Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding and inverting cylinder halves of steam turbines is disclosed. The device includes an adjustable base member having a temporary cylinder half support platform. The support includes a jacking mechanism for raising and lower the cylinder half when placed thereon. A rotatable carriage assembly is supported above the base member and securable to the cylinder half flange, the carriage being rotated by a rotation drive unit which is controlled to rotate the cylinder half at a constant rate. After a cylinder half is placed on a support platform, the jacks are activated to raise the cylinder half flange to the level of the rotatable carriage and the flange secured to the carriage. A support is then lowered and removed, and the cylinder half rotated about either its longitudinal or quadrature axis. The axis of rotation is chosen such that the center of gravity of the cylinder half passes therethrough.

Abstract: One or more misaligned packaging blanks or blanks for cigarette boxes in a stack can be realigned by causing the stack to be engaged at both ends by two half-shell-shaped receiving portions. It is then tilted by 90.degree. so that the edges of the blanks all rest on a supporting surface. The two receiving portions are then brought together so as to realign any blanks protruding from the stack longitudinally. A detection device are incorporated in one of the receiving portions for checking the proper orientation of the stack and for causing it to be turned over one way or the other, depending upon its initial orientation.

Abstract: A frame is mounted on driven base rollers for rotatable movement from a horizontal to a vertical position. A platen plate is movable on the frame with respect to a platen plate fixed to the frame to clasp a stack of sheets therebetween. An air table is located behind the platen plates and has a perforated surface, the perforations of which may be selectively obscured. An air blower is driven by a variable speed motor to selectably introduce a flow of air into the air table and through the air table perforations into a stack of sheets clamped by the platen plates. A controller may be remotely positioned from the motor and allows variable control of the air flow quantity through the clamped stack to appropriately aerate a wide variety of sheet materials under varying atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading objects including a first carriage; apparatus for moving the first carriage back and forth in a straight line in a first plane between a first position and second position; a second carriage; apparatus for moving the second carriage back and forth between the first position and the second position such that, when the first carriage is in the first position, the second carriage is in the second position and, as the first carriage moves to the second position, the second carriage moves out of the first plane, then back into the first plane and into the first position; and apparatus for tilting both carriages to provide ready access to their insides at least when each carriage is in its first position.

Abstract: A storage device designed to store primarily elongate objects, and comprising on the one hand a frame and on the other an operating device arranged on a fork lift truck. The storage device is arranged in such a manner that it may be shifted between an essentially vertical space-saving storage position and a horizontal position allowing loading and unloading operations to be performed in a simplified manner.

Abstract: A stacked container handling system includes an input section having an input conveyor onto which a box, containing a multiplicity of empty stacked containers arranged in a matrix of rows and columns of vertical stacks of containers, is manually or automatically placed in upside down position. Following removal of the box to expose the matrix of vertical stacks of containers, the vertical stacks of containers are moved forward by the input conveyor to a hinged lay-down table that rotates from an upright position in which one row at a time of the stacked containers is received to a horizontal position from which the received row of stacked containers is unloaded. The stacked container handling system may also include an output section having an output accumulation conveyor that serves to move a desired number of horizontal stacks of containers onto a lift table having a hinged bed that rotates from a horizontal position to an upright position.

Abstract: A roll-over device includes a roll-over frame which pivots about a horizontal axis and includes a counterweight mounted at the end of a counterweight beam, a support plate and a plurality of roller sections, each with a plurality of standard conveyer rollers. Each roller sections is spring-mounted on the support plate. A pair of part clamping mechanisms are mounted on the support plate. Each part clamping mechanism includes a pair of pneumatic cylinders which are bolted to the support plate. The cylinder rods are attached to opposite ends of a clamp bar. Upon actuation of the clamping mechanism the part to be clamped moves the roller sections towards the support plate until the part engages an abutment member which projects from the support plate so that most of the clamping force is absorbed by the abutment member.

Abstract: A lifting and turning device for work objects comprises a stand (14) and a holding frame (10) which is supported thereby and in which the work object is fixable. The holding frame is connected in a vertically adjustable as well as turnable manner with the stand. Driving elements are provided for lifting, lowering and turning the holding frame. According to the invention, the holding frame (10) has parallel driving and idling wheel tracks (12, 13) which have curved corners and, connected thereto, straight portions extending substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the device has a driving wheel (15) and an idling wheel (17), respectively, engaging the tracks (12, 13) and being provided at a distance from one another as seen in the direction of the tracks, one on the inside and the other on the outside of the parallel tracks. The wheel (17) on the inside is disposed on a higher level than the wheel (15) on the outside.

