Abstract: A battery-powered hand-guided power tool is provided, such as a hammer, includes a tool housing 3 that contains an electric motor M, a grip housing 2 and a rail-and-channel structure 36,37,54,55 for releasable mounting of a rechargeable battery pack 50. The battery pack 50 is locked in an operative position on the housing 3 in which electrical contacts (51) of the battery pack 50 and associated electrical contacts 42 of the tool housing are electrically connected along a contact length extending in a longitudinal direction of the rail-and-channel arrangement. A latch structure 18,19 located on the tool housing 3 is movable between a latched position and a release position. When the latch structure 18,19 is moved from the latched position into the release position, the battery pack 50 can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the rail-and-channel structure 36,37,54,55 out of the operative position and can be removed from the tool housing 3.

Abstract: A fluid-operated power tool has an engaging part including an engaging element for engaging and turning a threaded connector, and a drive part including a fluid-operated drive with a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder for turning the engaging element under the action of fluid admitted to the cylinder, the power drive part having a width which substantially does not exceed a width of the engaging part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling implement for drilling holes in the soil. In known drilling implements, drilling tools, such as drill tubes or drill rods, are stored and handled via magazines and magazine forms which require a considerable outlay on sensors and control engineering in order to position the drilling tools. In the drilling implement according to the invention, there is provision for stops to be provided as mechanical travel-limiting mechanisms when the drill tubes are being positioned in respective functional positions. This obviates the need for sensor and control devices which are expensive and susceptible to faults.

Abstract: An auger system for removing material from around an object without damaging the object. The inventive device includes a tubular auger attachable to a drive unit, and an insert member insertable within the upper opening of the valve casing. The tubular auger is comprised of a plurality of mill teeth attached to the lower portion of the tubular auger. The tubular auger includes an auger lumen that is positionable about the valve casing during cutting. The insert member is comprised of lower portion that is positionable within the casing lumen of the valve casing, and an outer portion that has an outer diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the valve casing for guiding the tubular auger and for preventing debris from entering the valve casing. The insert member preferably includes a handle for allowing insertion and removal from the valve casing.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a “live” well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: A cutting bed impeller comprises a body portion and a plurality of paddles projecting outwardly from the body portion, at least one of the paddles comprising a radially outer face extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge in a normal direction of rotation of the impeller about an axis of rotation of the cutting bed impeller, a leading face, and a trailing face. The radially outer face extends between the leading face and the trailing face. The leading face is inclined at a first angle &agr; to a first tangent T1 to the radially outer face at the leading edge. The trailing face is inclined at a second angle &bgr; to a second tangent T2 to the radially outer face at the trailing edge, the second angle &bgr; being less than the first angle. The radially outer face of one or more of the paddles may be provided with one or more replaceable wear elements.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a longitudinal length and a transverse width which includes a remote fluid power supply system, the remote fluid power supply system includes a fluid pump, a fluid reservoir, a first valve fluidly connected to the pump and the reservoir, and a second valve fluidly connected to the pump and the reservoir. The first valve is located on a first side of a transverse center line of a work vehicle at one of the front and rear ends of the work vehicle. The second valve is located on a second opposite side of the transverse center line at said one of the front and rear ends of the work vehicle. In one embodiment, the work vehicle includes a three-point hitch having a pair of transversely spaced side links and an upper hitch link extending from the transverse center line, wherein the first and second valves are located on first and second opposite sides of the upper hitch link.

Abstract: In a series-parallel hybrid vehicle, a check is made to see if there is any trouble of a clutch such as slip or overheating in an engaged state of the clutch, and upon detection of a clutch trouble, the vehicle is driven in accordance with a series hybrid type to prevent driving characteristics from being deteriorated by the clutch trouble.

