Abstract: A lateral log transfer apparatus which functions to separate logs for travel end-to-end, and one at a time, away from the apparatus. Included in this apparatus are at least two longitudinally displaced pairs of counter-rotative discs which are formed with angular peripheral regions characterized by plural angularly related chord stretches which function, because of their relative angular orientations and relative sizes, to promote positive separations of laterally adjacent logs prior to log transfer to an off-bearing conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for breaking up stacks of boards in a power saw has a platform which carries a stack of boards and is movable upwardly by a motor which is automatically arrested in response to lifting of a preselected number of boards above a given level. The unit which effects the transfer of boards above such level onto a table which supports the boards during cutting carries a pivotable lever with an idler roller which rests on the topmost board during lifting of the platform, and the lever causes a switch or a signal comparing stage to arrest the motor for the platform when it assumes a preselected angular position. When the idler roller is moved off the topmost panel in response to transfer of the selected number of boards onto the table and resulting movement of the transfer unit relative to the platform, the lever assumes a given position in which it arrests the motor for the transfer unit.

Abstract: In a self-unloading vessel having hoppers with discharge outlets for discharging either lump or pulverulent material onto an unloading conveyor, discharge apparatus includes a wheeled carriage supporting two separate gate assemblies thereon and movable to bring one or the other of the gate assemblies into discharge relationship with the hopper outlet. One gate assembly includes a horizontally sliding gate which is driven between open and closed positions by a drive cylinder. The other gate assembly includes fluidized bed airslide apparatus for directing pulverulent material to a discharge passage closed by a butterfly valve. Two embodiments are disclosed. In one a separate drive cylinder is provided for moving the carriage between its two positions along associated rails. In the other the one gate can be releaseably pinned to the other gate assembly. The relative positions of the two gate assemblies are reversed in the two embodiments.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for stacking brick in monorail jig box stacking systems. The apparatus includes a plurality of loader subassemblies which sequentially position layers of brick in a jig box supported by a monorail. Each loader assembly includes a supply conveyor operable to consolidate spaced groups of brick in one direction and a marshaling conveyor operable to consolidate groups of brick in a direction perpendicular to such one direction. The two conveyors operate to rearrange the brick so that groups or layers are produced which are sized to provide one full layer in the jig box. A transfer tray receives the layers from the marshaling conveyor and extends to carry such layers into the jig box. A stripper retains the layers in the jig box as the transfer tray is retracted. Camming surfaces carried by the transfer tray ensure that the jig box is properly positioned with respect to the tray before the layer of brick enters the jig box.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for automatically positioning a piece on a worktable. A worktable (4) supports a reference system (3) constituted by three rollers (G1, G2, G3). The piece such as a substrate (2) is placed on the table (4) in the neighborhood of the rollers. A first pivoting arm (21) comes into contact with a side (C3) of the substrate (2) to bring the opposed side (C1) in contact with the rollers (G1, G2). A second pivoting arm (20) comes into contact with the side (C4) of the substrate (2) to bring the opposed side (C2) in contact with the roller (G3). The arms (20, 21) are controlled by a single means such as a jack (22) of which the body (23) and the rod (24) are floatingly mounted and are respectively associated with the two arms (20, 21). The invention is primarily useful for positioning of a support for integrated circuits in a serigraphic machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to drilling rigs, and more particularly to novel apparatus for supporting a plurality of pairs of block and tackle systems with the tackle systems of each pair operable sequentially and alternately, the one being used to support a main drilling or tubing string while the other is being used to rack stands of tubing therefrom.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered unit which serves as a rear truck bumper and as a bale carrier for large cylindrical hay bales. The unit includes a pair of stationary end bumper sections and a pivotal center bumper section having a pair of sockets for receiving bale piercing spears. A rigid frame secures the bumper to the truck at the customary location for the rear bumper. The center bumper section can be pivoted by hydraulic cylinders in order to load an impaled bale into the truck bed for transport and to unload the bale back onto the ground. Spring loaded locking plates hold the spears in the sockets and can be released to permit removal of the spears when they are not needed to handle bales.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles, such as eggs, from one station to another. The eggs are arranged in a predetermined configuration at the first or transfer station, and deposited at a second station in a different array or configuration. The transfer head, which contains egg engaging and lifting members in the form of vacuum cups, includes a first and second carrier section, each of which retains one-half of the array or egg engaging positions. The carrier sections are interconnected by linkage members which, when rotated, change the array configuration from a first position to a second position without the need for rotating the entire transfer head and the articles being carried.

