Abstract: Device for transporting load units consisting of a drive system carrier to which two track-laying drive systems are linked. A lifting platform is supported opposite the drive system carrier over several longitudinally adjustable lifting elements, so that said elements are at least partially provided with articulations movable in all directions, both in the region of the lifting platform and also in the region of the drive system carrier, so as to ensure the displacement in all directions of the lifting platform.

Abstract: In a method of and a system for unpacking bales each tied by at least one strap, a contact plate member provided with a strap sensor unit is mounted, through a biasing arrangement, on a body frame for movement relative thereto. The body frame is moved toward a confronting side face of the bale to bring the contact plate member into contact with the side face of the bale. The body frame is further moved toward the bale while increasing biasing force of the biasing arrangement, until contact pressure, with which the contact plate member is urged against the side face of the bale, reaches a predetermined value. When the contact plate member is urged by the bale in such a direction as to increase the biasing force during scanning of the strap sensor unit along the side face of the bale, the body frame is moved away from the bale to maintain the contact pressure at the predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage system comprising a rack having at least two opposite walls each wall being provided with several horizontal tracks, one above the other, for permanently applied carriages running along the tracks, the carriages at the first wall cooperating with the carriages at the second wall so that the carriages in pairs serve as a support for a load carrying element extending between the carriages on each horizontal plane possibly with the exception of a lower plane being movable in such a way that it is possible to create a free space above each load carrier element, a hoisting device being movable horizontally above the load carrier elements and vertically in the free space above any of the uncovered carrier elements. Each horizontal track or cooperating pair of tracks has a common drive means by means of which a suitable number of the carriages which are moved along the track or tracks can be moved simultaneously to form the free space.

Abstract: A multi-condition responsive vehicle restraining apparatus includes a hook member having an edge for contacting an ICC bar on a vehicle and a tip located at one end of the edge and extending upwardly therefrom for restraining the ICC bar from passing the hook member. A beam arrangement mounts the hook member and is movable for moving the hook member on a forward stroke from an inoperative lowered toward an operative raised position and on a return stroke away from the operative raised toward the inoperative lowered position. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the beam arrangement for actuating the same to move the hook member on its forward and return strokes. Components are provided for sensing the presence of any one of three conditions concerning the placement of the vehicle ICC bar with respect to the hook member and concurrently therewith providing an indication of which condition prevails.

Abstract: Trailer unit for transporting constructional machines and the like, in particular tracked excavators, by means of a conventional truck or similar towing vehicle. The weight of the machine during transporting is resting in part on the towing vehicle and in part on the trailer unit (1, 2, 3, 4). The unit can be assembled on the basis of a bogie having at least two wheel and axle sets on an undercarriage (4). At either side thereof there is provided a supporting cradle (3) for carrying a portion of the tracks or wheels of the machine, said cardles being tiltable about a transverse, horizontal axis (5) between a lowered loading position and an elevated transporting position. The horizontal tilting axis (5) is located somewhat forwardly of the rear end of each cradle (3) at an area between the two ends (3A, 3B) thereof.

Abstract: A static structure which attaches to a fork-lift for use in lifting empty cargo containers. The static structure has a horizontal cross member with a pair of hooks that can graspingly attach to pre-cast holes in the containers. The structure mounts on a fork-lift by means of plural vertical members rigidly affixed to the cross member, these horizontal members telescopingly fitting within recesses on a fork-lift's mast. This provides a simple, inexpensive, and reliable system for manipulating (especially stacking and unstacking) such empty cargo containers.

Abstract: A pallet transferring arrangement and method for positioning a pallet transfer deck relative to a load transfer station is provided. The pallet transferring arrangement has a jack assembly for elevationally moving a load carrying member between first and second spaced positions relative to a vehicle frame. First and second guide assemblies guide the load carrying member and a supporting arrangement movably supports a pallet transfer deck on the load carrying member for movement in a plane. A plurality of replaceable deck positioning socket members engage a plurality of replaceable deck positioning cone members at the second position of the load carrying member and maintains the pallet transfer deck from movement in the plane. The plurality of deck positioning socket members are free from engagement with the deck positioning cone members at the first position of the load carrying members.

