Abstract: An automated handling system intended notably for storehouses in which miscellaneous articles are kept, for allowing either the restocking of the storehouse, or the regrouping of articles picked up in the storehouse for constituting lots or articles which correspond to a customer's order. The system comprises a central control and management computer and one or a plurality of self-powered trucks adapted to handle stock bins and order receiving bins in the storehouse, and to pick up articles from the bins to constitute lots of articles and gather the various customers' orders.

Abstract: A machine for automatically dispensing a selected container from a store of containers and for automatically storing a container returned to the machine. The machine includes an array of storage bins for storing a plurality of containers. Each bin has a bottom with an elongated slot. The bins are arranged in a plurality of vertically-stacked, horizontal rows, with a horizontal passage between each horizontal row and a vertical passage connecting the horizontal passages. Each container is stored in a respective one of the bins. A controllable arm is mounted for relative movement through the horizontal and vertical passages between a first position for dispensing a selected container and for receiving a returned container, and a second position corresponding to a selected one of the bins. The controllable arm is mounted for movement through a respective one of the bins by passage through a respective one of the elongated slots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaffold for working under the stern of vessels for servicing propellers, propeller shafts, stern tubes, rudders and the like. The scaffold comprises a movable carriage to which is mounted a vertical support including actuating elements for raising or lowering a longitudinal platform at the upper part of the support. A further actuating element is used for longitudinally displacing the platform so as to reach the vessel parts to be serviced.

Abstract: A no crease system for a push/pull attachment on a lift truck for avoiding damaging loads. A gripper having a bar and a shoe for gripping and releasing a slip sheet carrying a load is provided with a control circuit for closing the gripper to the gripping position when the push plate is extended for protecting the load from damage by an open gripper. The circuit includes a valve connected to the push/pull attachment and actuated by the push/pull attachment when the push plate is fully extended. The valve may be deactuated by a control switch.

Abstract: A system for machine assembly of component kits for electronic printed circuit boards is disclosed. Components for assembling the kits are stored in a plurality of standardized machine recoverable trays, more specifically a multi-level carousel. An elevator transports trays between storage and an automated work station where components are removed to construct the component kits.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slip-sheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively storing a thin tray or sheet in an elongate storage location, and retrieving trays therefrom, includes a tray extractor and a transport assembly. The tray extractor comprises a tray engagement mechanism and a tray linear movement actuator. The tray engagement mechanism operates as a hand to selectively grip or release trays which are being handled by the apparatus. The tray linear movement actuator acts as an arm to position the tray engagement mechanism and, when operated, to move an engaged tray. The tray linear movement actuator comprises a linear movement link and pulley arrangement which moves an engaged tray along a linear path of motion, and which maintains the tray engagement mechanism in a selected orientation with respect to that path of movement. The tray engagement mechanism comprises an X-shaped scissors mechanism having a plurality of jaws thereon. Scissors motion of the mechanism opens and closes the pairs of jaw members to selectively engage or disengage a tray.

Abstract: A load-handling attachment for a forklift truck has an upright base including a downwardly open upper hook for engaging the upper crossbar of the truck's load carriage and an upwardly open lower hook for engaging the lower crossbar of such carriage. The lower hook forms part of a hook-and-support assembly. The assembly includes a base from support foot which supports the attachment in an upright free standing condition when the attachment is dismounted from the truck. The lower hook and foot move together between operative and inoperative positions when activated so that when the foot is moved to its supporting position, the lower hook disengages the load carriage to enable the truck to disengage the attachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a load-elevating carrying device having a load-discharging push mechanism for accurate direct transference of a load from the load-elevating carrying device without the necessity of repeated positioning and adjustment maneuvers of the load device during off-loading procedure. The apparatus of the invention includes a platform member for receiving a load which has a generally vertical wall joined to and extending uprightly from one edge thereof and motion guide elements fixed to the platform member for enabling the motion thereof along a rectilinear path corresponding to the movement of the motion guide elements in response to a force applied in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically loading a transport vehicle with unit loads by automatically moving the unit loads from a predetermined loading position to prescribed positions in the transport vehicle. The present invention uses a loading vehicle which receives loads from a staging device which positions the unit loads in the predetermined loading position. A unit load transfer device transfers the unit loads from the staging device to the loading vehicle. The loading vehicle uses on-board sensors in combination with placement information provided by a staging processor to perform translational and operational movements which are processed by an on-board loading vehicle processor. Unit loads can be deposited throughout the transport vehicle by maintaining a guidance path which is internally generated within the transport vehicle and can be either internally or externally generated outside the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A system for handling a load of compressible items such as bags of glass fibre insulation includes a cart having a predetermined distance between its end walls but open on sides. A forklift truck is provided with upright side walls movable towards and away from each other, and with transverse telescoping members spanning the upper edges of the side walls, combined with fork elements in forming a generally rectangular load receiving compartment which corresponds to the generally rectangular load receiving compartment of the cart. When the load is lifted from the cart, the side walls can be actuated to contract the load by restricting the width of the load receiving compartment such as to allow the driving of the forklift truck into the cargo space of a tractor trailer or another suitable transport vehicle. The unloading from the forklift truck is effected by a pusher plate known per se.

