Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cones onto a surface and for retrieving cones from the surface includes a cone transfer device having a tower with a platform moveable to and from a lower transfer position for dispensing cones onto the surface and for retrieving cones from the surface. The platform is movable in a vertical direction between the lower transfer position and an upper transfer position for receiving a stack of cones from a storage area and for returning a stack of cones to the storage area. The tower includes a device for holding one or more cones in an elevated position and for releasing cones onto and receiving cones from the platform in the elevated position. The apparatus may include a lamp transfer device for attaching a lamp unit to a cone when the cone is dispensed and for removing the lamp unit from the cone when the cone is retrieved. The apparatus may include a cone washing device for washing a cone when the cone is retrieved and/or when the cone is dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing cones onto a surface and for retrieving cones from the surface includes a cone transfer device having a tower with a platform moveable to and from a lower transfer position for dispensing and retrieving cones from the surface. The platform is movable in a vertical direction between the lower transfer position and an upper transfer position for receiving a stack of cones from a storage area and for returning a stack of cones to the storage area. The tower includes a device for holding one or more cones in an elevated position and for releasing cones onto and receiving cones from the platform in the elevated position. The apparatus may include a lamp transfer device for attaching a lamp unit to a cone when the cone is dispensed and for removing the lamp unit from the cone when the cone is retrieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing cones onto a surface and for retrieving cones from the surface includes a cone transfer device having a tower with a platform moveable to and from a lower transfer position for dispensing and retrieving cones from the surface. The platform is movable in a vertical direction between the lower transfer position and an upper transfer position for receiving a stack of cones from a storage area and for returning a stack of cones to the storage area. The tower includes a device for holding one or more cones in an elevated position and for releasing cones onto and receiving cones from the platform in the elevated position. The apparatus may include a lamp transfer device for attaching a lamp unit to a cone when the cone is dispensed and for removing the lamp unit from the cone when the cone is retrieved.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a series of elements 414 each pivoted to the next and a housing 400 accommodating at least part of the series of elements with one end of the series projecting freely beyond an exit 404 of the housing. The elements 414 are guided to follow a curved path to the housing exit 404 and are driven along the path by a drive mechanism 412 to vary the total length of elements projecting beyond the exit. The projecting elements are maintained in linear alignment in a substantially rigid, self-supporting column 440 by a toothed belt 426 which progressively engages the elements 414 as they emerge from the housing exit 404.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling incapacitated patients is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a bed (1) having a base frame (2) which supports a central panel (5) for supporting the patient's bottom, a second panel (8) and a third panel (9) for supporting the upper and lower parts, respectively, of the patient's legs and a fourth panel (6) for supporting the patient's back, there being drive means for displacing the panels such that in one configuration their upper surfaces lie in a single horizontal plane and in another configuration adjacent panels are inclined with respect to each other, characterized in that the apparatus further includes a leg support (12) which is displaceable into and out of a position in which it forms a local widening of the bed (1), in which position it can support the lower parts of the patient's legs when the patient is in an attitude in which the legs are straight or are bent and the patient is lying on his side, and