Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for positioning roof supports in a tunnel. The machine includes a body unit having a track engaging assembly by which the body unit may be suspended from an overhead track extending along the length of the tunnel. A drive motor is provided for impelling the body unit along the track. An arm assembly support member is mounted on the body unit for pivotal movement about a vertical axis under the control of a slewing actuator. In addition, an arm assembly is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the arm assembly support member for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis under the control of a lifting actuator. A yoke holder is mounted at the opposite end of the arm assembly so as to maintain a constant attitude during the raising and lowering of the arm assembly between a lowered position and a raised position of the arm assembly.

Abstract: A mechanism for loading and unloading a container onto and from a vehicle comprises a member having one end thereof for releasable connection to the container and the other end thereof carrying pivot means movable in an elongated guide means for connection to the vehicle. The guide means so guide the pivot means so that a first actuator means, which acts on the pivot means, is operable to move the pivot means in, and relatively to, the guide means to move the member and the pivot means from a loaded position to an unloading position. A second actuator means which acts on the member is operable, with the member and the pivot means in the unloading position, to pivot the member relative to the guide means about the pivot means.