Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an industrial robot (10) having a lifting or gripping arm (16) is provided with electrical switch means (44) whereby if a work piece extends too far into the lifting or gripping portion the machine is automatically turned off. In accordance with another feature of the invention, shear means (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) are provided in the lifting or gripping arms (30, 32) whereby if one or both arms abut an obstruction with sufficient force, the arm will shear off causing only minimal damage to the robot and protecting valuable gear mechanisms and control apparatus.

Abstract: The clamping assembly includes a pair of clamping arms extending outwardly from a clamp base portion. Each arm includes a cutaway portion to receive the bulbous engagement portion of the article to be lifted and a front gripping portion to engage and grip a non-bulbous, preferably generally flat portion of the article. At least one arm is movable and is pivotably mounted about the base portion for movement between a clamping position in which the gripping portion of the arm engages and grips the non-bulbous portion of the article to be lifted, and an open position wherein the gripping portion of the movable arm is located away from the gripping portion of the other arm to allow entry or removal of the article. The base portion is pivotably mounted about a clamp support whereby the assembly may be used either vertically or horizontally. The clamp support includes means to support the clamp assembly by means of cables extending from an overhead crane.

Abstract: A railway car fabrication facility includes cranes for moving right and left hand railway car sides having a bulbous portion and a flat portion. One crane picks up the sides and places them vertically into a below ground transfer pit. A second crane picks up at least the left hand sides from the transfer pit and places them in a below ground storage pit located on an opposite side of a car assembly station. The second crane preferably includes right and left hand cranes for transferring both right and left hand sides into the assembly station to assemble the right and left hand sides with the under frame, bulkheads and/or the roof of the car.