Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying articles having a support frame and carriage for transferring an article. The apparatus includes at least one first drive for converting rotational movement of a crank member into harmonic linear motion for lifting and lowering the carriage between a first position and a second position along a first path of travel. A second drive moves the carriage between a first position and a second position along a second path of travel.

Abstract: A sensor detects the absolute angular position of a rotatable clamp arm between full opened and full closed positions. The sensor is coupled to a clamp arm pivot shaft to provide output signals corresponding to the absolute position of the clamp arm. One or more programmable angular position set points are setable at angular positions in advance of the full open and full closed positions of the clamp arm. Outputs are generated when the clamp arm reaches and/or exceeds each set point.

Abstract: A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first work station to a second work station along a predetermined path of travel wherein a pair of spaced carriages carry the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel and rotate the workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to an axis of rotation. Preferably, the carriages rotate the workpiece while carrying the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel. The carriages are transported along a guiderail which extends between the first and second work stations. A continuous drive belt reciprocally drives the carriages along the guiderail wherein the continuous drive belt extends from one end of the guiderail to the opposite end of the guiderail. A vertical lift portion reciprocally moves the workpiece in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path of travel. In addition, the carriages provide releasable power clamps for engaging and securing the workpiece.