Abstract: A self-propelled boom loader is arranged as a hybrid between a trailer and a self-propelled vehicle. The loader has a carriage with a pair of independently controllable drive wheels powered by hydraulic drive motors and a free turning third wheel caster spaced from the drive wheels in a tricycle configuration. A hydraulic loader such as a knuckle boom loader is carried on the carriage on a turntable mount. The loader has an on-board hydraulic pump providing operational hydraulic pressure to the boom and turntable, which pressure is controllably divertable to operate the drive motors via controls in the loader cab. The loader is adapted for maneuvering in close quarters and has stabilizing outriggers. The drive wheels have rotationally disengageable hubs for freewheeling, and the carriage has a tow hitch coupleable to a tow vehicle for trailering, the wheels and hitch being mounted on the carriage such that the third wheel is lifted from the ground during trailering, for over the road transport.

Abstract: Coin processing apparatus electromagnetically tests an inserted coin, separates genuine coins from counterfeit coins by a first pathway switching mechanism, and stores genuine coins in change tubes and a cash-box by a second pathway switching mechanism, according to the type of coin. The pathway along which the coins pass is provided with pass sensors at two positions therein, where one pass sensor detects the coins and the other pass sensor controls the operation of the second pathway switching mechanism in such as manner as to prevent passing coins from becoming trapped therein. The second pathway switching mechanism is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the fall of a detection signal from a pass sensor, to end the flow of current through and thereby prevent overheating of a solenoid therein.

Abstract: A roll on roll off receptacle handling system, that can load and unload a receptacle, storing the receptacle and transporting the receptacle. The system includes a storage platform that the receptacle can be rolled on to and off from. The system also includes a transport device that the receptacle can be rolled on to or off from. The transport device can transport the receptacle to another location where it can be rolled off to another platform. The system also includes an overhead boom, mounted on the transport device, that functions to load and unload the receptacle.

Abstract: In a device for regulating the transfer of a load suspended by cables from the carriage of a lifting machine the carriage speed is controlled by means of a position corrector and an angle corrector weighted outputs of which are summed to establish the speed set point. The lifting machine operator has an operating mode selector connected to a control unit which enables the correctors as appropriate to the selected control mode.

Abstract: A winch for securing the tie down straps used to restrain cargo transported on a flatbed vehicle. The winch includes a rigid frame having a rotatable winch drum on which the strap may be wound. A ratchet wheel on the end of the winch drum includes two sets of teeth which are axially offset and circumferentially staggered relative to each other. A pawl for locking the ratchet wheel has two similarly offset and staggered sets of teeth. The teeth of the pawl and ratchet wheel interlock at locations that are both axially and circumferentially offset to distribute the stresses and enhance the structural strength of the winch.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting containers to elevated positions for charging or discharging of a fluent material. The lifting apparatus includes a support member for the container. This support member may include an integral means for inverting the container. The support member is fastened to a carriage member which is movably guided interior of an elongated tubular column member. The carriage member is elevated or lowered by a lifting means which is mounted interior of the column member. The lifting means is connected to the carriage member by a pivoted link member. In the absence of tension on the lifting means, the link member will stop any uncontrolled lowering of the carriage member to a lowermost postion in the column member. The column member is attached to a base member. A second embodiment of the apparatus discloses additional attachment of the second end of the column member to a support structure.

Abstract: A coin queuing and sorting arrangement comprises a coin queuing device and a coin sorting device. The queuing device receives coins of the same or mixed denominations and delivers the coins to an outlet of the queuing device in single file, in a single layer, and with a radially inner edge of each coin positioned at a common reference location. The queuing device includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, and a stationary queuing head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the top surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the queuing head forms a queuing region for aligning the radially outer edges of coins of all denominations at a common radius, and an exit channel for receiving the queued coins. The exit channel includes a radially inner wall spiralling outwardly relative to the center of rotation of the disc to engage the radially inner edges of the queued coins.

Abstract: A coin checker and card reader for use with a vending machine includes a housing having a coin slot and a separate card slot which merge into a chute that communicates with a first coin channel and a card channel. A coin inserted into the coin slot rolls through the chute into the first coin channel and passes sensors which determine whether the coin is accepted or rejected. A door is actuated to direct an accepted coin into a coin retainer through a second coin channel. A rejected coin is directed to a return tray through a third coin channel. A subscriber card with a memory inserted into the card slot is guided into the card channel to actuate a switch to activate a microprocessor for exchanging information with the subscriber card memory and processing a transaction. The microprocessor checks the data being exchanged to prevent loss of data should card be removed before the transaction is completed and to vend an article only after valid data has been exchanged.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the weighing of large compressed gas cylinders, a hand truck which is used to move the cylinders to a set of scales is provided with a hydraulic or mechanical servo which allows the cylinder to be elevated while it is on the hand truck to a height suitable for off-loading into the scales platform.

Abstract: A pallet unloading apparatus for removing stacks from a pallet has a conveyor for conveying a pallet in front of a pusher mechanism and a stop member then stops the pallet. The pusher mechanism is activated to push the stacks one at a time off of the pallet. When a first set of stacks has been removed from the pallet the pusher mechanism is then retracted and the apparatus moves the pallet forward to where a second set of stacks is in front of the pusher mechanism and the pallet is then stopped by a second stop member. When the pallet is empty, the second stop member retracts and the empty pallet is passed beyond the pusher mechanism while a loaded pallet moves into position.