Abstract: An apparatus disposed beneath the body of a first motor vehicle adapted to lift a second motor vehicle at least partly from the ground whereby the first motor vehicle can tow the second motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first arm disposed below the first motor vehicle adapted to be pivotable about a first pivot point disposed on the frame of the first motor vehicle, the first motor vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle, the first pivot point being located between the front and rear axles, the first arm extending toward the rear of the first motor vehicle and adapted to engage the second motor vehicle to be towed.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint to be mounted on a loading dock for preventing accidental movement of a vehicle, such as a truck, from the dock during a loading operation. A hydraulic cylinder unit is connected through a flexible member, such as a chain, to a hook-like restraining member. By extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder unit, the restraining member can be moved between the lower storage position and an upper operative position where it engages the ICC bar of the truck. In addition, a resilient member, such as a gas spring, is operably connected to the chain at a location between the attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the chain and the attachment of the chain to the restraining member. The resilient nature of the gas spring will permit limited movement of the chain to accommodate vertical float of the ICC bar and truck bed during a loading operation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for feeding a large volume of electrical components to a vision controlled robotic placement apparatus is provided. Electrical components in a reeled pocketed carrier tape are indexed along a dereeling component feeder to a pick up station. Forward advance of the carrier is stopped when an optical sensor in the feeder senses that a depending pocket in the carrier tape is generally positioned at the pick up station. The vision control system on the robot is relied upon to locate the pocket at the pick up station and to locate the individual components presented in the pocket. The components are robotically unloaded from the carrier one at a time and placed on a printed circuit board assembly at a second station with the guidance of the vision control system. As the last component is picked up for placement, the vision control system signals the carrier tape drive to index the next pocket to the pick up station.

Abstract: An elongated metal apparatus which comprises at least one longitudinal gripping member and preferably a pair of longitudinal gripping members in spaced apart relationship, which are anchored to a slab of concrete and can be used in conjunction with a forklift to physically lift and move the slab of concrete to another location to thereby expose the area beneath the concrete. The apparatus enables a user to remove a section of concrete without the necessity of breaking up and discarding the section of concrete and having to subsequently re-pour the concrete. The apparatus includes a central tunnel or channel for receiving a fork of a forklift, a pair of side members which permit the apparatus to be affixed to the concrete using anchor bolts, and a pair of covering members which cover the area of the anchor bolts to prevent then from flying out and injuring someone if one or more of the anchor bolts should shear loose during the lifting or moving process.

Abstract: A vehicle for the remote handling of loads, comprising a carrying structure (11) with a driving and steering wheel (32), and a fork structure (2) supported by the carrying structure so that it can be raised and lowered and provided with a hook (5) for connection to a vertically-movable attachment part(S) of a lift truck (C). The support structure has a simplified articulated-parallelogram conformation (11) connected to a rear frame (10) of the fork structure (2) and vertical movement of the latter is controlled by a single hydraulic linear actuator (36) vertically interposed between the rear frame (10) and the parallelogram structure (11).

Abstract: This invention pertains to the lifting and tilting of a container of fluent materials. Two embodiments are shown, one having a vertical column disposed to carry the secured container to a predetermined height. This apparatus may be fixed or may be movable from and to selected positions. A slot is formed in this column and a reciprocable movable plate is cycled up and down therein. A spur gear and meshed pinion are provided therein. The spur gear is rotated by an arm and cam follower on the end thereof, with the cam follower transverse an angled cam track to provide a determined tilt and rate of tilt. A second and telescoping embodiment is also disclosed for conditions in which the lift may be as much as twelve feet or more. Side and front discharge apparatus is shown. Container securement apparatus includes adjustable pins. A clamping arrangement for cylindrical containers with a tapered end is also contemplated. A battery-powered apparatus is shown particularly for the telescoping apparatus.

Abstract: A self-loading and unloading truck trailer rig assembly wherein the cargo truck driver's cab comprises a split configuration mounted at one end of its chassis and a forklift mounted at the other end of the chassis. The mast of the forklift is pivotally mounted to the other end of the chassis and is arranged to lie on top of the chassis longitudinally thereof when the cargo truck is in transit on the highway and is movable to extend laterally of the chassis at its other end when the cargo truck is disconnected from its trailer and is serving as a forklift. When the cargo truck operates as a forklift, a part of its driver's cab is rotated 180 degrees to the rear of the chassis for operator control of the movement of the forklift and cargo truck.

Abstract: A movable body having a pair of parallel arms supported from the body and in turn supporting a pair of forks for movement for engaging and releasing the bottom of a stack of sheet material. A clamp is movably connected to the body above the forks for engaging the top of the material and holding the material between the clamp and the extended forks. A probe lifter is movably connected to the body and movable between a lower position below the forks and an upper position between the extended forks for removing the weight of the stack from the forks for allowing the forks to be retracted.