Abstract: A device for storing cylindrical material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rack shelf including one or more racks in which a circular axis is stored, a rack master including a first rack master fork configured to collect a first circular axis in which an article stored in a target rack is not mounted, and a second rack master fork configured to transport a second circular axis in which the article is mounted in the target rack from which the first circular axis is collected, a turn skid configured to collect the first circular axis collected from the first rack master fork; and an input/output port configure to mount the article in the first circular axis collected from the turn skid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a palletizing apparatus for setting down article layers on a transport aid, the palletizing apparatus including a lifting apparatus which is configured in the form of a column and has at least three sides and at least three separate guide devices, wherein one of the at least three guide devices is arranged on each side, and wherein at least one carriage is guided on each of the three guide devices so as to be movable in a vertical direction (Z). Here, the at least three sides are oriented parallel to the vertical direction (Z) and in an inclined manner with respect to one another, wherein at least two of the angles (A1, A2, A3) between the three sides are angles other than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for operating a palletizing apparatus for setting down an article layer on a transport aid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gripping a CD from the top of a stack for automated processing, by putting actuated deflectable fingers in the central opening of the CD. Axial displacement is used to force the fingers radially outward. The axial displacement is advantageously provided by abutting a relatively axially displaceable part of the gripper against a fixed object and continue axial displacement of the gripper. Use is made of an arrangement similar to the actuating mechanism of a ball-point to extend and retract the writing tip or the mechanical arrangement used in electrical micro switches operated by a push button (e.g. the Short Stroke Key Switches of ITT Industries). This arrangement is combined with an electrical switch to detect the extended or retracted position of the fingers to provide a corresponding electrical signal to a control means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reorienting a toroidally shaped core configured to carry a green tire. The core includes a central axis defined through first and second oppositely facing tapered recesses respectively including first and second locking mechanisms. The apparatus includes a core support structure including a base and a reorientation member connected for movement relative to said base and a core coupling member. The core coupling member connects for movement with the reorientation member and includes a core locking mechanism that couples with the core coupling member and locks the core coupling member to the core. A drive system couples with the reorientation member and operatively moves the reorientation member so as to change the orientation of the central axis from a first orientation to a second, different orientation transverse to the first orientation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling objects, in particular discs such as CD's having an aperture therein defining a rim. The apparatus comprises a first set of jaws moveable towards and away from one another and a second set of jaws moveable towards and away from one another. In use, the jaws of each set may be moved apart to exert a radial gripping force on the rims of the objects. The second set of jaws is extendible and retractable axially. By operating the sets of jaws through sequences of extension, gripping, retraction and releasing, the objects can be loaded onto or off of the apparatus. The gripping action of the jaws allows the apparatus to hold the objects in any orientation.

Abstract: A system for transferring supports for objects which can be stacked and unstacked between a conveyor and a machine for printing the objects, characterized in that it includes: a mobile transfer table which has two locations each adapted to receive an object support and which is adapted to occupy a plurality of positions, first drive elements adapted to drive the transfer table vertically up and down, and second drive elements adapted to advance or withdraw the transfer table horizontally and simultaneously to transfer a support containing objects and an empty support or to withdraw the empty transfer table to a position awaiting a new support.

Abstract: A palletizing system for stacking materials is provided. The system utilizes support members to minimize leaning of stacked materials. These support members are inserted through openings defined by one or more slip sheets. In particular, these openings are spaced about the perimeter of the slip sheet so that support members may be inserted therethrough. Thus, indentation or deformation of the outer edges of the materials is minimized.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to make it as easy as possible to change a spindle in a lifting device (2) for substrates, which device comprises a support (10). To this end the support is configured such that it can be made to engage the substrate holder (25) by rotation or by pivoting.

Abstract: A storage medium cartridge that has a substantially rectangular housing with an aperture formed thereon is provided for use with a cartridge gripping assembly. The cartridge gripping assembly includes a gripping mechanism having a first end which releasably engages the aperture defined on the housing of the storage medium cartridge. The gripping mechanism further includes a second end that is dimensioned for coupling with a first end of a mechanized robotic arm for providing motion to the cartridge gripping assembly.

