Abstract: In a multichamber type sheet-after-sheet type of treating apparatus, there are provided an inlet/outlet port capable of independently control pressure and atmosphere in the port, a platform connected to the inlet/outlet port, a plurality of treating chambers connected to the platform, at least two supporting members in the inlet/outlet port for supporting a material to be treated, a hand formed in the platform for supporting the material, and a device for horizontally swinging the hand. In operation, the materials to be treated are treated in the treating chambers at different times, a treated material and a not yet treated material are exchanged between the inlet/outlet port and surrounding air, and one of treating chambers and the platform are interconnected after completion of the treatment for exchanging a treated material and a not yet treated material.

Abstract: An improved safety barrier/ramp actuation mechanism for combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lifts which translate from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served and have a combination safety barrier/ramp at the outboard end of the platform, the mechanism comprising a triple link mechanism and internally contained piston and bellcrank for reciprocating said barrier/ramp, and a pressure relief for said system to prevent raising said barrier/ramp when a load is resting thereon in ramp position, and the invention includes new steps in the method of operation of the stair and lift combination to enhance the safety thereof.

Abstract: A tie-down system for securing articles to a load bearing structure for storage or transportation is shown. Also shown is a method for using this system. The disclosed tie-down system includes a securing member having first and second ends and a fastener for fastening the securing member to the load bearing structure. The fastener includes two clip members connected to the securing member to accomplish this purpose. A tensioner is connected to the securing member and is placed between the two clip members. One of the clip members fixedly connects the securing member to the load bearing structure and the other clip member works in cooperation with the tensioner to apply the desired tension to the securing device and maintain that tension for securing articles to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A cargo handling and restraining system for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo containers in a carrier vehicle. The carrier is provided with a supporting floor (bed) having a plurality of tracks disposed thereon. The tracks include a channel disposed between a pair of spaced, horizontally extending members, and each container is provided with members which "ride" in the channel of the tracks to move the containers along the track. A hook assembly is provided at opposite ends and on the bottom of the containers for engaged relation with a retaining mechanism which positively locks adjacent containers together and to the track. A locking member is provided for rigidly securing the last loaded container (toward the rear of the bed) to the track. A cargo loader mechanism is provided to load and unload the cargo onto and off of the bed, and a cargo cart is provided to transport the cargo from or to a storage bin.

Abstract: A technique relating to automatic excavation by a power shovel is shown. An ideal reference locus of movement of a front edge of a bucket is approximated by a plurality of points, positions of the plurality of points and postures of the bucket at these points are previously set. If the start of automatic excavation is assigned by an operation pedal or the like, the position of the front edge of the bucket at the assigned moment is made a position to start excavation.

Abstract: A system for securing the wheels of a vehicle to be towed to the cross-arm of a wheel-lift tow truck. This system is operated automatically. In the retracted position, it is compact against the cross-arm. When extended, it provides an effective retention system for securing the wheels. It allows for the use of a telescopic stinger and therefore minimizes the detrimental effect of a rearwardly suspended load on the weight distribution of the tow truck, since it can be retracted as far as space will allow to bring the towed vehicle as close as possible to the tow truck. This wheel-lift cross-arm system can be used with any stinger configuration and can be used on combination tow trucks having both recovery booms/sling systems and wheel-lift systems. It can be retrofitted to tow trucks already in use and can be used as part of a conversion system for pickup trucks and other trucks with existing beds.

Abstract: An opener according to the invention comprises a vertical displacement mechanism for moving a capsule to a position in which the capsule is to be opened. The opener also includes a holding mechanism for holding the capsule, a cutting mechanism for cutting the capsule, and a casing. The cutting mechanism includes three roller cutters rotatably supported by a cutter holder by means of a pin. Each of the roller cutters is disposed so as to be rotated around the capsule and to be movable radially of the capsule for the purpose of cutting the capsule. The capsule, vertical displacement mechanism, holding mechanism and cutting mechanism are all contained in the casing and are actuated by a manipulator within the lead cell.

Abstract: A holder changer includes a robot fixed to front or rear faces of a press, and an oblique elevator which obliquely moves a plurality of holders to a work moving level from a lower level in a direction crossing a work moving direction. A fixing portion at an end of the robot is adapted to removably hold and transport the holders for changing the holders.

Abstract: An article handling mechanism for attachment to warehouse trucks or the like includes an article loading platform, a frame secured to the loading platform forming a rack, a generally horizontal member which is movably mounted for vertical movement with respect to substantially perpendicular sides of the frame; and a horizontally movable ram which moves within the frame from front to rear for ejecting articles under compression. The horizontal member is movable toward the platform to compress articles loaded on the platform and is movable away from the platform to increase the loading area of the resultant rack.

Abstract: The apparatus for feeding packaging machines with stacks of sheet material has a unit for the removal and transfer of stacks of sheet material which are arranged mutually side by side on supports and are individually wrapped by respective bands. The removal and transfer unit has a head which is vertically and horizontally movable and has grip elements for removing individual stacks from the supports and for transferring them to a feeding station of the packaging machine. A station for cutting the band is arranged ahead of the feeding station.

