Abstract: An actuator is comprised of a plurality of three-dimensionally arranged containers each of which is constructed into deformable configuration and each of which is set to accommodate therein an amount of expandable fluid in response to the increase of the temperature, a heat supply device for supplying the heat to the fluid in each of the containers, a cooling device for cooling the fluid in each of the containers and a control device for controlling the heat supply device and the cooling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a transporter vehicle by which at least half the load is loaded or unloaded at a time comprises a travelling frame which is mounted to be moved by a travel drive device along rails provided on a fixed frame. The travelling frame carries a fork support member, provided with a plurality of lifting forks, which support member can be raised and lowered with respect to the travelling frame by a vertical drive device.The fork support member has respective projections mounted at its opposite ends which are guided for vertical movement in tilting frames mounted on respective depending portions of the travelling frame. The fork support member can be tilted about an axis transverse to the guide track by actuation of a tilt drive mechanism which drives the tilting frames to pivot the projections. The fork support member can additionally be shifted transversely to the guide track by a shifting device.