Abstract: An electrochemical propulsion system in a vehicle comprises a hydrogen generator for converting fuel into hydrogen-containing gas and a fuel cell stack using the hydrogen-containing gas to produce electricity to power a drive motor for the vehicle. The fuel cell stack is oriented parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The hydrogen generator is arranged longitudinally forward of the fuel cell stack and to the lateral side of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack and the hydrogen generator are located within a front vehicle compartment of the vehicle in a closely adjacent manner. The hydrogen generator comprises a combustor for producing heat, a reformer closely adjacent to the combustor for converting fuel into hydrogen-containing gas using heat from the combustor, and a reactor to reduce carbon monoxide content from the hydrogen-containing gas wherein the reactor is adjacent to and downstream of the reformer. The drive motor is operatively connected to a wheel axle for driving vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A fuel cell engine for a vehicle comprises at least one fuel cell stack for producing electric power from a fuel and an oxidant, a propulsion motor, for propelling the vehicle. The propulsion motor is connected to receive electric power from the at least one fuel cell stack and is operatively connected to mechanically drive a device for directing a fluid stream into the fuel cell stack. In preferred embodiments the propulsion motor is operatively connected to drive a device for directing at least one reactant fluid stream into the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A construction machine equipped with an air cleaner is disclosed which does not affect the efficiency of an engine and that of a radiator and which makes an effective utilization of space. A rotatable superstructure is partitioned into a front portion and a rear portion by means of a shielding plate, one end of an attachment capable of rise and fall is secured to near the center of the said front portion, an engine space and a radiator space for accommodating an engine and a radiator respectively therein are formed in said rear portion, and an air cleaner for filtering the air to be fed to the engine is disposed between the mounted portion of the attachment and the shielding plate.

Abstract: A method and a system for converting kinetic energy of a vehicle and part of energy supplied by its engine into energy of compressed air and using it to assist in vehicle propulsion later. A novel system of valves employing variable valve timing and valve deactivation is used to implement and control a two-way flow of compressed air between the engine and an air-reservoir where air-temperature control is maintained. During operation with compressed-air assist the engine operates both as an air-motor and as an internal combustion engine during each cycle in each cylinder. The engine can selectively and interchangeably operate either as a four-stroke or as a two-stroke internal combustion engine.

Abstract: If a driver starts an automatic parking control operation with a vehicle V stopped at a starting position, the vehicle V is guided from the starting position via a reversing position to a target position. Left and right markers are provided on the vehicle V. The vehicle V can be stopped at the starting position by aligning any of the markers with the center line of a parking position.

Abstract: A splitter gearbox for a four wheel drive, hydrostatically driven tractor integrates both the input drive train and the output drive train into a single gearbox. The drive mechanism eliminates the need for a separate mechanical gearbox by establishing pre-set fixed displacement settings that are electronically controlled along with the variable displacement of the hydrostatic motor and hydrostatic pump, to provide a smooth power shift through all ranges without requiring the tractor to stop. The drive mechanism is configured so that essentially all components are individually controlled so that the entire power generated by the tractor engine can be diverted to any one of the traction drive, the PTO mechanism, the auxiliary hydraulic drive or, to a somewhat lesser extent, the tractor hydraulic system. The splitter gearbox is mounted to the rear axle housing to allow the sharing of a common oil sump.

Abstract: In a device for the bearing of a component of a motor vehicle such as an exhaust gas assembly on the chassis of the motor vehicle, connecting components are provided for mounting respectively to at least the chassis of the motor vehicle and to the component which can move relative to each other, and which engage at least one damped resilient wire element.

Abstract: A vehicle powerplant including an engine-transmission assembly has the engine and transmission connected together at adjacent ends and includes four mounting points. The engine has opposite sides each including one of the mounting points. The transmission includes a housing also having opposite sides and having an inspection opening in the housing adjacent the engine. A cover is secured to the housing and closes the inspection opening. The cover has two opposite supporting portions extending beyond the opposite sides of the transmission and each supporting portion includes one of the mounting points. The four mounting points are connectable with brackets for mounting the powerplant in a vehicle. Optionally, the mounting points include mounting pads on supporting ears of the transmission cover.

