Abstract: A power transmission system that is adapted to transmit forces from a motor to a component comprises an externally threaded shaft 551 that is rotatably attached to the motor, an internally threaded fastener that is movably attached to the externally threaded shaft, a first element, and a second element that is movably attached to the first element at a second joint and that is rigidly attached to the component at a third joint.

Abstract: A vacuum operated object lifting system is disclosed that can use air pressure differentials to anchor the lifting system to the floor or other structure. The vacuum lifting system includes a main structure having a space defined in the bottom thereof and a lifting arm system extending from the main structure for grasping and moving a load. The vacuum lifting system includes a vacuum pumping system including an air pump and a conduit system extending from the air pump to the space in the bottom of the main structure. Use of the air pump to draw air out of the conduit system creates pressure differential between ambient air pressure and air pressure in the space of the main structure to anchor the vacuum lifting system to the ground. The vacuum pumping system may also grasp the load by suction.

Abstract: Cradle assemblies for supporting a door for uninstalling and/or installing the door to a fuselage of an aircraft, and arrangements and methods for the same are provided. In one example, a cradle assembly includes a first contoured board and a second contoured board that is spaced apart from the first contoured board. The first and second contoured boards are cooperatively configured to support outer sections of a first door. A third contoured board is configured to be selectively positioned adjacent to and extending higher than the first contoured board to support a first outer section of a second door that has a different outer shape than the first door. The third contoured board is contoured to substantially match the first outer section of the second door. The cradle assembly is configured to be positioned proximate to the fuselage.

Abstract: A coiled tubing system includes a coiled tubing unit with a coiled tubing string carried by the unit, the coiled tubing string having a stinger end; an injector support frame having an upper and lower ends; a coiled tubing injector disposed at the upper end of the support frame and engaging the coiled tubing string; and a loading device supported between the coiled tubing injector and the lower end of the frame, the loading device attached to the stinger end of the coiled tubing string. The system may include a riser tube disposed between the upper end of the frame and the loading device, coupling a housing of the loading device to a base of the coiled tubing injector, the coiled tubing string extending through the riser. The system may include a support device supporting the loading device, the support device pivotally supporting the loading device relative to the frame.

Abstract: Cradle assemblies for supporting a door for one of uninstalling and installing the door to a fuselage of an aircraft, and arrangements and methods for the same are provided. In one example, a cradle assembly includes a first contoured board configured to support a first outer section of the door. A second contoured board is spaced apart from the first contoured board and is configured to support a second outer section of the door. The cradle assembly is configured to be positioned proximate to the fuselage.

Abstract: Power machines such as excavators having a house that rotates about a vertical axis on an undercarriage are disclosed. In certain conditions, a control system on the excavator can limit rotational movement of the house and/or pivoting of a swing function on a lift arm to contain work performed by an implement to a predefined range or work area.

Abstract: A device for lifting a small vehicle having a frame and a hood includes a lifting mechanism configured to move a platform from a lowered position to a raised position; and a saddle attached to the platform. The saddle has a top plate having a front side and a back side, opposed first and second side plates extending vertically in a first direction, and a lip extending vertically in a second direction. A supporting member extends outwardly from the top plate. An elbow has a first portion releasably coupled to the supporting member, and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion. A hook disposed on a threaded handle attaches to the second portion of the elbow and is configured to move between a lowered position and raised position. The lip engages with the frame of the vehicle, and the hook fastens to a portion of the hood.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine stand comprising an engine frame and a base frame. The base frame has a slide rail to enable axial translation of the engine frame relative to the base frame. A load transfer arrangement engages with a part of the engine frame and slidingly engages with the slide rail. There is a locking mechanism to lock the engine frame to the base frame to prevent relative axial translation. The gas turbine engine stand is used, inter alia, for splitting a core engine from a fan case.

Abstract: In a work machine having a frame with a lift boom and a stick boom supporting an implement pivotally connected to the opposite end of the stick boom by a pivot pin. A controller determines the position of the pivot pin, detects a motion command signal from an operator control, determines an ending position of the pivot pin based on the motion command signal, and causes the lift boom and stick boom to rotate to orientation angles that will place the pivot pin at the ending position. When operating on a slope, the frame orientation with respect to gravity is determined so that horizontal and vertical motion commands cause the pivot pin and implement to move horizontally and vertically with respect to gravity regardless of the frame orientation. The implement can be maintained at a target orientation as the pivot pin moves by evaluating an orientation angle of the implement.

