Abstract: A loading apparatus adapted to be driven into a container and to receive articles such as sacks or the like one by one and to spread the sacks in horizontal cross roads by a spreading system so as to spread out the sacks in horizontal rows filling out a width of the container. The rows are consecutively transferred to a platform of a lift structure which is operable to bring single rows of sacks to be loaded upon each other up to a ceiling of the container, whereafter, the loading apparatus is retracted a distance corresponding to a length of the sacks, such that a new vertical layer of sack rows can be thereafter piled up. The container is thereby filled as effectively as possible in both the longitudinal, transverse, and height direction without any manual contribution by handling of normally heavy sacks or similar articles.

Abstract: A hollow body is provided defining a pair of openings therein opening outwardly of the interior of the body in directions disposed at generally right angles relative to each other. A substantially planar light reflective surface is mounted within the body for reflecting light rays entering the body through one opening outwardly from said body through the other opening and a finger engageable support member is provided for engaging and support from a finger portion with said finger portion extending along a predetermined path relative to the support member. Mounting structure is provided for mounting the support member on the exterior of the body for adjusted angular displacement of the support member relative to the body about an axis disposed at generally right angles relative to one of said directions and said path.