Abstract: Provided is a rear wheel steering device which includes a rotary shaft having a pair of threaded sections of mutually opposite senses, and a pair of slide members supported in a rotationally fast manner, and having threaded sections which engage the corresponding threaded sections of the rotary shaft so as to be moveable in mutually opposite axial directions as the rotary shaft is turned in either direction, and a pair of clutch units each interposed between a corresponding one of the slide members and the slide shaft for selectively coupling them in an axially fast manner. Thus, the steering direction can be determined by selectively engaging either one of the clutch units, and the magnitude of the steering angle can be determined by turning the rotary shaft with an electric motor in either direction.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a protection circuit for stopping operation of an electric motor provided to apply a steering assist force to a steering system of the vehicle. The protection circuit is operable to stop operation of the electric motor when an ignition off signal is supplied from an ignition sensor and at least one of an engine speed signal supplied from an engine speed sensor and a vehicle velocity signal supplied from a vehicle velocity sensor falls below a corresponding predetermined value. Even if an ignition on signal is not supplied during movement of the vehicle due to a failure in the ignition sensor, when the engine speed signal or the vehicle velocity signal is above the predetermined value, the vehicle is regarded as being in the running state and operation of the electric motor is continued to apply the steering assist force to the steering system. With this arrangement, a good and stable steering feel can be obtained during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of constructing an acoustic filter incorporates a technique in which the filter is modelled with one or more distributed two port elements. The or each distributed element is defined by a characteristic impedance and length and includes a waveguide filter which does not require damping. The or each filter section is characterized in that it has at least two resonances which are used to shape a specified response for the filter. A substantially reactive acoustic filter constructed according to the method and a loudspeaker system incorporating such an acoustic filter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety and support garment that is worn by a user to assist the user in climbing a tree and then maintaining either a standing or sitting position in the tree. The garment includes a girdle with leg holes through which the user extends his or her legs and pulls the garment up around the waist. A rigid seat is secured to the girdle and is positioned around the user's lower back while the user is on the ground to provide lumbar support, and then is positioned to serve as a seat when the user is in a tree. In addition, ropes of adjustable lengths are attached to the girdle as support and safety ropes for encircling the tree while allowing the user to freely move completely around the tree. Suspenders or an additional harness may also be attached to the girdle for additional support and comfort.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for dismantling vehicles, in particular for draining the latter. The device comprises, on pillars (30), a framework on which the vehicles are placed and inspection-type work platforms (40, 50, 60, 80, 90) which can optionally be pivoted to the side. At least one tank-emptying module and/or at least one liquid-collection module and/or at least one liquid-extraction module are provided on the framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dismountable scaffolding with vertical struts and horizontal struts. A base plate extends between said struts and is provided with hook-shaped end fittings on each front face. Said base plate can be placed on a rail section in such a way that vertical locking or unlocking can be selectably achieved by sliding the end fitting in the direction of the rail section. Horizontal antislip locking is achieved and cancelled by raising the end fitting, thereby preventing said fitting from sliding into an inactive vertical locking position when it is in an active vertical position.

Abstract: A scaffolding platform (20), having side rails (22,24), one-piece end cross members (26,28), and a panel (30) is utilized to elevate a work surface (32) provided by the panel (30). In an alternate embodiment, the end cross members (26,28) are unitary and hooks (56) are attached to the end cross members (26,28) with hook joints (92). If a hook (56) is damaged, the hook (56) can be removed without separating any of the corner joints (68) which attach the rails (22,24) to the end cross members (26,28). An intermediate cross member (31) is also provided to support the panel (30). The intermediate cross member (31) includes an upper support member (76) which engages the panel (30) and a lower support member (78) which engages the rails (22,24) to maintain spacing.

Abstract: High and low speed gears of a vehicle transmission are selectively lubricated by transmission oil flung by a final ring gear. A first oil gutter directs the transmission oil to low speed gears when the transmission oil is flung at low speed. At higher speed, the transmission oil is flung past the first gutter to be received by a second gutter from which it flows to lubricate high speed gears.

Abstract: A lubricant feeding system for shaft and hub profile assemblies that can move longitudinally along an axis. A first exterior assembly member (e.g., shaft or hub) encloses at least partly a second interior member (e.g., hub or shaft) along the circumference. At least one distributing channel, extending circumferentially over at least part of the inner circumference, is provided in the region of the profile base. This distributing channel is coupled with at least one lubricant feeding channel extending towards the external circumference of the assembly exterior member The invention includes a distributing member extending circumferentially over the length of the distributing channel, splits the distributing channel into a first partial area located radially outward and a second partial area located radially inward. The distributing member and the distributing channel are designed to form, when they co-operate, a plurality of valve areas between the first and the second partial of the distributing channel.