Abstract: A loading device for picking up and repositioning a plurality of upright cylinders arranged in a rectangular array includes a rectangular-shaped frame and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the frame. A first fixed wall depends from a first end of the frame, and a second fixed wall depends from a second end of the frame adjacent the first end. A first movable wall adjacent a third end of the frame opposes the first fixed wall, and a second movable wall adjacent a fourth end of the frame opposes the second fixed wall. The first and second fixed walls and the first and second movable walls surround a rectangular-shaped enclosed area. A first motive mechanism couples the frame and the first movable wall for moving the first movable wall in a first direction, normal to the first fixed wall, for clamping the array between the first movable wall and the first fixed wall while maintaining the first movable wall vertical.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter for supporting cars for shipment in a shipping container includes a lower pallet and an upper pallet, each of which is adapted to receive a car with its wheels supported thereon. A pair of columns is pivotally affixed to each side of the lower pallet. The upper pallet is affixed to the columns at a selected adjustable height above the lower pallet and substantially parallel to the lower pallet. A length-adjustable brace is connected diagonally between the upper and lower pallets to impart stiffness to the transporter. Each pallet has a tie down at each end so that the car body can be lowered on its suspension, thereby allowing cars with higher silhouettes loaded on the transporter to be received within the container. The upper pallets have openings, which permit an upper portion of a car to protrude through the opening to a height above the level of the upper pallet.

Abstract: An article manipulator system which is suitable for fixed and translative mounting at work sites including on scaffold assemblies, providing for alignment compensation for scaffold non-alignment, providing for limited movement about two vertical axes, providing movement along a trolley track in a generally horizontal direction, and a gripper for grasping heavy work objects such as masonry construction units. A control handle provides for signals for raising and lowering a lift cable and signals for locking and unlocking brakes on said pivot arms and upon said trolley track.

Abstract: A quick-change track lock for securing interior-design articles on C-shaped retaining tracks on a floor or walls in an airplane, a helicopter or a spacecraft includes a main body, a detent member for fixing the track lock in a retaining track, a locking body having mushroom-shaped locking members operable for engagement with undercut portions of the retaining track and a pivotable actuating lever cooperating with the locking body to displace the latter relative to the main body. The locking body is guided in the main body such that a distance between each locking member and clamping edges of the main body becomes smaller when the locking body is displaced from one placed position to a locked position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and an apparatus for transporting pack rows. When a pack string (12) formed from several superposed rows (13, 14, 15, 16) of cuboid packs (10) is transported, it is required to compensate misalignments of the individual rows (13 . . 16). A correct relative position is to be ensured in order to permit a transverse transfer of pack groups (11) formed from a portion of the pack string (12). A row which lies behind in the transport direction is conveyed further by an associated additional conveyor in the form of conveyor belts (28) until it reaches the correct relative position. The adjustment of the rows (13 . . 16) is carried out at the end of a conveying cycle, when the pack string (12) runs up against a stop (guide 18). A row which lies behind is conveyed further by the conveyor belts (28) until it contacts the stop.

Abstract: A collection and issuing apparatus for round parking cards which exhibit an identification and/or communication element and are intended for the charge-related actuation of a parking barrier. The apparatus includes a supply container which exhibits, on the base side, a separation device for the parking cards, having an adjoining vertical shaft with at least one central guiding shaft and side shafts which branch off from the guiding shaft. The shafts exhibit a respective inclination and are intended for issuing and collecting parking cards in a rolling manner under the force of gravity. The apparatus also includes a measuring point which is located in the central shaft, intended for reading the parking cards, which are to be issued and/or collected again, and which is connected to a control device for actuating the parking barrier.

Abstract: A longitudinally divisible crane boom segment includes at least a first and a second section that are easily nested together for transport. The sections each include at least one chord member, at least one bracket attached to the section, and a plurality of partial lacing elements. Each partial lacing element has a first end permanently attached to the at least one chord member and a second end. The second end of at least one of the plurality of partial lacing elements of the first section is connectable to a bracket attached to the second section to hold the sections in a nested fashion.

Abstract: An inverted kingpost crane is disclosed, the crane including an upperworks supporting a crane boom, the upperworks supported on a rotating kingpost, the kingpost supported in a sleeve, an upper radial bearing structure intermediate an upper section of the kingpost and the sleeve, a lower bearing structure comprising a thrust bearing and a radial bearing disposed intermediate a lower section of the kingpost and the sleeve. The upper bearing and the lower bearing structure are constructed of a relatively soft bearing material, the bearing material providing a sacrificial wearing surface between the rotating kingpost and the stationary sleeve.

Abstract: A cargo handling system rollout stop assembly, which allows a movable object to freely pass over it in a first or inboard direction but obstructs passage of that object in the opposite or outboard direction. The stop assembly comprises a frame and at least one arm assembly rotatably mounted in the frame. The arm assembly normally extends in an upright position in the path of the movement of the object and is capable of slight translation in the first direction. The arm assembly has a straight or linear camming surface all of whose centerline points are equidistant from the axis of rotation of the arm assembly. When the camming surface engages the object moving in the first direction, the arm assembly is translated slightly in the first direction and rotated downwardly out of the path of the object. A dog clutch assembly releasably connects the arm assembly to the frame.

Abstract: A process of handling a frame of a vehicle and an apparatus for a lift truck for handling a frame of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support frame operatively connected to and cantilevered from the lift truck and a carriage suspended from the support frame. The carriage includes at least two oppositely acting depending arms for handling the vehicle frame.