Abstract: A capstan for handling slitting tools comprises a base, a pivoting frame, an outer frame and a plurality of shafts. The pivoting frame is supported by the base for pivotal movement about an axis. The outer frame is supported by the rotating frame for translational movement along the axis. The plurality of shafts extends from the outer frame transversely to the axis. The capstan preferably further includes an axial actuator for translating the outer frame relative to the pivoting frame along the axis. This permits an attendant to raise or lower the outer frame, and, hence, raise or lower the shafts. By thus raising or lowering the shafts, the attendant can adjust the height of the shafts to a comfortable level for loading or unloading knives and spacers without excessive lifting or bending. An optional pusher serves to automatically slide the tools between the capstan and the slitter machine.

Abstract: In a parts handling device and method for handling parts having a central aperture output from a press, the curved slide is provided extending in sloping fashion with its upper end being positioned at the press and its lower end at a location for unloading accumulated parts. A frame is provided for mounting first, second and third clamp assemblies along the curve slide. First, second and third mounting elements are provided beneath the curve surface of the slide in space relationship from one another in alignment with the clamp assemblies. When only two of the clamp assemblies are closed, the tube is rigidly held in its slope position. The control system is provided for selectably opening and closing the first, second and third clamp assemblies in a sequence which permits the parts which are accumulating in front of the first or second clamp assemblies to pass through to the third clamp assembly and eventually to an off-loading station when the third clamp assembly is open.

Abstract: A media rework tool for discs and/or a spindle motor carrying a disc pack is disclosed that has a slider plate mounted on a base for lateral movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The slider plate holds a spindle motor with a disc pack mounted on it, and moves between the two positions. The tool includes a gripper assembly having a plurality of opposing arms for grasping predetermined discs within a disc pack on the spindle motor when the slider plate is in the retracted position. The gripper assembly raises the predetermined discs and any intermediate spacer rings upward for temporary storage on a media guide to allow the remainder of the disc pack to be reworked, such as for replacement of a defective disc or spindle motor when the slider plate is laterally moved to the extended position. Following reworking of the remainder of the disc pack, the spindle motor is returned to its centered position relative to the media guide and the gripper assembly.

Abstract: A capstan for handling slitting tools comprises a base, a pivoting frame, an outer frame and a plurality of shafts. The pivoting frame is supported by the base for pivotal movement about an axis. The outer frame is supported by the rotating frame for translational movement along the axis. The plurality of shafts extends from the outer frame transversely to the axis. The capstan preferably further includes an axial actuator for translating the outer frame relative to the pivoting frame along the axis. This permits an attendant to raise or lower the outer frame, and, hence, raise or lower the shafts. By thus raising or lowering the shafts, the attendant can adjust the height of the shafts to a comfortable level for loading or unloading knives and spacers without excessive lifting or bending. An optional pusher serves to automatically slide the tools between the capstan and the slitter machine.

Abstract: A method of automatically feeding a part (4) having a through-hole to an intended place comprises the steps: disposing a feed rod (6) capable of advancing toward an intended place to which the part (4) is to be fed, said feed rod (6) consisting of a slide rod (16) of larger diameter and a guide rod (17) of smaller diameter, said guide rod (17) retractably projecting beyond the front end of the slide rod (16); provisionally holding the part (4) in a predetermined position on the advance/retraction axis of the feed rod (6); advancing the feed rod (6) to cause the guide rod (17) to pierce through the though-hole (10) in the part (4) so as to feed the part (4) to said intended place; and detecting, when relative displacement of the guide rod (17) with respect to the slide rod (16) occurs during the advance of the feed rod (6), such relative displacement and issuing a signal.

Abstract: In a parts handling device and method for handling parts having a central aperture output from a press, the curved slide is provided extending in sloping fashion with its upper end being positioned at the press and its lower end at a location for unloading accumulated parts. A frame is provided for mounting first, second and third clamp assemblies along the curve slide. First, second and third mounting elements are provided beneath the curve surface of the slide in space relationship from one another in alignment with the clamp assemblies. When only two of the clamp assemblies are closed, the tube is rigidly held in its slope position. The control system is provided for selectably opening and closing the first, second and third clamp assemblies in a sequence which permits the parts which are accumulating in front of the first or second clamp assemblies to pass through to the third clamp assembly and eventually to an offloading station when the third clamp assembly is open.

