Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring articles, such as concrete blocks, from a conveyor to a curing kiln and return comprise a carriage movable along a path leading from the block conveyor to any selected one of a number of curing kilns. The carriage supports a rotary turntable on which is mounted a transfer vehicle provided with article supporting forks that are vertically movable so as to shift articles off and onto the block conveyor, deposit the articles within the kiln, and retrieve the articles from the kiln. The transfer vehicle is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable to enable the article supporting forks to overlie the block conveyor, and the transfer vehicle also is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable and carriage into and out of the selected kiln.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring articles, such as concrete blocks, from a conveyor to a curing kiln and return comprise a carriage movable along a path leading from the block conveyor to any selected one of a number of curing kilns. The carriage supports a rotary turntable on which is mounted a transfer vehicle provided with article supporting forks that are vertically movable so as to shift articles off and onto the block conveyor, deposit the articles within the kiln, and retrieve the articles from the kiln. the transfer vehicle is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable to enable the article supporting forks to overlie the block conveyor, and the transfer vehicle also is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable and carriage into and out of the selected kiln.