Abstract: A two-dimensional positioning mechanism, comprising a moveable platform, a first translating device connected to the platform to move the platform in a first direction, and a second translating device connected to the platform to move the platform in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first translating device includes first and second links, each of which is pivotally connected to the platform, and a first linear actuator pivotally connected to the first and second links to move those links in the first direction. The first and second links, the moveable platform and the linear actuator form a pivotal parallelogram structure to maintain the orientation of the platform substantially constant during movement thereof. Preferably, the positioning mechanism further includes a control system connected to the first and second translating devices to control those translating devices to move the platform from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and dumping a top-unloading car. Cradle track extends from a car receiving position to a car dumping position, and is inclined downwardly from the car-receiving position. A car-receiving cradle assembly movably mounted on the cradle track includes rocker members with arcuate peripheries for contact with and support by the cradle track. Car rails support a loaded car on the cradle assembly with the combined center of gravity of the car, of its load and of the cradle assembly being located relative to the peripheries of the rocker members such that the cradle assembly, with a loaded car thereon, can roll by gravity action from a normal vertical position at the car-receiving position through an angle in the range of about 70 to about 110 degrees and, with an emptied car thereon, can roll by gravity action from the car-dumping position to return to a position within that range.

Abstract: A tilt apparatus for tilting a container from a first position, preferably horizontal, to a position skewed to the first position, the tilt apparatus comprising a stationary frame having two sides and disposed proximate the first position, the stationary frame having detent means disposed therewith, a movable frame moveable from the first position being substantially parallel in extension to the stationary frame to a position skewed to the first position and the stationary frame, the movable frame being moveably affixed proximate one side of the stationary frame, the movable frame having locking means and release means disposed therewith, the locking means being actuated by gravity to cooperatively lock with respect to the detent means of the stationary frame when the moveable frame is tilted to allow the locking means to so actuate thus locking a container in a tilted position, the release means being actuated by a remote device, such as a fork of a fork truck, to disengage the locking means of the moveable

Abstract: A device for turning upside-down a load which is positioned on a support so as to be spaced from an underlying surface, and especially for turning a pile of papers in conjunction with a printing press, comprises a load supporting member (1, 4) for carrying the load. A side support (6, 7) is adapted to engage one side of the load. A lever arrangement (1, 2) is connected with the load supporting member (1, 4) and adapted to be moved, together with the load supporting member, under the load to a starting position in which the load supporting member (1, 4) is located under the load, the side support (6, 7) engages the one side of the load, and the lever arrangement (1, 2) extends beyond the load at the opposite side thereof. A clamping arrangement (12, 13) is adapted for clamping the load against the load supporting member (1, 4) and the side support (6, 7).

Abstract: A series of inverter assemblies are spaced across a board conveyor with each assembly including a plate having an abutment to arrest the board and a lifting surface. An extension on the plate provides a supplementary lifting surface and further a curved edge which stops the following board (s) during cycling of the inverter assembly. A control system includes both manually actuated switches as well as board actuated limit switches in circuit with an adjustable delay component for regulating cycling of the inverter assemblies.

Abstract: A device for tilting vehicles is disclosed which is adjustable and allows a vehicle to be manually tilted readily by an individual. The device has two identical V-shaped units. When the vehicle is upright the device rests on a central horizontal base. The vehicle can be rocked to one side or the other to rest on one of the arms of the "V" and thereby expose the underside of the vehicle. The lengths of the arms of the "V" are adjustable to adapt the device to different vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing in location a circular article from a transport pallet and for moving the article to one or more control positions being angularly offset with respect to one another. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism with grippers mounted on a gantry, a framework supported by a plate which can be raised and lowered, the framework including a mechanism for rotating the article about itself and leaving free an angular sector of 120.degree. at which all the parts of the article can be presented in order to be brought up to or brought into contact with a measurement or inspection mechanism the framework also comprising a mechanism to allow for correct location in any inclined direction or vertical. The apparatus is applicable to automation of control sequences or machining sequences without manual operation or intermediate return of the article between the operations of inspection or of machining.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand truck for lifting and transporting one or more spools of electrical wire or the like, and for supporting the spools for unreeling. The truck includes a frame with a main spool support mounted thereon. The main spool support includes a pair of standards mounted on the support members and constructed to support a shaft therebetween upon which a main spool can be mounted. Webs with apertures for holding auxiliary spool support shafts are mounted along the support members.

