Abstract: A lift truck carriage (12) is provided with a cylindrical bar (34) upon which the forks (16,18) may be mounted. The forks (16,18) are each retained in any desired position along the bar (34) by a clamp (42) located between a pair of mounting sleeves (28,30), and may be rotated about the axis of the bar (34) into a stowed position without having to unlock the clamping member (40).

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a first element at a receptacle location on a second element, there being associated with the precise receptacle location some known variation in the shape of the second element, the apparatus comprising a support member for supporting the first element while the member is translated toward the second element along a placement direction, a first transport device for moving the support member or the second element along a direction transverse to the placement direction, and a sensing device located on the support member for sensing the relative alignment along the transverse direction of the support member and the variation in shape, the sensing device comprising an energy-beam source adapted and positioned to direct an energy beam along a path that interacts with the variation in shape at least when the support member and receptacle location are aligned so that more of the beam is transmitted along the path when the member and receptacle location are aligned than when the member and rece

Abstract: A clamping device for securing a load on a hand truck is attached to either outer side tube of the truck. The clamping device can be moved vertically on a guide rod which is attached to the outer side tube when the operator has actuated a release lever. After an extension bar, having a variety of possible shapes is positioned on the load, the operator presses the clamping device down on the load and removes the actuating force on the release lever. This locks the clamping device in place and secures the load on the truck. A set of floating clamps allows minimum load shifting and locks the clamping device on the guide rod when so desired by the operator.

Abstract: A bulk-storage apparatus has a large hopper adapted to hold a large supply of bulk material and having a floor formed with a central outlet opening centered on a vertical axis and a side wall extending upward from the floor. An upwardly tapered hood generally centered on the axis and open downwardly toward the opening has a lower edge vertically spaced from the floor around the opening. A drive supported in the hood has a rotary output projecting down into the space between the floor and the lower edge above the opening and carries an arm sweepable over the floor around the opening by the drive. The hood is supported in the hopper on at least one tubular traverse having an inner end secured to and opening into the hood and an outer end secured to and opening outside the hopper. This traverse is of a cross-sectional size big enough that a man can crawl between outside the hopper and inside the hood along the traverse. An openable cover closes the traverse between its ends.

Abstract: The hoisting device comprises two ramps rigidly connected, intended to support at least one of the wheel pairs of the vehicle to be hoisted and including a single acting hydraulic cylinder operative to rotate the ramps upwardly from the position with the free end thereof resting on the floor. The ramps are pivoted at one end thereof at a selected level to two floor engaging side plates and a hydraulic system is provided for pivoting the ramps which cooperates with a safety mechanism against the unintentional lowering of the ramps.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and supplying rod-shaped material to a cutting machine comprising a shelving unit including a plurality of carrier arms arranged one above another to form shelving compartments for holding rod-shaped material. A first rotatable rollway is located in the shelving unit and forms a substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine. The first rollway is vertically displaceable from a cutting machine loading position to a supplying position. A crane bridge is provided moveable with respect to the shelving unit for moving rod-shaped material from the shelving compartments to the first rollway. A second rotatable rollway is provided to form an additional substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine and the second rollway is also vertically displaceable between a supply position and a cutting machine loading position.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a garbage truck with a revolving receptacle having an adjusting pump which is remotely controlled by a control card having special control characteristics for the hydraulic system.

Abstract: In a device for parking automobiles use is made of two platforms arranged one above the other and of devices for lifting and tilting these platforms. The latter devices include cooperating trackways, for example flanged rails, coacting with guide rollers on the platforms. The trackways are substantially rectilinear and arranged at an acute angle to one another so as to tilt the platforms during the lifting motion. The degree of inclination thereby achieved can be varied by an adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of improvements in pusher ram construction for use in coke ovens and the like. These improvements include: (1) two separate "heat spring" arrangements for absorbing both heat and mechanically induced stress in the web portion of a pusher ram, while maintaining desired rigidity; (2) five different constructions for relieving stress developed in welds in pusher ram beam members and/or welded connections between the web portion of a pusher ram and adjacent beam members; (3) two unique girder assembly arrangements to facilitate component replacement; (4) an improved girder web construction for accommodating decarbonizer piping or the like; (5) several useful advancements in ram head design and construction; (6) special heat shield applications for pusher rams; and (7) improvements in ram girder "bull nose" construction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of improvements in pusher ram construction for use in coke ovens and the like. These improvements include: (1) two separate "heat spring" arrangements for absorbing both heat and mechanically induced stress in the web portion of a pusher ram, while maintaining desired rigidity; (2) five different constructions for relieving stress developed in welds in pusher ram beam members and/or welded connections between the web portion of a pusher ram and adjacent beam members; (3) two unique girder assembly arrangements to facilitate component replacement; (4) an improved girder web construction for accommodating decarbonizer piping or the like; (5) several useful advancements in ram head design and construction; (6) special heat shield applications for pusher rams; and (7) improvements in ram girder "bull nose" construction.