Abstract: The platform (20) has a centrally disposed holding device (30) to which a mandrel (32) for centering a stack of saw blades (12) is normally fastened in an upright manner. Disposed on the said platform (20), at intervals from the central holding device (30), are at least two decentralised holding devices (34) to each of which a mandrel (36) can likewise be fastened for centering a stack of saw blades (12) in each case. All the mandrels (32, 36) are capable of being fastened to, and detached from, their holding devices (30, 34) independently of one another, and are interchangeable with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a workpiece conveyor and delivery device for a vacuum processing plant. Workpieces are delivered from one device to another, both devices being located opposite each other and moving in relation to each other. A controllable magnet arrangement is provided on one of the devices. A moveable armature element acts as a holding device for the workpiece on one of the two devices which move in relation to each other, namely the device provided with the magnet arrangement. Magnet arrangement is driven to activate the holding device which can be deactivated for delivery of workpiece.

Abstract: A bearing journal (21), which is introduced into a central opening (22) in the reel (10) and is anchored releasably inside a reel core (11), serves for automatically receiving reels (10). Provided for the connection between the bearing journal (21) and the reel core (11) are clamping webs (23) which are extended laterally and take up a connection with the inner side of the reel core (11) in a non-positive and/or positive-locking manner. The bearing journal (21) is provided with a plurality of mechanical monitoring members which indicate any incorrect position of the bearing journal (21). The movements of the bearing journal (21) are controlled automatically by means of a camera (38).

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting and receiving optical discs as a function of different quality control codes associated with respective optical discs including a base and a motor mounted to the base and having an output shaft. A turntable has a plurality of vertically oriented fixed spindles attached thereto, and the turntable is connected to, and rotates with, the output shaft of the motor. Each of the spindles has a diameter less than a diameter of a centerhole in the optical discs. A control is responsive to the quality control codes and operates the motor to rotate the turntable and move a spindle to a loading position for receiving an optical disc. The control selects the spindle to receive the optical disc so that only discs having a common quality control code are received by the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating a stack of bags having wicket receiving holes comprises a paddle wheel conveyor for placing bags, a motorized stacker wheel adjacent the paddle wheel conveyor to receive the placed bags from the paddle wheel, a plurality of stacker bar units each rotatably mounted to the stacker wheel and a pick up head operatively positioned adjacent said plurality of stacker bar units for receiving the stack of bags from one of the stacker bar units. The pick up head has two tubes that receive and maintain alignment of the bags, a restraining jaw for restraining the stack of bags on the tubes and a pusher plate for pushing the stack of bags off the two tubes.

Abstract: An improved mandrel device (100) and method. The mandrel device (100) has an elongated member (117) for supporting a plurality of hard disks, for example. The elongated member (117) includes an inner member (107) that is defined between a pair of outer members (105), where each of the members have ridges (103) defined thereon. The combination of these members and ridges are used to support a plurality of disks that do not touch each other during, for example transportation.

Abstract: A system for the flexographic printing of compact discs is provided in which the transport member for the compact discs travels in an oval-shaped path. The transport member is made up of individual segments connected together so that each end can be pivoted on a vertical axis. These individual segments are provided with top and bottom rollers that are engaged by a sprocket drive. A support member for a compact disc tooling fixture is attached to each of the individual segments. The flexographic print heads are caused to move at the same rate as the transport member for the compact discs by rack segments that are provided on each of the individual segments of the transport member and which mesh with a toothed gear on the print heads. The flexographic print heads can be moved laterally and radially to provide registration of the decoration to be printed on the compact disc supported by a particular tooling fixture for the compact disc.

Abstract: A disk gripper featuring a spindle fitting through the central hole of a disk, with the spindle harboring a movable latch which is a pin carried by a movable arm. An actuator shifts the latch out of the spindle once the spindle has entered a disk hole with the latch causing the disk to slide laterally into a curled finger which provides a protective, non-contacting envelope. The disk is held in place on the shoulder of a bulbous portion of the spindle which keeps the disk on the shoulder of the spindle. The actuator is activated by a floating sensor ring carried by the spindle. When the spindle passes through a disk hole, the sensor ring moves upwardly, resting on the disk sending an upright tripper into an optical detector causing the latch to retract and allowing the spindle to pass into the disk hole. After passage into the disk hole the latch is released, causing lateral disk motion, causing the disk to laterally slide into a securely held position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting substrates to and from at least one device (1) for holding substrates (2), the at least one device having a substrate support (5) disposed in a vacuum chamber (4, 4', 4"). The apparatus includes at least one displaceably disposed gripper (75), which can be displaced by a mechanical and/or electro-magnetically or magnetically operating positioning device (130) between a substrate gripping position and a substrate release position, and a centering device (157, 157', 161) for centering a substrate relative to the substrate support in conjunction with transport of the substrate by the apparatus to the substrate support.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically removing bags from a supply conveyor and stacking a predetermined number of bags upon raised pins. The stacks are then placed on a stack transfer assembly that is then moved into a transfer station wherein the stacks are placed on wickets. An endless accumulator conveyor is arranged to deliver the wickets into the transfer station in timed relation with the movement of the transfer assembly between stations.