Abstract: A loader includes a tool carrier arranged on a loader boom. The tool carrier is connected at a first pivot point to the loader boom and at a second pivot point to a pivot linkage. The pivot linkage has first and second links which are pivotably connected to one another at a first link point. The first link is pivotably connected at a second link point to the loader boom, and the second link is pivotably connected at a second link point at the second pivot point to the tool carrier. A sensor senses a pivot angle between the tool carrier and loader boom. The sensor is positioned in a cavity on the loader. An actuating device is connected to the sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a loader having a loader boom and a tool carrier or a tool arranged on the loader boom. The tool carrier or the tool is connected at a first pivot point to the loader boom and at a second pivot point to a pivot linkage. The pivot linkage has first and second links which are pivotably connected to one another at a first link point. The first link is pivotably connected at a second link point to the loader boom. The second link is pivotably connected at a second link point at the second pivot point to the tool carrier or to the tool. A sensor is provided by means of which a pivot angle between the tool carrier or tool and loader boom can be detected. To protect the sensor in as effective a manner as possible, the sensor is positioned in a cavity on the loader. An actuating device is provided for the sensor, which extends partially through an opening formed on the cavity and connects the sensor to the pivot linkage.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a lift mechanism adapted for movement between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. At least one saddle rack adapted to carry a horse saddle is combined to the lift mechanism and positively rotates with respect to the lift mechanism in rotational synchronization with the movement of the lift mechanism as the lift mechanism moves between the respective positions, such that the horse saddle is held in a substantially upright position throughout the lift mechanism's movement.

Abstract: It is necessary to support and manipulate such bulky items as gas turbine engines through appropriate cradle arrangements. It is necessary to allow robust presentation of the gas turbine engine upon a base such that it can be lifted to a position whereby the engine can be rotated to adjust the configuration of the engine within an arrangement. Such manipulation may minimize height or width dependent upon requirements. By provision of lever assemblies comprising lever arms linked together through a pivot link and a cross link rotation by an actuator of one assembly gives consistent presentation of the locator elements defining a center of rotation for the engine. The arrangement can be locked in a lowered condition for transportation or lifted to allow rotation and re-orientation of the engine with regard to external protuberances to limit width or height.

Abstract: A lift mechanism includes a balance structure configured to hold an object, wherein the balance structure is rotateably connected to an arm structure at a pivot point. The pivot point is configured, and the object is positioned, such that the pivot point is substantially coincident with the center-of-mass of the object being moved. Weights may be selectively attached to the balance structure to adjust the center-of-mass. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a base and an arm configured to rotate with respect to the base, wherein the arm is attached to the balance structure at the pivot point. In this way, heavy objects may be lifted, translated, and rotated into place safely in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted pipe-handling apparatus has an elongate cradle swivelable about a longitudinal swivel axis for loading or offloading pipe at a well site. With the cradle horizontal, and swiveled into a loading position, loading arms receive a pipe from a loading rack, whereupon kicker members move the pipe from the loading arms into the cradle. With the cradle swiveled into a neutral position supporting the pipe, a swing arm raises one end of the cradle while simultaneously drawing its other end horizontally along a base track, thus placing the cradle in a tilted configuration. The raised end of the pipe can thus be positioned above the floor of a drilling rig or service rig for connection to the rig hoist, which can then lift the pipe out of the cradle. Pipe may be removed from the well using a similar, reverse procedure. The rig hoist positions a removed pipe in the tiltingly elevated cradle, which is then lowered to the horizontal position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a door attaching apparatus for positioning and aligning a door for attachment to a doorway. The apparatus has a mobile frame adapted to be moved upon a surface. The mobile frame has a first frame. The first frame is movably mounted to the mobile frame to move upward and downward and forward and rearward relative to the mobile frame with a door mounted thereon. A second frame is pivotably mounted to the mobile frame behind the first frame and is handle operated to move forward and rearward on the mobile frame and to engage the first frame to cause the first frame and door thereon to move forward and rearward with the second frame to align the door in a doorway in one direction for attachment of the door to the doorways. A handle operated cam mechanism is mounted between the first and second frames to cam the first frame and thereby the door upward and downward on the mobile frame align the door in another direction for its attachment to the doorway.