Abstract: For use in transferring goods into and from a cargo compartment of a vehicle, trailer, container or the like, a hoist apparatus has a first frame having a pair of opposite side members extending in a first horizontal direction, the I-beams each having a vertical web and horizontal upper and lower flanges. The first frame is supported on rollers beneath the roof of the cargo compartment so as to allow displacement of the first frame in the first horizontal direction between a first, retracted position, in which the first frame is accommodated entirely within the cargo compartment, and a second, extended position, in which the first frame protrudes from the cargo compartment. A second frame or bridge extends horizontally between the opposite side members of the first frame and is supported on rollers on the first frame for movement along the side members.

Abstract: A working machine is frontally provided with a structure for removably supporting an implement. The implement which is removably supported is a frame which transversely shiftably mounts two forwardly projecting lifting tines. An electrically powered adjusting device mounts the lifting tines to the frame. An electrical cable which provides electrical service from the working machine to the adjusting device includes a two-part connector the parts of which are automatically plugged together and separated as the frame is mounted to and demounted from the working machine. A locking device is provided for mechanically fixing a selected position to which the lifting tines have been adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint employs a 4 bar linkage to lift a restraining member to a position that engages a vehicle thus restraining it at a loading dock. The linkage is upwardly biased to hold the unit in an engaging position and may be retracted by using any of a number of mechanical techniques such as hydraulic electric or pneumatic power. The actuating mechanism employs a movable sector arm with engaging lugs to co-act with the 4-bar linkage limit the degree of float of the system and form the drive transfer to initially elevate the linkage or retract it against the upward bias. The 4 bar linkage transfers all loading on the unit from the ICC to the frame thus isolating any driven members from overloads. A secondary hook mounted to the 4 bar linkage is pivotally spring loaded to limit vehicle travel away from the dock and to extend the capture range of the device in the case of ICC's bars that are damaged or mounted at non-standard positions at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railway tie pad is provided with studs that are either offset from opposed positions from each other, on opposite sides of the pad; or are of differing heights. Pads with these features are capable of being more efficient in isolating ties and rails from shock loading, and in accommodating varying loads with differing cushioning characteristics.

Abstract: A lifter automatically adapts to pick up different style residential refuse collection carts. An upper movable clamp bar cooperates with a finger support bar to grab a smooth-sided cart with a single upper lifting lip. A hinged saddle and hinged sliding hook lifts carts having a pair of opposing engagement surfaces (e.g., bars). Hinged members are automatically pivoted into retracted positions during presentation of smooth sided carts, but are otherwise maintained in place for engaging other type carts. The lifter has a relatively short face plate for size and weight advantages, obtained by alternate extension/retraction of the hinged sliding hook during a lift cycle. Rollers on the extending face plate prevent cart scarring. Adjustment for different height carts is provided by a vertical lift assembly which uses a hydraulic sequencing valve to first raise the lifter for engaging the cart and then to cycle through a dumping process.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical container includes a floor having a downwardly open channel formed therein with a center line disposed away from the center of the floor. The channel serves to divide the floor into unequally sized first and second sections, and is adapted to receive the fork of a forklift. A plurality of containers may be joined together to form a transportable system, with the channels of adjacent containers disposed generally parallel to one another for receiving the forks of a forklift.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier having a chassis on which is carried lower vehicle supports, first mechanisms mounting the lower vehicle supports on the chassis, and upper vehicle supports disposed generally above the lower vehicle supports. The upper vehicle supports include a plurality of upper platforms, and second mechanisms mounting the upper vehicle supports on the chassis for movement of each of the upper platforms relative the chassis independently of the other upper platforms. The upper platforms move between a lowered position adjacent the lower vehicle supports and the chassis, a raised position spaced above the lower vehicle supports and the chassis, a forwardly tilted position and a rearwardly tilted position relative the chassis.

Abstract: A vacuum lifting/lowering head comprises a fixed, steadying upper handle adapted, in use, to be gripped by the user, and a movable, lower handle displaceable under the manual control of the user, both handles being suitable for either left or right hand manual operation. An opening is provided in a part of the head, and a valve member is associated with the opening to control the extent of exposure thereof and displaceable by the user's manual movement of the lower handle. The invention also includes a vacuum lifting apparatus provided with such a head.

Abstract: A harvest machine comprises a chassis (10) having wheels (15) attached to its sides. A vertical frame (11) is attached near the rear of the chassis. Slings (18) and a harness or body support (40) hang from the vertical frame to suspend workers (20) in prone positions over low plants (21). The slings allow the workers to easily move about to reach plants around them without bending, kneeling, or any posture that creates back strain. A packing box (19) placed adjacent the workers collect the produce. Alternatively, a conveyor belt (36) may be used to automatically carry produce from the workers into a large packing box (35). The distal end of an arm (14), which extends from the front of the chassis, is connected to the tow bar (23) of a towing vehicle. Alternatively, a motor (30) may be fitted to a nose wheel (33) at the front the chassis to provide self-propulsion. A "boat" (31) at the distal end of an arm (32) attached to the nose wheel rides in a furrow to guide the harvest machine.

Abstract: A retriever and a cart that are detachably secured to one another are used for retrieving and transporting, respectively, heavy containers of the type found in trash compactors. A pair of biased looking bolts hold the retriever and container together when they are in repose. The locking bolts are retracted by squeezing a latch release handle positioned just below the retriever handle so that the cart and retriever can be easily separated from one another. The cart has curved leading surfaces so that the two parts can be reattached by simply pushing them together; the curved surfaces drive the locking bolts into their respective retracted positions so that the latch release handle need not be activated during the reattachment procedure.