Abstract: A fork-lift type truck for handling pallet loads comprising a plurality of superimposed layers mounted on slip sheets is provided with a push-pull load displacer having the capability for vertical movement substantially independently of the truck platform, to permit selective build-up or dispersal of the load, one or more layers at a time, using slip sheets for each segment of the load. The push-pull load displacer is of slender construction, including a pivotable actuator, to achieve a shallow envelope when retracted, for ready passage downwardly into the restricted space available between the pallet load and the load carrying structure of the machine.

Abstract: An improved die engaging means for a side loading die change truck includes a plurality of pusher-puller blocks pivoted along the length of the powered pusher bars and selectively engageable with the edge of a die to allow it to be easily moved in stages onto or off of a press bed. Each block may be rotated down to a stored position beneath the surface of the bar and beneath the surface of the die. An adaptor may be attached to each block to allow it to be used to pull a die, if desired.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slipsheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: Log handling attachments frequently encounter inadvertent log loss during transportation, and damage to the logs and the log handling forks (36,38) due to excessive loading. A log handling attachment (14) is provided which has a pair of log carrying forks (36,38), a clamp (48), an ejector (88), a first power device (50) actuatable to pivotally move the clamp (48) between open and closed positions (51,53), a second power device (93) actuatable to move the ejector (88) between log accepting and log rejecting positions (94,96), and an apparatus (70) actuatable to move the clamp between the closed position (53) and a log grappling position (86) relative to the ejector (88) at which the logs are elevationally supported above the forks (36,38). Thus the problems of log loss, log damage and fork failure is alleviated. The log handling attachment (14) is particularly suited for use on a lift mast (12) of a lift truck (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically handling a material unit in an elevator system. The disclosed apparatus ejects a wheeled cart from an elevator car by engaging a face of the cart with a pusher arm suspended from a carriage which traverses a track mounted at the top of the elevator car. The carriage and pusher arm are capable of ejecting the cart clear of the car from either end of the car.

Abstract: A forklift vehicle has hooks mounted on the forks for preventing removal of a loaded pallet from the forks and a gate for ejecting the contents of the pallet as the forks are withdrawn. The hooks are normally biased out of engagement with the pallet but a cam mechanism moves the hooks into pallet engaging position when the forks are moved to a selected unloading height. The gate is mounted on the rear of the forks and is biased there by two pairs of extensible links. During unloading the forks are moved forwardly and downwardly to bring the gate in front of a pair of stops. The forks are then moved rearwardly, withdrawing the pallet while the gate ejects the pallet contents. The forks are then raised above the stops, allowing the biased links to return the gate to its rear position.

Abstract: In a fork lift truck having a pair of spaced apart forwardly extending tines which are movable vertically relative to the truck to effect a raising or lowering of loads thereon. Each of the tines is provided with a sleeve which is telescopically slidable thereover. A cross member joins the sleeves at their inner ends closest to the truck. A mechanical linkage is mounted on the truck and attached to the cross member. The linkage is arranged and constructed in one position thereof to provide that the fork tines and their covering sleeves are substantially coextensive and in another position thereof to provide that the covering sleeves are forwardly extended relative to the tines on which they slide. This causes the covering sleeves to be tine extensions thus permitting a load carried thereon to be forwardly extended relative to the lift truck.

Abstract: Each of the tines of a fork lift truck is provided with a sleeve which is telescopically slidable thereover. A cross member joins the sleeves at their inner ends closest to the truck. A mechanical linkage is mounted on the truck and attached to the cross member. Extension of the linkage causes the covering sleeves to be tine extensions thus permitting a load carried thereon to be forwardly extended relative to the lift truck. A bail member having a rectangular perimeter is pivotally mounted at its rear on the lift truck to the rear of the tines and is positionable either in a substantially vertical position adjacent the front of the lift truck or in a horizontal position where the front cross member rests on the top surface of the sleeves. A cross slatted pallet carrying a load is positioned across the forwardly extending tines with their sleeve covers. Each of the sleeves is provided with a fixed lug on its top side.

Abstract: A warehouse crane comprises an elevationally positionable carriage, a shuttle guidably mounted on the carriage for transverse movement, and apparatus for moving a tote pan out of storage racks alongside either side of the crane and onto the carriage, the crane further being able to replace the tote pan in its original compartment or to place the tote pan in any other compartment in either of the storage racks. The apparatus for moving the tote pan out of a storage rack includes a pair of reversibly driven endless chain mechanisms mounted on the shuttle and a tote pan puller attached to those chain mechanisms. The puller travels in a horizontal and flat orbital path, but changes from a vertical position to a transversely outwardly inclined position as it approaches the ends of that path so that the puller may engage a tote pan handle as it moves upwardly in an inclined position.