Abstract: In an elevator controlling apparatus, a first suspension member and a second suspension member are fixed to a guide rail at a vertical interval. A control panel can be suspended from either a first or second suspension member. Thus, the control panel can be moved between a operation position at a first height from a bottom portion of a hoistway and a maintenance position lower than a operation position. A junction box is fixed on a hoistway wall. The junction box and the control panel are connected to each other through flexible cables.

Abstract: The condition of the hoistway doors and the elevator door are continuously monitored. The opening of a hoistway door unaccompanied by opening of the car door being an indication of hoistway access; the car then is moveable only at inspection (slow) speed by utilizing controls on the car top; restoration to normal is achieved only by returning the inspection switch on the car top to normal operation while a hoistway door is open, and subsequently closing the hoistway doors and/or by activating a reset located outside the hoistway. Inspection speed limit switches are installed near the top and bottom of the hoistway positioned so that if operated while the elevator is traveling at inspection speed, the car will stop at a position which leaves a person ample room from the hoistway overhead or the pit floor. If a person enters the pit, normal operation is restored only by closing the hoistway door and subsequently engaging an external reset switch (outside the hoistway).

Abstract: A device and method are set forth for tensioning elevator cables. The device includes a platform supporting a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each adapted to be coupled to a thimble rod for a cable. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to each cylinder at the same pressure until each cable load is transferred from the cable system hitch plate to the platform indicating that each cable is now under the same tension. The thimble rods are adjusted with the cables now at the same tension and the hydraulic fluid is vented from the cylinders to transfer the cable loads back to the hitch plate.

Abstract: A reduction in size and weight of a vehicle wheel suspension is achieved by locating a brake force applicator at a top portion of a stub axle and adjacent a wheel turning axis and providing a pair of axially slidable brake discs engageable by four floating brake pads. Preferably, the force applicator is disposed within an opening or bore in a top portion of the stub axle adjacent the vertical turning axis which also passes through the stub axle. This is in contrast to the conventional sliding caliper that is mounted at either the front or the rear of a fixed brake disc and projects substantially further outward with respect to the vertical turning axis.

Abstract: A shopping cart is generally a wire framed cage made of a specific gauge of metal that is mounted on four wheels. This invention deals with the use of a braking system to keep shopping carts from rolling away, for example: when a customer pushing their goods in a shopping cart stops on an incline to unload their goods into a vehicle the shopping cart must be held or propped against an object to restrict its movement or otherwise the cart will roll down the hill. This system will stop the shopping cart when the foot activated braking wedge is pressed into the wheel housing, by using the sole part of the shoe. The wheel will not move unless the braking wedge is released from its locking position by pulling upward on the braking wedge extension bar with the toe part of the shoe. This wedge is true to its shape and is applied to the wheel to stop the rotation of the wheel. The wedge takes up the space between the top of the wheel and the bottom of the housing, thus impeding the rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A golf car having a hydraulic fluid brake system. The hydraulic fluid brake system is implemented as a disk brake system which is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure generated from a master cylinder. A brake pedal and associated linkage provides input to a master cylinder to generate a hydraulic fluid pressure to control a brake caliper assembly. The brake pedal has a range of travel, where a first portion of the range defines a service mode of operation and a second portion of the range defines a parking mode of operation. In the parking mode of operation, the brake pedal and linkage engages a detent to maintain application of the brake to provide a parking mode of operation. An accumulator in the brake system provides an input force to maintain hydraulic fluid pressure sufficient to retain a parking mode of operation.