Abstract: A compact disc (CD) dispenser mounted on a bagging machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes turret and transfer assemblies. The turret assembly includes an indexing system to sequentially and one at a time position mandrels carrying CD disc sets at a dispensing location. The transfer assembly includes a pair of pickup heads driven by the rotary actuator. The pickup heads are adapted sequentially and one at a time to remove discs from a set positioned at the dispensing location and after 180.degree. rotation of the fluid actuator, drop a picked up disc into a waiting bag in the bagging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting substrates between a first device and at least one second device for gripping and holding substrates with a substrate holder disposed in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Process for loading spool pegs (10) of a spool rack (11) or the like with full yarn spools (12) set by a loading device (13) onto superimposed horizontally arranged pegs (16) of a transport carriage (15), which is moved by a drive motor (23) on a rail between the loading device (13) and the rack (11) and positioned with a sensor in front of the rack (11) in a predetermined position, wherein the carriage pegs (16) and the pegs (10) of the rack (11) are aligned. In order to avoid time-consuming and complicated setting operations, the process is performed so that the sensor (25) is set at the level of a peg tier (b) of the rack (11), that the travel segments (e.g. x1) of the transport carriage (15) are stored during its travels, that sensor signals triggered by the rack pegs (10) are stored in relation to the travel segments (e.g. x1), and that the transport carriage (15) is steered into its spool transfer position via the stored sensor signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for automated sorting or articles such as railroad wheels. After the wheels are inspected and designated as fitting a particular category, the wheels are moved to a transfer car and the wheel and transfer car are moved to a wheel pick up station, where an overhead hoist awaits. As the wheel and transfer car are moved, a hook portion of the hoist is received in the wheel axles hole. The hoist raises the wheel out of the transfer car and then the hoist and wheel move laterally to a wheel drop off station corresponding with the category of the wheel. A shuttle car with an empty wheel receiving slots is below each wheel drop off station. The hoist lowers the wheel into the aligned wheel slot of the appropriate shuttle car for that category of wheel. After the wheel is deposited in the slot, the shuttle car indexes away from the hoist, freeing the wheel and hoist from one another. The hoist is then raised and returned to the wheel pick up station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for handling test pieces in which a stack of test pieces is formed on a lift table of the apparatus and are brought into a predetermined position by a slide, which displaces the test pieces horizontally against a guide bead, with the test pieces being lifted-off the stack and transported to a test position by a first transporter having replaceable test piece-specific holding and positioning elements, and with the test pieces being transported from the test position to a storing position by a second transported having replaceable test piece-specific holding elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically removing bags from a supply conveyor and stacking a predetermined number of bags upon raised pins. The stacks are then placed on a stack transfer assembly that is then moved into a transfer station wherein the stacks are placed on wickets. An endless accumulator conveyor is arranged to deliver the wickets into the transfer station in timed relation with the movement of the transfer assembly between stations.

Abstract: A pipe vice transportation dolly having a one-piece faceplate which is rigid and stable, and primary and secondary support arms to sustain the pipe vice while providing stability and balance as well. Two wheels protrude from either side and enable it to move the pipe vice about. A face plate is generally triangular and is situated between the wheels with the main support arm centered in the peak of the triangle, and two protruding pipes, secondary support arms, on each end of the plate which attach to the pipe vice. A rectangular handle is situated on top and center of the faceplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the removal and transfer of plate-shaped objects (CD) from a stack using a suction device being movable against a counter-force for generating a vacuum with a predetermined duration at a suction opening. To obtain a simple, compact and inexpensive design with safe, simple and gentle removal and transfer of plate-shaped objects such as ring disks or information carriers (compact disks, diskettes or floppy disks) in an automated environment, the device has two U-shaped hollow elements in a concentric arrangement that are on the one hand slideable towards and into one another with their open ends and on the other hand are substantially airtightly sealed in their movement range in relation to one another to the extent that when a vacuum is generated a leak flow of predetermined size and course is achievable, and hence also the vacuum duration that is predetermined for the removal of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing plate-shaped objects (CDs) from a stack, the apparatus having a gripper mechanism, a stack magazine with a vertically arranged shaft that passes through the central openings (O) of the plate-shaped objects of the stack, and a lifting mechanism for the stack. To achieve a compact device structure with a low physical height and secure, simple removal and handling of plate-shaped objects, such as annular disks or information media in the form of compact disks or floppy disks in an automatic environment, the shaft has at its top end an upwardly tapering region, and a mechanism for displacing plate-shaped objects (CD), lifted into this region, in the horizontal direction against the shaft are arranged in such a way that a topmost object of the stack, displaced horizontally, can be gripped by means of the gripper mechanism. In addition, the gripper mechanism and the lifting mechanism are arranged vertically displaceably alongside the stack magazine.