Abstract: A warehouse crane with individual storage areas for containing tote pans, each tote pan having handles on its opposite end walls. A pair of reversibly driven, counter-rotating endless chains is mounted on the carriage for movement about a generally horizontal, orbital path, each of the chains also having a radially inner pin and and outer pin for movement with their respective chain in orbital paths. The inner pin is pushingly engageable with the handles to push the pans into the storage areas. The outer pin is releasably engageable with the handle of the pans to pull the pans from the storage areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading circuit packages having a first support surface (36) for supporting a circuit package and a pressure pad (38) spaced apart from the support surface (36) for applying pressure to a circuit package is disclosed. A second support surface (48) which is substantially in line with the first support surface supports a circuit package for unloading. The support surfaces move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surfaces so that circuit packages are inserted straight into their sockets and removed straight from their sockets. A gravity circuit package feeder (20) feeds circuit packages onto the first support surface. A circuit package stop (54) is located at the end of first support surface opposite the gravity feeder (20). The support surfaces are inclined to the horizontal so that a circuit package comes to rest against the circuit package stop.

Abstract: A drawbridge assembly on an elevator car which is responsive to movement of an automatic cart loader and unloader for its extension and retraction. The drawbridge compensates for expected positional variations in indexing of the elevator to a selected landing. An associated clutch permits manual deployment of the drawbridge during a power failure or other malfunction.

Abstract: A modular push-pull unit is provided for installation upon a walkie type fork lift pallet truck of the type having a power unit with tiller-operated drive wheel at one end and a pair of controllably liftable forks at the other with an apron proximate the power unit liftable with the forks. The forks are provided with bearings for tiltably mounting a split platen of the push-pull unit, which includes an upright frame interconnected with the apron by hydraulic cylinders for controlling tilt of the platen. The upright frame carries a scissors mechanism having a pusher plate adapter for pushing and pulling movement across the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for a lift truck, of the type equipped with a push frame, for extending the push frame at a predetermined speed of extension with respect to the lift truck while simultaneously causing the lift truck to move rearwardly at a predetermined reverse speed equal to the speed of extension of the push frame so as to deposit a load in a predetermined position. The apparatus is actuated automatically in response to extension of the push frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for a lift truck, of the type equipped with a push frame, for extending the push frame at a predetermined speed of extension with respect to the lift truck while simultaneously causing the lift truck to move rearwardly at a predetermined reverse speed equal to the speed of extension of the push frame so as to deposit a load in a predetermined position. The apparatus is actuated automatically in response to extension of the push frame.

Abstract: A mobile lift truck for handling unpalletized loads comprising a tiltable load-carrying platform projecting forwardly from the main frame of the truck rotatably mounted so as to permit rotation of the platform about a generally vertical axis of rotation between respective rotatable positions substantially 90.degree. apart. A forwardly-facing push-pull frame having a slip sheet clamp is provided which does not rotate in unison with the platform, enabling the push frame to push loads forwardly off of the platform in both of the rotatable positions of the platform. Power-actuating circuitry is provided interconnecting the platform rotation function, push frame retraction function and slip sheet clamp release function so that the platform is prevented from rotating until the slip sheet clamp has been released and the push frame has been retracted off of the platform. Methods of application of the lift truck are also disclosed.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism for fork lifts in which a plate slides over the pallet on a fork lift and pushes the goods off the pallet. The plate is moved across the pallet by two arms connecting the plate to the fork lift and operated by a hydraulic cylinder. Pivotal connection of the plate to the arms permits continuous vertical positioning of the plate during its movement forwardly to remove the goods, the rollers may be used to support the plate and arms on the pallet and to prevent damage to the pallet.

Abstract: The lifting mast (20), frame (12), and outriggers (16) of a slip sheet lift truck (10) are fixed and immovable with respect to one another. The platen (30), push-pull mechanism (45), and back plate (31) are an integral unit mounted to permit side shifting on a tilt carriage (29), which is mounted on lower pivots (28) and tiltable thereabout with upper tilt cylinders (35). These are carried on a lifting carriage (25) which is vertically moveable and supported by a lifting cylinder (26) on the lifting mast (20). The lift truck outriggers (16) extend and slope forwardly and downwardly from the mast (20) to provide better truck stability, clearance for the platen (30), and good underclearance for ramps and dockboards.

Abstract: A load push-pull assembly for a lift truck having a main frame and a tiltable load-supporting frame. The push-pull assembly comprises a push frame connected by a selectively extensible and retractable linkage to a rear mounting frame which does not tilt in unison with the tiltable load-supporting frame but rather maintains a constant angular attitude with respect to the truck-supporting surface regardless of the tilting attitude of the load-supporting frame. The linkage maintains the push frame in a constant angular attitude with respect to the rear mounting frame such that the push frame is maintained perpendicular with respect to the truck-supporting surface during the tilting of the load-supporting frame.