Abstract: This invention related to a multi-layered damped pad spring adapted for use in a disc brake assembly. The disc brake assembly includes an anchor bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle component, a brake caliper adapted to be secured to the anchor bracket, a pair of friction pads carried by the disc brake assembly and adapted to be disposed on opposite axial sides of an associated brake rotor, and actuation means for selectively moving the friction pads into frictional engagement with the rotor. The pad spring is carried by the disc brake assembly and is disposed between the anchor bracket and at least one end of one of the pair of friction pads. In a preferred embodiment, the pad spring is a multi-layered pad spring and includes an outer layer disposed adjacent the friction pad and in contact with at least a portion thereof, and an inner layer disposed adjacent the anchor bracket and in contact with at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A disk pass portion for receiving a part of a disk is provided between a cylinder portion and an outer claw portion of a caliper body at the inner peripheral side of a bridge portion of the caliper body. A pair of mounting portions extend arcuately from both sides of the bridge portion to lie outside the disk pass portion with respect to the radial direction of the disk. A pair of sliding pins are secured to the distal ends of the mounting portions through pin bolts and slidably fitted in pin-fitting holes provided in a mounting member supporting the caliper. When the brake is activated, friction pads are pressed against the disk by the caliper. At this time, deformation of the caliper by reaction forces from the disk is small around the area where proximal portions of the mounting portions are connected to the caliper body.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a device for hauling up/down by rope, in particular one for the safe hauling up and down by rope of persons and loads. The device has a pulley which preferably has a back stop that prevents the pulley from turning during the roping down. The rope brake mechanism has a rope speed measuring device that cooperate with a rope brake, which acts upon the rope to exert a braking force onto the rope when the rope speed increases above a maximum predetermined speed.

Abstract: A drum brake device is provided which facilitates the pre-mounting of a long link, without increasing the number of components or the cost of the device. The long link (44) is pivotable on the central segment of one brake shoe (13). An engagement hook (48) protrudes from one or the other of the long link (44) or the one brake shoe (13). A notched groove (25) is formed in the other component thereof. The engagement hook (48) is inserted into the notched groove (25). The rotation of the long link (44) relative to the one brake shoe (13) will cause the long link (44) and one brake shoe (13) to be superimposable and detachable.

Abstract: A travel and storage bag includes two side sections releasably fastened to an intermediate center section to form the bag into a travel bag. Unfastening the side sections from the center section allows the center section to be folded and stored, reveals pockets and compartments, and allows the bag to be used as a hanging bag and organizer.

Abstract: A cable drum has a rotating winder fitted in a mounting and a frequency converter fitted on the winder. At least one socket outlet of the winder is electrically coupled to the frequency converter and is supplied with an electrical spatial frequency. The integration of the cable drum and frequency converter makes it easier to transport the equipment by reducing weight and the number of pieces.

Abstract: The hydrodynamic torque converter (1) comprises a pump wheel (4) in a casing (2,3), a turbine wheel (5) and a turbine distributor (6). There is also a bypass coupling (70) including an axially moving piston, a torsional oscillations absorber (40) with input and output parts rotating relative to each other in opposition to force accumulators. Its turbine wheel comprises a hub (13) housed axially on the torque converter output hub (15). A connection with the rotational clearance, the splines (32,34), is provided between the two hubs. A fixed connection, by splines (34,41a) is between the input part of the absorber and the turbine wheel hub. The two sets of splines are in the same axial position radially one in the other.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A preferably reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the engagement rate of a clutch in a partially or fully automated mechanical transmission is responsive to certain calculations derived from the rotational speeds of the input member and the output member of the clutch. The apparatus includes an electronic controller which initially sets a desired speed for the vehicle engine during the shifting process, determines a rate of engagement movement of a release bearing of the clutch, and actuates appropriate valves to initiate the gradual engagement of the clutch. In a first embodiment, the electronic controller compares the rotational speeds of the input and output shafts of the clutch in order to determine if the difference therebetween is less than a first constant value. If so, it can be inferred that the clutch is sufficiently close to full engagement as to warrant the interruption the gradual engagement process and immediately move the release bearing from its current position to the fully engaged position.

Abstract: A conveyor section for transporting items in a conveying direction. The conveyor section defines a transport plane, and includes a stop roller having a rotational axis and an outer surface and being movable between an upper position in which the stop roller rises at least partially above the transport plane for stopping the items, and a lower position in which the transport plane is tangential to the outer surface of the stop roller. In its lower position, the stop roller functions as a conveyor roller for the items. The conveyor section further includes a guide for guiding a movement of the stop roller between its upper position and its lower position, and a pretensioned spring operatively connected to the stop roller for applying an upward force to the stop roller thus urging the stop roller in an upward direction. The application of at least a minimum predetermined downward force to the stop roller overcomes the upward force of the spring for moving the stop roller to its lower position.