Abstract: An improved dolly system including at least three dollies adjustably interconnected as a system to allow a trailer or other vehicle to be loaded therein. The dollies are adjusted for the width and the length of the trailer to mate the dollies with the wheels of the trailer. Four dollies can be adjustably connected in a system to provide a vehicle dolly system. The system can include one or more brakes and once loaded the system can be moved in any direction to facilitate the maximum use of available parking space.

Abstract: An all-direction transport includes a triangular wheeled platform for stable movement over a surface such as a factory, business or gymnasium floor, pathway or roadway. A load support is pivotally attached to the wheeled platform, and can pivot from a horizontal position parallel to the platform to a vertical position perpendicular to the platform. An extensible brace extends from the platform to load support when in an operative position. A pin passes through one part of the brace, which allows the load support to pick up a load from vertical position, while preventing the load support from moving beyond a predetermined limit towards horizontal. The brace is additionally removably pinned on one end to either the platform in an operative position or to the load support in a storage position, to allow the transport to be folded relatively flat. The load support additionally may be extensible in either horizontal direction, vertical direction or both. Other alternative embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A hand-operated tool for the tipping of loads such as multi-wheeled axle vehicles, lawn mowers, tractor mowers, etc., comprising two separate parallel longitudinal spars (4), connected to each other at one end and together forming a bent end section (8), a socket sleeve (10), open at both ends, on the end section for insertion of a bar (30), whereby the axis (11) of the socket sleeve (10) runs at a given angle (&bgr;) to the spar plane between the longitudinal spars (4).

Abstract: A lift apparatus includes a base frame having a pair of ground engaging caster assemblies and an upwardly extending center post, and a pair of folding legs each having an inner end pivotally connected to the base frame and an outer end with a roller attached thereto, the casters and the rollers permitting the lift apparatus to roll across the ground surface. A parallelogram linkage includes a portion of the center post and is attached to vehicle support arms. An actuator is connected between the linkage and the base frame. A pumping handle and a power unit are connected to the actuator for selectively activating the actuator to selectively raise and lower the vehicle support arms between a lowered position for engaging and disengaging from a vehicle and a fully raised position a predetermined distance above the ground on which the base frame rests. The legs and the support arms can be moved to a compact storage position when not in use.

Abstract: A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.

Abstract: A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.

Abstract: A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.

Abstract: An improved roll cart that allows an individual to move and transport a large roll of paper. The roll cart includes a rolling frame that supports a pivoting carriage for holding and stabilizing a large roll of paper. The pivoting carriage is pivotally attached to a frame so that the carriage can pivot within the frame to allow a roll of paper to be rolled on to or off of the carriage with minimal effort and without lifting or damaging the roll of paper. The roll cart also includes a unique combination braking/locking mechanism and can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface by engaging the brake portion of the mechanism. When the brake is engaged, rolling of the device is impeded and the carriage tilts to facilitate loading and unloading of a roll by rolling the roll on to or off of the carriage. When the brake is disengaged, the device is free to roll but the carriage is restricted from tilting by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for presenting and orienting a box (B) in order to enable articles to be removed or stored. The apparatus is characterized by the fact that it comprises a pair of parallel hinged arms (4) which are extended by a pivoting box support (5), the hinged arms (4) being movable both ways between a low position and a high position, in both of which positions the support (5) is substantially horizontal, thereby enabling the box (B) to be placed on the support (5) or to be removed therefrom, the arms moving via an intermediate position in which the support (5) is inclined relative to the horizontal and facilitates access to the inside of the box (B) to remove said articles or to put them into place.

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a robotic arm structure which includes at least two links. .theta. motion is provided about a primary axis at the proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links. R motion proceeds radially from the primary axis whereby the distal end portion of the distalmost of the links can be moved in a radially extending straight line. At least two independent end effectors are pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the distal end portion of the distalmost link about an end effector axis which is parallel to the primary axis. The structure is improved by adding independent yaw motors for rotating the end effectors independently.

