Abstract: ROD HANDLING APPARATUS comprises a continuously operated modified walking beam conveyor apparatus activated mechanically, electrically and electronically, utilizing computer and servomechanism technology to control the movement of a series of nuclear fuel rods with provision for their varying length and diameter so that their ends may be heat treated simultaneously. Rods are loaded into a conveyor and rest on conveyor V-blocks attached to conveyor chains which are then moved forward, powered and controlled by a conveyor servomotor, to align the rods with a heat treater units. Then the conveyor stops and a separate set of lifting V-blocks controlled by an eccentric arm powered by a lift plate servomotor, raises the rods to align them with receptacles in the heat treater units. The heat treater units move transversely so that the ends of the rods are inserted a set distance into the receptacles and the heat treating cycle is started.

Abstract: My invention comprises a powered apparatus for detaching and stripping shingles from a building roof and may be used in any direction. A shovel-like device with a blade with nail body engagement slots at the front end and powered means to lower and raise the blade is mounted on a frame. When the blade is in the lowered position, it is moved under the shingles. Then the blade is raised to exert leverage and to detach the shingles while the slots in the blade engage nail bodies, press upward against the nail heads and pull out the nails. As the apparatus is rocked in a forward direction, the shingles, with the nails attached, are stripped by the blade and pushed off the roof or stacked in a pile. My invention can be operated by unskilled personnel in any bodily position and makes a slow, difficult and tiresome job easy by exerting substantial leverage sufficient to remove many layers of shingles.