Abstract: This is a rotary loader for transfer of cargo containers, flat beds or pallets, racks, or other loads to and from railroad cars or vehicles moving by and is rotated to turn either end to a dock or building for convenient end loading. Standard or wide end-door cargo containers can be transferred and supported on the loader and the loader turned so the door end of the container is at or over a dock so fork trucks or other vehicles can be driven over a dock board straight in and out from the cargo container. One form of the loader has two vertical posts equally spaced from a railway track or driveway and a horizontal rotary arm connected on each post to rotate parallelly through an arc with cam lift for transfer as my earlier loader, but the arms are free to be rotated differently from dead center position to rotate either end of the load to the dock or building doorway. The loader can be rotated to and from the dock by hand or by cable and winch or by a separate reversible drive or motor for each arm.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring a wheelchair through a side door opening of a motor vehicle includes a hoisting device disposed in the vehicle and a linkage linking the chair to the hoist. Once hoisted off the ground, the wheels of the chair are retracted and the chair is swung by the parallel links through the door opening. The chair is suspended at a rear corner of a generally box-like frame so that final pivoting of the chair about its point of suspension not only brings the chair to its front facing position in the vehicle but simultaneously completes its sideways movement into the vehicle. The chair is then lowered into its seated position.

Abstract: A loadlock apparatus for a workpiece processing chamber such as those incorporated in vacuum processing systems. The apparatus includes an isolation chamber having evacuation apertures and workpiece transfer apertures with independently operable doors for closing and sealing the workpiece transfer apertures and an independent operable workpiece transfer mechanism. The doors and workpiece transfer mechanisms may be contained within the isolation chamber and the chamber may be closed and sealed while containing a workpiece. The door and workpiece transfer mechanisms may be adapted such that they are not positioned over the workpiece, thereby reducing the possibility of workpiece particulate contamination.The preferred embodiment of the workpiece transfer mechanism moves a workpiece through the isolation chamber along a path which is essentially a straight line.

Abstract: Feed apparatus for a uniflow regenerative shaft furnace for the calcining of limestone and similar raw materials is formed with a feed container installed above each of the shafts of the furnace, each of the feed containers being arranged concentrically with the shaft axis of the respective shaft over which it is installed and constructed to be maintained in rotation during filling thereof of the material to be calcined.

Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler mountable on a standard hook-type lift truck carriage compatibly with load-handling forks mounted on the carriage. The slipsheet handler comprises a push-pull assembly and split platen, both of which receive their vertical support from the load-supporting surfaces of the forks. Attachment of the push-pull assembly to the lower hook-type bar of the carriage provides resistance against fore-and-aft movement of the slipsheet handler. To convert the truck rapidly to a fork-type truck capable of handling standard rigid pallets rather than slipsheets, the platen may be quickly removed leaving the push-pull assembly in place or, alternatively, the push-pull assembly and platen may be removed as an integral unit.

Abstract: A portable asphalt storage silo includes a wheeled frame carrying a bin and a conveyor. During travel the bin is disposed in a lower position and the conveyor in a horizontal position overlying the bin. Two pairs of struts, a roller serving as a fulcrum, and two winch and cable systems conjointly elevate first the discharge end of the conveyor to an intermediate raised position and then the latter end and the bin to a final elevated position such that material can be carried up from ground level and discharged into the bin for storage.

Abstract: Dumping apparatus is illustrated wherein a novel compound linkage system is employed in which a first link is pivoted to move a receptacle and the like as to be dumped to an intermediate position and thereafter through movement of a second link the receptacle is raised to dumping position, but only after a latch mechanism to positively position the receptacle is secured through a novel lost motion coupling.

Abstract: A forage accumulator box has an upwardly and forwardly inclined bottom wall on which a main conveyor is situated for moving material upwardly and forwardly in the longitudinal direction of travel of the implement for discharge onto a cross conveyor which operates perpendicular to the direction of travel for moving the material outwardly to an elevated discharge chute which is hingedly supported for enabling passage between narrow passes such as bridges and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically receiving and opening the four flaps of a cardboard case or the like. The invention includes a conveyor system for transporting cases in spaced relationship with each other past a pair of vacuum-actuated hinged shoes which engage and partially open the side flaps and direct the same into a plow. The plow completes the opening of the side flaps. A pair of brushes, having common drive, but opposite rotation, are adapted for opening the front and rear flaps. A fabric belt engages and holds the front flap down, while a rotating arcuate member makes hold-down contact with the rear flap. The apparatus is adjustable to accommodate cases and flaps of varying dimensions.

Abstract: Foldable ramp for on and off loading all terrain/recreational vehicles from the rear of trucks, trailers, and vans. The ramp folds longitudinally to a width smaller than the wheelbase of the all terrain/recreational vehicles. When folded it may be slipped between the wheels of the all terrain/recreational vehicle for storage on the bed of the truck, trailer or van. When operational the ramp is engaged against the rear of the truck, trailer or van and allows the operator of the all terrain/recreational vehicle to either ride or push the vehicle onto or off of the truck, trailer, or van.