Abstract: A device for lifting and positioning building materials at different heights and angles. For example, positioning a sheet of drywall or plywood to be fastened to a ceiling or wall, or subsequently a container of materials such as drywall joint compound for finishing the fastened sheets. The lifting and positioning device comprises a platform assembly upon which to place material to be lifted and positioned. The platform assembly can be pivoted and fixed at any desired angle between horizontal and vertical (0 to 90 degrees) by an indexing arrangement. The platform assembly is pivotally connected to lift arm links. The lift arm links are pivotally connected to a lift arm assembly. The lift arm assembly is pivotally connected to a mast support assembly. The lift arm links, lift arm assembly and mast support assembly form a parallelogram. The platform assembly is raised and lowered by a floor jack placed upon a jack support platform.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving a wheelchair and its seated occupant and tilting the wheelchair rearwardly into a position in which the seated occupant is disposed in a substantially reclined, supported condition for therapeutic and other advantageous reasons. To accomplish this, the wheelchair tilting apparatus utilizes a base frame arranged for placement on a ground surface, the base frame pivotally mounting the rear end of a wheelchair supporting tilt frame assembly having an upstanding backrest member arranged to support the chair and occupant reclined thereagainst when the apparatus is in operative, tilted condition.

Abstract: A two stage feeding apparatus and method for feeding articles to a printing machine are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a transfer tray between a conventional stack loading mechanism and a conventional printing machine feeding mechanism. The transfer tray is both movable between a horizontal loading position and an inclined transitional position, and rotatable between the inclined transitional position and an inclined unloading position. The method comprises two stages of which a first stage involves moving the transfer tray between the horizontal loading position and the inclined transitional position, and a second stage involves rotating the transfer tray between the inclined transitional position and the inclined unloading position.

Abstract: A tire stacking apparatus includes a base frame with a carriage pivotally mounted on the frame for selective movement between a horizontal loading position and a vertical stacking position. The carriage includes a pair of parallel support members connected to a rotatable axle, and a pair of legs connected to the axle generally perpendicularly to the support members, the leg members and support members connected for rotation on the axle to pivot between the loading and stacking positions. The support members and leg members are spaced apart a distance to support tires therebetween such that a row of vertically oriented tires resting on the support members will be formed in a vertical stack on the carriage leg members when the carriage is pivoted to the stacking position. A cylinder with an extensible plunger rod is operably connected between the base frame and a lever arm connected to the axle to selectively pivot the carriage between the loading and stacking position.

Abstract: A stage assembly for a substrate processing system including a cassette support assembly for receiving and supporting a cassette and an actuation and support assembly for supporting and moving the cassette and cassette support assembly between a loading position and a processing position. The processing position provides convenient and efficient access by a central processing system, and the loading position preferably places each cassette closer to, and aligned with, a front panel of the processing system for convenient access by an operator. The actuator and support assembly preferably includes a frame assembly and a rotating plate pivotally mounted to the frame assembly, where the cassette support assembly is mounted to the rotating plate for pivoting relative to the frame assembly. An actuator assembly mounted to the frame assembly flits the cassette support assembly between the loading and processing positions. A shaft assembly pivotally mounts the cassette support assembly to the rotating plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a load to and from a load supporting platform having a first end pivotally coupled at a first end of a main frame having a support surface for supporting the platform in a substantially level position. The platform is pivotally raisable, from the support surface of the main frame to a raised position for discharging and accepting a load, either manually or by an actuatable member. A damping member interconnects the platform and the main frame wherein the damping member progressively increases resistance on the load bearing platform as the platform moves from the raised position toward the support surface of the main frame to reduce any impact on the load. The platform includes a lower frame and a cover biased away from the lower frame by a plurality of spring members wherein the cover is movable toward the lower frame by a load disposed on a support surface of the cover to actuate a load sensor, which indicates the presence of the load.

Abstract: A device for tilting, carrying and transporting a grand piano (2) comprises a wheeled frame (3, 4) designed to run underneath the grand piano. Elements for gripping (5), lifting (14) and tilting (17) the grand piano are fitted on the frame. The gripping elements (5) are made U-shaped to grip at least the bottom face (6), an adjacent end (7) face and the top face (8) of the grand piano. The gripping elements (5) are provided with wheels (11) and are detachably connected to the lifting and tilting devices. After lifting and then turning the piano through 90.degree. and the like, the piano can be moved independently with the gripping elements by detaching the lifting and tilting devices. The gripping elements can form part of a case for protecting against damage during further transportation.