Abstract: A fork-lift apparatus for use in a stacker crane has a running apparatus for traveling forward and backward and a carriage provided with a fork device and arranged for upward and downward movements by a lift apparatus for the purpose of carrying a load with the fork device to and from a desired rack in a multi-tier automatic warehouse. In particular, the carriage has at its lower region a swivel device, a swivel frame driven by the swivel device for rotating movement, and a ram fork provided in the swivel frame as driven by a drive device for movement.

Abstract: Converts any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. A safety chain is incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power hoist, with load sensing brake, and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift, which continuously grips the core firmly, in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the hoist cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the hoist cable is activated.

Abstract: A sideweld bag making machine equipped with a rotary bag transfer device and wicket conveyer utilizes a modified wicket stacking plate and transfer wicket pins to effectively place the bags on permanent wickets as they are stacked on the wicket conveyer. Stacking bags directly onto this permanent wire wicket avoids the need for the operator to transfer the stacked and counted bags from transfer wicket pins to permanent wire wickets as part of the bag packing operation.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method and apparatus for stacking discarded tires for use in the formation of non-degradable structures and supports. The method consists of placing discarded vehicle tires on banding posts that are capable of maintaining numerous cut tires in-line. The tire stacks form part of a triangular bundle which allows for the formation of hexagon shaped bundles of a vertical disposition providing predictable compressibility and longevity for use in artificial reefs, structure support for buildings and pavement. In addition, placement of the triangular tire stacks in a horizontal position allows for formation of wave reducing reefs or levy construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately mounting and aligning a disk on a collet is disclosed. The apparatus uses a female guiding member to move along the surface of a protruding male member on the end of the collet. The female guiding member is positioned such that when mated with the male protrusion on the collet, the disk opening is in axial alignment with the collet. The apparatus grips the disk between two posts and a compliant spool. The disk, when held is allowed to move in directions parallel to the plane of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for denesting and orienting a stack of handled receptacles. Each receptacle comprises a substantially open container having a base, an upper portion through which access to the open container is provided, and a pivotable handle connected to the upper portion. The orienter, which does not require that the receptacle have an open container, includes a support for holding the receptacle and a mechanism for retaining the pivotable handle of the receptacle. A mechanism is also provided for moving the receptacle off the support such that the receptacle hangs by its handle on the handle retainer. The orienter also includes a mechanism for releasing the handle from the handle retainer so that the receptacle is oriented in a predetermined position with respect to the apparatus. The denester of the present invention may be used to separate the first receptacle from a stack of receptacles so that each receptacle may be oriented by the orienter.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically removing bags from a supply conveyor and stacking a predetermined number of bags upon raised pins. The stacks are then placed on a stack transfer assembly that is then moved into a transfer station wherein the stacks are placed on wickets. An endless accumulator conveyor is arranged to deliver the wickets into the transfer station in timed relation with the movement of the transfer assembly between stations.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to convert any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. Two safety chains are incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power winch and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the winch cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the winch cable is activated. Even though a fork truck may be stationary, the center lift is free to guide into the roll because the roll center lift is connected to a flexible cable and flexible chain.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading a roll of web (1) from a stack (3) along a first axis (7) into a chamber (2) along a second axis (8) has a pivotable support member (12) and an engaging means (16) having a head member (18) attached to the support member (12) for engaging a roll along the first axis (7) and guiding the roll (1) into the chamber (4) along the second (8). The support member (12) pivots between a first position in alignment with the stack (3) along the first axis (7) and, a second position in alignment with the chamber opening (4) along the second axis (8). A guide means (22) comprising a guide track (24) having first and second elevation positions and predetermined first, second and third stopping means (30) , (53) , (44) are provided to ensure that the engaging means (16) precisely and repeatedly locates at the desired positions.

