Abstract: A conveyor for conveying generally cylindrical containers having an opening at one end and closed at the other end, the conveyor comprising an endless belt provided with flanges for engagement by driving and guiding pulleys and container-supporting elements attached to the belt at regular intervals therealong. Each supporting element includes at least one portion forming a partition extending transversely of the belt and at least one portion forming a bearing for the closed end of the container, the bearing portion extending perpendicular to the belt and parallel with the edges of the belt. The supporting elements forming with the belt a succession of seatings for receiving containers which will be maintained in place when the belt is vertical or inclined to tilt the supporting elements upwardly.

Abstract: A telescopic set of steps comprises at least two frames, each of which consists of two parallel members forming stringboards, one end of one of the frames being pivoted to a fixed support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, and the other frame being slidable along the pivoted frame, means for varying the slope of the set of steps, a plurality of steps pivoted about respective axes parallel to the said horizontal axis and comprising a first group of steps mounted directly on the sliding frame, and a second group of steps, each of which has an axle mounted on a respective pair of supports which are slidable along a pair of slideways formed on respective stringboards of the pivoted frame, slideway extensions extending onto the fixed support to a distance at least equal to the length of the sliding frame, means for maintaining a constant spacing between the pivot axes of the steps, means for maintaining the steps parallel to one another, and means for setting the inclination of at least one step.

Abstract: A gripper for locking against an elongated body such as a cable is subjected to relative displacement along the length of the body and is capable of locking at any place therealong, the gripper comprising a rigid member, at least two jaws provided with surfaces for locking against the body and a system for locking the jaws transversely on the body by wedge effect. Each jaw is associated with two substantially parallel bearing surfaces inclined relative to the elongated body, one surface being on the associated jaw, the other on the rigid member. A rolling member is interposed between the bearing surfaces for transmission of the locking force of the associated jaw to the rigid body and at least one shoe is associated with each pair of bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Bulk handling apparatus which includes an elevator carried by a vertical support arm movable about its axis and horizontally, the arm itself mounted on a lifting mechanism, a discharge device for elevated material, and a guide device on the arm on the same side as the rising run of the elevator which device during horizontal travel of the arm will preset material to be elevated to the elevator.

Abstract: Safety equipment for a station at which access is gained to the tops of vehicles of differing heights comprising a platform alongside which a vehicle is located, an access installation articulated on the platform and movable between an inoperative position away from the vehicle and an operative position bearing on that side of the vehicle closer to the platform, and a protective panel installation articulated by arms on the platform and movable between an inoperative position away from the vehicle and an operative position bearing on that side of the vehicle remote from the platform.

Abstract: A device to lower bulk material from a supply level down to a discharge conveyor which device will avoid free falls of material when in operation such as would damage the material. The device includes a conveyor having a vertical run which defines a chimney from a point just below the supply level down to the discharge conveyor, the chimney speed and discharge conveyor speed being related to the supply to keep a body of material within the chimney supported by the discharge conveyor. The chimney is formed by two endless elements which come together and diverge at the top and bottom of the chimney.