposition to the pallet loading tables, a stacker crane adapted to travel through a passageway formed between a row of the pallet loading tables and a row of the shelves, a station for receiving pallets sent from forming machines and from the pallet loading tables, and control devices for controlling the stacker crane. The stacker crane is controlled by the control means to transport a pallet charged with green tires form the station to the shelves and from the shelves to the pallet loading table, and to transport an empty pallet from the pallet loading table to the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichiro Nisimura, Toshifumi Hata, Kenji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4876785
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for removing and reinserting a fireplace insert into a hearth cavity for purposes of cleaning the cavity and its associated chimney, and for initially installing a fireplace insert. The apparatus includes a pair of parallel rails with a track disposed along the inward sides, a tray with wheels for moving along the track, and rollers for conveying an insert onto the tray, and support means for adjusting the height of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Roberts H. Driggers
  • Patent number: 4755100
    Abstract: An operating control system for a lift truck controlled from a single multi-function operator hand control which is located and designed for improved operator comfort, convenience, simplicity and to reduce operator fatigue. The sole hand control for directional and speed control and the operation of all hydraulic functions of the truck related to the handling of loads is recessed in a compartment adjacent one side of the truck and supported from a control shaft which extends forwardly, leftwardly and downwardly and along which the control handle may be pushed or pulled linearly to control all such hydraulic truck functions. The grip handle is rotatable to control direction and speed of the truck. Switch controls are located conveniently adjacent the one end of the rotatable grip handle for selecting a variety of hydraulic functions by the same movements forwardly and rearwardly of the operator control handle along the control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Schultz, Louis A. Haddock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4701097
    Abstract: An aircraft loader has an elevatable deck supported on scissor-type supports and urged into the elevated position by a hydraulically actuated lifting structure. The lifting structure incorporates two supports that move vertically on chain members when the cylinders are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Charles R. Sturtz
  • Patent number: 4695219
    Abstract: A materials handling system which includes a deck on which is mounted a number of rollers, a motor for rotating the rollers in either sense, a pair of rails for a tracked vehicle, and at least one cover which is pivotal to expose or overlie the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Vaal Reefs Mining and Exploration Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samuel B. McGimpsey
  • Patent number: 4566838
    Abstract: A device for transferring article storage pans between a selected storage compartment and shuttle which moves along the aisles of storage racks in a warehouse. The accumulator pan transfer device is vertically, movably mounted on the shuttle. An extractor carriage has a plurality of spaced cogged rollers and moves horizontally and upwardly on wheels located in V-shaped guides mounted on a horizontal base for engagement with a pan which is to be transferred between the device and a storage compartment. Certain of the cogged rollers are power driven and engage a series of projections formed on the bottom wall of the pan to remove the pan from the compartment and onto other of the supporting rollers for supporting the pan as it is transferred to the center of the base. Return of the extractor carriage to the center of the base deposits the removed pan onto a pair of transversely extending accumulator belts. The belts are power driven and remove the pan from the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Intech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Binning, Burton C. Sieder
  • Patent number: 4514134
    Abstract: A load handling vehicle of the sidewinder type which can handle loads located on either side of the load handling vehicle without manual help. In particular, the load handling vehicle has at least two load handling conveyors which can be used to handle two loads on one trip of the load handling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel M. Frye, James O. Singleton
  • Patent number: 4453874
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing articles such as boxes from pallets and for placing articles on pallets too, comprising a frame, a mainly horizontal supporting surface, a plurality of parallel supporting fingers which are longitudinally slidably supported in said frame and yieldably biased in their extended position. The fingers are each provided with a driven roller at their extending extremity. The supporting surface is formed by a plurality of parallel conveyor belts extending parallel to the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Internationale Octrooi Maatschappij "Octropa" BV
    Inventors: Harmen Veldhuizen, Hendrik Streefkerk, Gerhard Van Der Tas
  • Patent number: 4450400
    Abstract: A system for replacing electrical batteries in electrically powered vehicles in a minimum period of time on the order of one minute or less. Carriage-elevator structure is arranged in front of a battery charging station to transfer selected batteries between the charging station and a parked stationary vehicle. The vehicle and the charging station are provided with roller support units adapted to bear the battery weight and permit manual push-and/or pull shift of individual batteries to or from the aforementioned elevator. The system enables a substantially discharged battery to be removed from a vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery in a very short time, e.g. about one minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventor: Marion V. Gwyn
