Abstract: The invention relates to a batch washing machine (1) with at least one rotatably supported and driven cylinder (2, 3), wherein several washing compartments are formed, through which the laundry is passed step by step. For this purpose, the cylinder (2) is supported by rollers (6, 7) at its two ends (4, 5) and is also driven at one or both support points. In the construction of a batch washing machine with a twin-shell cylinder, the outer cylinder (3) is stationary, while the inner cylinder (2) extends at both ends (4, 5) over the outer cylinder (3) and is supported and driven at this projection (23). Therefore, on the projection (23) a stepped annular flange (10) is fastened, which has an annular groove (11) for guiding the support rollers (6, 7) and immediately next to it a sprocket wheel (12) for the chain (9).

Abstract: The invention concerns itself with the automatic processing of metal sheets. These are placed onto pallets (6) in form of stacks (7) and are fed to a pallet storage (4) in form of a high multi-tier shelf coordinated to each production machine (1). Between the pallet storage (4) and the production machine is provided a transport device (9) movable vertically along the pallet storage, which accepts a pallet (6) with a sheet metal stack (7) or delivers an empty pallet (6). The transport device (9) contains a single-sheet feeder (11), for example in the shape of suction heads (20) which lift off the topmost sheet, place it on a sheet support table (23) and from there feed it to the production machine. So as to facilitate the disengagements of the sheets from one another, magnets (18) are so arranged that under their influence they spread the forward positions of the sheets from one another.

Abstract: In the case of common trough mangles (1) used for the smoothing and drying of wet laundry pieces (11) wherein the hollow rollers (2) provided with roller wrappings (3) are only partially surrounded by heated pressing troughs (4, 5), a considerable amount of energy is wasted due to the absorption of cooler room air. In order to eliminate the cause of this deficiency, the invention proposes to cover the free area of the hollow roller (2) with a hood (6), whose rims (9) are sealed against the roller wrapping (3). The exhaust (8) of the steam is removed directly from the hood (6). This way, inside the hood (6) clean saturated steam is obtained and superheated, when the absorption from the hood (6) takes place in counterflow with regard to the travel of the laundry pieces (11). This superheated saturated steam is especially suitable as operating means for washing machines or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair having a pair of upright rear frame members has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. At least two endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move on an incline. A frame element pivotal on the support about a horizontal axis transverse to the tracks carries a vertically displaceable transverse mount having outer ends respectively juxtaposed with the wheelchair frame members. An adjustment spindle extending along and rotatable about a horizontal axis through the mount ends adjacent the frame members has oppositely threaded ends at the outer ends engaged in respective mounting blocks axially slidable in the outer mount ends and threaded on the adjustment-spindle ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair on a flight of steps has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. Two or more endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move over uneven terrain and up and down stairs. A latch is displaceable on the support between a holding position securing the wheelchair in the inclined position and a freeing position permitting the wheelchair to move freely between its positions. A safety device connected to the latch is responsive to the inclination of the tracks relative to the horizontal for blocking the latch from moving into the freeing position when the tracks are inclined at more than a predetermined angle to the horizontal. Thus the wheelchair cannot be released from the support when same is moving on an incline. The latch is provided with a pedal to displace it into the freeing position.

Abstract: A sheet feeder comprises a support adapted to hold a stack of sheets, and a straight guide rail extending from the stack parallel to a transport direction and defining a transport path extending in this direction. A generally cylindrical sheet-lifting roller is provided above the support and is vertically engageable with the topmost sheet of the stack, this lifting roller being centered on and rotatable about an axis inclined to the transport direction and rail. This lifting roller can be rotated about the respective axis while in contact with the topmost sheet of the stack for displacing the topmost sheet in the transport direction and toward the rail. Feed rollers downstream of the lift roller are rotated to advance a sheet engaged thereby along the transport path in the transport direction.

Abstract: An ironing mangle has an ironing roller having a generally cylindrical outer surface and rotatable about a roller axis in a predetermined rotational sense. A two-part sleeve substantially completely surrounds this roller and has a cylindrical inner surface juxtaposed with and spaced radially outwardly from the outer surface of the roller. This sleeve is formed with axially extending and angularly spaced intake and output slots subdividing it into an angularly large main part and an angularly small minor part. The main part is heated and is of thermally conductive material whereas the minor part is of insulating material. At least one inflatable cushion lies on the outer surface and is pressurizable to press items to be ironed against the inner surface of the main part of the sleeves as the arrangement is rotated. The main part has an angular dimension of more than 180.degree.