Abstract: A bale transfer system for transferring bales from a baler mechanism to a support vehicle including a baler mechanism a bale tipper mechanism and a bale receiving station for receiving bales ejected from the baler mechanism. Each bale when ejected has a height dimension and a width dimension. A tipper mechanism is mounted at the bale receiving station and is operable to reposition a bale 90.degree. so that its height dimension becomes its width dimension. A bale loading means is provided for loading the repositioned bales into a transport vehicle. The tipper is comprised of a rotatable bale tipping wing having a bale support surface and a rotatable bale support wing having a bale support surface. The bale tipper mechanism further includes a power means for activating the tipping and support wings to thereby reposition a bale 90.degree. as it is moved from the tipping wing support surface to the support wing support surface.

Abstract: The frames contain a predetermined number of packages (2), mounted with an almost vertical orientation. The packages are extracted with a device which comprises a carriage (3), provided with a platform (10) for the discharge, along which the tray (4) with the sheets and heavy loads is allowed to run. The extraction is carried out by placing the platform in horizontal position, by a maneuver achieved by use of cylinder (12) while the stored sheets and heavy material are lifted with cylinders (18) and (19) so that the removal is easily obtained.

Abstract: A sheet block inverter is described in which successive blocks of sheets received along an infeed plane are successively inverted prior to being received on a discharge conveyor. A sheet block receiving magazine receives a sheet block along the infeed plane. A magazine pivot driver then pivots the sheet block through an angle about a second axis of less than 180.degree., leaving the block nearly inverted and upwardly inclined. The magazine is mounted to a magazine inverter yoke, which in turn is pivotably mounted to a discharge conveyor. The inverter yoke and magazine are then pivoted by an inverter yoke pivot driver about a first axis to a discharge station where the discharge conveyor receives the block. The discharge conveyor is mounted for elevational adjustment about an axis that is coaxial with the first axis.

Abstract: The device for the automatic feeding of cutouts to a user machine, includes an inclined supporting plate for receiving, in succession, stacks of cutouts input to the user machine. A fixed guide is arranged above the supporting plate and a motorized trolley is slidably movable, on the guide, from and toward an output end of a conveyor of stacks of cutouts. An L-shaped element defining a support element is pivotally connected to a rod which extends down from the trolley, and the support element is arrangeable, at the output end, parallel to the advancement direction of the conveyor, and at an unloading station, parallel to the supporting plate. A stop device, defining two spaced uprights, extending from the supporting plate, is arranged at the unloading station, and the space between the uprights allows free passage of the L-shaped element while the stacks of cutouts rest against the uprights.

Abstract: A wall board lifting and positioning apparatus which includes an elongated boom having first and second ends and apparatus for holding an associated individual panel. The apparatus for holding is carried on the elongated boom proximate to the first end thereof and apparatus for moving the boom through a plurality of substantially coplanar positions. The apparatus includes apparatus for pivoting and rotating the apparatus for holding to position the apparatus for holding. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for moving includes a first elongated control link and a second elongated control link. The boom may be supported on a head member. The first control link and the second control link may be each pivotally connected to the head member and may also be pivotally connected to the boom.

Abstract: An arm and cradle apparatus is disclosed for receiving empty trays from an upper conveyor having empty lettuce holding and transporting trays, lowering the received empty tray to an angular disposition in which it can most conveniently be packed, and finally off loading the packed full tray to a lower conveyor having full lettuce holding trays thereon for plunging to cartons. The arm and cradle apparatus is mechanically passive in that all movements of the trays to and from the arm and cradle apparatus are either worker assisted or occur under the natural gravity biased movement of the arm and cradle apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for stowing and extending for removal a towing dolly used for towing automotive vehicles. The apparatus is formed from a generally vertical support stand which is secured to the bed of a towing vehicle. Pivotally connected to the support stand is a first arm having a range of motion extending from a near vertical storage position to a near horizontal load/unload position. Pivotally attached to the first arm is a second arm which is in a near vertical position during loading and remains in a near vertical position as the first arm is pivoted into the storage position, such that the two arms are now nearly parallel. This relationship is maintained by a gas spring pivotally connected to the support stand and the second arm such that the gas spring maintains a generally parallel configuration with the first arm. A dolly mount is attached to the end of the second arm for releasably securing a towing dolly to the vertical arm.