Abstract: A hay bale retrieving and transporting trailer which includes a rectangular frame mounted upon a pair of ground-engaging wheels and carrying a pair of oppositely disposed bale loading and supporting cradles pivotally mounted on the frame. The cradles are actuated by a pair of piston and cylinder subassemblies which extend between the frame and the cradles for moving the cradles from a first, pick-up position to a second, transporting position. The trailer is further provided with a horizontally extending towing tongue having one end pivotally connected at the center of the trailer frame. A piston and cylinder is connected between the trailer frame and the tongue to swing the tongue to a selected angle with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the trailer frame so that the trailer can be towed in a laterally offset position from a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A system for transferring fluid between two marine tankers, including a first articulated loading arm mounted on the first tanker and a second loading arm or other suitable receiver mounted on the second tanker. The first loading arm is guided into operating contact with the second arm or receiver by laser tracking and ranging equipment, and by a computer which computes the location of the end of the first loading arm relative to the second arm or receiver. After the first loading arm and the receiver are connected together, the computer calculates the position of the outboard end of the first loading arm, compares this position to a set of safe operating boundaries, and provides a warning signal whenever the end of the arm moves outside any of these safe boundaries. When the end of the first arm moves outside a critical boundary the computer provides a disconnect signal which shuts down the loading operation and disconnects the first loading arm from the second arm or receiver.

Abstract: A log unloading apparatus for a batch former in which a receiver platen is moved by a batch of logs as they are pushed out of the batch former. The logs are supported intermediate their lengths by an intermediate log support member which initially is abutting the batch former, but, upon movement of the logs from the batch former, can be drawn out with the receiver platen to provide support for the logs intermediate their length but also providing two spaces or gaps sufficient to receive the forked tines of a grapple.

Abstract: A storage silo, for agricultural products and the like is provided, particularly adapted for use with silos of the bottom unloader type, and which are filled through a fill pipe extending from about ground level, to the upper end of the silo. A particularly unique connection is provided between the top and bottom of the silo, for substantially eliminating a pressure differential between the top and bottom that could otherwise have adverse affects on the silage upon filling at the side. The interconnection between the top and the bottom is through the silo fill pipe, and a vent line, and additionally may be provided for including silage gas bags in common interconnection with the fill pipe. The bottom end of the fill pipe is telescopically extendable for attachment to a silage blower, and a closure for the bottom end of the fill pipe is adapted to sealingly close the fill pipe with the telescopically extendable member within the fill pipe.

Abstract: A device for handling a stack of flexible articles, such as magazines comprises a bearing plate for receiving the stack of articles which either has an arched central portion or a deflecting bar for holding a stack of articles thereon in an arched location with the ends lowered in the central portion. Associated with the bearing plate is a gripping mechanism which includes gripping arms which are mounted for movement toward and away from respective ends of the articles to be gripped. Each of the gripping arms includes a holding finger which may be rotated between a horizontal position in which the fingers will engage below each end of the articles or to a vertical position in which the articles are released. When the fingers engage horizontally below the ends of the articles the gripping mechanism may be lifted to lift the articles off the bearing plate.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for automatically leveling the dump body of a rear dumping vehicle. The system is adapted to be employed with a tractor-trailer rig including an elongated pivot dumping body associated with a trailer. First and second hydraulic rams coupled to the front of the dump body are employed to tilt and simultaneously level the trailer dump body during unloading. The lower ends of the hydraulic rams terminate in pressure plate apparatus adapted to contact the driven, rear wheeled axles of the tractor unit. The pressure plates include a plurality of rollers rotatably secured to the pressure plate which support the weight transmitted by the rams while permitting rotation of the tractor tires. An electrical-hydraulic system controlled by a pivoted pendulum appropriately actuates the rams for leveling the apparatus. Thus the entire unit may be manuevered by the tractor while unloading and tilting the dump body, simultaneously with the automatic leveling function.