Abstract: A bank note detector has four LED's emitting Red, Green, Blue, and infrared light and a detector for sensing light reflected and transmitted from the bank note. The system includes microprocessor for analysis circuiting for selecting and adjusting the LED's, for programmable amplifying the light detected and feeding the amplified signal to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A coin validation mechanism for evaluating coins and the like inserted therein and for validating acceptable coins includes a coin chute defining a coin path and a sensor for evaluating the type of material of which the object in the coin chute is made of. The sensor for evaluating includes a coil sensor positioned adjacent the coin path and a non-resonant electrical circuit for operation of the coil sensor. The coin validation mechanism also includes a light source for directing light across the coin path and a light sensor for sensing light directed across the coin path. An electronic unit is provided for evaluating an electromagnetic perturbation caused by an object moving past the coil sensor and for determining the amount of light blocked by the object in the coin path by comparing the amount of light sensed by the light sensor with the object in the coin with the amount of light sensed by the light sensor in the absence of an object in the coin path.

Abstract: A coin validator is arranged to sample the outputs of electromagnetic sensors in order to derive measurements for use in testing coins. Frequency measurements are made by counting a predetermined number of oscillator cycles, terminating the sample period in response to this count being reached, and taking into account the duration of the sampling period and the number of cycles of the oscillator during the sampling period, including any cycles which may have occurred following the predetermined number. The predetermined number is altered in order to change the sampling period.

Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway for transporting people along a moving path includes a mounting assembly for attaching a roof structure to enclose the moving path and protect the people from rain an other undesirable environmental factors. The escalator is supported by a truss structure. A main bracket is secured to the truss structure outboard of the moving path and a handrail extends along the length of the moving path. Outer decking is secured to the main bracket for partially enclosing the truss structure. At least one roof bracket is mounted to the outer decking for gripping engagement with the main bracket and a roof support member is secured to the roof bracket for supporting the roof structure to enclose the moving path of the escalator or moving walkway. Preferably the main bracket includes grooves or channels for receiving outwardly extending tabs on the roof bracket to prevent vertical separation between the roof and main brackets.

Abstract: This invention discloses a conveyor table, including a supporting construction having a first supporting surface for supporting articles to be conveyed, a plurality of conveyor elements mounted to the supporting construction and defining a second supporting surface for supporting the articles to be conveyed, an actuator for selectively moving one of the supporting surfaces with respect to the other to selectively enable either the first supporting surface defined by the supporting construction to support the articles, or the second supporting surface defined by the conveyor elements to support the articles, and a drive for driving the conveyor elements to convey the articles in a predetermined direction when the articles are supported by the second supporting surface defined by the conveyor elements.

Abstract: Chocolate-filled molds are conveyed to a workstation for releasing the chocolate from the molds, and the empty molds are simultaneously conveyed away from the workstation, by an arrangement which includes a pair of up and down elevators which convey filled and empty molds to a transfer device displaceable up and down in synchronism with the movement ofthe elevators. The transfer device transfers the filled and empty molds only when the transfer device is in a rest position.

Abstract: In a loading and/or offloading device, a transfer member includes two jaws, one of which is fixed and the other of which is mobile, for picking up an object. The mobile jaw is mounted to be mobile under the control of an actuator including a compensator spring arrangement, the tension in which is variable. The transfer member is carried by a carriage and is slaved to a tilting system operated mechanically by the carriage. Applications include printing machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device for goods delivered on a first conveyor device, particularly cans, which are transferred in groups, as a row in the direction of conveyance of said first conveyor device, from said first conveyor device to a second conveyor device, the depositing of the goods onto the second conveyor device taking place in the manner that said row extends transverse to its direction of conveyance, having a receiving device which holds the corresponding group of goods upon the transfer and is guided by at least one drive along a path of movement, the receiving device being a suction beam which is connected by a switch device to a source of vacuum, the switch member of which switch device is brought into a vacuum connect position or vacuum disconnect position as a function of the position of the suction beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming arrays of containers supplied by a feeder belt. Receiver supports are provided for receiving the containers, which are integral with associated support elements. The support elements displaced from a receiving zone to a zone for releasing the rows of containers by means of associated actuating devices.