Abstract: A gripper for handling printed product rolls and empty roll cores is used for intermittently storing printed products wound on roll cores. The gripper has a central piece (10), which is fixed to a conveying or transporting device and which carries a gripper arm star or spider (20). On the gripper arm star (20) is a substantially circular array of radially movable roll clamping devices (30) for clamping a roll or rolls (W) from the periphery thereof and core supports (40) for engaging and supporting a rosette-shaped arrangement of juxtaposed roll cores (WK). The core supports (40) are pivotable so that, in a core handling configuration of the gripper, they are positioned within the circle formed by the roll clamping devices and in a roll handling configuration of the gripper they are moved out of that circle. The movements of the gripper parts are driven by linear drives and monitored by sensors, so that the gripper can operate in a fully automated manner.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring discs between disc manufacturing machinery or processes comprises a series of storage cassettes having discs stored therein. Each stored disc is retrieved from the cassette and placed into a shuttle which carries the disc while it is processed. The processed disc is retrieved from the shuttle subsequent to the disc manufacturing process and placed into a second storage cassette. The apparatus transfers the discs by gripping them between a stationary member which engages the edge of the disc and a selectably moveable member which engages the disc hole such that the disc is pinched between the two gripping members. The gripping and transferring functions are controlled by a computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of driving belts 2 disposed close to each other and hanging from a horizontal supporting bar 4 carried by a handling support 3 in a loading station 10. The belts are laterally engaged, from opposite sides, between two first dragging elements 26 adapted to be simultaneous moved close to each other from opposite sides relative to the belts 2. The belts 2 are elastically deformed by the dragging elements and thereby take a configuration having two vertically aligned loops 38, 39 widening in a direction away from the dragging elements 26. The dragging elements 26 are trained around respective idler pulleys 27, 28, 31 operable for causing the displacement of the belts 2 and the selective transferring of the belts to second dragging elements 42 that will convey the belts to different work stations 5, 5aa according to a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A docking assembly (200) for docking with a vehicle (108), the vehicle having a nonrigid docking member (70) having an apparatus for positioning (124, 126, 128, 130, 132) mounted thereon. The docking assembly has a frame (202) to which is mounted a positioning slot (222) having flared walls (224) for guiding therein and securing thereto the apparatus for positioning of the vehicle to thereby dock the vehicle to the docking assembly.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is presented that is able to harvest and load and to unload and install large rolls of sod with only one worker. It is equally useful with conventional sods grown on soil as well as sods grown over an impervious surface. The device is attached by a shiftable bracket to the utility mounting plate and hydraulics of a suitable tractor, skid steer loader, or modified fork lift. It consists of a steel spear or prong attached to a clevis that rotates slightly more than 180 degrees. Cones are placed on the hinged spear and these position PVC pipe or other tubing of the same length as the sod roll desired. The spear with cone(s) and tubing is placed at a right angle, either to the left or right, of the direction of the loader and dropped to the surface at the end of a cut sheet of sod. Small protrusions or prongs on the surface of the tubing lightly grasp the sod and begin rolling it up on the tubing.

Abstract: A multi-tier storage unit is defined by vertical array of rotary conveyors. Independently operable transfer devices for transferring devices to be stored onto selected conveyors and retreiving stored products from the conveyors are positioned at a pair of spaced points along the sides of the storage unit. The retrieval apparatus includes one or more distributors in the form of trolley systems which operate at preselected vertical levels.

Abstract: A system for loading a plurality of cylindrical members, initially oriented to longitudinally extend in a first direction, into a processing module adapted to receive the plurality of cylindrical members longitudinally extending in a second direction, is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted for use in a rotary atomization manufacturing system for manufacturing photoreceptors from the cylindrical member in the form of substrate members. The system includes a first support structure for receiving and retaining removably thereon the plurality of cylindrical members oriented to longitudinally extend in the first direction. The system transfers the plurality of cylindrical members, longitudinally extending in the first direction, to the first support structure. The system includes a second support structure for receiving and retaining removably thereon the plurality of cylindrical members oriented to longitudinally extend in the second direction.