Abstract: A tippling installation for the discharge of bulk goods from large barges comprises a dry basin in which a trough-shaped cradle can have its ends sealed against opposite end walls of the basin in which there are lock gates. The cradle provides a holding vessel into which the barges are floated through the lock gates. After closing the gates and draining the cradle, the barge is tipped by rolling the cradle sideways along guide and support tracks which provide positive location while the barge is held clamped in the cradle. The contents of the barge are discharged into a receiving space from which any liquid is drained to separate it from the discharged solids that are then collected. The arrangement is able to prevent pollution of the waterway by the escape of any of the barge contents during discharge. Because they roll on fixed supports relatively little lifting efforts needs to be expanded and very large barges can be handled.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising first and second fixtures mounted in laterally spaced relation for movement toward and away from each other. The first fixture has a mechanism providing a die-supporting surface and is in the form of a cradle rockable between a loading position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal and a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the second fixture. The second fixture has a die-supporting surface and also is in the form of a cradle rockable between a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the first fixture and a position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal. Clamps are provided to clamp the lower die of a die set to the die-supporting surface of the first fixture and for clamping the upper die to the die-supporting surface of the second fixture.

Abstract: A pallet (2) is positioned on its edge in the receiver (6) where it is restrained by the dog (9). The action of the jack (12) is such as to fold back the receiver (6) for the guidance of the pallet to the position (2'). The two jacks (14) drive the arms (8), the stops on which (16) restrain the pallet and guide it to the loading position (2"), releasing the receiver (6), which can be raised. The jacks (15) provide the means for putting the rollers (28, 29) into the conveying position.

Abstract: A tilting platform lift device for wheelchairs is disclosed. The device (10) securely holds a wheelchair (14) and tilts the wheelchair (14) backward up to 90 degrees to shampoo the hair of the person (12) in the wheelchair (14). The device comprises a tilting platform floor (18) with attached frame (70), a motordriven hydraulic system (24) which includes double-acting hydraulic cylinder (34), four-way control valve (45), electric motor (50), hydraulic pump (48) and hydraulic reservior (52). System (24) is enclosed in case (26) which also acts as a base for platform floor (18). In operation, a person (12) in wheelchair (14) rolls backward up ramp (16) and is secured to platform floor (18) by chains (22), which attach to the arms of wheelchair (14), and chains (23), which attach to the lower frame of wheelchair (14). Platform floor (18) may be tilted forward and backward by operating lever ( 56).

Abstract: A car tumbler comprises a set of quarter circle-formed rockers (1) for placing under the car to be rolled over on its side, a hub flange (5) on each rocker for engagement with a wheel hub in one side of the car, the car tumbler being manipulated by a single person from only that one side of the car and requiring only dismounting the wheels on that one side, and a wheel carriage (4) on one end of each rocker which is devised in such a way that when the rocker is passed under the car the wheel carriage will engage with the inward side of and surround part of the lowermost periphery of the wheel on the other side of the car.

Abstract: The turnover device has a frame structure with U-shaped runners and movable loading forks for gripping the load, preferably pallets. The overall center of gravity of the load and the device is in the vicinity of the center of curvature of the runners. Rollers are provided to enable the device also to be used as a transporting means. One or more casters can be moved into the area within the runners, so that the latter do not impede the 180.degree. turnover.

Abstract: In the first embodiment of the apparatus, each end frame of the apparatus has one position at which wheels engage the decking surrounding the pool, and another position at which a braking region engages such deck. In accordance with the method, the operator rolls the apparatus to a desired location when each end frame is in the first-mentioned position, and then tilts each such end frame to the second-mentioned position. He then pulls the pool cover off of the now-stationary frame. In accordance with a second embodiment, each end frame is circular and operates as a wheel when it is desired to move the apparatus. To achieve braking, one edge region of each such wheel is pivoted to expose a chordal braking area. In accordance with the method relative to the second embodiment, the shifting from the rolling mode to the braking mode is effected when the indicated edge regions are at rotated positions such that they do not engage the decking.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling palletized goods stacked in tiers consists of a pivoted cradle having two substantially perpendicular supports for the goods, one of said supports normally constituting a horizontal loading plane and the other a vertical supporting plane, said planes being adapted alternatingly to support the goods due to the pivoting movement of the cradle. According to the invention the supporting plane is composed of a plurality of carriages which are movable towards and away from the loading plane in such a way that the various tiers are separable from each other when supported by the supporting plane formed of the carriages.