  • Patent number: 4427331
    Abstract: Equipment for lifting, transporting and setting down an elongated group of goods, or individual goods arranged in a row one behind the other, comprising a lifting and transporting apparatus positioned longitudinally between two storage racks on which the goods are removed and are placed by said lifting and transporting apparatus which is in the form of a flexibly jointed roller chain driven by an endless roller chain with pawls in either direction, e.g., to or away from either rack. The lifting and transporting apparatus comprises a plurality of hingedly connected elongated shifting elements serving to raise the load, lower the load and support the load while moving by the roller chain in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Oehler-Wyhlen-Lagertechnik AG
    Inventors: Hermann Grebenstein, Jorge Speich
  • Patent number: 4278395
    Abstract: A method of stocking a building under construction with wallboard panels, and apparatus. A stack of horizontal panels is delivered to the building site by truck, and removed by a fork lift truck, and then placed on a pallet provided with transverse rollers. The pallet, loaded with the stack of horizontal panels, is lifted to an upper floor, and a self-propelled transporter vehicle on that floor is placed adjacent the pallet. The stack is transferred as a unit to the transporter, which then delivers the stack to a desired location on the floor of the building, the stack of horizontal panels being discharged as a unit from the transporter.The pallet has three sets of rollers, longitudinally spaced, so as to provide between each two sets a passage which is upwardly facing, unobstructed, and which will receive one of the tines of a fork lift truck. One of the rollers is powered from a source of energy carried on the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Fairfax Investment Corp.
    Inventor: Charles R. Thunell
  • Patent number: 4197046
    Abstract: A palletizer for picking up a group of stacked cans from a first pick-up position on a conveyor, transporting the cans to a second deposit position and depositing the cans onto a pallet. The stacks of cans are accumulated on the conveyor by an exit gate prior to being picked up. The cans are also aligned on the conveyor by means of a retractable can guide adjacent the conveyor. The palletizer further includes a transport carriage movably mounted on a track of a frame. The carriage includes both a lift mechanism for lifting the cans off of the conveyor and a hold-down mechanism to steady the cans while they are being lifted and transported to the pallet. Finally a push bar unloading mechanism disengages the cans from the lift mechanism and snugs them against the other cans on the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: Stauffer Chemical Company
    Inventor: Harvey T. Shank
  • Patent number: 4195962
    Abstract: A platform loading system having an elevator platform mounted loader unit d a magazine mounted loader unit in each magazine served by the loader system. Each loader unit consists of one cargo tray and its associated tray transfer machinery. In each loader unit a cargo tray may occupy one of two positions, an upper position or a lower position. The load to be transferred is always carried by a tray in the upper position. Transfer of weapons between elevator platforms and magazines consists of a simultaneous exchange of a loaded and empty tray between mating loader units. The loaded tray traveling in the upper position passes over the empty tray in the lower position heading in the opposite direction. At completion of tray exchange, loaded trays may be off-loaded and the now empty tray lowered to the lower tray position by a tray jacking system as required by the next exchange operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gordon J. Laskowski, Richard I. Schrick
  • Patent number: 4189276
    Abstract: An ultra-narrow aisle lift truck vehicle has a body including discrete front and rear portions connected by a pair of elongated stabilizing and support members. The stabilizing and support members are movable vertically in tracks on the body portions so that they provide both structural support and integrity between the front and rear portions as well as being selectively movable into and out of a ground engaging position to perform a stabilizing function. A pair of vertical masts mounted on the front and rear portions support a vertically movable carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes a carriage having a pair of horizontally directed forks thereon which may extend into laterally adjacent opposite sides of the vehicle and return to a position within the body and between the lateral sides thereof. The carriage is mounted on an extension pantograph and is turnable about a vertical axis by means of a motor to accommodate such lateral positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Walter M. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 4189275
    Abstract: A device for use with fork-lift trucks or the like to provide tipping and side shift facilities for ancillary apparatus attached to the truck. The device includes first and second frames and a sub-frame with two operatively connected fluid-powered rams. There is one mounting point for an ancillary on the sub-frame and an alternative mounting point for an ancillary on the second frame, whereby an ancillary so mounted may be tipped and/or side shifted according to which ram is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Ward Plant Spares (Henley) Limited
    Inventor: Maurice C. Arnold