Abstract: An articulated support rack (10) for a vehicle (12) having a trailer hitch sleeve (20). The support rack (10) includes a base member (28) having a tongue portion (41) slidably engaged with the trailer hitch sleeve (20). First and second frame members (30, 32) are pivotally mounted in spaced parallel relationship on the base member (28). A pair of arms (34) are pivotally attached to the top rail (54) of the frame members (30, 32) to remain in a substantially horizontal position as the frame members (30, 32) pivot between a substantially raised position and a substantially lowered position. A pair of lock plates (36) are pivotally mounted to the base member (28) and have notches (74) formed thereon to positively engage and lock the frame members (30, 32) in the raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a machining tool on a robot arm is disclosed having first and second support members with the second support member attached to the first support member by torsion bar elements so as to be movable with respect to the first member about an axis in a single degree of freedom. The first support member is attached to the end of the robot arm and the machining tool is attached to the second support member.The torsion bar element interconnecting the first and second support members has end portions larger than a connecting portion extending between them. One end portion is fixedly attached to one of the support members and the other end portion is fixedly attached to the other support member. The torsion bar elements are generally cylindrical in configuration and are dimensioned such that the diameters of the end portions are between seven and ten times the diameter of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A lifting/tilting or tilting apparatus for emptying bins. The apparatus has a triangular gripping and carrying plate which is connected to a lifting arm by an articulation mechanism and associated reset and blocking device having limited movement. The gripping and carrying plate has a predetermined normal starting position under control of a cam with respect to the lifting arm wherein it is directed with its tip against the bin to be taken up. It can be pivoted to an operating position for dumping. This enables the gripping and carrying plate to avoid impacts when bringing it up to a bin. The limited movability has special significance for the taking up and emptying of large bins, or two smaller bins standing side by side.

Abstract: A rotator for use on backhoe boom to rotate attachments thereon relative to the boom. The rotator has a main support frame pivotally secured to the boom with a rotating extension mount onto which the attachment is secured. A rotary joint for hydraulic controls extends from the main support frame and a hydraulic drive motor and gear assembly engage and rotate the extension mount extending from the main support frame.

Abstract: A cross-country vehicle includes a mobile chassis and a superstructure carrying a driver's cab wherein the superstructure is mounted on the chassis for tilting movement about a horizontal axis and a transverse axis and wherein a hydraulic cylinder on each side of the longitudinal axis acts between the chassis and the superstructure to tilt the superstructure about either or both axes in order to position the superstructure horizontally as the vehicle moves over rough ground.

Abstract: An alignment stage device comprising first and second stages supported on a base and movable in those directions which are perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane, and a third stage provided with stands on which a workpiece is mounted, and movable relative to each of the stages, wherein when the first stage is moved, the second and third stages are moved together with the first stage and when the second stage is moved, the third stage is moved together with the second stage and wherein the first and second stages are square frames each having center opening and the second stage is arranged in the center opening of the first stage while the third stage is arranged in the center opening of the second stage.

Abstract: A beam picker adapted to be mounted on the boom tip of a conventional hydraulic crane is described to facilitate the removal of shoring beams positioned beneath a completed structure. The beam picker comprises a first support which is mounted on the outer end of a hydraulic crane and which has a second support pivotally secured thereto about a horizontal axis. A third support is rotatably and pivotally mounted on the second support so that the third support may be rotated and tilted relative to the second support. Movable jaws are provided on the third support for grasping the lower flange of the shoring beam.

Abstract: A vehicle assembling apparatus including a part transfer arm supported at one end for swingable movements about vertical and horizontal axes, a part carrying plate provided at the other end of the transfer arm for carrying a part to be assembled, and a fastener driving tool for driving fasteners. The fastener driving tool is supported on the part carrying plate for swinging movements about a vertical axis and for adjustment of the distance between the part carrying plate and the fastener driving tool.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning on a dock vertical wall a fender including spaced openings, the mechanism comprising a movable support, a first arm pivotally attached to the movable support, a first hydraulic cylinder piston rod assembly for pivoting the first arm, a second arm pivotally attached to the first arm, means for pivoting said second arm, a plurality of spaced projections attached to and extending from the second arm, and pins for releasably securing the projections in the spaced openings in the fender. And a method for positioning on a dock vertical wall fenders including spaced openings opposite an attaching surface, the method comprising the steps of positioning the fender so the spaced openings are accessible, releasably fastening a fender moving mechanism in the openings, locating the fender so the attaching surface is generally vertical, locating the fender on the dock vertical wall, attaching the fender attaching surface to the dock vertical wall, and releasing the fender moving mechanism.